Fourth Grade Curriculum

At the beginning of each school year, teachers utilize the previous year’s Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS), report card performance, and summer math and reading enrichment packets to determine the course of curriculum for each individual child for the upcoming year. Teachers follow the Diocesan curriculum guide coupled with Catholic based textbook series to teach 4th grade standards.

The fourth grade teaching team is made up of two teachers, each with their own homeroom class.

Along with the concept of meeting the student’s individual needs, our curriculum pulls resources from many places depending on the students’ needs. Here is an overview of materials and resources we use during the year.

Math

Our math curriculum is taught using Singapore Math Level 4 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Examples of the standards topics covered include:

  • Multiple digit multiplication and division
  • Fractions and mixed numbers
  • Decimals
  • Whole numbers to seven place values
  • Geometry and measurement
  • Enrichment Opportunities in Math
    • Catholic Math League
    • Math Olympiad

Language Arts

Our language arts curriculum is taught using the Open Court and Sadlier programs and select literature studies.  Examples of the standards topics covered include:

  • Comprehension for factual and inferential information
  • Reading class novels including realistic and historical fiction and broadening their vocabulary
  • Expanding spelling using Open Court Skills Practice
  • Developing writing skills through letter writing, persuasive speeches, and expository paragraphs with an emphasis on ideas, word choice, and organization
  • Improving grammar skills through Sadlier Workshop
  • Reading and writing a variety of poetry

Religion

Our religion curriculum is taught using Word of Life by Augustine Institute/Ignatius Press. Examples of the standards topics covered include:

  • Daily Gospel/Saint of the Day reflections
  • Virtues & the life of true happiness
  • Christian vocations
  • The Blessed Trinity
  • The Beatitudes
  • The Works of Mercy
  • Enrichment Opportunities in Religion:
    • Fourth Grade Saints Alive Project: Students choose a saint, conduct research, write an expository report and speech, and participate in a ‘living museum’ dressed like his/her saint.

Social Studies

Our social studies curriculum is taught using Core Knowledge History & Geography. Emphasis is placed on the geography and evolution of the United States of America. Examples of the standards topics covered include:

  • Prehistoric natives, ancient and modern Native American tribes
  • Medieval Europe & the role of the Catholic Church
  • The 13 Colonies
  • Westward Expansion
  • The American Revolution and formation of the government of the United States
  • The five regions of the United States including learning all 50 state capitals and location on a map.
  • Tennessee state history and government
  • Enrichment Opportunities in Social Studies:
    • School geography bee
    • Class projects

Science

Our science curriculum uses Science Fusion by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Our students work with lab teams to do hands-on investigation and analysis. Examples of the standards topics covered include:

  • Classifying living things in the animal and plant kingdoms
  • Exploring the functions of human body systems
  • Developing health and safety habits
  • Weather
  • Classifying rocks and minerals
  • Matter and chemistry
  • Electricity