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 Diocesean 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 Sadlier program and select literature studies. Examples of the standards topics covered include:

  • Comprehension for factual and inferential information
  • Reading class novels including historical fiction and fantasy
  • Expanding spelling and vocabulary using Vocabulary Workshop
  • Developing writing skills through letter writing, personal narratives, descriptive, persuasive, and expository paragraphs with an emphasis on ideas, word choice, and organization
  • Reading and writing a variety of poetry.
  • Enrichment Opportunities in Reading:
    • Book Club

Religion

Our religion curriculum is taught using Christ our Life by Loyola Press. Examples of the standards topics covered include:

  • The Ten Commandments
  • Honoring God through making good choices and respecting others
  • Christian vocations
  • The Church structure
  • 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 Pearson My World. 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
  • European explorers of the New World
  • The 13 Colonies
  • 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:
    • Historic middle Tennessee plantation field trip
    • Tour of Tennessee State Capitol
    • Tennessee State Museum

Science

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

  • Classifying living things in the animal and plant kingdoms
  • Exploring the functions of human body systems
  • Weather
  • Classifying rocks and minerals
  • Matter
  • Electricity
  • Enrichment Opportunities in Science:
    • Field trip to local Science Discovery Center
    • Challenge Island Enrichment Program