4th GradeThis is the curriculum used in the
4th Grade
Click each subject for details:
Religion/Family Life
TEXTS:
God's Law Guides Us — Sadlier
Family Life —Benziger
Subject Matter:
The emphasis is on living as Christians, Works of Mercy, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, prayer, and liturgy. Family life is intended to foster the development of important attitudes and moral values in a Christian context.
Expectations:
Students will be expected to participate in religious discussions and to complete assignments and presentations.
Grading:
Students will be graded on class activities, written assignments, and test scores.
Language Arts
TEXTS:
Scott-Forseman Reading Street
By The Great Horn Spoon — Sid Fleischman
Subject Matter:
This literature-based, integrated program emphasizes reading, writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Grammar, usage, and mechanics are also included in the program. During the latter part of the year, students will read the novel By the Great Horn Spoon in conjunction with our study of the California gold rush.
Expectations:
Students will be expected to read, understand, and critically analyze the stories read in class. They will be expected to utilize the tools given to complete creative writing assignments. They will apply the grammar lessons learned in class in their writings.
GRADING:
Students will be graded on their comprehension skills, grammar skills, knowledge of vocabulary, completion of class activities, and writing assignments.
Math
TEXTS:
Math 54 — Saxon
MathLand — Creative Publications
Subject Matter:
Our Saxon math program will allow us to develop a mastery of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. Students will be exposed to fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, and problem solving techniques. Mathland activities will be used in a supplemental capacity.
Expectations:
Students are expected to give their best effort in accurately completing nightly problem sets and preparing for math tests. Daily work on basic math facts is encouraged, as this will help facilitate comprehension of the more complex concepts being introduced throughout the year.
Grading:
Students will be graded on completion of assigned classwork and homework, Saxon math tests, math-facts timed tests, and other supplemental activities.
Social Studies
TEXTS:
Houghton Mifflin — California Studies
Subject Matter:
We will study the first Californians, early settlers, immigrants, the mission and gold rush periods, transportation, geography, and map skills. Students will experience life as a Californian through projects and excursions.
Expectations:
Students will be graded on activities, projects, and tests.
Grading:
Students will be graded on completion of assigned classwork and homework, tests, and projects.
Spelling
TEXTS:
Scott-Foresman Spelling Practice Book
Subject Matter:
Spelling words and sentences will be given from the units studied.
Expectations:
Students will be expected to study the words and sentences as well as to independently complete the assigned spelling unit.
Grading:
Students will be graded on spelling tests and the completion of the spelling units.
Science
TEXTS:
Scott Foresman Science
Subject Matter:
The major themes are animal life, weather, environment, energy, adaptation, and changes within the earth.
Expectations:
At the end of each unit, students will have achieved an understanding of the unit material. They will be able to demonstrate their knowledge through discussion and writing.
Grading:
Grades will be based on unit evaluations, quizzes, assignments, cooperative learning groups, projects, class participation, etc. Homework is expected to be completed and handed in on time.
Computer
TEXTS:
An array of educational software, keyboarding and the internet, e.g., Microsoft Works 4.0. and Type to Learn.
Subject Matter:
The students will be integrating multimedia technology through age appropriate projects into the curriculum using educational software and internet access.
Expectations:
Students are expected to participate 100%, resulting in completed projects.
Grading:
Grades given for assignments in which computer technology was used will be integrated into the assessment of that particular assignment's subject matter.
Physical Education
Subject Matter:
Physical games, group play and teamwork will all be emphasized in this subject area.
Expectations:
Students will be expected to participate fully and exhibit proper sports behavior and self-discipline.
Grading:
Students will be graded on achievement of the expectations.
Art
Expectations:
Every assignment must be turned in completed and on time.
Grading:
Each child will begin each grading period with 100 points (A). Each late assignment will result in a 5 point deduction. Each missing assignment will result in a 10 point deduction.
