Grade 4 Curriculum
English Grammar/Writing
The 4th grade English Grammar and Writing curriculum integrates grammar, mechanics, spelling, vocabulary and usage in order to provide a thorough development of language skills. Students spend time learning the writing process, and create a portfolio of written pieces, including narrative, persuasive, expository, and creative writing.
Reading
The 4th grade reading program is a literature-based curriculum that includes reading from the Harcourt “Trophies” basal series, an award-winning literacy program, and selections of American literature. It continues development in spelling, vocabulary, comprehension, prefixes, suffixes, critical thinking and speaking skills. An appreciation and mastery of independent reading is fostered by weekly visits to the school library and making use of the classroom library. 4th grade students are taught skills in phonics, vocabulary, oral reading, comprehension, and reading strategies.
Math
The math curriculum emphasizes basic skills, problem solving, and critical thinking. The text is Sadlier-Oxford Mathematics. Children are expected to do basic computational functions such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. However, children learn to apply their knowledge to real-life situations and develop different strategies to solving problems. Students use the textbook, workbook, supplemental worksheets and manipulatives. Students continue to develop knowledge of place value, money, measurement, problem solving and writing in math.
Religion
Here at All Saints Academy, we attempt to create an atmosphere of Christian values and ideals. We teach students that their Religion is a way of living – a process of developing a lifelong relationship with God. This goal is achieved through many ways, one of which is our Religion textbook, Sadlier’s “We Believe”. In addition to the textbook, we begin our day with prayer. Students learn about Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, the Saints, the Blessed Mother, and the Holy Days of Obligation. In May, students participate in a “Living Rosary” and the crowning of Mary.
In the fourth grade, students focus on the sacrament of Reconciliation and the Ten Commandments. Students prepare to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. They closely examine each of the Ten Commandments as a guide by which to live their lives. The students are taught to carry out Corporal and Spiritual works of Mercy by reaching out to others in need through various service projects performed throughout the year. Projects include food drives to benefit the Martin Luther King Center in Newport, Operation Rice Bowl, and other worthwhile charitable events.
The student body participates in liturgies each month throughout the year providing opportunities for the children to develop love and appreciation of the Mass. Each grade is responsible for the preparation and direct participation at the Liturgy through Scripture readings, altar servers, gift bearers, or choir members.
Technology
Technology is integrated across the curriculum in Grades K-8. The technology program is based on the Rhode Island State Educational Standards. The students develop keyboard, word processing, and research skills. Students use desktop computers in their classroom and have weekly visits to the technology center using the wireless computer lab.
Social Studies
The Social Studies curriculum focuses on learning about the five regions of the United States. Students develop an understanding of history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, and science and technology. In addition to reading from the Scott Foresman “Regions” textbook, students complete oral and written research reports so that they become familiar with the landforms, climate, and natural resources that are unique to each region.
Spanish
The main goal of the Spanish program in Grades 4 is continued Spanish vocabulary attainment. Students learn vocabulary according to themes and to start to communicate cooperatively and with the teacher. Students also start to learn about gender of nouns and adjectives, to comprehend and use common expressions and commands, and finally, to learn about the Hispanic culture. Students meet for one class period per week.
Science
The Fourth Grade Science curriculum includes four areas of study: Life, Earth, Physical, and Space Technology.
Basic science process skills of observaton, classification, prediction, experimentation, and communication are practiced in the many hands-on activities used in the classroom. A basal serves as the basis of each unit, but outside sources and the Internet add information and interest to topics studied. The Fourth Grade class participates in the school Science Fair by providing a class project.
Physical Education
The Physical Education Program offers developmentally appropriate lessons for Grade 4. The main objectives of the program are to ensure that students: are active all the time, acquire sports skills, demonstrate Christian values, have fun, and most importantly are successful. Students meet on Fridays for one class period. Some of our most popular activities are Beach Ball Volleyball, Obstacle Course, Monkey on the Ground, Basketball, Street Hockey, and Strategy.
Music
The goal of the music program at All Saints Academy is to promote an appreciation and understanding of music through listening, singing, movement and theory. The middle grades expand on the knowledge they have gained in the younger grades. The fourth graders build on their knowledge of the flutophone and learn to play the recorder.