Religion

Priority topics for the Grade 4 Religion Curriculum are: the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy and the Holy Spirit. Experiences of prayer, worship, service, and learning encourage and support students to grow in understanding of and practice in living basic Christian morality (right living according to the teachings of Jesus). They learn to turn to the Holy Spirit and the saints for help and guidance in forming their consciences and living as Jesus’ followers.

Reading/Language Arts

Students read stories and novels focusing on different genres. The skills studied follow the continuum of learning included in the Houghton Mifflin reading series. The Language Arts curriculum includes grammar, parts of speech, and five types of writing (friendly letter, summary, essay, limerick, and descriptive paragraph). Students are also taught the rules and mechanics of spelling and are introduced to new and additional words to enhance their writing skills.

Math

Students continue to practice with whole numbers within the four operations with emphasis on multiplication and division. The concepts of fractions and geometry are also introduced.

Science

The science curriculum includes kinds and groupings of plants and animals, the solar system, and the study of the earth — its layers, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Students participate in experiments, creative projects, and write reports which also enhance the curriculum.

Social Studies

The curriculum places emphasis on the state of Pennsylvania and the regions of the United States. Map skills are also integrated throughout the curriculum this year.

Specials

Students attend an art, music, library, gym, and computer class once per week. In art the concentration in Kindergarten through Grade 4 is to develop fine motor skills, learn about the art elements and principles or design, color schemes, basic drawing and painting, blending colors, discovering new media and working 3 dimensionally within various material. Lessons are related to the history of art, famous artists and their works, and international, cultural practices and crafts. An Art Show is held in the spring each year showcasing the artistic accomplishments of all students.

In music, the focus at this level is on liturgical music and the students sing beautifully at the masses. Third and fourth grade students may join the choir, if interested. Fourth graders also learn to play percussion instruments with different rhythms. They are also introduced to playing the xylophones and keyboard pianos. An optional music lesson for band instruments is offered to interested students. Students are responsible for rental or purchase of their instrument as well as a monthly lesson fee.

In PE instruction and activities continue the development of locomotor skills and coordination while introducing team related games and sports with an emphasis on teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship. The highlight of the year is Field Day in May!

Foreign Language

All students in Kindergarten through Grade 4 receive an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. The curriculum is presented in an active, cheerful manner with never a dull moment! During their once a week lesson, the instructor emphasizes listening, comprehending, and speaking the language. Students learn to speak the basics of Spanish (ABC’s, numbers, colors, days of the week, seasons, months of the year, etc.) through games, songs, and conversations. They also learn about traditions, dance styles, and prayers.

Highlights

Students enjoy creating a cookbook using the skills they have learned in Language Arts, Math, and Computer classes. They participate in a Living Rosary each October and are encouraged to become active members of their church community by serving at the altar or becoming readers of the scripture during school mass. They take a field trip to the State Capitol and Museums toward the end of their year.