Welcome to St. John's Fourth Grade.

Religion

Fourth graders are reaching the age at which they begin to understand that their decisions affect not only themselves but others as well.  They are learning to accept responsibility for their own choices and actions, not always finding others to blame.

This year we concentrate on the 10 Commandments (their guides to conscience formation), the 8 Beatitudes, our program of family life formation and steps to respect program.  Our texts are Christ Our Life and Faith and Life Series.

Math

Fourth graders should have an accurate grasp of the basic addition, subtraction and multiplication facts.  Continuing math reviews at home will be beneficial to the student’s success.

Homework is generally given several nights a week.  The work is expected to be completed and returned the next day.  Tests are given at the end of each unit.

Assignments should be presented neatly and accurately on lined paper.  Story problem answers should be labeled and the work shown on their paper (never just an answer).

English

Our goal is to speak and write in a way that clearly expresses our thoughts to others.  We encourage complete thoughts used in sentences, capital letters, punctuation, and correct spelling.

Spelling

Each unit consists of 20 basic words and 5 challenge words.  Tests are given weekly on every Friday.

Reading

Our main goal is to impress upon each student how vital reading is to their life.

We provide a strong reading series that offers award-winning selections of high quality literature.  Each child will use a reading text, workbook, reading vocabulary and writing journal.  Reading skills and strong vocabulary development are found in the reading practice book.  Time is provided so that most reading work is done in the classroom. 

Your child will also have the opportunity to complete monthly reading projects.  We provide guidance for the project, but leave opportunity for individual creativity.  Students are encouraged to be creative through posters, booklets, photo or magazine displays, and artwork.  Most of the time spent on these projects will be at home rather than in school.

Monthly reading projects are as follows:

            September:   Newspaper report
            October:         Fiction or nonfiction book report
            November:    Mystery or animal book report
            December:     To be announced
            January:       Writing a children’s book to share with prayer partners
            February:      Biography or autobiography
            March:           Caldecott or Newbery Award book
            April:              Research – State report
            May:               Religious theme     

Science

The goals are to experience, explore, think scientifically, and draw conclusions from gathered information.  Units of study range from health and nutrition to several areas of earth science.

Several texts will be used to expand knowledge.  Tests will be given at the end of a chapter, although, some quizzes may be given mid-way through a chapter.  Experiments will also be done during the year.  Your help with materials and your enthusiasm is appreciated.

Social Studies

The focus is on geography of the United States.  Map skills are emphasized and learned throughout the year.  Students will use a practice book that coincides with the text book. Michigan history and geography are also learned throughout the year. 

Time Magazine for Kids is used throughout the year.  Students are encouraged to read and bring in newspaper or magazine articles to help add to our current events.