Religion

Religious instruction in fourth grade is based on the Student Learning Expectations and Benchmarks outlined by the Archdiocese of Seattle.  Students will also participate in the planning and carrying out of prayer services and liturgies throughout the year. In addition to our study of doctrine, we also emphasize Christian living, as examined through our weekly class meeting discussions and the Second Step program. The final aspect of our religion curriculum surrounds community service. In fourth grade we focus on service at the local, national, and international levels.

Writing

Our writing program emphasizes writing for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students learn the five steps in the writing process and become proficient in its use. This process includes prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. We also teach the six traits of writing: ideas and content, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.

Reading

Our reading program is primarily based on literature circles, in which students select books of varied reading levels based on a common theme. In addition to literature circles, students work through our Daybook workbooks which focus on traits of successful readers, reading for specific purposes, and connecting reading and writing.

We also focus on developing skills necessary to read specialized material—including textbooks, newspaper and magazine articles, pamphlets, and encyclopedias, to find specific information.

Individual reading assessments will come from the QRII assessment of reading and DIBELS reading program. One-on-one reading conferences and independent testing will take place multiple times throughout the year and will focus on fluency and word count, recall, and comprehension of grade level selections.

Math

Our math program is based on the standards for Washington State mathematics. Core content areas include: Multi-digit multiplication, fractions, decimals, mixed numbers, and area. Core processes include reasoning, problem solving and communication. In addition to our regular math curriculum, we have incorporated a MIC ( Mathematics Investigation Center ) for those students looking for an additional challenge in mathematics. The concept is to provide enrichment activities that are tailored to the general theme of the unit and focus on the processes of mathematics rather than the computation skills, in order to provide depth rather than breadth. This center is open to all students but is not a class requirement.

Science

Students will participate in as many hands-on science activities as possible. We focus on the scientific method as we explore the water cycle, the human body, measurement, and magnetism and electricity. Students will keep a science journal in which they will take notes and record their thinking and findings on in-class experiments.

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum is organized around Washington State. This includes the study of history, geography, economy, and culture of the state, as well as a study of the Northwest Coast Native American culture and history.

Drama

Drama uses a variety of artistic skills in the creative process including:  mime, improvisation, voice, movement, character development, directing and performance. These skills are learned and developed in a variety of ways including drama games, activities and various performances. Drama is also integrated into other areas of the fourth grade classroom learning through our study of world folk tales.

Music

In fourth grade there is even more emphasis on music reading skills, singing in harmony, and exploring the sounds of the instruments of the orchestra (timbre).  Movement is still important in internalizing the music concepts.

Physical Education

In fourth grade, physical education instruction focuses on solidifying basic loco-motor movements, hand/foot/ eye coordination, and providing an introduction to basic team sports.  Students have PE twice a week and are evaluated based on their attitude, effort, and sportsmanship during class.