FOURTH GRADE
St. Helena School’s fourth grade curriculum is designed to build upon the skills students developed in third grade and expand beyond them. The courses allow students to continue to grow into independent learners while fostering a love of learning. When in Fourth grade, students can join the Research club and the school play.
Religion
In fourth grade, each student is guided to build upon their faith and personal relationship with God, while being introduced to Church doctrine. A focus is placed on faith development and realizing that God calls us, His people, to live with Him forever. The Old and New Testament are explored to emphasize God’s covenant with His people. The Ten Commandments are taught as signs of God’s love, and the Beatitudes are included as Jesus’ way to true happiness. Sacraments are taught to receive God’s grace, and the Liturgical Year is celebrated throughout each season. During the Liturgical Year, projects include an Advent Journey- preparing one’s heart for Christmas, and a Lenten Journey- following Jesus on His way to the cross.
Language Arts
The fourth grade English Language Arts curriculum is designed to develop a student’s ability to comprehend text of varied genres with increasing complexity, while continuing to support foundational skills. Students expand upon their understanding and skill when writing opinion pieces, informative pieces, and narratives. Research skills are promoted by projects which allow the students to search for information on their topics. Proofreading skills are developed as students learn how to revise and edit their work. Students are also encouraged to have meaningful discussions about the text they read. At the end of the year, students choose and complete a novel study that includes the comprehension and use of new vocabulary words. They identify themes, and answer comprehension questions.
Mathematics
Students in fourth grade focus on a variety of math skills that emphasize critical thinking skills while reinforcing mental math skills. Topics included in this curriculum are place value, problem solving, multiplication and division facts, measurement, geometry, fractions, decimals and algebraic patterns. The use of hands-on manipulatives as well as learning through projects and games is included to incorporate enrichment opportunities.
Science
The fourth grade Science curriculum consists of inquiry-based activities intentionally designed to expand upon concepts taught in the classroom. Students complete lab activities and write lab reports intended to help them think critically about the world around them. Vocabulary and content are reinforced through discussion and note taking. Concepts from Life, Earth and Physical Science are reviewed and expanded on throughout the year. Students use Chromebooks to complete research-based activities in Google Classroom.
Social Studies
The fourth grade Social Studies curriculum allows students to explore, research, and journey through the United States of America. Topics such as map skills, geography, history, and government are covered by region. Postcards sent to the class from our Pen Pal project help incorporate each region's cities, national landmarks, and exciting “sightseeing” locations. Government is also a primary focus where the students learn the three branches of government as well as their civic duties and privileges as citizens. Each student will complete a Washington D.C. project where they will research a national building or monument.
Penmanship
The fourth-grade students continue to write in cursive and focus on making their letters neat and legible. Students are expected to write in cursive neatly for their assignments. This will help to refine their penmanship skills. Each year students participate in a National Handwriting Contest and are encouraged to always do their best.