Self Contained Classroom

Religion
We will be studying the Beatitudes, the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, and the Ten Commandments. We will also be talking about the seasons of Advent and Lent, The Holy Days, and the Rosary. Our attitudes in religion are carried out throughout the day. We also use Venture Magazine, a magazine that highlights the week's gospel.

Spelling
Spelling grades will be based on tests, which will consist of the twenty spelling words, five all star words, and occasionally bonus words. Many activities throughout the week will be done with the twenty-five-word list and other word forms of those words. The fourth graders will take part in the school spelling bee for the first time.

Language Arts
Our reading series is literature based. English, Reading, Creative Writing, and Spelling are taught, practiced and learned as connected skills as they are used in everyday life. The students will be doing journal writing weekly. We will spend most of the time applying grammar skills and new vocabulary into creative writing assignments. Students are able to use Accelerated Reader and responsible for monthly book reports.

Math
We have adopted a new math text this year. The topics covered are the Indiana State Standards in Math. This program encourages students to use their reading skills and strategies for problem solving. There is a significant focus on writing in math. These exercises will prepare students for the response questions on the I-STEP.

Social Studies
The students have an Indiana History workbook, and they will also keep a notebook for new vocabulary. At the end of each chapter, the students will receive a study guide. The study guide will be completed as an in-class project. Reviewing the study guide, vocabulary and text will prepare the students for any quizzes, tests, or projects.

Science
We will be covering four units this year:

Unit I: (Plant and Animal Adaptation) Plant growth, reproduction, life cycle. Animal behavior and life cycles.

Unit II: States of Matter, physical and chemical changes, and electricity.

Unit III: (Earth Science) Weather and Solar System

Unit IV (Human Body) Circulatory and Respiratory systems


Helpful 4th grade links:

www.sfscience.com - This is a great site that correlates with the science text - lots of extra information and diagrams in this site.

www.mhschool.com/reading - This site contains information about every story in our reading book!

www.ala.org - This site will answer any question you have about children's literature. Looking for a book to read in any genre?? There are great suggestions on this website.