Academics by Grade
Elementary school is an extremely important time in terms of laying a strong foundation in reading, writing, mathematics, natural sciences, social studies, and religion. Building this foundation is the focus of the elementary school years at St. Anne School. Fourth grade is a milestone year for students. Fourth grade is a year of independence. Students are given many tasks in order to accomplish the goal of becoming independent and responsible citizens. St. Anne School's rigorous curriculum helps ensure that each student develops the core skills that are essential to success in future endeavors.
Reading — The Harcourt: Trophies reading series provides the foundation of the literature portion of the fourth grade curriculum. The reading series is supplemented with age appropriate novels throughout the school year. Students read a variety of works including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama while learning literary terms such as "conflict/resolution", "narrative element", "cause and effect", "main idea/supporting details", and "summarizing." Fourth Grade's Accelerated Reader goals are 20 points per quarter with at least 80% accuracy. The majority of all fourth grade students reach that goal each quarter due to all the reading that takes place in the classroom.
Spelling — Harcourt: Trophies spelling books are used to go along with Reading series. The book provides a word list for weekly spelling tests. Students practice their cursive handwriting each week by writing their spelling words for homework.
English Grammar and Writing — The Houghton Mifflin English book is used to teach students effective grammar, usage, and mechanics skills. Fourth grade edits a paragraph each morning reinforcing mechanic skills daily. The students complete paragraph summaries in Reading, Social Studies and Science. Complete sentences and proper mechanics are reinforced in all subject areas. Students work on narrative, persuasion, story, poetry, and research writings throughout the school year. Fourth grade students are encouraged to use cursive handwriting in all subject areas.
Mathematics — The Saxon Math program enables children to develop a solid foundation in mathematics. The subject matter consists of applying the concept of fractions; classifying lines, segments, and angles; telling time to the nearest minute; symbolically comparing number quantities; applying procedures to find the value of an unknown in a whole-number equation; and analyzing possible outcomes for a simple event. Each lesson is accompanied by in-class guided practice and independent homework practice which mirrors the problems completed in class.
Religion — Students begin the day in Morning Prayer reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and Prayers. The students also hear scripture reading each morning. Prayers are recited before and after lunch and before leaving at the end of the day. Faith First is used for instruction in our religion classes.
Science — Scott Foresman Science textbook is used. Fourth grade science consists of the following units: Life Science: Classifying Plants and Animals, Ecosystems, and Changes in Ecosystems. Earth Science: Minerals and Rocks, Layers of the Earth, Volcanoes and Earthquakes. Physical Science: Electricity and Magnetism, Sound and Light, Objects in Motion. Labs are completed in class throughout the school year in order to give students hands-on experience with scientific concepts. Students complete research projects throughout the year to enhance their learning experience. Students use different presentation methods to share research with classmates.
Social Studies — The Nystrom series is used in fourth grade Social Studies. Students use atlases, relief maps, and globes to complete hands-on activities. Students learn about important historical events that have occurred in different parts of the country. Students learn about the contributions of Native Americans, the exploration and settlement by the Europeans, and the beginnings of the United States as a nation. They study the documents, people, and events that have shaped the United States. Students complete projects for European Explorers using power point presentations, scrapbooking, or written reports. Students also have a choice of either a diorama or a written report to complete for the Colonial period in history. We also do research projects for the Revolutionary War period of history.
Music, Computer, PE, Spanish, Library, and Book-Club — Classes are attended weekly in each of these areas. Specialists in each field of study provide the instruction.