Language Arts

The reading program emphasizes vocabulary development and comprehension.  Specific comprehension skills include main idea, sequencing, inference, cause and effect, drawing conclusions, point of view, setting, and plot.  The girls are exposed to a variety of genres; poetry, picture books, and novels.   Classroom discussion, literature circles, individual practice, lecture, art activities, creative writing, research reports, cooperative group activities, and multimedia implement the reading program.

Study Skills

Fourth grade is a transition year to our Middle School and therefore we emphasize study skills and student responsibility.  Skills include a monthly calendar, organization of binders, listening attentively, time management, test taking, maintaining accurate homework assignment books, and learning to highlight.  Lecture, demonstration, art activities, and multimedia reinforce these skills.

Math

Fourth grade math focuses on place value through nine digits, addition and subtraction to five digits (including money), rounding and estimation, mental math, calculator usage, three digit multiplication, two digit long division, addition and subtraction of fractions, addition and subtraction of decimals to the thousandths, basic geometry, measurements (standard and metric), word problem strategies, cooperative learning, graphing, and individual practice.  Methodology includes lecture, manipulatives, art projects, co-operative group activities, games, individual practice and journal writing.

Science

The fourth grade science program uses an inquiry driven activity-based approach.  Units include: ecology, terrarium habitats, light and color, states of matter, electricity and magnets, archeology, mystery festival, inventions and robotics. Hands-on experimentation is emphasized with special focus on teamwork and co-operative learning.

Social Studies

Topics that are studied in social studies include Indians, explorers, classroom city simulation, Texas History, the oil industry, geography, and use of maps and globes.  Instruction methods and strategies that are utilized are lectures, class discussions, group projects, creative writing, games, and video presentations.  Special emphasis is given to comparing and contrasting the present and the past in order to learn for the future. 

Religion

The fourth grade religion program focuses on the Ten Commandments as guides for living out our love for God and each other. The students learn that the Commandments, the Great Commandment of Love, and the Beatitudes are guides for living the way of Jesus.  As Christians, the students learn that they are called to live a life of love and respect for God, others, and all of creation.  The students come to a realization that their actions affect others, and that they experience God's forgiveness through the Church in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the penitential rite of the Mass.  The curriculum includes the study of doctrine, scripture, prayer and an introduction to various social justice issues. 

The sexuality and family life program is based on an age appropriate theme. The curriculum is "Called to Holiness and Wholeness".