What we teach in 4th Grade:
Worship
Class worship is an important part of each day. This is a specific time set aside to spend with God. Worships will include reading the Bible and other stories, discussion of relevant topics, singing, and praying together. We are also blessed to have a school pastor visit our classroom for special worships. Chapel is held once a week (Tuesday), which will take the place of Bible for that day. Students and parents are also encouraged to volunteer to lead out in a worship during Friday Worship time (I have a calendar in the classroom to sign-up).
Bible
In Bible, we will be studying the stories of the Old & New Testament, Seventh-day Adventist church history, and the life of Jesus using the textbook, Following His Way. Students will also be tested on a memory verse each week. They will need to be able to say it orally. It is my hope that Bible class will be not only educational, but also inspirational for each of the students. Also, as part of Bible class we will participate in a few community service activities as our class mission projects.
Mathematics
Students will complete daily lessons using the GO MATH! - Houghton Mifflin, Common Core Edition textbook, adopted by the NAD (North America Division). The lessons will be supplemented by a variety of learning activities to reach the students’ diverse learning styles. Activities will include hands-on math, computing word problems, cooperative learning groups, and math games. Students will also be taking Math Facts on the computer at school. Students may practice these tests at home but will only get to pass tests and move on to the next level at school. More information on how to access these resources will be given to students and parents. The students also have a student practice book in which I will assign daily practice exercises; these are to help reinforce the lesson presented that day. These practice worksheets are due the following day. Exception: There will be no math homework on the days we do not do a math lesson or do not complete the entire lesson.
Reading
A student’s reading grade will be composed of two sections: Accelerated Reading online program and from our SECC reading curriculum program, Houghton Mifflin Reading- Traditions.
Accelerated Reader: Each student will take a STAR reading test on the computer at the beginning of each quarter. The results are used to determine a student’s reading level and assigned reading goal for the quarter. Keep in mind that many times I will modify or readjust a student’s quarter goals as I become more familiar with the student’s abilities. Students have many opportunities to read AR books and take tests on them. Some additional AR time will need to take place at home so students are to keep up with their reading goals. A student passes a test by receiving 60% or more on tests with 10 questions and 70% or more on tests with more than 10 questions. A student will not be able to retake a test on the book if he/she fails a test.
Language Arts (Writing/Grammar)
Language Arts class will be a combination of writing and developing and expanding the usage of basic grammar skills. Writing occurs each day and is often integrated in cross-curriculum subjects. This year we will continue the school-wide writing program, Step Up to Writing. This program is primarily focused on giving students tools and skills to better organize and write expository pieces. Grammar topics will be taught using Ridgewood Grammar- The Language Connection and a variety of additional practical resources.
Social Studies
The students will study about the history of North America Discovery Era from the early Native Americans through California 1800’s. This will be done through a variety of materials including literature, illustrated histories, historical documents, pieces of art, and other resources. Our class will also have several field trips to enrich and reinforce the learned concepts.
Science
The students will explore the world around them this year through the study of the following themes: Life Science, Human Body, Earth/Space Science and Physical Science. The textbook we will be using is By Design, which is developed by the NAD Office of Education. Students will be able to participate in many hands-on activities, enabling them to experience what they are learning in class.
Handwriting
The students will have daily assignments in their textbook, A Reason for Handwriting, plus a border page with a Bible verse on Friday. In addition to these assignments, handwriting grades will be based on neatness, effort and improvement penmanship of assignments in all other subjects. The students will be writing in cursive for many writing assignments. All handwriting assignments for the week will be due on Friday.
Spelling
Students will be using A Reason for Spelling as their spelling curriculum this year. The students will complete a variety of activities throughout the week in class and, if needed, at home. These activities will help students study and learn their spelling words. Our final test will take place on Friday.
Grades Percentages
100 = A+
93 – 99 = A
90 – 92 = A-
88 – 89 = B+
83 – 87 = B
80 – 82 = B-
78 – 79 = C+
73 – 77 = C
70 – 72 = C-
68 – 69 = D+
63 – 67 = D
60 – 62 = D-
0 – 59 = F
Worship
Class worship is an important part of each day. This is a specific time set aside to spend with God. Worships will include reading the Bible and other stories, discussion of relevant topics, singing, and praying together. We are also blessed to have a school pastor visit our classroom for special worships. Chapel is held once a week (Tuesday), which will take the place of Bible for that day. Students and parents are also encouraged to volunteer to lead out in a worship during Friday Worship time (I have a calendar in the classroom to sign-up).
Bible
In Bible, we will be studying the stories of the Old & New Testament, Seventh-day Adventist church history, and the life of Jesus using the textbook, Following His Way. Students will also be tested on a memory verse each week. They will need to be able to say it orally. It is my hope that Bible class will be not only educational, but also inspirational for each of the students. Also, as part of Bible class we will participate in a few community service activities as our class mission projects.
Mathematics
Students will complete daily lessons using the GO MATH! - Houghton Mifflin, Common Core Edition textbook, adopted by the NAD (North America Division). The lessons will be supplemented by a variety of learning activities to reach the students’ diverse learning styles. Activities will include hands-on math, computing word problems, cooperative learning groups, and math games. Students will also be taking Math Facts on the computer at school. Students may practice these tests at home but will only get to pass tests and move on to the next level at school. More information on how to access these resources will be given to students and parents. The students also have a student practice book in which I will assign daily practice exercises; these are to help reinforce the lesson presented that day. These practice worksheets are due the following day. Exception: There will be no math homework on the days we do not do a math lesson or do not complete the entire lesson.
Reading
A student’s reading grade will be composed of two sections: Accelerated Reading online program and from our SECC reading curriculum program, Houghton Mifflin Reading- Traditions.
Accelerated Reader: Each student will take a STAR reading test on the computer at the beginning of each quarter. The results are used to determine a student’s reading level and assigned reading goal for the quarter. Keep in mind that many times I will modify or readjust a student’s quarter goals as I become more familiar with the student’s abilities. Students have many opportunities to read AR books and take tests on them. Some additional AR time will need to take place at home so students are to keep up with their reading goals. A student passes a test by receiving 60% or more on tests with 10 questions and 70% or more on tests with more than 10 questions. A student will not be able to retake a test on the book if he/she fails a test.
Language Arts (Writing/Grammar)
Language Arts class will be a combination of writing and developing and expanding the usage of basic grammar skills. Writing occurs each day and is often integrated in cross-curriculum subjects. This year we will continue the school-wide writing program, Step Up to Writing. This program is primarily focused on giving students tools and skills to better organize and write expository pieces. Grammar topics will be taught using Ridgewood Grammar- The Language Connection and a variety of additional practical resources.
Social Studies
The students will study about the history of North America Discovery Era from the early Native Americans through California 1800’s. This will be done through a variety of materials including literature, illustrated histories, historical documents, pieces of art, and other resources. Our class will also have several field trips to enrich and reinforce the learned concepts.
Science
The students will explore the world around them this year through the study of the following themes: Life Science, Human Body, Earth/Space Science and Physical Science. The textbook we will be using is By Design, which is developed by the NAD Office of Education. Students will be able to participate in many hands-on activities, enabling them to experience what they are learning in class.
Handwriting
The students will have daily assignments in their textbook, A Reason for Handwriting, plus a border page with a Bible verse on Friday. In addition to these assignments, handwriting grades will be based on neatness, effort and improvement penmanship of assignments in all other subjects. The students will be writing in cursive for many writing assignments. All handwriting assignments for the week will be due on Friday.
Spelling
Students will be using A Reason for Spelling as their spelling curriculum this year. The students will complete a variety of activities throughout the week in class and, if needed, at home. These activities will help students study and learn their spelling words. Our final test will take place on Friday.
Grades Percentages
100 = A+
93 – 99 = A
90 – 92 = A-
88 – 89 = B+
83 – 87 = B
80 – 82 = B-
78 – 79 = C+
73 – 77 = C
70 – 72 = C-
68 – 69 = D+
63 – 67 = D
60 – 62 = D-
0 – 59 = F