Fourth Grade
Fourth grade at St. Mark’s is an action packed, fun year of discovery. Fourth graders begin to change classes and enjoy learning academic subjects from several teachers.
Language Arts:Writing is a strong focus in fourth grade and is often incorporated in a cross-curricular approach. A dynamic program, Shurley English is highly successful because it utilizes the different learning styles of students and includes enough repetition to master grammar easily. The rigorous curriculum uses student-teacher interaction, promotes higher-order thinking skills, and provides measurable academic achievement. Most importantly of all, it is fun! “Jingles” are sung or chanted by students, and use rhythm, rhyme, and movement. Fun and interactive, these Jingles help students begin the writing process by teaching them the definitions for parts of speech. Reading in fourth grade continues to be supported by the skills-based curriculum of Houghton Mifflin. The focus here is on genre studies of mysteries, plays, poetry, and pourquoi tales. The STAR tests and AR program are quite popular with our fourth graders.
Mathematics A dynamic approach is taken to fourth grade math. As the spiraled curriculum progresses, Singapore Math lessons deepen as the students become able to learn how to: manipulate money, work with elapsed time, multiply and divide multi-digit numbers, explore fractions, find the common denominator, and understand geometry. Problem solving and critical thinking are emphasized.
Social studies Fourth graders will memorize the states and capitals this year in preparation for their study of American history. They also cover the world’s seven continents, four oceans, latitude and longitude, as well as Native Americans and early English settlements, with History Alive! curriculum. Their year concludes with a fabulous hands-on experience studying Colonial Williamsburg. Click here to read about an interesting global learning project.
Advanced science studies begin in our Science Lab with units on matter, physics, chemistry, electricity and magnets, and the human body. Students enjoy learning from the school’s specialized Science teacher. Click here for more about our science program.
Fourth graders study Spanish in the World Language classroom with a specialized Spanish teacher which continues with immersion in the language. They also enjoy an additional 12 week Mandarin Chinese exposure to the language and culture.
Service: A wonderful part of the fourth grade year is the Chapel Buddy program in which fourth graders are paired with first graders, and through a variety of joint activities they develop a strong sense of responsibility. Click here to read about three other engaging service learning projects our fourth graders participate in.
Fourth graders attend all the resources; art, computer, Christian education, music, physical education, and library throughout the week.
