St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary and Middle School

Our St. Francis School fourth-grade program encourages a greater sense of responsibility to others and to ourselves. Basic Catholic values are taught and applied to all facets of the curriculum so students view themselves as contributing members

of God’s family.

Fourth-grade students increase their view of the world through a balance of rigorous academic expectations and extracurricular activities. We help each child grow less egocentric as we enforce following directions, being respectful, and being responsible.

St. Francis offers a strong and varied academic curriculum for fourth grade students.

Religion: The religious education program centers on the Ten Commandments in fourth grade. Students use the Faith First text and complete in-depth studies of each commandment. Students also cover the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and discuss the Benziger's Family Life series.

Reading: Novels are taught using the comprehension strand of Project Read. Research, comprehension, vocabulary and fluency skills are taught. We also supplement our program with the Accelerated Reader program.

English: Basic grammar is covered and culminates in beginning diagramming. Students use the text, Write Source , to guide them through composing. Process writing includes stories using Project Read story form, five-paragraph essays and some poetry. Punctuation and capitalization rules are taught, practiced and enforced. Students keep a writing notebook of their compositions.

Spelling: Pre-tests are given every Wednesday followed by a final test on Friday. Spelling units are introduced every Friday and work is done independently during the following week. Students use Zaner-Bloser's Spelling text.

Handwriting: Students review the cursive alphabet with the use of Zaner-Bloser's Handwriting. Letter formation, strokes, slants, and spacing are reinforced throughout the year. Good handwriting is expected in all work.

Science: Scott Foresman's Science encompasses the study of life science, physical, and earth science, the scientific method, and lab demonstrations. Report writing and a Science Fair experiment are all part of the fourth-grade science curriculum.

Social Studies: We use the Our Michigan Adventure text to focus on Michigan’s past, present, and future. Map skills, economics, and our core democratic values are covered. Economic concepts and vocabulary are taught as they relate to Michigan's development and growth.

Math: Our new math program, Macmillan McGraw-Hill's Math Connects, comes with a wide variety of resources that can be found online at http://www.macmillanmh.com. The program takes a problem-solving approach to math while providing personal tutors, games, and help with each lesson-all at your fingertips!

Specials and enrichment opportunities enhance the fourth grade core curriculum.

Spanish: All St. Francis students learn Spanish. Fourth graders continue to build vocabulary and their reading, writing, and conversation skills. Students will also learn about the Hispanic culture and Catholic faith with short prayers, songs, and traditions.

Specials: Each week our fourth graders participate in art, music, and PE. They also enjoy participating in the Christmas program and Elementary School Choir.

Fourth Grade Play: Try-outs and rehearsals are held each February for the fourth-grade musical performed in May at the Mary Lou Daby Spring Arts Festival. Students learn basic acting and blocking skills. This is an exciting five month project.

Field Trips: We visit the Lansing State Capitol Building and Michigan Natural History Museum in September. Each year we attend one or two productions at the Wild Swan Theater at Washtenaw Community College, and also visit the Leslie Science Center. We end the year with a fun and relaxing pool party in June.

Many children find the transition to fourth grade challenging. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

When you're a fourth grader, here are some survival tips to ensure your success.