Fourth Grade

Mrs. Ursula Leska
Years Teaching: 12 At SJB: 12
Education: B.A. in Elementary Ed., Northeastern IL Univ..
Favorite thing about teaching:
It’s always exciting to see a student engaged in learning.

 
Classroom Site


Program Description

Students in the fourth grade move from the elementary level to the intermediate level. One of the great challenges for each student is to move towards becoming responsible for his or her learning.

Main Themes/Skills

Religion
Religion class has an emphasis on the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as they apply to daily life. Students discuss how the teachings of the Catholic Church affect their daily lives. Students also participate in weekly Masses. They are responsible for preparing the readings bi-weekly.

Language Arts/Reading
Reading is taught in whole group and small group settings. Students are instructed to apply and practice various reading strategies, skills and vocabulary knowledge to construct meaning from basal stories and novels. They engage in fluency practice. Reading is extended with written responses and discussions.

Language Arts/English
Fourth grade students continue to learn about word usage and writing conventions, as well as parts of speech. The five-step writing process is practiced and encouraged. Students learn to express their ideas during writing workshop. They are also required to produce various forms of formal and informal writing, as well public speaking.

Math
Math focuses on place value, writing numbers, fractions, and various forms of measurement. Students also engage in graphing, multi-step problem solving, elapsed time, algebraic expression, and conversion from fraction to decimal and percent.

Social Studies
The curriculum focuses on the seven regions of the United States. Students are also introduced to United States history and civics, as well as map skills.

Science
Science is taught through hands-on experiments and cooperative learning groups. The units include changing properties, the changing earth, and ecosystems.

Art
Students practice perspective drawing, self-portraits and collages. They use a variety of mediums.

Instructional Methodologies
Fourth Grade is taught using whole group instruction, cooperative learning groups, writer’s workshop, literature circles, independent study, educational games, use of media and field trips.

Highlights of the Grade/Special Programs
Some of the highlights of Fourth Grade are altar servers, Student Council, field trips, Faith Partners, and school responsibilities (including distributing office folders and recycling for the Logan Building.)