Fourth grade is a year of discovery as we continue to become independent learners.

Our Religion curriculum focuses on the four pillars of the Catholic Catechism; what we believe, how we worship, how we live, and how we pray.  It is highlighted by a study of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes.  Students learn about using the Bible,  including how to identify and locate Scripture verses.  As faith-filled Catholics, students prepare for and participate in school liturgies, a vocational field trip to visit the sisters at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Retreat Center, and an on-campus retreat that begins with morning Mass in the Basilica followed by a day of spiritual reflection and activity.

In Social Studies, the students focus on geography, history, and rich cultural traditions of California.  The year begins with a study of its location, topography, and the four regions of the state.  Historically, the journey begins with the early Spanish Explorers, progressing through the founding of the Missions, the Gold Rush, California Statehood, the building of the Transcontinental railroad and finally a look at the modern era of movie making, agriculture and mass transit.  Highlights of the year include field trips to Mission San Juan Capistrano to make rope, view the historic buildings and learn firsthand about life within a mission as a Native American.  The students create a ”mission project” which might include a DVD, a photo scrapbook, a PowerPoint presentation, or a replica of the mission which they are assigned to present to the class.   Finally, the year of study culminates with an overnight trip aboard the Brig Pilgrim in Dana Point Harbor.  It includes a simulation of what it was like to be a sailor during California’s hide-and-tallow trade.

In the fourth grade, students continue to practice and demonstrate proficiency in their math skills.  They learn to add and subtract five-digit numbers, multiply double-digit problems, and do long division.  They are introduced to solving simple algebra equations and begin problem-solving using fractions and decimals.  They work with geometric figures.

Over the course of the year, we read some great literature by authors such as Scott O’Dell, Richard Dana and Louis Sachar.  Students love to listen to the story “There’s a Boy in the Girls Bathroom”.  They practice their writing skills through journals, poetry, reports, letters, and stories.