Language Arts
Reading: The reading component of our program is to develop higher-level reading skills and cultivate a love for reading in our students. They are exposed to a variety of fiction texts including novels and short stories, and are taught to analyze characters, plot, theme, and literary devices to deepen their understanding of the text. Students also engage with a variety of nonfiction texts, such as articles, biographies, and informational texts.
Vocabulary Development: Students learn strategies to decipher unfamiliar words and build their vocabulary. Our program is Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop.
Writing: Our program is designed to enhance students’ ability to express themselves effectively through writing. It is centered around the 6 Traits of Writing, which include ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. Through instruction, practice, and feedback, students learn how to incorporate each trait effectively into their writing.
Grammar: The grammar component of our program focuses on teaching the students the rules and conventions of the English language. By understanding and applying grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure correctly, students can improve their writing and communication skills. In addition to explicit instruction, students engage in practice exercises and receive feedback to reinforce their understanding of grammar concepts.
Math
St Joan of Arc Catholic School engages our students in math with the Reveal Math program for grades K-5. In 4th and 5th grade the following standards are covered:
Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations in Base Ten, Number and Operations - Fractions, Measurement and Data, and Geometry
In addition to our formal curriculum, our students utilize XtraMath for fact fluency and Khan Academy Course Mastery to provide additional differentiation, including challenging students, and filling in learning gaps.
Religion
Our curriculum in Catholic faith focuses on Virtues, the Nicene Creed, Stations of the Cross, types of prayers, the Rosary, Beatitudes, the Ten Commandments, the liturgical year, and our patron saint, Joan of Arc.
Science
Both 4th and 5th grade use the FOSS curriculum. Students learn the scientific method in Unit 1 in order to conduct inquiry experiments throughout the school year.
Students take the driver's seat by learning how to take different types of notes to aide in their studying and development. Rather than simply recalling facts, students are able to be challenge by higher application problems that can be applied to real world example.
In 4th grade students will learn:
- Scientific method
- Different ecosystems and their relationships; energy and survival
- Soil, rocks, minerals, landforms, how land changes over time
- Energy and change, waves, electricity, forces
In 5th grade students will learn:
- Advanced knowledge on the scientific method
- Human Body systems and their importance in our body
- Living Systems and their level of organization, diversity
- Earth/Sun as a system, Moon phases, atmosphere
- Basic Chemistry
Social Studies
The 4th graders study the five regions of the United States including the locations, landforms, climate, landmarks, culture, products, and resources. Immigration, time-period social issues, map skills and economy. Many projects are embedded into the lessons.
The 5th graders start the year off by learning more about geography and economy. Then they dive into the history of the United States. From learning about colonial times and the American Resolution, to the dark days of the Civil War and the World Wars, students will be led through simulations that put them center stage in their learning.