Welcome to Fourth Grade
Welcome to 4th grade! In addition to their academic and artistic classes, a lot of the 4th grade time is spent having class discussions about how to be a good person, son, daughter, brother, sister, and friend. It’s a chance for everyone to participate and create strong bonds with one another; these are great kids who know how to be great kids!
Fourth Grade Curriculum
English Language Arts (ELA)
The 4th grade English Language Arts program is primarily made up of a large selection of interesting short stories which infuse vocabulary and spelling into each weekly lesson. Students write summaries, persuasive essays, and opinion pieces. In 4th grade, students read several novels as a class; they begin with fiction and a bit of fantasy before moving into historical fiction. Many of the books that are read as a class directly relate to California history, which ties into their Social Studies curriculum.
Math
Students dive into place value, multiplication and division of two-digit numbers, fractions, decimals, and measurement. Students get daily repetition of mathematical concepts with the Simple Solutions program.
Social Studies
4th grade Social Studies is a blast! Students learn the rich history of California– the explorers, rancheros, 49ers, boom towns, missions, and much more. Many of the field trips in 4th grade are based around a specific social studies unit.
Science
The K-6 science curriculum at Saint Isabella School is designed to promote an understanding of nature and an appreciation of its methods and mysteries. The program prepares each student for the future by providing opportunities to investigate, explore and evaluate the world we live in. Kindergarten through grade six study Earth Science, Physical Science and Life Science. These 3 subjects include the study of native California plants, the life cycle of a Monarch butterfly, and experiments with magnets and forces.
Religion
The religion curriculum aligns with the liturgical calendar, with a specific focus on the Holy Rosary in October and the Stations of the Cross during Lent. The 4th grade class hosts both the Ash Wednesday Mass and the May Crowning Mass. Our text, Alive in Christ, does a great job of introducing new concepts and vocabulary.
Mrs. Lisa Howes
Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Howes has been a part of the Saint Isabella School community since 2020. Mrs. Howes grew up in Petaluma, and graduated from Casa Grande High School. After graduating she headed to Santa Rosa Junior College, where she received her A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mrs. Howes then continued her education at Sonoma State University, where she graduated with a B.A. in Liberal Studies. Once she completed her B.A., she attended the Sonoma State Credential Program and received her Multiple Subjects Credential.