4th - 6th Grade Curriculum

        All subjects are taught by discussion, seminar, experimentation, direct instruction, guided instruction, lecture, small groups, and “hands-on” activities.

All subjects integrate curriculum textbooks, novels, workbooks, notebooks, audio CD’s, vocabulary cards, the computer/internet. An interactive white board is available and used in each classroom.  Assessments are made through traditional tests, pre-tests, quizzes, book reports, cooperative learning projects, packets, laboratory investigations, comprehensive unit tests, and writing projects. Parents are kept informed daily, with accessibility available via the Edline Grade Reporting System and Quarterly Report Cards. Conferences are held following first quarter Report Cards and as requested by Parents. Homework is used both as an integral vehicle for reinforcing and reviewing classroom learning, and as an assessment tool for Math, Spelling, Social Studies, English/Grammar, and Reading; it is averaged into final grades as a test grade.

Language Arts comprises the largest section of subject matter. All grades four-six are basically presented the same curriculum tailored for their respective grade levels and comprehension. Spelling, Reading, English and Writing, although taught by different teachers, are finely tuned and coordinated as dictated by the program. Leveled readers, pre-reading, basal stories, grammar/parts of speech, diagramming sentences, writing, related spelling words, and workbooks support the Language Arts program. Monthly book reports/unit reading tests are assigned for class novels. In addition, Grades five and six are given Mid Term and Final Exams for the year.

Math is taught daily, and is comprised of timed fact tests, initial motivating activities, and a focused lesson for each grade. Topics include: methods of basic arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, geometry, and word problems. Manipulatives are used in coordination with each lesson. Assessment is given in quiz form every five-six lessons; with a comprehensive Chapter Test given following 14-16 lessons, before continuing to the next chapter. Grades five and six are given Mid Term and Final Exams for the year.

Science is topical on a quarterly basis. Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Space & Technology are the four topics covered. Chapter Tests, weekly lab experiments, workbooks, and packets are part of assessment. Unit Final Exams are given for all Grades four-six. In addition, Grades five and six are given Mid Term and Final Exams for the year. There is a Science/Computer Lab component each week, and Science Fair is a mandatory event for every student each year.

For Grade four, Social Studies presents the geographic study of the United States; the initial three quarters dealing with the five geographic regions of the United States and historically important people in our country. Pennsylvania geography/history is taught during the fourth quarter of the school year. The Grade five curriculum teaches the history of the United States, and Grade six is taught World Cultures. Chapter and Unit Tests, and projects reflect assessment for all grades. Grades five and six are given Mid Term and Final Exams for the year.

Religion is presented as personal enrichment, fostering a personal relationship with God, as well as for content information theologically. Grade four discusses Morality, The Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, Scripture, and The Church. Grade five focuses on the Seven Sacraments, as well as prayer, and begins preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The curriculum for Grade six is the study of the Hebrew Scriptures via the combination of the Old Testament and how it is fulfilled with Jesus in the New Testament.

 All students attend Mass with the school as available, and are offered the Sacraments of Reconciliation several times per year, as well as prayer in the morning, at dismissal, daily Rosary, seasonal prayer services, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Matthew’s Parish. Students are encouraged to see God’s work with and through all of their subjects in addition to Religion class.