 Fourth grade provides an excellent balance between very challenging academics and the pure enjoyment of learning. Students are placed in reading and math classes that meet their individual needs. Placement is based on test scores and recommendations. Students are offered more options for areas of study. Activities such as the Gen Yes program, orchestra, cheerleading, TGI Fridays and TCSA Academic Meet are only a few of these options. The opportunity for such challenging and enriching activities make this grade level one of the highlights of our students’ elementary years.
Bible
The Picture This! curriculum for Bible presents stories that are read directly from the Bible rather than using a storybook. Students make detailed drawings of symbols that represent events from each book of the Bible. This curriculum is excellent for children who are word smart, picture smart, body smart and is appealing to all students. Fourth graders often beg to stay in from recess in order to continue their Bible lessons. Weekly memory verses help students “hide God’s Word” in their hearts. Weekly Chapel services provide an opportunity for all elementary students, faculty, staff and parents to enjoy a time of praise and worship.
Reading
The fourth grade reading curriculum is teacher-created. It is challenging as well as enjoyable. Students are now truly “reading to learn”. Higher level thinking skills are needed to evaluate and respond to various genres of literature. Students are expected to be able to compare/contrast, make predictions, note important details and support judgments in their readings. Book reports and various projects enrich the lessons. An “Expert’s Journal” project is created in the spring semester, covering a period of four months. Students are evaluated monthly using the STAR assessment program and reading progress is tracked. Students are encouraged to take Accelerated Reader tests on a regular basis. Weekly visits to the school’s library keep students well supplied with good books. Students are placed in reading classes that best meet their individual needs.
English
The Houghton Mifflin English curriculum is used to reinforce basic grammar skills mastered in the 3rd grade. Daily editing procedures ensure regular practice. The Houghton Mifflin company provides an educational website that assists teachers, parents and students with additional practice for each lesson.
Writing
The Houghton Mifflin English curriculum further develops writing skills. Students are specifically taught the various genres of writing and students are expected to be able to write a personal narrative, a story, detailed instructions and a research report. Different professional models from the curriculum show examples of well written composition in these areas. Storybook Weaver software allows the creation of stories with colorful illustrations. Frequent journal writing encourages students to be comfortable with writing informal thoughts, feelings and responses.
Spelling
The Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary series uses an emphasis on spelling patterns, phonics, vocabulary and editing. Houghton Mifflin provides an educational website for students, teachers and parents to reinforce concepts learned in the classroom and to further extend lessons. The Neuhaus Scientific Spelling method is used to enhance teaching of the reliable spelling patterns and words that are the exceptions to the rules. Daily practice and weekly tests help ensure mastery of this subject.
Math
The Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions curriculum provides an excellent balance between computation skills and analysis. Students are expected not only to derive answers, but to justify them as well. Math Expressions focuses on Math Talk, Quick Practice, Student Leaders, Building Concepts and Helping Community. Students review addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They are introduced to higher-level thinking using real-world story problems that require multiple steps. Hands-on manipulatives help students understand concepts more fully.
Science
The Scott Foresman curriculum focuses on life, physical and earth science. A unit on the human body concludes the year. Students experience science with a science teacher who has a passion for this subject and loves to share it from a Christian perspective. Labs and hands-on activities help make science a favorite among our fourth grade students.
Social Studies
The MacMillan/McGraw-Hill Adventures in Time and Place curriculum is used to explore Texas History. Various regions, people and landmarks are discovered. Research on classroom tablet computers allows the development of broader perspectives. Various field trips reinforce skills learned in the classroom. These trips include a tour of the Taste of Texas restaurant and the San Jacinto Monument. A look at local, state and national government is also a part of the curriculum.
Music
The Musicplay curriculum is used to reinforce concepts taught in earlier years, while new concepts are introduced. Students study beat, rhythm, melody, harmony and are given the opportunity to create and perform music using basic instruments. Listening to various types of music and playing musical games help develop an appreciation for this area of the performing arts.
Orchestra (elective)
This program is conducted by the NCS high school orchestra teacher using the Suzuki method. Students may choose between the violin, viola, cello or bass. Students learn to play by ear and progress to actually reading music by the end of the year. Students are given the opportunity to perform at the annual Christmas concert and at the Community Open House. Additional off-campus community service performances are offered. An instrument rental fee applies. Purchase of music books is required as well. Students who participate in orchestra class do not attend the regular music class.
Art
Art is integrated into the regular classroom curriculum. Bible lessons are taught using student artwork and seasonal art projects allow students to be creative on a regular basis. Students enjoy making Christmas crafts during the holiday season. Special projects include Rodeo Art drawings for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a family heritage art project for Multicultural Week.
Physical Education
The elementary Physical Education program was developed by SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) and is taught by two highly-qualified coaches who have many years of teaching and coaching experience. P.E. classes are designed to develop skills that enhance learning in the classroom. All students participate in 30 minutes of P.E. daily. Classes are taught in the school’s gymnasium and are highly structured in nature. Our belief is that daily physical activity is essential for good health and well-being. Students continue to hone large-motor and fine-motor skills through various games and activities.
Health
Through the use of the Healthy and Wise curriculum from Caprock Press students in each grade level 1-5 study the same topics throughout the year. Lessons change each year. Major topics include: Sports, Exercise, Nutrition, Food, Health Research/Updates, Body Basics, Safety/Health Awareness, Relationships and Social/Mental Health. Groups of our fifth grade students utilize the curriculum to design specific lessons, discussion questions, quizzes, projects, etc. for our teachers to present in their classrooms.
Computer/Technology
Reinforcement of keyboarding skills continues with the use of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. These skills are assessed on a regular basis. Students become more adept at using the Microsoft Office suite. Storybook Weaver software allows students to write original creative stories with brightly colored illustrations. Classroom computers, a fully equipped computer lab, Smart Boards, projectors in each room and accessible individual Tablet PC’s enhance the learning experience.
Junior Achievement
NCS participates in the Junior Achievement Program. Trained community volunteers present five lessons during the fall semester. The curriculum is designed to provide practical information about natural, human and capital resources found in regions and used by businesses to produce goods and services. Lessons are designed around TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). This program utilizes technology enhancement.
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