FOURTH GRADE
Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. - Mark 11:23-24
Ms. Natalie Iverson
B.S. in Elementary Education, Montana State University
Prior to teaching 4th grade here at Saint Nicks, Miss Iverson taught at Holy Rosary Bilingual Academy (HRBA) as the 3/4 Teacher for two years and the Introduction Spanish teacher during her first year. Before teaching at HRBA she was the K-2nd grade assistant at Montessori School of Pullman. Miss Iverson has her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, and minor in Hispanic Studies from Montana State University. Outside of teaching she has also worked as a substitute ( K-12) and a daycare provider. Ms. Iverson is also a member in the choir at Saint Nicks.
In her spare time I like to sing, play piano, spend time with friends, hike, kayak, watch movies, visit new places and try new restaurants.
“ I value Catholic education and believe it is important for students to know the love of Christ and the truth of the Gospel during a progressive time in history. “ - Ms. Iverson
CURRICULUM
Math
In fourth grade, we use the Envision Math 2.0 text for math instruction, along with a variety of other materials, including math games, manipulatives, and trade books. Instruction focuses on three critical areas: (1) developing understanding and fluency with multi-digit multiplication, and developing understanding of dividing to find quotients involving multi-digit dividends; (2) developing an understanding of fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, and multiplication of fractions by whole numbers; (3) understanding that geometric figures can be analyzed and classified based on their properties. Writing and math skills are connected to problem-solving. These skills are reinforced throughout the curriculum.
Science
We use the FOSS (Full Option Science System) science curriculum (all-inclusive science kits that provide opportunities for hands-on learning), along with the text Science, published by Scott Foresman, to learn about Physical Science (magnetism, electricity, and the physics of sound), Earth Science (the make-up of the earth, conservation of resources, earthquakes & volcanoes), and Life Science (structures, behaviors, heredity, and adaptation of plants and animals). Students will also get opportunities to explore science concepts through an online program called Mystery Science.
Social Studies
The main focus in fourth grade social studies is the study of Washington State history using the text Washington Adventure by Ruth Pelz. This course of study goes on throughout the school year and will include a mini unit on Northwest Coast Native Americans. Students will have opportunities to use map skills as well as we study the geography of Washington State, Westward expansion, and the development of the area once known as Oregon Country. We may also take small detours from the main areas of study to learn about influential Americans who have contributed to history. In addition, students will do a project in the spring related to their heritage when we learn about the history of immigration in Washington State.
Religion
We use the text, Spirit of Truth, published by Sophia Institute for Teachers, which is broken into seven major units of study, with an emphasis on living as a disciple of Christ. Religion is taught explicitly, as well as integrated into every aspect of our school day. Developing the Catholic identity within students is an essential part of what we do at St. Nicholas School. Students come to know experientially all we believe as Catholics. Daily prayer reinforces the values being taught formally. Students memorize the Prayer for Peace and the Memorare during the course of the school year. They will also become familiar with the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Corporal Works of Mercy. We attend Mass weekly with the school and stuff the Sunday bulletins for the parish each week as an ongoing service project. Students also participate in Second Step program, which focuses on treating ourselves and others with respect.
Language Arts
Fourth grade language arts curriculum consists of a combined strategy of subject areas, building upon earlier learning and further development in the areas of reading, writing, and communication. Writing is modeled for students and daily writing allows opportunities for practicing new skills. Students are asked to engage in all steps of the writing process including: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, illustrating, and publishing. Grammar, spelling, and cursive handwriting are all integral parts of the language arts curriculum as well. The textbook, English, published by Houghton Mifflin, is used for grammar instruction.
Reading
Novel study is at the center of the reading curriculum in fourth grade. Through novel study, fourth graders will learn about the elements of a novel (setting, character, plot, and theme) in a variety of genres. Novels are used to build fluency, increase comprehension, and encourage students to make connections between what they are reading and world around them. Students also consider decisions that authors make when writing, such as genre, audience, and purpose. Students have the opportunity to read realistic fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy, as well as tall tales, myths, poetry, humor, and informational texts.