Academics

English Language Arts

English Language Arts incorporates the integration of reading, study of literature, study of informational text, writing, speaking, listening, and language. Chapter books and trade literature (fiction and nonfiction) are used for reading instruction. Many comprehension strategies are used to expand meaning; including making connections, visualizing, asking questions, inferring and predicting, determining importance, synthesizing, and analyzing text. In writing, students learn to create organizational structures that support their purpose. Exposure to a variety of writing forms including personal narrative, comparative, explanatory, and persuasive writing.

Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop explicitly teaches vocabulary through student’s active participation and collaboration to learn word meanings, share ideas, and engage with words in writing and speaking activities.

Sadlier Grammar Workshop  helps students master grade-appropriate conventions of standard English through instruction with models, ample practice, and immediate application of skills. Divided into six units, each level focuses on teaching the conventions of standard English-grammar, usage, and mechanics-as well as, the writing process and grammar in the context of reading and writing.

Math

enVision Mathematics is a math program that combines problem based learning with visual learning to deepen students’ conceptual understanding. The lessons start with problem based learning. Students will think critically about real-world math problems, evaluate options, collaborate and present solutions. This is followed by visual learning to solidify the underlying math concepts. As a result, the children have a better understanding of math ideas. This program has received top honors for supporting students at all levels.

Science

Foss Next Generation Science  covers three major categories: Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science. Topics such as Energy, Soils, Rocks, and Landforms, and Environments will be studied with an emphasis on essential concepts, facts, and skills. Foss Next Generation encourages students to develop strategies for disciplinary core ideas, engaging in science and engineering practices, and exposing cross-cutting concepts. This is achieved by a complete hands-on approach.

History

Social Studies: New Jersey  aims to develop writing, speaking, and research skills while studying the culture, geography, and history of New Jersey. It begins with a model for students to use in the history of New Jersey moving through the 19th to 21st centuries. In addition, social studies skills are presented in a series of lessons which include graphs, time lines, lateral and longitudinal lines, using a map grid, and reading diagrams.

Religion

Word of Life  centers on an initial proclamation of the gospel message. The curriculum is firmly rooted in Sacred Scripture and the history of salvation. Students will be immersed in the historical reality of God’s entering time and inviting all people into communion with Him. The Word of Life series has been strategically developed to present the fullness of the faith in a way that can resonate with students today. Students will be presented with practical situations and concrete examples of virtuous and holy character. The Word of Life series teaches students the truth about their identity, dignity, and purpose. Additionally, the curriculum not only prepares students for liturgical celebration but also equips them for ongoing reflection following their participation in liturgy and the sacraments.

Growing with God Safe and Sacred  is a program that offers a practical and systematic approach to child safety, social development and emotional development. Students are taught to see themselves and others as children of God inherently deserving of respect and care.

Specials

Students meet once per week for 60 minutes in the following special subject areas:

Art 
The standards for Grade Four Visual Arts emphasize learning through inquiry. Students will examine aspects of the artistic process: generation of ideas, problem solving, and self- assessment.  Students will gain fluency in using and understanding the elements of art and principles of design. Emphasis will be placed on the artistic process including idea development, production and reflection to achieve a final piece of art. Students begin to utilize more three-dimensional skills and visualize the production of the works of art. Creativity and using problem solving skills to answer the given project are encouraged. Projects are inspired by books and artists initially discussed during the introduction of each project.

Gym 
Fourth Grade Physical Education students practice a variety of fitness and invasive activities, and increase physical fitness through different movement patterns. Our physical education program addresses the needs of all students through diversified skill development and activities designed to implement locomotor, non-locomotor, manipulative, non-manipulative skills, with and without equipment. The goal of our physical education program is to involve the body in developing lifetime skills necessary for individual and team sports.

Music 
Our Fourth Grade Music Exploration program is designed to nurture a love of music and provide young learners with a foundational understanding of musical concepts. Through age-appropriate activities, students will explore rhythm, melody, singing, movement, and basic music theory. Materials used in the curriculum include instruments like piano keyboards, rhythm sticks, handbells, and xylophones, as well as simple visuals, children’s songs, and recorded music. This curriculum aims to create a positive and engaging musical experience for students, fostering a lifelong love of music, and providing a solid foundation for their future musical education.

Spanish 
The Spanish Language and Culture program for fourth grade is designed to introduce students to the Spanish language and its peoples while nurturing their faith through Catholic teachings and values. This curriculum seeks to develop students’ basic Spanish language skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing, and to introduce them to the diverse cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking communities.

STEM
PLTW curriculum utilized in our STEM program is designed to empower students to thrive in an evolving world and focuses on connections to a variety of New Jersey State Learning Standards for Computer Science, Math and English Language Arts. Holy Cross Academy partners with PLTW to offer a hands-on, project-based approach to learning for students in Grades K-8. The program incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) skills needed for future success. Fourth grade students are immersed in PLTW’s Launch program, exploring topics such as Energy:  Collisions. In addition to PLTW programs, students work on a variety of technology-based skills such as Google Tools for Education and Coding, all while incorporating and taking the Catholic values that we use in our real world with us into the digital world.