Mrs. Lisa Bennett
After graduating from Gonzaga University with a BA in English, and a teaching certificate, I cast about for a teaching position. I spent time substituting at every level, in several area school districts. When a position came open at Cataldo, I knew that this was the place for me. I began teaching at Cataldo in 1997.
Cataldo also holds a special place in my heart. As a long-time St. Augustine parishioner, and an alumna of Cataldo Middle School, I feel a sense of warmth and support in this community that has shaped part of my personal history. It is an honor to be teaching in a Christ-centered environment- knowing that I am helping to fulfill the school’s mission, and keep its traditions alive.
You can contact me by email at lbennett@cataldo.org
What Will We Explore in the Fourth Grade?
Cataldo Catholic School Theme - The Fruits of Wisdom are virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.
This year we will explore ways to live this theme in our school and home lives. Each quarter we will zero in on one of these cardinal virtues. First we will look at prudence. How can we show prudence, or make the prudent choice?
Religion - In the 4th grade we will focus on following the teachings of the Church, learning about the Old and New Testaments, and learning about the lives of the Saints.
Our general theme is "Christians are called to live as Jesus did by choosing a life of love characterized by obedience to God and service to others." To better serve our community we will lower the school flags each day. To better serve the greater community we will participate in the 100 Ways, 100 Days campaign.
Reading - In fourth grade, students read skillfully with meaning and purpose using appropriate comprehension and vocabulary strategies. Students read, discuss, reflect, and respond, using evidence from text, to a wide variety of literary genres and informational text. Students read for pleasure and continue to choose books based on personal preference, topic, theme, or author.
In addition to our reading series, the Time For Kids magazine will be used to find out about current events while practicing reading strategies involving nonfiction text.
Mathematics - Fourth graders will learn the science and language of mathematics through an active process of exploration, discovery, and reflection, in which individual abilities are recognized and fostered. Students will develop confidence in their ability to communicate their mathematical reasoning and use problem solving strategies. Finally, fourth graders will explore the various strands of mathematics, including number sense, algebraic sense, measurement, geometry, probability/statistics, and those mentioned above.
In addition, students will utilize the math website - ixl.com - for further practice and/or enrichment opportunities.
Writing - Fourth graders will write for a range of purposes, including describing, telling a story, and explaining. Because they are aware of the interdependence of the topic, audience, purpose, and form, they are able to select and sometimes adapt basic forms to meet specific requirements. Their understanding and use of figurative language introduces imagery into their writing. Students are more aware of the conventions of writing as they reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and strive to improve.
Spelling - Students will strive to become "forever spellers" by learning important high frequency and core words, applying skills (phonics, word origins, spelling rules, usage, etc), and spelling correctly in their writing.
Grammar - Students will study elements of grammar (nouns, plurals, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, conjunctions, subjects, predicates, punctuation, etc.) in order to improve their grasp of the English language and enhance their writing abilities.
Handwriting - Fourth graders practice proper cursive writing in order to produce legible handwriting.
Social Studies - Students use their understanding of social studies concepts and skills to explore the regions of the United States, study the fifty states, and learn about Washington State.
Art - Fourth graders will employ the elements of art (line, composition, texture, etc) in order express themselves in ever-more-complex ways.
