📘 Dougherty Academy – Fourth Grade Syllabus
Core Academics
- Reading & Writing:
Novel studies, comprehension, main idea and theme, essay structure, creative writing, and grammar mastery. - Math:
Multi-digit multiplication and division, fractions and decimals, geometry, measurement, and problem-solving with reasoning. - Science:
Energy, ecosystems, weather systems, earth and space science, and hands-on STEM experiments. - Social Studies:
U.S. geography, early American history, map reading, economics, and citizenship.
Language & Character Development
- Spanish:
Conversational practice, sentence formation, grammar basics, and cultural studies. - ASL (American Sign Language):
Everyday communication, storytelling, and introduction to expressive signing. - Religion:
Scripture study, virtues, prayer, and service projects. - Character Education:
Leadership, responsibility, empathy, teamwork, and perseverance.
Arts & Music
- Art:
Drawing, painting, design, perspective, and art history connections. - Music:
Rhythm, melody, harmony, and instrument appreciation. - Ballet:
Choreography basics, strength, musical timing, and discipline. - Music Theory:
Scales, chords, notation, and rhythmic structure. - Piano / Violin / Viola:
Practice routines, intermediate songs, and recital preparation.
Physical & Practical Life Skills
- Physical Education:
Team sports, endurance, coordination, and sportsmanship. - Golf:
Swing accuracy, etiquette, and competition skills. - Gardening / Homesteading:
Sustainability, composting, and seasonal crop care. - Cooking:
Nutrition, meal preparation, and cultural food exploration. - Technology:
Word processing, internet research, presentations, and coding basics.
Below find a printable
📘 Dougherty Academy Fourth Grade 36-Week School Plan
A Year of Growth, Confidence, and Leadership
Fourth grade at Dougherty Academy is a year of transformation. Students begin to step into leadership roles, apply their learning more independently, and develop deeper reasoning across subjects. The 36-week plan is carefully crafted to balance academic rigor, artistic expression, and life-skill development — all rooted in faith, creativity, and excellence.
🗓 Quarter 1: Foundations & Focus (Weeks 1–9)
The year begins with strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. Students build reading stamina, explore novel studies, and refine their grammar and composition skills. In math, they focus on multi-digit multiplication, division, and problem-solving strategies.
Science and social studies lessons dive into ecosystems, geography, and early American history, helping students understand how the world connects.
Art, music, and ballet nurture creativity and discipline, while technology introduces presentation tools and safe digital habits. Life-skill subjects such as gardening and cooking encourage responsibility and healthy routines.
✨ Quarter 2: Building Mastery (Weeks 10–18)
As students settle into the school rhythm, confidence grows. Reading and writing assignments expand into essays and literature analysis, while math introduces fractions, decimals, and data interpretation.
Science lessons focus on earth systems and simple physics, connecting experiments to real-world phenomena. In social studies, students explore U.S. states, map reading, and government.
Through art and ballet, students practice focus and self-expression. Spanish and ASL enhance communication skills, while character education lessons highlight teamwork, service, and perseverance — core values at Dougherty Academy.
🌿 Quarter 3: Creativity & Curiosity (Weeks 19–27)
Midyear brings exciting projects and deeper exploration. Students express creativity through poetry, persuasive writing, and hands-on experiments. Math and science intersect through measurement and energy projects, while social studies examines economics and trade.
Music theory, piano, violin, and ballet lessons guide students in harmony, rhythm, and collaboration. Gardening and cooking connect classroom concepts with everyday life — encouraging independence and curiosity.
Technology skills advance as students create slide presentations and explore digital storytelling.
🌟 Quarter 4: Mastery & Expression (Weeks 28–36)
The final quarter celebrates mastery and growth. Students complete major projects, independent essays, and group presentations that showcase their learning. In math, they apply all prior skills to real-world problems and review key concepts for readiness in upper elementary.
STEM challenges in science encourage creativity and teamwork, while history and geography lessons help students see their place in a global community.
Art, music, and ballet culminate in performances and portfolio showcases. Gardening, cooking, and technology bring the year together with meaningful projects — from harvest to digital portfolio presentations.
💖 End-of-Year Reflection
By Week 36, fourth graders have grown into thoughtful, capable, and confident learners. They demonstrate independence in academics, creativity in the arts, and compassion in character. Through Dougherty Academy’s holistic approach, each student ends the year with strong foundations — ready to lead with excellence, integrity, and joy.
Below for a printable
🗂️ Dougherty Academy Fourth Grade Portfolio
Showcasing Mastery, Leadership, and Lifelong Learning
The fourth-grade portfolio at Dougherty Academy is more than a collection of papers — it’s a reflection of growth, leadership, and creativity. It captures each child’s journey through academics, the arts, and practical life skills. By the end of the year, students have not only gained knowledge but also developed discipline, faith, and a love for learning.
📚 Academic Mastery
Fourth graders deepen their critical thinking and communication skills. Include:
- Reading & Writing: Novel studies, essays, research papers, poetry, and handwriting samples.
- Math: Multi-step problems, geometry projects, graphs, and real-world applications.
- Science: Experiment journals, STEM challenge summaries, and energy system diagrams.
- Social Studies: State reports, timelines, and geography projects.
🎨 The Arts & Music
Creativity continues to play a central role in fourth grade. Add:
- Art: Perspective drawings, paintings, mixed-media creations, and art reflections.
- Music Theory: Worksheets on scales, chords, and dynamics.
- Piano / Violin / Viola: Practice logs, recital programs, or certificates.
- Ballet: Reflection pages, choreography notes, or photos from performances.
🌿 Practical & Life Skills
Students begin to see how their studies apply to everyday life. Include:
- Gardening / Homesteading: Seasonal journals, composting photos, or sustainability reflections.
- Cooking: Recipe creations, nutrition worksheets, or cultural meal reflections.
- Technology: Presentations, coding projects, or digital artwork.
- Religion & Character Education: Faith reflections, service projects, and gratitude pages.
💬 Languages & Communication
Encouraging communication in multiple forms:
- Spanish: Vocabulary quizzes, conversations, or cultural projects.
- ASL: Phrases, dialogues, or storytelling exercises.
🏅 Physical & Character Growth
- P.E. & Golf: Fitness tracking charts, golf form photos, or skill reflections.
- Character Education: Leadership reflections, kindness journals, and teamwork examples.
💖 End-of-Year Reflection
Conclude your student’s portfolio with:
- “My Favorite Project This Year” reflection
- “How I Have Grown as a Learner and Leader” page
- Photos, awards, and teacher notes
🌟 A Year of Purpose and Progress
The Fourth Grade Portfolio is a meaningful keepsake that celebrates your child’s achievements — academically, creatively, and personally. It’s a testament to their perseverance, confidence, and heart as they prepare to take on the upper elementary years with grace and curiosity.
Below printable
Dougherty Academy 