Fourth Grade

Cultivating Curiosity and Creativity.
Mrs. Erin Stendardo has developed a comfortable classroom environment, ripe for effective learning and academic success. She knows exactly how to tap the innermost curiosity of each student, through discovery and experimentation, and takes pride in presenting exciting assignments designed to stimulate creativity and logical thinking.

Mrs. Erin Stendardo Fourth Grade Teacher

"To be a teacher is to be a learner," explains Mrs. Stendardo. By envisioning herself in the student's position, Mrs. Stendardo can obtain a greater understanding of the child's needs; hence, nurturing and advancing the learning process.

Fourth grade students are given a wealth of opportunities to advance their knowledge. From cooperative learning (working in groups or with partners) to role playing, hands-on activities, interactive technology, and use of the Smart Board™, Mrs. Stendardo is well-versed in keeping students engaged and focused.

The comprehensive fourth grade academic curriculum ensures students are prepared for future growth. Ongoing projects, monthly book reports, reading, math, writing, and vocabulary drills help to improve memorization skills and encourage class participation. Field trips with a purpose contribute to advancing social studies and Pennsylvania history.

Special Fourth Grade Activities and Learning Games:

Classroom management is a must, as Mrs. Stendardo cleverly devises ways of making learning fun. Students participate in brainstorming sessions and are permitted to invent a list of rules for the school year. A sense of teamwork and respect is developed while the students relish in their newfound leadership roles.

Additionally, students are given weekly responsibilities to which they assign goals and tasks. Neatness and efficiency are stressed to help the students develop a sense of order. Sample jobs include cleaning the boards, watering plants, copying down assignments, and more.

A popular classroom event, group projects create a sense of unity and adventure as students creatively act out a mock time period or atmosphere while enforcing English grammar, religious themes, and American history. Some past favorites include:

• The Indian Project - Students dressed up like American Indians in an earlier time period and tried to duplicate the essence of yesteryear;
• The Saint Project - Presentations were given by individual students dressed as the saint of their choice;
• The Restaurateur - Proper and descriptive adjectives were used to create an inviting restaurant menu from which the students placed orders.

*Drop Everything And Read, DEAR!

Mrs. Stendardo imparts her love for books and reading on the fourth grade students. Every day, after lunch, the entire class devotes fifteen minutes exclusively to reading. Each child selects a favorite book and reads quietly in their own chosen place anywhere in the room!

Saint Ignatius of Antioch Catholic School offers a special educational opportunity for fourth grade children. Please contact us for more information regarding admissions, tuition, and our Catholic school program.