Fourth Grade

Fun with Roman Numerals

Author(s): 
David A. Adler
Illustrator(s): 
Edward Miller

I showed this book and read it aloud to my kids in Junior Classical League's last meeting, and except for one kid, the  club's president and a Latin aficionado, none of us knew about the Roman numerals on the two last pages! Have fun learning!

From the publisher: 

Shadow in the Dark

Book cover: 'Shadow in the Dark'
Author(s): 
Antony Barone
This is a nice little adventure story that centers on Xan, a peasant boy who loses his family and his memory when raiders attack and burn his village. Although the beginning is rather over-the-top, the story does hit its stride after the first few chapters and the remainder of the book is much smoother. Several thematic elements add to the interest, including the lived faith of the Benedictine monks who rescue the boy. The author has created an interesting plot with a clever twist or two so that the story works out positively without being too obvious.

Our Pioneers and Patriots

Book cover: Our Pioneers and Patriots
Author(s): 
Most Rev. Philip J. Furlong

Our Pioneers and Patriots begins with a review of Viking exploration and continues through the history of the United States to the time of President Roosevelt and the New Deal. The text is direct and factual, focusing on key people and events. Read straight through, this book would bore most children; however, when read a page or two at a time the presentation style is interesting and easily understood. Fr. Furlong has a unique way of digesting complex information into a few short sentences.

CHC Lesson Plans: Fourth Grade

Book cover: 'CHC Lesson Plans: Fourth Grade'

The overall format of these lesson plans is very similar to the 3rd grade lesson plans. Basic texts for core subjects are: Saxon Math 5/4, God's Little Angels, Rare Catholic Stories and Poems, My Catholic Speller Level C, Language of God Level C, Faith and Life 4, A Year with God, My Temple of the Holy Spirit (included in appendices), Catholic Boys and Girls Health, Everyday Science Sourcebook, Our United States (included in appendices)and 1001 Facts for Your Catholic Geography Bee.

Language of God for Little Folks (Level D)

Book cover: 'Language of God for Little Folks (Level D )'
Author(s): 
Nancy Nicholson

Designed for 4th or 5th grade, this level of the popular Catholic grammar curriculum is another winner! The book has been improved from the earliest editions of the lower levels by using a high-quality, bright-white, erasable paper with a lay-flat spiral binding. The 120 exercises in the worktext provide four short lessons per week for thirty weeks, including regular review of concepts already taught on lessons titled "Practice". There are no tests, although the "Practice" pages could be used as tests.

My Temple of the Holy Spirit

Book cover: 'My Temple of the Holy Spirit'
Author(s): 
Katherine Rode, R.N.

Subtitled a Catholic Science Hands On Program of the Human Body, this is a program best used with kids in grades 4 to 8. My Temple of the Holy Spirit is a very practical study of seven of the systems of the body from a Catholic and pro-life perspective. It covers various systems of the body, but not the reproductive systems, the integumentary system, or all of the excretory system. It is thoroughly Catholic, with the Faith integrated throughout.

The Old World and America

Book cover: 'The Old World and America'
Author(s): 
Most Rev. Philip J. Furlong
The Old World and America is a superb history book that is decidely homeschool-friendly! The book begins briefly with a mention of Genesis, which is unusual in a history text. It is a thorough guide to the history of the world, from the time of primitive man to the mid-1500's. The approach is decidedly Catholic, and reference to Catholic saints are scattered throughout.

We are presently in the early chapters of this text, but the flavour of the book is apparent. Each chapter is amply illustrated with photos, diagrams, and maps (all black and white).

The Evangelization of the New World

Book cover: The Evangelization of the New World
Author(s): 
Dr. James Leek

Author's description of the text:


This text is suitable for grades 4 through 8. It tells in narrative fashion the story of the discovery, conquest, and evangelization of the New World from Columbus through the missions of California. Catholic social principles are also taught in the text. Students are asked to use the Catholic principles to judge the actions of history.