St. Odilo 4th Grade

The Fourth grade will be embarking on many new adventures this year. We begin the year with review, but will be quickly starting on new material. Not only do we follow the curriculum, but we also enhance our lessons by working outside of our books.  For example, in November we will be learning about the Native Americans and Pilgrims.  We will have a Thanksgiving celebration and make our own butter! We also participate in a unit in February which includes the State/Capitals and Presidents.  Our grand finale assignment is the insect report and exhibit.  The children not only learn to research, but write a report, give an oral report, write note cards and make a nature exhibit. The class has decided on "Animals" as our first science unit, so we will be studying our friends in the forest, savannas, swamps, and oceans.  Religion begins with creation and we study many Old Testament stories. The beginning math lessons are rather difficult because we learn place value in the millions.  Then we go into more familiar sections such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  We learn measurements, fractions, and geometry later in the year.  Language Arts will be full of review and new concepts that the children will use when writing. I hope this will be a year filled with lots of learning, discovery, and having a fun time doing it.

Mrs. Marlene Ceasario

Marlene Ceasario has enjoyed the warm and comfortable St Odilo atmosphere for over 16 years. With a BA from the University of Illinois – Chicago, she makes learning hands-on for fourth grade students. “Every year the fourth grade takes on the job of organizing, planning, illustrating and writing a newspaper. I have never seen more enthusiasm or willingness to work on the part of the students.” As part of the history and social studies units, students host their own first Thanksgiving celebration, including making their own butter. Having raised two daughters, one of whom recently graduated from St. Odilo, she understands the need to teach with humor and understanding. “I make learning fun.”