Mr. Dan Cossa - 4th Grade
Dear Saint Odilo 4th Grade Family,
I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Daniel Cossa and I am the Fourth Grade teacher at Saint Odilo Catholic School. I have been teaching at this school for many years and I love it here! I graduated from North Central College in 1995 with a Bachelors Degree in Education and Concordia University in 2011 with a Masters Degree in Reading. I am always eager to learn and continue with professional development on an ongoing basis. The following paragraph is a brief summary on the importance of the 4th Grade year:
Fourth Grade is a full year of intermediate academic and social skill development that will have a large influence on how well each student is able to prepare themselves for the more demanding academic skills and goals that the upper levels will ultimately require. Students in 4th grade will need to master making good use of their time and working more independently. Cooperative group work skills, reliability, and following though on both individual and group responsibilities will also be essential to the success of each student. All academic subjects are taught in 4th grade with an emphasis on developing literacy through reading, writing, and mathematical skills using all sorts of literature including science and social science expository texts. The 4th Grade is a key year in setting the tone for the rest of each student's academic career and this time frame also has the potential to have a profound influence on how well students will succeed in life. It is very important for all students to develop good habits in all areas of their life at this age. On top of all of this we are also teaching students about being respectful to each other and to follow Jesus.
Your child is enrolled in the following academic courses with curriculum focus details:
Language Arts (English):
Students study the rules of grammar and practice reading and writing skills. We also use reading strategies to help us comprehend. Some grammar topics include Sentences, Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Pronouns, Adverbs, and Prepositions. Writing themes include Personal Narratives, Writing that Compares, Persuasive Writing, Explanatory Writing, Story Writing, Expository Writing, and other various writing topics.
Math:
Topics include Place Value, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, Multiplication (with one-digit and two-digit numbers, Dividing by One-Digit numbers), Patterns and Sequences, Fractions, Operations with Fractions, Fractions and Decimals, Customary Measurement, Metric Measurement, Perimeter and Area, and Geometry.
Handwriting:
Students practice cursive and manuscript handwriting and fine tune writing legibility skills to make our writing more readable.
Reading:
Student read as much as possible and use graphic organizers to help them think about what they are reading and to help them retain comprehension and vocabulary. Various types of genre are used including short stories, textbook stories, and informational textbook reading.
Religion:
Students study a multitude of various church and religious topics and read bible stories. We also focus on prayer through our daily mass, rosary, and stations of the cross. We also continue to teach and learn our prayers.
Science:
Topics include Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science. We also look into the scientific method and do activities/labs in class to get a better idea of what a scientist might do. We also have a tower garden to get hands on experience with growing plants.
Social Studies:
Our topics include learning about the various regions in the United States. We get into the physical make up of the areas and the people, cultures, and economies, of these various areas. We also talk a little bit about government and other areas and cultures around of the world. Map skills are another important component of social studies.
Spelling:
Topics for the lessons include phonics and reinforcement of previously learned phonetic skills. The emphasis is on spelling, sounds, and vocabulary recognition as well.
There are numerous other specials courses that your child is also enrolled in. These courses are:
Computers
Physical Education / Gym
Music
Library
At Saint Odilo we also offer a variety of extra curricular activities that your child can take advantage of including sports, clubs, and band (starting in 4th grade). We encourage all of our students to be involved in our school community and activities. I am looking forward to having your child in my class. I hope to form a partnership with you to ensure your child has a successful year. Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is via e-mail: cossa@saintodilo.org or through the Class DoJo app via text message.
Thank You for your continued support of Saint Odilo Catholic School.
Sincerely,
Daniel A. Cossa
I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Daniel Cossa and I am the Fourth Grade teacher at Saint Odilo Catholic School. I have been teaching at this school for many years and I love it here! I graduated from North Central College in 1995 with a Bachelors Degree in Education and Concordia University in 2011 with a Masters Degree in Reading. I am always eager to learn and continue with professional development on an ongoing basis. The following paragraph is a brief summary on the importance of the 4th Grade year:
Fourth Grade is a full year of intermediate academic and social skill development that will have a large influence on how well each student is able to prepare themselves for the more demanding academic skills and goals that the upper levels will ultimately require. Students in 4th grade will need to master making good use of their time and working more independently. Cooperative group work skills, reliability, and following though on both individual and group responsibilities will also be essential to the success of each student. All academic subjects are taught in 4th grade with an emphasis on developing literacy through reading, writing, and mathematical skills using all sorts of literature including science and social science expository texts. The 4th Grade is a key year in setting the tone for the rest of each student's academic career and this time frame also has the potential to have a profound influence on how well students will succeed in life. It is very important for all students to develop good habits in all areas of their life at this age. On top of all of this we are also teaching students about being respectful to each other and to follow Jesus.
Your child is enrolled in the following academic courses with curriculum focus details:
Language Arts (English):
Students study the rules of grammar and practice reading and writing skills. We also use reading strategies to help us comprehend. Some grammar topics include Sentences, Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Pronouns, Adverbs, and Prepositions. Writing themes include Personal Narratives, Writing that Compares, Persuasive Writing, Explanatory Writing, Story Writing, Expository Writing, and other various writing topics.
Math:
Topics include Place Value, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, Multiplication (with one-digit and two-digit numbers, Dividing by One-Digit numbers), Patterns and Sequences, Fractions, Operations with Fractions, Fractions and Decimals, Customary Measurement, Metric Measurement, Perimeter and Area, and Geometry.
Handwriting:
Students practice cursive and manuscript handwriting and fine tune writing legibility skills to make our writing more readable.
Reading:
Student read as much as possible and use graphic organizers to help them think about what they are reading and to help them retain comprehension and vocabulary. Various types of genre are used including short stories, textbook stories, and informational textbook reading.
Religion:
Students study a multitude of various church and religious topics and read bible stories. We also focus on prayer through our daily mass, rosary, and stations of the cross. We also continue to teach and learn our prayers.
Science:
Topics include Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science. We also look into the scientific method and do activities/labs in class to get a better idea of what a scientist might do. We also have a tower garden to get hands on experience with growing plants.
Social Studies:
Our topics include learning about the various regions in the United States. We get into the physical make up of the areas and the people, cultures, and economies, of these various areas. We also talk a little bit about government and other areas and cultures around of the world. Map skills are another important component of social studies.
Spelling:
Topics for the lessons include phonics and reinforcement of previously learned phonetic skills. The emphasis is on spelling, sounds, and vocabulary recognition as well.
There are numerous other specials courses that your child is also enrolled in. These courses are:
Computers
Physical Education / Gym
Music
Library
At Saint Odilo we also offer a variety of extra curricular activities that your child can take advantage of including sports, clubs, and band (starting in 4th grade). We encourage all of our students to be involved in our school community and activities. I am looking forward to having your child in my class. I hope to form a partnership with you to ensure your child has a successful year. Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is via e-mail: cossa@saintodilo.org or through the Class DoJo app via text message.
Thank You for your continued support of Saint Odilo Catholic School.
Sincerely,
Daniel A. Cossa
