Fourth Grade

Students learn phonics, reading, language, handwriting, poetry, numeracy, history and geography, science, health, Bible stories, music, and arts and crafts.

Language

This curriculum provides our students with the tools necessary to become effective communicators. Through a variety of practice exercises in both grammar and writing, students continue to build on the foundational language concepts learned in third grade. Fourth graders will expand their understanding and knowledge of English as they apply concepts such as: sentence structure and writing style, identifying and correctly using all eight parts of speech including action, helping, being, and linking verbs; identifying sentence patterns; subject-verb agreement including contractions and irregular verbs; punctuation rule; capitalization rules, and proofreader marks.

Our language curriculum also allows students to translate grammar and mechanic skills into effective communication through writing application appropriately spaced throughout the year. Students learn paragraph structure, summarization skills, cause/effect, inference, and persuasive writing (fact/opinion), as well as complete book reports, and a historical essay.

History & Geography

This curriculum is an interesting, narrative approach to an age-appropriate study of American history. Beginning with the settlement of the thirteen colonies students explore how the United States became a free nation, formed a government, and grew to be a powerful world leader. The chapters walk students through America's timeline of successes and struggles that shaped our nation. Important people and events in America's story will inspire students to stand for right, respect their country and its people, and love their native land.

Arithmetic

The curriculum provides practice over familiar concepts and new material. Building a solid foundation of the base ten system and the four basic processes, students expand arithmetic skills including multiplying and dividing by multi-digit numbers, estimation, interpreting graphed data, writing decimals as fractions, and simple geometry. A major emphasis is on working with proper and improper fractions; and finding the least common denominator. Students will continue to solve multi-step word problems which encourages the practical applications of concepts being learned.

Spelling, Vocabulary & Poetry

This curriculum applies the skills of effective communication by teaching how spelling "works," examining words while applying spelling patterns and phonics. Lists integrate words from everyday life and words from other academic subjects. Words are arranged into four sections: Spelling Rule, Phonics Focus, Vocabulary Words, and Challenge Words.

Health

As students journey through this curriculum they will be amazed at God's intricate design of five different body systems. Practical instruction on fitness, nutrition, hygiene, and safety will equip students to improve their physical health. Thoughtful biblical guidance on right relationships with God and others will help students develop their spiritual, mental, and social health.

Bible

Students will learn more about the character, strengths, and weaknesses of men and women from the Bible.
By studying the lives of Bible characters, students will learn practical truths to apply their own lives, such as our actions will bring about either rewards or consequences.

Creative Writing

In creative writing, students will apply effective communication skills. A variety of creative writing topics will challenge students' thinking skills, enhance imagination, and prepare students to be skilled writers.

Penmanship

Our penmanship curriculum provides fourth graders daily instruction and practice in developing their penmanship skills. Emphasis is placed on neatness and correct letter formation through daily practice. Students will benefit from character building themes and thought-provoking questions through historical biographies and weekly Word Craft activities which are designed to promote thinking skills, creativity, and class discussion.

Science

This curriculum takes students on a journey to discover the Creator's detailed design in the world around them. The student-turned-scientists will hone their observation and critical thinking skills through a variety of activities that bring learning to life. Demonstrations and activities will show students how broad scientific concepts relate to their daily lives. On their journey, students will become botanists that identify and dissect plants, meteorologists that track and interpret weather patterns, and ornithologists that attract birds to their own backyards. Demonstrations paired with detailed illustrations help students understand abstract concepts such as matter, energy, force, and motion.

Reading

This curriculum will entertain students while deepening their understanding of the written word. With an emphasis on literary elements and concepts , students will grow in their ability to think critically while establishing and developing the foundation for a biblical worldview. Students will also grow in their ability to read for learning and gain independence through the use of character analysis, setting and plot charting, text structure analysis, and many other activities including creative writing.

Arts & Crafts

Students practice the fundamental principles of color and perspective using basic drawing, coloring, and painting techniques with colored pencils and watercolors.