Grade 4 Curriculum Overview

History
The study of history focuses on local geography and community development. Students explore why early settlers chose to settle in their specific region and how they utilized the land’s natural resources to build thriving communities. This inquiry encourages an appreciation for both the land and its history, fostering a sense of connection to the past.

Literature
Students delve into Norse mythology, exploring timeless tales of gods, heroes, and creatures. They also begin to experience poetry, learning to appreciate the beauty of language and the inner world of the self. The curriculum focuses on cultivating an understanding of how literature can reflect and nurture inner growth and personal identity.

English and Grammar
Students deepen their understanding of grammar by learning verb tenses, prepositions, personal pronouns, adverbs, and abbreviations. They are held to memorize grammatical rules and engage in speech work, including plays. Writing compositions become more advanced, emphasizing storytelling, letter writing, and attention to detail in spelling, form, and content. Oral book reports are introduced, helping students practice their public speaking and critical thinking skills.

Geography
Geography lessons emphasize students’ awareness of their immediate surroundings and local geography. Students learn to create maps, starting with their classroom, bedroom, and home, gradually expanding to include their neighborhood, county, state, and region. This observational approach helps deepen students’ understanding of their immediate surroundings.

Sciences
Zoology becomes a focal point, with students studying animals. Descriptive studies of animals explore their relationships with each other, their environments, and human beings. This block helps students develop an understanding of the diversity of life and the interconnections between species in nature.

Mathematics
Math instruction continues with a review of the times tables and arithmetic operations through daily mental math practice. Building on skills from earlier grades, students tackle word problems, averages, and long division. Factoring and basic proofs are also introduced. Daily, real-world examples are woven into each lesson to demonstrate the practical application of math in everyday life.

Drawing
Students refine their freehand drawing skills through geometric forms and dynamic Nordic patterns. These drawings focus on precision and attention to detail, with students using pens to create intricate, interlocking forms. This work strengthens the student’s artistic abilities and capacity for careful observation, spatial awareness, and problem-solving.

Painting
Watercolor painting shifts focus to form and light. As students continue to develop their artistic expression, they are encouraged to paint animals and local landscapes, bringing a sense of personal connection and observation into their work. Technical skills and creative expression are emphasized.

Handwork
Handwork continues with cross-stitching and incorporates the use of embroidery techniques. Projects may include creating pincushions or detailed handwork bags. These projects foster patience, precision, and creativity while further developing fine motor skills.

Sculptural Arts
Students are introduced to clay modeling, beginning with geometric shapes and progressing to more complex forms like animals. Through this process, students learn the value of patience and the importance of problem-solving through imagination, shaping their creations step by step, and adapting to changes.

Music
Chorus and orchestra are introduced as formal subject classes, with students learning time values, harmonies, and both major and minor scales. They explore rounds and canons and develop music-reading skills from notation. This foundation prepares students for more advanced orchestra pieces in the upper grades.

Games and Movement
Games and movement classes continue to emphasize endurance, coordination, strength, and teamwork. Students engage in running, jumping, and throwing games that build physical agility, coordination, and build confidence. Dance is also incorporated, balancing self-reliance with the ability to work together as a group. These activities promote both individual growth and group cohesion.