Fourth Grade Curriculum

Religion
Focusing their knowledge of God, these students begin to understand the Trinity. By having this knowledge, they can begin to a larger picture of salvation. The concept of law is presented to show sin and further explains the need for a Savior in their lives. Confessing sins to others and seeking forgiveness for those sins allows the students to develop a more trusting and open relationship with the Lord. As reading skills increase, so do the opportunities for students to read more from the Bible. As they realize the power to love comes from God, They have more of a oneness in Christ with brothers and sisters around the world. This leads them to show more concern for non-Christians. They continue to gain an appreciation for Martin Luther and his teachings as well as recognizing the liturgical seasons and the significance of visual symbols in the church. Selected passages of Scripture and the catechism are learned.

 Math
Emphasis is based on verbal problems to reinforce what has been previously learned. Works with fractions includes conversion of whole numbers to fractions, ordering fractions, and adding fractions, and adding fraction flat planes. Probability and statistics take on greater meaning as students complete a function table.

 Language Arts
The idea of reading to learn and reading to enjoy becomes more prominent as students are exposed to higher level literacy techniques. In doing this, they read with growing interest on a wide variety of topics and adjust their reading approach to various forms of text. Expansion of their vocabulary occurs systematically across the curriculum. Connecting, comparing and contrasting ideas increase. Incorporated into their reading skills, students have the opportunity to experience different literacy genre. Trips to the library include opportunities for reference and research work in addition to looking for books for reading enjoyment. Grammar skills become more concrete as thinking skills continue to develop to a greater degree.

 Handwriting
As students continue working on their handwriting skills, speed and fluency in cursive writing are developed. Correct use of numerals in dates is expected.

 Social Studies
Continuing to explore God’s hands in the universe, students look at their position regionally and as citizens of the state of Arizona. Ethnics and cultural diversity and how that diversity has led to the overall culture of Arizona give the students a greater appreciation of their state. Understanding the influence of Native Americans, immigration, and religion provides the student with a greater knowledge of the historical significance of their home state. Challenged to be active citizens of their states, students understand that decisions affecting everyone are influenced by the people involved in making those decisions and the necessity for the involvement of all people.

 Science
Students learn about the food chain and how all plants and animals are vital parts of this chain. They understand the predator/prey relationship. In talking about the earth and how it changes, they discuss volcanoes, rocks and earthquakes. Physical science information includes topics such as the concepts of force, friction, and levers, which are often learned with hands-on investigations. Students are encouraged to show competence in managing their bodies. The major body systems are identified including the cardiovascular system. The importance of exercise and good nutrition to aid these systems is discussed.

 Computer Science
Students begin to learn more about and become more comfortable with the keyboard. Learning proper fingering allows them to become more adept at using the computer and they enjoy the opportunities even more. Word processing skills continue at a higher level as students in this grade are also becoming more involved in the writing process. Similarly, continuation of desktop publishing skills provide new and creative ways for the student to combine their writing and artistic abilities but in a technological way. Students are introduced to the principle file sharing available through the network.

 Art
Drawing involves the students’ understanding of line, color, texture, value, shape/form, space, rhythm, balance, and the use of different shadows. The use of color to express mood or feeling is explored and understood more as students add their illustrations to written work. By adding texture to painting surfaces, a new dimension of design is added. The use of crafts enables students to work in other mediums and in more than one dimension. A foundation for art history begins at this level with students studying some of the master artists and their contributions to the art world.

 Music
Experimenting with percussion allows the students to try innovations in rhythm. As they try new ideas, they are also exploring meter and tempo. They recognize simple melodies, simple scales, and keys. Learning to harmonize with a counter melody is accomplished as they sing in groups and rounds. Appreciating music and musical instruments from other countries broadens their knowledge base.

 Spanish
Sequentially taught, students expand their understanding of the Spanish language, including the use of greetings, commands, phrases, numbers, colors, animals, seasons, weather, and other daily- use vocabulary. This well-rounded approach to acquiring another language includes singing Spanish traditional and popular songs; learning traditions and holidays of Spanish speaking countries; hearing Hispanic folk tales; and learning about the Arizona Hispanic community.

 Physical Education
Cooperation for team playing and team sports takes on even greater importance as many students are also actively involved in sports out of their school. Respect for one another’s abilities and talents play well into learning cooperation. The necessity for practice in connection with these team sports take on new dimensions as they learn to depend more on others rather than just themselves. The ability to throw and catch is more pronounced which leads to greater success.  Interest in a variety of sports begins to formulate and should be encouraged.

• Religion  - Voyages, Concordia Publishing, 2002

• Math -  Houghton Mifflin, 2005

• Reading -  Houghton Mifflin, 2005

• Handwriting -  Zaner- Bloser 2003

• Social Studies -  Houghton Mifflin, 2005

• Science –  Scott Foresman Science, Pearson Education, 2008

• Spanish - Interlingua Spanish Program

• Art - Arts Attack! Del Mar, CA

• Music – Making Music, Silver Burdett, 2005