Curriculum Overview

4rd Grade

Reading - Stories and articles of fiction, non-fiction, biographies, poetry, research, teacher read-alouds; daily reading logs, book reports and reviews, weekly reading comprehension tests.

Grammar - Sentence structure, nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, pronouns, objects, subject/predicate, compound words, compound subjects/predicates, capitalization, sentence agreement, sentence diagramming, punctuation, dialogue.

Vocabulary - Wordly Wise, vocabulary from curriculum, dictionary skills.

Writing Process - The writing process (pre-writing, editing, etc.), journal writing, research papers, story writing (fables, descriptive, how-to), poetry, outlining, note-taking skills.

Spelling - Weekly spelling assignments. Words are generated from Wordly Wise, curriculum, and reading assignments.

Mathematics - Geometric figures, organizing data, multiplication, division, basic algebra, decimals, estimation, angles, fractions, probability, perimeter and area, percents, reflections, symmetry, weight, volume, capacity, rates, metric conversions, measuring skills, map skills

Science - Earth Science (water cycle, water conservation, oceans, air, wind, atmosphere, weather, climate, Earth�s surface, rocks, fossils, inside Earth, solar system), Life Science (cells, organisms, plants, plant growth, plant reproduction, animal characteristics, development and survival, vertebrates/invertebrates, organ systems), Physical Science (matter properties, states, measuring, changes; motion, force, and energy; heat, light, and sound; electricity and magnetism); Ecological Studies: 3-day fieldtrip to Barrier Island.

Social Studies - Geographic regions of the United States, states and capitals, landforms, map skills, chart/graph skills, early territorial and US exploration history, State reports.

Weekly Enrichment Classes

Computer - Create Microsoft PowerPoint presentations with instruction in slide formats, text/fonts, adding color, scanning and placing images, bullets, slide transitions, and custom animation. Students complete All About Me, Summer Vacation, Book Report, and Language Skills presentation projects.

Spanish - Continue listening and speaking skills, begin basic reading and writing skills. Respond to basic questions, learn courtesy phrases, read familiar vocabulary words and common phrases, label pictures.

Library - Reading time; listening and viewing skills; literary genres; literature appreciation; library terminology; parts of a book; indexes; periodicals; biographies; reference collection; research and reports; Dewey Decimal System; care and organization of library materials; weekly book check-out; library skills reinforced with audiovisual materials, puppets, plays, and creative writing.

Music - Sing, move, dance, and play rhythm instruments to music; learn age-appropriate elements of music; read rhythms; introduction of the instrument families; learn Chapel songs and seasonal songs; prepare for performance on Mead Hall Sundays, at the Christmas program, and on May Day. Optional: violin, auditions for Trash Can Band

Physical Education - Preparation for the Presidential Physical Fitness Test; weekly physical fitness logs; offensive and defensive game strategies; long-distance running; sportsmanship, fair play, and effort.

Sacred Studies - Students continue their discovery of the Bible through interactive activities. The seasons of the church year (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost) are experienced with Advent calendars, prayer chains, banners, etc.