Fourth Grade Curriculum

Religion

Focusing their knowledge of God, these students begin to understand the Trinity. By having this knowledge, they can begin to grasp the 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 placed on verbal problems to reinforce what has been previously learned. Work with fractions includes conversion of whole numbers to fractions, ordering fractions, and adding fractions with mixed numerals. Increasing the students’ understanding of geometrical figures and terms increases as they also learn areas of 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 literary techniques. In doing this, they read with growing interest on a wide variety of topics and adjust their reading approach to various forms of texts. Expansion of their vocabulary occurs systematically across the curriculum. Connecting, comparing, and contrasting ideas increases. Incorporated into their reading skills, students have the opportunity to experience different literary 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 hand in the universe, students look at their position regionally and as a citizen of the state of Texas. Ethnic and cultural diversity and how that diversity has led to the overall culture of Texas 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. Students become aware of the natural resources and the economic advantages of the state providing income to run the state's government while providing rules and laws for its inhabitants. 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 a vital part 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 continue 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 provides new and creative ways for the students to combine their writing and artistic abilities but in a technological way. Students are introduced to the principles of file sharing available through the network.

Art

Drawing involves the students’ understanding of concave and convex, distortion, varying planes, and the use of differing 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 world of art.

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, foods, seasons, weather, and other daily-use vocabulary. They begin learning the use of conjugated verbs, articles, and adjectives. This well-rounded approach to acquiring another language includes singing Spanish traditional, popular, and Christian songs; learning about traditions and holidays of Spanish speaking countries; hearing Hispanic folk tales; learning about the Texas Hispanic community, and playing Hispanic games.

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 the school. Respect for one another’s abilities and talents plays well into learning cooperation. The necessity for practice in connection with these team sports takes 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.