4th Grade Curriculum Information:RELIGION
The “Learn by Heart” curriculum, by Rev. Peter C. Bender, is based on a three-year rotation of Bible stories. Each day we go to chapel for a brief opening service. Each day in chapel a new Bible story is read and then reviewed in class. Memory work is based on Learned by Heart Bible passages and Luther’s Small Catechism. Each student will start a prayer book based on given topics. This prayer book will be passed on as the student continues at St. Paul’s.
MATH
The fourth grade math course is designed to give students a thorough understanding of basic mathematical concepts, facts, computations and applications. Emphasis is placed on building skills in division and multiplication. The text used is Saxon Math.
ENGLISH
The English program in the fourth grade is the Shurley English Method. Students will learn sentence jingles, new vocabulary words and will know the eight parts of speech. Also, students will write practice and improved sentences. As a class each student will classify sentences orally. Once a week each student will be given time in class to write in their own personal journals.
READING
The Open Court reading program exposes students to a variety of reading stories such as tall tales, fables, poetry, biographies, and autobiographies. Comprehension is very important in this program. An appreciation of reading is further encouraged through free reading time set aside in class each day. Also, students are involved in the Accelerated Reading Program where students take tests on a computer and earn points toward prizes. Stories chosen by the teacher are also read to the class throughout the year.
SCIENCE
The fourth grade uses the Concordia Edition of Discovery Works, published by Silver Burdett Ginn, Inc. This text is divided into six units and multiple chapters. Study will include plants and animals, the solar system, matter and energy and force and motion. Students will develop study skills using vocabulary words and content material. Science is the study of God’s total creation, its wonder, its beauty, and its most intricate details.
CURSIVE WRITING
Fourth grade students will work toward improving the legibility of their cursive writing. Reviewing uppercase, lower case and joining letters will be practiced and applied in class.
SOCIAL STUDIES
In fourth grade, the student will be introduced to geography, history, cultures, and economy of the U.S.A. Each student will be involved in a program called Grid Iron Geography, which is based on the Minnesota Vikings and their opponent. History, culture, and other valuable information are taught in this class.
SPELLING
The fourth grade student will study words from their spelling workbook. They will be given instruction weekly on each unit. A pre-test and a final test will be given each week. Also, the top spellers in fourth grade have the opportunity to compete in the Lutheran Schools Spelling Bee held each spring.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In fourth grade lead-up games for basketball, volleyball, softball, etc. are learned. Physical fitness concepts are reviewed at this age and tested on. Low organized games are enjoyed in the fourth grade, such as floor hockey, dodge ball, kick ball and other fun games. Rules, teamwork and fair play are enforced during all activities.
ART
The fourth grade student will use a large variety of mediums such as markers, crayons, paints, paper, and chalk. At St. Paul’s we have a school wide Art Appreciation Program where a parent volunteer will come into the classroom once a month and follow a set curriculum. Art class will allow each student to discover their own creativity and to appreciate art in general.
MUSIC/CHOIR
In fourth grade each student will participate in Jubilate Choir, which is made up of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. This choir meets weekly and sings in church and other school related events. The students also have the opportunity to learn to play the recorder.
KEYBOARDING
Each week in class, fourth graders will learn keyboarding skills. Each student is provided with his or her own keyboard. These skills will set the foundation for basic keyboarding.
HEALTH
The fourth grade curriculum, Healthy and Wise includes topics on how the human body works, keeping fit, taking care of the body, and preventing disease. It is an Internet based program that is updated as to content each year. We have an extensive unit on the human heart and the circulatory system which culminates with a demonstration of the HiTECH Heart.
SPANISH
The fourth grade curriculm, Elemntary Spanish by Northern Arizona University, is designed to develop a functional use of Spanish for communicative purposes and to increase student knowledge of Hispanic cultures.
