4th Grade Curriculum
Reading
The school year begins with the complete long vowel chart as taught in third grade. Reading is taught in small groups, placing students of similar reading abilities together. These groups remain fluid throughout the year. Dictionary skills and vocabulary are taught along with the Reading Workbook, which focuses strongly on comprehension. All fourth graders read the following: Dr. Dolittle, Swiss Family Robinson, and Bambi.
Language
Grammar
Verb conjugation
Dictionary marks
Vocabulary
Proper punctuation
Vowel controls
Parts of speech
Proper pronunciation
Spelling
The purpose of the Carden™ spelling method is to teach children to listen to a word, break it down into its individual sounds, and construct the word sound by sound. The vowel chart assists them in sounding out new words. They are taught vowel controls and rules which govern the pronunciation and spelling of words.
There are two spelling lessons per week. On Monday and Wednesday, new words are introduced through a story. On Tuesday and Thursday, spelling paragraphs are dictated. These paragraphs are analyzed and learned for homework. Students write questions about the sentences answering who, doing, what , when, where and why. The sentences are analyzed for content, grammar, and vocabulary development. Students locate the keywords and titles for each sentence. The students also work in the Spelling Workbook.
Writing
Students develop their writing skills through the use of Carden™ Composition patterns, which teach proper sequence and help organize the students’ thoughts.
Book Reports
The children are responsible for 12 book reports based on books approved by the teacher and of at least 100 pages in length.
French
Counting, colors, songs, rhymes, phrases, vocabulary, and basic communication.
Mathematics
Addition and subtraction
Multiplication tables through 13 (each table passed 3 times)
Long division using two and three-digit divisors
Fractions with like and unlike denominators
Measurement
Basic geometry skills
Story problems and patterns
Science
Life Science: Plant structure and function; Animal strucure and function; energy in ecosystems; Surviving in the environment
Physical Science: Measuring matter, Force and motion; Electricity and magnetism; Light and sound
Earth Science: Measuring weather; earth's features; Solar system
Human Body: Digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems; Nutrition
Social Studies
California history is taught along with map skills. The children memorize and identify major cities, mountains, lakes, and rivers. The children study the United States by regions, locating the 50 states and drawing in their boundaries. Native Americans are studied in the Comprehension Techniques Workbook.
Art and Art Appreciation
Art appreciation includes the work of the masters. Art involves drawing, painting, crafts, and special projects.
Music
Singing and rhythmic movements
Theory: notes, lines and spaces
Appreciation of classical music
Two sessions per week with music teacher
Participation in two performances each year
Physical Education
Students participate in a structured PE class for 45 minutes everyday with activities, games, and exercises. The students strive for the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge. In addition, there is a 15-minute morning recess.
Computer
The students attend computer class once a week and work on the Future Kids program, learning keyboarding, research, and presentation skills.
Special Projects
A Thanksgiving Feast project includes a menu, multiplication skills, and creativity.
California missions study including a written report and creation of a miniature mission.
A color and material project in which students identify and label different materials and colors from their literature books.
