Curriculum
The fourth grade year provides age-appropriate experiences to help students develop a positive self-concept spiritually, mentally, and physically. Emphasis is also placed on cooperative learning as students work with others in their own class and with students in other grade levels. Fourth grade students are also becoming more independent learners as they develop their skills in organization and self-discipline. The responsive classroom encourages them to take responsibility for themselves and to help others.
Religion
At Trinity Academy, we incorporate the Christian life-style into all areas of the curriculum. To help students further their understanding about our Father as well as how we should live our lives, students participate in a Religion curriculum developed by Concordia Publishing House (CHP). The year begins with the history of the Old Testament through creation and the patriarchs. Students continue through the New Testament exploring the life of Paul, the beginning of the church, and Jesus’ life through his ministry and resurrection. Students are encouraged to develop their relationship with Christ, and to apply Biblical principles to their daily lives inside and outside the classroom.
Language Arts
Reading
Fourth grade students are developing and improving many reading skills and are exposed to a variety of both fiction and nonfiction books. Students practice specific reading skills through a short story from the Macmillan/ McGraw-Hill curriculum. Over a longer period, they also participate in literature circles as they read novels with a small group and interact with the literature through oral and written responses. These literature circles allow students to put the skills they have learned into practice.
Writing
Students engage in writing in various ways. Writer’s workshop is a portion of the morning devoted to developing writing skills. As students engage in the writing process through expository, persuasive, and narrative writing, they develop the skills they have learned in the grammar component of language arts. Each piece of writing provides the opportunity to plan, draft, edit, revise, and publish their work.
Writing and reading are combined as students respond to different texts read in the classroom. Some of these responses include the writing process, book reports, and keeping a journal.
Spelling
The fourth grade spelling words are taken from the reading text as well as content in other subjects. Words are grouped together based on spelling rules such as long or short vowel sounds. Students will see these words used in context throughout the week and will learn how to use them in their own reading and writing responses.
Handwriting
Fourth grade students practice correct letter formation, and are improving on writing legibly in cursive. Letter size, slant, spacing, and alignment are important elements of writing that are practiced.
Science
The science curriculum takes students through six areas of exploration: the human body, trees, the earth’s land resources, animals, weather and climate, and light energy. Principles learned through these units are discovered through hands-on experiments, critical thinking, and teacher assigned projects. Through science, students are able to discover more of God’s creation, and to connect their scientific knowledge to God’s word. We use a variety of resources in science such as Harcourt, Concordia, and Foss Kits for hands-on experiences.
Math
Students’ mathematical skills are being learned and refined through the Macmillan McGraw-Hill curriculum in fourth grade. The year begins with a review in place value and working with money. Students build on their knowledge through improving their addition and subtraction skills, multiplying and dividing with two digits, graphing, working with decimals, practicing fractions and probability, and learning measurements. Geometry is introduced by the end of the year, and elements of algebra are found woven throughout the curriculum. Students learn these concepts through exploration, teacher-guided instruction, and hands-on activities using math manipulatives.
Social Studies
The Gibbs-Smith Wisconsin Journey fourth grade curriculum allows students to learn about Wisconsin’s rich history and how the state was created. Through a variety of activities, worksheets, and projects, skills are developed such as interpreting and using maps. A field trip to the Sunnyview One-Room Schoolhouse and Log Home brings their journey into history alive. |
