4th Grade Curriculum Overview
Learning God’s Word
Students explore Bible lessons on God’s love and faithfulness and the life and ministry of Jesus. This includes:
- Old Testament: Israel in the Promised Land, God’s faithfulness to His people
- New Testament: Jesus’s ministry, teachings, miracles, and empowering of disciples
- Memory Work: Includes the Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, Psalms 23 & 100, Old and New Testament books, and selected Bible verses
Spelling & Vocabulary
We focus on real-world vocabulary and spelling connections:
- Key Skills: Spelling strategies, word patterns, context clues, synonyms/antonyms, dictionary use
- Activities: Proofreading, analogies, categorization, connecting spelling and meaning
English
Building on reading, writing, and comprehension skills through structured practice and creative projects:
- Grammar and Mechanics: Capitalization, punctuation, spelling
- Creative Writing Projects: Includes composition and vocabulary building
- Thinking Skills: Using strategies for understanding and organizing information
Language Arts
Integrated language arts program with literature and reading comprehension focus:
- Key Components: Vocabulary, study skills, phonics, and a book report project
- Phonics and Strategies: Reviewing patterns and developing reading confidence
Math
4th-grade math builds from earlier concepts, covering:
- Numbers & Operations: Place value (up to millions), rounding, addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, fractions, and decimals
- Equations: Working with variables, equations with two variables
- Geometry & Measurement: Measurement, temperature, and negative numbers
Social Studies: California History
Focused on California’s rich history and development:
- Geography: Understanding California’s land and resources
- Key Topics: Indigenous people, newcomers’ impact, state growth, economics, culture, and social systems
Science
Hands-on experiments in life, physical, and earth sciences, plus the human body:
- Life Science: Ecosystems, plant/animal structures, adaptation
- Physical Science: Matter, forces, electricity, magnetism, light, and sound
- Earth Science: Weather, Earth’s surface, oceans, solar system
- Human Body: Digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems; health habits
Physical Education
PE emphasizes sportsmanship, cooperation, and leadership skills. Sports and activities include:
- Sports: Soccer, volleyball, kickball, softball, dodgeball, running
- Skills: Agility, teamwork, balance, self-discipline
Technology
Hands-on projects and computer skills with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint:
- Typing Practice: Each student has a TypingWeb account for typing skills
Project Examples:
- Techno Report: Research and write a two-page report on an endangered species
- Techno Hero: Create a PowerPoint profile of a personal hero with a biography, timeline, and table layout
- Internet Safety: Learning online research and safe browsing skills
Music
Using the Orff-Schulwerk method, students develop rhythm, music theory, and recorder skills through movement and creativity. This program values expression and imagination over performance.
Art
TK – 8th Students attend art class with Ms. Hailey once a week:
Throughout the year, students will work with a wide range of materials, tools, and mediums. They will explore the elements of art and principles of design to create art pieces inspired by significant art movements throughout history. This approach aims to ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love of art.
Field Trips
Planned field trips deepen students’ understanding of California history and science topics:
- Typical Trips: Cabrillo Marine Museum, Banning Museum, Rancho Los Cerritos, San Juan Capistrano Mission by Amtrak
This curriculum nurtures both academic growth and spiritual development, inspiring each student to reach their full potential in a Christian environment.