Fourth Grade Curriculum

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  

Matthew 6:33

Bible

Students in fourth grade extend their studies in Bible to focus on these doctrines: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, salvation, heaven, angels, hell, and final events. They further learn how to use Bible study tools - concordance, Bible maps and atlases, and timelines. There is also a strong emphasis on Bible memory and practical application. The Bible curriculum used is from Association of Christian Schools International .

Reading

Reading comprehension skills (literal, interpretive, creative, and critical) will be taught through the study of three novels: Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Old Yeller . Vocabulary building will also be emphasized through the use of these novels. To extend the strong foundation in basic reading skills, fourth graders will also read from a basal reader. Book reports with combined activity projects are assigned throughout the year to encourage fourth graders to expand their love for a wide variety of books. Genres of books explored include biographies, award winning books, animal, missionary, humorous, and historical fiction. The reading curriculum used is from Bob Jones University Press .

Language

Fourth graders will review all of the eight parts of speech for correct usage, punctuation and capitalization rules, and letter writing. With the goal of efficient paragraph writing (narrative, expository, time-ordered, creative, persuasive, journal), students will have constant practice in correct sentence structure. The Shurley Method of English and curriculum from A Beka are used.

Spelling

The spelling program for fourth graders focuses on vocabulary. Students learn to use words correctly in spoken and written language and learn spelling rules that will enable them to spell more words. They spell and use the words looking at context and correct forms of the root. The spelling curriculum is from Worldly Wise.

Math

Students will begin with a review of the four basic operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - for speed and accuracy. They extend their knowledge by learning multi-digit multiplication and long division. Other units of study are fractions and decimals, measurement, time and money. Readiness in algebra and geometry is emphasized as well as problem solving and mental math. The math curriculum used is from A Beka .

Science

Life science, earth science, and physical science are seen through a
Biblical worldview in the fourth grade curriculum. Units of study include
energy, sound, insects, plants, weather and health. The science curriculum used is from A Beka.

Social Studies

Fourth graders will learn the fifty states and capitals, learn map skills, and the regions of the United States. Then they will begin a study of American history from the early people of the Western Hemisphere through the American Revolution. They will also focus on a unit of Texas history. The social studies curriculum is from McGraw-Hill and other resources.