Fourth graders are passing through the midst of the nine-year change.  They still wish to look up to adults, but their reverence must be justified.  They become more self-confident as their perception of the world sharpens, but their experience of separation from their surroundings can nevertheless be quite painful. Students begin to form their personalities in response to their experiences of the world, consciously choosing those qualities that will become parts of their characters.  As students become more aware of the world, the challenges of life can seem overwhelming.  A focus on the Norse myths gives students the strength to face these challenges.  In reading students continue to develop their vocabulary and comprehension, and in grammar they continue working with parts of speech and punctuation. Fourth graders also begin to study local geography and history, and in math they study fractions. Zoology is the formal science block in the curriculum.  Students learn about the animal world and its relationship to human beings.

Main Lessons:

Local geography and history, fractions, language arts, grammar and comprehension, zoology

Special Subjects:

String orchestral instrument, woodworking, sculpture, Eurythmy, recorder, physical education, choral music, handwork, drawing, painting, modeling, drama, Spanish language including Grammar