Fourth Grade Course of Study
Grammar
The Shurley English program is a sequentially oriented curriculum that incorporates the use of rhythm, repetition, and student-teacher interaction. Lessons focus on the eight parts of speech, the four types of sentences, including helping verbs, subject/verb agreement, and verb tenses. Additionally, students connect English usage to writing and spelling.
Spelling
Spelling in the fourth grade concentrates on learning to spell words by using reliable patterns and rules of the English language. Scientific Spelling teaches the students to analyze words and group them for ease in learning.
Writing
Through the Shurley English curriculum, students develop writing skills which are stepping stones for creativity and original ideas. A variety of techniques are used to develop these skills and produce a high level of confidence in writing.
Reading
Examples of literature read in fourth grade include: A Door in the Wall, The Horse and His Boy, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Farmer Boy, From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Magic Tree house Research Guide: Leonardo Da Vinci, and Magic Tree House Research Guide: Knights & Castles.
Mathematics
The enVision Math curriculum allows students to use visual learning strategies to deepen conceptual understanding, bar graphs to become better problem solvers, and daily data-driven differentiated instruction to ensure success for every student. Topics covered include numeration, place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, patterns, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and personal financial literacy.
Science
In the Structures of Life Module of the Foss curriculum, students investigate the human skeleton along with joints and tissues and how they work together to provide movement, protection, and structure. Students also observe and compare properties of seeds and fruits, investigate the effect of water on seeds, and plant bean seedlings and observe them throughout their life cycle.
In the Energy Module of the Foss curriculum students explore permanent magnetism, electric circuits (series and parallel), and electromagnetism through free exploration and systematic investigations. They observe and compare electric and magnetic phenomena, and organize their observations on a graph.
History
Using the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation and Early Explorers (Veritas Press) and The Story of the World, Book 2 (Peace Hill Press) curriculums, students learn about life in Europe and the known world from the time of the Vikings around 400 A.D. until Raleigh settled in Roanoke in 1587. Teaching strategies include picture flashcards of events/people (with famous artists’ paintings on the front and a synopsis on the back), group work, and projects. Students can see God’s providence, judgment, and provision for his people on a daily basis.
Bible
The Building Life Castles (Positive Action for Christ) curriculum includes lessons on the life of Christ from the Gospels; a study of the Holy Spirit from the Gospels, Acts and the Epistles; and understanding of how Christian character develops using Paul’s epistles and the life of Paul from the Book of Acts.
Field Trips
Field Trips for the fourth grade include: Sam Houston Museum’s Work & Play on the Farm, Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Children’s Concert, and Newman’s Castle.
Computer
During once a week 30-minute sessions, students will continue keyboarding lessons through Typing Club. Students will gain knowledge in word processing projects as they create documents, presentations and graphs in Microsoft Word and Powerpoint. Using Dash, Sphero Bolt and Indi Robots, our students will be introduced to coding and robotics. All students will learn Digital Citizenship throughout the year and practice applying Christian principles and a Biblical worldview in the digital world.
Art
The goal of Visual Arts in the fourth grade art curriculum is to develop the knowledge of God’s character in creation through the visual arts. Furthermore, a goal to instill a love for art history through the study of the individual lives and works of master artists is explored. The purpose is to expand the students’ knowledge of God’s elements of design and techniques of production. Elements of design include Line, Shape, Color, Value, Form, Texture, and Space. Throughout the year each student will have opportunities to create a variety of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art pieces.
Music
Students begin to put their musical knowledge and skills into practice, studying recorders as a method for learning music theory and literacy while developing physical and mental coordination. Their participation in this learning experience is a prelude to involvement in either choir or band in fifth grade. Fourth grade students will sing in several programs throughout the year which include the Christmas play, Grandparents Day, In His Steps, and weekly in Chapel. The students are also involved in the drama part of the annual Christmas Musical.
Library
Students will be introduced to many different authors and illustrators through a variety of literary genres. Students will develop research skills using reference material and computers. Activities include Author visits, guest readers, reading competitions and a variety of school wide reading events. Students attend library once a week for 30 minutes.
P.E.
Students will explore motor skills and movement patterns using an integrated curriculum. They will learn responsible personal and social behavior in a variety of physical activity settings. They will be provided frequent and diverse opportunities to engage in physical activities necessary to support a healthy mind and body. Students attend P.E. four times a week for 30 minutes each class. At least one day per week will be dedicated to our "Eagle Running Program," a self-paced activity specifically focused on improving cardiovascular fitness.
Chapel
Grammar School students enjoy Chapel once a week in two sessions: PreK through second grades and third through sixth grades. In order to study and apply meaning, the yearly school-wide Scripture is divided into sections for each month. In Chapel, Grammar School worships in song, Scripture, and prayer, followed by a special speaker who teaches the specific passage in a developmentally appropriate way. Our speakers include local pastors, children’s ministers, youth leaders, Christian camp directors, parents, and BCS teachers, staff, and administrators. All would agree that Chapel is the favorite time of the week!
Recess
Students have the opportunity to learn socialization skills through play and free activities outdoors. Lunch recess occurs after students are dismissed after eating and generally is 10-15 minutes per day. In addition, students enjoy a 20-30 minute recess daily.