Exploring the world around them...learning to really see, the foundation of perception.

Fourth Grade

Fourth grade students are still in the midst of what we call "the nine-year-old change." They may wish to revere, but their reverence must be justified. They become more self-confident as their perception of the world sharpens. At the same time, however, their experience of separation from their surroundings can be quite difficult. Children begin to form their own personality in response to their experience of the world, consciously choosing those qualities that will make up their own character.

It is this faculty of conscious choice that the Norse myths strongly echo for fourth grade children. The gods of Asgard are portrayed as individuals with distinct personalities. Children learn from Loki the consequences of amoral cleverness and receive a contrasting image from the story of Siguna’s compassion and faithfulness. The Norse tales convey to children the twin values of courage and sacrifice. Thor faces seemingly insurmountable odds, but through perseverance is finally triumphant. Odin, ruler of the gods, gives his eye to drink of Mimir’s well so that he may gain the wisdom and spiritual vision to protect Asgard. As children become more aware of the world, the many challenges of life may at times seem overwhelming. These Norse stories help give them strength to face these challenges.

Fourth grade students continue their exploration of the world around them through the study of local geography. They learn how to find the four points of the compass, study and make maps of their classroom, the school, the neighborhood, the Champlain Valley, and the state of Vermont.

In a main lesson block titled “Human and Animal,” the fourth grade curriculum affords an opportunity to study the relationships that exist between the human being and the animal kingdom. Here both strength and comfort is offered by contrasting the one-sidedness of various animals with the well-roundedness that is human. The figure of the human form itself is examined: the hands, free to labor and create; the organ of speech, with which the human being can communicate information and express beautiful thoughts; and an erect posture that permits him or her to wrest the head free of the forces of gravity and to think thoughts that reach for the stars!

Through detailed study of the forms and habitats of animals (beavers, bats, lions, foxes, etc.) through poetry, clay modeling, and play-acting, children begin to develop a feeling for the fascinating assortment of skills and qualities that the animals possess. At the same time, they begin to see the unique and responsible position they hold as human beings upon the earth.

The world, once exhibiting a magical wholeness, is breaking up for fourth grade students. This is the proper time to introduce fractions. By cutting up apples and creating parts of a whole, children are given a visual experience of fractions before forming mental concepts. They learn to add, subtract, multiply, reduce and expand fractions, and change improper fractions into mixed numbers.

In music classes, they learn time values, harmony, the major and minor 3rd, rounds and canons. Their work in foreign languages now includes beginning grammar, written work and simple reading; each student creates his or her own town, “mon village.” Art and handwork entail geometric and form drawing, watercolor painting, embroidery, and clay modeling. Games involving running, jumping and throwing, as well as eurythmy, are part of the physical curriculum.