What to Expect in 4th
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14
Classroom
Bible (Veritas): Our students study Bible events from the prophets, especially from Chronicles through Malachi, reading the entire book of Obadiah. Students memorize and frequently practice various Bible verses such as Psalm 119:9-16, and I Timothy 4:12, as well as the Apostles’ Creed.
History (Veritas): Our study of history begins with St. Jerome in the Middle Ages and continues through the Renaissance and Reformation.
Reading: Students read The Door in the Wall, The Apprentice, Medallion, and The Magic Bicycle. Teacher read-aloud books may include The Quest for the Silver Castle and The Castle in the Attic.
Language (Shurley Grammar): In language arts students learn dictation skills, practice spelling, review grammar rules through jingles, write, label and classify sentences, write paragraphs and correspondence letters.
Science (Delta): Fourth grade science students study weather and seasons. Students also explore the periodic table and atoms and molecules, rocks and minerals, and study the layers of the earth and earth's movements.
Math (Singapore): Students will focus on multiplication and division, including multi-digit multiplication, deepening of fractional understanding (including equivalent fractions), and addition and subtraction of fractions, as well as understanding of decimals. It also includes understanding of angles, area, and perimeter formulas and line symmetry. Students build further in that multiplication facts were memorized in third grade, not fourth. Also, there are a few multiplication problems that involve 2-digit by 3-digit problems. Addition and subtraction of fractions goes further than required and addition and subtraction of decimals is included in Math in Focus.
Enrichment
Technology: Students in kindergarten through sixth grades receive technology instruction once a week. Third through sixth grade students travel to the Mac lab for 40 minutes of instruction which is also designed to integrate with their subject area studies. All students receive developmentally appropriate keyboarding and basic computer skills as well as instruction in Internet safety, identifying trusted and reliable sites, and research skills. This enrichment class is a cooperative learning environment taught by our Technology Integration Specialist and assisted by the classroom teachers.
Music: Students study the instruments and music from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance period, and learn to play simple songs on the recorder (a popular instrument during the Renaissance period) using common music notation. Students are given a short introduction to the music of Bach. Two part harmony is introduced in singing.
Spanish (Viva el Espanol): Students practice Spanish in areas useful to their daily lives, and they learn the basics of conversational communication in various settings, such as a restaurant. They will continue to learn and recite Bible verses, books of the bible song and pledges in Spanish. Students use the foundational Spanish vocabulary that they have learned in complete Spanish sentences.
Art: Students study both Medieval art and the lives and artwork of DaVinci, Giotto, Michelangelo, and Van Eyck.
Physical Education: Students have P.E. every other day.
Library: Students visit the library weekly.
Special Events, etc.
Special events include both the Medieval Festival, where the food, dress and customs of the Middle Ages come to life in a banquet held at Hill Country Christian School, and the Christmas Celebration, remembering traditions that originated in the Middle Ages as well as in our families’ homes.
Our field studies enrich our existing curriculum and may include the Texas State Renaissance Festival, Austin Symphony Orchestra Youth Program, and The Harry Ransom Center at UT (Gutenberg Press Exhibit).
The students in fourth grade serve, encourage, and support the children living at the Texas Baptist Children’s Home through a service project.
Students enjoy playing outside during recess for 25 minutes daily.
