Colquitt Christian Academy 4th Grade

Fourth Grade Curriculum Guide
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‍Bible
‍Theme/Master Question:
Chronicles through Malachi, Job

Description:
This class is a graded course and is intended to build the students’ love of scripture and knowledge of the historical events and context of the books of Chronicles through Malachi, including Job. Emphasis is placed on practical application through teacher-led devotions and memorization of key passages aimed at building character and godliness.

This is done through:
• research work by small groups and individuals on specific projects.integration with art, geography, history, and music
• building models, making drawings, writing stories, playing games, and making collections and displays
• dedicated memory work time during “memory period”
• studying, drilling, and reviewing flashcards
• teacher-led devotionals.

‍Grammar/Composition
‍Theme/Master Question:
How can good grammar lead to good thinking?

Description:
This course continues the grammar school study of formal English grammar as well as the fundamentals of composition. Students master parts of speech and apply their knowledge of words to form strong written and oral compositions. This study lays essential groundwork for future lessons in logic and rhetoric and is a key part of the overall curriculum. (See also Spelling / Penmanship.)This is done through:primarily large-group instruction using Shurley grammar question and answer flow; review of all basic grammar instruction through repeated chants, jingles, and applications; individual instruction and editing; imitation of well-written works to teach writing skills; integration with other subjects in writing / oral presentations; frequent creative writing exercises involving the elements of a story, connected with literature/reading peer editing and student presentations on composition work; keeping a commonplace journal from 1st to 4th grades incorporating quotes; connection with the class theme of Four Loves as appropriate.

‍Spelling/Penmanship
‍Theme/Master Question:
How does well-ordered spelling and writing help to order our thoughts?

Description:
This course continues the grammar school study of spelling and handwriting. Students continue to refine their handwriting, especially cursive, in their second year of study. This study lays essential groundwork for future lessons in logic and rhetoric and is a key part of the overall curriculum.This is done through:review of all basic grammar instruction through repeated chants, jingles, and applications;individual instruction and editing;class spelling bees;using imitation of well-written works to teach writing skills;integration with other subjects in writing / oral presentations;frequent creative writing exercises involving the elements of story, connected with literature / reading;dedicated memory work time during “memory period”;peer editing and student presentations on composition work, and cursive writing practice.

‍Literature/Reading
‍Theme/Master Question:
How do the stories of ages past relate to us today?

Description:
The aim of this course is to help students demonstrate adequately improve in their reading skills, their understanding of literature, and their application of literary skills. Fourth-grade literature focuses on primarily historical fiction, fantasy, and adventure-themed pieces tying in with the study of the Middle Ages.

This is done through:
• small reading groups where students read orally, listen, and follow along with other students
• individual oral reading to the teacher, teacher’s aide, or parent volunteer

Math
Theme/Master

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‍History/Geography
‍Theme Question:
Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation

Description:
This course continues the grammar school study of history, focusing primarily on Europe during the Middle Ages. Students focus on the key figures and events of the time period and celebrate with a Medieval Festival in the spring.

This is done through
• primarily reading and discussion-oriented classes, based on individual or in-class readings as well as lectures;

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‍Science
Debates, recitations, reading, or history card worksheets, and student presentations;viewing and discussing pertinent works of art, literature, music, and poetry;class begins each day with a brief activity, questions to consider, or written response designed to focus the class discussion and prepare students for the lesson;research work by small groups and individuals on specific projects;field trips to related sites and museum exhibits;building models, making drawings, writing stories, playing games, and making collections and displays.
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Theme/Master Question:
The Four Loves: How are God’s invisible attributes seen in the properties of matter and energy?

Description:
This course is the first of three courses in which students explore creation through the major fields of science—physics (4th grade), chemistry (5th grade), and biology (6th grade). Students practice carefully observing and describing God’s creation through the study of energy; forces and motion; simple machines; waves, sound, color, and light; space and the solar system; electricity and magnetism; and the lives of important scientists. As students see how God’s “invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature” are displayed through creation, the ultimate goal of the course is that our students know and worship God more fully.This is done through:conducting experiments to raise or answer questions, discussing readings, and lecturing.applying to students’ experiences concepts learned.creation of a science journal, including drawings, reading notes, and lab notes.experiments, averaging 4 per quarter.class begins each day with a brief activity, questions to consider, or written response designed to focus the class discussion and prepare students for the lesson.integration with and application of other subjects when possible. Students should practice handwriting, narration, fine observation, drawing, coloring, and descriptions as they create their science journals.teachers create one point of integration with their history time period each quarter.

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