Grade School
Grade 4
Fourth graders are passing through the midst of the 9/10-year change. They still wish to revere, but their reverence must be justified. They become more self-confident as their perception of the world sharpens, but at the same time their experience of separation from their surroundings can be quite painful. The children begin to form their personality in response to their experience of the world, consciously choosing those qualities that will become part of their characters.
It is this ability to choose consciously that is strongly echoed in the Norse myths. The gods of Asgard are portrayed as individuals with distinct personalities; the 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 the children the twin values of courage and sacrifice. Thor faces seemingly insurmountable odds, yet through perseverance is at last triumphant; Odin, ruler of the gods, gives his eye to drink of Mimir’s well so that he may gain wisdom and spiritual vision to protect Asgard. As the children become more aware of the world, the challenges of life may seem overwhelming. The Norse stories give the children the strength to face these challenges. Stories with similar moods, such as the Kalevala, or the stories of the Maori people of New Zealand, may be used in addition to the Norse myths.
For the fourth grade child, the world, once exhibiting a magical wholeness, is breaking apart. This is the appropriate time for introducing fractions. In the block titled Human and Animal, the curriculum affords the children an opportunity to study the relationships that exist between the human and animal kingdoms.
Language Arts
- Writing, Reading, Spelling, Grammar
- Speech Formation/Dramatics
- Business English/Letter Writing
Mathematics
- All Four Processes
- Geometric Movement
- Fractions
Natural Sciences
- Zoology
Earth Sciences
- Local Geography
Social Sciences
- Norse Mythology
- Local History
Foreign Languages
- German
- Spanish
Fine Arts
- Painting, Drawing, Modeling
Handwork
- Embroidery
Music
- Recorder, Singing
Eurythmy Physical Education
- Games
- Sports