4rd Grade

9 years – 10 years old

(This program is for children older than 9 years and younger than 10 years in June.)

Our Fourth Grade Core Curriculum includes local geography, history, cartography (the science of map drawing), introduction to fractions and decimals, study of the animal kingdom, letter writing and composition skills. In the Fourth Grade, we introduce the technique of compare and contrast through Norse mythology and other multicultural stories. These stories enrich the student’s knowledge of diverse personalities, tremendous challenges and defeat. These personalities instill archetypal values and deeds for the greater good of humanity despite the possibility of tragic consequences.

A fourth grader enters into relationship with their peers in the art of discovery and investigation in human dynamics – cliques and pods of groups begin to form in friendship. The student seeks to differentiate their individuality or create inclusiveness, deploying compare and contrast skills. The student has a new sense of certainty and willingness to test the limits of boundaries and authority. At this age, the student develops a stronger sense of fairness.

Language Arts

The student’s knowledge of composition is strengthened through learning the past, present, and future verb tenses. Students are taught the structure of paragraph development — a topic sentence, supporting examples or statements, and a concluding sentence. The building skills using descriptive language, both oral and written. The students practice their journal writing as a free form of personal expression and documenting. The student learns how to research topics and develop context to support their choice of descriptive writing.

Science

The student learns the comparative study of human beings in relation to the animal world. Animal studies include modeling, drawing, and written work. Local geography is integrated through the study of habitats and dwellings of the animal kingdom. Zoology lessons are supported by practical animal care.

Mathematics

Basic arithmetic continues and expands to the study of proper and improper fractions, mixed numbers, and decimal fractions in all four operations, with an emphasis placed on multi-sensory, hands-on activities and a variety of objections (manipulatives).

Music

In the fourth grade, string instruments are introduced and the class becomes their own orchestra. The student chooses a violin, viola, or cello. Students may supplement the class with private lessons.

Summer Camp

Sign up for summer fun at Hummingbirds’ Collaborative School as we celebrate our sunny days with outdoor water play, hikes in nature, craft-making, and cooking together. We offer movement games and songs, daily storytelling and puppet shows, and picnic lunches in the shade of our leafy trees.