fourth Grade Curriculum

The fourth grade child is entering the first intermediate grade and is becoming a more independent learner. Fourth grade students have already acquired many basic skills in all areas of the curriculum. They are now ready to apply adopted grade level standards in each subject area as their educational experience continues to develop. At City Tree Christian School, our goal is to meet the developmental, academic, social, and spiritual needs of our students. Below you will find a summary of the main fourth grade curriculum materials we use as well as special classroom and school-wide activities which enhance our students' learning experiences.

Language Arts: 

• Novel-Ties Reading Program - Teacher selected literature with related vocabulary, comprehension, and writing activities
• ABeka Spelling and Language Programs
• Daily Oral Language Program (Houghton Mifflin)
• Writing (journals, literature responses, creative writing, book reports using various genres, sharing reports, reports tied to social studies and science)
• Oral presentations of related subject material
• Weekly visits to the School Library
• Association of Christian Schools International's Spelling Bee
• Association of Christian Schools International's Speech Meet (biannually)

Math:

• Excel Math Program
• Hands on activities using math manipulatives and math games
• Association of Christian Schools International's Math Olympics (biannually)

Science:

• Foss Science Kits: Inquiry-based collaborative learning program
• Christian Schools International Science program
• Human Growth and Development Materials
• Subject related field trips
• School-wide Science Fair – using the scientific method, students submit their own individual projects

Social Studies:

• McMillan/McGraw-Hill Social Studies Program- "Our Golden State"
• 4th grade Sacramento Trip - field trip to the state capital
• Subject related field trips: Old Town Tour and Mission San Diego de Alcala
• School-wide Multicultural Fair - each classroom does an in-depth study of a particular culture and then opens their doors to share their knowledge with others

Christian Education:

• Association of Christian Schools International Program "Christ and His Word"
• Chapel - each Friday 10:35-11:10am
• Memory Verse Program – an optional program where students memorize verses related to chapel lessons
• Bible reading, prayer, and devotions daily

Physical Education:

• SPARK Program (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) – a physical education program
• Presidential Fitness Program and testing
• Climbing Wall activities
• Physical Education in the  park – a weekly trip for special activities

Technology:

• Students visit the computer lab four days a week
• Skills taught include: keyboarding, word processing, Internet research, and web quests
• Skills practiced include: language arts and math

Art:

• Elements of art emphasis: Form
• Art projects using various mediums
• Field trip to the San Diego Museum of Art

Spanish:           

• Specialist meets with students two days a week
• Basic vocabulary, building on previous years experience (food, sports, body parts, weather, occupations, etc.)
• Conversation practice
• Spanish songs
• Hispanic culture

Music:             

• Specialist meets with students two days a week
• Singing
• Movement (emphasis on creative movement to music)
• Orff instruments
• Multicultural instruments and songs
• Music appreciation (composers, classics, and instruments)
• Basic music theory and note reading
• School-wide Christmas and Spring Programs

School Sponsored Extra Curricular Activities:

• Choir, practice two days a week after school
• School newspaper, meets once a week
• Student Council
• Athletics (Basketball & Cheerleading)
• Book-of-the-Month Club