Fourth Grade
Where Independence Deepens Into Understanding
In fourth grade, children step into a new level of emotional awareness and independence. They begin to see themselves more clearly as individuals, and their thinking shifts toward greater objectivity and reasoning. Our curriculum meets this stage of development with rich stories and studies that nurture both heart and mind.
Through the strength and complexity of Norse myths, students explore themes of courage, choice, and free will. By weaving together history and geography, they also discover how people and places are connected across time and culture. These experiences help children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the wider world.
Fourth Grade Curriculum
Core Academic Subjects
Your fourth grader will learn:
- Language Arts: grammar, punctuation, the nine parts of speech, the four sentence structures and composition, independent reading, discussion, speech and drama
- Literature: Norse myths and Native American tales
- Mathematics: long division and fractions, including adding, subtracting, multiplying and reducing mixed numbers and prime numbers.
- Science: Zoology
- Geography: Cartography
- History: Minnesota history
Specialty Subjects
Subject classes are an important aspect of Waldorf education in grades 1-8, as they contribute significantly to a child’s growth and development. Fourth Grade Subject classes include:
- Art: Watercolor and acrylic painting, geometric and form drawing and clay modeling
- Handwork: Cross stitch embroidery
- Physical Education: Gymnastics, double dutch, hula hoops, dribbling balls, clapping, chase games and creating original games, folk dances
- Spanish: Formal grammar, gender, irregular verbs and personal pronouns, spelling practice, poems, tongue twisters and songs
- String Ensemble: Nurturing homophony (one voice) in numerous ways, developing reading skills both at the instrument and away from the instrument; this is further nurtured by student participation in the compositional process
- Woodwork: Curriculum description coming soon
Outdoor Experiences
Fourth grade students enjoy trips and outdoor experiences related to local and state Geography as well as Zoology study, including a 2-3 night camping trip.
Festivals and Events
Our students enjoy a lively calendar of festivals and events throughout the school year that celebrate the rhythm of the seasons, honor one another’s cultures and traditions, and strengthen our community.
Learn More
Fractions: Parts of a Whole
One of the main topics in mathematics for the fourth grade is fractions. Students explore fractions through a wide variety of experiential and imaginative lessons–including dividing and sharing a pan of brownies! Learn how one teacher designed her lessons around community-building on our blog.
Year-by-Year Curriculum
Every aspect of our curriculum is carefully designed to match your child’s stages of development. Browse through our year-by-year curriculum to see how we evolve to meet the needs of your child over time.
Sample Daily Schedule
- Main Lesson
- Snack & Recess
- Woodwork
- Math
- Lunch & Recess
- Language Arts
- Spanish
- Closing
Meet Our Staff
Jeremy Anderson
Woodworking Teacher
Neela Bettaglio
Educational Support Teacher
Maya Dunn
Movement and Games Teacher
Allison Gerrick
Fourth Grade Teacher
Liz Kelley
Handwork Teacher
Rebecca Merblum
Ensemble Teacher
Cyntia Wolburg
Spanish Teacher (Grades 1-5)
