fourth grade

Scofield Christian School exists to "provide children with an academically excellent education that is well-balanced, comprehensive, and integrated with Biblical truths and principles within a nurturing, Christ-centered environment." In keeping with the school's mission, the fourth grade curriculum includes a well-balanced and comprehensive program of both textbooks and hands-on learning activities integrated with Biblical truths and principles. Literature, writing, and special projects are incorporated into every subject area. Content in various subject areas is integrated and coordinated for optimal learning experiences. Highlights of the fourth grade program and curriculum follow:

BIBLE - In Bible fourth graders follow Randy "Sherlock" Holmes and his faithful companion "Woofson" through the Scriptures to study major Bible Doctrines. Students use Bible concordances, dictionaries, atlases and other tools to study the doctrines of God, His Word, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Salvation, and Heaven/Hell. Students are challenged to make application of the great doctrines of the faith. For example, fourth graders not only learn that God is omniscient, but they are also involved in applying the truth that God knows all about them through discussions and real-life activities. A strong Bible memory schedule with missionary studies is also included in fourth grade Bible. Fourth graders utilize the ACSI Bible Curriculum.

LANGUAGE ARTS - Fourth grade language arts focus on six areas: reading, language, writing, speaking, listening, and spelling. Three novel studies, classical short stories from the different genres of literature, and other reading activities allow for variety in fourth grade reading. Students are challenged as they read together such classics as The Cricket in Time Square and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Context clues, main idea, details, sequencing, drawing conclusions, vocabulary development, and following directions are the comprehension skills most emphasized in fourth grade reading. In language, students have constant practice in identifying the eight parts of speech and in writing paragraphs with three supporting sentences and two details. Correct punctuation and spelling is stressed through the writing process and a variety of formal and informal assignments such as writing letters, poetry, stories, and reports. Open Court Reading Curriculum, Scott Foresman Spelling Curriculum, A Beka Language Curriculum, D'Nealian Handwriting Curriculum, and other quality literature are used as the major resources.

MATH - Fourth grade math includes six areas of study: whole numbers, time and money, measurement, geometry, fractions, and problem solving. Working with place value to the millions, combining two-digit and three-digit numbers to multiply, practicing long division, figuring with decimals and fractions, and solving problems are the areas most emphasized in fourth grade math. Students practice drills in multiplication and division facts and review addition and subtraction facts. A daily review of fourth grade math skills allows students another opportunity to internalize essential concepts. The Harcourt Math Curriculum and Mountain Math are used.

SCIENCE - In the fourth grade, students focus on four major areas: life science, earth science, physical sciences, and health. Each unit of study includes vocabulary, scientific concepts and hands-on activities. Experimenting with static electricity and learning more about plant life challenges fourth graders to explore God's creation. An annual field trip to The Science Place enriches the students' understanding of simple machines and introduces them to basic principles of chemistry. While investigating oceans, student learning is enhanced through drawing large ocean murals, making models of the ocean floor out of salt dough, and reading excerpts from quality literature, such as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. "The Earth's Makeup" and "Movement in the Solar System" are important units fourth graders will cover during the year. Daily instruction includes using the Scott Foresman Science Curriculum and Windows on Science.

HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY - Fourth grade history includes a thorough study of U.S. and Texas History. As students study important historical documents, such as the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, they review God's providence in the founding of America. They memorize the 50 states, capitals, and the Preamble to the Constitution, as well as learn map skills, study the election process and create a U.S. history time-line. Fourth graders also complete an individual book report on a famous American of their choice and read historical fiction together as a class. Colonial life in the United States comes alive on "Colonial Day" as fourth graders reenact the time period by dressing in colonial attire, making candles, and quilting. The study of Texas history culminates with "Texas Round-Up Day" where fourth graders dress western style, compete in a game of Texas Trivia, eat foods native to the state, and take a field trip to a Texas landmark, such as The Ballpark in Arlington. To enhance the study of Texas History, fourth graders are involved in numerous writing projects while reading the historical classic, Johnny Texas. The A Beka Curriculum (History of Our United States) is used.

ENRICHMENT "SPECIALS" - Every day fourth graders also enjoy participating in special classes that provide extra enrichment. Weekly "specials" include music, library, computer, art and Spanish. Physical education classes are scheduled every day. Fourth grade takes an art field trip to the Biblical Arts Museum. In P.E. students enjoy a tennis field trip where they practice and learn strategies for playing.