Fourth Grade

Continuing the developmental changes that begin in third grade, the fourth grader may feel, in a basic way, at odds with the world. In the fourth grade, this inner experience is addressed through the hearing and reading of stories about heroes in Norse, African, and other mythologies. The hero emerges as someone to look up to, emulate, laugh at and respect. The human qualities, the emotions, the struggles, and the confrontations are emphasized.

In handwork, cross-stitch is introduced, allowing the child to experience a beautiful wholeness that results from many little crossings. The theme of separateness is further reflected in the mathematics curriculum with the study of fractions. Fourth graders also begin to look at our local geography, studying our immediate surroundings and natural resources, and more broadly, the state of Michigan. Map making is introduced. Through these activities children experience the separation from nature that marks the developing intellect.