Grade four

K • grade 1 • grade 2 • grade 3 • grade 4 • grade 5 • grade 6 • grade 7 • grade 8 • high school

Teaching as a Lively Art
Marjorie Spock, Anthroposophic Press, Hudson, NY, 1985.

nner and outer worlds are no longer one for the nine year old. Great care is taken to bring the outer world to the children in such a way that human meaning is discovered in everything.

It is an age of hero worship, seeking an inspiring picture of human nature. History and literature looks at the Finnish and Norse sagas, with their stress on strength and boldness rather than cunning. These poetic forms offer vivid contrasts to enrich and develop this intensified inner life. In composition, the children begin simple narration of their own experiences, while continuing work in grammar and letter forms.

In arithmetic, concrete objects introduce fractions to demonstrate the truths before the concepts.

Social studies begins with familiar things of the child’s own time and environment, and gradually leads to experience of less familiar places and events. Simple map drawings of one’s own desk, the room and travel routes from home to school are followed by study of Oregon geography, pioneers and the Oregon Trail.

In addition to speaking two foreign languages, the children begin to write as well. Their understanding of grammar progresses; they can consciously grasp the rules underlying the construction of these languages.

In music, the children’s newly strengthened individuality now gives them the ability to hold their own in part-singing, as they could not have done successfully before. Canons and rounds form a natural bridge to this exciting new skill. They show real delight in harmony; the minor key answers a deep-felt need, leading inward in self-discovery. All children begin studying a stringed instrument in third or fourth grade and participate in orchestra during the school day.

At this crossing point in development, handwork takes up cross stitch. The children design and execute an original cross stitch pattern, working with mirror images to facilitate harmony and balance.

Physical education and games, as well as international folkdancing, continue throughout the grades.

K • grade 1 • grade 2 • grade 3 • grade 4 • grade 5 • grade 6 • grade 7 • grade 8 • high school