BIBLICAL STUDIES
The fourth grade Bible curriculum uses the true, inerrant Word of God, Luther’s Small Catechism, and the series One in Christ. It is through God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit that students may know God and His forgiving love and salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ and see themselves as redeemed children of God. Using this curriculum students will study portions of the Old Testament sequentially from the Creation story through the book of Jonah. They will explore the life and ministry of Christ, His disciples, and the ministry of Paul in the New Testament. Students receive a Bible and begin to learn how to navigate through bible passages. Students will be led by the power of the Holy Spirit to an understanding of the concepts of Law and Gospel, repentance, forgiveness, and God’s grace. Daily devotions with the early childhood team are teacher led. Students will memorize Bible verses weekly, chosen yearly for PreK-12th Grade students, with younger students memorizing shorter portions of scripture and older students longer portions. Weekly Chapel services led by the Pastor will also be attended.
MATH
In fourth grade math, students use the series Big Ideas Math. This series emphasizes deep conceptual understanding through a blend of explicit instruction, guided discovery, and real‑world problem solving. Students build mastery in number sense, multi‑digit operations, fractions, measurement, data, and geometry while continually strengthening mathematical reasoning and communication. The curriculum includes digital tools, interactive lessons, and formative assessments that support differentiation and monitor growth. Its balanced approach encourages students to make meaningful connections, think flexibly, and develop confidence as mathematicians.
LANGUAGE ARTS
In fourth grade language arts, students use McGraw-Hill Education Wonders curriculum. In the fourth-grade reading, our students will continue to develop reading skills such as word identification using context and structural clues in conjunction with phonetics, vocabulary enrichment, comprehension and prediction skills, as well as reference and study skills. Our students will also study literary forms, techniques, and story elements. This learning will take place through the use of a textbook, silent reading, creative writing, book reports, and teacher read-aloud which will include many award-winning novels for children. Novels include: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Magician’s Nephew, Frindle and others. In addition, students will develop grammar and writing skills through the Shurley Grammar program. Daily practice in identifying parts of speech, editing sentences, and quick writing will strengthen students’ language skills.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The fourth grade Notgrass History Our 50 States curriculum guides students through all fifty states and U.S. territories in a warm, story‑driven format. Organized by seven geographic regions, the course features 104 lessons—two per state—that blend geography, state history, notable people, natural features, and cultural distinctives. Students engage with hands‑on projects, creative writing, mapwork in the Atlas Workbook, and family activities such as recipes and art projects. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and multi‑age friendly, with optional literature selections tied to each region and supplemental audio, activities, and resources available through Notgrass’s online links
SCIENCE
The fourth grade Christian science curriculum, Nancy Larson Science 4, helps students understand the connection between the concepts of science and the Word of God. Students will explore concrete examples of science concepts using research, experiments, hands-on- activities, and workbooks. We study the following six concepts: Characteristics of Cells, Classifying Plants, Characteristics of Animals, Examining Ecosystems, Exploring Energy, and Investigating Electricity. Students practice high vocabulary and note taking skills through their workbooks and participate in daily classroom assignments. Students are assessed through their participation, notes, homework, and unit tests.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is an important and integrated part of the fourth-grade curriculum. The fourth-grade classroom has one to one Chromebooks for each student. Through the program, Keyboarding Without Tears, students continue to develop their typing skills from the previous year. With the completion of the program, students are able to type swiftly and accurately. In addition to this program, students also learn how to navigate assignments through Google applications such as Classroom, Docs, Slides, and Sheets. Students will learn how to create presentations, posters, written assignments, and basic tables and charts. Finally, students also learn the importance of internet safety. Topics include online confidentiality, bullying, etiquette, and safe internet browsing.
FIELD TRIPS
Fourth graders participate in field trips that meet objectives of our curriculum and provide opportunities to explore and provide hands on learning. Local field trips include but are not limited to the Carnegie Science Center, the Pittsburgh Aviary, Pittsburgh Carnegie Library, the Frick Museum, TourEd Mine, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Phipps Conservatory, the Pittsburgh Symphony, Children’s Theater performances at the Byham, Heinz Museum of History, and Fort Necessity.