The Waldorf School of St. Louis
Fourth Grade

In fourth grade, children are confident, vigorous, and eager.  Children’s ability to reason objectively develops and their power of perception sharpens. Students in fourth grade emerge as individuals with strong personalities, distinct gifts and talents, and individual challenges. They have an adventurous spirit, are full of curiosity, and are eager to explore their ever-expanding creativity and capacity to learn. To meet students’ burgeoning individuality and energy, the curriculum is designed to inspire students to discover their place in the world.   

The study of local geography helps children understand their physical place in the world.  In science, through the topic of zoology, students study animals’ specialized skills and behaviors and compare and contrast animals’ way of life to human’s way of life. In language arts, verb tense is introduced and students find kindred spirits in the characters of Norse mythology who meet life with courage, compassion, sacrifice, and occasionally, cleverness run amok.  The study of math includes fractions which might be demonstrated by making and cutting up pizzas. The abstract concept of fractions becomes increasingly important as children grapple with the fact that their world is no longer whole. Students also practice fractions through music by reading “musical fractions “ during violin lessons. Physical education is filled with opportunities to show courage, cleverness, sacrifice, teamwork, and strategic cooperation.  Studies in French and German, handwork, and artistic work in many mediums continue and are tied to main lesson topics. Music education continues to include singing, violin, and recorder. Students’ singing lessons involve canons, rounds, and harmonies, which are beautiful ways to blend students’ emerging individuality.

Main Lesson Topics: verb tenses, Norse mythology, non-fiction, drama, fractions, factors, long division and multiplication, freehand geometric drawing, zoology

Special Subject Lessons: French, German, singing, pentatonic flute, watercolor painting, beeswax modeling, crayon drawing, form drawing, embroidery, cross-stitch knots and braiding, physical education, nature exploration