Course Syllabus

This course will guide you through typical curriculum expectations for the fourth grade level. This includes the recommended national standards for eight academic disciplines. National standards are voluntary only, and each teacher should check with state and local school districts for any mandatory curriculum requirements.

The first lesson provides an overview of the fourth grade year, including child development and learning needs, teaching tips and parent communication. The second lesson covers how to approach curriculum design, the role of the teacher, teaching to different learning styles, and how to make assessment part of the curriculum.

Lessons 3 – 10 address eight common academic subjects, each with sections on curriculum standards, suggested activities, and teaching tips:

Lesson 3: Reading and English Usage (Includes literature)

Lesson 4: Writing

Lesson 5: Mathematics

Lesson 6: Science

Lesson 7: Social Studies

Lesson 8: Art

Lesson 9: Music and Movement

We include tips on designing curriculum and lesson plans that move away from passive, lecture-and-textbook-centered teaching to more active style teaching. Studies show that interactive teaching models engage students' natural curiosity, build on what they already know, and help students find ways to apply new knowledge to the real world.

Fourth graders still like to play; teachers can capture that physical energy with active teaching lessons that help students learn with understanding. Teachers can also experiment with incorporating creative movement and artistic lessons with traditional academic subjects to create rich learning environments.