4th Grade
I Am Here, and
the World Is There
By fourth grade, the transition from early childhood is complete. The ten-year-old child stands in a new relationship to the world, and the 4th grade marks a clear change in both the schoolwork and what is expected of them—and they are ready for it.
At Camellia Waldorf School, 4th Grade channels this growing independence into real skills, rich stories, and meaningful work. Students deepen their reading, writing, and math while exploring Norse myths, Native American stories, local geography, zoology, and more.
“Fourth grade was the year our child really claimed their place—more confident, more capable, and more curious about the world around them.”
Why Families Love 4th Grade at Camellia
By this point, the habits and skills of the first three grades are formed and steady, and students are ready to put them to work in new and varied subjects.
What makes our 4th Grade special:
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A Clear Step Up in Responsibility
Children feel the difference in 4th Grade: they are trusted with more complex work, independent projects, and deeper thinking. -
In-Depth Main Lesson Blocks
Mornings begin with a two-hour main lesson block in a single subject—language arts, math, science, history, or geography—lasting 3–4 weeks so students can live into each topic in a focused way. -
Balanced Day with Outdoor Time
Academic work is balanced with recess, movement, and time outside, helping children stay grounded and engaged. -
Executive Function & Confidence
Learning and modeling strong classroom skills continues, along with constructive communication, confidence-building, positive self-image, and growing executive function skills. -
Long-Term Relationships with Teachers
As in other grades, teachers often travel with the class over multiple years, giving your child the gift of deeply knowing and being known.
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A Bit About 4th Grade: Meeting the World More Directly
The 4th grade child feels clearly: I am here, and the world is there. The curriculum meets this new clarity and curiosity.
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Norse Myths & Native American Stories
Students work with Norse mythology and Native American stories, exploring courage, trickery, loyalty, cleverness, and destiny in a way that speaks to their emerging sense of self. -
Poetry & Inner Beauty
Fourth graders also study poetry and the appreciation of the inner beauty of a poem, building sensitivity to language, rhythm, and meaning. -
Zoology & Local Geography
In science and social studies, students explore animals (zoology), local geography, and local history, helping them understand both the living world and the place they call home.
4th Grade Learning Objectives
Main Lesson Skills
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Continued practice in strong classroom skills
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Constructive communication and respectful participation
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Building confidence and a positive self-image
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Strengthening executive function skills such as organization, following multi-step directions, and staying with tasks
Language Arts
Fourth grade is a key transition from learning to read to reading to learn:
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Shift from learning to read to reading to learn
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Spelling rules and regular practice
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Written work and book reports
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Grammar: verb tenses, prepositions, personal and possessive pronouns
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Writing composition with strong emphasis on story content
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First dictations begin, improving listening, spelling, and writing fluency
Literature
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Norse Mythology
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Native American stories
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Poetry and deepening appreciation of the inner beauty of language and imagery
Mathematics
Math becomes more structured and analytical:
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Review and strengthening of all four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
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Continued times table work
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Word problems and applied math
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Measurements and averages
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Long division, factoring, and early proofs to build clear logical thinking
Science
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Zoology: studying animals and their characteristics
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Local geography and local history, helping students understand their region’s land, people, and stories
Foreign Language (Spanish)
Spanish in 4th Grade includes:
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Stories, dancing, and singing
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Days of the week, months, seasons, and telling time
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Reading and writing in Spanish are introduced, all held in the target language as much as possible
Form Drawing
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Braided forms that echo the complexity of Norse myths and woven stories
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Geometric drawing, laying a foundation for later geometry and design work
Art
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Watercolor painting, often inspired by main lesson content
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Beeswax modeling of animals, connecting to zoology studies
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Freehand geometric drawing
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Ink pens are introduced, giving students new tools for precise, detailed work
Music
Music steps up a level in 4th Grade:
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Strings: violin or cello
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Junior choir, including singing in rounds
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Recorder and reading music from notation
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Performing at annual concerts builds confidence and stage presence
Handwork
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Embroidery and cross stitch
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Working with wool roving (connecting back to the previous year’s sheep-shearing farm experience)
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Simple hand stitching projects that build focus, perseverance, and fine motor skills
Physical Education & Sports
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Cooperative games and early team skills
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Running, jumping, and throwing
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Circus arts are introduced—such as juggling—which support coordination, rhythm, and courage
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Optional after-school soccer and basketball clubs offer extra opportunities for movement and teamwork
FESTIVALS
Life in the Wider School Community -
1st Grade students are part of Camellia’s vibrant festival life and community traditions, giving them a sense of belonging and connection beyond their own classroom. Families are invited into seasonal celebrations and school events that mark the turning of the year.
👉 You can learn more about our seasonal festivals on our Festivals page.
More about the 4th Grade
