Fourth Grade
Overview
Fourth grade is an important year of increasing academic depth, independence, and responsibility. Students build upon the strong foundations established during the earlier elementary years as they encounter increasingly complex concepts and are challenged to think critically about what they are learning.
At Oasis Christian Academy, fourth-grade students are encouraged to become more independent and responsible learners who ask thoughtful questions, solve problems, communicate effectively, and take greater ownership of their education.
OCA utilizes BJU Press curriculum throughout the core fourth-grade academic program, providing challenging, age-appropriate instruction taught through a Biblical worldview. Biblical truth is intentionally integrated throughout academics and classroom life as students learn to evaluate ideas, understand the world around them, and recognize God's truth in every area of life.

Bible
Using BJU Press Bible curriculum, fourth-grade students deepen their knowledge of Scripture and continue developing a Biblical worldview.
Students study God's Word as truth and learn to understand individual Biblical accounts within the larger story of Scripture. They explore God's character, His work throughout history, mankind's need for redemption, and God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Students are increasingly challenged not only to know what the Bible teaches but also to apply Biblical truth to their choices, relationships, attitudes, and understanding of the world.
Scripture memory, prayer, worship, discussion, and practical application help students develop habits that encourage continued spiritual growth and a life of loving and serving God and others.

Reading
Using BJU Press Reading, fourth-grade students move beyond learning foundational reading skills toward increasingly sophisticated comprehension, analysis, and interpretation.
Students read a variety of literary and informational texts while examining story structure, setting, plot, theme, characterization, conflict, point of view, perspective, figurative language, main ideas, supporting details, and text evidence.
Students are challenged to think critically about the information, ideas, themes, and values presented in what they read and to evaluate them through a Biblical worldview.
Oral reading, independent reading, classroom literature, discussion, written responses, summarization, and opportunities to use the school library help students develop greater fluency, comprehension, critical thinking, and enjoyment of reading.

Mathematics
Using BJU Press Mathematics, fourth-grade students build upon previously learned mathematical concepts with increased emphasis on multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, measurement, geometry, data, and problem-solving.
Students strengthen computational fluency while developing a deeper understanding of why mathematical processes work and how mathematics can be applied to real-world situations.
Direct instruction, guided practice, hands-on learning, independent application, and problem-solving activities challenge students to select appropriate strategies, explain their reasoning, and persevere through increasingly complex mathematical problems.

Language Arts & Writing
Using BJU Press English Language Arts curriculum, fourth-grade students strengthen their ability to communicate effectively through increasingly complex written and oral communication.
Students create personal narratives, opinion pieces, poetry, informational reports, and other grade-appropriate compositions while strengthening grammar, spelling, vocabulary, sentence structure, organization, capitalization, and punctuation.
Students participate in the complete writing process through planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. They also continue developing oral communication skills through classroom discussions and presentations.
Zaner-Bloser Handwriting provides systematic handwriting instruction as students continue developing fluent, legible cursive handwriting with proper letter formation, connections, spacing, alignment, and appropriate handwriting habits.

Science
Using BJU Press Science, fourth-grade students explore God's creation while developing scientific knowledge, inquiry skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of scientific processes.
Students investigate concepts from life, physical, Earth, and space science. Areas of study include cells, life cycles, habitats and ecosystems, matter, energy, heat, light, sound, motion, forces, natural resources, weather and climate, and the relationships between the sun, Earth, and moon.
Hands-on activities and age-appropriate investigations allow students to ask questions, make observations, gather and analyze information, test ideas, and communicate conclusions.
Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to recognize the complexity, order, and design evident throughout God's creation.

Florida History & Geography
Fourth-grade students take an in-depth journey through the history, geography, government, culture, and economic development of their home state using Do Florida! By Amy Headley and Victoria Smith.
Students explore Florida's history, beginning with its earliest inhabitants and Native American cultures and continuing through European exploration and settlement, territorial development, statehood, major conflicts, economic growth, and Florida's development into the state we know today.
Students examine Florida's role in significant periods of American history, develop an understanding of state and local government, explore the industries and resources that have contributed to Florida's economy, and strengthen geography and map skills.
Students also learn to examine primary and secondary sources, compare different accounts of historical events, and consider the experiences and contributions of people from diverse cultural backgrounds who have helped shape Florida.

By the End of Fourth Grade, Students Will: