4th Grade – August Curriculum Overview
Welcome to 4th Grade! August is a month for exploring local geography, animal studies, and epic stories. We’ll map, compare, research, and create—tying together nature, math, art, and community. Activities are hands-on, flexible, and inspired by holistic, blended learning. Choose what sparks your child’s curiosity and enjoy a month of discovery together!
Weekly Subjects
- Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
- Week 1: Read and retell a folktale or traditional story from your region or another culture. Retell it through drawing, acting, or writing.
- Week 2: Begin a “Field Journal”—describe and sketch a local animal, comparing its habits to your own.
- Week 3: Write a story or poem from an animal’s perspective. Share with family or friends.
- Week 4: Create a news article about an event in your region (real or imaginary), focusing on observation and detail.
- Spelling:
- Week 1: region, state, river, mountain, forest, legend, hero, journey, wild, map
- Week 2: animal, compare, traits, observe, journal, fur, feather, paw, scale, track
- Week 3: poem, story, voice, wild, quiet, bright, gentle, strong, swift, wise
- Week 4: news, report, detail, event, action, local, fact, source, share, reflect
- Reflection Prompt: What animal or story inspired you this week? How do animals and people adapt to their environments?
- Math (Mon–Thu)
- Week 1: Mapmaking—measure and draw a map of your room, yard, or local park. Add compass directions and a legend.
- Week 2: Practice fractions using recipes, crafts, or dividing objects found in nature (leaves, fruit, sticks).
- Week 3: Long division with real-life problems (sharing, grouping, or organizing supplies).
- Week 4: Collect and graph data from animal observations or local weather.
- Let your child choose how to show their work: drawings, models, or digital tools.
- Science & Nature (Mon–Thu)
- Week 1: Animal studies: observe, journal, and compare a local animal’s traits and behaviors to your own.
- Week 2: Explore local geography—take a nature walk and record landforms, rivers, and plants.
- Week 3: Research an animal or ecosystem and create a mini-presentation or diorama.
- Week 4: Study the water cycle or weather patterns, connecting them to your region’s geography and animal life.
- Reflection Prompt: What did you discover about your region and its creatures this month?
- Social Studies & Community (Mon–Thu)
- Week 1: Map your region—include landmarks, water features, and habitats.
- Week 2: Research and present on a local animal, plant, or historical figure.
- Week 3: Interview a community member about changes in the local environment or animal life.
- Week 4: Share your map, research, or story with your family or local group.
- Art & Handwork (Mon–Thu)
- Week 1: Draw or paint an animal from your journal or a scene from a favorite story.
- Week 2: Create a model or puppet of a local animal using recycled or natural materials.
- Week 3: Try weaving, sewing, or clay modeling inspired by animal forms or habitats.
- Week 4: Make a mural or collage of your region’s geography, animals, and people.
- Focus on process and observation, not just the finished product.
- Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
- Each Week: Daily outdoor play, animal walks (move like your favorite animal), nature hikes, and mapping scavenger hunts.
- Encourage sensory exploration and movement inspired by the land and its creatures.
Recommended Free Resources
- Khan Academy – Math, science, reading, and social studies.
- ReadWorks – Reading comprehension and literature.
- National Park Service “WebRangers” – Nature, history, and virtual park exploration.
- NASA Space Place – Science and space games, videos, and activities.
- Wonderopolis – Daily questions and curiosity-driven learning.
August in 4th grade is about exploring your place in the region, understanding animals and geography, and connecting with stories and nature. Choose what fits your family, and enjoy a month of discovery!
