Fourth GradeA year of awakening awareness.
In fourth grade, children begin to see themselves and the world around them with new clarity. They become more aware of friendships, fairness, differences, and their own unique place within a community. With this growing independence comes a deeper desire to understand others, contribute meaningfully, and discover how they fit into the larger world.
At Cedar Springs, fourth graders are supported as they navigate this important stage of growth. They learn that being part of a community means both knowing who they are and recognizing the needs and perspectives of those around them. Through shared work, conversation, play, and collaboration, students strengthen empathy, cooperation, and the skills needed to build healthy relationships.
Rhythm and Story
The stories of fourth grade reflect this new awareness. Myths, legends, and tales of heroes, gods, and goddesses introduce students to characters who face challenges, make choices, experience consequences, and discover their own strengths. These stories open thoughtful conversations about courage, fairness, responsibility, conflict, and what it means to be human.
Language arts continue to grow as students develop stronger voices as writers and communicators. They explore grammar, parts of speech, and the structure of effective writing while creating descriptive compositions, personal letters, journals, summaries, and research projects.
Mathematics expands into the world of fractions and decimals. Through hands-on experiences, visual learning, and practical applications, students explore the relationships between numbers and strengthen their understanding of all four mathematical processes.
They learn that mathematics is not simply about finding an answer, but about noticing patterns, relationships, and creative solutions.
Mathematics and Meaning
Fourth grade geography begins close to home. Students explore the landscapes, history, and communities of California while learning to read and create maps. Through cartography, they develop an understanding of place, direction, scale, and the ways people are connected to the land.
They discover that every place has a story, and that they are part of the ongoing story of their own community.
Mapping Home
The study of animals invites students to look closely at the living world and recognize the unique qualities of each creature. Through observation, drawing, writing, and research, students explore animal habitats, adaptations, and relationships within ecosystems.
Their learning comes alive through practical animal care experiences on our farm, where they discover that caring for another living being requires patience, attention, and responsibility.
Studying the Living World
Working with the Hands
Handwork continues to nurture focus, perseverance, creativity, and confidence as students create meaningful work with their hands. Gardening and farming experiences deepen their relationship with the land as they continue caring for living things and observing the rhythms of nature.
Movement, games, and music, including the introduction of ukulele, provide opportunities for cooperation, expression, and joy.
Students complete the year with greater confidence, compassion, and awareness, knowing that their ideas, their work, and their presence matters.
Finding Their PlaceBy the end of fourth grade, students have strengthened their academic skills while developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their place within a community.
Danielle Joy Murphy Faris
Our Teacher
Danielle is pleased to be supporting the Elm Class this Fall after a Summer filled with multiple trainings, mentoring, and preparations. Danielle's formal education includes her AA in Child Development, BA in Contemplative Psychology and Early Childhood Education, and MA in Holistic Education and Nutrition. She is also a Certified Parenting Coach through the Jai Institute, and is on the path to becoming a Certified RIE Associate. Danielle is a graduate of Sacramento Waldorf School, and worked previously at Cedar Springs Waldorf School in 2012, as well as spearheaded the Parent-Child programs at Davis Waldorf School, Camellia Waldorf School, and BeeLoved Farm Waldorf School. She enjoys spending time outdoors with family, crafting, small-scale gardening, being with her pets, and sharing Waldorf with others. Her son Haakon will be entering the Second Grade Class.