GVS 4th Grade Sample

Whole Child, Healthy Planet
Thank you for your interest in the Global Village Whole Child, Healthy Planet curriculum
guides. This sample contains the full Table of Contents along with excerpts from the 4th
grade curriculum guide.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to the

Global Village “Whole Child, Healthy Planet” Method ................................ 1
About the Curriculum ................................................................................................... 1
About Global Village School......................................................................................... 2
Homeschooling from the Heart .................................................................................... 3
A Special Note to the New Homeschooling Parent: ..................................................... 3
How the System Works ................................................................................................ 4
Getting Started – Step One is Ordering Your Books and Resources ....................... 5
Planning Your School Year....................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2: The Global Village Philosophy,

Untangling the Myths about Education and Learning ................................. 6
Am I Going to Ruin My Child’s Life If…? ...................................................................... 6
Observing the Role Fear Plays in the Educational Process ......................................... 6
Allowing Time for the Healing Process......................................................................... 7
Learning Styles ............................................................................................................ 8
Assessment, Testing, and Grades ............................................................................... 9
About “Standards” and Grade Level........................................................................... 11
Some Thoughts on Vocabulary, Grammar, and Spelling ........................................... 12
Music, Art, and Nature, and Imagination .................................................................... 13
Chapter 3: Resources ................................................................................................ 15
About the Resources.................................................................................................. 15
Core, Recommended, and Optional Resources ..................................................... 15
Global Village Grade 4 Curriculum Guide SAMPLE 1

Global Village Homeschool Toolbox (Kits).............................................................. 15
How to get the materials: ........................................................................................ 16
Grade 4 List of Resources............................................................................................. 17
Social Studies ............................................................................................................ 17
English ....................................................................................................................... 18
Math ........................................................................................................................... 20
Science ...................................................................................................................... 20
Art/Nature................................................................................................................... 21
Citizenship/Service Learning...................................................................................... 21
Values/Character ....................................................................................................... 21
Chapter 4: How to Use the Materials: A Suggested Structure for the Year............... 22
How to use the materials............................................................................................ 22
How do you know if you are “doing enough?”......................................................... 22
What if My Kids Finish Early or We Run Out of Things to Do?

(You’re in Luck–We Live on a Fascinating Planet!) ................................................ 23
4th Grade Study Guide .............................................................................................. 25
UNIT 1 (Weeks 1-4) ................................................................................................ 25
UNIT 2 (Weeks 5-8) ................................................................................................ 31
UNIT 3 (Weeks 9-12) .............................................................................................. 37
UNIT 4 (Weeks 13-16) ............................................................................................ 41
UNIT 5 (Weeks 17-20) ............................................................................................ 45
UNIT 6 (Weeks 21-24) ............................................................................................ 49
UNIT 7 (Weeks 25-28) ............................................................................................ 53
UNIT 8 (Weeks 29-32) ............................................................................................ 57
UNIT 9 (Weeks 33-36 ) ....................................................................................... 61

Chapter 5: How to Work with the Materials: Ideas and Activities .............................. 65
Part 1: How to Use the Books in Our Curriculum – A Learning Model ...................... 65
Drawing Out the Learning: ...................................................................................... 65
Book Project: .......................................................................................................... 66
Re-Tell and Re-Create: The Value of Narrative Learning: ..................................... 67
Making Your Own Workbooks and

Creative Ways to Use Traditional Workbooks: ....................................................... 68
Saturation Projects: ................................................................................................ 71
Part 2: Projects and Activities.................................................................................... 71
Activity Ideas: ......................................................................................................... 71
Chapter 6 Additional Resources and Support ........................................................... 76
Consultations – If you would like additional support with this curriculum ................... 76
Recommended Books and Music – Some of Our Staff Favorites .............................. 76
Books for Instilling a Love of Reading (by Mary Kate Considine) ........................... 76
Global Village Links and Resources........................................................................... 91
A Few More of Our Favorite Resources ..................................................................... 91
Appendix ....................................................................................................................... 92
About the Author ........................................................................................................ 92
Acknowledgements: ................................................................................................... 92
The Earth Charter ...................................................................................................... 93
Sample Planning Calendar ........................................................................................ 95
Sample Planning and/or Record-Keeping Format ...................................................... 97

Chapter 1: Introduction to the
Global Village “Whole Child, Healthy Planet” Method
It's an amazing world we live in. We are delighted to be your guides as your family explores the
wonders of life on this planet together. We hope that this curriculum facilitates a powerful and
engaging experience that opens your children's hearts, eyes, and minds to all the magical
people, places, and experiences this world has to offer.
This is such an incredible time to be alive because so much of the world is open to us - people
in other centuries did not have access to the amount of knowledge and information that we do.
The thought of homeschooling may be intimidating if you are a first-time homeschooler, but we
trust that you will soon feel much more confident as your view of learning expands to include the
world around you. In fact, you'll likely have trouble remembering what you were so worried
about!
Homeschooling from the Heart (Excerpt)

We have been working with new homeschool parents for many years now and have found that
the thing we do more than anything else is aid them as they create the learning environment
they know is best for their child. There are so many pressures homeschooling parents face,
particularly those doing it for the first time; so many myths about education that rear their ugly
heads as soon as someone steps outside the norm…
… Our goal is to assist you in homeschooling your child in a humane, inspiring, and socially
conscious way. We encourage you to listen to your heart and to listen to your child: observe
them – what lights them up? What fascinates them? When do they come alive? That is where to
start your “curriculum.”…
How the System Works

People who are "products" of traditional schooling methods are taught to follow directions (and
not to get started without them, because you might do something wrong!) So it is natural to be
concerned that you "do it right," and to want detailed instructions. That is how most parents start
out. What we have observed over the years is that people get more and more comfortable with
the process and soon find (often during their first homeschool year) that they do not want or
need as much instruction as they thought they did. Kids and their parents get "into the flow" and
they are off and running. School life is never the same again.
We want to help parents and children make the learning process their own. We provide a
multitude of ideas; by following your child’s interests and learning style you are free to branch
out in numerous ways. There is no reason for every fourth grader to answer the same questions
about the same topic at the same time. Some families will probably structure their year exactly
as we have suggested, while others may be so excited by one of the books that they spend
several weeks following where it takes them, and, accordingly, spend less time on some of the
other topics.

Homeschooling affords you the opportunity to keep the learning process alive; we encourage
you to make the most of it!
Getting Started – Step One is Ordering Your Books and Resources
If you have not already done so, we suggest that you start by reviewing the list of suggested
resources (see Chapter 3). Check your local library first, then order anything that you or your
library do not already have. We recommend that you get your own copies of all the core
resources, since you will be using them throughout the year. If your particular grade level
contains movie recommendations and you have a local video store, you can rent the suggested
movies from them. Otherwise, you may want to rent them from Netflix.
Once you have ordered the materials—or at least a good portion of them—then take your time
and read through the rest of this guide.
Planning Your School Year
While some people do fine “just winging it,” we highly recommend that you look at the full year
in the beginning, and plan around when your vacations and other family activities and trips
might be. See the Appendix for a calendar format that you may find helpful.
Observing the Role Fear Plays in the Educational Process (Excerpt)

Most of the traditional views on education are oriented around fear, particularly in the so-called
“No Child Left Behind,” era. Now it is not just kids failing, it is entire schools under threat of
being taken over if their kids do not do well enough on standardized tests created by people
who think they know how to quantify learning and define what is essential. The government
pressures the administrators, who pressure the teachers, who pressure the kids.
Then there is the idea we mentioned earlier and it's one that pretty much everyone buys into: “to
get a good job you have to have a good education.” Putting aside disagreements over what a
“good education” is, we see that this emphasis on jobs and competition has created a
tremendous climate of fear that impacts families almost from the time their children are born.
Fairly early on many worry about being able to get their child into a good preschool. And so it
goes, right through high school and into college…
Assessment, Testing, and Grades (Excerpt)

Friends and family members of homeschool students often want to know what grades they are
getting. New homeschool parents feel the pressure. They want to be able to reassure everyone
that their children are doing fine, that they have not made a big mistake by pulling them out of
school.

Why all this emphasis on grades? What do they think grades mean? What are they really
asking: Are your children learning as much as mine? Are they learning as much as they would
in a “regular” school? Most of us have been taught that grades are a valid way of assessing
children and comparing them to each other, but are they? …
Music, Art, and Nature, and Imagination (Excerpt)

For many children, the arts are what make the soul come alive and sing its song. We hope that
you will put as much art, music, nature study, and time for imagining into your child’s life as you
can…
… We have provided a substantial number of resources for you. Some are listed in the main
Resource List (Chapter 3); others are in the Resources section (Chapter 6) at the end of this
guide.

Chapter 3: Resources
About the Resources

Okay, here we go!
We have spent many months researching and combing through our collective resources to
come up with a list of materials to inspire and enliven your family. There is a lot here – most
likely much more than you will be able to get through in a year. So please remember that we
have designed it to be like a big smörgåsbord, which means you probably do not want to put
everything on your plate all at once, and some of it might not even make it onto your plate this
time round!
Core, Recommended, and Optional Resources
We have categorized the materials in the following way:
Core – you need to get it; it is a core part of the curriculum for the year (If a resource is
not labeled as optional or recommended then you can assume that it is core)
Recommended – we strongly recommend that you get it
Optional – we really like it, but it’s up to you (depends on your time, interest, budget,
etc.)
In addition to the resources listed in this chapter, there are many more in Chapter 6. These are
all optional.
Global Village Homeschool Toolbox (Kits)
There are some books and resources that you will use for more than one year. We call these
the homeschool “kit.” Some are optional and some are a core part of the curriculum. You will
find notations about this in your resource list. Some are optional and some are a core part of the
curriculum.
Again, please remember: this is just a place to start. We do not believe there are any education
standards (even ours) that work for everyone.
How to get the materials:
Most of the materials we have chosen are readily available. If we have not told you where to get
something, it means it can easily be found at either a local bookstore or library or online. We
have provided information on where to get the resources that are not so easy to find.

Grade 4 List of Resources (Excerpts)
Social Studies
(Cultural Geography, Geography of the U. S., plus a taste of the Renaissance)
(This section contains 6 books: 3 core, 2 recommended, 1 optional)
English
Literature: Folktales, Stories, and Legends
Choose two or more of 5 books, plus:
2 writing options
2 grammar options
Science/Eco-Integrity
2 books
Math
Describes the program we recommend, also mentions other options
Citizenship/Service Learning
The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects (optional – KIT – also used in 5th grade)
By Barbara Lewis
This guide has something for everyone who wants to make a difference, from simple
projects to large-scale commitments. Kids can choose from a variety of topics, including
animals, crime fighting, the environment, friendship, hunger, literacy, politics and
government, and transformation.
Values/Character
Includes one resource that is part of the homeschool Kit (used in several grade levels)
Art/Nature
Includes two resources

4th Grade Study Guide (Excerpts from Unit 1)
UNIT 1 (Weeks 1-4)
Planning
One page - Includes general instructions and a chart for planning the month’s activities
Instructions
Reminder: Chapter 5 of this curriculum guide lists a large number of activities that you can use
to integrate and demonstrate learning as you work with the various books and resources listed
below.
Social Studies
(Cultural Geography, Geography of the U.S., plus a taste of the Renaissance)
First text
Use this book as a reference as you learn about various areas during your
studies. You can read all the way through it if you wish, and use it as a
springboard for all kinds of different activities. We suggest breaking it up over
nine months. We will break it up for you in the order it was written, but feel free
to study the countries in any order you like!
We suggest you start here: Read the Introductory section and about one-third of
North and Central America.
Second text (Recommended)
If your family likes cooking together, we suggest choosing one recipe a week.
Mmmmm!
Third text (Recommended)
Start with the book for your home state (the other books are optional). If you
enjoy this series, choose as many other states as you like! For this month, focus
on the state where you live. If you do not live in the USA, then study your local
area. You may want to do research at the library, or maybe even take a road trip!

Fourth text
This is a fun book that combines history, science and art. You may find that the
activities lead you into many more hours of discovery. We suggest choosing a
new activity every two weeks.
* Please note that while we have chosen to divide all the social studies books up over
several months, it is fine if you want to do them one at a time, or to study a different
region each month, or to use them in whatever other way works best for you!
Cultural Diversity/Art
Text name:
Choose a different culture to study each month. Ideally, you will be able to
coordinate this with the cultures and regions you are learning about in your
______________ book. Note to parents: Please be sure to read the
introductions to each culture and discuss them with your child.
English
Folktales and Stories: Depending on which book(s) you have chosen, pick one or two
stories each month. Read the story, and do some kind of creative writing, art, or other
activity of your choice.
We also recommend reading _____________. If you are using the Leonardo da Vinci
activity book, then this month would be a good time to read it.
If you would like to do additional reading, look through our list at the end of this
curriculum guide and choose something that interests you.
The English section also contains brief instructions for writing, spelling, vocabulary, and
grammar.
Science (emphasis on physical science/physics)
First text
Choose a new experiment each week. Have some fun!
Second text

Use this book in the way that makes the most sense to you. It's a small book, but each
little section can open the door to much wider exploration. We suggest breaking the
book up over the year, doing one section at a time. You can expand on the information
in the book in many ways, such as making models of each planet, looking on the
Internet each week to see where the planets are, following the progress of the moon
throughout the month, tracking the constellations throughout the year, etc. Note: We go
into more depth in 6th grade astronomy so there is no pressure to do any more than
what is in the book – just do what feels right do you. If everybody is enjoying it, then go
further!)
For this month, read: Introduction, The Universe and Galaxies, The Solar System and
Gravity
Citizenship/Service Learning (Optional)
The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects
If you would like to include this in your curriculum this is a great book to use. It is
a core text for 5th grade, but it contains over 500 different activities, so you do not
need to worry about running out of things to do! We suggest that you choose at
least one activity a month.
The unit also contains instructions for:
Art/Nature (and more science!)

Math
Values/Character
Music
P.E.
Units 2-9 have a similar structure.

Chapter 5: How to Work with the Materials: Ideas and Activities
Part 1: How to Use the Books in Our Curriculum–A Learning Model

(Excerpt)
This article comes from Michele Blumberg’s many years of experience as a very
successful tutor. While some of it is directed more towards younger children,
much of it applies to children of all ages.
In our curriculum guide we present a suggested book list you can use as the framework upon
which to build your child’s learning year. This is by no means a complete list of all books you
need or could use. You can get more suggestions from your GVS teacher.
Our hope is that you will utilize these books as a springboard into the many ideas and
discoveries they present. At best these are a representation of what is out there. In exploring
these suggested books you may be led to many others.
Most curricula are built around a textbook and a workbook. Ours is built around the inspiration
found in many types of literature. Sometimes we do suggest a text or a workbook, but more
often we look for a book that will bring about the same learning in a more creative, beautiful and
fulfilling way. In many ways our choice of books resembles the idea of “living books” that early
home educator Charlotte Mason proposes. Some of the qualities of living books are:
• Literature created by a person with an obvious special interest in his/her subject.

• A personal, human, emotional quality to what is presented.
• Books that are inspiring and attractive to the spirit as well as intellect.
• Material that promotes a sense of wonder and appreciation.
• Books that fulfill the learning goals of that grade.
Drawing Out the Learning:
Our suggested books (and those that you can find for yourself) can be used as a way into your
own creativity. You can do this in lots of ways, specifically: Book Projects, Re-tell or Re-Create,
Make Your Own Workbook, and Saturation Projects.
Book Project:
Select your book and read it. Stop now and then to ask your student to make predictions about
what they think may happen in the story, or to find out what they are noticing about this book.
Take time to notice the illustrations and discuss them. How do you discuss a picture? You can
talk about the colors used, the content of the pictures, whether you feel the illustrations really
express what is written or not, how they make you feel, if the illustrations match the “pictures”
the story brings to mind, etc.
Discuss the story itself…

Part 2: Projects and Activities (Excerpt)
Below you will find a long list of potential activities you can use to integrate and demonstrate
learning. These suggestions can be used with literature, science, history – wherever you feel
the need for something additional. If you think of an idea that we have not listed, you are
welcome to do that as well! It is important to incorporate a wide variety of activities so that the
student does not get bored doing the same old thing all the time. Having a choice gives students
the opportunity to select or create activities that are well suited to their interests and learning
styles.
Activity Ideas:
This section contains over 30 different suggestions; they match a variety of different learning
styles. Below are three examples:
• Quotes: Select quotes from the books and respond to them.
• Cartooning: Create cartoons based on the events in a book or as a sequel to a book.
• Book review (includes 17 different questions for students to choose from)

Chapter 6 Additional Resources and Support
Consultations–If you would like additional support with this curriculum
If your children are enrolled in Global Village School, then contact your GVS teacher for support.
They will be happy to help you. If your kids are not enrolled, then you can arrange for individual
consultations. Call 805-646-9792 or e-mail info@globalvillageschool.org for more information.
Recommended Books and Music – Some of Our Staff Favorites
Books for Instilling a Love of Reading (by Mary Kate Considine) (Excerpt)
Every educator agrees that the key to a successful student experience is instilling a love of
reading at an early age. The statistics go on ad nauseum about the importance of reading to
your child, but in the world of parenting there is nothing so valuable as curling up on a couch or
holding your little one on your lap as you read them a story…
This section contains over 70 books. We include the full article and resource list with each grade
level. (Approximately 30 of the books are for younger children, grades 4 and below. Advanced
readers may enjoy some of the books for the older children as well.)
Special Circumstances (Emotions, Body Changes, etc.):
A half dozen books that may be helpful as students or their families go through the changes that
life brings…
Addressing Sexual Orientation (Full section)
Some families have an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender) family member. Some
parents may wonder if their child is gay. A child might think they are gay, but be afraid to talk
about it. Even if none of these is the case, every child hears about the issue in the media or
some other way, at a very early age. “Sexual orientation” is an unfortunate term in a way,
because—just like heterosexuals— there is so much more to an LGBT person, and to their
relationships with those whom they love, than sex. Know that there are many beautiful
sensitively written books out there that open the door to the conversation without talking about
sex at all. If you feel the need or desire to address the idea of sexual orientation in age-
appropriate ways with your children—or if you would like to be better educated yourself—here
are some resources that may be helpful.

And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, Pre-K-3. We fell in love with
this one. It’s a true story about two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo in New York City.
There’s no discussion about sex – just a description of their special relationship – and the way
they hatched an orphan penguin egg and cared for the baby.
GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel, Ages 13 and
up. The teen years are full of challenges. For gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and
questioning teens, these challenges can include prejudice, discrimination, rejection, reprisals,
insensitive remarks (even among friends and families) and violence. Topics include coming out
(the pluses and minuses), facing prejudice and pressure, getting support, navigating
relationships, staying safe, making healthy choices, surviving and thriving in high school, and
more. (Description from the publisher, freesprit.com)
For other great books:
GLSEN (The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) has compiled a wonderful
comprehensive list of books that they have screened for accuracy, sensitivity, and age-
appropriateness:
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/booklink/K-6.html
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/booklink/7-12.html
For the Heart and Soul
A list of about a dozen of our favorites
Great Music for Kids
A list of several great CDs and/or downloads
Global Village Links and Resources

Global Village School (GVS): http://www.globalvillageschool.org
The Global Village Voice (GVS Blog): http://www.globalvillageschool.org/gvsblog
GVS Bookstore: http://astore.amazon.com/globalvillage-20
Progressive Resources: http://www.globalvillageresources.org
GVS on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/globalvillageschool
GVS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/globalvillageschool

The curriculum guide concludes with author information and acknowledgements, a copy of the
Earth Charter, a sample planning calendar, and a sample record-keeping format.
To order a Global Village Whole Child, Healthy Planet curriculum guide,

write to info@globalvillageschool.org or call (805) 646-9792.
Thank you for your interest; we look forward to sharing our curriculum with you!

GVS 4th Grade Sample

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Whole Child, Healthy Planet

Chapter 1: Introduction to the

About the Curriculum ................................................................................................... 1

About Global Village School......................................................................................... 2

Homeschooling from the Heart .................................................................................... 3

A Special Note to the New Homeschooling Parent: ..................................................... 3

How the System Works ................................................................................................ 4

Planning Your School Year....................................................................................... 5

Chapter 2: The Global Village Philosophy,

Am I Going to Ruin My Child’s Life If…? ...................................................................... 6

Observing the Role Fear Plays in the Educational Process ......................................... 6

Allowing Time for the Healing Process......................................................................... 7

Learning Styles ............................................................................................................ 8

Assessment, Testing, and Grades ............................................................................... 9

About “Standards” and Grade Level........................................................................... 11

Some Thoughts on Vocabulary, Grammar, and Spelling ........................................... 12

Music, Art, and Nature, and Imagination .................................................................... 13

Chapter 3: Resources ................................................................................................ 15

About the Resources.................................................................................................. 15

Core, Recommended, and Optional Resources ..................................................... 15

Global Village Grade 4 Curriculum Guide SAMPLE 1

How to get the materials: ........................................................................................ 16

Grade 4 List of Resources............................................................................................. 17

Social Studies ............................................................................................................ 17

How to use the materials............................................................................................ 22

How do you know if you are “doing enough?”......................................................... 22

What if My Kids Finish Early or We Run Out of Things to Do?

4th Grade Study Guide .............................................................................................. 25

UNIT 1 (Weeks 1-4) ................................................................................................ 25

UNIT 2 (Weeks 5-8) ................................................................................................ 31

UNIT 3 (Weeks 9-12) .............................................................................................. 37

UNIT 4 (Weeks 13-16) ............................................................................................ 41

UNIT 5 (Weeks 17-20) ............................................................................................ 45

UNIT 6 (Weeks 21-24) ............................................................................................ 49

UNIT 7 (Weeks 25-28) ............................................................................................ 53

UNIT 8 (Weeks 29-32) ............................................................................................ 57

UNIT 9 (Weeks 33-36 ) ....................................................................................... 61

Global Village Grade 4 Curriculum Guide SAMPLE 2

Drawing Out the Learning: ...................................................................................... 65

Book Project: .......................................................................................................... 66

Re-Tell and Re-Create: The Value of Narrative Learning: ..................................... 67

Making Your Own Workbooks and

Saturation Projects: ................................................................................................ 71

Part 2: Projects and Activities.................................................................................... 71

Activity Ideas: ......................................................................................................... 71

Chapter 6 Additional Resources and Support ........................................................... 76

Recommended Books and Music – Some of Our Staff Favorites .............................. 76

Global Village Links and Resources........................................................................... 91

A Few More of Our Favorite Resources ..................................................................... 91

About the Author ........................................................................................................ 92

The Earth Charter ...................................................................................................... 93

Sample Planning Calendar ........................................................................................ 95

Sample Planning and/or Record-Keeping Format ...................................................... 97

Global Village Grade 4 Curriculum Guide SAMPLE 3

Homeschooling from the Heart (Excerpt)

How the System Works

Global Village Grade 4 Curriculum Guide SAMPLE 4

Getting Started – Step One is Ordering Your Books and Resources

Planning Your School Year

Observing the Role Fear Plays in the Educational Process (Excerpt)

Assessment, Testing, and Grades (Excerpt)

Global Village Grade 4 Curriculum Guide SAMPLE 5

Music, Art, and Nature, and Imagination (Excerpt)