4th Grade: Norse Mythology & The Natural World
Ages 9-10 | Full Year Curriculum
Fourth grade journeys through the dramatic world of Norse mythology while exploring geography, fractions, and the animal kingdom.
📚 4th Grade Resources
⚔️ The Waldorf Approach to 4th Grade
In Waldorf education, fourth grade marks a turning point. Children are becoming more aware of themselves as individuals, and the bold, sometimes morally complex characters of Norse mythology speak to this developmental stage.
- 🌳 Norse Mythology: Gods, giants, and heroes whose stories echo themes of courage, wisdom, and fate
- 🗺️ Local Geography: Understanding place through maps, landforms, and community
- 🔢 Fractions & Measurement: Practical math skills tied to real-world applications
- 🦊 Human & Animal Studies: Zoology, classification, and comparisons to human life
Year at a Glance
Language Arts Focus
- • Norse myths and sagas
- • Narrative writing and summaries
- • Vocabulary through mythology
- • Cursive writing and composition
Math Focus
- • Fractions (adding, comparing)
- • Measurement and conversions
- • Mental math strategies
- • Multi-step word problems
Science & Geography
- • Map reading and creation
- • Local landforms and features
- • Animal classification
- • Human and animal comparisons
Arts & Movement
- • Norse-inspired artwork
- • Interlace form drawing
- • Seasonal movement activities
- • Handwork: knitting, weaving
Units by Sabbat
Lammas/Lughnasadh
Norse Creation & First Harvest
7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web
Mabon
Odin's Wisdom & Balance
7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web
Samhain
Ancestors & the Underworld
2nd Principle: Justice, equity, and compassion
Yule
Light in Darkness & Yggdrasil
1st Principle: Inherent worth and dignity
Imbolc
Freya & New Beginnings
3rd Principle: Acceptance and spiritual growth
Ostara
Thor & Spring's Return
4th Principle: Free and responsible search for truth
Beltane
Loki & Community Bonds
5th Principle: Right of conscience and democratic process
Litha
Ragnarok & World Community (Optional)
6th Principle: Goal of world community
📖 Key Stories This Year
Norse Mythology
- • Creation from Ginnungagap
- • Odin's sacrifice for wisdom
- • Thor's adventures
- • Freya and the Brísingamen
- • Loki's tricks and consequences
- • Ragnarok and renewal
The Nine Worlds
- • Asgard (realm of gods)
- • Midgard (realm of humans)
- • Jotunheim (realm of giants)
- • Niflheim (realm of ice)
- • Muspelheim (realm of fire)
- • Yggdrasil (World Tree)
🗺️ Geography & Nature Focus
Fourth grade grounds Norse mythology in the physical world through local geography and animal studies:
Mapmaking Skills
Create maps of home, neighborhood, and local area. Learn compass directions, scale, and symbols.
Animal Studies
Explore animal classification, habitats, and behaviors. Compare animal and human adaptations.