Third Grade is an exciting and fun-filled transition year between the primary and upper grades. Melinda Blake and Judy Brady ensure that their third graders learn to set individual goals and take more personal responsibility for their learning. They work on developing reading comprehension and study skills that provides success in fourth and fifth grade. All subjects reinforce a Biblical worldview. Students are taught to look at life from God's perspective. As we study God's Word daily, our goal is that students become not only hearers but also doers of the Word. Monthly character traits also encourage students to put God's precepts into practice. Our theme verse is "Whatever you do, work at it with all you heart as working for the Lord, not for men." (Col. 3:23) Third graders look forward to learning cursive, multiplication tables, long division, researching and writing reports, exploring the biomes of the world, investigating electricity, simple machines and space, and giving a costumed oral presentation on a famous American. Field trips to Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Oakland Zoo, Lawrence Hall of Science, Chabot Observatory, Macedo Ranch, and the Tassajara One Room Schoolhouse reinforce our science and social studies curriculum.
4th Grade
Fourth grade at SRVCA is rewarding and fun. Along with teachers Elizabeth Langworthy and Mary Ng, the 4th graders love to meet in prayer groups to support one another. They learn things about California's history, such as the Native Americans, the 21 missions, and the gold rush. The year is very hands-on and filled with science that explores using all of the senses, as well as critical thinking skills. Crayfish, ocean creatures, and the birds around are topics of interest. In addition, the field trips bring all the information that has been learned into focus. Touring Sacramento with the StateCapitalBuilding , Sutter's Fort, OldTown, and the RailroadMuseum truly bring to life the history of California. Walking trips to creeks and museums in the local community are also an important method of being a part of the community. During the over-night camping trip (Rock-N-Water), students travel back in time to 1854, and live life as 49ers!
5th Grade
As the last year of elementary school, fifth grade is considered both challenging and memorable. With the help of Annalisa Fiorenza and Tricia Cleveland, students learn to apply God's Word to their lives, see the overall themes of the Bible, and actively share their faith with others. Most of the field trips are scientifically oriented, such as the Tech in San Jose, Lawrence Hall of Science and a geological study at Point Lobos, Carmel. Our year culminates with an overnighter aboard the Balclutha anchored in San FranciscoBay. This fifth grade year enables the students to gain organizational skills, learn study strategies, and trust the Lord in all things, so that they will be prepared for success in Junior High.
