Made Ya Think!
 
Hearth & Story 4th Grade Brain Food
 
Curious minds deserve something substantial to chew on, something that gets them asking, “Wait… why is that?” That’s where 4th Grade Brain Food comes in. This yearlong critical thinking course is built around the theme “Made Ya Think,” and it’s packed with big questions, bold ideas, and just enough silliness to keep things fun.
 
Designed for thoughtful, talkative, creative kids (and the grown-ups who love learning with them), 4th Grade Brain Food blends philosophy, informational texts, speech & listening skills, and social-emotional growth into a series of thoughtful weekly lessons.
 
What’s Inside?
 
Be a Podcaster!
In this year’s multi-week project, students become the hosts of a podcast called Who Has Time for This? Students read a nonfiction book of their choice, then summarize and discuss it in their own podcast episode, learning to inform, explain, and engage like pros.
 
Big Questions, Young Philosophers
Who are you when nobody is looking? Why do we laugh? Is a ship still the same if every part is replaced? Students dive into classic thought experiments like the Ship of Theseus and the Veil of Ignorance, learning to see things from multiple perspectives and express their thinking clearly.
 
Talking It Out
Whether it’s a one-on-one conversation with a parent or a full group discussion, students learn how to listen closely, speak clearly, and disagree respectfully. They’ll build the habits of great conversationalists through fun, practical lessons on discussion rules, tone, formality, and more.
 
Reflection & Reasoning
Kids learn to slow down and notice how their minds work: Why do we jump to conclusions? What kinds of humor do we love (or not)? Why does making something ourselves instead of buying it feel so satisfying? These mini-lessons help students make connections in their daily lives.
 
Key Features:
Covers critical thinking, informational text, and speaking/listening standards
Creative, open-ended projects like podcasting and design thinking
Gentle introduction to philosophical thinking and ethical dilemmas
Encourages collaboration and discussion with parents or peers
Works beautifully as a stand-alone enrichment or as part of Hearth & Story Complete 4th Grade Language Arts
 
Whether your learner is full of questions or just beginning to ask “why,” 4th Grade Brain Food gives them the tools to wonder, question, reason, and explain. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about asking Big Questions!