Fourth Grade Overview
In English Language Arts your child will…
- This year, our fourth grade students will build literacy and language skills by participating in ten cross-disciplinary units of study in our Benchmark Advance Program. Each three-week unit features a topic, ranging from economics to earth science, history and culture to themes in literature, and more. The units are designed to focus on two shorter selections during the first week, which will prepare students to explore the content more deeply in the second and third weeks as they read longer passages. As students read poems, stories, plays, and informational articles, they will strengthen reading and writing skills and strategies, participate in meaningful collaborative conversations, and make connections to their other content area studies.
- Students will develop their writing skills in writing workshop with our resource School-Wide Writing Fundamentals. This will be a time when students take part in a writing lesson and, most importantly, write independently. Your child’s teacher will provide explicit instruction on the various stages of the writing process. At each stage, they will be looking at great models of writing by authors who will serve as mentors. Students will be encouraged to take risks as they develop their own individual writing styles and become part of a writing community that shares ideas and learns from one another.
How can I support my child at home?
Set aside twenty minutes each day in a comfortable reading space for reading together. During this 20 minutes, read aloud to your child and encourage them to read to you. By reading aloud with your child every day, you can model fluency and expression and support the work your child is doing at school. Encourage your child to read independently by read the word, retelling the story, or creating their own stories from the pictures.
Is there an online platform or app available?
- Yes! In the Clever app on your child’s iPad there is a Benchmark Advance app. In the app, you can explore the texts students will be encountering in the unit.
- The Epic! digital library app is also available on your child’s iPad. Students are able to read and listen to books and audiobooks.
Additional Information about our core resource:
- Benchmark Advance: Parent Welcome Letter
In math, your child will:
- Understand factors and multiples, e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, and 20 are all factors of 20, and 20 is a multiple of each of those numbers
- Understand that a prime number has only 2 factors—1 and itself, while a composite number has more than 2 factors
- Multiply multi-digit numbers using strategies based on place value and properties of operations
- Divide 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers using strategies based on place value and the relationship between multiplication and division
- Read, write, and compare multi-digit numbers and round multi-digit numbers to any place
- Add and subtract multi-digit numbers accurately and efficiently
- Recognize and generate equivalent fractions
- Compare two fractions with different numerators and denominators
- Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators
- Multiply a fraction by a whole number
- Write fractions with denominators of 10 or 100 in decimal notation
- Compare decimal numbers with digits to the hundredths place
- Know the relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units, including metric length, metric mass, customary weight, metric volume, and time
- Use formulas for area and perimeter of a rectangle to solve problems
- Measure and sketch angles with a protractor
- Classify 2-D shapes
- Identify and draw lines of symmetry
How can I support my child at home?
- Check out a parent guide for each unit of instruction: Fourth Grade Family Support Page
- Math at Home is an additional resource by The Math Learning Center that includes thought-provoking, Bridges-aligned math activities and games that can be used at home or at school throughout the year for students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Is there an online platform or app available?
- Yes! Dreambox is a personalized math program that builds students' confidence and competence. Learn more about how to support the program at home.
Additional Information about our core resource:
- Video: Introduction to Bridges in Mathematics
- Video: Grade K-2 Bridges in Mathematics: Mathematical Models & Strategies
- Video: Grade 3-5 Bridges in Mathematics: Mathematical Models & Strategies
District 58 incorporates an inquiry-based approach. Students engage in inquiry through rich discussion, questioning, research using various resources, and summarizing their understanding with a project for an audience. DG58 started inquiry with social studies and embeds it throughout other content areas. Ultimately, District 58 staff light the way for students to engage in a path of exploration and discovery.
The gradual release process of inquiry.
In Social Studies your child will…
- Explore disciplinary concepts throughout the year within the Our State, Our Nation theme.
- Engage individually and collaboratively in inquiry within four disciplinary concepts; civics, economics, history, and geography.
- Throughout each chapter, explore essential and supporting questions through the SAVVAS Quest Connections
- Gather and evaluate sources
- Develop claims and use evidence
- Communicate conclusions
- Take informed action to demonstrate understanding
Additional Information about our core resource:
Savvas immerses students in history through a perspective-rich environment that grows as the student moves through elementary school. Learn more about the Savvas social studies program by clicking this link.
What is inquiry?
Simply put, inquiry-based learning is founded on a "big question". In our K-5 social studies resource, the big question is researched through what we call, Quest. Each lesson begins with a big question. Then, reading and activities guide students through investigation to answer the big question. In the end, students complete a quest project to demonstrate learning and understanding.
The inquiry process, according to C3, includes 4 stages:
- Developing Questions and planning inquiries
- Applying the disciplines (civics, economics, geography, history)
- Evaluating resources
- Communicating conclusions and taking informed action
To learn more, watch this quick and helpful video.
How can I support my child at home?
As parents, it can be hard to see our children struggle. However, by not giving the answer, through "failure" (F-first, A-attempt, I-in, L-learning), children learn and build self-efficacy.
Below are helpful ideas to easily incorporate inquiry into your home.
- Learn along with children through books, TV programs, and learning hobbies, such rock collecting.
- Visit museums, zoos, aquariums, and historical sites with children. The Downers Grove Public Library has museum passes available. Downers Grove also has a rich history. To learn more, visit the Downers Grove Historical Museum.
- Explore quality television programs like PBS, the Discovery Channel, and the History Channel.
- Subscribe children to magazines.
1. Bring Inquiry into Your Home
Meet a question with a question. Our first instinct when a child asks a question is to provide an answer. This can prevent a golden opportunity to learn about how to learn. So, next time your child asks you a question (“How do you spell ….?” “What are the types of energy?”), instead of supplying the answer, try responding like this:
Great question! How could you find that out? What resource could you use to discover that?
Be prepared to inquire together. Sometimes, when you meet a question with a question, you get an “I don’t know”. That is an invitation to a great teachable moment! If your child doesn’t know how to find out on their own or what resource to use, you can respond with:
Let’s figure it out together. Maybe we can try this….Let’s see if this resource has the answer…
Ask the magic question – “What do you notice?”. No matter what subject – the secret ingredient to inquiry is asking learners to think about what they notice. That one question works every time, and can be followed up with “what else do you notice?”.
You don’t have to be an expert, just be a learner. It is okay to not know. That presents an opportunity to model your own approaches to learning. Confidently to say, “I don’t know”. Follow it up with, “But now I want to know, so here is how I am going to find out!” or, “Let’s figure this out together!”
2. Encourage Reflection
Get them thinking about their thinking. There are two magic questions you can ask your child to help them think deeper – any subject:
How do you know?
What makes you say that?
3. Support your child’s agency
Invite their voice. Give space for children to articulate what they like and don’t like about learning. Listen to what they care about and what matters to them and try to understand and find ways to support it.
Respect and support their choices. Be aware of choices you make for your child that they could make themselves. Choices may include when, where, and how they learn. Teach the decision-making process (What choice are you making for yourself?). Then follow up with a reflection (How did that choice work out for you? How do you know? What will you choose differently next time?).
Emphasize ownership. Sometimes learning can get misrepresented as something done to learners. These phrases build that sense of ownership over their learning:
It’s your learning.
You’re in the driver’s seat.
Your learning, your choice.
*Credit: makinggoodhumans.wordpress.com
In Science your child will study...
- Plants and Animal Structures: Students are introduced to the unit’s anchoring phenomenon of that while most animals have eyes, the location of the eyes will vary depending on the animal and its needs. In this unit, students explore plant structures that are used for support and growth, protection, reproduction, and responding to the environment. Students examine animal structures that are used for digestion, circulation, support, movement, protection, reproduction, and sensing and responding to the environment. Can students use what they know about the structures of both plants and animals to give a comic book artist ideas for creating new creatures for his latest work?
- Energy: Students are introduced to the unit’s anchoring phenomenon of how bike helmets protect you. In this unit, students explore how energy and motion are related, how energy is transferred between colliding objects, and how energy is transferred by sound, light, heat, and electric currents. Students examine the ways energy is stored and used, and how people choose energy resources. Students design a safety device for bike riding that uses energy. How can students use what they know to help teach others about how energy transfers from one place to another by creating a safety pamphlet about bike helmets?
- Earth’s Changing Surface: Students are introduced to the anchoring phenomenon of how the once tall and pointy Appalachian Mountains have become low and rounded over time. In this unit, students investigate Earth’s changing surface as they explore clues that show Earth’s surface changes. Students examine how water, wind, and living things also make changes to Earth’s surface. Students find out about fossils and how the location of fossils can indicate past changes to Earth’s surface. Students locate where earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains are found, and discover what people can do about natural hazards. Using what they know about how Earth’s surface changes and the resulting natural hazards, can students develop a hazard plan for their community?
- Waves and Information: Students are introduced to the anchoring phenomenon of how, by using sound waves, people can communicate. In this unit, students explore waves and their properties, how waves affect objects, and which waves travel through Earth causing seismic activity. Students understand how sound waves and patterns are used to send messages. Using their knowledge, can students demonstrate different ways information can be transferred by creating a new communication method?
District 58 utilizes the Second Step program to support students’ social emotional learning through a holistic approach to building our school communities. Children benefit from social-emotional learning (SEL) at any time, but today it’s especially important to help them develop the skills they need to connect and thrive. Second Step® Elementary is a leading research-based SEL curriculum
In Second Step your child will…
- Practice skills for learning
- Practice skill for empathy
- Learn and practice strategies for emotional management and compassion
- Learn and practice communication skills and problem-solving strategies during peer interactions
How can I support my child at home?
If you are interested in learning more about the Second Step curriculum and approach, please visit their website at SecondStep.org.
Art
In Art your child will…
- Explore art in the environment
- Learn about various forms and functions of art
- Learn about famous artists
How can I support my child at home?
To inspire your child, visit museums, art shows, and the Downers Grove Public LIbrary where there is exposure to a variety of artwork. The library offers museums free passes that you can check out. Build inspiration for art, by learning about local and historical artists. As you drive around town, see if you can identify various forms of art, whether sculptural or other modes. Finally, have a variety of art materials available at home, such as clay, playdough, paint, colored pencils, fun paper, and more. Many stores have small and large art kits available to encourage children tap into their creativity.
Is there an online platform or app available?
Seesaw is a resource our art teachers rely on the most. Through Seesaw, we connect with parents and share a window into your child’s creative side. At the beginning of each year, your child’s teacher will send you an invitation to their Seesaw class, which will automatically connect you to their art class. Once there, families can see updates, helpful videos, assignments and more.
Music
(content coming soon)
Physical Education (PE)
In physical education your child will engage in the following activities throughout the school year:
- Flag football, soccer, and volleyball focusing on fundamentals skills and game rules
- Emphasis on team building activities to foster cooperation and collaboration
- Develop fitness levels through exercises and drills
- Bowling skills
- Floor Hockey skills
- Participate in recreational games that encourage friendly competition and sportsmanship
How can I support my child at home?
- Encourage active play: Encourage your child to be physically active every day. Activities such as running, jumping, climbing and playing outdoor games are great for students this age.
- Make physical activity a family event. Engage in physical activities as a family. Plan trips to the park, nature trails, or the park distinct where everyone can participate in activities like hiking, booking, swimming, or playing sports together.
- Limit screen time: Set limits on screen time. Excessive screen time can negatively affect a child’s physical activity levels. Encourage your child to engage in more hands-on activities instead.
- Create a supportive environment: Create an environment that supports physical activity in your child’s daily routine. Provide your child with access to sport equipment, bikes, and other active equipment.
Is there an online platform or app available?
Shape America. Their website offers resources and ideas for parents to support physical education at home and in the community. Website: https://www.shapeamerica.org/MemberPortal/events/parents.aspx
Library
In Library your child will…
Build an appreciation of literature through a variety of genres that represent neurodiversity and cultures. In Library, students explore the Illinois State Award books, engage in research, and learn how to navigate the library to access books and information online. The library curriculum follows the Association of Illinois School Library Educators standards to engage students in an exploration of genres and modes of media.
How can I support my child at home?
Reading and discussing books with children of any age has the most impact on a child’s motivation and ability to read. You can even read the same book that your child is reading. Visit the Downers Grove Public Library to expose your child to a variety of genres and reading materials and even establish a relationship with the local librarian. The library also has free museum passes. The night before your child’s school checkout, brainstorm books or topics they might explore.
Is there an online platform or app available?
Common Sense Media offers helpful resources, articles, videos and digital citizenship parent tips: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles
Visit Destiny to explore books available at your child’s school.