2021 2022 Parent Guide to 4th Grade
Transcript of 2021 2022 Parent Guide to 4th Grade
INTRODUCTION
In the Brighton Central School District, parents are highly regarded as important
partners in education. The “Fourth Grade Parent Guide” provides valuable information to
help you guide and reinforce your child's learning. Within these pages you will find
helpful suggestions, which will contribute to your child's success. As you follow your
child's learning development, please keep two things in mind: all learning progresses
through stages which cannot be rushed and no two children learn in the same way or
at the same pace. Parents are encouraged to join educators in recognizing and
celebrating the individuality of each child.
It is our hope that all children will eventually become responsible for their own
learning in the classroom and beyond, just as they become responsible for the
routines and chores in which they participate at home. Expecting children to
complete chores and assignments, as well as giving them choices and holding them
responsible for the choices they make, serves them well.
Most nine-year-olds enter fourth grade able to work independently. They are also able
to give feedback and accept suggestions from their peers.
LANGUAGE ARTS
The goal of FOURTH GRADE Language Arts is to support students as they continue to
develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The Common Core Learning
Standards provide a roadmap for instruction throughout the year.
Our goal in 4th Grade reading is to help students read quickly and accurately in a
variety of texts, for a variety of purposes. Students also learn from books on topics in
science and social studies. Fourth grade children are expected to plan and direct their
own learning. They learn to adjust their rate of reading according to text difficulty and
their purpose for reading. They exercise more and more decision making in their
choice of books and report topics. Encourage your child to describe himself or herself
as a reader and writer.
The writing progress of fourth graders is closely monitored by your child’s teacher,
who chooses compatible instructional strategies that lead to increased achievement.
Children who need additional reading support meet with Academic Support
Instructors/teachers who are trained to address targeted student needs. This support
may be provided within the classroom or in the Academic Support room.
Children's writing development continues to progress through stages. Children at this
stage gain control over a variety of writing forms: persuasive, informational, and
narrative.
We expect to see:
• Conventional spelling
• Longer sentences and more complex idea development, reflecting the child’s
growth in language and ability to maintain focus.
• Children who continue to set goals and evaluate their progress
• Children who gain in their ability to be reflective and find ways to improve
The writing progress of fourth graders is closely monitored by your child’s teacher,
who chooses compatible instructional strategies that lead to increased achievement.
Reading progress is closely monitored using a variety of assessments. In the fall
and spring students will take the MAP test (Measures of Academic Progress) to
monitor comprehension. Fluency progress is also monitored throughout the year
through the use of DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills).
Classroom teachers use the Fountas and Pinnell benchmark assessment system to
gather valuable information used in daily classroom instruction.
Students in grade 3-5 will be involved with a Word Study program. This is a student
centered approach to phonics, spelling & vocabulary instruction that engages the
learner in constructing concepts about the ways words work. Three times a year
students will be given a short assessment called the Developmental Spelling
Analysis which will help teachers to target instruction to match the student’s
instructional learning level. The goal of word study is for students to generalize what
they learn not memorize.
In the Spring, children take the NYS English Language Arts Test to monitor their
progress.
MATHEMATICS
The goal of fourth grade mathematics is to help students continue to develop problem
-solving skills that serve lifelong learning. The New York State Learning Standards
provide a roadmap for instruction throughout the year. The mathematics program
builds upon skills previously learned, and also develops a student's ability to
communicate, explore, conjecture, and reason logically. It is important that students
see the value of mathematics and its relationship to everyday life. The emphasis
should be on "doing" math rather than "knowing" math.
Fourth grade students learn:
Number Sense and Operations
Money
Fractions and Decimals
Algebra
Geometry
Measurement
Probability and Data Analysis
Problem solving
Practicing Math Facts
As we go through elementary school, gaining math fact fluency is always something
we ask our students to work on. Practice certainly makes perfect when it comes to
fact fluency. Whether it be addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division, students
should be comfortable with all facts from 0 to 12. While we don’t expect all of our 3rd
grade students to have mastered multiplication and division facts by mid-year, our
expectation is that they should be able to complete at least 20 addition and
subtraction facts in one minute. For our 4th and 5
th grade students, our expectation
is that they should be able to complete at least 20 facts per minute in each of the
four areas. Again, practicing facts will help with fluency and will ultimately assist with
all areas of mathematics. Please contact your child’s math teacher if you have any
questions.
For more detailed information about the math curriculum for fourth grade, see the
BCSD website referring to curriculum maps.
Classlink: This can be accessed through the Student portal site on BCSD’s main
website.
Use the following to log in:
*Username: Use your school email ([email protected])
*Click on picture of your math book
ixl: https://www.ixl.com/signin/brightoncsd
SOCIAL STUDIES
The goal of fourth grade social studies is to help students learn about themselves; who
they are, where they fit into the community, and the role that institutions such as
government, family, and schools play in their lives. In addition, social studies engages
students in the study of the social, geographical, political, historical, and economic
aspects of life. Students continue to learn to recognize and appreciate the delicate
balance between rights and responsibilities in a democratic society.
Fourth grade students study local and state history and government, tracing social,
historical, and economic changes. The program aims to provide students with an
understanding of the purposes and functions of local governments, and an
appreciation for the heritage of their community, as well as for those who have
contributed to its development.
Fourth grade students study:
The geography of our region and how it has influenced the development of our
community
The first settlers of our region, the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee)
Explorers of New York State
New York during the Colonial & Revolutionary War Era
How local governments make laws, provide important services, plan and coordinate
community development
How major events such as the building of the Erie Canal and the Industrial
Revolution affected life in Rochester.
Our communities and the Rochester region provide a wealth of family field trip
adventures which will reinforce the study of local history and local government.
Ganondagan State Historical site, Mendon Ponds County Park, Genesee Country
Museum, Strong Museum, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, the Tinker
Homestead, our town halls, and the Monroe County Office Building are only a few of
the many places which you can visit with your child.
SCIENCE
The goal of fourth grade science education is to foster an understanding of scientific
facts, concepts, and methods so that students continue to appreciate and understand
science - how it contributes to their lives and society, and how it impacts decisions
regarding the environment, career choices, and future learning.
The New York State Learning Standards are divided into four areas: Life Science, Earth
and Space Science, Physical Science and Engineering Design. Students use the Science and
Engineering practices to learn about their world.
Fourth grade students study and learn about:
Structure, Function and Information Processing-Construct an argument that plants
and animals have internal and external structures for survival, growth, and behavior
Earth’s systems-Analyze rock formations and fossils and weathering and erosion
Energy – Provide evidence of conservation, of energy and conversion of energy
from one form to another
Waves-Describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength
Fourth grade science helps children to discover what they know and don't know, and
that they possess information, which may need to be corrected. Fourth grade
students are expected to: observe, describe, infer, classify, compare, communicate,
record, predict, and verify.
HEALTH
Brighton Central Schools feels that the family is the primary health educator, and we
assist each student attaining his/her optimal physical, mental emotional and social well
-being. Due to the nature of the ever-changing issues facing children today, our
Health Education program is a prevention-based program. We teach students to be
better informed about a wide variety of topics pertinent to their age and
development. As students become more knowledgeable about issues, they also need
to develop proper decision-making and other skills so they can make choices
consistent with the values of their family and community.
4th
Grade Topics
Mental & Emotional Health: Relaxation Strategies, Feelings & Emotions, Stress,
Friendship & Conflict Resolution
Human Growth & Development: Body Systems i.e., Skeletal, Muscular, Respiratory,
etc.
Substance Use, Misuse & Abuse: Tobacco, Alcohol, Medicine, Addiction, & Refusal
Skills
Communicable & Other Illness: Illness Prevention, Hygiene, Blood Borne
Pathogens
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The goal of fourth grade physical education is to help children develop and maintain
healthy and active lifestyles.
Fourth grade students are taught basic conditioning activities for building strength and
flexibility. Games, skills for sports and gymnastics skills are taught. Cooperation, good
sportsmanship, leadership, trust, and respect are emphasized. Safe use of space
during movement also continues to be a point of emphasis. Children love "P.E." and
are eager to attend these classes which are taught three forty minute sessions per
cycle.
VOCAL MUSIC
The goal of fourth grade music education is to help students learn about the music of
various cultures through the through the exploration and celebration of literature and
song. Students participate in activities focusing on beat, rhythm, melody, tone,
musical expression, and creativity. In fourth grade, students learn to conduct simple
pieces, study instruments of the orchestra, use recorders to reinforce rhythm and
note reading skills, and explore chords and simple accompaniment. The students will
learn to play the ukulele at the end of the year.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Each fourth grade homeroom is scheduled for instrumental music for a period of thirty
minutes two times each six-day cycle. For the first several cycles, teachers will
demonstrate the instruments that are offered in the brass, woodwind, percussion and
string families and students will have the opportunity to try out any instrument that
they find interesting. During this period, the staff keeps a record of the success that
each student has on the various instruments. At the conclusion of this trial period,
teachers will counsel with students to help them find the instrument that is best suited
for them. Students are not required to participate in the instrumental program after
this point, but approximately 98% of the fourth grade students do elect to start an
instrument. A parent meeting will occur after instrument selections are done.
ART
Students in 4th grade will be actively engaged in the creation of art. They will be
introduced to a wide variety of techniques and mediums helping students develop an
understanding of the elements of design and art principles. Students will learn to
respond to and analyze different works of art, as well as learn about and gain a better
understanding of the cultural contributions of the arts. Art 1-12 is based on a spiraling
curriculum in which student’s build upon information and skills learned in prior years.
LIBRARY
Through the library curriculum, students experience a wide variety of reading, listening, and
viewing resources for the promotion of literacy and lifelong enjoyment of reading. They learn to
be information literate, applying the research process to access, evaluate, and use
information accurately and effectively. Students learn to recognize the importance of a
free flow of information from diverse sources, viewpoints, and cultural backgrounds as
essential to a democratic society. Students learn to practice ethical behavior in regard to
information and information technology. They practice personal responsibility by checking out
library materials, caring for them and returning them for others to share.
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Fourth grade students have access to instructional technology in the classroom plus,
the Technology Lab once per cycle as a "special". There they practice skills that
complement the classroom curriculum including basic iPad care, keyboarding, and
digital safety. As the year progresses, students become proficient creators of digital
content by reading, writing and publishing in the Cloud
EXTENDED STUDIES SERVICES (ESS)
The Brighton Central School District provides a range of opportunities for students to
develop special talents and extend learning.
The French Road Extended Studies Curriculum is multidisciplinary and discovery-
oriented, emphasizing higher level thinking skills, problem solving and hands-on
experiences. Extended Studies Services are intended to be flexible to meet the needs
of the children. There are several delivery options that allow for this flexibility and
provide a continuum of services. General classroom enrichment, small groups,
accelerated math, and consultation are some of the services on our continuum.
SPECIAL SERVICES
If a child is experiencing emotional difficulty, he or she may be seen by a mental
health specialist. A social worker, psychologist or counselor are also available to
assist families and children. If you feel that your child is in need of any special
services, please call the Principal/Assistant Principal to discuss the appropriate action
to take.
SIX POINTS TO ENSURE STUDENT SUCCESS
1. Let your children know that you believe they can succeed.
2. Praise your child for doing what is requested and for being cooperative. “You are a
good kid” is music to a child’s ear.
3. Provide a special place for study, and allow your child to design the space
according to his or her learning style. Some children learn better with the radio
on and sprawled across the floor and others learn best by sitting at a desk or
table in a quiet room.
4. Maintain household routines such as bedtime activities and chores. These help
children to learn about learning. It is through routines that they learn about cause and
effect, sequencing, and predicting.
5. Encourage group study. Open your home to informal study groups. This will be
especially important as your children grow older.
6. Don't expect all homework to be easy. This may sound silly, but it is good to affirm
that the task is difficult. An acceptance that learning Is hard work and that hard work
pays off, is a powerful insight all good learners need to succeed.
FRES CODE OF CONDUCT
Please review the Family and Student Handbook for complete details. FRES
promotes the Star Qualities of Respect, Responsibility, Self Control, Kindness
and Integrity. We also actively promote a Bully Free School through our actions,
discussions, activities, assemblies and through the Purple Hands Pledge of The
Hands and Words are Not for Hurting Project.
PURPLE HANDS PLEDGE:
I will not use my hands or my words for hurting myself or others.
STAR QUALITY PLEDGE:
As a responsible French Road citizen,
I will treat others with kindness.
I will respect the right
and property of others,
And think before I speak or act.
I pledge to do my best,
even when no one is looking