What your child is learning

Grade 4 children talk and think about how and what they are learning. They learn to check their progress as they work toward their language learning goals.

In Grade 4, your child learns to:

• use past experiences and what he or she knows about books, stories and language to figure out meaning
• explore new ways to learn, think and communicate about what he or she reads, hears and watches
• choose topics, ask good questions, and use a plan for a research project
• make clear and interesting oral, written and visual presentations, keeping in mind the reason for the presentation and who will be listening, reading or watching
• use a variety of information sources such as people, libraries, maps, technology and websites to answer his or her questions and find new information
• check for complete sentences, punctuation and spelling

In Grade 4, children learn to participate cooperatively in large and small groups. They also learn that the kind of language we use depends on the situation and with whom we are communicating.

To find out more about what your child is learning, talk to the teacher.

You may also refer to the Language Arts Practices: Orientation Guide for information regarding the program's guiding principles and recommended practices.

How your child is assessed

The teacher will report on your child’s progress three times a year. Here are the English Language Arts reporting areas and some examples of what the teacher will assess.

Comprehension (Reading, Listening and Viewing)

• What does your child do to help himself or herself understand?
• How does your child show what he or she understands?
• How does your child explain new ideas and information in his or her own words?

Communication (Writing, Speaking and Representing)

• How does your child use new words, images, and different ways of communicating thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences?
  
• How does your child organize ideas for communication (for example, creating diagrams, lists, maps, or plans)?
  
• How does your child use resources to check and improve work?
  

Critical Thinking

• How does your child use personal experiences, predictions and expectations to think about and evaluate what he or she hears, looks at and reads?
  
• How does your child discuss similarities and differences, for example between personal experiences and the experiences of people he or she learns about?
  
• How does your child think about or change personal opinions based on the opinions of others?

Resources

• Winnipeg Public Library: Features information and programming devoted to Early Literacy as well as access to several databases of digital storybooks for a variety of grade levels.
• CBC has developed a number of educational apps for building children’s vocabulary and introducing them to the joys of reading. The PBSKids website includes a number of Reading Games.
• The International Children's Library is a free collection of digital children’s books from cultures all over the world.
• Oxford Owl for Home: With a free account, parents may access advice and support, educational activities and games, and an extensive eBook library.
• Online Resources for Manitoba Educators: Notified homeschooling families may access this online collection of eBooks, Audio books, eJournals and other resources.
• Please visit the My Learning at Home – English website for links to more English language resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do children learn to read and write? "Learning to read does not happen all at once. Nor does it happen at the same time for all children. It involves a series of stages that lead, over time, to independent reading and to fluency. Learning to read begins in the home as children are exposed to texts in a variety of formats, including books, signage and digital messages. Caregivers who read to their children are showing them how printed texts “work”: which way is up, and where the text begins and ends. Through this process, children begin to understand that symbols and words represent concepts and that a message, once written, does not change. Once children begin school, they learn that letters represent sounds and that different combinations of letters are used to represent all the words they hear. These words are then combined into sentences that are structured differently depending on the language. As students become more confident at decoding the words and sentences they read, they start focusing on understanding the messages authors are transmitting to their readers. Children discuss these messages and make connections to personal experiences, to other stories they have heard or read, and to videos or television programs they may have viewed. Ideally, students discover that reading can affect them and even change their view of the world. They then come to realize that the messages they write can influence others as well."

How can I help my child? What tips can I use to help my child learn to read? As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. When you help your child learn to read, you are opening the door to a world of books and learning. Reading aloud to children everyday is the best way to get them interested in reading. Before long they will grow to love the stories and books. Reading and writing can be family activities. Spending time with your child playing word games, writing grocery lists, birthday or everyday messages, reading stories, and watching appropriate television programs will provide him or her with many opportunities to practice reading and writing skills. As you discuss, ask lots of question, make predictions and encourage your child to tell you what he or she thinks and feels about what is going on in the story. Your child will gain insights, gather information, and learn about the world.

Where can I get support in helping my child to read and write? Don’t feel that you are alone. Family members and friends may be willing to support you in helping your child in his or her efforts to learn to read and write. Your child’s teacher and local librarians are knowledgeable and can offer help. You can also seek advice from community organizations such as child care centers and from your family doctor. Your child’s teacher can provide advice about helping your child. Here are some topics you could discuss with the teacher: your child’s reading strengths and what strategies could you encourage your child to practice the reading goal for your child and how you can support your child in working towards those goals books that you child could read easily and books that he or she would find more difficult books and authors your child might enjoy talk about your child’s interest and how to find ways to use these interests.

Why is critical thinking important at this age? Critical thinking helps students focus on developing their ability to reason, analyze, evaluate, and create in a way that expresses their thought, feelings and actions in a reasoned and clear manner. Therefore, it is necessary for students to understand that how we interact with new ideas, what we read, what we view, and experience is as important as what these texts and ideas are. We should hear children asking questions, discussing ideas, and opinions, and what the message of the author or artist is and why he or she is communicating it.