Every year, third grade parents have common questions and concerns regarding their child's 4th grade year. Please refer to the frequently asked questions and answers below. Feel free to email me any additional questions that you might have!
Q: Is my child ready for 4th grade?
A: The third grade teaching team does an excellent job planning and preparing the children for the next grade level. Additionally, the team strives to teach the whole child in all areas of development. Your child has come a long way since the beginning of third grade and with continual encouragement and gentle nudges in the right direction, your child's growth in this upcoming fourth grade year will amaze you even more! If there were areas of concern from third grade such as reading, writing, math skills, or behavior, it is important to encourage your child to work on and improve and mature in these areas as the 4th grade curriculum will be demanding.
Q: Is there anything else I can do to make sure my child is ready for 4th grade?
A: Encouraging your child to read throughout the summer break will always be beneficial. Additionally, encourage your child to study their math facts to improve their speed and accuracy. Please know that studying doesn't always mean sitting with flash cards to do rote memorization. Students can play math games to increase engagement and interest. Also, encourage your child to practice and improve their typing skills! Many students still depend on "chicken pecking," which is using just a few fingers to poke at letters one at a time, or they need to look at the keyboard to find letters. This is slow and inefficient. They can access the Typing Agent program at home any time.
Q: Will there be even more writing in 4th grade?
A: Yes, definitely. Students will dive deeper into personal narrative, response to literature, persuasive essays, and other types of writing styles. 4th graders also participate in a state-wide writing assessment. Encourage your child to continue practicing their writing skills!
Q: Will there be reading, writing, or math support available in fourth grade?
A: Yes. There will be extended learning opportunities available that are taught by both classroom teachers and instructional assistants. The classes are typically offered in math and reading, and take place either before or after school. Your child's fourth grade teacher will recommend your child to extended learning if he/she feels it would help meet your child's needs. As for writing, your child's teacher can help identify the specific writing needs and goals necessary to succeed in fourth grade. Additionally, be sure to have your child take advantage of ST Math, XtraMath, iReady, and other learning websites. These websites provide differentiated learning goals for each child.
Q: Will there be more projects in fourth grade?
A: Indeed, there will be important projects to complete next year. Your child's fourth grade teacher can better answer your specific questions at Back to School Night, but one important project includes the California Mission project.
Q: What type of academic challenges will there be next year?
A: Your child will be considered an upper grader and thus, will have many new and high expectations of them. Academically, they need a very strong foundation in math facts (students should be able to demonstrate automaticity- no need to pause to calculate or 'remember'). Students who are interested and are strong in math can participate in the Math Athletes group competition. There will also be many opportunities for challenge work for students needing greater depth in their learning. Students will be crossing over from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." They will be expected to draw information from non-fiction informational text. Strong reading fluency and comprehension will be critical. Lastly, students will be earning “letter-grades” for report cards instead of 1-4 grade scales.
Q: What is the typical school schedule for fourth grade?
A: Upper grades (4-6) start school at 8:00 am and end at 2:32 pm. The children have music twice a week (45 minute sessions) and science twice a week (60 minute sessions). STEAM Lab will continue twice a week.
Q: What will music be like?
A: Parents will attend a Back to School Night information session at the start of the year. Students will choose between Vocals or Strings. If your child is interested in violin, viola, or cello, then they should select Strings. Your family may supply your own instrument, or rent one through IPSF. Vocals is singing without instruments. Your child must stay commited to their selection for the entire school year. But at the start of a new school year, they may change music classes. In 5th grade, a Winds option becomes available which includes instruments such as clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, etc.
Q: What will homework be like?
A: The fourth grade team will have a homework policy much like third grade. There will be high expectations in homework completion and student independence. If homework becomes a significant issue, please discuss the details with your child's teacher
Q: Which class will my child end up in next year?
A: All of the third grade teachers, Mrs. Snyder and Mr. Finley take many factors into consideration when placing students into their fourth grade classes. Rest assured, it is not a matter we take lightly. Your children are our children as well, and we do our very best to set up the right classroom match for every child.
Q: Can Mrs. Dyer teach 4th grade?
A: Sorry, I will not be teaching 4th grade. I love each of the children from this year and I will miss them dearly; but know that your child will be in excellent hands next year! Every single 4th grade teacher is outstanding! You will be even more impressed! :0)
