4th Grade
READING & WRITING GOALS
DURING WRITING, I CAN...
-Takes notes and organize information from books, articles, and online sources
-Write complete sentences with correct capitalization and spelling
-Write stories with dialogue and descriptions of characters’ actions, thoughts, and feelings
-Write research or opinion papers over extended periods of time
WHEN READING, I CAN...
-Identify the theme or main idea of a story, play or poem
-Describe the basic elements of stories – such as characters, events, and settings – by drawing on specific details in the text
-Explain how an author uses facts, details, and evidence to support points
-Compare ideas, characters, events and settings in stories and myths from different cultures
-Read and interpret information presented in charts, graphs, and illustrations
-Independently conduct short research projects on different aspects of a topic using evidence from books and the Internet
-Relate words that are common in reading to words with similar meanings (synonyms) and to their opposites (antonyms)
WHEN SPEAKING, I CAN...
-Participate in discussions by listening, asking questions and sharing ideas
MATH GOALS
WHEN DOING ADDITION, SUBTRACTION, MULTIPLICATION, AND DIVISION IN WORD PROBLEMS, I CAN...
-Add and subtract whole numbers up to 1 million quickly and accurately
-Solve multi-step word problems, including problems involving measurement and converting measurements from larger to smaller units (such as pounds to ounces)
-Multiply and divide multi-digit numbers in simple cases (such as multiplying 1,638 x 7 or 24 x 17, and dividing 6,966 by 6)
WHEN USING FRACTIONS AND DECIMALS, I CAN...
-Compare decimals and fractions using the symbols > (more than), = (equal to) and < (less than)
-Locate decimals on a number line
-Understanding simple decimals in terms of fractions (such as rewriting 0.62 as 62/100)
-Adding, subtracting and multiplying fractions in simple cases (such as 23⁄4 - 11⁄4 or 3 x 5/8), and solving related word problem
-Adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator (such as 3⁄4 - 2/4)
-Creating equal fractions (such as 3⁄4 = 3 x 2/4 x 2 = 6/8)
-Extending understanding of fractions by comparing the size of two fractions with different numerators (top numbers) and different denominators (bottom numbers)
WHEN LEARNING ANGLES, I CAN...
-Measuring angles and finding unknown angles in a diagram
SCIENCE GOALS
WHEN INVESTIGATING PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, I CAN...
-Understand that mixtures of matter can be separated regardless of how they were created. For example, properties help determine how to separate mixtures
-Learn that all weight and mass of the mixture are the same as the sum of weight and mass of its parts
WHEN INVESTIGATING ECOSYSTEMS, I CAN...
-Understand that all living things share similar characteristics, but they also have differences that can be described and classified
-Use evidence to develop a scientific explanation for similarities and/or differences among different living things. For example, humans use technology, such as heating and air conditioning, to survive in some climates
WHEN INVESTIGATING THE CHANGING EARTH, I CAN...
-Understand that the Earth’s surface is constantly changing through a variety of processes and forces such as erosion and weathering
-Learn that the Earth and sun provide a diversity of renewable and nonrenewable resources
SOCIAL STUDIES GOALS
WHEN LEARNING ABOUT COLORADO'S HISTORY, I CAN...
-Organize and sequence events to understand chronology and cause-and-effect in the history of Colorado
-Construct a timeline of events showing the relationship of events in Colorado history with events in U.S. and world history
-Analyze primary source historical accounts related to Colorado
WHEN LEARNING ABOUT COLORADO'S GEOGRAPHY, I CAN...
-Use maps and other geographic tools to answer questions about the geography of Colorado
-Explain how physical environments have influenced individuals and businesses in decisions to settle in Colorado. For example, Colorado Springs has a dry climate that is favorable for computer companies and ski resorts developed in the Rocky Mountains
WHEN UNDERSTANDING COLORADO'S GOVERNMENT, I CAN...
-Describe the development of the political structure in Colorado history, including an understanding of the Colorado Constitution and the relationship between state and national government
-Define positive and negative economic incentives. For example, the tourism industry uses incentives to attract tourists and government agencies use tickets to discourage speeding
-Learn how to analyze and debate multiple perspectives on an issue
-Provide supportive arguments for both sides of a current public policy debate
-Learn the origins, structure and functions of Colorado government
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR CHILD?
READING AND WRITING
-Provide time and space for your child to read independently, without distractions such as TV
-Ask your child what he or she learned from reading and how that knowledge can be used in real life
-Keep track of the time that your child spends reading every day
-Be sure your child has a library card. Children should select books they are interested in to develop a passion for reading
-Urge your child to use logical arguments to defend his or her opinion. If your child wants a raise in allowance, ask him or her to research commonsense allowance systems and, based on that research, explain reasons why supported by facts and details
-Talk about the news together. Pick one story in the news, read it together and discuss with your child what it means
MATH
-Ask your child to compare numbers using phrases such as “times as much.” For example, if the family cat weighs 8 lbs. and the family dog weighs 56 lbs., how many times as much does the dog weigh?
-Ask your child to help you compare fractional amounts – for example if one recipe calls for 2/3 of a cup of oil but another recipe calls for 3/4 of a cup of oil, which recipe calls for more oil?
-Have your child write or describe fractions in different ways. For example, what are some different ways to make 3/4? Answers could include 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 or 3 x 1/4
-Ask your child to create and describe equal fractions
-Encourage your child to stick with it whenever a problem seems difficult. This will help your child see that everyone can learn math