Approaches to Learning: 4th Grade

IB PYP Approaches to Learning Skills

Grade 4: COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Listening	Listen to and follow complex instructions Listen with attentiveness and interest to others in a variety of presentations and situations, both inside and outside of school
Speaking	Give an opinion and justification for that opinion (with guidance, if needed) Present to a range of audiences confidently with appropriate volume Communicate clearly and logically in complete sentences
Reading	Read a variety of sources for information and pleasure Orally summarize the components of a story, adding increased attention to detail Make inferences in a variety of texts across genres Read appropriate grade level text with fluency, accuracy and comprehension Comprehend and apply facts from informational texts
Writing	Record information and observations Utilize the writing process with increased independence Write summaries of learned information in a variety of situations Paraphrase information Keep a journal to record information Select appropriate writing pieces for a specific audience (narrative, opinion, and informational)
Non Verbal Communication	Understand how logos, icons, and symbols are used responsibly to influence choices Begin to derive meaning from unknown signs Read body language and expressions of others and act accordingly

Grade 4: RESEARCH SKILLS

Formulating Questions	Apply prior knowledge when formulating open-ended questions that will further understanding of the topic to be researched Formulate open ended questions about research topics from personal interest or by brainstorming with others Pose purposeful, open, realistic and investigative questions
Observing	Conduct multi-step experiments Use the five senses to observe for specific purposes Create ideas to conduct investigative experiments
Planning	Use topic webs to identify priorities for research, narrowing the topic Begin to plan research and outcomes based on questions formulated Create a “to-do” list or timeline to outline the research process
Collecting Data	Identify key words searches when using a variety of sources (print, digital, and databases) Use Destiny Quest Collect information using student-initiated surveys, interviews and reference texts Independently search for credible and relevant sources, both online and in the library Apply a range of resources to locate information, including maps, timelines, and graphs Skim and scan to collect data using text features, paying attention to key words
Recording Data	Take simple notes using graphic organizers and journals Create graphs, diagrams and pie charts to record information Write a basic bibliography (author, title, publisher, publication year) Demonstrate effective paraphrasing methods without plagiarizing
Organizing Data	Organize information logically in a variety of graphic organizers Form generalizations and reach conclusions Select the graphic organizer most appropriate in different situations
Interpreting Data	Evaluate and synthesize information based on collected data Narrow or modify research focus as needed to clarify data Interpret graphic organizers and make statements about them
Presenting Research Findings	Identify and appreciate needs of an audience Present findings clearly, logically and accurately using a variety of presentation techniques Choose appropriate medium for presentation Present a bibliography

Grade 4: SELF-MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Gross motor skills	Move body appropriately, keeping in mind personal space and sharing space with others Use muscles when physically active, such as playing games, relays and rhythmic movement Apply movement skills to complex activities
Fine motor skills	Manipulate handheld tools with precision and attention to detail Competently operate and manipulate technology Without reminders, write legibly using appropriate spacing, direction, and control
Spatial awareness	Maintain an awareness of personal space and directional terms in relation to others and to their environment Visual information is well-organized and formatted to be aesthetically pleasing
Organization	Retrieve and return materials independently Select materials appropriate to a given task Organize and plan own tasks effectively Take responsibility for all belongings and independently clean personal space
Time management	Set own time frames Use time effectively Stay on task for each activity Understand how personal timeliness affects others
Safety	Show personal self-control in dangerous situations Know how to behave both in and outside the classroom Avoid putting others at risk Understand how to avoid potentially dangerous situations
Healthy lifestyle	Practice self-hygiene and self-care Understand and explain that health has many forms (mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, personal) Demonstrate an understanding of the balance between rest, exercise and good nutrition
Codes of behavior	Develop a fair play attitude Model the IB learner profile and begin to recognize when attributes are modeled by others Apply appropriate rules for varying group situations
Informed choices	Select an appropriate action or behavior based on situational awareness Reflect on and explain personal decisions

Grade 4: SOCIAL SKILLS

Accepting responsibility	Demonstrate appropriate behaviors in all situations and settings Accept responsibility for personal and group work
Respecting others	Accept others’ opinions and defend their own, respecting perspectives and feelings Demonstrate a sense of fairness and equality Demonstrate a respect for different beliefs, cultures and religions
Cooperating	Take responsibility in sharing materials Work cooperatively in any group situation by listening, sharing ideas and taking turns Be open to compromise with others in the group
Resolving conflict	Accept responsibility for own actions Compromise to resolve conflict Appreciate perspectives and exhibit empathy
Group decision making	Listen to others to gain consensus Discuss and evaluate ideas to gain consensus Justify the reason for a group decision
Adopting a variety of group roles	Demonstrate behaviors appropriate to a given situation Accept roles negotiated by the group Hold one another accountable and cheer the group to success

Grade 4: THINKING SKILLS

Acquisition of knowledge	Acquire specific facts to gain further knowledge Expand vocabulary across subject areas Recall and recount new knowledge Retell central idea in own words
Comprehension	Demonstrate understanding of the central ideas and lines of inquiry through class work, discussion, and personal inquiries Explain stories, information and events in detail and in a variety of ways Understand the purpose and criteria of a task
Application	Make and use previously acquired knowledge in practical or new ways Select appropriate strategies for tasks Understand and show how concepts, attitudes and skills are connected Use the IB PYP essential elements to justify understandings
Analysis	Classify and categorize according to specific criteria or information Make inferences Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information
Synthesis	Use higher-order thinking to design and create own ideas Draw conclusions to form new understandings based on facts learned Choose the best way to plan and design a presentation Discuss in detail the learning process
Evaluation	Self-assess work Reflect on the outcome of personal goals Give peers effective feedback Make judgments or decisions based on criteria and standards Give personal best to inquire, act, and reflect
Dialectical thought	Listen to, understand and respect that people can have different points of view Construct arguments to support points of view
Metacognition	Self-assess own learning and behaviors routinely Independently, think about where I am, where I am going, and how I am going to get there Analyze how and why you know something to be true

Learner Profile

Approaches to Learning

Transdisciplinary Themes

Conceptual Learning

PYP Assessment & Reporting

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Mock Exhibition

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Approaches to Learning By Grade

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

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