Learning Guide: Fourth Grade

7 Ways You Can Help

1. Help your child read train and bus schedules and road maps. Pose real-life problems: "What's the best route to Washington, D.C.? If I have to be at work by 9, which train should I take?"
2. When shopping, have your child read labels to determine ingredients; compare prices of different brands so you stay within your grocery budget.
3. Buy a toolbox and equip it with a few measuring instruments. Give your child a project he can complete on his own.
4. Keep communication lines open. Don't allow him to hide behind the question, "How was school?" with the one-word retort: "Fine." Follow up by saying, "Tell me three things you learned today in school."
5. Stay in touch with your child's teacher during any rough academic or social experiences he may go through.
6. Assign consequences, like the withdrawal of privileges, for inappropriate behavior. Although your child is growing up, he still needs you to set limits.
7. Talk to your child about problem solving. Discuss issues in your life and how you attempt to resolve them. Encourage him to problem-solve with you.