Fourth Grade Standards

When I first entered my college education I always said I wanted to teach first or second grade. However, after working with some really amazing kids the past few years I've decided I really enjoy fourth grade. As stated in the Common Core California Standards for Language Arts this is the time when students go from learning to read and begin reading to learn. These students will be able to decode words accurately, understand and state how an author is making his or her point, make oral presentation, and learn new grammar rules. Chomsky says that our students’ “knowledge extends far beyond their experience”. (Crain, 354) Our students are hard wired with an understanding of how 
grammar should work. Even though our students are all from different cultures “they are guided by an innate knowledge of Universal Grammar; they automatically know the general form any language must take”. (Crain, 355) Language is such an important part of our lives. It is something we use every day, and need to have a clear understanding of. Even though our students may be able to grasp how grammar should work they still need someone their teaching them all about it. This is why as teachers we have such a HUGE responsibility to actually teach our students. We must go beyond talking at our students and simply stating facts. We must engage them and ensure that they are gaining all the knowledge they need. 
Crain, W. (2011) Theories of Development Concepts and Applications.  Upper Saddle River, NJ; Pearson Education, Inc.