4th+Grade

Post your grade level's responses here.

Are students encouraged to talk about what they already know so that there is a foundation from which critical thinking can take place?

Are children encouraged to look at something from multiple perspectives or different points of view?

[|eoliveto] According to the article, background knowledge is essential in teaching and learning critical thinking, and I can understand that. But, how do you teach critical thinking to the student who has no background knowledge?

**Accountable Talk**- Noise in a classroom, as long as it’s related to the task at hand, is appropriate. Talk has to be accountable; teachers are responsible for modeling accountable talk. This talk can take the form of clarifying, explaining, justifying, and challenging misconceptions. Teachers must support this process as students engage in it. The “Making Meaning” program is helpful in that it teaches students to be accountable in their talk.