As an educator, I do believe in homework that is a review of information learned or if it is for introductory purposes for a topic of study. I don't think that homework just to assign homework is necessarily helpful. I do believe that a child should read nightly for 20-30 min. Encouraging reading can become a life-long learning activity and enhances one's knowledge.

At the fourth grade level, children still love being read to, as well as reading independently with parents who are also reading. Allow a child to select his/her books of interests, even graphic novels from time to time. But, consider selecting a higher reading level books that you read orally to your child --- a great pasttime.

You have a good question about predicting educational success, but I don't think I can fully answer it for you. I do know from working in the educational world that fourth grade is a "mile stone" year in school, as is eighth and twelfth grades. I suspect these grades reflect periods when a child is progressing to a higher developmental level mentally. Your child's physician may have a greater understanding of this, or perhaps asking your local school psychologist can give you more information.