Reading:

The primary goal in Reading in 4th Grade is to  foster a love for reading!! With a balanced literacy approach we will include interactive read aloud texts, guided reading groups, shared reading, interactive writing, shared writing, Reading Workshop, Writing Workshop and Word study. Students will be reading to learn. Each will have an appreciation that “reading a book” is not the same as “reading AND understanding a book”. We will help them read with stamina and select appropriate books for independent reading.

The students will examine elements of non-fiction text: main idea, interpretation, & text structure. They will explore character and theme in various fiction studies. They will strengthen reading comprehension and fluency by using context clues, and comparing and contrasting points of view. Through reading they will develop ideas and formulate questions in various genres.

 Writing:

Fourth graders will be actively engaged in writer’s workshop this year.  The writing process will be used to create various writing pieces.   

The writing process consists of:   

prewriting

 drafting

 revising

 editing (teacher and peer)

 publishing

The students will use a Writer’s Notebook to begin the writing process. The Writer’s Notebook is a special place for the children’s writing.  They will gather entries in their notebooks during independent writing time, as well as for homework.  Their notebooks will become filled with their thoughts, memories, observations, ideas, feelings, and poetry.  In addition the children may include sketches, photos, diagrams, artifacts or anything that inspires them to write!   

Students will learn various crafts, and practice conventions while exploring various genres. While writing personal narratives, students will learn to use figurative and descriptive language, use dialogue, create engaging leads and endings, and develop setting with sensory details. Additionally, students will learn research skills to write informational pieces, and learn to organize and write persuasive essays, as well as other genres.