Language Arts

The Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening) are a major part of our elementary program. Students are expected to master more complex material as they progress through the grades. In fourth grade students will study:

• Reading
  • Read grade-level texts with decodable and irregularly spelled words at appropriate speed, accuracy and expression.
  • Analyze word structure (e.g., roots, prefixes, suffixes) to learn word meaning.
  • Learn new words, vocabulary and concepts indirectly when reading books and other print sources.
  • Identify specific words causing comprehension difficulties in oral or written language.
  • Use a dictionary to learn the meaning of words and a thesaurus to identify synonyms and antonyms.
  • Organize and categorize text information by using knowledge of a variety of text structures (e.g., cause and effect, fact and opinion, directions, time sequence).
  • Use knowledge of structure of imaginative text to identify and interpret plot, character and events.
  • Listen to or read grade-level texts and ask questions to clarify understanding.
  • Listen to or read grade-level texts and answer literal, inferential and critical/application questions.
  • Summarize main ideas and details of informational and imaginative text orally and in writing.
  • Support point of view with details from text.
  • Demonstrate comprehension of grade-level texts through creative response such as writing, drama and oral presentations.
  • Infer underlying theme or message of a written text.
  • Show interest in a wide range of grade-level texts; including historical and science fiction, stories, folktales, fairy tales, poetry and other imaginative and informational texts.
  
   
• Writing
  • Correctly spell previously studied decodable and irregularly spelled words and spelling patterns in own writing.
  • Write legibly all uppercase and lowercase manuscript and cursive letters.
  • Write in response to the reading of texts. Write a variety of compositions, such as literary responses and informational reports using different organizational patterns (e.g., cause and effect, compare/contrast).
  • Write in a variety of formats, such as print and multimedia. Use grade-level vocabulary and varied sentence patterns in writing.
  • Write sentences in logical order and use paragraphs to organize topics.
  • Review work independently for spelling and conventional capitalization and punctuation.
  • Vary the formality of language depending on audience and purpose of writing (e.g., friendly letter, report).
  • Convey personal voice in writing.
  • Begin to use literary elements in creative writing (e.g. figurative language, simile, metaphor and personification).
  • Combine information from multiple sources when writing reports.
     
• Speaking/Listening
  • Listen attentively and respectfully for different purposes without interrupting when others speak.
  • Speak in response to the reading of texts.
  • Use grade-level vocabulary to communicate orally ideas, emotions or experiences for different purposes (e.g., share ideas about personal experience, books or writing).
  • Use conventional grammar in speech. Recognize what is relevant and irrelevant for a particular audience.
  • Communicate ideas in an organized and cohesive manner. Vary formality of language according to purpose (e.g., conversation with peers versus a presentation to adults).
  • Speak with expression, volume, pace and facial or body gestures appropriate to the purpose of communication, topic and audience.
  • Participate respectfully in group discussions.

*The above information is courtesy of "Shenendehowa's What to Expect...in Fourth Grade!" brochure.

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