Lincoln Elementary School

Course Overview
Discipline Area Language Arts
GRADE Grade 4
DESCRIPTION Communicating and the Sharing of Information Through The Presentation of
(main focus of the discipline Both Oral and Written Language
area)
GOALS Students will:
(5-7 overarching goals) Identify, explain, and apply the five steps of the Writing Process and the six
traits of writing
Construct, then compare and contrast Narrative, Descriptive, Expository,
and Persuasive styles of paragraph writing
Demonstrate an ability to use multiple, grade-level appropriate reading
materials in their study of Language through reflective writing assignments
and connections to other subjects such as Social Studies and Science.
Assess and determine the value of the variety of writing forms employed
such as those for journals, dialogue, poetry, or reports
Demonstrate grade-level competence and confidence in reading, writing,
speaking and listening skills
Develop critical thinking skills through activities such as predicting story
events, rewriting story plots and endings, and evaluating essential elements of
a story
Use and justify the choice of graphic organizers

UNIT THEMES/TOPICS 1. The Process of Writing: Purpose and Audience (2 weeks)

(include approximate duration in 2. The Writing Process (ongoing)
weeks) 3. Reading for Both Information and Enjoyment (ongoing)
4. Public Speaking (ongoing)
5. Grammar and Usage (ongoing)
6. Punctuation and Spelling (ongoing)
LEARNING TARGETS
Concepts and Skills: 10 - 15
major content learnings.
Measurable statements of what
the students should know &
understand. (Declarative
knowledge) and be able to
do(Procedural Knowledge)
Identify the five parts of the Writing Process
Explain why each step of the Writing Process is important and how it can be
achieved
Examine the differences between Narrative, Descriptive, Expository, and
Persuasive paragraphs and stories
Write Narrative, Descriptive, Expository, and Persuasive paragraphs and
stories, modeling the Writing Process
Create concept and character webs/weaves as each class novel or excerpt is
read (see Resources).
Explain connections that the reading novels or passages have to the topics
being studied in other subjects, the world, another text, or to themselves.
Organize, sequence, and evaluate necessary information being used for
different writing purposes such as a research project, a debate, a descriptive
essay, a book review, a dialogue, a letter or a poem.
Uses graphic organizers and justifies choice.
Use of electronic media to succeed in reading, writing and speaking.
Predict, then examine and assess story/chapter details, character details and
story/chapter endings
participate in group discussions, offer opinions, ask thoughtful
questions that extend beyond the text.
Exchange, defend, and rethink ideas within literature discussions
Demonstrate the ability to carefully and courteously listen to, then assess,
and verbally/in writing, critique a speech or presentation
Organize material and construct a research essay that will simplify and
inform peers on a subject deliver this research work at the front of the class
Demonstrate competency in using computer software such as Microsoft
Word to complete all stages of the writing process or simply the end
(publishing) stage
Use viewing skills and strategies to understand techniques used to
convey messages in visual media (e.g. animation; different tones of
voice in audio and video productions; adjusting messages for different
audiences) Programs include Photo Story 3, Power Point, Prezi,
Microsoft Publisher, Google Sites, etc.
Demonstrate grade-level competency in Grammar usage through all writing
assignments
Demonstrate grade-level competency in Punctuation and Spelling usage
through all writing assignments
Identify the six traits of writing and use in the evaluation of writing
examine and identify the literary characteristics within and across the
genres: realistic fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, etc.
RESOURCES Storytown by Harcourt
(key resources) WriteSource by Houghlin Mifflin

Readers/Writers Workshop

Suggested NOVELS:
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Mr. Poppers Penguins, James and the Giant
Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Arctic Explorer: Matthew Henson, Black Star,
Bright Dawn, Stone Fox, Shark Lady, Bunnicula, etc., Charlottes Web, Ice
Bound, Freckle Juice, The Tales of Despereaux,