Lower School - Fourth Grade Language Arts
The Fourth Grade Language Arts program is comprised of these areas: Reading/Literature, Composition/Grammar, Handwriting, and Spelling.
Reading/Literature The reading program correlates closely to the Core Knowledge Social Studies program. Class literature studies as well as teacher read-aloud books are chosen with the historical time periods we are studying in mind. In the fall, the study of the Middle Ages is enhanced with classic novels such as The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman and Crispin by Avi. In the spring, our focus turns to American History. An example of our literature study would be Tolliver’s Secret by Esther Woods Brady or If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution by Elizabeth Levy. Fourth graders are no longer “learning to read, but reading to learn.” With this in mind, our fourth graders strive to not only understand the main idea, but to look more deeply into the author’s meaning and purpose. They are expected to respond to literature questions in complete, restated sentences and to sight evidence from the stories to support their thinking.
Composition/Grammar In composition, we follow the model of a Writer’s Workshop (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing). The conventions of proper grammar and punctuation are introduced in mini-lessons during the process of writing. Students learn to compose in a variety of written forms and for various audiences and purposes (to inform, persuade, entertain, instruct and describe). We use the Harcourt Grammar Series as the supportive text for the instruction of grammar.
Handwriting/Spelling Legible handwriting and accurate spelling allow the students to communicate effectively in writing. Fourth graders use the Zaner Bloser text to reinforce the transition from manuscript to cursive. They use the Zaner Bloser “Spelling Connections” text to practice weekly phonetic spelling patterns. The ultimate goal would be for students to carry over the knowledge of each week’s words and integrate proper spelling into their everyday writing. Keyboarding is taught in conjunction with handwriting with the recognition that computers will play a large role in future writing assignments.
Leadership
Self Awareness – Students take ownership for their reading by selecting appropriate independent books and keeping track of them in a reading log. They must choose books of a variety of genre and rate them as Easy, Just Right or Challenging. They respond to literature selections orally in discussions as well as in writing in their reading journals.
Academics – Students read stories, whose main characters demonstrate the attributes of a leader. Stories and poems serve as inspiration and motivation as students write about their own experiences involving Leadership, Honor and Courage.
Coaching (Mentoring) – Students work in cooperative teams to complete literature projects at the conclusion of class literature studies. Fourth graders serve as reading buddies to our Falcon Friends. In Writing Workshop, we use the PQP (praise, question, polish) approach to peer editing and revising.
Reading – Fourth grade students read a variety of literature related to the leaders and events that shaped our country. Some examples include the Jean Fritz series, And Then What Happened Paul Revere, Why Don’t You Get A Horse Sam Adams, etc. Historical fiction is selected that will help the students glimpse what life was like in centuries past.
Adversity/Challenges/Opportunities – Each week, in addition to the weekly words on the spelling tests, students are given the added challenge of writing such things as the capitals and states, or the Presidents of the United States. The opportunity to earn a small reward (sticker) for completing bonus homework is offered on a weekly basis.
Leadership Observation – Field trips such as to the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Maryland Science Center, and George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, provide the opportunity to bring our Gerstell leaders to life. After all trips, students are given a writing task to reflect on their experiences. *Future plans to invite visiting authors to Gerstell will allow students to see the hard work and efforts of published writers.
Experience Leadership/ Community Service – Book drive for Hands and Hearts
