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Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Homeroom

Writing
Writing
Spelling
Fourth Grade is currently introduced within our new Wonders curriculum.   Wonders does a great job of spiraling along with our work in reading class. 
 
However, I like to introduce my own spelling list when in between Wonders units.  These include a listing of high frequency/high trouble words to assist students with building life-long spelling skills.  Most of this word list looks at base/root word, use of suffix/prefix and other building blocks to aid in understanding.  Lists are posted below but are assigned sporadically and no longer on a weekly basis.  
Oral Language:  Hot Topic
Oral Language is the practice of students coming to the front of the room to present on assigned topic and share for around 2 minutes.  Sometimes the topic requires some research, sometimes the topic is a mystery!  However, students need to be prepared and will be graded upon topic presentation.    I will remind them of the topic each Monday and ensure they are aware of the level of preparation for the topic required.  However, students need to know that even if they were absent a day, they will always present on the next following Hot Topic day.  A list of topics and the rubric is attached at the end of the document below.
 
 
 
 
 
Writing Through the Year
 
Our writing curriculum is part of a balanced literacy program.  I employ several techniques for Writer's Workshop as suggested by the researched and proven programming of Lucy Calkins.  My writing program works in-step with Mrs. Cummins Social Studies and Reading curriculum to ensure that all classes are focusing on the same style of writing to coincide with academic learning and avoid overlapping of major projects and assignments.  
 
Trimester 1 Writing Assignments and Focus:  
  • Narrative writing assignment focused on detailing a personal experience and employing techniques taught in class to color and add voice to writing.
Trimester 2 Writing Assignments and Focus:
  • Persuasive Opinion essay/letter to Parents or Santa.
  • Research Writing in Science - Students will choose an animal to research and detail how their adaptations suite them perfectly within their environment.
  • Mission Project writing (to be assigned in Social Studies)
Trimester 3 Writing Assignments and Focus:
  • Poetry study and writing.
  • Expository/How to for Science.
  • Historical Narrative (if time permits).
 
 
Rubrics for grading listed below:
 
 
Small Moment Narrative (BTH) - Trimester I
This first graded writing assignment is a personal narrative telling of a Big Thing that Happened.  As the expected length of a fourth grade academic writing assignment is between four to five paragraphs, students are required to tell of this big event focusing in on the very moment in which it happened.  They are not telling the story from the time they wake up until they went to bed that night - but more so, bringing attention to the very moment in which the event happened and engaging the reader by adding vivid detail within those moments.
 
Students have taken notes and practiced many strategies which mentor authors use to engage readers.  Your child should have these notes in their Writer's Notebook and I will include some photos below to help and guide you in supporting your child.  At this point in our narrative writing they should be able to talk to what these notations represent.
 
Check out these writing samples from prior students!  Link of Sample Papers
 
Below are notes on rotation of mini-lessons we have reviewed in the classroom.  Feel free to question your child about how this information should be inserted into their writing.
 
Multiple Intelligences (Smarts)  - Opinion Writing for Trimester II
 
Students will take a variety of personality tests and learning styles tests to help decipher what and how they can make the use of this information.  The paper needs to be written in the Informational format which would include a thesis statement, evidence from their results and a conclusion.  Please see examples and format below.
 
Multiple Intelligences Format Example
 
Student Sample Essays  Student Essay Samples Link for MI Writing 

 

Sample Essay by Ryan A.

Lately I've been interested in my strengths and weaknesses in learning. I am going to share my research. My greatest strength is nature smart. I think that suits me well because I love being outdoors and observing nature. I like having breaks in the middle of tests to refresh my mind and get fresh air. I think I can practice this skill by running outside ever morning. I have a lot of strong intelligences, but I do have my weaknesses too.

One of my not so strong areas include music smart. For the most part, I don't like playing my violin. But, I love singing, humming, and annoying my family by whistling tunes. So, I disagree with this. To improve this skill farther I could practice my violin 30 minutes a day or do musicals and plays. Now I wonder, since we are talking about ways I can improve, what are some activities or pursuits to best develop and utilize my skills.

I think I could practice ways to apply my skills in nature smart could be to get jobs of being a garden teaches or something outside. If I improve my dislike in music smart I could be a conductor or musician. I think it's useful to know a lot about nature because if I'm stranded on an island in the middle of the sea and have nothing, I would know what berries to eat, what water to drink, and how to build a shelter. Now, I want to share my thoughts about this.

Now that I've shared all my research, and we are about to closeup, I'm going to share to you my opinion. I think all this has given me an idea of what I can do with my life, and all the possibilities we. I think I am going to love my life and the choices I make in it.

 

 
Opinion and Citing Evidence  - Informational Writing for Science Trimester II
 
Students are working toward using text evidence to support their own opinions and statements.  So far for Science students have read a story about T-Rex battling a Velociraptor and providing an opinion of who would win.  Students needed to use evidence from the text to support their opinion.  In Science, we often follow the format below as a starter thesis statement:
 
I think or I believe (offer opinion)  because  (provide your reasoning to support your opinion) and according to the text ... (insert a direct quote or paraphrased submission directly from the book or text).
 
EXAMPLE:  I believe the Velociraptor would win a battle with a T-rex because he is super quick and hunts in packs. According to the text it stated that the Velociraptor's brain was "proportionally greater in size than the T-rex".  This makes me think that the Velociraptor could outsmart a T-rex and win a battle.
 
Informational Mission Report and 
Poetry Writing
Trimester III
 
See Notes Below

 

 

Ode:  An Ode uses exalted language and makes the mundane seem extraordinary.  It often repeats a single phrase for emphasis or can use "Old English" terms.  An Ode does not have to rhyme, but it can!  See Examples posted below .
 
Limerick:  A fun, Irish inspired poem with a set rhyming pattern of A, A, B, B, A.
Line 1 (A):  Long sentence with ending word to rhyme with line 2 and 5
Line 2  (A):  Long sentence with ending word to rhyme with line 1 and 5
Line 3  (B):  Short sentence to rhyme with line 4
Line 4  (B):  Short sentence to rhyme with line 3
Line 5  (A):  Long sentence with ending word to rhyme with line 1 and 2
 
Haiku:  A poem which originated in Japan and follows a strict pattern containing 17 syllables.
Line 1:  five syllables
Line 2:  seven syllables
Line 3:  five syllables
 

Adverb Poem Example:

Wind

Line 1:  Title, must be a Noun

 

Wind Blows Softly

Line 2:  Noun + Verb 1 + Adverb

 

Wind Blows Softly, Swiftly

Line 3:  Noun + Verb 1 + Adverb 1 + Adverb 2

 

Blows Softly, Swiftly, Gently

Line 4:  Verb 1, + Adverb 1 + Adverb 2 + Adverb 3

 

Softly, Swiftly, Gently, Silently

Line 5:  Adverb 1 + Adverb 2 + Adverb 3 + Adverb 4

 

When the Clouds Clear From the Sky

Line 6:  When…. (a phrase, condition, time or place)

 

By:  Mrs. N

 

Cinquain Poem Example:  A five line poem that describes a person, place or a thing.

Dessert

Line 1:  Title, must be a Noun (usually one word)

 

Cold, Creamy

Line 2:  Two adjectives

 

Eating, dripping, licking

Line 3: Three  -ing participles

 

Cone with three scoops

Line 4:  a phrase to match/describe the theme

 

Ice Cream

Line 5:  A Synonym to match the title

 

 

Bio Poem Structure:  

Line 1:  First Name

Line 2:  3 words to describe yourself/the person named

Line 3:  Daughter/Son of.....

Line 4:  Who enjoys......

Line 5:  Who is able to...

Line 6:  Who Feels...

Line 7:  Who wonders...

Line 8:  Who fears...

Line 9:  Who cares about...

Line 10:  Who dreams of...

Line 11:  Last name or nickname of person named in Line 1 

 

If I Were In Charge of the World  (See Examples available below)

Line 1:  If I were in Charge of the world,

I'd cancel _____, I'd cancel _____, I'd even cancel _______.

 

Line 2:  If I were in charge of the world,

There would be _______, There would be ______, there would even be________.

 

Line 3:  If I were in Charge of the World

You wouldn't have ______, You wouldn't have ______, you wouldn't even have _________.

 

Line 4:  If I were in charge of the world...   (insert long phrases that help to describe your greatest desires, wishes for humanity or simply the absence of something mundane like broccoli)

 

Line 5:  And a person who _______

and sometimes _______

Would still be allowed to be in charge of the world.

 

 

EXAMPLES OF POEM TYPES BELOW