Working toward the goals of reading with comprehension, writing with skill, and communicating effectively and responsibly, each fourth grader will learn to:

Reading:

• Read to learn vs. learning to read (as done in previous grades).
• Build vocabulary through listening to a variety of readings.
• See reading as a source of information and as a leisure-time activity.
• Develop and apply vocabulary (prefixes, suffixes, syllabication, antonyms, synonyms and homonyms).
• Summarize reading material for main idea, and supporting details.
• Compare and contrast different types of literature and the media.
• Analyze literature elements (characters, setting, etc.).
• Read and use non-fiction sources (encyclopedias, biographies, software).
• Build vocabulary by using context clues, dictionaries, glossaries, and the thesaurus.

Reading Quick Check: Does your child:

• Reread in order to find other views or levels of meaning?
• Apply skills and strategies with increasing confidence?
• Apply strategies with equal competence when reading fiction or non-fiction?
• Choose appropriate ways of responding to text, either to share reading interests or to perform tasks?
• Maintains confidence and effort when meeting a challenge in the content, the act of reading, or the application of information and ideas?

Writing:

• Use a variety of forms for different audiences & purposes (lists stories, journals, informational).
• Use the writing process (plan, draft, revise, edit and publish) with increasing skill.
• Write clearly and effectively: (Use ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions).
• Consistently spell frequently used words correctly.
• Demonstrate increasing mastery of writing mechanics : grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling.
• Assess writing for strengths and weaknesses.
• Identify and use nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns.
• Use editing marks to revise written work.
• Use a variety of technologies as appropriate.

Communication:

• Continue developing listing and communication skills.
• Give informal oral presentations (current events).
• Integrate reading, writing, and communication skills to produce projects and/or oral presentations on topics covered in math, science and social studies.