4th Grade Literacy
What will your child be learning during this year’s ELA block?
Curriculum Night 2016
Welcome!
This evening we will offer a glimpse into what your 4th grader
will be learning during our daily 90 minute ELA Block!
Common Core Standards and associated vocabulary
Text based questions and answers
Wit and Wisdom Curriculum
Common Core Standards
This year, we will be fostering a love of reading
as we cover the Common Core ELA standards
specific to Literature (fiction), Informational
(nonfiction) texts, and Language.
Common Core Literature Standards
Important literature concepts covered include:
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making inferences
determining theme (essential meaning, central message)
summarizing the story
describing characters, setting, and events
using context clues to determine the meaning of words
points of view
Common Core Informational Standards
Important informational concepts covered include:
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making inferences
determining the main idea and supporting details
summarizing the text
explaining historical, scientific, or technical events,
procedures, or concepts
❏ using context clues
❏ how the author uses reasons and evidence*
Wit & Wisdom
Wit & Wisdom is composed of four modules per
grade level. Each artfully explores a specific
topic to develop depth of understanding and
inspire curiosity. At the core of each module is a
selection of literary works, informational texts,
and visual art. Modules are made up of 30
lessons which are covered in 6-8 weeks of study.
All modules integrate reading, writing, speaking,
listening and language instruction.
Wit & Wisdom: Module Question Structure
Wit & Wisdom: Module 1
Wit & Wisdom: Module 2
Wit & Wisdom: Module 3
Wit & Wisdom: Word Study
Throughout the Modules, students will be working on Word Study that will deepen
their understanding of the materials they are studying. The vocabulary used in this
curriculum is intense. Topics in Word Study include:
• Greek and Latin Roots (etymology)
• Vocabulary
• Synonyms/ Antonyms
• Figurative Language
Wit & Wisdom: Writing
Students will be writing during each lesson. Writing tasks include:
• Evidence Guides and Organizers
• Graphic Organizers
• Text annotation
• Quite Writes
• Paragraphs and Essays
• Narrative, Opinion, and Informational pieces
Answering Text-Based Questions
Answering text-based questions using EVIDENCE
from the text is a huge push in 4th grade. To help
students formulate their written answers, they
will be using the R.A.C.E. acronym.
Answering Text-Based Questions: R.A.C.E.
R: restate the question
A: answer all parts of the questions
C: cite evidence from the text to support your answer
E: explain how the evidence proves/supports your
thinking/Elaborate*
How can you help your 4th grader at home?
The most important thing you can
do is TALK to your 4th grader about
what they are reading. ASK
questions that require them to go
deeper in the text!! Ask them to be
detectives and PROVE their
thinking!