Reading/Language Arts
Grade 4
Graphic Aids
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
Your child is currently learning how illustrations can help the
reader understand a nonfiction story. Here is your chance to help
your child practice this important skill.
In this PAL Packet you will find a short activity for you and your
child to do. Please do the activity and The Back Page this evening.
Then sign your name on The Back Page and have your child return it
tomorrow.
Remember, parents are a child’s first teacher. Thank you for your
time and energy in making learning fun and exciting for your child.
Sincerely,
_________________________
Your child’s teacher
Grade 4 – Graphic Aids
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
1
Last printed 9/2/04
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ILLUSTRATIONS
Parent Pointer —
In nonfiction stories, writers use illustrations to show what a person or
an object looks like. Knowing what a person or an object looks like
often makes the written part of the story clearer to the reader.
Reading In the Home, On the Go, and For the Fun of It —
DIRECTIONS: Read the “Potential Energy” story and look at the
illustration that goes with it. Discuss the story with your parent or
partner. Explain briefly what the purpose of the illustration is.
Talk About It —
After you have finished the activity, turn to The Back Page to show
what you know.
Now go have some fun with the activity! (
Grade 4 – Graphic Aids
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
2
Last printed 9/2/04
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Potential Energy
When we rest or sleep, we can still move. We do not lose
our energy when we rest. We are storing it for another time.
Stored energy is called “potential energy” (pronounced po-tenshal). “Potential” means not yet used. When we get up and
move around, we are using our stored energy.
Why is this picture included with this selection?
A. The picture shows how we can store energy.
B. The picture shows how we can use energy.
C. The picture shows how we can waste energy.
Explain why you chose your answer.
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Grade 4 – Graphic Aids
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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Last printed 9/2/04
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The Back Page
Talk About It
Parent —
Ask your child the following question:
9Why do writers include illustrations with their
stories?
Student —
Answer the above question in a complete sentence on the
bottom of this page.
OR
Do the following activity (use the back side of this page
if needed):
9Cut out a picture and an article from a magazine or
newspaper. Paste them on the back of this sheet.
Explain how the picture helped you understand the
article.
__________________________ __________________________
Student’s Name
Parent or Guardian’s Signature
Grade 4 – Graphic Aids
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
4
Last printed 9/2/04