I-CANyons Parent Toolkit for Fourth Grade Language Arts (ELA)
Writing: I CAN...
Standard
Write opinion pieces using organized reasons supported by facts and details.
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Core Standard
W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
a. Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose. b. Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details. c. Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition). d. Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented. |
In Other Words
The student can create writing that clearly states an opinion, in an organized, logically grouped, supported structure. The writing will link opinions to reasons, using specific supports, with a clear opening and closing paragraph or statement. There will be a variety of transitional words, and phrases that help to support the writer's opinion.
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If Mastered
Encourage your child to enter a persuasive writing contest such as Scholastic's Scope Contest or Creative Kids. These contests will give your child a voice and a purpose for writing as well as an audience for their writing.
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If Not Yet Mastered
With your student, view this slideshare presentation on editorial writing. Then have them pick a topic that they have an opinion on and work on writing an opinion piece. Use one of the graphic organizer found a this website to help them organize their thoughts.
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Standard
Write informative texts to convey ideas with supporting details, quotations, and specific vocabulary.
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Core Standard
W.4.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
a. Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic. c. Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because). d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. e. Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented. |
In Other Words
The student can write "factual" text that conveys information in an organized, logical way. Add illustrations and multimedia pieces to aid in comprehension. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, appropriate vocabulary, with a concluding statement or section related to information presented.
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If Mastered
Encourage your child to enter a writing contest. Some example contests include PBS's writing contest, Adventure Kids, and Scholastic's Kids Are Authors Context. Then, have the student generate ideas for writing by reading, discussing literature and informational text. Select and narrow a topic from generated ideas. Identify audience, purpose, and form for writing.
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If Not Yet Mastered
Have your student practice writing text about how to make something--for example, a peanut-butter and jelly sandwich, an ice cream sundae, etc. Ask them to include pictures, labels, and step-by-step directions. Have them act out the process they wrote about to check their writing for clarity and accuracy.
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StandardWrite narrative texts to develop real or imagined experiences with a well-developed conclusion.
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Core StandardW.4.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
a. Orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. b. Use dialogue and description to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations. c. Use a variety of transitional words and phrases to manage the sequence of events. d. Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely. e. Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. |
In Other WordsThe student can create a story piece of writing (real or imagined) that has an organized natural flowing sequence of events. The student can use description and dialogue within the writing, and transition words. There will also be a conclusion that flows from the narrated experiences or events.
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If MasteredReview the linked 4th grade student exemplar writing sample. Use this writing as a guide to improving your student's writing. Focus on adding details, creating a hook to grab the readers attention from the opening of the story, and including dialogue (as appropriate) with correct punctuation.
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If Not Yet MasteredParent and child can visit The Write Source. The parent can select a writing topic and model how to generate ideas for writing by reading, discussing literature and informational text, and reflecting on personal experiences. Select and narrow a topic from generated ideas. Identify audience, purpose, and form for writing. Use a variety of graphic organizers to organize information. Additional resources can be found here.
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StandardUse technology to produce and publish writing.
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Core StandardW.4.6 With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.
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In Other WordsThe student can produce and "publish" writing on their own and in groups using technology (including the internet). They have the keyboarding skills necessary to create a writing piece that is a minimum of one pages in a single sitting.
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If MasteredContinue to improve keyboarding skills by choosing from the typing games at UEN or BBC. Encourage your student to type a journal, story or blog. With adult supervision, give students a topic to look up/read about/interact with on the internet. Guide students to use good sources such as National Geographic and World Book Online. Many excellent sources can be accessed by logging on to Utah's Pioneer Library. After gaining background knowledge, information, etc. from the internet, have the student create a writing piece. (Blog, create story, write an essay, etc.)
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If Not Yet MasteredHave your student practice in short 10-15 minute session on websites like BBC or Free Typing Games to develop their typing skills, beginning with mastering the home row.
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