English Language Arts

Journeys 2017 is our English/Language Arts program. It is a research-based comprehensive literacy program which will engage and inspire our fourth grade students using authentic text and differentiated instruction.

Each unit begins with a “big picture” topic. Fourth graders will respond to the topic through critical thinking and literacy activities.

Within each unit, students will use authentic text to practice and apply key skills and strategies. The literature reflects diverse cultures, content, text structure and formats. Text is read more than once, allowing students to confidently dig for deeper understanding. Fourth graders will read multiple texts of various genres to build content knowledge and compare texts, as well as to apply their knowledge through writing, research and discussion activities.

Each lesson includes general academic and domain-specific vocabulary. Interactive spelling and grammar lessons allow our fourth graders to practice through speaking and writing tasks.

Our fourth grade writers will learn how to write in the narrative, informative and opinion modes. Writing samples and pieces will focus on specific areas of writing, including content, organization, voice, grammar, and conventions.