Students will be given numerous opportunities to expand and solidify their writing skills. During our writing time we will focus on skills such as sentence structure, writing conventions and writing to a specific audience. Writing lessons and practice will also be integrated into social studies, literacy, and science curriculums. In addition to the basics, we will also focus on creative writing, non-fiction writing, poetry, and journal writing.
Most classrooms at Aquarian will continue to use Spelling Connections by Zaner-Bloser. Each week, the lesson will focus on a common spelling pattern or rule. The spelling words on the list for each week will illustrate the targeted pattern or rule.
Students will take regular pretests to determine their spelling level. Pretests determine if they will be in the circle, diamond, or square group for the week. If a student misses a pretest, I will automatically give them a diamond list of words for the week. I will send home a paper copy of the spelling list your student is assigned for the week.
Students will work on improving both their print and cursive skills in fourth grade.