Writing takes place every day and lasts for 60 minutes.  In writing students work to become proficient writers.  We study three main genres of writing: Narrative Writing, Informative Writing, and Argumentative Writing.  With each genre are subcategories of writing we study.  Students will write a biography, a personal narrative, realistic fiction piece, poetry, a research report, a brochure, a feature article, give a speech, write a persuasive email, create an ad/flyer, and write a book review.

To study each genre we will spend time in reading learning how to read the genre and then turn and practice the genre from the perspective of a writer.  We focus on specific skills/concepts for writing in the genre as well as the writing process.  The writing process includes pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, peer- conferencing and teacher-conferencing, publishing, and sharing. Understanding and using the writing process is expected to become an independent skill by the end of 4th grade.

Along with the writing process, students learn how to use the Six Traits of Writing to enhance their work.  This includes focusing on their ideas, organization, sentence fluency, word choice, conventions, and voice.  Ideas focuses on the message students are trying to tell in their writing and the details that support it.  Organization focuses on how students put their piece together in a logical order and sequence.  Sentence Fluency focuses on the type and length of sentences and paragraph structure.  Word Choice focuses on the types of words students use to make their writing stronger, including grammar.  Conventions focuses on paying attention to spelling, punctuation, and word agreement.  Finally, voice focuses on making sure our own personality comes through in our writing so it sounds like our own.

Like reading, writing follows the CLM process.  Each class will start with a whole group lesson focusing on an explicit skill or concept.  After modeling, students will practice what was modeled in guided practice. Then students will share their work with the whole group.  Finally students transition in independent writing time where they take their learning further using their independent writing pieces.

While students are working independently I will be conferencing with small groups to focus on specific skills or concepts.  I will also conference with students one on one.

Our goal is to attempt to write one narrative, informative, and argumentative piece each quarter!

Current Grade 4 Themes for Units of Study: 

Quarter 1: Responsibility

Quarter 2: Conflict Resolution

Quarter 3: Adaptability 

Quarter 4: Innovation