In fourth and fifth grades, there is an increased emphasis on reading comprehension by comparing fiction and nonfiction texts, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, and differentiating between fact and opinion. Students will expand vocabulary using knowledge of roots, affixes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones. Teachers will encourage the development of reading skills that are foundational to effective comprehension and critical thinking. These skills are essential for success in future postsecondary education and workplace environments.

At the fourth-grade level, students will develop and build their reading and writing skills together. Students will use the writing process to plan, draft, revise, and edit writing in a variety of forms to include narrative, research, descriptive, opinion (persuasive), and expository. They will select and narrow a topic, develop a plan for writing, and organize information into several paragraphs with a central idea and supporting details. The instructional focus will include an emphasis on composing and written expression. Revising writing for clarity and editing for usage and mechanics will continue to be important at this grade level. Teachers will encourage the development of writing skills that are foundational to effective written communication and critical thinking. These skills are necessary for success in future postsecondary and workplace environments.

At the fourth-grade level, students will continue to increase communication and collaboration skills by working in diverse teams. To be contributing participants in discussions, students will apply skills to effectively communicate ideas and opinions, while showing value for others’ contributions. Students will deliver interactive, multimodal presentations and begin to examine media messages. Teachers will encourage the development of effective, interpersonal communication and collaboration skills that are essential for success in future postsecondary education and workplace environments.