Embedded Files
4th Grade has two, one hour ELA blocks of instruction. The first hour focuses on creating authentic learning experiences through literacy by incorporating Science and Social Studies Standards into in depth learning modules. The second hour is an Additional Literacy and Language Block, known as ALL Block, which gives additional small group time with grammar, fluency, vocabulary, independent reading, and spelling . They have four overarching topics of study through the school year. The first module of study focuses on using literature and informational text to show students what inspires people to write.
Unit 1: Students use the anchor text, Love That Dog, to analyze poems as the main character describes events through famous poems. They use the poems to have text based discussions about how the main character is feeling throughout the story.
Unit 2: Students finish, Love That Dog, and consider what inspired the main character to write as they collect evidence from his poems to support their thinking. They then study a poet of their choice, research their selected poet, and write an informative essay about what inspired them to write.
Unit 3: The background knowledge build in the first two units allow students to think about what inspires them to write as they begin writing their own poetry. Students write an original poem and perform the poem for an audience during their own class poetry reading.
Guiding Questions:
What makes a poem a poem?
What inspires writers to write poetry?
Module 2 begins working on research skills to build background knowledge as well as teach others about Animal Defense Mechanisms.
Unit 1: Students begin building their background knowledge and keep information in their Animal Defense Mechanisms research notebooks. They will read a variety of nonfiction texts to gather information as they develop skills that will help them in Unit 2.
Unit 2: Students will choose a specific animal to research in groups as they become experts on their chosen animal. Groups will identify the animal's physical characteristics, habitat, predators, and defense mechanisms as they learn how each animal is uniquely designed to survive in their habitat.
Unit 3: In unit 3, students move from using writing to inform and begin using writing to entertain. They use the background knowledge gained in the first two units to writea choose-your-own-adventure story. Students use the mentor text, Can You Survive the Wilderness?, as a model for their own stories.
Guiding Questions:
How do animals bodies and behaviors help them survive?
How can writers use knowledge from their research to inform and entertain?
Module 3 begins a study of the American Revolution and how one's perspective influences their opinion. Students will learn and write about different perspectives through the lenses of the Loyalist and the Patriots and gain and understanding about how their opinions were formed.
Unit 1: The module begins with students learning about the colonial perspectives through the text, Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak, which describes the Boston Tea Party through a variety of perspectives. They will gain background knowledge on the Loyalist and Patriots as well many other groups associated with each.
Unit 2: Students will continue their study of the American Revolution by learning about a particular family through the text, Divided Loyalties. They will explore the feelings and actions of the characters in the story and describe one of the character's and their views in detail.
Unit 3: In the final unit, students will need to persuade someone to become either a Loyalist or a Patriot. They will also participate in text based discussions on if they believe they would have supported the war had they lived in colonial times.
Guiding Questions:
How did the American Revolution and the events leading up to it affect the people in the colonies?
Hoe does a person's perspective influence his or her opinion?
Module 4 students learn about the constitution and the process of amendments by studying the process of ratifying the 19th amendment. Through this process they also learn about how students around the world ahve made a difference and create their own Public Service Announcement (PSA).
Unit 1: Students begin by reading the text, The Hope Chest, where the analyze character reactions to different events in which human righgts were violated. They analyze fist and second hand accounts of events and compare and contrast the two information sources.
Unit 2: Students continue to read, The Hope Chest, in Unit two as they begin summarizing events in order to show evidence of a theme. They then write a literary essay describing a theme in the text.
Unit 3: To wrap up the module students connect their learning to their own lives as they identify issues in our own community. They then create a PSA to raise awareness of the issues and the importance of making a difference.
Guiding Questions:
What can we learn from the process of ratifying the 19th amendment?
How can stories inspire us to take action to contribute to a better world?
How and why can we encourage and support others to contribute to a better world?
Mrs. Whitney Eckes
Mrs. Whitney Eckes
weckes@spencer.k12.wi.us
Mrs. Nicole Fischer
Mrs. Nicole Fischer
nfischer@spencer.k12.wi.us
School District of Spencer
School District of Spencer
Student First | Rocket Family
Mission
We nurture students to be resilient, collaborative problem-solvers who strive to be lifelong learners.
Vision
Graduate successful individuals who will positively contribute to society.
Values
Integrity | Accountability | Teamwork | Growth | Achievement
Motto
Inspire, Educate, and Celebrate
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