Reading/Writing

In fourth grade, the goal is for students to build on their fundamental understanding of plot, character, context, and narrative to start thinking more about larger themes and the meaning behind the stories themselves. Teachers help students make connections between what they are reading and learning and what they know about themselves, the natural world, and the cultures created by mankind. The unit on fairytales, for example, focuses on themes such as good versus evil, redemption, the nature v. nurture debate, and how people make personal choices. Students:

• Write and illustrate their own fairy tales, exploring and defining the genre as they set up themes and dramatic encounters.
• Reflect on their own thoughts and feelings, relationships, temperament, challenges, and learning styles in journals.
• Research and write reports based on class themes and historic figures.