3. Student Learning Map

  • Topic:01: Author's Backpack
  • Subject(s):English Language Arts
  • Days:180
  • Grade(s):4
Key Learning:

The fourth grade writer makes writing choices based on topic and purpose, composing pieces that incorporate strategies of writing. Fourth grade students focus on developing well-organized expository and narrative essays.

Unit Essential Question(s):
 
 

How do I develop expository and narrative essays?
   
Concept: August - Prewriting
LA.4.3.1.3   LA.4.3.1.2   LA.4.3.1.1  
Concept: September - Expository
LA.4.4.2.3   LA.4.3.2.2   LA.4.3.2.1  
Concept: October - Expository
LA.4.4.2.3   LA.4.3.3.4   LA.4.3.3.3   LA.4.3.3.2   LA.4.3.3.1   LA.4.3.2.3  
Lesson Essential Question(s):

Based on a teacher-directed topic, how do I choose a plan to organize my thoughts?

 (A)

What are some purposes I might write?

 (A)

How do I choose a plan for writing?

 (A)

How can I identify my audience?

 (A)
Lesson Essential Question(s):

What are the purposes of an expository essay?

 (A)

What are the parts of an expository essay?

 (A)

How do I write an introductory paragraph?

 (A)

How do I develop a plan to focus on the main idea and supporting details?

 (A)

How do I organize information in a logical sequence?

 (A)

Why are transitions important?

 (A)
Lesson Essential Question(s):

How do I create interesting leads?

 (A)

How do I expand on the topic sentence of each paragraph?

 (A)

How do I organize and connect related ideas?

 (A)

How do I use vivid and varied language to create precise and interesting ideas?

 (A)

How do I refine and revise my essay (language conventions)?

 (A)

How can I better organize and connect my ideas?

 (ET)

In my writing, how can I be more precise and add more interest by using figurative language?

 (ET)
Vocabulary:

Background knowledge, brainstorming, purpose, prompt, topic, graphic organizer

Vocabulary:

expository, parts of an essay, main idea, supporting details, sequence, transitions

Vocabulary:

revise, edit, Connecting related ideas, Language techniques

Concept: November - Narrative
LA.4.3.1.3   LA.4.4.1.1  
Concept: December - Narrative
LA.4.3.3.4   LA.4.3.3.3   LA.4.3.3.2   LA.4.3.3.1   LA.4.4.1.2   LA.4.4.1.1  
Concept: January/February - Study of Writing Models and Application
LA.4.3.4.3   LA.4.3.4.2   LA.4.3.3.3   LA.4.3.3.2   LA.4.3.3.1   LA.4.4.2.3   LA.4.4.1.1  
Lesson Essential Question(s):

What is the purpose of a narrative essay?

 (A)

What are the elements of a narrative essay?

 (A)

How do I develop a plan to write a narrative essay?

 (A)

How do I use my plan to develop a narrative essay?

 (A)
Lesson Essential Question(s):

How do I use vivid and varied language to create precise and interesting ideas?

 (A)

How do expressive forms fit into writing?

 (A)

How do I use figurative language in writing?

 (A)

How do I refine /revise my essay?

 (A)
Lesson Essential Question(s):

How can I fine tune my expository and narrative essays to earn a 4, 5, or 6 on FCAT Writes?

 (ET)

How can I fine tune my expository and narrative essays to earn a 4, 5, or 6 on FCAT Writes?

 (ET)
Vocabulary:

character, setting, problem, solution, climax

Vocabulary:

dialogue, characterization, figurative language

Vocabulary:

fine tune

Concept:

March/April - Refer to "Persuasive Text" Topic Map

Concept: May - Refer to "Research" Topic Map
Concept:
Lesson Essential Question(s):

(A)
Lesson Essential Question(s):

(A)
Lesson Essential Question(s):
Vocabulary:

Vocabulary:

Vocabulary:

Additional Information:

Teachers are encouraged to model how to use the above mentioned strategies.

Just Write Expository (Kathy Robinson); Just Write Narrative (Kathy Robinson)

Razzle Dazzle Writing (Melissa Forney)

Reviser's Toolbox (Barry Lane)

Thinking Maps (bubble, flow map)

CRISS Strategies (concept map, story plan)

Dictionary; Thesaurus

Trophies Language Book

Resources:

View As PDF

Acquisition Lesson:

Extending Thinking Lesson:

Vocabulary Report

  • Background knowledge -

    prior knowledge of a specific topic

  • expository -

    writing to explain

  • character -

    the who or what represented in the story

  • setting -

    when or where the story takes place

  • parts of an essay -

    introduction, body, conclusion

  • brainstorming -

    process of thinking and generating ideas

  • dialogue -

    conversation

  • problem -

    conflict in the story that has to be resolved

  • purpose -

    reason for writing (inform, explain, entertain, communicate, persuade)

  • solution -

    how the problem is solved

  • characterization -

    the way a writer develops a character through what they say, do, and think

  • climax -

    the high point of the story

  • revise -

    to make changes that will improve your writing by using more precise, vivid, and varied language

  • main idea -

    focus of the essay

  • edit -

    fix errors in punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure

  • fine tune -

    improving writing through the use of: elaboration, varied sentence structure, precise word choice, clarity, and language conventions

  • figurative language -

    language enriched by using word images and figures of speech (ie: simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia)

  • Connecting related ideas -
  • order of importance
  • chronological order
  • compare/contrast
  • repetition of words for emphasis
  • Language techniques -
  • imagery
  • simile
  • metaphor
  • sensory language
  • modifying word choice
  • supporting details -

    details that support the main idea including facts, opinions, and personal experiences

  • prompt -

    statements letting the writer know what to write about

  • sequence -

    order of events

  • topic -

    focus

  • graphic organizer -

    tool used to create plan for writing

  • transitions -

    terms used to move from one idea to the next