English Language Arts, Grade 4

Listen to and reflect on the ideas

I can listen to others and pull out the key ideas I hear.

Use non-verbal cues and social conventions

I can use turn-taking and body cues to show I'm listening in any setting.

Engage in dialogue with others

I can join a dialogue to trade ideas, opinions and information.

Ask complex open-ended questions (e.g, “why?”, “how?”)

I can ask open-ended 'why' and 'how' questions and answer with evidence.

Use complex sentences with various transition words

I can use complex sentences with transition words to expand my ideas.

Contribute their voice to discuss thoughts, feelings

I can share my thoughts, feelings and opinions and say what I feel.

Apply and consolidate knowledge of word reading

I can decode and spell complex multisyllable words with accuracy and speed.

Examine words and word parts (morphemes) in

I can examine word parts to figure out what a word means and how to spell it.

Acquire and use new vocabulary related to learning experiences topic and subject specific

I can learn and use new words tied to what I'm studying.

Apply fluency knowledge - use punctuation in a variety of text forms

I can read complex words automatically and use sentence structure to keep meaning.

Identify and discuss prior knowledge including knowledge

I can pull in what I know from different subjects to understand new texts.

Create detailed questions that connect personal experiences

I can create detailed questions linking my experiences to bigger topics.

Select and engage with a variety of multimodal texts from diverse creators for a variety of

I can pick texts from diverse creators for different purposes.

Review information gathered, and text selected and decide what to share or omit

I can review information and choose what facts and opinions to share.

Identify how the form/genre and structure of texts, including cultural text forms

I can see how a text's form and structure — including cultural forms — organize ideas.

Identify and use some text features from multimodal forms of fiction and nonfiction and describe how

I can identify text features and describe how they add to the meaning.

Make predictions using background knowledge and text

I can predict from background knowledge and text, then ask questions to confirm.

Make connections to texts through personal experiences

I can describe connections between my life, texts and the world to deepen meaning.

Use strategies to monitor and confirm understanding

I can monitor my understanding by rereading, questioning and inferencing.

Recall and share important information from texts

I can retell the key information in order using my own words.

Acquire, understand, categorize and use precise, descriptive

I can sort and use precise topic vocabulary to communicate new understanding.

Recognize and explain how diversity and inclusion

I can explain how diversity and inclusion appear in texts, using simple evidence.

Recognize whether ideas, messages, sources, and/or characters

I can spot stereotyping, bias or prejudice and decide what to trust.

Identify how different perspectives presented in text

I can identify how different perspectives in a text might affect an audience.

Express a personal response by sharing and supporting an opinion based on specific, relevant evidence from

I can support my opinion with evidence and respond to stereotyping and bias.

Generate ideas and select a topic with ideas integrated from personal experiences, background knowledge and prior

I can generate and select a topic that fits my audience and purpose.

Discuss new information gathered from a variety

I can gather information from a variety of sources including experts and media.

Use strategies to plan for text creation

I can use planning tools like mind maps and jot notes before I write.

Recognize different types of writing

I can recognize different types of writing and match them to a purpose.

Create multimodal texts; use digital tools

I can make multimodal texts, planning layout and choosing visuals, more on my own.

Experiment with organizational patterns

I can use organizational patterns and give my text a clear start and finish.

Reread and include a variety of sentences

I can vary my sentences, use transitions and keep verb tense correct.

Use words, images, or graphics to fit

I can choose words, images or details that fit my purpose and add senses.

Expand personal voice in text, using varied

I can expand my voice with a tone that fits my purpose and context.

Notice when writing does not make sense

I can make revisions — add, remove, reorder, change words — to improve clarity.

Write fluently with accurate formation, size, placement

I can write fluently and legibly and use word processing to enhance my text.

Demonstrate knowledge of word meanings, spelling patterns

I can use spelling patterns and word parts to spell multisyllable words.

Use capital letters consistently and accurately for proper nouns, titles and dialogue

I can capitalize proper nouns, titles and dialogue consistently.

Know and use basic punctuation skillfully and correctly

I can use basic punctuation, including commas and quotation marks, correctly.

Create final text that integrates various modes

I can create a final text integrating text, images, sound or video.

Adjust intonation, tone, volume, expression and communication

I can adjust my intonation, tone, volume and expression to share ideas.

Integrate artifacts visual aids/digital tools to enhance

I can integrate visual aids and digital tools to enhance my communication.

Present ideas and information with supporting details

I can present with an introduction, details and a conclusion in logical order.

Apply self-monitoring skills and ask questions

I can ask myself what strategies I've learned and which ones work.

Develop criteria with teacher support for assessing

I can help build criteria and use tools to self-assess my learning.

Receive descriptive feedback from others focusing on specific areas for improvement and explore

I can use descriptive feedback to explore ways to improve my work.

Focus on specific learning goals to improve

I can focus on a specific learning goal to improve a literacy skill.

Monitor and track progress; reflect on accomplishments

I can monitor and track my progress and reflect on new learning.