English Language Arts, Grade 4

Unit 1: Understanding the Conventions of Written Language

Grammar, usage, mechanics and spelling in the child's own reading and writing.

• Use: In compound sentences by using prepositions, conjunctions,…

• Use: Uses consistent verb tenses and correct pronoun references

• Use: Applies rules for commas: items in a series, greetings
• Use: Uses apostrophes to punctuate contractions and singular…
• Use: Indicates words that are misspelled
• Use: Applies common spelling patterns/generalizations including:…
• Use: Uses resources to correct own spelling

Unit 2: Response Process

How a reader connects with, understands and responds to texts.

• Use: Uses prior knowledge
• Use: Previews the text

• Use: Applies knowledge of cueing systems to construct meaning
• Use: Uses a variety of reading strategies to make meaning of…
• Use: Relies on common structures and features of literary,…

• Use: Uses details and evidence in the text to infer meaning(s)

Unit 3: Writing Process

The stages of writing — planning, drafting, revising, editing, publishing.

• Use: Writes to a specific wider audience on self-selected and…
• Use: Uses a structure that fits the type of writing

• Use: Rereads for clarity

• Use: Checks for spelling, punctuation and capitalization
• Use: Selects layout and highlights relevant structures and…
• Use: Feedback: seeks and provides throughout all stages of the…

Unit 4: Production Process (Media)

The stages of making a media text, from planning to sharing (a genuine QEP strand).

• Use: Evaluates the effectiveness of the text given audience and…

Unit 5: Self-Expressive: Texts That Reinforce or Maintain Relationships

Texts that build and keep relationships — cards, letters, messages.

• Use: Formal and informal thank-yous, expressions of appreciation…
• Use: Formal and informal introduction

• Use: Poetry of different kinds written by and for children

Unit 6: Self-Expressive: Reflective Texts

Texts that reflect on the child's own thoughts, feelings and experiences.

• Use: Self-expressive language to relate ideas, feelings,…
• Use: Word choice to indicate a specific time frame

Unit 7: Narrative and Literary Texts

Stories and literary texts — their features, genres and required reading.

• Use: Storytelling

• Use: Comic strips
• Use: Stories in children’s magazines, illustrated picture books,…

• Use: Illustrated narrative in comic strip using own drawings,…
• Use: Illustrated picture books using drawings and/or images…

• Use: Incidents

• Use: Main character in a story

• Use: Use of images (photos or drawings) to extend the story and…
• Use: Surface appearance of a character
• Use: Use of details to convey an imaginary character
• Use: Use of explanation marks and speech bubbles to show thought…

Unit 8: Information-Based: Planning Texts

Texts that organise and plan information.

• Use: Understands the use of talk to clarify the steps in a…

• Use: Learning/thinking logs and lists that record thoughts,…

• Use: Events/information in sequence
• Use: Chronology or ordering of actions to undertake

Unit 9: Information-Based: Explanatory Texts

Texts that explain how or why.

• Use: Explanation of a procedure or how something works

• Use: Illustrated and multimedia how-to books
• Use: Texts that explain how or why something happens using a…
• Use: Posters that explain

• Use: Headings, captions or labels to focus readers’ attention on…
• Use: Sequential/chronological organization of information to…
• Use: Images (photo or drawing) and text features that provide…

Unit 10: Information-Based: Descriptive Reports

Texts that describe and report on a topic.

• Use: spoken reports that describe the way things are or were

• Use: Articles in children’s magazines that report
• Use: Letters that describe or report
• Use: Local and national newspaper articles that are appropriate…
• Use: Reports about their classroom or local community

• Use: General statement about the topic in opening paragraph
• Use: Logical sequencing of details, facts, opinions based on…

Unit 11: Information-Based: Persuasive Texts

Texts that try to persuade a reader.

• Use: Promotional posters or flyers
• Use: TV commercials aimed at children
• Use: Magazine and newspaper advertisements
• Use: TV and/or movie reviews aimed at children
• Notice: Public Service Ads and posters created for children

• Use: Promotional posters or flyers
• Use: Packaging
• Use: Ads