Fourth graders engage in reading and writing both independently and collaboratively, becoming thoughtful communicators who understand and appreciate different perspectives.

 

Reading:
Fourth graders engage in interactive read-alouds, book clubs, and independent reading, focusing on evaluating evidence, comparing multiple perspectives, and interpreting themes and author’s purpose. Mentor texts, such as Wonder, Because of Winn-Dixie, and Number the Stars, are carefully selected for their literary merit and relevance to students’ developmental stage. The Orton-Gillingham (OG)/Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) approach continues to strengthen vocabulary and comprehension through morphological study and word analysis. Reader’s Workshop encourages students to engage with self-selected texts, fostering critical thinking and a lifelong passion for reading.

 

Writing:
Fourth grade writers work through the full writing process, from planning to publishing, across multiple genres. Units include realistic fiction, personal narrative, literary essays, persuasive writing, nonfiction research and interview writing. With teacher modeling, scaffolded practice, and feedback, students learn to craft focused pieces with strong openings, organized structure, and detailed support. A favorite unit is the interview project, where students conduct interviews and transform responses into thoughtful essays about someone they admire. The OG/IMSE approach supports spelling, grammar, and vocabulary, ensuring that writing skills are firmly grounded in mechanics as students continue to grow in voice and sophistication.