Grade 4 English Language Curriculum Summary (U.S.)

Students begin to analyze the structure and purpose of nonfiction texts, using multiple sources to deepen comprehension.

Objectives:

• Identify main idea and explain how it’s supported by key details

• Describe overall structure (cause/effect, compare/contrast, chronology)

• Use text features (charts, graphs, captions) to understand and locate information

• Explain the author’s purpose and point of view

• Compare texts on the same topic across authors or formats

Topics Often Explored:

• U.S. geography and history

• Environmental science

• Animal studies

• Biographies of inventors and leaders

At this stage, most students are fluent readers, so instruction focuses on refining fluency and automaticity while decoding multisyllabic and academic words.

Objectives:

• Decode unfamiliar multisyllabic words using word patterns, prefixes, and suffixes

• Use context clues, root words, and morphology to determine word meanings

• Read fluently with expression and accuracy appropriate to grade level

Grade 4 writing requires well-structured multi-paragraph essays using clear reasoning and text-based evidence.

Types of Writing:

1. Opinion Writing

   • Introduce topic, state opinion, support with facts and examples, conclude effectively

   • Example: “Why We Should Have More Field Trips”

2. Informative/Explanatory Writing

   • Explain a topic using facts, definitions, and details from research

   • Example: “The Water Cycle Explained”

3. Narrative Writing

   • Tell a story with characters, dialogue, conflict, and resolution

   • Example: “The Day I Got Lost at the Zoo”

Writing Elements:

• Clear introductions and conclusions

• Use of linking words and phrases (e.g., in addition, however, for example)

• Paragraph development with main idea and supporting evidence

• Use of dialogue, sensory details, and figurative language in narratives

• Research and note-taking skills

Students are expected to listen critically, contribute to discussions, and present organized ideas orally.

Objectives:

• Summarize information from a text, presentation, or discussion

• Ask and respond to questions for deeper understanding

• Plan and deliver an organized presentation with supporting evidence

• Use multimedia or visuals to enhance presentations

• Speak with clarity, volume, and pacing appropriate to task

Activities:

• Book reviews

• Debate-style discussions

• Science research presentations

• Group projects with oral reports

Students develop command of grammar and conventions in formal writing and learn strategies to expand vocabulary.

Grammar and Usage:

• Relative pronouns and adverbs (who, whose, which, that, where)

• Progressive verb tenses (was running, is walking)

• Capitalization rules for titles, places, events

• Commas and quotation marks in dialogue

• Plural vs possessive nouns

• Subject-verb agreement

Vocabulary Development:

• Use context clues, root words, affixes (prefixes/suffixes), and dictionaries

• Understand figurative language (idioms, similes, metaphors)

• Synonyms, antonyms, homographs

• Shades of meaning (e.g., whisper vs. shout)