WHAT I NEED TO LEARN BY THE END OF FOURTH GRADE IN LANGUAGE ARTS
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Key:
Standards to know by the end of 4th grade.
Examples of the standard.
Reading-Fiction
 I can use details to explain what is happening in the story. I can also use clues
in the text and my background knowledge to explain things the author
implies.
 I can figure out the theme of a story or poem.
o Theme: lesson taught (how to be a better friend); underlying message
(what life was like during the Civil war)
 I can summarize a story.
 I can describe a character, setting, or event using details in the story.
o Characters: who
o Event: what happens
o Setting: where; when
 I can figure out the meaning of words including those that refer to
mythological characters.
 I can explain the differences between poems and drama, and refer to the
structural elements of poems and drama.
o Poem- verse, rhythm, and meter
o Drama- casts of characters, settings, descriptions, and dialogue
 I can compare (alike) and contrast (different) the narrator’s point the view,
including the difference between first and third person.
o First person: I, me, we, us
 Character within tells the story
o Third person: he, she, they, them
 An outside person tells the story (narrator)
 I can make connections between the text and visual form of a story.
 I can compare and contrast similar themes and topics of a story. (ex.
friendship)
 I can find patterns of events in stories such as myths and traditional literature
from different cultures including American Indian.
 I can independently read and comprehend a variety of literature at a fourth
grade level by the end of the year.
 I can choose books that I find interesting and enjoyable.
Reading-Nonfiction
 I can use details to explain what is happening in the text.
 I can state the main idea and supporting details.
o Main idea- may be one word or a sentence summarizing the topic of the
text
o Details- support the main idea
 I can explain events using multiple texts (ex. historical, scientific, or technical)
stating what happened and why.
 I can determine the meaning of words from a text written at a fourth grade level.
 I can describe the structure in a text.
 I can compare and contrast an event or topic including Minnesota American
Indians.
 I can understand information presented in charts, graphs, timelines, etc.
 I can explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular
points in a text.
 I can use information from two texts on the same topic to write or speak about
the subject knowledgeably.
 I can independently read and comprehend informational texts at a fourth grade
level by the end of the year.
 I can choose books that I find interesting and enjoyable.
Reading – Foundational Skills
 I can decode unknown words by looking for root words, prefixes, suffixes and
other word patterns.
o Root words (base): unreadable (root word is read)
o Prefix- added to the front of a root word; preheat
o Suffix –added to the end of a root word; joyful
 I can read aloud unfamiliar grade-appropriate text with accuracy, fluency, and
comprehension.
 I can read aloud fiction and nonfiction (factual) text with fluency and accuracy.
o Pacing (appropriate speed)
o Intonation (changing tone of voice)
o Expression
 I can use context clues and word structure to determine word meanings.
Writing
 I can write opinion pieces, informative, narrative and other creative texts.
 I can write a piece with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding
statement.
 I can select writing topics that I enjoy.
Language
 I can use pronouns and adverbs.
o Prounoun - words that take the place of a noun (I, you, he, she)
o Adverbs - words that describe a verb (quickly, slowly, finally)
 I can use and understand proper verb tenses (past, present & future).
 I can use adjectives to describe nouns.
o Adjective- word that describes a noun (red, small, two)
 I can form and use prepositional phrases.
o Prepositional phrase - under the table, above the cabinet
 I can tell the difference between a complete sentence and a run-on sentence.
 I can correctly use frequently confused words.
o Homonyms: their, there, they’re
o Multiple meaning words (homograph): I can’t bear to do this myself; I
saw a bear in the woods.
 I can use correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
 I can use context clues and word structure to determine word meanings.
 I can use common fourth grade Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and root words
as clues to the meaning of a word.
 I can use print and digital reference materials (dictionaries, thesauruses,
glossaries) to figure out meaning or pronunciation of a word.
 I can identify and determine the meanings of similes and metaphors.
o Simile: comparing things using “like” or “as”
 He eats like a pig.
o Metaphor: comparison of two thoughts without using “like” or “as”
 The clouds are a zoo in the sky.
 I can understand the meaning of a word by relating it to its antonym (opposite)
and synonym (similar).
o Synonyms: hot/warm
o Antonyms: large/small
 I can learn and use fourth grade vocabulary.
Speaking, Viewing, Listening and Media Literacy
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I can cooperate and problem solve to help my group when discussing.
I can follow agreed-upon rules for discussion.
I can publish work and share it with an audience.
I can create an individual or shared multimedia project.
I can ask and answer questions to clarify information and make comments that
link to the remarks of others.