English Language Arts — Grade 4

Resources on the web

Oceans: A fact haiku

This ARTSEDGE lesson uses the ocean to teach students about a form of Japanese poetry. After learning and hearing haiku, students listen to the sounds of the ocean to inspire them in writing their own haiku. This resource contains links to a related lesson... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ArtsEdge

Nature reflections: Interactive language practice for English-language learners

Students reflect on nature through readings, a visit to a green area, and bookmaking using the writing process and peer feedback. English-language learner (ELL) strategies in this lesson include previewing before reading, read-alouds, choral reading, total... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Learning about research and writing using the American Revolution

This lesson combines historical research and acrostic poetry. After listing all they know about the American Revolution, students work in groups to answer the questions they have about this historical period. Then, after reading If... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Jamestown changes

In this lesson, students will study census data showing the names and occupations of early settlers of the English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, to discern how life changed in the Jamestown settlement in the first few years after it was founded. The... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provided by: EDSITEment

Examining plot conflict through a comparison/contrast essay

In these sessions, students explore picture books to identify the characteristics of four types of conflict: character vs. character, character vs. self, character vs. nature, and character vs. society. In the initial activity, students write what they... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Dear Librarian: Writing a persuasive letter

In this lesson, students use online writing tools to plan and write a persuasive letter to their school librarian requesting new books be added to the library collection. After students have read Emily’s Runaway Imagination,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

The connection between poetry and music

In this lesson, students acquire knowledge and appreciation for beat and meter in poetry by listening to poems that are read aloud. After the teacher reads the poem, students evaluate the rhythm and line breaks by clapping their hands or tapping their feet.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Book report alternative: Writing resumes for characters in historical fiction

In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students select a character from a work of historical fiction then help the character choose and apply for a job. Students explore what it would be like to search for a job in the past and the qualifications that would... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Book report alternative: The elements of fiction

In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students review the elements of fiction and the key components of a book report. They identify and share these concepts by writing and illustrating their own mini-book based on a fiction book they have chosen to read.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Blending fiction and nonfiction to improve comprehension and writing skills

This ReadWriteThink lesson supports the use of a text set (paired fiction and nonfiction texts on a similar topic) to increase student interest in and understanding of content area material and to develop critical writing skills. The more familiar format... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

An American scene painter

In this ARTSEDGE lesson, students learn about American artist Charles Burchfield and his style of painting. Following Burchfield's example, students capture information and sketches in a personal journal, then use these ideas to create an original watercolor. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Visual Arts Education and English Language Arts)

Provided by: ArtsEdge

Alter egos and more with Avi's "Who Was That Masked Man, Anyway?"

In this lesson, students read Who Was That Masked Man, Anyway? and study the history of radio shows. After students have read the story, they work together to chart the plot of the story. Then students compare it to other... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink