In the fourth grade we use a Four Square organizer. This is the second step in their writing. The first is brainstorming. The more they have on their brainstorming the easier this step wil be for them.

In reading we are starting the novel Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan. We will be working on summarizing, plot structure, characterization. We will also start reading expository passages dealing with pioneer times and train travel during the early 1900's. As we are reading expository passages, we will be looking at different types of text structure, author's purpose for writing, author's perspective,chronological order, cause/effect, and text evidence. We will begin working in our Motivational Reading workbooks and practicing TAKS strategies. One of the strategies is the 4P's. (see link below)

Students in writing class are working on brainstorming and making an organizer. Students are to brainstorm using one of the methods we taught them (a-z, trigger word, and web). From the brainstorming they are to choose 3 actions and place on their organizer (see attachment). Each box of their organizer will be a paragraph. We are now working on how to go from the organizer to the paper. Our topic is a time something unusual happened.