Learning Humanity from a Nonfiction Text

Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.

Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text.

Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.

By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles.

Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others.

Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Use correct capitalization.

Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely.

Understand and explain the expression “I have the courage to stand up for what is wrong or unfair”

Offer examples of caring and compassionate behaviors (at home, in school, in the community)

Provide an example of a friend or role model who “stood up” for what he or she thought was wrong or unfair

Provide an example of a friend or role model who demonstrates caring and compassion

Understand the idea of fairness and the consequences of not being fair, as it relates to breaking rules, playing favorites, or taking advantage of others

Explain why it is important for everyone to serve and contribute to their family, school, community, nation, globally

Recognize examples of stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice

Explain a time when you put yourself in “someone else’s shoes” in order to understand their perspective and point of view

Explain what empathy means (e.g., the ability to sympathetically understand and personally identify with the emotional states, needs and feelings of others)

Understand and recognize the characteristics of healthy relationships (e.g., honesty, compromising, sharing, encouragement)

Understand and recognize the characteristics of unhealthy relationships (e.g., hostility, intimidation, hitting)

Recognize, compare and contrast safe and unsafe situations