Forms of Composition studied in the Fourth Grade:

         EXPOSITORY

      The writer’s purpose is to explain.  Expository Writing gives information, states reasons or examples.  It is highly structured.  It uses connecting words (which are a MUST) and there are few quotations.  Example:  A new student will be coming to your class next week.  You have been asked to help.  In several paragraphs, write a letter to the student explaining what is important to know about your class and why.

         NARRATIVE

      The writer’s purpose is to entertain or tell a story.  Narrative Writing entertains and has events.  It is more loosely structured, uses connecting words as needed and has more dialogue. Example:  Pretend that you and a friend are digging a hole and you find something shiney.  In several paragraphs, write a story telling what happens next.

Some of the books used in Writing are: 

Macmillan English  Language Arts

a. grammar and related language skills

b. practical communication

c. creative expression

Daily Oral Language by Neil Vail & Joseph Papenfuss

The Four Square Writing Method

The Total Writing Classroom

Teaching basic writing skills

Working with Words

Getting Organized

Forms of Composition

Writing in the Content Areas by Judith S. & Evan Jay Gould

Part 1 Connecting writing in the content areas to increase comprehension & enhance language

Part 2 Routine writing activities

Part 3 Special Writing Projects in the Content Areas

Part 4 Using the 4-Square Writing Method in Content Area Writing

Using the Six Trait Writing Model by Tracie Heskett

Six Trait Writing is a set of guidelines by which to teach and assess student writing.  The six analytical traits identified for use in instructing and assessing student writing are as follows

Ideas & Content

Voice

Word Choice

Organization

Fluency

Conventions

Punctuation Galaxy – multiple interactive video presentations introducing and using punctuation

Some of the Processes we go through in our writing: (click on picture to see example)