Reading in 4th Grade

Fourth graders must be able to read for a variety of purposes, and interact with the text in multiple ways. Because of this, the teachers structure their reading blocks in a variety of ways.

• Reading Workshop--The teacher delivers a mini-lesson about a topic to the whole class or a small group of students, then students go back to their independent reading books and practice the skill or topic.  During this time, the teacher will confer with individuals or small groups.

• Whole Group Instruction--The teacher teaches a lesson to the entire class.  Then, the class participates in a skill-based activity, project, or practice to help them better understand the skill.

• Book Club--Students work in small groups to read, discuss, and respond to a book of their choice. Students respond to the literature in variety of ways, including answering questions that require multiple answers, deeper, analytical thinking, and coherent, structured writing.  The teachers have constant dialogue with the students through their response journals, as well as during individual or small group conferences.