Teacher Resources for Instructional Planning


Grade 4, Language Arts Language Expression: Determine an appropriate topic sentence (COS 21, 26/ SAT10)

Lesson Plans: Harriet Tubman Integrated Unit: Lesson 1 Students use a variety of sources, including photographs and artwork, to research and report on Harriet Tubman's life and accomplishments. All Aboard! All Aboard! The Essay Train All aboard! All aboard! Ride the English Trax! Come and enjoy a train ride with The Little Engine That Could and learn how to create a five-paragraph essay train. Introducing the Incredible RBT-2000 Students work cooperatively to construct a miniature robot using recyclable materials. They individually write a descriptive explanation from the robot's point of view explaining how it will aid in protecting the environment. An well-constructed topic sentence will significantly boost the effectiveness of this project.

Resources: Project Based Learning: 2-4 Writing Checklist Writer's Block: This activity gives students a topic that they write about. Their responses are posted for other children to see. It would be very useful in showing kids the importance of an appropriate topic sentence. Captions: Here's an idea for jumpstarting writing. Suggestions for English Language Learners: (E/B=Entering/Beginning, D=Developing, E=Expanding) (E/B, D, E) Students use pre-written words (i.e. a word box, word walls, etc.) to create sentences. (D, E) Students work with partners to take notes on a particular reading and then outline the notes for understanding.
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