Scope and Sequence
Grade 4

1. WRITING A MESSAGE FOR A TIME CAPSULE (Exposition)
A Group Unit

Writing Objective: Writing an exposition: informing next year’s students about the class

Thinking Objective: Evaluating and selecting experiences that explain life in the fourth grade

Performance Rubric: Demonstrates familiarity with the elements of the writing process

2. REMEMBERING A SPECIAL EVENT (Personal Narrative)

Writing Objective: Writing a personal narrative: informing others of an important event

Thinking Objective: Analyzing how an why an event is important

Performance Rubric: Describes importance of event; Recounts what happened, where, and others involved; Clearly expresses feelings and thoughts during event

3. DESCRIBING A HIDING PLACE (Descriptive Exposition)

Writing Objective: Writing a descriptive exposition: informing others about a special place and it importance

Thinking Objective: Selecting sensory details; combining them with emotional reactions to describe a place

Performance Rubric: Reader can picture hiding place and its size, shape, smells, sounds, and texture; Tells why place is special; Describes feelings in hiding place

4. WRITING DIRECTIONS TO EXPLAIN (Exposition)

Writing Objective: Writing an exposition: explaining a procedure

Thinking Objective: Sequencing the steps in a set of directions

Performance Rubric: Presents clear, concise directions; Includes detail; Correctly sequences steps; Accurately describes each action; Reader can follow directions

5. WRITING A PERSUASIVE LETTER (Persuasion)

Writing Objective: Writing an exposition: persuading others to agree to a request

Thinking Objective: Analyzing a situation and identifying evidence to support an argument

Performance Rubric: States a request and supporting reasons; Anticipates and adequately responds to objections; Logically organizes argument

6. WRITING NEWS STORY (Narrative Report)

Writing Objective: Writing a narrative report: informing others about an event

Thinking Objective: Selecting and organizing details about an event

Performance Rubric: Thoroughly retells event; Answers all applicable 5W and How questions accurately and completely; Organizes story in news format; May include one or two relevant details surrounding event