Sorting by NYSLS ELA & Grade Level 4
 

Title
Synopsis
  Fairy Tales Essential Questions: What is a fairy tale? Why are fairy tales still popular? How has modern day society changed the perspective in which fairy tales are told and written?
  An Author Study of Patricia Polacco In this unit, students will read and analyze books by Patricia Polacco to discover a common theme. They will view a video and read her autobiography to learn how she has used events from her own life in her stories. Also, they learn that using strong verbs in a story helps to bring it to life.
  Interpreting Fables Students will identify the three main characteristics of a fable, identify the moral of a fable, and relate a moral of a fable to real-life experiences.
  Phoebe The Spy A unit developed for fourth grade students with learning disabilities. It will take approximately three weeks to complete. The book "Phoebe The Spy," by Judith Berry Griffin is used. This unit should be taught while studying the Revolutionary.
  Student-made Web Pages...Show Off Their Work! Designed to teach students how to create a web page using Netscape Communicator's Composer and can be used by students in grades 3-12 to present their projects or research on their school's web page. Designed to be taught in a lab setting and will be used by the technology teacher in coordination with the classroom teacher.
  Low Bridge, Everybody Down Students will learn about the history of the Erie Canal, including its development, use, importance, and effect on the development of New York State. This unit incorporates literature, ELA components, technology, cooperative skills, Social Studies, Art, and Music.
  Classic Fables Review classic fables and see how the moral's of the fables relate to ones own life.
  You Gotta Read This: A Favorite Author Study This unit is written as a way to encourage students to focus on the written works of an author whom they most enjoy reading. It is hoped that by researching this author, reading & reviewing some of their stories, and presenting a PowerPoint demonstration to a grade level appropriate for this author, the students will be encouraged to read even more of this author's works. It may also spark an interest in this author for the grade/class seeing the PowerPoint presentation.
  Investigating Biographies Learning experience is part of a unit, Investigating Biographies. Through this book and the library teacher, students will discuss what makes a person famous, and will find and become familiar with the biography section of the library. A culminating activity called "Bio Stew" will help students internalize the organization of different biographies. This lesson would be best done as a collaborative lesson with the classroom teacher to help support the "What Are Biographies About?" section of this unit.
  One-Room Schoolhouses This is a unit on one-room schoolhouses. Students will learn about one-room schoolhouses, and visit one for the day. The focus will be to learn first hand what it was like to attend a one-room schoolhouse, and to compare schools of yesterday with schools of today.
  A Wolf's Tale Students will be using charts to compare and contrast elements and characteristics of fairy tales. Students will be using technology to create and present autobiographies and third person perspectives.
  Once Upon A Fairytale This is a primary English/Language Arts unit on Fairytales. The unit will take about 4 weeks to complete. This unit will stress the elements of a fairytale. In this unit students will read for the understanding of the character, setting, and plot points of specific fairytales. The children will create their own fairytales through the writing process. With the use of technology, the children will produce a fairytale book complete with illustrations.
  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Designed to enhance reading ability. help Students listen to learn about a character that discovers the truth about bravery, loyalty and choice and the power of love.
  Links in a Food Chain This learning experience was created to give students a better understanding of the world we live in while utilizing the many grade appropriate resources on the world wide web. They are given the opportunity to learn and better understand the relationships that exist between all life forms. The students will complete a webquest to broaden their understanding of the new concepts they are attaining in a motivational, cooperative environment.
  The World Wide Food Web This unit was created to give students a better understanding of the world we live in. They are given the opportunity to learn and better understand the relationships that exist between all life forms.
  Report Writing Students will be using graphic organizers and writing a report from the info in it on an assigned planet.
  Compare and Contrast Essay Will compare and contrast the planet Earth with another planet which students have already researched.
  Out of this World Writing! Creating a peice of writing from a graphic organizer researching the planets of the solar system.
  Ghostwriters Anonymous Help students understand how to construct their own short story from a pictorial prompt.
  Understanding the Layers of the Earth To enhance understanding of the three major layers of the earth, students will compare and contrast the three layers describing the composition, thickness, and temperature of each layer.
  Forces in the Earth Students will observe the effects of an earthquake as it occurs. They will study the structure of the earth as it relates to the theory of plate tectonics, survey events as mountain building, volcanoes, earthquakes, and sea-floor spreading at various plate boundaries and identify areas where volcanic activity is likely to occur.
  Fairy Tails : A Classic Form of Literature Essential Questions: Why do we study classic examples of literature? What is the relevance to today's society? Why are there different versions of the same fairy tales? How did different versions of the same tale evolve? What are common elements of all fairy tales? Why do we enjoy and tell these stories again and again?
  The Development of Seasonal Word and Sight This learning experience is based on Standard 1 and 2 of the N.Y.S. English Language Arts Learning Standards. Students will make appropriate and effective use of strategies to construct meaning from print, such as prior knowledge about a subject, structural and context clues, and an understanding of letter-sound relationships to decode difficult words.
  Poetry to Enrich Weather Understand and memorize two poems that enrich a science unit. Activities encourage creative expression through poetry.
  How Spring Comes Each Year - The Sotry of Persepho Students will be able to accurately paraphrase what they have heard, follow directions that involve a few steps. Learning Standard - ELA 4. Students will be able to listen attentively and participate in discussions and present information to classmates.
  Owl Scavenger Hunt Students will get practice using internet technology for a specific purpose (scavenger hunt)
  The War With Grandpa This learning unit is based upon the book The War With Grandpa by Robert Kimmel Smith. It will be used in an after school program of third, fourth, and fifth grade students. The novel will be read orally to the students as a group with the unit to follow. This unit is designed to give the students practice in using a digital camera and computer technology for the specific purpose of sequencing. Other related activities will accompany the technology.
  Let's Write a Book! THe purpose of this experience is to write a book with third grade students to honor their retiring teacher. For presentation, the book will be made into a power point production.
  Gristmills of St. Lawrence County Students research actual historical documents on the growth of gristmills in St. Lawrence County. Work is published as part of a website with our school.
  Data Analysis Essential Question/Data Analysis: What is data and how does it help you to understand information? How are tables and graphs related? How does business use mathematics to produce products and collect information? How can data be shown in different ways? How can we show in writing understanding of data?
  Clouds Meteorology and literature will be combined to explain cloud types and their effects on weather.
  How to DO Just About Anything This unit will incorporate technology and ELA in various subject areas on writing "How To's", and then presenting the finished product. The lesson will be first done with a small group of Consultant Students, who will then become group leaders to the full classroom.
  James and the Giant Peach This is a unit on the novel James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl. Students will read the novel, write a chronological narrative, and complete a webquest dealing with the life of Roald Dahl.
  Land Ho This unit introduces the students to standard and non-standard measurement with a pirate theme. At the culmination of the unit students will understand the difference between standard and non-standard measurement. They will be able to estimate measurements and measure using standard and non-standard measurement tools.
  Food Pyramid The lesson was developed for the learning standards because of the need to integrate as many curricula areas as possible for both academic and motivational rigor. I learned a great deal in preparing this unit.
  Healthy Eating Students will evaluate their own diets and electronically log their daily entries. During daily lessons students will learn about the food pyramid and different types of diets and how they relate to long term health. Students will research various diets and report out both verbally and in writing. Power Point will be used as a way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of what constitutes a proper diet.
  The Galapagos Islands Students will be obtaining information about the Galapagos Islands from several different resources. After gathering the information, students will be required to internalize the information, personalize it, and then create literary products. The teacher will guide students by providing resources, showing students how to organize information, and modeling processes to create final projects.
  What's in a Shape? Essential Questions: In what different ways can you use your shape to make a toy? How many different ways can you make a hexagon using the pattern blocks?
  Colorful Writing This Learning Experience will take about 3 weeks to complete. The students will be learning the different types of figurative language so that they can use them in their writing to make it more interesting and descriptive. The students will then be using what they have learned about figurative language to describe their family's characeristics in a slide show presentation.
  Cinderella Really Gets Around! Create meaningful lessons for Upper Elementary students that integrate Language Arts lessons with lessons in world geography and culture. Some of the 3000 + variants of the Cinderella stories that exist from around the world provide an interesting way to teach language arts skills, as well as world geography and culture. Activities will be interactive and student centered where the students will have opportunities to apply their knowledge in a variety of interdisciplinary tasks that are appealing and definitive.
  Way To GO With Graphic Organizers Way To "GO" With Graphic Organizers is a unit designed to introduce Grade 3 students to the use of graphic organizers as an aid to independent writing tasks. This unit for writing instruction utilizes basic skills of organization and note taking. Attention will focus on setting up graphic organizers and providing opportunities to practice reflective writing. Models will be set up for narrative and letter writing to meet the requirements of the NYS Standards and the Grade 4 ELA. Students will be exposed to making appropriate graphic organizer selections to meet the needs of the assigned purpose of the writing assignment. Adjustments to this unit can be made for other grade levels by altering the reading selections at the appropriate reading level of the students. As a wide variety of graphic organizers are available, you should implement them to meet the needs of the particular writing assignment and modify them based on the individual needs of the students.
  Let's Be Counted Census Study: This year, 2000, is an important year for citizens of the United States, because it is a year when all the residents will be counted for the census. Studying an old census can help students understand the purpose of a census, as well as how to derive information from one. In addition, much local history can be gleaned by studying the old censuses.
  Riding the Iron Horse Familiarize fourth grade students with train and railroad history in local area of Jefferson County.
  Under the Canopy This rainforest unit is an integrated summer reading program designed to reinforce language arts skills with an emphasis on reading and writing. The summer program is designed to help students at risk meet the N.Y. State standards. This unit is literature based and spans a period of four weeks incorporating reading, writing, and technology skills for students who have just completed grades one through five. It will also expose the students to the geographical and scientific significance of a rainforest habitat. This theme based approach to learning a broad topic allows students functioning at a wide variety of levels to work together cooperatively, learn from each other, and have fun together. At risk readers take on the role of the "mentor" or "teacher" when paired with younger students and they are then able to build their self-esteem . These students are rarely able to be the experts with their peer group so this becomes a very positive experience for all the children. In addition, the younger students love the attention from their older classmates. All aspects of the summer program center around the rainforest theme including reading, writing, listening, and speaking projects, art activities, guest readers, and even snacks are woven into the theme. "Under the Canopy" is sure to be a swinging good time for all!
  Surprise in a Suitcase The purpose of this learning experience is for students to develop a habitat for an animal from Australia. The student will select an animal, and then because many of these animals are unfamiliar to him/her, the student will have to research carefully to make the proper habitat for his/her new pet. The habitat may be in the form of a diorama or other alternative such as a poster, mobile or a pamphlet.
  People Who Made a Difference in New York's History Students research a person who made a difference in New York's history, they write a short biography, and then they become the person during The Living History Museum.
  ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT This Learning Unit and Learning Experience connect with the following NYS Learning Standards: English Language Arts; Mathematics; Science and Technology; Career Development and Occupational Studies; Health, Physical Education, and Family and Consumer Sciences. Please not that a similar or modified Learning Unit and Learning Experience might correlate with the same and/or different NYS Standards depending on the literature and projects chosen.
  The War With Grandpa: Solutions to Family Problem This unit is based on the book The War With Grandpa by Robert Kimmell Smith. The activities correlate closely with the New York State ELA 4th grade test and the standards.
  Friendship and Death - Bridge to Terabithia A literature-based unit on the Newberry Award book, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. It would be done most successfully with students who are above average readers (at the 4th grade level) if reading will be done independently. It can also be used if the book is read aloud by the teacher, and students have copies of the book to follow along and/or read together. There are sections of the book dealing with religion, and what happens after death, so teachers are urged to read the book first to insure that they, their students, and the school district are comfortable discussing these issues. In this unit students will explore their thoughts and feelings about friendship and death and connect them with those of the characters in the book.
  Research for Real Allows students to investigate a topic of interest and evaluate information sources to select best information to support their topic.
  My Father's Dragon Students will imcorporate technology and language arts to write a new ending to a story and share it with others.
  Compare & Contrast Decades of the 20th Century Students will have investigated and researched a decade of the 20th century. They will have used reference materials from the library as well as CD Rom encyclopedias, the Internet web sites and personal interviews of relatives who can give personal accounts of the past.
  Revolutionary War Fourth grade social studies unit on the American Revolution, and to New York's role in the war (approximately 4-5 weeks to complete). Students will summarize the political and economic causes leading to the Revolution, will identify leaders and groups of people involved during that time period, will also summarize key battles, with a focus on New York State battles. Effects of the war will identified. Students will incorporate a variety of technological skills and programs in this unit.
  Immigration This is a fourth grade Social Studies Unit on Immigration. This unit will pay particular attention to the immigrant experience in NYS. The unit will take approximately 4-5 weeks to complete. In this unit, students will classify the motives of various immigrant groups. They should be able to sequence the entry process at Ellis Island. Students will also summarize problems faced by immigrants. Contributions made by immigrants will be identified and examined. Students will infer immigrants' influence on the nation and local community.
  Sea Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My Research Can Be Research can be fun! Understanding the Library and how to use the resources available.
  It's (almost) ShowTime! Students discover, validate, and grow within each of the Arts/Theatre Standards while creating a live theatrical production.
  New York, New York Essential Questions: How do we use math skills to solve problems on a vacation including mileage, gas amounts, travel time, and tax and tip for meals? How do we use map-reading skills to plan a trip? How could we use the Internet to help plan a weekend trip somewhere in New York State? How would you decide what places to visit on a time limited trip? How would keeping a travel log, a travel journal, and a photo album help us document a trip?
  Presto! Poetry This four-week unit incorporates web page design into a unique poetry unit. Students will be exposed to twenty different types of poems, required to create a poetry anthology and participate in a poetry reading. Students will learn about alliteration, simile and metaphor, personification and descriptive language.
  Thanksgiving the Native American Way Students learn the meaning and become acquainted with the Native American respect for nature of Thanksgiving in the general way of the Haudenosaunee. .
  A Walk in the Woods Students will be engaged in an interdisciplinary learning unit by walking in the moccasins of the Haudenosaunee to learn how they lived and how they made a difference and the impact on our world.
  The Write Byte The Write Byte is part of a writing workshop unit, which is an in-depth plan that teaches students the writing process. The purpose of the Write Byte is to get students excited about writing, learn about authors they have read, and become familiar with the writing process.
  Melting Pot Discoving the history on our community using senior citizens as resources.
  Discovering the History of our Community History of the Richfield Springs area.
  Flight of the Falcon: School History Project Developed and integrated 4th grade unit will enable students to acquire an understanding of the social economic and political changes that occurred in state history, their impact on the school community over time. Students will do note-taking, summarizing, digital photography, word processing, videotaping and on-line research; trip to Historical Society will be made in order to assist students with the development of a living museum. This will provide access to further historical documents. Culminating performance will be a "Living Museum". Will provide detailed 4th grade experiences/suggestions for grades K-6, will be a school-wide project; each grade level will contribute through varied learning experiences-word processing,Timeliner, World Explorer 2.0, Powerpoint E-mail, on-line research, digital photography, videotaping, and digital scanning.
  Organize Your Thoughts Essential Question: How does the organization and outlining of a topic increase the understanding and awareness of the concepts and information involved?
  Can You Stretch the Truth? Essential Questions: In what ways do Folk Tales influence our lives? Why are listening skills important through out life? How is it possible for one person to influence the world?
  Viewpoint of the Native American Interview a member of a Native American tribe or watch a video depicting the treatment of Native Americans from long ago today. (If conducting an interview it is a good idea to videotape it with permission from your guest for future use) If the students interview a guest make sure to help guide the students to devise questions that focus on the issue of how the Native American person is treated now as compared to how they were treated long ago
  100 Years and Counting This unit is primarily based on the book ...If You Lived: 100 Years Ago, by Ann McGovern. The book is a wonderful resource and full of information that is written in children's language. It covers all of the information that will be studied such as schooling, clothing, jobs, transportation and conveniences (or inventions) from the time period extending from the late 1800's to the early 1900's. The book explains what it was like primarily in New York City, which fits in nicely with the fourth grade curriculum, but also can tie in nicely with the third grade curriculum as it covers many different communities from around the world.
  Survival of Native American Culture Natives Americans survival story; compare and contrast.
  Opaque, Translucent, and Transparent Define key words. Write a paragraph defending perspective (prediction). Classify objects according to the ability of light to pass through them.
  Newbery Books: Guaranteed Good Reading Each February the American Library Association selects one book that is considered the outstanding example of children's literature published in the previous year. Students gain the understanding that by reading this literature they are reading the best of the best books. They have a chance to react to the books as critics and readers. As a library media specialist I prepare book talks throughout the year for classes. These talks can center on a particular genre or theme. For this learning experience we decided to concentrate on the Newbery Medal books. The timing of the experience coincides with the announcement of the new Newbery Award.
  Letter Writing Writing letters and notes gives students an authentic purpose to practice their writing skills. Children enjoy writing letters and love to receive a reply. The type of letter-formal or informal-can be varied according to the teaching objective.
  Animal Mix-up Research; The Revolutionary War* This lesson was developed in the bird club at our school, The Sauquoit Wingers. It was easy to see how this lesson could be incorporated into the fourth grade curriculum during the study of vertebrates.
  What a Wonderful World Students journal and do research on a country for specific information. The skills emphasized are ones which students can apply to other areas. Public speaking is so important for our students and this will give the students an opportunity to present the information they have found from different sources in a variety of ways. The e-pals will also peak interest in students so that the focus is on daily life from a kids perspective instead of the typically information found in a textbook or encyclopedia.
  To Infinity and Beyond: A Unit on Space Essential Questions: What is the relationship between the universe, galaxies and solar systems? What might life be like on the other planets of our solar system? How might our lives change if the earth's rotation, revolution, or position in the solar system changed? Why do we study space?
  The Tread of the Iron Horse Exposes 4th graders to issues, conditions adn events in their community during the mid-19th century.
  Heroes of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Heroes are not born; they are people who are shaped by experiences in their lives. This unit will provide students with an opportunity to reflect on what makes a hero. It will also provide students with an opportunity to research heroes of yesterday and today, as well as encourage them to think about heroes for tomorrow.
  Island Investigation Mini research project for intermediate students to learn about one of the larger islands near the community of Clayton called Grindstone Island. Students learn how an island affects the life of people living there. They will also learn that lifestyles on Grindstone Island have changed over time (completed in two 3-4 multi-age classes at Guardino Elem. School-two month long unit designed to totally immerse children in reading, writing, speaking and listening, culminating in a final project. Lessons took about one and one-half hours per day. Daily scheduled reading and writing workshop times were used for this project. Activities related to NYS Standards in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Technology.
  Shiloh The unit is designed to both incorporate reading and writing. Students will learn how to form opinions and respond by writing essays and responding to journal questions.
  Traveling Along Clinton's Ditch The Social Studies Unit, Traveling Along Clinton's Ditch will help fourth grade students foucs on one of the major waterways of New York State, the Erie Canal.
  Focusing on Famous People Begin by asking students if they have ever heard of George Washington (or other famous person). Read a story to the class on the famous person you have chosen. In small groups, students discuss and write answers to questions given on a worksheet.
  Welcome to New York State Students will create a New York State travel brochure
  Meant to Invent: Famous American Inventors Using the Internet, students will research a famous American inventor. They will complete activities to display at a Famous American Inventor Hall of Fame.
  Welcome to New York State Students will create a NYState travel brochure of their own, choosing one of the regions of New York. They will highlight the following: name of geographic region accessibility to the region noteworthy geographic features historical / current places of interest economic highlights
  Ya'Gotta Have Heart Students will understand the function of the different parts of the human circulatory system.
  Erie Canal Essential Questions: How does the development of a regions transportation system affect people’s lives and the region’s development? How does the geography of a region affect the transportation systems? How and why does transportation change over time?
  Come Fly With Me...Aviation Throughout this unit of study, students will be immersed in a study of the history of aviation, some of the pioneers of aviation, and aviation terms. Through a variety of activities and experiences, students will have a better understanding of all aspects of flight. As a culminating activity, students will have the opportunity to display their knowledge in an A-Z alliteration poem and participate in a paper airplane-flying contest. This unit will serve to develop student’s ability to conduct online research, use the key parts of a book (glossary, table of contents, index) to find specific information, and to follow written and oral directions.
  Charlotte's Web What kind of place would the world be without friendship? How would life be different if animals could talk? How does Charlotte’s Web prove that every thing has a place and value in society?
  Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster Fun With Word Students are immersed in a vocabulary study of ten words featured in the book Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster and of the Word of the Day featured on the Internet. Through activities and experiences, students will have a better understanding of a plethora of words in the English language and an enhanced vocabulary. Culminating activity, students have the opportunity to portray a vocabulary word by participating in a vocabulary parade for parents and friends. Will serve to develop student vocabularies, foster a greater awareness of words-the basis of our society! Activities can be extended and used year round
  May I Have Your Autograph? Students will conduct individual author study projects while also engaging in a whole class unit of study of the author and illustrator Jan Brett.
  Wanted: Trail Boss This project will help the students realize the requirements needed for a trail boss in the 1800’s. To demonstrate this knowledge they will create a job wanted advertisement for a trail boss. This activity is part of a complete unit on westward expansion called "GO WEST YOUNG MAN".
  Go West Young Man! This learning unit is designed to take students on a journey from the eastern United States to the west, during the age of expansion. Students will, through written expression, research of the Internet, and use of graphic organizers, work cooperatively to compile information to create a final presentation of their learning experiences using many different genres.
  International Festival We have activities that relate to math, arts and writing. The learning experience has different activities incorporated into one, therefore all learners should be able to find some aspect that appeals to them. The students will be engaged in activities that relate to the learning standards as stated above.
  Through the Eyes of a Patriot A literature unit based on The Journal of William Thomas Emerson used to reinforce and extend the concepts taught in a social studies Revolutionary War Unit.
  Journey Back in Time to the Eerie Canal This is a literture unit that will explore life on the Erie canal as experienced by 2 modern day children
  immigration The orphan of Ellis Island
  Poppy Poppy by Avi is a story of a mouse that survives against all odds in order to save her family from Mr.Ocax.
  Rain Forest Animal Habitat Museum A rainforest project that requires students to have a thorough understanding of one specific rain forest animal and its needs.
  Smooth Sailing This 3-4 week science unit explores the topic of buoyancy in a hands-on fashion. Concepts such as sink/float, density, displacement, volume, carrying capacity, along with buoyancy are covered. The students will be actively involved in this process of science discovery. Experimentation, design, and testing are integral parts of this unit.
  Colonial Life This unit is designed to teach 4th grade students about colonial life through a variety of interdisciplinary lessons.
  Soaring through the Solar System The students will be engaged in their learning about our solar system through individual and group activities that focus on research, reading, writing and group work skills. Students will soar through this interdisciplinary unit.
  New York Explorers Essential Questions: What was the underlying causes and effects of the early exploration of NYS. How do students apply reading, writing, listening and speaking for critical analysis and evaluation of unfamiliar, informational and/or historic fictional text? How do students use the opinions and reactions of teachers, classmates and peers to evaluate personal interpretations of ideas, information and experience?
  Cybernetiquette This learning experience will teach students the basics of safety on the Internet. This learning experience will be a perfect beginning to any Internet activity whether it is within a technology curriculum or other content area. This connects to all areas where instruction will lead to exploration of the Internet. This Learning Experience is tied to the unit called Keypals: Communicating Across the Information Superhighway
  Photo Journalism This learning experience fits into the ELA curriculum and can become content specific if the teacher chooses to adapt it in that way. It ties in with a variety of subject areas and can be utilized more than once in a school year to arrive at different goals and/or objectives.





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