• “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller

    The main goal this year is for students to continue to develop their independent reading skills, reading fluently, accurately, and comprehending what they have read. The instructional benchmark level for the beginning of fourth grade is level Q and the end-of-year benchmark is level S.  This represents the level of text complexity at which students can read successfully with some support and is the level at which they will be instructed in small groups.

    When reading independently (at home or in school), students should be reading books at their “just-right” (independent) level to ensure the highest level of comprehension (>96% accuracy), without being too easy. It is important that students have access to books at their level. If you are unsure if a text is “just-right” for your child, consider the following:

    • Accuracy— Have your child read aloud a chunk of text approximately 100 words long. If he/she makes more than 5 errors, then the text is most likely too difficult.
    • Fluency—Have your child read aloud a page from the book. If the book is at his/her independent reading level, your child should be able to read approximately three-fourths to one full page in a minute. If it takes significantly more (or less) than a minute, the text is not independent.
    • Comprehension—Ask questions. Does your child seem to have a solid understand of the story elements? Can they explain/ describe the characters, setting, problem, theme, etc.?
    • Use an online resource, such as the Scholastic Book Wizard. Simply type in the title of the book and it will provide you with the Guided Reading Level.

    This our second year implementing the ReadyGEN Literacy curriculum. ReadyGEN is an integrated literacy program focused on reading, writing, speaking, and listening and is designed to prepare students for college and careers. It is built on a collaborative learning model in which teachers and students work together throughout the instructional process to grow students’ understanding and expand their knowledge.  Students are engaged in literary experiences with authentic, rigorous texts. The program emphasizes “close reading” and the production of writing.

    Fourth Grade ReadyGEN Units:

    • Unit 1: Becoming Researchers
    • Unit 2: Interactions in Nature and Culture
    • Unit 3: Exploring Impact and Effect
    • Unit 4: Creating Innovative Solutions