Each 4th grade student was invited to purchase his or her own notebook this year. Students will be using the notebook to help generate ideas for Writer's Workshop.

Personal Narratives are the main focus in 4th grade. A personal narrative is a true story about something that happened to the writer. It is a story of a special time in the writer’s life, a personal memory, a time the writer does not want to forget, or an experience that caused the writer to feel a strong emotion – happy, sad, excited, angry, scared, etc. The writer is the main character telling the story.

The State Writing Assessment will occur on January 30 and January 31.

Strategies to Help Your Child as a Writer

1. Provide writing materials: paper of all kinds, colors, sizes; writing utensils – pencils, pens, crayons, markers; post-its

2. Provide a print rich environment – written materials: books, magazines, newspapers, cereal boxes, etc.

3. Write notes: Write notes to your children. Stick them in a lunchbox, in a pocket, or on the mirror in the morning.

4. Choose some writing resources for around the house: dictionary – picture dictionary, writing handbook, and thesaurus.

5. Write together – keep a writing notebook at home: Let your child choose the topic. Free write together for five to ten minutes and then share the writing.

6. Encourage your children to write letters or emails. Encourage pen pals or short notes to relatives.

7. Model writing yourself and involve the child – Let the child see you enjoy writing and that it is an important skill for everyday life. Share writing you do on the job. (Grocery lists, notes, to-do lists, letters and postcards, post-it reminders, poems, stories, reports, etc.)

8. Celebrate your child’s writing successes – one step at a time.

Modes of Writing in Grade Four

Theme One: Personal Narrative

Theme Two: Description

Theme Three: Personal Narrative

Theme Four: Persuastive Essay

Theme Five: Personal Essay

Theme Six: Research