4th Grade ELA (South Dakota Content Standards)

Reading Literature (RL)

• 4.RL.1 Explain what a text says and draw inferences using details and examples.
• 4.RL.2 Identify the theme of a story, drama or poem, support it with details and summarize the text.
• 4.RL.3 Describe a character, setting or event in depth using details such as thoughts, words and actions.
• 4.RL.4 Work out word and phrase meanings, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
• 4.RL.5 Explain differences between stories, dramas and poems, referring to their structural parts.
• 4.RL.6 Compare and contrast narrative points of view and explain the author's purpose with evidence.
• 4.RL.7 Link a text's meaning, tone and mood with its visual or oral presentation, using evidence.
• 4.RL.9 Compare how authors treat similar themes and event patterns in stories and myths from different cultures.
• 4.RL.10 By year end, read and make sense of many kinds of literary texts.
  • a. Read grade-level texts of growing difficulty and complexity.
  • b. Choose texts for enjoyment, interest and schoolwork.

Reading Informational Text (RI)

• 4.RI.1 Explain what an informational text says and draw inferences using details and examples.
• 4.RI.2 Identify the main idea, support it with key details and summarize the text.
• 4.RI.3 Explain relationships among events, ideas or concepts in historical, scientific or technical texts, with evidence.
• 4.RI.4 Work out the meaning of general academic and subject-specific words.
• 4.RI.5 Describe the overall text structure: description, chronology, comparison, cause and effect or problem and solution.
• 4.RI.6 Compare and contrast firsthand and secondhand accounts of the same event, noting point of view.
• 4.RI.7 Interpret visual, oral or numerical information such as charts, graphs and timelines and explain how it adds to the text.
• 4.RI.8 Find and explain how an author backs points with reasons and evidence.
• 4.RI.9 Bring together information from two texts on one topic to write, speak or show what they know.
• 4.RI.10 By year end, read and make sense of many kinds of informational texts.
  • a. Read grade-level texts of growing difficulty, using book features such as title pages, contents and indexes.
  • b. Choose texts for enjoyment, interest and schoolwork.

Reading Foundational Skills (RF)

• 4.RF.3 Show skill in phonics and word analysis for decoding and spelling words.
  • a. Decode and spell words with the help of common prefixes, suffixes and roots.
  • b. Use common Greek and Latin roots to work out meanings and decode unfamiliar words.
  • c. Use syllable division rules, morphemes and phonics patterns with longer words.
  • d. Use spelling patterns and rules accurately.
• 4.RF.4 Read accurately and fluently enough to support understanding.
  • a. Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.
  • b. Read varied genres aloud accurately, at a suitable pace and with expression.
  • c. Check reading for accuracy and understanding, rereading as needed.

Language (L)

• 4.L.1 Use standard grammar and usage when speaking and writing.
  • a. Use relative pronouns and relative adverbs.
  • b. Form and use progressive verb tenses.
  • c. Use auxiliary verbs to show different conditions.
  • d. Put adjectives in the usual order.
  • e. Form and use prepositional phrases.
  • f. Write complete sentences, fixing fragments and run-ons.
  • g. Use commonly confused words such as there, their and they're correctly.
• 4.L.2 Use standard capitalization, punctuation and spelling when writing.
  • a. Write clearly and smoothly in print and cursive, with good spacing and margins.
  • b. Use correct capitalization.
  • c. Punctuate dialogue and quotations from texts with commas and quotation marks.
  • d. Place a comma ahead of the joining word (and, but, or) in a compound sentence.
  • e. Spell grade-level words correctly, using references as needed.
• 4.L.3 Use knowledge of language conventions when writing, speaking, reading and listening.
  • a. Choose words to express ideas precisely.
  • b. Choose punctuation for effect.
  • c. Recognize when situations call for formal or informal English.
• 4.L.4 Figure out or check the meaning of new and multiple-meaning words.
  • a. Use context to work out meanings.
  • b. Use familiar Greek and Latin word parts as clues to meaning.
  • c. Use print and digital references for pronunciation and exact meanings.
• 4.L.5 Show understanding of figurative language, word relationships and shades of meaning.
  • a. Explain simple similes and metaphors in context.
  • b. Recognize and explain common idioms and proverbs.
  • c. Link words to their antonyms and synonyms.
• 4.L.6 Use grade-level academic and subject words accurately, including precise words for actions, emotions and states.

Writing (W)

• 4.W.1 Write opinion pieces backing a viewpoint with reasons and information.
  • a. Introduce the topic clearly, state an opinion and group related ideas logically.
  • b. Give reasons backed by facts and details.
  • c. Link the opinion and reasons with grade-level words and phrases.
  • d. End with a conclusion linked to the opinion.
• 4.W.2 Write informative pieces that examine a topic and share information clearly.
  • a. Introduce the topic clearly, group information in paragraphs or sections and add helpful text features.
  • b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, details, quotations and examples.
  • c. Link ideas within and across paragraphs and sections.
  • d. Use precise language and subject-specific words.
  • e. End with a conclusion linked to the information.
• 4.W.3 Write narratives of real or imagined experiences with effective technique, details and a clear order.
  • a. Set up a situation or setting, introduce a narrator or characters and order events naturally.
  • b. Use dialogue and description to develop events and show how characters respond.
  • c. Use transition words and phrases to manage the order of events.
  • d. Use concrete words and sensory details.
  • e. End with a conclusion that follows from the events, when suitable.
• 4.W.4 Write clearly with suitable tone and voice, organized for the task, purpose and audience.
• 4.W.5 With support, develop writing by planning, drafting, revising and editing.
• 4.W.6 With some support, use technology to improve writing.
  • a. Produce and publish writing.
  • b. Interact and work with others.
  • c. Type at least one page in a single sitting.
• 4.W.7 Carry out short research projects that look into different aspects of a topic.
• 4.W.8 Collect useful information from experience and from print and digital sources, e.g. library databases.
  • a. Take notes and sort information.
  • b. Give a list of sources.
• 4.W.9 Cite evidence from literature or informational texts to back up analysis, reflection and research.
• 4.W.10 Write regularly over different time frames and choose topics and formats for enjoyment and school.

Speaking and Listening (SL)

• 4.SL.1 Take part well in one-to-one, group and teacher-led discussions on grade 4 topics.
  • a. Come prepared, having read or studied the material.
  • b. Follow agreed rules and carry out assigned roles.
  • c. Ask and answer specific questions and link comments to others' remarks.
  • d. Review key ideas and explain one's own understanding.
  • e. Cooperate and solve problems in group discussions.
• 4.SL.2 Paraphrase content presented in visual, numerical and oral formats.
• 4.SL.3 Identify the reasons and evidence a speaker gives to support points.
• 4.SL.4 Give an organized account with facts and describing details, speaking clearly.
• 4.SL.5 Add multimedia and visual displays when they help develop ideas.
• 4.SL.6 Tell when formal or informal English fits a situation and use formal English when it suits.