Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 4 Language Arts
This course develops advanced literacy skills by engaging students with diverse perspectives and complex text structures. Students will master the art of storytelling and the precision of informative communication through collaborative inquiry and rigorous writing.
01The Art of the Story: Narrative Craft
Students analyze how authors use character development and plot structure to create engaging stories.
Investigating how internal traits and external pressures drive a character's actions throughout a plot.
Using vivid language and sensory details to build immersive worlds for the reader.
Examining the sequence of events and how tension is built and released in a narrative.
Exploring how authors establish the setting and its impact on characters and plot.
Understanding different perspectives (first, third person) and their effect on the story.
Brainstorming and outlining initial ideas for a narrative, focusing on character and conflict.
Learning to write realistic and purposeful dialogue that reveals character and advances plot.
Exploring how authors control the speed of a story and build anticipation.
Identifying the central message or lesson an author conveys through a story.
Focusing on improving story flow, word choice, and correcting grammatical errors.
02Unlocking Information: Reading for Knowledge
Students learn to navigate non-fiction texts to extract information and understand complex real-world concepts.
Utilizing headers, captions, and diagrams to improve comprehension of technical or scientific texts.
Identifying the central claim of a passage and evaluating the facts used to support it.
Analyzing how two different texts approach the same topic or event.
Identifying relationships between events or ideas in informational texts.
Recognizing how authors present problems and their proposed solutions.
Learning to condense key information from non-fiction passages into a concise summary.
Formulating focused research questions to guide inquiry into a topic.
Practicing locating relevant information from various print and digital sources.
Learning to categorize and structure gathered information for reports or presentations.
Communicating research findings clearly and concisely to an audience.
03The Power of Persuasion: Writing with Purpose
Students develop the ability to form clear arguments and support their opinions with logical reasoning.
Learning to state a clear position that can be defended with evidence and logic.
Exploring how to use facts, examples, and emotional connections to convince an audience.
Adjusting language and style to suit different readers and formal contexts.
Structuring persuasive writing with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions.
Employing transition words to connect ideas and create a smooth flow in persuasive writing.
Learning to acknowledge opposing viewpoints and respond to them effectively.
Applying persuasive writing skills to compose a letter to an audience about a local issue.
Critically analyzing advertisements, speeches, and articles for persuasive techniques.
Focusing on strengthening arguments, improving clarity, and refining word choice.
Practicing oral presentation skills to deliver a persuasive speech or debate.
04Word Wealth: Vocabulary and Language
Students explore the origins of words and the mechanics of language to enhance their communication.
Breaking down complex words into prefixes, suffixes, and roots to unlock meaning.
Using surrounding text to define unfamiliar words and understanding subtle differences in synonyms.
Mastering sentence structure and punctuation to ensure ideas are communicated effectively.
Exploring the use of similes and metaphors to create vivid imagery and deeper meaning.
Understanding personification and hyperbole as tools for expressive language.
Expanding vocabulary by understanding words with similar, opposite, or same sounds.
Mastering the correct use of commas and quotation marks in sentences and dialogue.
Ensuring subjects and verbs agree in number for grammatically correct sentences.
Learning to use adjectives and adverbs to add detail and precision to writing.
05The Shared Voice: Speaking and Listening
Students practice the skills of collaborative discussion and formal presentation to share their ideas effectively.
Learning to build on others' ideas and ask clarifying questions in a group setting.
Developing public speaking techniques including eye contact, volume, and visual support.
Evaluating the purpose and effectiveness of spoken messages in podcasts, speeches, and videos.
Practicing how to contribute constructively to group discussions and build on others' ideas.
Learning to provide constructive feedback and incorporate suggestions from peers.
Developing skills in telling engaging stories aloud, focusing on voice and expression.
Selecting and integrating appropriate digital media and visual displays to enhance presentations.
Understanding and practicing appropriate language and delivery for different speaking situations.
Learning to present and defend a viewpoint orally, and respond to opposing arguments.