Using Story Elements to Develop and Express Key Components of a Text
Unit description: Through the use of mentor texts, students will analyze fictional story elements. Students will write an organized realistic fiction piece applying appropriate use of fictional story elements.
Essential Outcomes of the Unit
Reading
4R1 Locate and refer to relevant details and evidence when explaining what a text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences.
4R3 In literary texts, describe a character, setting, or event, drawing on specific details in the text. (RL) In informational texts, explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts, including what happened and why, based on specific evidence from the text.
Reading Foundations- Phonics and Word Recognition and Fluency
4RF3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
4RF4 Read grade-level text with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
Language
4L1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
4L2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
4L3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening
Writing
4W3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
4W5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 4.)
Speaking and Listening
4SL4 : Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace and volume appropriate for the audience.
All Standards Addressed in this Unit
- 4RF3, 4RF4
- 4L1, 4L2, 4L3, 4L4, 4L5, 4L6
- 4W3, 4W5
- 4SL1, 4SL4, 4SL6
Essential Questions and Big Ideas
How does an author develop a plot?
- Authors use sequenced events to develop the plot of a story
- Authors use story elements to create a certain effect on the plot of a story
- Good readers identify the impact key story elements have on a story and its plot development
- Readers look for trends in story elements and plot events within and across mentor texts
How can writers use story elements to create a powerful realistic fiction story?
- Writers use story elements carefully to create a certain effect in a work of realistic fiction
- Good writers plan their sequence of events and story elements before they begin to draft
- Writers play with different story elements to determine how they impact their story and development of a plot
Download the complete Grade 4 ELA Unit 4 framework to customize for your own planning.