1. Understand key details in a text:
To understand key details in a text, fourth graders must be able to identify the main idea of a text, as well as important facts that support it. Additionally, they should be able to recognize and differentiate between characters, plot points and other relevant information within the text. As they read, students should also be able to draw connections between the information in the text, as well as make predictions based on what they have read.
2. Determine the main idea of a text:
The ability to understand and determine the main idea of a text is an important skill for fourth graders to have. By being able to identify and comprehend the central message within a story or passage, students are better equipped to engage with their reading materials more effectively.
3. Make predictions based on evidence from the text:
Making predictions based on evidence from a text requires that students use their prior knowledge and understanding of concepts within the material they are reading, in order to make inferences about what could happen next. This helps build their critical thinking skills, as well as encourages them to take a more active role in their reading journey.
4. Identify cause and effect relationships within a story or passage:
Identifying cause and effect relationships helps fourth graders understand how one event can lead to another. By recognizing that words, actions and events are all connected in some way, students can gain insight into how the world works, both on paper as well as off.
5. Use context clues to define unknown words in their reading material:
Using context clues is an important skill for understanding unknown words in a text. By being able to recognize the root of an unfamiliar word or idea, fourth graders can then determine its meaning without having to look it up in a dictionary. This is especially helpful for understanding vocabulary words and terms in more advanced texts.
6. Compare and contrast two different texts within the same topic:
Comparing and contrasting two different texts on the same topic helps fourth graders understand how perspective, opinion, or bias can alter the way something is presented to them. By recognizing differences between two sources, students are better able to form their own opinions about topics and make more informed decisions when reading material.
7. Draw inferences and conclusions from written material:
By being able to draw inferences and conclusions from written material, fourth graders are better equipped to make sense of what they have read by connecting information together in meaningful ways. This is an important skill to have when reading more complex texts, as it helps them go beyond just understanding the facts and consider how they all connect together.
8. Utilize knowledge of roots, prefixes, suffixes to gain meaning from unfamiliar words:
By being familiar with different roots, prefixes and suffixes within the English language, fourth graders are better equipped to understand new or unfamiliar words in their reading material. Understanding these parts of speech will help students determine the meaning of a word without having to look up its definition.
9. Develop an understanding of figurative language (simile, metaphor etc.):
Figurative language is an essential part of understanding any text. By recognizing various types of figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, fourth graders can gain a deeper understanding of the text they are reading. This will help them make connections between ideas, as well as recognize underlying themes in the material.
10. Demonstrate comprehension by summarizing passages:
Being able to summarize passages is a great way for fourth graders to demonstrate their comprehension of the material they are reading. By being able to summarize key points and ideas in a text, students are better equipped to remember what they have read, as well as engage with it more effectively. This also helps them build their critical thinking skills by learning how to break down larger texts into smaller sections.