Grade 4 – Language

Course Overview

The Grade 4 Language course marks a significant step as students transition from primary literacy toward junior level expertise. Building on the strong competencies developed in Grade 3, learners engage with increasingly sophisticated texts and media while strengthening their ability to communicate with clarity, intention, and insight.

Students explore a broad spectrum of literary and informational forms including graphic novels, myths, legends, podcasts, poetry, and extended narratives. These experiences deepen comprehension while encouraging critical analysis, purposeful expression, and creative thinking.

As independence continues to grow, students become more strategic readers, more deliberate writers, and more confident communicators prepared for the academic expectations of the junior years.

Important Information

• No prerequisites are required for elementary courses
• Ontario elementary programs do not issue transcript credits
• Facilitated and independent learning pathways are available to support different learning needs

What Students Will Develop

Throughout the course, students participate in structured learning experiences designed to advance literacy while promoting analytical thinking and academic independence.

Students will:

• Analyze literary and informational texts with greater depth
• Evaluate perspective, tone, and credibility across media
• Strengthen grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation accuracy
• Organize ideas logically and write with clear purpose
• Apply editing and revision strategies with increasing autonomy
• Conduct research to support written communication
• Communicate effectively through structured presentations
• Interpret themes, stylistic elements, and author intent
• Expand media literacy through both analysis and creation

These competencies prepare students to engage thoughtfully with complex texts while supporting continued academic growth.

Course Structure

Learning is organized into carefully designed units that deepen comprehension while encouraging purposeful communication and creative exploration.

Non Fiction

Students examine a wide range of informational texts such as biographies, articles, and instructional materials while analyzing structure, purpose, and audience. They plan, revise, and publish their own non fiction writing with attention to clarity and organization while strengthening listening skills to interpret multiple viewpoints.

Podcasts

Learners investigate the purpose and production of podcasts while evaluating credibility and perspective. Students refine vocal delivery techniques and apply stylistic elements as they design and produce an original podcast.

Presentations

Students explore the relationship between audience and purpose while developing effective presentation strategies. They differentiate between active and passive listening, analyze alternative perspectives, and deliver presentations that communicate ideas clearly and confidently.

Graphic Novels

Through the study of graphic novels, students analyze how visual and textual elements interact to shape meaning. They explore how audience interpretation may vary and experiment with graphic techniques to enhance storytelling.

Legends, Myths, and Fables

Students differentiate among traditional narrative forms while identifying central ideas and supporting details. Organizational tools support structured thinking as learners make inferences and communicate ideas with coherence.

Poetry

Students interpret diverse poetic forms while examining the stylistic choices that influence meaning. Using precise language and descriptive techniques, learners craft original poetry and present their work with attention to tone and emotional impact.

Novel Study

Students investigate key elements of novels including plot, voice, tone, and mood. Through guided reading, they develop interpretations, research supporting ideas, and construct informed responses to complex narrative challenges.

Media Texts

Learners analyze contemporary media forms such as emails, blogs, advertisements, and websites. They evaluate how messages are constructed and practice responding thoughtfully across multiple communication platforms.

Learning Resources

As a fully online course, Grade 4 Language does not rely on a traditional textbook. Students engage with a combination of digital tools and hands on materials that support active literacy development.

Recommended resources include:

• A device capable of capturing written work
• Audio recording tools
• Access to a printer
• A binder, folder, or notebook for offline activities
• A dictionary to support vocabulary development
• Supplemental reading materials including novels and informational texts
• Writing supplies and creative materials
• Headphones for focused listening activities

These resources support an interactive learning environment where students actively refine their literacy skills.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The Grade 4 Language program integrates oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy to support comprehensive language development. Instruction emphasizes both foundational precision and higher order thinking so that students can analyze texts while producing purposeful communication.

Key features of the learning experience include:

• A balance of structured instruction and inquiry based learning
• Exposure to diverse and increasingly sophisticated genres
• Integration of technology and multimedia resources
• Ongoing opportunities for drafting, revising, and publishing work
• Guided development of research and critical thinking skills
• Consistent educator support that encourages independence

Teachers and learning coaches play an essential role in facilitating instruction, supporting technical aspects of the course, and fostering an environment where students feel confident engaging with complex ideas.

Preparing Students for Junior Literacy

As students progress through Grade 4 Language, they develop the ability to interpret information critically, communicate ideas with precision, and engage responsibly with diverse texts and media.

At Trinity Ontario Elementary School, every learning experience reflects the vision of Trinity Ontario Global Academy by combining academic excellence with character development and global perspective. Students complete Grade 4 Language equipped with the independence, analytical skills, and communication abilities necessary for success in the junior grades and beyond.