Pourquoi Tales

Grade: 4

*This is a lesson I taught to fourth grade students during my student teaching internship.

Discuss what a Pourquoi Tale is. Then read and discuss several Pourquoi Tales. I found that my students particularly enjoyed animal ones, such as “How the Tiger Got His Stripes.”

Have the students write their own Pourquoi Tale. Start by having them make an outline of the details of their story. Then have them write a rough draft. Assist the students in revising their tales, writing a final copy, then illustrating their tale (integrating art).

Adaptation: Allow below-level learners the chance to write at their ability; encouraging them to build their writing and vocabulary skills.

Name Poetry

Grade: 4

*This is a lesson I taught during my student teaching internship.

Have the student write the letters of their name down the left side of a sheet of paper. Then have them write a phrase or group of adjectives about themselves that starts with each letter of their name.

Have student proofread and revise, then make the final copy on a colored sheet of paper, using somewhat fancy lettering of the students’ choice for their name.

Adaptation: allow below-level writers to write shorter description of themselves and/or assist them in identifying adjectives that describe themselves.

Idaho History- Oregon Trail Postcards

Grade: 4

*This is an activity I had my fourth grade students complete during my student teaching internship.

1. This is a follow up art activity to be completed after reading and studying about the Oregon Trail.

2. Have the students think about what the various landmarks, animals, and other items seen from the covered wagon on the Oregon Trail.

3. Have students design a post card based on a sight or landmark from the Oregon Trail.

4. I had them decorate one side like a picture postcard and then write a journal entry on the other side, just like many of the journals we read while studying the Oregon Trail.

 

Adaptation: Allow below-level writers to write a shorter journal entry that is at their level.