Sample Lesson Video – Level 4

Level 4 – Sample PDFs

• LEVEL 4 SECOND EDITION STUDENT BOOK SAMPLE
• LEVEL 4 ASSESSMENT/RESOURCE SAMPLE
• LEVEL 4 34-WEEK PLAN
• Alternative Instructional Strategies – PDF

Frequently Asked Questions About Level 4 Writing Curriculum

How old are 4th level students?

The general age for students completing Level 4 is 9 or 10 years old. The age can vary depending on if a child has started school early, on time, or is repeating a grade. The age of the student does not delegate if a child can complete this writing course. Instead, we recommend that students have a basic understanding of spelling, grammar, sentences, composition, and the skills taught in Level 3 before beginning.

What are the 4th level writing standards?

Level 4 is where the upper elementary writing begins. Students will start exploring more advanced concepts as they transition away from the basic sentences and compositions and embrace the new details of excellent writing. Students will learn to use expressive and figurative language in various styles to suit the audience or assignment.

What is included in the Student Book and Assessment?

Do note that the Student Book and the Assessment/Resource Booklet are compatible only with the second edition Essentials in Writing curriculum. To further learning, the additional tools in the Assessment/Resource Book are designed to provide students with the opportunity to show what information they are retaining. Although some parents/teachers use the assessments as actual evaluations, others use them as extra practice. The additional word lists are valuable in improving student vocabulary.

The Student Book includes:

* Lesson content that accompanies the video lesson

* Lesson activities that accompany the video lesson

* Writing graphic organizers that accompany the video lesson

* Separate parent/teacher handbook

* How to use the program

* Sample lesson planning

* Writing icon descriptions

* Sample answers for each lesson

The Assessment book includes:

* 18 grammar assessments consisting of fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice activities associated with both sentences and larger compositions

* 5 composition assessments

* 2 comprehensive unit assessments

The Resource book includes:

* A personal spelling dictionary

* Sensory word list

* Action verb list

* Descriptive adjective word list

* Action verb word lists

* Additional graphic organizers and composition checklists

What if I have multiple students?

Additional 4th level writing student books can be purchased to provide a student book for another child/student. The student book does not have additional information and is just another core student book for another student so that each student has their own student book to use.

How are tests and assignments graded?

An answer key is presented in the back of the included parent/teacher handbook. For compositions, sample answers for each step of the writing process and a final sample composition are presented to parents/teachers for comparison purposes. Checklists are included to be sure that the student met the composition requirements. Parents/teachers use the checklists and sample compositions to “grade” their student’s work.

What is included in Unit One and Two?

Unit One covers more advanced grammatical concepts including pronouns, antecedents, subject/verb agreement, prepositions, adverbs, and title crafting. Sentence structure will continue to advance while adding more expressive language techniques like metaphors, similes, and onomatopoeia.

Unit Two will expose students to new writing styles and formats. Lessons will cover expository, descriptive, and persuasive paragraphs; news writing; narratives; persuasive letters; research projects; essays; and more. While writing these new styles, students will learn how to consider audience, formal vs. informal writing, word choice with a thesaurus, and practical writing skills to craft more advanced documents.

Does each unit come with worksheets and tests?

The topics covered in each unit will also be covered in the accompanying worksheets and assessments.

How much time will students need to complete this course?

The time needed to complete the 4th level writing curriculum is a typical academic year (34 weeks). If students follow the 34-week plan included, they will complete individual lessons and activities during the week; however, because the lessons are broken up into small, daily mini-lessons, students can double up on some lessons and activities and complete the entire course sooner. Each day, students will spend 15-25 minutes on writing.

Does the Student Book include a daily/weekly lesson planner?

Essentials in Writing Level 4 includes a 34-week suggested, yet optional, lesson planner geared for upper elementary level learning.

Is online help available for additional Student Book questions?

Essentials in Writing offers 100% free curriculum support through texting, Facebook Messenger, online chat, email, and phone calls.