4th Grade Writing-Expository Activities

The Wacky Writing Kids' Bundle comes with 3 products bundled together for a discounted price. The bundle comes with All Wacky Writing Kids templates and writing prompts.

The Wacky Writing Kids products are great to incorporate fun and creativity while practicing the different types of writing. Students will love to construct each Wacky Kid Template. The template serves as a Writing Anchor Poster or Plan for each type of writing. After students create their writing plan they can write their paragraph on the lined paper provided. The Wacky Writing kids template also includes a writing checklist to proofread and edit their writing. The Wacky Writing kids make a fun wall display! This is a great activity as part of a Writing Lesson, at a Writing Workstation, or as an Art and Craft project.

The Wacky Writing Kids Bundle includes all three of the following products:

Wacky Writing- Informative Kit

Informative Isaac Body Template (writing plan)

Informative Isabelle Body Template (writing plan)

Line Writing Paper Template

Writing Prompt and Title Template

Blank Writing Prompt and Title Template

Wacky Writing- Narrative Kit

Narrative Nate Body Template (writing plan)

Narrative Natalie Body Template (writing plan)

Line Writing Paper Template

Writing Prompt and Title Template

Blank Writing Prompt and Title Template

Wacky Writing- Persuasive Kit

Persuasive Pete Body Template (writing plan)

Persuasive Paula Body Template (writing plan)

Line Writing Paper Template

Writing Prompt and Title Template

Blank Writing Prompt and Title Template

All printables in black and white.

Please Comment and Rate. Thank you!

Learn facts and information about the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush through comic book coloring and writing format. After reading and coloring frames, students re-write the story using blank speech and fact boxes on comic designed handouts. Easy to understand, basic facts that include: 5 Civilized Tribes Assimilation Point of View (NAI, Female, Male, Child) Statehood Geography Regions of the state labeling/colorcoding activity Indian Territory Oklahoma Territory Homestead Act Indian Removal Act Land Proclamation Land Claim Certificate Stake Your Claim (color, cut, paste to claim your new land) Relocation Map Boomers and Sooners 6 Counties of Unavailable Land Railroad Electricity in the White House President Benjamin Harris Oklahoma 1st and 2nd Capitols Write a Poem and/or Song Advertisement/Marketing Writing Journalism Writing Fort Reno in El Reno 4 Towns that Spring Up Overnight Charles Haskell, 1st Oklahoma Governor Complete lesson on the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 that will engage students and make learning cooperative, fun, and educational. Uses critical thinking, chronological order/sequencing, expository writings, inferencing, problem solving, symbolization, short story elements, plot lines, cultural awareness, diversity, and more... Great way to learn and assess basic history facts while reinforcing communication and writing skills!

Misty Copeland Educational Bundle

This is a Informational Newsletter AND Research Report AND Collaborative Art Project about Misty Copeland as an African American Athlete, Artist, and a Black Changemaker. Students can use this as a jumping off point for a research project or as an activity for Black History Month or Women's History Month.

Information on...

- Early Life

- Career

- Interesting Facts

- Artistic Contributions/Influences

1. The Educational Newsletter:

Enrich your lesson plans with our meticulously crafted educational newsletter, offering teachers a valuable resource to guide discussions and activities. Dive into Misty Copeland's life story, her impact on the dance world, and the historical significance of her achievements.

2. Collaborative Art Poster Activity:

Foster creativity and teamwork with our collaborative art poster activity. The bundle includes a step-by-step guide for students to contribute to the creation of a larger-than-life poster celebrating Misty Copeland. This hands-on activity encourages students to explore their artistic abilities, work together towards a common goal, and visually represent the themes of perseverance and achievement embodied by Misty.

3. Trifold Template:

Choose from a pre-filled or blank template

Key Features:

• Curriculum-aligned educational newsletter
• Collaborative art poster activity to promote creativity and teamwork.
• Classroom decor and engagement tools for an immersive learning experience.

The "Misty Copeland Educational Bundle" is designed to empower teachers to bring Misty's story to life in the classroom, fostering a love for learning, creativity, and the transformative power of the arts. Elevate your teaching experience and leave a lasting impact on your students with this thoughtfully curated educational bundle.

Use these 25 standards-based, interactive Writing Skills & Strategies Bookmarks, correlating posters, and Google Slides to differentiate for student needs and practice specific writing strategies. These can also be used for test prep, homework, small group instruction, and independent writing practice. Use the 23 Google slides to model skills for the whole class. Use the 8.5 x 11 inch poster during small group instruction to reteach a skill.

Bookmarks are designed with 4 bookmarks to a page, which saves on copying and paper waste, and much of the text is in the Open Dyslexic font to support struggling readers. Bookmarks and posters can be printed in either color or grayscale/B&W. 

My own students are absolutely in love with these bookmarks. We recently completed the Show, Don't Tell bookmark since that is a skill so many kids struggle with. When coupled with the Tell Me A Great Story bookmark and Google Slide as a reminder how sensory details can bring a story to life, the kids were excited to get down to writing. And their stories actually turned out really good with a lot of variety to them.

This resources includes:

• 25 Bookmarks (4 per page) 
• 24 Teacher Posters to model how to use the reading skill or bookmark
• 23 Google Slides for whole class instruction
• Teacher's Guide

Skills Included:

1. Tell Me a Great Story (Informational Version)
2. Tell Me a Great Story
   (Interactive Version)
3. WoW Words
4. Design Your Characters
5. Who is in my Story?
6. Show, Don’t Tell
7. Conflict Resolution
8. Cycle of Conflict: Action, Reaction, Decision
9. Sequence of Events
10. Create Your Storyboard
11. Visualize
12. Opinion Writing
13. Convince Me: Persuasive Writing
14. Main Ideas & Key Details
15. Step Up to Writing Star & Dash
16. Compare Vs. Contrast 
17. RACE
18. ARMS (Informational)
19. Revision Tips
20. CUPS (Informational)
21. Editing Tips 
22. Ways to Start a Story
23. Great Last Lines
24. Transitions
25. Sassy Sentence Structures

To prepare the bookmarks:

• Print & copy the bookmarks onto cardstock or copy paper
• Cut apart

You might also like my 24 Interactive Reading Bookmarks or Writing Game Spinners.

I'd love to hear how you use this resource in your classroom! Feel free to email me at iteachiwrite@yahoo.com with any questions or suggestions you may have. And don't forget to rate this product in order to earn TeachShare Credits for future purchases!

Copyright © iTeach & iWrite by Betsy Newmeyer.

All rights reserved by the author.

Permission to use for single classroom use only.

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Summer Writing Prompts Journal: Writing Challenge Activities for 3rd & 4th Grade:

This 30-Day Summer Writing Challenge for 3rd and 4th graders contains a variety of engaging writing material for your students. There are 30 different writing activities (2 sheets per activity, created to be copied back-to-back and bound into a writing journal, if you choose). For a total of 60 writing pages, you will see the following activities:

• 2 opinion essays
• 2 persuasive essays
• 2 descriptive writing activities
• 2 narrative writing activities
• 1 "how-to" essay
• 5 journal prompts
• 5 story starters
• 2 recipes activities
• 3 newspaper articles
• 1 packing list activity
• 2 book reports
• 1 biography
• 1 restaurant review
• 1 autobiography

These writing activities are purposeful, but fun. Students will find that completing all of them is challenging, but rewarding. Some teachers choose to stretch the challenge to 60 days so that students have 2 days to complete each activity. I also reward my students with a pizza lunch party if they complete the writing challenge (for the summer challenge, I plan the pizza party during the first or second week back to school).

NOTE: THIS FILE INCLUDES A DIGITAL DISTANCE LEARNING OPTION!

This product includes a digital option (as well as the no prep printable option). The instructions for utilizing the digital portion appear at the end of the packet.

Are you a 1st or 2nd grade teacher? Please click below to find the summer writing challenge for your students. The format, content, and prompts will be more appropriate for your students:

• 30 DAY SUMMER WRITING CHALLENGE FOR 1st-2nd GRADE

You may also be interested in these products for your students:

• GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITIES
• LITERATURE UNITS
• FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE PRODUCTS
• CHARACTER TRAITS PRODUCTS
• VOCABULARY PRODUCTS

Everything students need to know about Abraham Lincoln! And,written in comic book format that comes with a second set of pages that have blank text boxes for students to paraphrase/summarize/research then fill-in facts. Includes: Early Life: Birth, School, Manhood, Death of Mom, Step-Mother Young Adult Years: Employment, Politics Famous Quotes Law License John Todd Stuart, First Law Partner Mary Todd Lincoln & Marriage Four Sons (Birth & Death) Political Timelines Speeches (House Divided, 2 Inaugural Speeches,Gettysburg Address, Last Address) Political Slogans Noah Brooks' reporter's viewpoint Black Hawk War Civil War Ford Theater Death Fun, easy, interactive way to learn facts about Abraham Lincoln, his life and political career. Can be used for ELA, history, social studies, as well as plays, bulletin boards, posters, etc... Meets CCSS fact-based, non-fiction standards.

Combining a collaborative art project with the how-to writing adventure can enhance the overall experience and engage students in a multi-sensory creative activity.

How-To Catch a Gingerbread Man Writing!

Creating a how-to writing guide on catching a gingerbread man, complete with two types of writing papers (dotted and lined) and a graphic organizer for brainstorming.

Graphic Organizer:

• A fun and interactive graphic organizer to help readers plan their gingerbread-catching strategy.
  • Sections for brainstorming ideas, creating a step-by-step plan, and considering potential challenges.

Writing Papers:

• Dotted Paper:
  • Ideal for younger writers or those practicing handwriting skills.
• Lined Paper:
  • Suitable for more advanced writers or those who prefer a traditional writing format.

First page of the final draft comes in 2 versions. One with the gingerbread man clipart and one without.

Collaborative Art Project- Each student will color one square to create a colorful Gingerbread Man mural

This integrated approach allows participants to not only develop their individual writing and artistic skills but also to experience the power of collaboration and storytelling as a collective activity.

Veteran’s Day Bundle

This three packet activity bundle has more than 50+ handouts to help students define, understand, and discuss the importance of Veteran’s Day.

Packet 1: Veteran’s Day Thank You Cards (English and Spanish)

Product Description

Pages: 23

Instill gratitude for our Armed Services with these 20 Veteran's Day Thank You Cards. Write a note of thanks, color images, fold, and give to make a veteran smile!

Includes a mix of English and Spanish gratitude phrases, black and white images to color, and one blank card for students to create their own Veteran's Day message. Highlights each branch of the Armed Services: Army, Marines, and Navy. Includes female and male armed services members.

Use as across curriculum government/history/social studies and ELA lesson, to practice fact-based letter/note writing skills, develop social skills, learn more about U.S. history, practice vocabulary, and meet local veterans in your community. Contact your local Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) for a list of veterans in your area.

Packet 2: 30 Veteran’s Day Activities

Product Description

Pages: 32

30 activities to celebrate Veteran's Day! Coloring, lists, poems, writings, and more...for using critical thinking skills to learn about a national holiday.

Includes:

Democracy is...
Freedom is...
Liberty means...
The eagle is representative of...
Veteran's Day Speech
Map for listing no. of veterans/naming veterans
10 Ways to Thank a Veteran
Make your own dog-tags
Many faces of soldiers
Many roles of soldiers
What Veteran's Day means to me...
Thank you to a Veteran
My Message to a Veteran
Decorate the tombstone of a fallen soldier
Veteran Acrostic Poem
A Veteran's Poem
My favorite branch of armed services
My Pledge for Peace
Veteran's Day Maze
Veteran's Day Word Search
Women's roles in the Armed Services
How many words can you make from "veteran"
What will you do on Veteran's Day?
From a soldier's point of view: What Veteran's Day means...
The War Wall--fill in to make and display your own war wall

30 activities to help students acknowledge, appreciate, celebrate, and honor veterans and what the special day means.

Packet 3: Get Fit Action Story: A Veteran’s Day Celebration

Product Description

Pages: 15

What is Veterans Day? When does it fall each year? What kinds of celebrations honor our veterans? Students get an introduction and definition of Veterans Day, plus why it is different than Memorial Day. Then, get ready to join the parade! Play ball, watch fireworks, and thank a veteran for serving!

Get Fit Action Stories combine reading, sight words, listening, speaking, directions, and physical education into one assignment. It's a fun, physical learning adventure!

Action Words included:
1. salute
2. clap
3. Miss America wave
4. struts
5. moves a scepter up and down
6. twirl
7. toss
8. catch
9. plays a violin
10. toots a horn
11. beats a drum
12. pedal
13. flip hamburgers
14. toss salads
15. swing bats
16. hit homeruns
17. yells, “Ewwwww” then “Awwwww”
18. “Thank you!”
19. salute
20. “Happy Veterans Day!”

This three packet activity bundle with over 50+ handouts will encourage discussions, increase understanding, and reinforce meaning of Veteran’s Day.

Are you a teacher looking for an engaging way to develop your students' research and presentation skills?

Look no further! This is the perfect tool to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and research skills in your classroom.

Included:

• Lionel Messi
• Sonia Sotomayor
• César Chávez
• Frida Kahlo
• Roberto Clemente
• Dolores Huerta
• Selena Quintanilla
• Ellen Ochoa... and more added all the time!

Two blank templates:

• One that is pre-filled with some of an influential Latino's picture and name
• One that is blank and requires the student to write their name and draw their portrait (can be used for any person)

Key Features:

✨ Structured Framework: This template provides a well-organized and structured framework for students to conduct research on a chosen individual's biography. It guides them through essential components such as background, early life, accomplishments, and more.

✨ Versatility: Tailor the template to fit the unique needs of your curriculum. Whether your focus is historical figures, contemporary leaders, or cultural icons, this template is adaptable to a variety of subjects.

✨ Encourages Independent Learning: Empower students to take ownership of their learning journey. The blank spaces prompt students to conduct independent research, fostering a sense of curiosity and self-directed learning.

✨ Develops Research Skills: Our template encourages students to utilize various research methods, including online resources, books, and interviews. It's a fantastic opportunity for them to hone their research skills and discern reliable information.

✨ Promotes Presentation Skills: Beyond researching, students will practice organizing information coherently and presenting it in a well-structured report. This template lays the foundation for effective communication, a crucial skill in any academic or professional setting.

How It Works:

1. Choose a Subject: Students select an individual to research. This could be anyone from historical figures, scientists, artists, to contemporary leaders or influencers. Lionel Messi is pre-filled in one version of this template.
2. Fill in the Blanks: The template guides students through the research process. They'll fill in key sections, providing biographical information, accomplishments, and the impact of the chosen individual.
3. Present to the Class: The completed reports become the basis for engaging class presentations. This step encourages students to express themselves confidently and articulately.

Why Choose Our Template:

⭐️ Time-Saving: No need to create a research template from scratch. Our product saves you time and ensures a standardized approach to student research projects.

⭐️ Engagement: Transform mundane research projects into exciting opportunities for self-discovery and exploration.

⭐️ Skill Development: Equip your students with essential research, organization, and presentation skills that will serve them well in their academic and professional journeys.

Five top-rated Oklahoma related products that engage students in active learning strategies and encourage creativity, cultural awareness, debate, discussion, test prep, and more:

Packets Included:
Oklahoma Land Run

Oklahoma, The History of a State (1500-1700)

Native American Role Models

Native American Day: Fact-Based, Historical Activities & Resources

Te Ata

174 pages of fun!

1. Oklahoma Land Run

Product Description:

Learn facts and information about the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush through comic book coloring and writing format. After reading and coloring frames, students re-write the story using blank speech and fact boxes on comic designed handouts. Easy to understand, basic facts that include:

5 Civilized Tribes
Assimilation
Point of View (NAI, Female, Male, Child)
Statehood
Geography Regions of the state labeling/colorcoding activity
Indian Territory
Oklahoma Territory
Homestead Act
Indian Removal Act
Land Proclamation
Land Claim Certificate
Stake Your Claim (color, cut, paste to claim your new land)
Relocation Map
Boomers and Sooners
6 Counties of Unavailable Land
Railroad
Electricity in the White House
President Benjamin Harris
Oklahoma 1st and 2nd Capitols
Write a Poem and/or Song
Advertisement/Marketing Writing
Journalism Writing
Fort Reno in El Reno
4 Towns that Spring Up Overnight
Charles Haskell, 1st Oklahoma Governor

Complete lesson on the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 that will engage students and make learning cooperative, fun, and educational. Uses critical thinking, chronological order/sequencing, expository writings, inferencing, problem solving, symbolization, short story elements, plot lines, cultural awareness, diversity, and more... Great way to learn and assess basic history facts while reinforcing communication and writing skills. 37 pages!

2. Oklahoma, The History of a State (1500-1700)

Product Description:

16 pages of basic facts and engaging activities in comic book format to help students learn about Oklahoma's state history in its before statehood years.

This first in a series Oklahoma packet focuses on 1500-1700s using comic book format with text boxes. Comes with comic book pages and nine activities. Students can re-write the story of Oklahoma using the extra comic pages that have blank text boxes. Excellent for history and ELA classes to use for state test prep, assessment, chronological order, basic motor skills, writing skills, and much more...

Packet Includes:

1541--Coronado, de Soto, and Native Americans

1541--write your own land charter for Spain

1682--le Salle and King of France

1682--pros and cons of running a new world (compare/contrast)

1700s--waterways exploration by 7 explorers

1700s--map your own waterway exploration across Oklahoma

1700s--fight for takeover of Oklahoma by France and Spain

1700s--Oklahoma's Riches (Resources native to Oklahoma)

1763--France gives land to England and Spaing

1763--Class/Group survey on who owned Oklahoma

Create your own Oklahoma Timeline

5 Comic handouts with blank text boxes to re-tell the history

16 pages of learning!

3. Native American Role Models

Product Description:
15 notable Native American role models, fact based, mini-lesson unit that includes:

Guideline Sheet with Role Models & Activities Listed

15 Quick Facts Sheets w/ 15 Character Images

135 Differentiated Writing Activities (Too Numerous to List All!)

(all genres of writing addressed w/ 3 categories: Writings, Project Based, Differentiated Lower Activities)

45 Project Based Activities for Active Learning

15 Activities Worksheet for Hands-On Active Learning

Role Models:

Jim Thorpe (athlete)

Maria Tallchief (ballerina)

Billy Mills (athlete)

Sequoyah (silversmith tradesman)

Johnny Bench (athlete)

Sacagawea (guide)

Charles Curtis (politician/V.P.)

Johnny Cash (entertainer)

Wilma Mankiller (Chief)

Will Rogers (entertainer)

Pearl Carter Scott (aviator/aviatrix)

N. Scott Momaday (author)

Joy Harjo (poet)

Sherman Alexiee (author)

Sandra Osawa (filmmaker)

Tribes:

Cherokee

Chickasaw

Choctaw

Creek

Kaw

Kiowa

Makah

Osage

Oglala Lakota (Sioux)

Shoshone

Spokane

48 pages of informative facts and fun activities!

Great introduction and overview of Native American role models and their cultures, easy to learn facts, addresses Common Core and ELA/Social Studies state guidelines. Differentiated activities for numerous levels of writers. Use with homeschool, flipped classes, GT, Pre-AP, At-Risk. Engaging, critical thinking, interesting, fun, and educational!

4. Native American Day: Fact-Based, Historical Activities & Resources

Product Description:

Numerous projects for Native American Day (4th Friday in September) or for any NA History/SS/English Unit. Includes:

Make a Timeline (Build Background Knowledge)

U.S. Map of NA Tribes

Diorama activity and clip art for use

"I am..." Find your NA tribe

Compare & Contrast tribes

Debate over first American Settlers

Top 15 Most Famous Native Americans

with Crossword and Word Search (with answers)

Silhouette "I am..." synonym poem

Headress, Shield, & Teepee designing

Make a Diorama

Research links

Symbolism sheets

Video links

and more...

Everything needed for beginning, understanding, or assessing Native American unit. Culture unit with valid resources. Differentiated, project based, student-centered Native American activities. Fun and educational with 50 pages of learning!

BONUS FILE!
Te Ata

Product Description:

Who is Mary Fisher, and what is her impact on society? 20 active learning, engaging activities to help students learn about and understand the life and times of Mary Fisher, known as Te Ata, a Chickasaw storyteller, performer, and artist.

Includes:
Black and white coloring images on pages
Who is Mary Fisher (synonyms)?
Timeline of Life (blank timeline to retell and fill in)
Compare & Contrast School Days (1900s vs. Today)
Become a Journalist (Interview)
"Bearer of the Morning" Bumper Sticker
Storytelling a Family Tradition
The Royal Speech
Crossword Puzzle & Answer Sheet (Answers on Timeline for students)
Mary's FakeBook
Broadway Marquee
Poem
Pictograph
Point of View
Treasure of Oklahoma (State Focused)
Legend of the White Wolf
Te Ata, the Movie (Design ad)
Te Ata, the Cast (Cast the Parts)

23 pages in the learning packet.

Perfect 174 page bundle for learning about Oklahoma and its history!

This is a Informational Reading Passage AND Research Report AND Collaborative Art Project about Ruth Bader Ginsburg as an American Leader and a Female Changemaker. Students can use this as a jumping off point for a research project or as an activity for Women's History Month.

INCLUDED- Reading Comprehension Questions! Differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential female leader. Perfect for close reading!

• Colored and black-line version
• Reading comprehension questions for early elementary (1-3) and separate worksheet for upper elementary (4-6)

Information on...

- Early Life

- Career

- Interesting Facts

- Artistic Contributions/Influences

• Inclusive Learning: Foster an inclusive classroom environment by exploring diverse narratives and celebrating the achievements of underrepresented voices.
• Ready-to-Use Content: Save time on lesson planning with our pre-packaged materials, allowing you to focus on what you do best – inspiring the next generation.

How It Works:

1. Choose a Subject (Ruth Bader Ginsburg): Students select an individual to research. This could be anyone from historical figures, scientists, artists, to contemporary leaders or influencers. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is pre-filled in on version of this template.
2. Fill in the Blanks: The template guides students through the research process. They'll fill in key sections, providing biographical information, accomplishments, and the impact of the chosen individual.
3. Present to the Class: The completed reports become the basis for engaging class presentations. This step encourages students to express themselves confidently and articulately.

Introducing our profound collaborative art project: Collaborative Mural Poster! Engage students as artists, inviting them to contribute to a larger masterpiece that pays tribute to the wisdom and resilience of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This unique product transforms any space into a vibrant tapestry of collective expression, capturing the spirit of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's impactful words and life.

***Pro-Tip*** To make a smaller puzzle- use your printer or copiers "combine" feature and print 2 pages on one paper!

2 sizes- 25 pieces or 36 pieces! (Bordered)