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Substitute plan pack · Grade 4

📖 ELA · Grade 4

One printable 40-minute plan for each of the 19 lessons. A substitute can run any lesson with the lesson's 3D video and Movie. No account needed.

Open the courseAll courses
How to use this pack
  1. Pick the lesson your class is on. Press Print this lesson (one page) or print the whole pack (one lesson per page).
  2. Leave the page with the lesson link. The substitute opens it on the board; no sign-in is needed.
  3. Questions and answers on each page come straight from the lesson. Answers are marked “for the teacher”.
  4. When printing, turn off “Headers and footers” in the print dialog for the cleanest page.

Lesson 1: Inferences with details

ELA · Grade 4Unit 1: Reading literatureNYS standard: NY-4R1

Big idea: Text clue + what I know = inference.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Clues + what you know = inference. It's reading between the lines.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Combine a text clue with what you know.
  • That gives an inference.
  • Always name the detail you used.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Jay's hands shook and he kept checking the clock before his speech. Inference?

  • A. He is nervous
  • B. He is sleepy

Answer (for the teacher): He is nervous

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

“The text states…” introduces…

  • A. Evidence
  • B. An opinion

Answer (for the teacher): Evidence

Leave on the board

  • Inferences with details
  • Big idea: Text clue + what I know = inference.
  • Memory trick: “It says, I say, and so.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Inferences with no text clue.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 2: Theme and summary

ELA · Grade 4Unit 1: Reading literatureNYS standard: NY-4R2

Big idea: Theme is a lesson for everyone.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Theme is the big life lesson a story teaches about people.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • A topic is one word, like friendship.
  • A theme is a full sentence about life.
  • Summarize: Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Which is a theme?

  • A. Honesty builds trust
  • B. Honesty

Answer (for the teacher): Honesty builds trust

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

Somebody-Wanted-But-So-Then helps…

  • A. Summarize
  • B. Spell

Answer (for the teacher): Summarize

Leave on the board

  • Theme and summary
  • Big idea: Theme is a lesson for everyone.
  • Memory trick: “Topic is a word; theme is a sentence.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Giving a one-word theme.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 3: Characters, setting and events in depth

ELA · Grade 4Unit 1: Reading literatureNYS standard: NY-4R3

Big idea: Use details to describe story elements deeply.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Picture a story set in a snowstorm: the setting changes what the characters can do.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Describe characters by their thoughts, words and actions.
  • The setting can cause problems or help.
  • Every description needs a detail from the text.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Read: “The bridge had washed away, so Rosa had to find another path home.” The setting creates…

  • A. A problem for Rosa
  • B. A prize for Rosa

Answer (for the teacher): A problem for Rosa

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

A character's motive is…

  • A. The reason they do something
  • B. Their name

Answer (for the teacher): The reason they do something

Leave on the board

  • Characters, setting and events in depth
  • Big idea: Use details to describe story elements deeply.
  • Memory trick: “Who, where, when, why: prove each one.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Describing a character with no detail from the text.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 4: First-person and third-person narrators

ELA · Grade 4Unit 1: Reading literatureNYS standard: NY-4R6

Big idea: Who tells the story changes what we know.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“A story told by “I” feels like reading a diary. A story told about “she” feels like watching a movie.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • First person: the narrator is a character in the story.
  • Third person: the narrator is outside the story.
  • A first-person narrator knows only their own thoughts.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Read: “I grabbed my backpack and ran to the bus.” This is told in…

  • A. First person
  • B. Third person

Answer (for the teacher): First person

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

Changing the narrator can change…

  • A. What the reader learns
  • B. Nothing at all

Answer (for the teacher): What the reader learns

Leave on the board

  • First-person and third-person narrators
  • Big idea: Who tells the story changes what we know.
  • Memory trick: “I = inside. He or she = outside.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Thinking an “I” inside quotation marks makes the whole story first person.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 5: Poetry, drama and prose

ELA · Grade 4Unit 1: Reading literatureNYS standard: NY-4R5

Big idea: Each genre has its own parts.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“A poem has stanzas, a play has scenes and stage directions, a story has paragraphs.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Poems use lines, rhythm and stanzas.
  • Plays have a cast, dialogue and stage directions.
  • Prose is ordinary writing in paragraphs.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

“(She tiptoes to the door.)” is a…

  • A. Stage direction
  • B. Stanza

Answer (for the teacher): Stage direction

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

Rhythm is the…

  • A. Beat of the words
  • B. Plot

Answer (for the teacher): Beat of the words

Leave on the board

  • Poetry, drama and prose
  • Big idea: Each genre has its own parts.
  • Memory trick: “Stanza, scene, paragraph.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Calling a stanza a paragraph.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 6: Text structure

ELA · Grade 4Unit 2: Reading informational textNYS standard: NY-4R5

Big idea: Spot the structure, follow the ideas.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Writers organize information like builders follow a blueprint.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Time order; comparing two things.
  • Why things happen; a problem and its fix.
  • Signal words reveal the structure.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

“Because it rained for days, the river flooded.” Structure?

  • A. Cause and effect
  • B. Chronology

Answer (for the teacher): Cause and effect

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

Knowing structure helps you…

  • A. Understand and remember
  • B. Skip reading

Answer (for the teacher): Understand and remember

Leave on the board

  • Text structure
  • Big idea: Spot the structure, follow the ideas.
  • Memory trick: “Signal words are clues.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Ignoring signal words.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 7: Explain what happened and why

ELA · Grade 4Unit 2: Reading informational textNYS standard: NY-4R3

Big idea: Explain events using what the text says.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Science and history texts explain steps and reasons, like how a volcano erupts.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Name the event, idea or step.
  • Explain why or how it happened.
  • Use specific information from the text.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Read: “Heat melts rock deep underground. The melted rock pushes up and bursts out.” Why does the volcano erupt?

  • A. Melted rock pushes up and out
  • B. It is cold outside

Answer (for the teacher): Melted rock pushes up and out

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

“Why” questions ask about…

  • A. Causes or reasons
  • B. Names

Answer (for the teacher): Causes or reasons

Leave on the board

  • Explain what happened and why
  • Big idea: Explain events using what the text says.
  • Memory trick: “What + why + text proof.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Telling only what happened, not why.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 8: Firsthand vs secondhand accounts

ELA · Grade 4Unit 2: Reading informational textNYS standard: NY-4R6

Big idea: Was the writer there?

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“A diary from a soldier is firsthand; a textbook about the war is secondhand.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Firsthand: the writer was there.
  • Secondhand: the writer learned about it later.
  • Compare what each one tells.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

A letter by a girl who watched the Erie Canal open in 1825 is…

  • A. Firsthand
  • B. Secondhand

Answer (for the teacher): Firsthand

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

Pronouns “I” and “we” suggest…

  • A. Firsthand
  • B. Secondhand

Answer (for the teacher): Firsthand

Leave on the board

  • Firsthand vs secondhand accounts
  • Big idea: Was the writer there?
  • Memory trick: “There? Firsthand. Researched? Secondhand.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Thinking secondhand means wrong.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 9: How authors use reasons and evidence

ELA · Grade 4Unit 2: Reading informational textNYS standard: NY-4R8

Big idea: Find which evidence supports each point.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“A lawyer wins a case with evidence. Authors do the same thing.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • The author's point is what they want you to believe.
  • Reasons and evidence support the point.
  • Check whether the evidence really fits the point.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Point: “Recess helps students learn.” Which is evidence?

  • A. Students in a study focused better after recess
  • B. Recess is at noon

Answer (for the teacher): Students in a study focused better after recess

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

To judge an author's argument, ask…

  • A. “How do they prove it?”
  • B. “How long is it?”

Answer (for the teacher): “How do they prove it?”

Leave on the board

  • How authors use reasons and evidence
  • Big idea: Find which evidence supports each point.
  • Memory trick: “Point, then proof.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Treating any sentence as evidence.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 10: Decode big words and read fluently

ELA · Grade 4Unit 3: Word study and fluencyNYS standard: NY-4RF3, NY-4RF4

Big idea: Use syllables and word parts to read big words.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

““Unbelievable” looks hard, but un-believ-able is easy in pieces.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Split a big word into prefix, base and suffix.
  • Every syllable has a vowel sound.
  • If it doesn't make sense, reread and fix it.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

How many syllables are in “invitation”?

Answer (for the teacher): 4

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

How many syllables are in “information”?

Answer (for the teacher): 4

Leave on the board

  • Decode big words and read fluently
  • Big idea: Use syllables and word parts to read big words.
  • Memory trick: “Front, middle, end.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Guessing a big word from its first letter.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 11: Context clues and reference tools

ELA · Grade 4Unit 3: Word study and fluencyNYS standard: NY-4L4

Big idea: Definition, example and opposite clues reveal meaning.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Stuck on a word? The sentence often holds the answer, like a missing puzzle piece.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Sometimes the sentence tells you what the word means.
  • Examples or opposite words hint at the meaning.
  • Check a dictionary to confirm meaning and pronunciation.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Read: “Unlike his talkative sister, Ben was reserved.” Reserved means…

  • A. Quiet
  • B. Loud

Answer (for the teacher): Quiet

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

To check how to say a word and what it means, use…

  • A. A dictionary
  • B. A map

Answer (for the teacher): A dictionary

Leave on the board

  • Context clues and reference tools
  • Big idea: Definition, example and opposite clues reveal meaning.
  • Memory trick: “Define, example, opposite.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Skipping a word instead of using the clues.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 12: Greek and Latin roots and affixes

ELA · Grade 4Unit 3: Word study and fluencyNYS standard: NY-4L4

Big idea: Know the root, unlock many words.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Telephone, telescope, television: tele means far. One root unlocks many words.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Tele means far: telescope, telephone.
  • Graph means write; port means carry.
  • Auto means self; photo means light.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

“Portable” means able to be…

  • A. Carried
  • B. Written

Answer (for the teacher): Carried

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

The root “photo” means…

  • A. Light
  • B. Sound

Answer (for the teacher): Light

Leave on the board

  • Greek and Latin roots and affixes
  • Big idea: Know the root, unlock many words.
  • Memory trick: “Roots are word keys.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Guessing from how a word looks instead of its parts.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 13: Similes, metaphors, idioms and adages

ELA · Grade 4Unit 3: Word study and fluencyNYS standard: NY-4L5

Big idea: Figurative sayings carry hidden meanings.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

““The early bird catches the worm” isn't really about birds. It's advice!”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • A simile compares using like or as.
  • A metaphor compares without like or as.
  • Adages and proverbs give advice; idioms are common sayings.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

“Don't count your chickens before they hatch” means…

  • A. Don't count on something before it happens
  • B. Count chickens carefully

Answer (for the teacher): Don't count on something before it happens

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

An antonym (opposite) of “ancient”:

  • A. Modern
  • B. Old

Answer (for the teacher): Modern

Leave on the board

  • Similes, metaphors, idioms and adages
  • Big idea: Figurative sayings carry hidden meanings.
  • Memory trick: “Like or as = simile. No like or as = metaphor.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Reading idioms word for word.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 14: Opinion with reasons and evidence

ELA · Grade 4Unit 4: WritingNYS standard: NY-4W1

Big idea: Claim, reasons, evidence, conclusion.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Strong opinions are backed by facts and details.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • State your opinion clearly.
  • Each reason gets a fact or detail.
  • Use linking words.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Best evidence for “Students should drink water”:

  • A. Water helps the brain focus, a health site explains
  • B. Water is clear

Answer (for the teacher): Water helps the brain focus, a health site explains

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

Opinion pieces need…

  • A. Reasons
  • B. Dialogue

Answer (for the teacher): Reasons

Leave on the board

  • Opinion with reasons and evidence
  • Big idea: Claim, reasons, evidence, conclusion.
  • Memory trick: “Claim it, back it.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Reasons without evidence.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 15: Informative writing

ELA · Grade 4Unit 4: WritingNYS standard: NY-4W2

Big idea: Teach a topic with facts, grouped clearly.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“A guide to caring for a pet teaches readers something useful. That's informative writing.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Introduce your topic clearly.
  • Group related information in paragraphs.
  • Link ideas, then write a conclusion.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Best opening sentence for an article about wolves:

  • A. Wolves live and hunt in family groups called packs.
  • B. I like the color blue.

Answer (for the teacher): Wolves live and hunt in family groups called packs.

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

A conclusion should…

  • A. Wrap up the information
  • B. Start a new topic

Answer (for the teacher): Wrap up the information

Leave on the board

  • Informative writing
  • Big idea: Teach a topic with facts, grouped clearly.
  • Memory trick: “Intro, groups, wrap-up.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Mixing opinions into an informative piece.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 16: Narrative writing

ELA · Grade 4Unit 4: WritingNYS standard: NY-4W3

Big idea: Characters, a problem, events in order, an ending.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Every good story has a character who wants something and a problem in the way.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Set the scene and introduce the narrator or characters.
  • Use dialogue and description to show feelings.
  • Transitions move time forward; then end the story well.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Which sentence SHOWS a feeling instead of just telling it?

  • A. Lily's hands shook as she opened the letter.
  • B. Lily was nervous.

Answer (for the teacher): Lily's hands shook as she opened the letter.

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

A narrative should end…

  • A. With a conclusion that follows from the events
  • B. In the middle of an event

Answer (for the teacher): With a conclusion that follows from the events

Leave on the board

  • Narrative writing
  • Big idea: Characters, a problem, events in order, an ending.
  • Memory trick: “Show it, don't just say it.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Ending suddenly with “Then I woke up.”

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 17: Research and paraphrasing

ELA · Grade 4Unit 4: WritingNYS standard: NY-4W6, NY-4W7

Big idea: Read, note, paraphrase, credit.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Research means reading more than one source and putting ideas in your own words.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Use more than one source.
  • Take notes in your own words.
  • List your sources.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Paraphrasing means…

  • A. Saying it in your own words
  • B. Copying exactly

Answer (for the teacher): Saying it in your own words

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

Quotation marks show…

  • A. Exact words
  • B. Your idea

Answer (for the teacher): Exact words

Leave on the board

  • Research and paraphrasing
  • Big idea: Read, note, paraphrase, credit.
  • Memory trick: “Read it, close it, say it.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Copying sentences into notes.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 18: Discussions and presentations

ELA · Grade 4Unit 5: Speaking, listening and grammarNYS standard: NY-4SL1, NY-4SL4

Big idea: Prepare, listen, speak clearly with facts.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“A great presenter looks up, speaks clearly and shares facts in order.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Read and prepare before a discussion.
  • Follow the group's agreed rules and roles.
  • Present facts in order with a clear voice.
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

In a group discussion, a good member…

  • A. Asks questions and adds to others' ideas
  • B. Talks the whole time

Answer (for the teacher): Asks questions and adds to others' ideas

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

Discussion roles help…

  • A. Everyone take part
  • B. One person win

Answer (for the teacher): Everyone take part

Leave on the board

  • Discussions and presentations
  • Big idea: Prepare, listen, speak clearly with facts.
  • Memory trick: “Look up, speak up, back it up.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Reading notes word for word without looking up.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher

Lesson 19: Grammar: pronouns, modals, commas

ELA · Grade 4Unit 5: Speaking, listening and grammarNYS standard: NY-4L1, NY-4L2

Big idea: Clear words, correct marks.

Do now5 min

Read this aloud (it is the lesson's hook). Students think, then tell a partner what they notice.

“Grammar makes writing clear, like traffic signals on a road.”

Watch together10 min
  1. Open the lesson link on the board.
  2. Press Next to the 🎬 Watch step and press ▶ Play.
  3. Press Next to the Movie step and press ▶ Play.

The video says:

  • Relative pronouns connect ideas.
  • Modal verbs show ability or need.
  • Commas matter!
Try it15 min

Students open the same lesson on their own device (or work with the board). Press Next to Try it.

Try it together first:

Correct: “their / there / they're going home”

  • A. They're
  • B. There

Answer (for the teacher): They're

If time is left, students play the lesson's game steps (they show up between the videos and Check).

Check5 min

Students press Next to Check and answer the 4 questions on their own device. Goal: 100%. 95% or more is Mastered. “Not yet” means try again; students may retry.

Exit ticket5 min

Read this question aloud. Students write the answer on a slip of paper with no name or with a class number, and hand it in.

Fix the run-on:

  • A. I ran. I won.
  • B. I ran I won.

Answer (for the teacher): I ran. I won.

Leave on the board

  • Grammar: pronouns, modals, commas
  • Big idea: Clear words, correct marks.
  • Memory trick: “Commas save lives.”
  • Goal: 100%

Watch for this mistake

  • Mixing up there, their, they're.

Students do not need accounts; progress stays on each device.

Notes for the teacher