ELAR sept. 27

Grade 4 Read/Write

Unit 2: Contemporary Fiction

Student Facing
September 30, 2024

1919

Everglades National Park is a large wetland area in
southern Florida. It has been known as the “River of
Grass” because of the thin layer of water that flows
through the area, making the grass bend and ripple like
waves.

Read the dictionary entry for the word bend.

Excerpt from “Death Valley” used with permission from HMH © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

The great egret is one of the largest wading birds—birds
that walk in water to search for food—in the Everglades.
Its height and wingspan are over four feet each. In the
wet season, the bird uses its long, slender legs to walk
through marshes and look for fish to spear with its
pointed yellow bill.

Read the dictionary entry for the word bill.

Excerpt from “Death Valley” used with permission from HMH © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Which definition most closely fits the way the word
bend is used in the text?

A. Definition 1
B. Definition 2
C. Definition 3
D. Definition 4

Which definition most closely fits the way the word
bill is used in the text?

A. Definition 1
B. Definition 2
C. Definition 3
D. Definition 4

bend /bend/ verb
1. to adapt to one’s purpose
2. to take on a curved or angled form
3. to lean one’s upper body from the waist
4. to change direction

bill /bil/ noun
1. a written list showing the cost of items
2. a piece of paper money
3. a proposed law that has not yet been voted on
4. the parts of a bird’s jaw that form the beak

DO NOW

28

Observe their behavior

Listen to their conversations

the way in which

characters engage with
each other within a story.

Character
Interactions

How can you explain character interactions?

Identify patterns

Notice the reactions in their:

★body language
★facial expressions
★tone of voice

31

Emma sat at the piano for her first recital, trembling.
Her friend Lily whispered, "You've got this!"

"I'm so nervous," Emma replied. "What if I mess up?"

As she began "Ode to Joy," Emma remembered her
teacher's words: "Just focus on the music."

After playing, everyone clapped. Emma beamed, "I can't
believe I did it!"

She hugged her family and teacher, saying, "Thank you
all. I can't wait to learn something more challenging
next!"

34

Based on the events throughout the story, which
sentence best describes how Emma feels about her piano recital at the end of the story?

A. Emma is worried she didn’t perform as well as she

hoped.

B. Emma is anxious to perform in front of a large crowd

and scared to fail.

C. Emma is jealous of other performers and worried she

isn’t as good.

D. Emma is proud of her performance and amazed at

what she accomplished.

Actions

Traits

Motivations

Feelings

37

Letters From Heaven

Excerpt 9:

Misunderstandings

39

“Excerpt 9: Misunderstandings” Vocabulary

When we get to the principal’s office, Silvia and her
mom are already there. Now I’m sure I know why we
are here. But Mami looks shocked.

“Hello, Rosa,” Silvia’s mom greets my mom in a somber
tone. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Mami thanks her for the condolences and sits down
quietly.

Anthology Supplemental pg. 41

What does the word somber mean on pg. 41 ?

A.

Happy and excited

B.

Angry and upset

C.

Serious
sad

D.

41

What was the reason for the meeting
in the principal's office?

The reason for the meeting in the

principal's office was to…

42

“I just wanted to help her,” Silvia responds. “I know that it’s sad that
her grandma died because they were so close, but she’s been saying
that her grandma has been writing her letters and teaching her how
to cook.”

I look at her as if she’s just revealed the biggest secret in the
universe. I wish I could strike her down with my eyes. Even though I
don’t turn around, I can feel my mom looking at me, full of questions.

“Cielo, did you really say that?” Mami asks.

Anthology Supplemental pg. 42

How does Celeste feel about Silvia?

Celeste feels ___________ with Silvia because
___________.

Actions

Traits

Motivations

Feelings

43

This question has two parts. First, answer
Part A. Then answer Part B.
Part A
Based on the events on pg. 42
which sentence best describes how
Celeste feels about his Silvia?

A.

She is relieved that Silvia shared
her secret with everyone.

B.

She is confused why Silvia is in
the principals office

C.

She is angry at Silvia for telling
others about the letters.

D.

She is excited to share the letters
she received with Silvia.

Part B
Which sentence from the selection
supports the answer to Part A?

A.

I wish I could strike her down with
my eyes.

B.

Even though I don’t turn around, I
can feel my mom looking at me, full
of questions.

C.

All of a sudden everyone is looking
at me as if I’d said aliens were taking
over the school.

D.

How else do you think I learned to
make the cangrejitos and the congrí?

45

This detail reveals that Celeste…

“Cielo, did you really say that?” Mami asks.

“Yes,” I say. “But it’s true!”

All of a sudden everyone is looking at me as if I’d said aliens were
taking over the school.

“Of course Grandma has been writing to me,” I tell her in Spanish.
“How else do you think I learned to make the cangrejitos and the
congrí?”

Actions

Traits

Motivations

Feelings

47

What do the details on pg. 42 reveal
about Celeste’s character?

A. Celeste is easily influenced by others.

B. Celeste is defensive about the letters

she receives.

C. Celeste is trying to impress her

classmates.

D. Celeste is confused about recent

events.

49

Why did Celeste avoid
telling her mother about the letters she received?

Which sentence from the text supports your answer?

50

Based on the events throughout the excerpt which sentence best describes how Celeste feel about the misunderstanding with Silvia by the end of the text?

A. Celeste is angry and unwilling to forgive Silvia
B. Celeste is glad Silvia finally believes her about the
letters but annoyed it took so long

.

C. Celeste is regretful for mentioning her
grandmother's letters

D. Celeste is remorseful for hurting Silvia’s feelings

but determined to explain later.

Celeste’s interaction with Silvia impacted
her actions because it caused…

Actions

Traits

Motivations

Feelings

Based on the details on pg. 43, how did Celeste's

interaction with Silvia impact her?

Celeste's interaction with Silvia impacted

her…

55

Celeste's interaction with Silvia had a impact on her because it…….
The text states.......
These actions show ……………………………..

Based on the details on pg. 43, how did Celeste's interaction with Silvia impact her? Support your answer using evidence from the text.