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Module in Context
Speaking and Listening Goals
Participate effectively in collaborative conversations by reviewing key ideas expressed and explaining their own ideas and understandings in light of the discussion. (SL.4.1.d) Paraphrase portions of text read aloud or information presented in other formats. (SL.4.2) Report on a topic, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized way using appropriate facts and descriptive details to support the main ideas and themes. (SL.4.4) Speak clearly at an understandable pace when presenting ideas in both small-group discussions and presentations. (SL.4.4)
Language Goals
Correctly use frequently confused words (e.g., to, too, two; there, their). (L.4.1.g) Use modal auxiliaries (e.g., can, may, must) to convey various conditions. (L.4.1.c) Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed. (L.4.2.d) Differentiate between contexts that call for formal English (e.g., presenting ideas) and situations where informal discourse is appropriate (e.g., small-group discussion). (L.4.3.c) Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., telegraph, photograph, autograph). (L.4.4.b) Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. (L.4.5.b)
Module in Context
Knowledge: In Module 4, students explore how different cultures use myths and stories to explain phenomena in the natural world, as well as to teach morals. Students begin the module with an indepth study of ancient Greek mythology with the goal of understanding why people create myths in the first place. Their studies will then expand into an exploration of Native American tales where students are able to compare those tales to Greek myths that they encountered. Finally, students will explore the literary and present-day use of myth as they read Sharon Creech’s stunning novel Walk Two Moons.
Reading: Throughout this module, students will read informational and literary text while applying their analysis skills. Students compare themes across genres and examine the difference between lesson and theme, with the ultimate goal of understanding that broad and common themes may exist across different novels, that novels may have more than one theme, and lessons are the vehicle for how the theme plays out in a story. Students also extend their critical and close reading skills by exploring the author’s craft of writing a story within a story in Walk Two Moons.
