Month 4 – CElEBRATIONS

The Essential Guide to Grade 4 Writing: Month 4 | ©2013 Empowering Writers

Month 4 – CElEBRATIONS

Student page

let’s Celebrate!

Let’s celebrate! Throughout the world, this phrase is spoken in countless languages for

a wide variety of occasions. The excitement surrounding the simple expression launches

the beginning of lively entertainment and traditional festivities in every culture around the

globe. Celebrations vary from religious feasts to cultural festivals, from nationally celebrated

holidays to symbolic family traditions. No matter where you live, celebrations embrace time-

honored ceremonial customs, a wide variety of foods, parades, and traditional decorations.

Food is a part of most celebrations. People associate different types of food and

drink with particular festivities. If someone mentions gingerbread and candy canes, we

think of Christmas. What do you think of when you hear this menu - turkey and stuffing,

cranberry sauce, pumpkin and apple pie? Most people would think about gathering with

family for a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Some celebrations involve good luck foods. If

you’ve ever celebrated Chinese New Year you’d know that tangerines and oranges represent

wealth and luck, long noodles (the longer the better!) stand for long life, and a whole fish is

supposed to bring abundance to those at table – so be sure to heap a lot of these foods on

your plate! Do you know when latkes and applesauce are often served? What might you

be celebrating with enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas? The wonderful thing about ethnic and

holiday foods is that anyone at all can enjoy them.

Many celebrations begin or end with a parade! People, young and old alike, line the

streets and wait for the first strains of music or the clip clop of horses to announce the start

of the festive procession. During Chinese New Year spectators are thrilled with exploding

Name:


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Student page

fireworks and people in elaborate costumes performing the Dragon Dance. In the colorful

city of New Orleans people in masks, strands of sparkling beads, and costumes of all kinds

march in parade after parade through their Mardi gras celebration. Their antics bring

smiles to many faces! Even the most famous horse race in the world, The Kentucky Derby,

begins with their famous Pegasus Parade. It features horses of all kinds – miniature ponies

to the massive Clydesdales, and even Pegasus hot air balloons that soar overhead. All of

this builds a sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming race! Can you think of

any other parades that you’ve seen? What did these parades celebrate?

No celebration is complete without an array of traditional decorations! Close your

eyes and imagine blazing jack-o-lanterns, cornstalks and hay bales, ghostly apparitions

hanging in trees amidst black cats and bats! Without a doubt, this holiday décor sets the

tone for Halloween! When you begin to see twinkling lights around the doors and windows

of houses and cars with evergreen trees strapped on top, you can guess that folks are

getting ready to decorate for Christmas. What do you think of when you see shamrocks

and rainbows, mischievous leprechauns and pots of gold? It’s time for the wearin’ of the

green!

Think about the celebrations you, your family, neighbors, and friends take part in.

Imagine the mouth-watering foods, fun-filled parades, and festive decorations that add to

the flavor, fun, and mood. And remember, celebrations are meant to be shared, so invite

someone new to share food, fun, and festivity with your family!


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Name:

Student page

1) Number each paragraph.

2) Circle the introduction paragraph.

3) Write a word or two (blurb) in the margin next to each paragraph to tell what each paragraph is about.

4) If you wanted to find out about types of decorations, which paragraph would you read again? _____

5) List three supporting details that illustrate how families decorate for special celebrations.

________________________ __________________________ _________________________

6) If you wanted to read about the Mardi gras parade, which paragraph would you skim and scan? _____

7) If you wanted to find out about traditional Chinese New Year’s food, which paragraph would you skim and scan? ______

8) If you wanted to add some details about valentine’s Day decorations, in which paragraph would you insert them? ______

9) In paragraph 3, what word referent does the author use in place of “parade?” ______________

10) What is the author’s purpose? _______________________________

Expository/Informative Writing Summarizing Framework

ToPIc: ____________________________.

MaIN IdEa #1: _____________________.

MaIN IdEa #2: _____________________.

MaIN IdEa #3: _____________________.

MaIN IdEa #4: _____________________.etc., as needed

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

INTRODUCTIONLead/Topic Sentence

Conclusion

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

Detail Detail

Main Idea #3____________

Main Idea #2____________

Main Idea #1____________

EXPOSITORY PILLARPREWRITING FRAMEWORK

©2005 Empowering Writers


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EXPoSIToRY/INFoRMaTIVE PREWRITING FRAMEWORK

Student page

Name:

The Best Birthday Celebration of All!

I dragged my feet and hung my head, making my way up the long winding path to my

aunt’s lake house. I barely noticed the sun glinting off the crystal blue water or the cloudless sky

above me. All I could think of was how I really wanted to be home. It was my birthday week and

I’d been looking forward to my annual party with my best friends at the bowling alley. Closing

my eyes for a moment I could almost hear the powerful crash of the weighty ball against the

pins, and the excited shouts of encouragement from my pals. Tripping over a tree root woke me

from my daydream of spares and strikes, pizza, soda, cake, and presents. I caught my balance

and trudged on. As much as I loved my Aunt Claire, and as much as I enjoyed spending time at

the lake, I just wished I were at my annual bowling alley celebration instead.

“How could they?” I muttered, thinking of my mom and dad and this last minute plan of

theirs. When I’d asked if we’d have my party the day I got back Mom said, “We’ll see.” I know

what “we’ll see” means. It’s a mom’s nice way of saying no! She’d driven me up here and

dropped me off, just like that! Just then I caught sight of Aunt Claire’s cottage, a sliver of soft

yellow between the leafy green trees along the path. I loved my aunt – she was fun-loving, and

always had something new and entertaining up her sleeve. I knew her wide, generous smile by

heart, and pushed myself to replace the sulky frown on my face with something that wouldn’t

shout ‘poor me.’ No matter what I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

As I got closer the cottage door flew open and Aunt Claire stepped out. “There you are!”

she exclaimed. “Come on in for lunch – you must be hungry!” I was hungry – for pizza, I thought

regretfully. I forced a smile and climbed the steps. Aunt Claire threw an arm around my shoulders

and ushered me in, past the kitchen, which was strange. She walked me toward the living room.


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“Where are we go…?” Before I could finish my sentence – “SURPRISE!”

Out they jumped from behind chairs and around corners. My eyes must have bugged out

of my head judging from the way Aunt Claire and all my friends laughed. They were all here, even

Mom and Dad! All the guests thumped me on the back, shouting, “Happy Birthday!” The deck off

the living room, just visible through the big glass doors, was strewn with red streamers. Boxes of

pizza were stacked on the table alongside festive party plates and napkins. A huge mountain of

wrapped presents sat in the corner. “Dig in, everyone!” Aunt Claire called. We flocked to the pizza,

whipping out slice after slice, and serving ourselves generous helpings of chips and cookies on the

side.

When we finished up the last of the pizza, we looked at Aunt Claire, as if to say, “Now what?”

“Look,” she said, pointing. Uncle Steve was bringing the boat around to the pier. “Bring

your bathing suits and towels kids,” she yelled, as she marched us out. We ran like banshees

toward the boat and slipped into our orange life jackets, pushing our way aboard. Uncle Steve

threw a huge black inner tube overboard. It dangled behind the boat by a sturdy white nylon

cord. “The birthday boy is first!” my uncle proclaimed as I jumped into the water, swam to the

comfy, plump tube and climbed in, like a bird in a nest. “Ready?” he hollered.

I barely had time to answer before he took off, zooming across the lake, with me enjoying

the speed and the spray of the wild ride, my friends cheering me on! My heart raced and I

shrieked in delight.

After my incredible tube ride I watched as each of my friends had a turn. A smile remained

plastered on my face as I thought about the best birthday celebration ever. This was a birthday

I’d never, ever forget. How grateful I felt to Aunt Claire, Uncle Steve, and Mom and Dad for the

biggest surprise of my life! And next year, I’m hoping for another lakefront birthday party!


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Student page

Name:

1) Circle the title.

2) Underline the first sentence and label the type of entertaining beginning.

3) Underline the elaborative detail. Label each segment according to the element described – character, setting, or object.

4) Box the single, fully elaborated MAIN EvENT.

5) Underline the suspenseful sentences

6) Color-code each of the features found in a fully elaborated MAIN EvENT:

Action (black), Description (blue), Thoughts/Feeling (red), Dialogue/Exclamation (green), Sound (orange)

7) Underline the conclusion.

8) Box and label the extended ending.

9) What is the author’s purpose? __________________________

ENTERTAININGBEGINNING

ELABORATIVE DETAILStory Critical Character, Setting, Object

SUSPENSE or anticipation leading to the main event

THE MAIN EVENTShow action in slow motion, frame by frame, stretch it out! Include description and main

character’s thoughts and feelings!

EXTENDED ENDING Memory, Decision,

Feeling, Wish

Action leading to SOLUTIONof problem or

CONCLUSION of adventure.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __


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Narrative Writing Summarizing Framework

• This story is about . character• The problem, adventure, or experience was that . single significant main event• The problem was solved, adventure/experience concluded when . solution/conclusion

• Story critical elements to be described:

_____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ character setting object

Guiding Questions – The Best Birthday Celebration of All!

plan a Celebration–What’s your Opinion?

Name:


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Think about your favorite family celebrations. These gatherings probably involve food and group activities. Imagine you’re in charge of planning a family celebration of your choosing. Use the lines below to list your ideas. When finished, put a check √ beside your favorite ideas.

LOCATION MENU ACTIvITIES

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_______________________ ___________________ __________________________

_______________________ ___________________ __________________________

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On another paper, write an opinion piece explaining the location, the menu, and the activities you’d choose. Be sure to tell why, providing reasons for your choices. But, before you do, read the two opinion pieces, below. What do you think about each? Circle the more convincing paragraph. How can you use this analysis to make your piece more powerful?

I’d have my parent’s anniversary party at the park. I’d pick the park because it is nice there. There’s tree and flowers, and stuff. I’d bring hot dogs and hamburgers to grill, buns, chips, soda, and chocolate chip cookies. My family likes to barbecue. The park has grills right there. We’d need plates and cups and napkins, too. We’d need lawn chairs and blankets too. We’d bring our badminton stuff so we could have a tournament. It would be fun. We’d all take turns. We’d bring gifts for them too.

What better place for a family reunion than in our own backyard? The spacious deck, shaded with trees, and access to our pool and the kitchen make this a comfortable, convenient place to gather. I’d ask each guest to bring a delicious dish – cheesy lasagna, crispy salads, jewel colored jello molds loaded with fruit, juicy, stuffed breads. This way we’d have lots of dining choices, while not leaving all the cooking to one person. guests would bring their swimsuits for an exciting afternoon of splashing in the pool, followed by some relaxing time looking at old family photo albums of humorous baby pictures to bring back memories and inspire conversation about long ago times.

friendly letter (Opinion)Name:

Read this friendly letter. Circle the greeting, bracket { } the body, and box the closing. Then, place a check √ beside each specific detail that supports the author’s opinion. Underline the call to action. Put an ‘x’ beside the postscript.

Dear Cammie,

It was really hard moving from California to Calgary, Canada! Even though I’ve made many new friends, I still miss you so much! There isn’t a day when I haven’t thought about our old school, and all the times we hung out together in the neighborhood.

But, I have found an exciting event that only happens here! Each July, here in Calgary, there’s the “Calgary Stampede.” It’s a huge rodeo celebration that people from all over the world come to see. In their arena called the Saddledome you can see real cowboys on horseback roping steer and riding on the backs of raging bulls! My favorite happening is the Stampede Parade in the city that includes floats, music, all kinds of horses, and lively entertainment! You can see everything from sheep-shearing to chuck-wagon races. There are lively concerts, yummy barbeques, and arts and crafts to enjoy. Best of all – my parents told me I can invite you to come with us to the Stampede! If your parents say it’s okay we’ll send you a plane ticket so you can join us. I can’t imagine anything more exciting than spending time together doing something unique and new. I’d love to show you how beautiful it is here at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, and have you get to know my new friends. I’ve told them all about you and they’re eager to meet you!

So, write, call, or email to let me know if you want to come. Then my mom will call your mom to work out the details. Turns out this is a really great place to live after all!

Your Best Friend, Liza

P.S. You can buy a real pair of cowboy boots here!


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Student Reference Sheet

Name:

The Magic of Three Template

Red Flag word/phrase ________________ (1st Hint:) ______________________

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No discovery: ______________________________________________________

Reaction: _________________________________________________________

Red Flag word/phrase ___________________________ (2nd Hint:) ___________

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Reaction: _________________________________________________________

Red Flag word/phrase ___________________________ (3rd Hint:) ___________

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Revelation/Discovery: ________________________________________________

RED FLAG WORDS AND PHRASES

Suddenly Just then All of a sudden

A moment later In the blink of an eye Without warning

The next thing I knew Instantly To my surprise


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Word Referents - 1 Name:

Imagine an author is writing a narrative story or an expository/informative or opinion piece. One way to build suspense, and/or powerful word choice is through the use of word referents. Word referents are nearly synonymous words or phrases that can be used in place of a topic, key word, or story critical character, setting, or object. They involve the use of an adjective and a noun.

Ex. Story Critical Object or Keyword (holiday food): candy cane I love to hang candy canes on the tree.

Describing Word (Adjective) Noun

sweet treat

minty candy

‘j’ shaped lolli

holiday decoration

striped confection

yummy gift

Revision: I love to hang these minty striped treats on the tree.

Now it’s your turn: The clown entertained the crowd at the parade.


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Revision: ______________________________________________________.


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Name:

Word Referents - 2


Ex. Story Critical Object or Keyword (noise makers): The party-goers blew into their noise-makers to announce the new year.


cardboard horns

shiny tooters

party bugles

funny instrument

Revision: The party-goers blew into their cardboard tooters to announce the new year!

Now it’s your turn: The whole family gathered for grandma’s famous chocolate brownies.


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Revision: ______________________________________________________.


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Word Referents - 3 Name:


Ex. Story Critical Object or Keyword (giant balloon):

The giant balloon soared over the parade route.


floating cartoon character

inflatable entertainment

helium-filled attraction

awe-inspiring spectacle

Revision: The helium-filled attraction soared over the parade route.

Now it’s your turn: Mom used her best china for our dinner party


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Revision: ______________________________________________________.


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finding Suspense

Name:

Authors can build suspense by raising story questions to make you wonder or worry. They can use word referents in order to hint at, rather than name, a revelation. Read each suspenseful segment. Underline story questions in red. Underline the use of word referents in blue.

1) Darren climbed the steps to attic. He knew his birthday presents were all hidden up

there. Excitement tingled his skin. He peered into the dim, cluttered space and tiptoed

across the creaky old floor to the storage closet in the corner. Slowly, quietly, he opened

the door. Suddenly there was a noise on the stairs. Would he be caught snooping?

2) Ben held the small gift-wrapped box in his hand for a moment. The box was so light

that he thought it might be empty. What could it be, he thought? He looked at his

parents, grinning from ear to ear and his heart began to race. He tore the red bow

away from the paper and ripped open the box. He shuffled through the paper and

all he found was more paper. He looked at his parents in disbelief, but they were still

smiling. Dad pointed to the box and Ben picked it up. A tiny string tied to the bow held

a key. What do I need with a key, he wondered? Mom and dad stood up and led him

out the front door. There on the lawn, wrapped with an extra large bow, was the most

amazing motor bike he had ever seen.

3) Jack peered down the stairs. He heard the crinkle of paper, and the sticky sound of

tape being pulled off the roll. His mother was kneeling near the Christmas tree, smiling

as he unrolled the gift wrap. His heart began to race with excitement as she caught

sight of the box in her hands. Could it really be for him? The one thing he wished and

hoped for.


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Name:

Building Suspense

REMEMBER: One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or

4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event.

Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three”.

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (first person, “I”) in the setting (somewhere in Sweden) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYINg to know what’s next!

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_________________________________________________________________I spun around and looked behind me. I couldn’t believe that I was staring into theeyes of Tomte, the Swedish Gnome.


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Student Reference Sheet

Name:

Main Event - Don’t Summarize! Make a Scene!

FULLY ELaBoRaTEd MaIN EVENTS are made up of a balance of:

•ACTION

•DESCRIPTION

•THOUGHTS/FELLINGS

•DIALOGUE/EXCLAMATION

and just for fun….

•SOUND EFFECT

Here are the productive questions that help to generate a fully elaborated

MAIN EvENT:

ACTION: What did you do? (Tell it in slow motion, S-T-R-E-T-C-H I-T O-U-T!)

DESCRIPTION: What did you see, hear, feel?

THOUGHTS/FEELINGS: What were you wondering, worrying, feeling?

DIALOGUE/EXCLAMATION: What did you say or exclaim?

SOUND EFFECT: What did you hear?


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Name:

Read each version of a main event about Mardi gras Fun. Which is the most entertaining?

Why?

1) My family went to New Orleans to the Mardi gras and dressed up for the parade. We

ate New Orleans food and celebrated. It was awesome!

2) First we all got in our costumes with all shiny stuff and beads. Then we put on our

masks. We looked so funny! First we had dinner of jambalaya and alligator on a stick!

After dinner we had King Cake and I found the baby figurine in mine so I won a prize!

Then the Rex Parade started. We saw bands, floats, and clowns. Then they threw beads

and these shiny coins and we picked them all up. Finally we went back to our hotel.

Comparing Summaries and fully Elaborated Main Events


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(continued)

Comparing Summaries and fully Elaborated Main Events

3) We walked through the teaming crowds in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Everywhere

you looked there were shiny garlands and decorations in the official Mardi gras colors of

purple, green, and gold. Rollicking Dixieland music blared from every restaurant along

the way. I adjusted my shimmering teal green gown and yellow feathered sparkling

headpiece. I gazed out from behind my purple sequined mask at my family, all of us

dressed as though we were on our way to a crazy costume ball. The spicy smell of

jambalaya beckoned from an open air restaurant. We grabbed a table and watched

our waiter heap our plates full of steaming red rice topped with chicken, sausage, and

tomatoes. “Ummm,” I sighed. “Delicious!” We gasped as Dad ordered some alligator

on a stick! He grinned and licked his lips. “And we all have to have some King Cake,” he

said, waving a hand at a waiter waltzing past. In an instant we were each presented

with a whopping piece of sparkling purple, green, and gold iced cake. “Whoever gets the

baby wins a prize,” Mom exclaimed. My brother TJ and I exchanged a look. What in the

world was she talking about? We shoveled the delicious sweet creation into our mouths.

Suddenly, my tongue discovered something strange amidst the moist cake. I opened

my mouth and pulled out a plastic figurine of a baby! “You won!” Mom said. The waiter

promptly arrived and handed me a handful of brilliant beads that I hung around my

neck. Suddenly we heard the blast of a trumpet. The Rex Parade was beginning! We

pushed our way to the curb and cheered with the thousands of other spectators. The

King’s Float rolled toward us. A gigantic puppet king festooned in feathers, flowers, and

crown waved an enormous arm. Without warning a rain of beads and colorful coins flew

from the float. TJ and I sprang forward, gathering a treasure trove of souvenirs. What

a magical evening it was!

acTIoN dEScRIPTIoN dIaLoGUE THoUGHTS/FEELINGS


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Name:

The Main Event

Directions: Read the summary of the main event below. Imagine what is happening. Then, in order to ELABORATE on the main event, ask:

• What did you do? (action) • What did you see, hear, feel? (description) • What did you wonder/worry? (thoughts/feelings)

• What did you say? (dialogue/exclamation)

• Sound effect?

REMEMBER: The main event is the MOST IMPORTANT part of a story!

The main event should take up the largest amount of writing within a story.

The main event should occur as though in slow motion – with every small detail told.

The main event is a time for the author to show off and really entertain!

At the winter party I swung at the piñata, it broke, and I got a lot of candy.

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____________________________________________________________________________(Continue on another paper, as needed.)


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Other Kinds of Simple Sentences

Name: REMEMBER: Sentences are made up of a WHO/WHAT part and a DOINg/DESCRIBINg

part. In some sentences the WHAT part can be an ACTIvITY.

Ex. Baking is important. What is the activity in this sentence? baking Name the describing part of the sentence? is important

DIRECTIONS: Underline the ACTIvITY word in each sentence below.

1) Laughing is medicine for the heart.

2) Decorating for a party takes creativity and imagination.

3) visiting family and friends is a holiday tradition.

4) Eating is a big part of many celebrations.

5) Watching a parade can be exciting.

6) Wrapping presents is enjoyable.

7) Cooking for a holiday feast takes a lot of preparation.

8) Peeking at presents is not allowed!

9) Sending cards is always appreciated.

Writing Connection: Do you think that the sentences above came from narrative or expository/informative pieces of writing? Explain why._____________________________________________________________________

Write three more sentences that begin with an ACTIvITY word.

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Documents

Month 4 – CElEBRATIONS