1. 4th Grade Literacy Night PS11
Using the reading progression to assess reading notebooks and create independent reading goals
4th Grade Literacy Night
PS11

2. What is the reading learning progression?
A learning progression can visually and verbally articulate how learning will typically move toward increased understanding for most students. It is a view of overlapping learning zones along a continuum of learning. Learning progressions descriptors help to “unpack” how learning might unfold for most students over time, moving from novice to expert performance.
trilce

3. Jots
Students jot at school, and can also be jotting at home while they read. A good jot includes an inference, and evidence from the text to support the inference. It might also include questions the reader has, or help in keeping track of characters and plot.
lauren

4. Reading Notebook Entries
In 4th grade, students are expected to write entries in their reading notebooks that develop ideas and theories about the characters, plot and theme and show evidence of applying what was learned in class.
jamie

5. Sample Notebook Entries
Take a look at the sample notebook entries. While reading, answer these questions:
Where on the reading progression for Character Traits would you place this student’s entry?
Why would you place this entry at that level?
trilce

7. Goal Setting Where to go next?
Look at the progression and student work again. Set a goal for this students based on the learning progression.
lauren

8. Reader’s Notebook Menu:
Available Supports:
Reader’s Notebook Menu:
Glued to the front of Students’ Notebooks, the menu can help students think of ways to write more about their characters. The Notebook Menu not only lists the format for a reading response, but also lists several different ways to develop ideas and theories about their characters.
jamie
Fiction Jotting Menu
A jot is a short idea you have while you are reading. Just because the idea is short doesn’t mean it’s low level! Make sure your jot shows deeper level thinking. You can...
Develop and revise theories about characters in my books by thinking about:
● Multiple traits
What is your character like? What kind of person are they? Are they the same throughout the book?
● Relationships
How does your character interact with others? How does your character act in some settings and relationships? What about in other contexts?
● Motivations (wants)
What does your character want the most? What small actions show you what your character wants deep down?
● Behavior patterns
Do you notice that your character repeats dialogue/actions/thoughts? What does that tell you about your character?
● Struggles
Who stands in your character’s way? How does your character respond to obstacles?
● Weaknesses/Strengths
Does your character have a hidden strength?
● How characters change
What changes are you noticing in your character? What is causing them?
● Impacts characters have on one another
Think about secondary characters in your books. How do other characters act towards your character?
● Who has power
Who is creating the rules? Who is in charge? Who is creating or solving the problems?
Develop and revise themes
● What is the story all about?
● How did you come up with that theme?
● What is the author saying about life?
● Note parts of the text that support your theme.
Think about author’s craft and explain how:
● An author uses images
● An author repeats certain symbols, words, etc
● Setting reflects a character’s mood
● Setting affects the plot
Compare and Contrast across books:
● Characters
● Theme(s)
● Symbols
● Setting
● Author’s craft within and across text(s)
Synthesize within and across texts:
● How do characters change within a book and across a series?
○ Behavior patterns
○ Relationships- how do they change across a book/series?
Consider Perspective
● What does your character feel or think about something or someone?
● How does another character feel or think about the main character?
● Whose perspectives are given in the book?
● Who is telling the story?
Analyze parts of the story in relation to the whole story
● Jot about how parts impact the meaning of the text.
○ Setting
○ A scene
○ Event
○ Character

9. Available Supports: Teacher Feedback:
Students will receive feedback from teachers during the school day as they complete notebook entries in class. Comments can include strengths students are showing in their ability to write and think about their reading, as well as places they can develop their thinking even more.
trilce

10. Traits/Feelings Charts:
Available Supports:
Traits/Feelings Charts:
Although the charts may come in different formats depending on the classroom, traits and feelings charts will help students broaden their vocabulary and use precise language when thinking and writing about their characters. These charts will also help students differentiate between traits and feelings.
lauren

11. Self-Assessment Progressions:
Available Supports:
Self-Assessment Progressions:
Students use progressions to help them assess how often and at what level they’ve been able to think about their characters. Progressions help students keep their goals in mind, and remind them of next steps to take when reaching for deeper thinking.
jamie

12. Check your student’s notebook for these resources and more as the year goes on!
trilce