language Conventions

Students will be exposed to and instructed in the standard conventions of the English language throughout the course of the year, using both distinct mini-lessons and as a regular part of literature study and writing workshop. 

In 4th grade, these conventions include:
  • spoken and written grammar
  • capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
  • using affixes, root words and context to determine meaning
  • using reference materials such as dictionaries, glossaries and thesauruses
  • figurative language
  • similes and metaphors
  • idioms, adages and proverbs
  • synonyms and antonyms
  • grade appropriate academic and domain-specific vocabulary (tier 2 and tier 3 words)

Relative Pronouns and relative Adverbs

Relative pronouns relate the relative clause to the noun that it is modifying. The relative pronouns are who, whose, whom, which, that, what, whoever, whomever. In the following examples, the relative pronouns are underlined.
  • This is the grocery store that my mom likes.
  • The student who has perfect attendance gets a special prize.
  • I got to pick which dress I wore to school today.
  • Whoever broke the window is in trouble.
Adverbs are words that describe or give information about adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs. The relative adverbs are where, when, and why. In the following examples, the relative adverbs are underlined.
  • Where: I don’t know where we are going for dinner.
  • When: I remember the day when I started school.
  • Why: “Do you know why George cannot go to the movies with us?”

metaphors and similes

A metaphor is a word or phrase that is used to make a comparison between two people, things, animals, or places. They can be very helpful for children who are learning the meaning of specific words because they provide a more visual description of the word or thought.
  • The snow is a white blanket. 
  • America is a melting pot.  
  • Her lovely voice was music to his ears. 
  • Life is a rollercoaster.  
  • The alligator’s teeth are white daggers.  
  • Their home was a prison.


A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things or persons which are not similar. The simile is usually in a phrase that begins with "as" or "like." The often nonsensical aspect of similes make them a fun way to get children excited about reading.
  • As American as apple pie
  • As big as an elephant
  • As black as coal
  • (Sing) like an angel
  • (Eat) like a bird
  • (Fight) like cats and dogs
Similes and Metaphors BrainPop

idioms, adages and proverbs

Idioms are word combinations that we use which have a different meaning than the literal meanings of each word.
  • Give it a shot - Try
  • Speak your mind - Say what you really feel
  • A piece of cake - Very easy
  • Slipped my mind - I forgot
  • Cross your fingers - For good luck
  • Be in hot water - Be in trouble
  • It cost an arm and a leg - It was expensive
  • It’s in the bag - It’s a certainty
Idioms and Cliches BrainPop
An adage is a saying that has come to be accepted as truth over time.
  • the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
  • birds of a feather flock together
  • a chain is only as strong as its weakest link
  • a leopard can't change its spots
A proverb is a short saying that is widely used to express an obvious truth.
  • there are no gains without pains
  • two wrongs don't make a right
  • the squeaky wheel gets the grease
  • when the going gets tough, the tough get going
Adages & Proverbs YouTube

synonyms, antonyms and homonyms

A synonym is a word that means the same or nearly the same thing as another word.
  • small and little
  • silly and foolish
  • journey and trip
  • jump and leap
Antonyms are words that have opposite or contrasting meanings.
  • light and dark
  • big and small
  • high and low
  • happy and sad
A homonym is a word that has the same pronunciation and sometimes the same spelling as another, but has a different meaning.
  • sight and site
  • two, too, and to
  • here and hear
  • bow (bend at the waist) and bow (the front of a boat)
Synonyms, Antonyms and Homonyms BrainPop
Thanks to YourDictionary.com for many of the definitions and examples on this page.