Unit Plan 21 (Grade 4 ELA): Tone, Connotation, and Precise Language
Grade 4 tone & word meaning unit: analyze connotation, idioms, and proverbs; identify tone through context; and revise writing with precise, mood-matching language.
Focus: Meaning/shades of meaning; tone signals in context
Grade Level: 4
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Literature, Language, Writing)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This week helps readers and writers tune their ears to tone—the author’s attitude—and the shades of meaning words carry. Students will analyze connotation (feelings a word suggests), use context to infer tone in short literary passages, and revise writing by choosing precise words that fit the intended tone. They’ll also explore how idioms, adages, and proverbs shape meaning and mood. By Friday, each learner will identify tone with textual signals, explain word choices using synonyms/antonyms and connotations, and revise a paragraph to strengthen tone and clarity.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Determine the meaning of words/phrases in context and explain how tone is created.
- Distinguish shades of meaning among related words; choose precise words for clarity and tone.
- Recognize and explain idioms, adages, and proverbs in context and their effect on meaning/tone.
- Revise sentences/paragraphs to improve word choice and tone for audience and purpose.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4
- RL.4.4 (determine the meaning of words/phrases as used in a text; effects on meaning/tone)
- L.4.5b–c (b. recognize/explain idioms, adages, proverbs; c. demonstrate understanding of word relationships—synonyms/antonyms; shades of meaning)
- L.4.3a (choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely)
Success Criteria — student language
- I can name the tone of a passage (e.g., playful, worried) and prove it with words/phrases from the text.
- I can place words on a connotation continuum and explain how they feel different.
- I can tell what an idiom/adage/proverb means in this context and how it affects tone.
- I can revise a paragraph by swapping in more precise words that fit my purpose.