4th grade narrative and informative writing

Quick answer

In 4th grade (ages 9–10), children write stories with a clear sequence, dialogue and description, and informative pieces with a topic, facts and linking words. Start with Twinkl's "What is a Narrative?", Scratch Garden's story writing song and the Expository Writing Song. Play all on repeat, or loop one tip.

Play all on repeat

Videos in this playlist

  1. 1What is a Narrative? | Definition of Narrative & Narrative Writing Explained | Twinkl USAWhat is a Narrative? | Definition of Narrative & Narrative Writing Explained | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  2. 2How to Write a Story for Kids | Parts of a Story | Story Writing for Kids | Twinkl USAHow to Write a Story for Kids | Parts of a Story | Story Writing for Kids | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  3. 3Story Elements SongStory Elements SongHave Fun TeachingPlay from here Loop
  4. 4The Story Writing Song (Plot Mountain 2) Scratch GardenThe Story Writing Song (Plot Mountain 2) Scratch GardenScratch GardenPlay from here Loop
  5. 5The Importance of Setting in a Story | Educational Rap for Language Arts ClassThe Importance of Setting in a Story | Educational Rap for Language Arts ClassFlocabularyPlay from here Loop
  6. 6Point of View | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Person Explained | It’s Easy With Twinkl | Twinkl USAPoint of View | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Person Explained | It’s Easy With Twinkl | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  7. 7Descriptive Writing for Kids | Learn how to use the senses to describe things in writingDescriptive Writing for Kids | Learn how to use the senses to describe things in writingLearn BrightPlay from here Loop
  8. 8Expository Writing SongExpository Writing SongHave Fun TeachingPlay from here Loop
  9. 9Writing SkillsWriting SkillsRock 'N LearnPlay from here Loop
  10. 10Types of Sentences for Kids | Identifying Sentence Types | Writing Sentences | Twinkl USATypes of Sentences for Kids | Identifying Sentence Types | Writing Sentences | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  11. 11Simple and Compound Sentences for Kids | Learn the difference between simple and compound sentencesSimple and Compound Sentences for Kids | Learn the difference between simple and compound sentencesLearn BrightPlay from here Loop
  12. 12Coordinating Conjunctions FANBOYS | Learn the acronym to remember the conjunctions!Coordinating Conjunctions FANBOYS | Learn the acronym to remember the conjunctions!Learn BrightPlay from here Loop
  13. 13Conjunctions for Kids | Learn about coordinating, correlative, and subordinating conjunctionsConjunctions for Kids | Learn about coordinating, correlative, and subordinating conjunctionsLearn BrightPlay from here Loop
  14. 14Punctuation for Kids | Learn all about the different punctuation marks and what they doPunctuation for Kids | Learn all about the different punctuation marks and what they doLearn BrightPlay from here Loop
  15. 15Punctuation for Kids! | How to Use Punctuation Marks | Punctuation Quiz | Twinkl USAPunctuation for Kids! | How to Use Punctuation Marks | Punctuation Quiz | Twinkl USATwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  16. 16Capitalization Rules for Kids | Using Capital Letters Correctly | English Lesson for Kids | TwinklCapitalization Rules for Kids | Using Capital Letters Correctly | English Lesson for Kids | TwinklTwinkl Teaching Resources - United StatesPlay from here Loop
  17. 17Proofreading SkillsProofreading SkillsRock 'N LearnPlay from here Loop
  18. 18How to write descriptively - Nalo HopkinsonHow to write descriptively - Nalo HopkinsonTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  19. 19How to make your writing suspenseful - Victoria SmithHow to make your writing suspenseful - Victoria SmithTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  20. 20How to make your writing funnier - Cheri SteinkellnerHow to make your writing funnier - Cheri SteinkellnerTED-EdPlay from here Loop

What does this 4th grade writing unit cover?

It introduces narrative elements (characters, setting, plot and point of view), descriptive detail, and informative writing with a clear topic and facts. Then come sentences, conjunctions, punctuation and proofreading. By the end a child should plan, draft and check a short story or informative paragraph.

How does RepeatWatch help with writing?

Set an A–B loop on one writing tip and pause to try it in a notebook. Use Repeat one on a story writing song, slow a tricky explanation to 0.75×, and save planning, drafting and checking parts on keys 1–9. Stop after a few loops, then write.

Frequently asked questions

What writing do 4th graders do?

In the US, 4th graders (ages 9–10) write narratives, informative or explanatory pieces, and opinion pieces, organized into paragraphs. Grade levels vary by country and school, so match the videos to your child.

Are the TED-Ed videos right for 4th grade?

The three TED-Ed lessons at the end are aimed at older students. They suit confident writers who want ideas for description, suspense and humor. Younger writers can watch one short section at a time, or skip them.