Each year, 4th Grade students dive into a dynamic second-semester project—a comprehensive research and writing assignment on an animal of their choice that culminates in a lively classroom safari showcasing their discoveries.
The process begins with learning strategies for reading expository texts and selecting meaningful topics. Students engage in outlining, note-taking, and drafting, organizing their research into well-structured paragraphs. Along the way, they build essential writing skills—crafting clear topic sentences, using effective transitions, and maintaining consistent verb tense. During revision, students independently edit their drafts, apply feedback from peer conferences, and refine their work for clarity, grammar, and word choice. The culmination of this process is an informative report highlighting nine defining characteristics of their chosen animal.
To celebrate their reports' completion, students participated in two exciting culminating experiences. First, they explored the Los Angeles Zoo on a docent-led tour, where they confidently shared their knowledge about animals and their natural habitats. Later that week, classrooms transformed into vibrant safari settings as students, dressed in costume and equipped with creative props, delivered engaging presentations to peers and families. Public speaking was a central focus of the project, and students prepared extensively, practicing both at home and in class.
At Sierra Canyon, students engage in purposeful, age-appropriate projects that showcase how our rigorous academic curriculum empowers them to think critically, communicate confidently, and transform ideas into action.
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.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "Sierra Canyon Embraces the Spirit of Armenian Heritage Month")
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "A Season of Creativity Comes Alive at Spring Arts Fest")
