Grammar • Common and Proper Nouns

Name

• A noun is a word that names a person, a place, or a thing.

• A common noun names any person, place, or thing: teacher,
market, kitten.
• A proper noun is the name or title of a specific person, place, or
organization: Jack, Murray Middle School, Department of Education.
• Proper nouns begin with capital letters. If a proper noun has more
than one word, each important word begins with a capital letter.

Read each sentence and circle the nouns. Write C over each noun that is a
common noun. Write P over each noun that is a proper noun.

1. The house is brown and white.

2. Mrs. LaRusso is my teacher.

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3. My cousin is moving to New York City .

4. Does Ellie want to go to the carnival?

5. Uncle Pete is volunteering for the Peace Corps.

6. Dr. Grady was kind and helpful.

Read this paragraph from “Animal Adaptations.” Underline

the nouns. In your writer’s notebook, identify each noun as
common or proper.

In Florida’s vast Everglades ecosystem, the dry season is brutal for

many plants and animals. Alligators have found a way to survive these
dry conditions in the freshwater marshes. They use their feet and
snouts to clear dirt from the holes in the limestone bedrock. When
the ground dries up, the alligators can drink from their water holes.

TEKS 4.11(D)(iii) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 61

Grammar • Concrete Nouns and Abstract Nouns
Name

• A noun is a word that names a person, a place, or a thing.

• A common noun names any person, place, or thing. A proper noun is
the name or title of a specific person, place, or organization.
• A concrete noun names a person, place, or thing that can be
identified with any of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, or
taste: house, laugh, gerbil, book, apple.
• An abstract noun names a person, place, or thing that cannot be
identified with any of the five senses. Abstract nouns usually name
ideas: justice, happiness, lie, cowardice.

Read the list of nouns below. Decide whether each word is a concrete noun
or an abstract noun. Sort the words in the correct columns.

paper love honesty pride

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trust loyalty animal music
student baseball pain perfume

CONCRETE ABSTRACT

1. 7.

2. 8.

3. 9.

4. 10.

5. 11.

6. 12.

In your writer’s notebook, write about a time you went somewhere

with a friend or family member. Underline and label at least five
common nouns and three proper nouns in your work. Then edit
your work to make sure the correct nouns are capitalized.

62 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 TEKS 4.11(D)(iii)

Grammar • Mechanics: Capitalizing Proper Nouns
Name

• Capitalize each important word in a proper noun.

• Capitalize names of days of the week, months, and holidays; important
words in titles of books, stories, and essays; historical periods and
documents; names of languages, races, nationalities, and historical
events; and product and geographical names.

Write each sentence correctly using capital letters for

proper nouns.

1. I will speak with mr. perry friday about spanish class.

2. I read an essay called “the kindness of a stranger.”

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3. We will visit the grand canyon right after memorial day!

4. I saw a painting of the signing of the declaration of independence.

Writing Connection Write a paragraph about where you would like to go on

your dream vacation. Underline at least three proper nouns
in your paragraph. Then edit your work.

TEKS 4.11(D)(iii), 4.11(D)(ix) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 63

Grammar • Proofreading
Name

• A noun names a person, place, or thing. Common nouns name any

person, place, or thing. Proper nouns name a specific person, place,
or organization.
• Concrete nouns can be identified with the five senses. Abstract nouns
cannot be identified with the senses; they are usually ideas, such as
bravery or freedom.
• Capitalize each important word in a proper noun, including days,
months, and holidays; titles; languages; races and nationalities; historical
events, periods, and documents; and product and geographical names.

Rewrite the sentences below, correcting mistakes in capitalization of nouns.

1. eli’s favorite history topic is the renaissance. HANDWRITING CONNECTION

How is your grip? Let

your pencil rest at the

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base of your thumb. Then
2. Does your Aunt have an appointment with the
steady near the tip with
Dentist in January? your thumb, pointer, and
middle fingers.

3. Next Week we will be learning about african american history.

4. Mom and dad have Faith that things will work out for the best.

5. World war I was also known as the great war.

64 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 TEKS 4.11(D)(iii), 4.11(D)(ix)

Grammar • Test: Common and Proper Nouns
Name

Read the student draft and look for any corrections that need to be made.
Then choose the best answer to each question.

(1) Mr. Barry talked to us in class today about different american

holidays. (2) I could not contain my excitement because I knew a lot
about this topic.

(3) I was born at noon on independence day. (4) This holiday

celebrates independence in the United States. (5) My dad usually lets
us go to my favorite Chinese restaurant for a birthday meal.

1. H
ow should you write the 3.
How should you write the
phrase “american holidays” in phrase “independence day”
sentence 1? in sentence 3?
A American Holidays A Independence Day
B american Holidays B independence Day
C American holidays C Independence day
D american holidays D independence day
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2. W
hich words are abstract 4. W
hich nouns are abstract in
nouns in sentence 2? sentence 4?
F I and contain F holiday and independence
G excitement and topic G celebrates and United
H because and topic H this and holiday
J There are no abstract nouns. J There are no abstract nouns.

TEKS 4.11(D)(iii), 4.11(D)(ix) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 65

Spelling • Prefixes
Name

Fold back the 1. 1. unblock

paper along the
2. 2. unborn
dotted line. Use
the blanks to 3. 3. unchain
write each word
as it is read aloud. 4. 4. unload
When you finish 5. 5. unlock
the test, unfold
the paper. Use the 6. 6. recall
list at the right 7. 7. relearn
to correct any
spelling mistakes. 8. 8. resell
9. 9. rewash
10. 10. rewind
11. 11. imperfect
12. 12. indirect

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13. 13. incorrect
14. 14. illegal
15. 15. overact
16. 16. overheat
17. 17. subway
18. 18. premix
19. 19. preplan
20. 20. supersize
Review Words 21. 21. stone
22. 22. blown
23. 23. lower
Challenge Words 24. 24. interact
25. 25. transmit

66 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 TEKS 4.2(B)(v)

Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

Prefixes are added to the beginnings of DECODING WORDS

words to change a word’s meaning. Each
Use your knowledge of
prefix has its own meaning.
prefixes to figure out the
• over- means “too • super- means “over” meaning of premade.
much” • im- means “not” The first syllable contains
• re- means “again” the open syllable /prē/.
• sub- means “under”
• in- means “not” Blend the sounds and
• il- means “not” read the word aloud:
• pre- means “before”
/prē/ /mād/.
• un- means “not”

Write the spelling words that contain each prefix. Read each word aloud.

overact premix rewash resell relearn

unlock unchain rewind illegal unborn
incorrect subway supersize unblock preplan
recall unload indirect overheat imperfect
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

over- in- un-

1. 8. 14.
2. 9. 15.
re- pre- 16.
3. 10. 17.
4. 11. 18.
5. sub- super-
6. 12. 19.
7. il- im-
13. 20.

Look through this week’s selection for more words to sort and
read the words aloud. Create a word sort for a partner in your
writer’s notebook.

TEKS 4.2(A)(iv), 4.2(B)(v) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 67

Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

Prefixes are added to the beginnings of DECODING WORDS

words to change a word’s meaning. Each
Use your knowledge of
prefix has its own meaning.
prefixes to figure out the
• over- means “too • super- means “over” meaning of premade.
much” • im- means “not” The first syllable contains
• re- means “again” the open syllable /prē/.
• sub- means “under”
• in- means “not” Blend the sounds and
• il- means “not” read the word aloud:
• pre- means “before”
/prē/ /mād/.
• un- means “not”

Write the spelling words that contain each prefix.

overact premix rewash resell repay

unlock unchain rewind illegal unborn
incorrect subway supersize unblock preplan
recall unload indirect overheat retie

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

over- in- un-

1. 9. 15.
2. 10. 16.
re- pre- 17.
3. 11. 18.
4. 12. 19.
5. sub- super-

6. 13. 20.
7. il-

8. 14.
Look through this week’s selection for more words to sort.
Create a word sort for a partner in your writer’s notebook.

67A Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 TEKS 4.2(A)(iv), 4.2(B)(v)

Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

Write the spelling words that contain each prefix.

overacting preseason rewashed reselling relearned

unlocked unchained rewind illegally unborn
incorrectly submarine superpower unblock preplan
recalled unloaded indirectly overheat imperfect

over- un-

1. 12.
2. 13.
re- 14.
3. 15.
4. 16.
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5. super-

6. 17.
7. im-

in- 18.
8. sub-

9. 19.
pre- il-

10. 20.

11.

Look through this week’s selection for more words to sort.

Create a word sort for a partner in your writer’s notebook.

TEKS 4.2(A)(iv), 4.2(B)(v) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 67B

Spelling • Word Meaning
Name

unblock unlock rewash incorrect subway

unborn recall rewind illegal premix
unchain relearn imperfect overact preplan
unload resell indirect overheat supersize

A. Write the spelling word that belongs with the other words in the group.

1. improper, impolite,

2. subtitle, submarine,

3. illogical, illegible,

4. indirect, inexact,

5. supermarket, superhighway,

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6. overload, overeat,

B. Write the spelling word that matches each definition below.

7. not born 14. not direct

8. to wind again 15. opposite of load

9. to sell again 16. to stir before

10. to heat too much 17. to wash again

11. to learn again 18. to take the chain off

12. opposite of lock 19. to call again

13. to think ahead of time 20. opposite of block

68 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 TEKS 4.2(B)(v)

Spelling • Proofreading
Name

Underline the six misspelled words in the paragraphs below. Write the words
correctly on the lines.

“It’s so hot that I think I’m going to ovurheat!” said Elena to her
friend Keisha. “Let’s take the subbway instead of walking. We just need
to make sure that we get on the right train so that we don’t end up
taking an undirect route.”

The girls watched as the train pulled up and the doors began to
inlock. Then they waited for the car to uneload. Once they were inside,
they felt the air conditioning in the car. “I cannot reecall a better idea,
Elena!” Keisha said with a huge smile.

1. 4.

2. 5.

3. 6.
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

Writing Connection
Write about a time when you had a great idea.
Use at least four words from the spelling list.

TEKS 4.2(B)(v) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 69

Phonics/Spelling • Review
Name

Remember
A prefix is added to the beginning of a word to change the word’s
meaning. The prefixes in-, un-, im-, and il- mean “not.” The prefix super-
means “over,” and sub- means “under.” The prefix re- means “again,”
pre- means “before,” and over- means “too much.”
Prefixes usually form their own syllables. For example, the prefix sub-
forms the first syllable in submarine. To read a word with a prefix, first
sound out the prefix, then sound out the rest of the word: sub/ma/rine.

Write a prefix to make a spelling word. Then write the spelling word on the
line and read the word aloud. Choose from the prefixes above.
1. size
2. block
3. learn
4. heat

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5. correct
6. perfect
7. way
8. legal
9. mix
10. chain
11. wind
12. act
13. lock
14. sell
15. plan
16. load
17. direct
18. wash
19. born
20. call

70 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 TEKS 4.2(A)(iv), 4.2(B)(v)

Vocabulary • Spiral Review
Name

Use the words in the box and the clues below to help you solve the
crossword puzzle. Then look up the meanings in a print or digital dictionary.

undertaking crisis compassionate routine

exceptional enterprise innovative funds
alter collapse process advise

1 2 3

5 6

9 10

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11

12

Across Down

5. Done in a new way 1. A dangerous situation

7. A daily habit 2. Give one’s opinion
10. Kind and sympathetic 3. Change
11. A business 4. A difficult thing you plan to do
12. A series of actions 6. Extraordinary
8. Fall down or cave in
9. Money ready for use

72 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 1 TEKS 4.3(A)

Grammar • Singular and Plural Nouns
Name

• A singular noun names one person, place, or thing: cow, house, toy.
• A plural noun names more than one person, place, or thing: zebras,
drinks, cars.
• Add -s to form the plural of most singular nouns.

Circle the nouns in each sentence. Write the plural noun on the
line provided.

1. The boy has two pencils in his backpack.

2. Which trains have already arrived at the station?

3. Kelsey plays fun games at recess .

4. There were computers at every desk in the room.

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5. The tree dropped a few nuts from its branch.

Connect to alk to a trusted adult about somewhere you want to visit.

T
Community
Then write a paragraph about why you want to visit there.
After you finish, review your work and check that you have
used singular and plural nouns correctly.

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.11(D)(iii) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 73

Grammar • Singular and Plural Nouns
Name

• A singular noun names one person, place, or thing. A plural noun

names more than one person, place, or thing.
• Add -s to form the plural of most singular nouns: phones, desks, pencils.
• Add -es to form the plural of singular nouns that end in s, sh, ch, x,
or z: buses, bushes, screeches, axes, buzzes.
• To form the plural of nouns ending in a consonant followed by the
letter y, change y to i and add -es: grizzly becomes grizzlies.

On the line provided, write the correct plural form

of each noun in parentheses.

1. We saw baby (bear) coming

out of the den.
2. The (bush) needed to be trimmed.
3. After the rain, the (match)

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were useless.
4. How many (phone) are in the house?
5. Name two (country) that border the United States.
6. (Airplane) make travel a lot easier.

Read this excerpt from “Anansi and the Birds.” Circle the singular
nouns and underline the plural nouns. In your writer’s notebook,
write about an event. Use three single nouns and three plural nouns
in your writing. Check that you have used the nouns correctly.

Anansi always welcomed a challenge. His attempts to fool merchants

out of their riches and lions from their jungle thrones made for exciting
adventures. Today he would show those haughty birds that he could fly
with the best of them.
He begged a feather from every bird he could find to create his
own pair of wings, and then he began to practice flying. Anansi’s wings
camouflaged him well, and he looked just like a bird.

74 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 TEKS 4.2(B)(vi), 4.11(D)(iii)

Grammar • Mechanics: Commas in a Series
Name

• If three or more items are listed in a series, use commas to separate

them: carrots, peas, and celery.
• If only two items are listed in a sentence, do not use a comma to
separate them: apples and oranges.

Read each sentence. If commas are needed, rewrite the sentence correctly
on the line. If no commas are needed, write No change needed on the line.

1. The students with the highest scores were Ana Sarah and Jonathan.

2. I need to get milk and eggs at the supermarket this afternoon.

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3. The girl wore a hat gloves and scarf when she went to play in the snow.

4. Cate plays tennis basketball and field hockey at her school.

5. The horse trotted and cantered happily around the paddock.

Use the sentences as a model. In your writer’s notebook, write

about what you want to be when you grow up. Talk about the
different activities you will do in your job. Include one list of
two things and one list of three things in your writing.

TEKS 4.11(D)(iii) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 75

Grammar • Proofreading
Name

• A singular noun names one person, place, or thing. A plural noun

names more than one person, place, or thing.
• Nouns can be made plural by adding -s, by adding -es, or by changing
the final y to i and adding -es. The plural rules depend on the letters
at the end of the singular noun.
• Commas are used to separate three or more items in a series. If only
two items are listed, do not use a comma to separate them.

Rewrite the paragraphs below, correcting mistakes in plural nouns and in

punctuating items in a series.

1. My brotheres play football, and basketball at HANDWRITING CONNECTION

school. I’m not good at sports. Instead, I like to
draw paint, and sculpt. My parentes say I don’t Be sure that your capital
letters are taller than your
have to be like my siblings. I’m special just the
lowercase letters.
way I am.

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2. Do you like to sing dance and laugh? Then Catch the Beat is the perfect
game for you. Groups of playeres take turns singing and dancing for each
other. The first one to make the other group laugh wins! Buy it today. You’ll
be sure to make girles boys, and even babys giggle with joy!

76 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 TEKS 4.11(D)(iii)

Grammar • Test: Singular and Plural Nouns
Name

Read the paragraph and choose the best answer to each question.

(1) The hikers saw the fox trotting silently away. (2) One hiker put her
identification guide in her backpack. (3) Both hikers headed toward the
beach. (4) The beach was filled with seashells. (5) Should they collect
some seashells as souvenirs?
1. Which noun is plural in 3. Which nouns are plural in
sentence 1? sentence 5?
A hikers A should and collect
B saw B collect and seashells
C fox C seashells and souvenirs
D away D collect and souvenirs
2. Which nouns are singular in 4. Which noun is singular in
sentence 2? sentence 4?
F hiker and guide F the
G identification and backpack G beach
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H put and backpack H filled

J hiker, guide, and backpack J seashells

Read the student draft and look for any corrections that need to be made.
Then choose the best answer to each question.

(1) How many seasones are in one year? (2) Winter is the time for
building snowmen and wearing thick coats. (3) In spring, daisys sway
in the breeze. (4) Summer is my favorite season because there is no
school. (5) The leaves change color in the fall.
5. What change, if any, should be 6. What change, if any, should be
made to seasones in sentence 1? made to daisys in sentence 3?
A seasonies F daisyes
B seasons G daisies
C season H daisis
D Make no change J Make no change

TEKS 4.11(D)(iii) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 77

Spelling • Digraphs
Name

Fold back the 1. 1. thirty

paper along the
dotted line. Use 2. 2. width
the blanks to 3. 3. northern
write each word
as it is read aloud. 4. 4. fifth
When you finish 5. 5. choose
the test, unfold
the paper. Use the 6. 6. touch
list at the right
7. 7. chef
to correct any
spelling mistakes. 8. 8. chance
9. 9. pitcher
10. 10. kitchen
11. 11. sketched
12. 12. ketchup

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13. 13. snatch
14. 14. stretching
15. 15. rush
16. 16. whine
17. 17. whirl
18. 18. bring
19. 19. graph
20. 20. photo
Review Words 21. 21. unload
22. 22. relearn
23. 23. subway
Challenge Words 24. 24. expression
25. 25. theater

78 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 TEKS 4.2(B)(i)

Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

DECODING WORDS
Sometimes single sounds are represented by
certain letter combinations, called digraphs. The first syllable of
• /th/ can be spelled th • /f/ can be spelled ph charting contains
• /ch/ can be spelled ch • /ng/ can be spelled the digraph ch and
or tch ng the r-controlled
• /hw/ can be spelled vowel sound /är/.
wh The second syllable
• /sh/ can be spelled contains the ending
sh, ch, s, ss, or sc -ing. Blend the
sounds and read the
word aloud.

Read aloud and write the spelling words that contain each digraph.

whine photo bring width whirl

fifth rush kitchen stretching pitcher
northern chef chance touch graph
snatch sketched ketchup thirty choose
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ch tch th

1. 6. 14.

2. 7. 15.

3. 8. 16.

4. 9. 17.

ng 10. wh

5. 11. 18.

ph 19.

12. sh

13. 20.

Use the spelling patterns above to write a short fable. Include four
words from the spelling list. Check your work for errors.

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii), 4.11(D)(xi) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 79

Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

DECODING WORDS
Sometimes single sounds are represented by
certain letter combinations, called digraphs. The first syllable of
• /th/ can be spelled th • /f/ can be spelled ph charting contains
• /ch/ can be spelled ch • /ng/ can be spelled the digraph ch and
or tch ng the r-controlled
• /hw/ can be spelled vowel sound /är/.
wh The second syllable
• /sh/ can be spelled contains the ending
sh, ch, s, ss, or sc -ing. Blend the
sounds and read the
word aloud.

Read aloud and write the spelling words that contain each digraph.

whine photo bring shed whirl

fifth rush kitchen march branch

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

north chef chance touch graph
patch couch ketchup thanks choose

ch ng th
1. 8. 14.
2. tch 15.
3. 9. 16.
4. 10. sh
5. 11. 17.
6. wh 18.
7. 12. ph
13. 19.
20.

Use the spelling patterns above to write a short fable. Include four
words from the spelling list. Check your work for errors.

79A Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii), 4.11(D)(xi)
Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

Read aloud and write the spelling words that contain each digraph.
If a word contains more than one digraph, write it under both
headings.

whine photograph bringing width whirl

cherish physical kitchen nowhere marshal
beach chef charade touchdown phase
finished sketched ketchup bathtub flinched

ch th ph

1. 11. 19.

2. 20.
12.
3. 21.
wh
4.
13.
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

5.
14.
6.
15.
ng
sh
7.
16.
tch
17.
8.
18.
9.

10.

Use the spelling patterns above to write a short fable. Include four
words from the spelling list. Check your work for errors.

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii), 4.11(D)(xi) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 79B
Spelling • Word Meaning
Name

thirty choose pitcher snatch whirl

width touch kitchen stretching bring
northern chef sketched rush graph
fifth chance ketchup whine photo

A. Write the spelling word that means the same as the word below.

1. carry 4. pick
2. drew 5. cook
3. complain
B. Write the spelling word that best completes each sentence.

6. I took a and raised my hand to answer the question.

7. The runner is her leg muscles before the race.

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8. He can bend and his toes without a problem.
9. There is a lot of ice in the parts of the planet.
10. The wind sent the dry leaves into a in the yard.
11. The softball threw a lot of strikes in yesterday’s game.
12. My mother is always cooking something new in the .
13. You are the person in line, not the fourth.
14. Do you like to put on your hot dog?
15. The teacher helped me draw the in math class.
16. I watch the gull the bread away from the duck.
17. My aunt will be years old next week.
18. Take your time and do not through the test.
19. This is my favorite of our family.
20. The of the room is shorter than its length.

80 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 TEKS 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii)

Spelling • Proofreading
Name

Underline the six misspelled words in the paragraphs below. Write the words
correctly on the lines.

Dear Kara,
Thanks for your letter and the foto. I wish I had a
chhance to see the baseball game with you. It sounds like
your cousin Mario is quite a pither.

I went to my fifh baseball game last weekend with my family. It was loud
and crowded, but I was in no rushe to leave. My mom says that I was in a wirl
of excitement all day!

Your friend,
Jimmy

1. 4.

2. 5.
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

3. 6.

Writing Connection
Write about whether you like baseball. Use at least
four words from the spelling list to explain your
opinion.

TEKS 4.2(B)(i) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 81

Phonics/Spelling • Review
Name

Remember
Sometimes single sounds are represented by certain letter combinations,
called digraphs. It is important to memorize these sound/spelling
combinations.
• /th/ can be spelled th • /f/ can be spelled ph
• /sh/ can be spelled sh, ch, s, ss, or sc • /ng/ can be spelled ng
• /ch/ can be spelled ch or tch
• /hw/ can be spelled wh

A. Underline the spelling word in each row that rhymes with the word in bold
type. Write the spelling word on the line and read the word aloud.

1. much match touch luck

2. sting bring brag stint
3. fetching resting guessing stretching
4. pants stand lamp chance

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5. dirty thirty forty wiry
6. shine mind whine lane
7. news loose stew choose
8. catch clutch snatch snake
9. laugh graph rough roof
10. flush crash rush puts
11. clef chef step leaf
12. etched skipped punched sketched
13. hurl hurt whirl while
14. richer pitcher sister listener

B. Write these spelling words in alphabetical order. Alphabetize them to the

second letter. northern, fifth, photo, ketchup, width, kitchen

15. 17. 19.

16. 18. 20.

82 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii)

Vocabulary Strategy • Prefixes
Name

Read each sentence below. Then answer each question about the word
in bold.

1. The prefix un- means “not.” What does uncommon mean in the following
sentence? “It is not uncommon to see birds with pretty feathers.”

2. The prefix mis- means “wrong.” What does misprint mean in the following
sentence? “The incorrect spelling of his name in the paper was a misprint.”

3. The prefix sub- means “below.” What does submarine mean in the
following sentence? “The submarine dove below the water.”
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

4. The prefix dis- means “opposite” or “lack of.” What does disadvantage
mean in the following sentence? “Without waterproof feathers, they would
be at a disadvantage.”

5. The prefix re- means “again.” What does reproduce mean in the following
sentence? “The artist will reproduce the sculpture in clay.”

TEKS 4.3(C) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 83

Vocabulary • Suffixes
Name

Remember that a suffix is a part added to the end of a base word

that changes its meaning, and often its part of speech. Knowing the
meanings of common suffixes can help you define unfamiliar words.
Take a look at these four suffixes. They all mean “state or quality of”
and change root words to nouns.
-ance -ity/-ty -ment -ship

Add the correct suffix from the box above to make each word defined
below. Check your answers in a print or digital dictionary. Then use your
responses to answer the animal trivia questions.

1. the state of being in awe: amaze

2. the quality of being especially mean: cruel

3. the state of being good acquaintances: friend

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4. the state of being irritated: annoy

5. the state of being even: equal

6. the quality of being satisfied: content

7. the state of being an official resident of a country: citizen

8. the quality of being firm: solid

9. the state of being entertained: amuse

10. the quality of being devoted to someone: loyal

How many pairs of wings does a bee have? The answer is the number
of times you wrote –ship above.
How many stomachs does a cow have? The answer is the number of
times you wrote –ity and -ty above.
How many inches long is a newborn kangaroo? The answer is the
number of times you wrote –ance above.
How many eyelids does a camel have? The answer is the number of
times you wrote –ment above.

84 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 2 TEKS 4.3(A), 4.3(C)

Grammar • Irregular Plural Nouns
Name

• Irregular plurals do not follow regular plural rules.

• Many nouns that end in -f or -fe are made plural by changing the
f to a v and adding -es­, such as life/lives, loaf/loaves, calf/calves.
• Some nouns are made plural by changing their vowel sound and
spelling, such as foot/feet, mouse/mice, goose/geese.
• Some plurals are formed by adding a unique ending to a word that
can change the word’s pronunciation and number of syllables. For
example, children has a different vowel sound than child. Ox has one
syllable, but the plural form has two: ox/en.
• Sound out irregular plurals just as you would other words.

Read each sentence aloud. Circle the irregular plural and write it on the
line provided.

1. We watched the geese fly into the clouds.

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2. The men picked up their suitcases and boarded the plane.

3. Two halves of the pie equal one whole.

4. The patients waited for the dentist to look at their teeth.

5. They asked their wives to join them on stage.

6. The teams of oxen pulled the plows across the field.

7. Are there enough knives for all of the dishes on the table?

8. All the women were asked to come onto the dance floor.

In your writer’s notebook, write a short passage about a

make-believe animal. Where does it live? What does it look
like? Include at least three irregular plurals in your writing.
Edit your work for correct spelling of irregular plurals.

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.11(D)(iii) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 85

Grammar • Other Irregular Plurals and Collective Nouns
Name

• Many irregular plurals follow their own spelling rules and patterns.
• Plural forms of nouns that end in -man are usually spelled -men:
woman/women, snowman/snowmen.
• Plural forms of words that end in f or fe usually change the f to a v
and add -es: wolf/wolves, leaf/leaves. Note that the vowel sound
stays the same. Read the following example out loud: book/shelf,
book/shelves.
• In addition, irregular plurals may involve making no change to a
word (such as deer/deer) or using a new word (person/people).
• Collective nouns are words that name groups of people, places, or
things, such as class or army.

Read each sentence aloud. Decide whether the underlined noun is singular or
plural. Write your answer on the line.

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

1. Moose are beautiful but shy creatures.

2. How many shrimp come in one bag?

3. I watched the sheep shake its head back and forth.

4. The mice ran quickly into the hole in the wall.

5. Slowly, the lonely buffalo moved across the grassy plains.

Think about the groups of animals you see at the zoo or on television.
What do you think they like to do in their habitats? Write at least
three sentences with irregular plural nouns. Then check your work
for correct spelling.

86 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.11(D)(iii)

Grammar • Mechanics: Correct Plural Forms
Name

• Some irregular plurals are not based on rules and must be

memorized.
• There is a rule for forming plural nouns that end in -f or -fe, but not
all nouns follow this rule, such as roof/roofs.
• Some nouns have the same singular and plural forms, such as deer/deer.
• Some nouns use a different ending to form the plural, such as man/men.
• Some nouns change completely from singular to plural, such as
mouse/mice.

Read each sentence. Circle the word that is the correct plural form. Then
write the sentence on the line provided.

1. The (loafs, loaves) of bread smelled delicious!

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2. I watched as the (fish, fishs) jumped in and out of the water.

3. How many (persons, people) can fit in this little car?

4. There were ten (childes, children) on the playground.

Read these sentences from “The Ant and the Grasshopper.”

Underline the irregular plural nouns. In your writer’s notebook,
explain why you think Termite introduced Ant and Grasshopper
as his buddies.

Maybe you have heard of them from other familiar

stories. Let’s see what my buddies are up to!

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.11(D)(i), 4.11(D)(iii) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 87

Grammar • Proofreading
Name

• Some nouns have irregular plurals that do not follow regular plural
rules. They are either based on their own rules or do not follow a rule
at all and must be memorized.
• Irregular plurals may involve changing the f to a v and adding -es
in words that end in -f or -fe, changing a middle vowel sound and
spelling, or using different endings.
• In addition, irregular plurals may involve making no change to a word
(such as deer/deer) or using a completely new word (person/people).
• Collective nouns are words that name groups of people, places, or
things, such as class or army.

Rewrite the sentences below correcting mistakes in plurals.

1. The pack of wolfes included males, femals, and cubs.

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

2. My foots and calfs are sore from walking on the trails yesterday.

3. The womans entered the room even though they were afraid of the mouses.

4. How many chevs are needed for the feast this weekend?

5. The trouts are passing through these riveres at this time of year.

88 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.11(D)(iii)

Grammar • Test: Irregular Plural Nouns
Name

A. Read the paragraph. Choose the best answer to correct each question.

(1) The person were determined to catch them. (2) The thief who
stole fifty-nine pairs of shoes were running away. (3) They had grabbed
the boxes off the shelf. (4) How many foot do these guys have, anyway?
1. How would you write the plural of 3. How would you write the plural of
person in sentence 1? shelf in sentence 3?
A person A shelf

B persons B shelves

C people C shelfs

D peoples D shelve

2. How would you write the plural of 4. How would you write the plural of
thief in sentence 2? foot in sentence 4?
F thieves F feet

G thiefs G feets
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H thieve H foot

J thief J foots

B. Read the student draft and choose the best answer to each question.

(1) There are so many species at this zoo! (2) I see oxen grazing in a
field. (3) A bunch of childs are looking at some penguins swimming in
a large pond. (4) Some moose are yawning, and I can see their teeth!
(5) Next time, I am visiting the elk first.
5. What change, if any, should be 6. What change, if any, should be
made to childs in sentence 3? made to moose in sentence 4?
A childrens F mooses

B children G mises

C child H mouses

D Make no change J Make no change

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.11(D)(iii) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 89

Spelling • Three-Letter Blends
Name

Fold back the 1. 1. shred

paper along the
2. 2. shriek
dotted line. Use
the blanks to write 3. 3. shrimp
each word as it is
read aloud. When 4. 4. shrink
you finish the test, 5. 5. script
unfold the paper.
Use the list at the 6. 6. screw
right to correct any 7. 7. screech
spelling mistakes.
8. 8. straighten
9. 9. straps
10. 10. strand
11. 11. sprout
12. 12. sprawl

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13. 13. sprang
14. 14. splashing
15. 15. splotch
16. 16. thrill
17. 17. throb
18. 18. throat
19. 19. thrift
20. 20. through
Review Words 21. 21. choose
22. 22. photo
23. 23. whine
Challenge Words 24. 24. threaten
25. 25. strictly

90 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 TEKS 4.2(B)(i)

Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

DECODING WORDS
A three-letter blend is a combination of
three consonants found at the beginning The first syllable of threading
of a word. These blends include: contains the three-letter blend
• scr as in scribe • spl as in splash thr and the vowel team ea. The
second syllable contains the
• str as in strangle • thr as in throw
ending -ing. Blend the sounds and
• spr as in spritely
read the word aloud.

Write the spelling words that contain each three-letter blend. Then read the
words aloud.

thrill script straps sprang sprout

sprawl thrift shrink screech throat
shred splashing throb splotch screw
strand shrimp shriek straighten through
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

thr spl str

1. 9. 15.

2. 10. 16.

3. shr 17.

4. 11. spr

5. 12. 18.

scr 13. 19.

6. 14. 20.

7.
8.

Look through this week’s selection for more words to sort.

Create a word sort for a partner in your writer’s notebook.

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(A)(iii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iv) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 91

Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

DECODING WORDS
A three-letter blend is a combination of
three consonants found at the beginning The first syllable of threading
of a word. These blends include: contains the three-letter blend
• scr as in scribe • spl as in splash thr and the vowel team ea. The
second syllable contains the
• str as in strangle • thr as in throw
ending -ing. Blend the sounds and
• spr as in spritely
read the word aloud.

Write the spelling words that contain each three-letter blend. Then read the
words aloud.

thrill script spring sprang sprout

split thrift shrink screech throat
shred splash throb throne screw
strand shrimp shrunk straight through

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thr spl spr

1. 10. 18.

2. 11. 19.

3. shr 20.

4. 12.

5. 13.

6. 14.

scr 15.

7. str

8. 16.

9. 17.

Look through this week’s selection for more words to sort.

Create a word sort for a partner in your writer’s notebook.

91A Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(A)(iii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iv)
Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

A. Write the spelling words that contain each three-letter blend.

thrillingly script stringy sprang sprout

sprawl throttle shrink screech throat
shredding splashing throb splotch scrawny
strand shrugged shriek straighten throughout

thr spl str

1. 9. 15.

2. 10. 16.

3. shr 17.
4. 11. spr

5. 12. 18.
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scr 13. 19.

6. 14. 20.
7.

8.

B. C
ompare the words strand and sprang. How are they alike? How are
they different?

Look through this week’s selection for more words to sort.

Create a word sort for a partner in your writer’s notebook.

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(A)(iii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iv) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 91B
Spelling • Word Meaning
Name

shred script straps sprang throb

shriek screw strand splashing throat
shrimp screech sprout splotch thrift
shrink straighten sprawl thrill through

A. Write the spelling word that best completes each sentence.

1. A of the old rope fell on the floor.
2. Shopping for sales is a sure sign of .
3. Please your room before your friend arrives.
4. She will with laughter at that funny joke.
5. We must go the tunnel to get into the city.
6. Is that a messy on your white sweater?
7. I do not want my favorite jeans to

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in the wash.
8. The kids are happily in the little tub.
9. We watched the cat lazily in the sun.
10. If you hit the brakes too hard, the tires will .
11. My was scratchy after singing at the concert.
12. The play was a big hit because the was so funny.
13. The leather hung down from the
saddle.

B. Write the spelling word that belongs with the other

words in the group.

14. jumped, leaped, 18. push, grow,

15. clam, lobster, 19. pulse, beat,
16. pleasure, excitement, 20. nail, bolt,
17. tear, rip,

92 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 TEKS 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iv)

Spelling • Proofreading
Name

Underline the six misspelled words in the paragraphs below. Write the words
correctly on the lines.

Many people like to wear jewelry. You will often see a woman with
a necklace around her thuroat. Some jewelry pieces are worth a lot
of money because they are very old. This jewelry can be a real trill to
wear. A shrand of aged pearls can be worth more than a house!

Some people sell jewelry at yard sales. They sparwl necklaces and
bracelets out on tables. If you see a piece of jewelry that you like, do
not shiek or shout. Calmly ask how much it costs. You might be able to
show some thhrift by talking the person into selling it for less.

1. 4.

2. 5.

3. 6.
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

Writing Connection Write about something else that is worth a lot of

money. Use at least four words from the spelling list.

TEKS 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iv), 4.11(D)(i) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 93

Phonics/Spelling • Review
Name

Remember
A three-letter blend is a combination of three consonants found at the beginning of
a word. These blends include:
• scr as in scribble • spl as in splat
• str as in strangely • thr as in threaten
• spr as in springy

shred script straps sprang throb

shriek screw strand splashing throat
shrimp screech sprout splotch thrift
shrink straighten sprawl thrill through

A. F
ill in the missing letters of each word to form a spelling word. Then read
the word aloud.

1. out 11. oat

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2. ob 12. ew
3. iek 13. ang
4. eech 14. aighten
5. ill 15. imp
6. aps 16. otch
7. ink 17. ift
8. ashing 18. and
9. ough 19. ed
10. ipt 20. awl

B. Write these spelling words in alphabetical order. Alphabetize them to the

fourth letter. shrimp, throb, straighten, shred, thrift

21. 24.
22. 25.
23.

94 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(A)(iii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iv)

Vocabulary • Spiral Review
Name

Write each vocabulary word from the box next to its meaning. Then
write the letters from the boxes to answer the trivia question at the
bottom of the page.

fabric cranky annoyed familiar

selfish trudged attitude inquiry

specialty identity commotion frustrated

1. walked slowly and steadily

2. often seen or heard

3. caring only about oneself

4. way of thinking or feeling

5. a noisy disturbance

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

6. woven or knitted material

7. bothered or irritated

8. in a bad mood or grouchy

9. a search for information

10. something you do well

11. who a person is

12. feeling discouraged

What is the largest coral reef in the world?

The Reef.

96 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 3 TEKS 4.2(B)(i)

Grammar • Possessive Nouns
Name

• A possessive noun shows ownership.

• When a possessive noun is used before another noun, it shows to
what or whom that noun belongs: Anthony’s shoes.
• To form the possessive of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an
-s to the end of the noun: bear/bear’s.

Read each sentence. Write the possessive form of the underlined

singular noun.

1. The family trip was cancelled because of the rain.

2. My mother went to the school fundraiser event.

3. The kite tail was missing, so we attached some ribbon.

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4. Annie class is going on a field trip next week.

5. The television screen is old and not working well.

6. Grandma car needs to be taken to the auto repair shop.

7. The snake skin sheds from its body every few months.

8. I could not wait to watch America favorite pastime—baseball!

In your writer’s notebook, describe the different kinds of

hair your friends, family, and pets have. Be sure to add an
apostrophe and -s for all possessive nouns. Check your work to
make sure you have formed the possessives correctly.

TEKS 4.11(D)(iii), 4.11(D)(x) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 97

Grammar • Plural Possessive Nouns
Name

• When a possessive noun is used before another noun, it shows to

what or whom that noun belongs.
• To form the possessive of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an
-s to the end of the noun: cat/cat’s.
• To form the possessive of a plural noun that ends in s, add only an
apostrophe to the end of the noun: cats/cats’.
• To form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in s, add
an apostrophe and an -s to the end of the noun: children/children’s.

Read each sentence. Write the possessive form of the underlined plural noun.
1. The mayor honored the two firefighters heroic act.

2. The people opinion is that none of the candidates are good.

3. The women purses were all black and quite large.

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4. The workers lunch was waiting for them in the cafeteria.

5. Several countries athletes ran in the race.

6. My sheep wool will keep them warm.

Reading/Writing Reread this excerpt from “Pecos Bill and the Bear Lake
Connection
Monster.” Circle the possessive nouns. In your writer’s
notebook, write about what you would do if you were king or
queen of a country. Use three possessive nouns in your writing.

All of a sudden the water churned and foamed and ten-foot waves
started crashing over Bill’s head. A monster reared out of the water with
its mouth open and roared. Bill had seen caverns smaller than that snake’s
mouth, and its roar shook the surrounding mountains. Without missing
a beat, Pecos Bill jumped onto the monster’s neck and slipped a loop of
rope into its mouth. Then he held the ends like reins.

98 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 TEKS 4.11(D)(iii), 4.11(D)(x)

Grammar • Mechanics: Apostrophes
Name

• Use an apostrophe and an -s to form the possessive of a singular

noun: person’s.
• Use an apostrophe and an -s to form the possessive of a plural noun
that does not end in s: people’s.
• Use an apostrophe alone to form the possessive of a plural that ends
in s: fishes’.

Read each sentence. Rewrite the possessive nouns

with correct punctuation.

1. This movies title is so bad that it is funny!

2. Benjis hometown is miles away from where he lives now.

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3. Turtles shells are all different in some ways and similar in other ways.

4. The gentlemens names were all noted at the front desk.

Writing Connection Write three sentences about a family member. Include two
possessive nouns.

TEKS 4.11(D)(iii), 4.11(D)(x) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 99

Grammar • Proofreading
Name

• A possessive noun shows ownership.

• To form the possessive of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an
-s to the end of the noun.
• To form the possessive of a plural noun that ends in s, add only an
apostrophe to the end of the noun.
• To form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in s, add
an apostrophe and an -s to the end of the noun.

Rewrite the paragraphs below, correcting mistakes in possessive nouns.

1. Madisons school was having a food drive. Her sisters school was having
a fundraiser. Both schools goals were to help victims of last months
hurricane. The childrens parents helped them collect food and money to
meet their goals.

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

2. Polar bears live difficult lives. A polar bears days are usually spent alone,
unless a mother has cubs. Polar bears coats are very thick to help keep
them warm when the areas temperature is below zero. It is not easy to be a
polar bear!

100 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 TEKS 4.11(D)(iii), 4.11(D)(x)

Grammar • Test: Possessive Nouns
Name

Read the paragraph and choose the best answer to each question.

(1) The ten judges decisions were final. (2) Cassandras floor routine
was the best anyone had ever seen. (3) The other countries judges
were in agreement. (4) The winner of the gold medal for the womens
gymnastics finals had been chosen.

(5) She saw her mothers tears all the way from the podium. (6) She
could see the looks of pride on her familys faces. (7) Just wait until they
saw the routine she was planning for next time!

1. How should you write the 4. How should you write the
word judges in sentence 1? word womens in sentence 4?
A judges’s F women’s
B judges’ G womens’
C judge’s H womens’s
D Make no change J woman’s
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

2. How should you write the word 5. How should you write the
Cassandras in sentence 2? word mothers in sentence 5?
F Cassandras’ A mothers’
G Cassandras’s B mother’s
H Cassandra’s C mothers’s
J Make no change D Make no change

3. How should you write the 6. How should you write the
word countries in sentence 3? word familys in sentence 6?
A countries’ F familie’s
B countrie’s G familys’
C countries’s H families’
D country’s J family’s

TEKS 4.11(D)(iii), 4.11(D)(x) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 101

Spelling • r-Controlled Vowels /är/ and /ôr/
Name

Fold back the 1. 1. dart

paper along the
dotted line. Use 2. 2. guard
the blanks to 3. 3. award
write each word
as it is read aloud. 4. 4. backyard
When you finish 5. 5. argue
the test, unfold
the paper. Use the 6. 6. spark
list at the right
7. 7. target
to correct any
spelling mistakes. 8. 8. smart
9. 9. charge
10. 10. carpet
11. 11. warp
12. 12. door

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

13. 13. fort
14. 14. morning
15. 15. stork
16. 16. cord
17. 17. worn
18. 18. stormy
19. 19. core
20. 20. bore

Review Words 21. 21. screech

22. 22. shrimp
23. 23. throat

Challenge Words 24. 24. charcoal

25. 25. forecast

102 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 TEKS 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii)

Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

DECODING WORDS
An r-controlled vowel is a vowel
followed by the letter r. The sound The first syllable in forcing
/är/ is usually spelled ar, as in card. contains the r-controlled vowel
The sound /ôr/ is usually spelled or, sound /ôr/. The second syllable
oor, oar, and ore, as in the words bore, has the ending -ing. Blend the
floor, boar, and store. sounds and read the word
aloud: /fôrs/ /ing/.

Write the spelling words with the matching spelling patterns.

stork bore guard fort warp

charge spark carpet backyard smart
award cord worn dart core
morning door stormy target argue

17.
Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

ore oor

1. 9. 18.

2. ar 19.

or 10. 20.
3. 11.

4. 12.

5. 13.

6. 14.

7. 15.

8. 16.

Use the spelling rules above to write a short fable. Include four
words from the spelling list. Check your work for errors.

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii), 4.11(D)(xi) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 103
Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

DECODING WORDS
An r-controlled vowel is a vowel
followed by the letter r. The sound The first syllable in forcing
/är/ is usually spelled ar, as in card. contains the r-controlled vowel
The sound /ôr/ is usually spelled or, sound /ôr/. The second syllable
oor, oar, and ore, as in the words bore, has the ending -ing. Blend the
floor, boar, and store. sounds and read the word
aloud: /fôrs/ /ing/.

Write the spelling words with the matching spelling patterns.

stork bore card fort warp

bark spark carpet backyard smart
yard cord worn dart core
floor door stormy far large

Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

ore 7. 13.

1. oor 14.

2. 8. 15.

or 9. 16.

3. ar 17.

4. 10. 18.

5. 11. 19.

6. 12. 20.

Use the spelling rules above to write a short fable. Include four words
from the spelling list. Check your work for errors.

103A Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii), 4.11(D)(xi)
Phonics/Spelling • Word Sort
Name

Write the spelling words with the matching spelling patterns. If a word has
more than one spelling pattern, write it under both headings.

predator forecast guard force forward

charge spark carpet barnyard guitar
charcoal afford uproar seminar Oregon
morning scorch aboard enlarge argue

ore oar

1. 9. 17.

2. 10. 18.
or ar
19.
3. 11.
20.
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4. 12.
21.
5. 13.

6. 14.

7. 15.

8. 16.

Compare the words award and warp. How are they alike? How are they
different?

Use the spelling rules above to write a short fable. Include four words
from the spelling list. Check your work for errors.

TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii), 4.11(D)(xi) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 103B
Spelling • Word Meaning
Name

dart argue charge fort worn

guard spark carpet morning stormy
award target warp stork core
backyard smart door cord bore

A. A
n analogy is a statement that compares sets of words. Write the spelling
word to complete each analogy below.

1. Dollar is to bill as prize is to .

2. Laugh is to cry as agree is to .
3. Eat is to dine as curve is to .
4. Begin is to end as excite is to .
5. Powerful is to strong as bright is to .
6. White is to black as new is to

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.
7. Jet is to plane as bull’s-eye is to .

B. Write the spelling word that matches each definition below.

8. rug 15. tiny fire

9. rope 16. in an entrance
10. area behind a house 17. thrown in a game
11. place for soldiers 18. large bird
12. one who watches
19. center
13. rainy
20. electricity
14. dawn

104 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 TEKS 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii)

Spelling • Proofreading
Name

Underline the six misspelled words in the paragraphs below. Write the
words correctly on the lines.
It was a stourmy night when Benjamin Franklin discovered
electricity. Lightning hit the torget of his experiment and traveled down
a kite string. Ben felt an incredible spairk when he touched the metal
key tied there. Electricity!

No one could arrgue that electricity is not now an important part of

our lives. Today, we use electricity to light our street, home, and even
the backyad. It is necessary for many of the things we do from marning
to night.

1. 4.
2. 5.
3. 6.

Write about how electricity has improved your life

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Writing Connection
in some way. Use at least four words from the
spelling list.

TEKS 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii), 4.11(D)(i) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 105

Phonics/Spelling • Review
Name

Remember
An r-controlled vowel is a vowel followed by the letter r. The sound
/är/ is usually spelled ar, as in card. The sound /ôr/ is usually spelled
or, oor, oar, and ore, as in the words bore, floor, boar, and store.

A. Circle the spelling word in each row that rhymes with the word in bold
type. Read the spelling word aloud and write it on the line.

1. chore door dare sort

2. scarred snared carted guard
3. large charge charm flag
4. horn word worn war
5. fork spook stork lark
6. start hard note dart
7. aboard award colored apart

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8. four first pair bore
9. short pour fort fit
10. cart smart smelled port
11. board cord card crowed
12. shark stork clock spark
13. pour pair core cope
14. warning morning forty started

B. Write these spelling words in alphabetical order: carpet, argue, backyard,

warp, stormy, target.

15. 17. 19.

16. 18. 20.

106 Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 TEKS 4.2(A)(i), 4.2(A)(ii), 4.2(B)(i), 4.2(B)(iii)

Vocabulary Strategy • Antonyms
Name

Read each passage. Underline the antonyms that help you figure out
the meaning of each word in bold. Then write the word’s meaning on
the line.
1. F
ather: Stop wasting your time. Your dragon looks like the horrible mountain
dragon, who has swooped down on the village and eaten water buffalo,
pigs, and even people!
Liang: That dragon is dangerous, but some dragons are harmless.

2. F
ather: Good luck to anyone who tries! It’s impossible!
Liang: I think it’s possible. As a matter of fact, I think I can do it.
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3. Mother: I believe in him. For once, please, believe in your son, too. . . .
Father: (patting Liang on the back) I will never doubt you again.

TEKS 4.3(B) Grade 4 • Unit 2 • Week 4 107