CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.1a

ELA4th GradeConventions of Standard English

The Standard

Use relative pronouns (who, whose, whom, which, that) and relative adverbs (where, when, why).

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to use words like who, whose, whom, which, that, where, when, and why to add information to a sentence. They should connect the extra detail to the right noun or idea, so the sentence still makes sense and sounds clear.

Mastery looks like writing and speaking in complete sentences with the correct relative word. Students often mix up who and which, use where for every place or situation, or create sentence fragments after the relative word. Whom is usually the hardest because it sounds formal and unfamiliar.

Ways to Teach It

Hands-on activity: Give pairs sentence strips and relative word cards, then have them build correct sentences and read them aloud.
Writing prompt: Write five sentences about a favorite place, using where, when, why, who, and that at least once.
Quick assessment: Show four sentences with missing relative words, and have students fill in the best choice on a sticky note.
Real-world connection: Have students revise a class announcement by adding one relative pronoun or adverb to give clearer information.