A Cool Idea for Our Schoolyard
Dear Principal Keller,
My name is Jordan, and I am a fourth grader in Room 14. I am writing to you because I love our school, especially the time we spend outside during recess. Recess gives us a chance to move around, play with friends from other classrooms, and take a break from working hard at our desks. However, I have noticed an ongoing problem that makes recess much less enjoyable for many students as the weather warms up: our schoolyard does not have enough shade.
Over the past few weeks, I have made several careful observations during our afternoon recess. Most of our playground is covered in dark asphalt, with the swing sets and jungle gym right in the middle. When the afternoon sun beats down, that equipment becomes so hot that nobody can safely touch the metal handrails or slide down the slides. Instead of spreading out across the whole yard, dozens of students end up crowding into the tiny strip of shadow cast by the gymnasium wall. It gets so tight against the bricks that people accidentally bump into each other, which sometimes leads to arguments.
- asphalt:
- A dark, hard surface material used to pave roads, parking lots, and playgrounds.
- observations:
- Noticing and recording details by watching carefully.
- glare:
- A strong, harsh, and uncomfortable bright light.
- budget:
- A plan that shows how much money an organization has and how it will be spent.
- propose:
- To suggest a plan or an idea for people to think about and decide on.
- saplings:
- Young, slender trees.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Point of View
Identify who presents the text and analyze how perspective shapes what the reader receives.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.
Claims & Evidence
Trace and evaluate how claims are supported by reasons and evidence.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is Jordan's primary claim or reason for writing to Principal Keller?
- 2Why does the metal playground equipment become unsafe during warm afternoon recess?
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About this persuasive letter passage for 4th Grade
“A Cool Idea for Our Schoolyard” is a persuasive letter reading passage about schoolyard shade, written for 4th Grade. It takes about 3 minutes to read (509 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.