CAASPP Success - Grade 4 ELA Performance Task #2

Source #1: The History of Picnics
Picnics have been around for a long time, and they've changed a lot over the years. The word “picnic” started in France, where it was called pique-nique. It was first used by rich people in the 1600s. They would gather outdoors and bring fancy foods to share. It wasn’t just about eating; it was a way to show off how wealthy they were.
When the French Revolution happened, many of these wealthy people left France and moved to places like England. They brought the idea of picnics with them. In London, a group called the “Pic Nic Society” started having indoor picnics. Each guest had to bring food, wine, and sometimes even perform a play or sing a song. It was more like a party than what we think of as a picnic today.
In the 1800s, picnics became more about enjoying nature and less about showing off. People in England and the United States began to take their meals outdoors to parks and fields. They liked to escape the crowded cities and spend time in the fresh air. Picnics were a way to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.
Today, picnics are popular all around the world. In Japan, people celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms with hanami picnics. Families and friends gather under the pink trees to eat and admire the flowers. In France, picnics often include delicious bread, cheese, and other tasty treats. In the United States, people love to have picnics on the Fourth of July with foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad.
No matter where you are, picnics are a fun way to enjoy food, fresh air, and good company. Whether you’re having a simple lunch in the park or a big family gathering, it’s all about spending time together and appreciating the outdoors.

Source #2: A Family's Special Holi Picnic

Dear Grandma,

I want to tell you about the wonderful Holi picnic we had last weekend. Even though we're far from home, we tried to celebrate just like we did in India. It was a sunny day, perfect for a picnic in the park, and we set up a big blanket under the shade of an old oak tree.

Everyone brought something to share, just like we used to do back home. Mom made her famous samosas and Dad whipped up his special mango lassi. Auntie even managed to recreate your delicious gujiya, which brought back so many memories. It felt like you were right there with us.

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Before we started playing with colors, we told the kids the story of Prahlad and Holika, the one you always shared with us. Prahlad’s bravery and Holika’s defeat remind us that good always wins over evil. We even had a small Holika Dahan ceremony the night before, using a small bonfire to let go of any negative feelings and start fresh.

The next day, we put on white clothes and got ready to play with colors. It was amazing to see everyone’s faces light up as we smeared bright powders on each other. The kids loved it, and the adults got into the fun too, just like the stories you told about playing Holi in Mathura. Even though we were miles away from India, it felt like we had brought a piece of it with us.

We talked about how Holi isn’t just about colors and food. It’s about forgiveness, starting over, and celebrating life. I remembered you saying that Holi was a time when everyone, no matter their age or status, came together to celebrate. Here, it felt the same. We laughed, ate, and shared stories, making new memories that we’ll cherish for a long time.

I miss celebrating Holi with you, but this picnic helped us feel connected to our roots. I hope one day we can all celebrate together again.

Lots of love,

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Anjali