~FYI!!!!!!! Fourth graders will have a test over the theme and plot of a story on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH. Students have a study guide to fill in for homework tonight (Tuesday, November 27th).  If a parent/guardian signs the study guide proving their child has studied they will receive extra points on their test. The homework is due tomorrow so we can go over the questions.  Students will correct any errors and then bring it home to be signed and returned by FRIDAY to get the extra points!!~

Let the wRiTiNg begin!!!!!!

We have been doing an informational writing piece about the play, "Rock the Presidents", we went to see at S.K.Y.P.A.C. As we have been doing this piece, we have been really picking apart the writing process so students understand each step of the writing process more specifically.  For this writing piece, students chose a favorite part of the play and gave 3 reasons why it was their favorite part using specific details from the play for each reason.  They also could choose to be the stange manager and re-design the production using specific details and examples.  We have discussed how it is very important to use correct grammar, capital letters when needed, and correct punctuation in our writing.  We have also worked on using better word choice.  Instead of using the word "thing" students have been encouraged to use a more specific word such as, game for example.  While doing this piece we have also learned how to use transistion words in our writing when going from one sentence/paragraph to the next.

These writing pieces will be graded by the inclusion of the entire writing process.  I have been conferencing with each student about their piece and how they can make it better.  They have done a really good job with this task.  As we are approaching the end, hopefully students feel like they are better writers and have more knowledge about the writing process.  This is only the beginning of lots of writing for us this year.

This piece will be due on Wednesday, Novemeber 28th.  This is the Wednesday after our Thanksgiving break.  If students bring this home, please feel free to read their writing and give any feedback you can.  Look for the "grading guide and rubric" to come home with your student's overall grade on it along with their self-assessment score around the first of December.  If you wish to read your child's piece please send me an email or note so I can make a copy of it to send home.  The original copy will stay in their writing binders that travels with them from year to year.       

Pioneer Day 2012

On Monday, November 5th our students had the opportunity to participate in different activities throughout the day to replicate the days of pioneers.  This event called, Pioneer Day, was a great success.  Fourth graders were lucky enough to be able to take a trip to the Cultural Center in downtown Glasgow.  We learned many things about the days of pioneers.  We hope to be able to go back to the Cultural Center again soon when we have more time to spend learning about all the amazing information from the past.   

Drama Test Using Technology

Students took their drama unit pre and post-tests using technology.  We went to the computer lab to take their pre-test and we used our lap-top mobile lab in our classroom for their post-test.  They took the test on StudyIsland.  Overall, the students and I were pleased with their growth data from the pre to post-tests.