Perfect Snow-- We practiced the SBAC Math portion and then got outside!

The snow is Moscow usually comes and goes quickly. It was a beautiful morning and after practicing

the state test--format, structure, and practice questions,

the 4th headed outside for snow fun!

The berms and snow on the trees provide great fun!

Writers' Circle with bright Readers as Leaders T-Shirts!

Giving feed back to the writer who read the first Revision of their work using the criteria list as guidance.

The narrative in first person is about something that scares them. This writing topic came out of a Morning Meeting Conversation/ Sharing. The idea has bloomed into a strong reflection of what they have seen, read, dreamed of scary things. It is a measure in a way of what this generation notices and communicates. When Five Nights at Freddy's was discussed, they all added to the conversation. That is Social Studies in the form of cultural literacy. These kids will have these ideas in common always.
 Art is included in this piece as the class has been studying the tone of illustrations and Mr. Gregory came in and helped them draw the sketch that will be water colored.  The idea was to focus on the part that makes them feel scared and to convey that in their art.This illustration will support the tone of the writing.
 Dialogue must be included in this piece as well. Several books have been used to demonstrate the power of good dialogue. The valuable comments, questions, or compliments shared with the writer have been powerful, and accurate. Each writer has a sticky note that they write info down when classmates are sharing the critical feedback.

The bright good shirts are for the Readers as Leaders Program sponsored by Pickard Orthodontists in support of the University of Idaho athletic program and elementary student success through reading. It is a great deal for families. If the child is wearing the t-shirt, they get free admission to a UI Women's or Men's basketball game with a paying adult.  They all are reading great and the way they are measured in fourth grade for reading is to read at least 40 minutes a night and keep that data on the Reading Log that is signed by a parent.
 This quarter for each Reading Log turned in, a MCS Lion's Paw is given. That is an important incentive because reading is the number one thing that improves a child's success in school and they get a earn tickets for the raffle during the K-8 Morning Meeting.

Lots of great things are happening in 4th grade right now... Secret Santa was just planned. We had a big conversation around the word 'confidentiality'.  :)