Down the midway stretch. . .

We are in the midst of an exciting time in 4-4 right now! For one, the college photography students have completed their photographs inspired by the students' personal narratives. I created a web site that posts not only the narratives from each child, but the accompanying photographs for each narrative. There are some minor problems with the text on the site that I hope to resolve, but in the meantime, the stories and photographs are available here:  Writing and Photo Project

We have also been able to venture to the Upper Division and see most of the covers that Mr. Runge's students are creating for our personal narratives.The art students received copies of the students' stories and read them all. Then, they used photography and Photoshop to design covers for each book. During our visits, the UD students showed the students two versions from which to choose. The fourth graders were also treated to quick lessons on how to use Photoshop, and were given an opportunity to use the digital drawing pads in the art room. UD students and Mr. Runge even treated the fourth graders to a tour of the art room and all of the work that fills it. It has been a tremendous experience for all involved! We should have the completed covers prior to winter break.

Students were also able this week to spend some time in the computer lab accessing and considering the comments that the sixth graders left for them on their circuit Voice Threads. Fourth graders viewed their VoiceThreads individually and took careful notes on the feedback they received from their older peers. Most comments were very positive. We have learned, however, that vague comments such as "Your project was very good!" are nice to hear, but their lack of specificity makes them less helpful to us as we consider how we might do better on a similar project in the future.

As many of you know from Esther's email, Kate DiCamillo received the letters from the students asking for her to visit Shorecrest. While the popular author is not currently making any school visits or even Skyping, she agreed to accept questions from the kids and to respond to them. So, we spent last week considering what would make a good question as well as doing our research on the author. We discovered there are many questions that get asked with frequency and know we do NOT want to ask those questions--we already have the answers! Each student generated a list of questions and then chose her/his favorite. I will be compiling those questions this week and Esther will be sending them off to Ms. DiCamillo's publisher. Then we wait. Eagerly!

In writing, after spending some solid time writing portfolio reflections, we are beginning to dip our toes into the genre of fiction. We began as we always do--revealing what elements exist within the genre of fiction that we know our pieces need to include: a plot--including problems and some resolutions, main characters--protagonists and antagonists, and a setting. We know that writers-in-training write best when they write about what they know, so we will focus on realistic fiction. Certainly, students are excited by the prospect of some elements of fantasy as well, so we will likely foster that excitement and tinge our realism with some fantasy. Our genre study of fiction will last about two months, so expect to be invited to an author celebration sometime in February. Fun!

Take-home folders will come home Wednesday or Thursday this week because I want to include this week's assessments. Sorry for the delay.

Next Friday at 10:00, the fourth graders will have their winter break party. For our low key celebration, students will enjoy a snack as well as some well-deserved choice time in the classroom. Then at 11:00, we will join the rest of the lower school in the theater at the annual Lower Division sing along. After returning to the classrooms, students will then be dismissed at noon, ready to enjoy their break.

Upcoming important events:
November 28 - December 9: Holiday Gift Drive
December 6: Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates theater performance
December 7: LD Chorus Performance
December 16: 10:00 party; LD Holiday Sing Along, 11:00 a.m.
December 19 - January 2: Winter Break