Proof!

Proving fractions that are NOT equal…

…and fractions that ARE equal!

Our 3-D Wall Map of Mexico!

A glimpse inside the classroom during MCAS

What does it look like when we take the MCAS? What's the feeling in the room like?

On Tuesday our class wrote compositions. Today and tomorrow we are taking the Reading Comprehension test: reading and responding to questions about fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

As I look around, I see students engrossed in reading, while others look back through the stories, searching for evidence to help them answer a question. Some are writing the longer answers required by the "open response" questions. Many students have already written half a page or more! The atmosphere is focused and intent.

Earlier this morning, we took a break for snack and to run around outside. Later in the morning we will break for our "Smart Moves" exercises. If students need more time after lunch, they will have more time, while others who have finished move on to math and art.

What are they sharing in 4th grade?

We are in the midst of our three-way conferences. Students perused their portfolios, searching for pieces of work from each subject area to share with their parents. Here are some of the items they've chosen:

• published writing projects (essays, 2010 compositions, personal narratives)
• evidence of passing their multiplication and/or division combinations tests
• our wall-size, 3D map of Mexico
• reading lists
• science binders (based on their studies of whales and of plant growth)
• Word Olympics word lists (and medals)
• mathematical proofs
• math assessments
• independent Mexico research
• drawing and writing about "the First Thanksgiving"

We've also reflected on goals we set for the year and, in some cases, set new goals!