Fourth grade language arts/creativity students had a chance to show off their hard work this week. After finishing their novels about courage (Bud, Not Buddy or Hatchet,) they had a chance to synthesize their learning in book projects. Students created fictitious newspaper articles, character interviews, event timelines, compare/contrast Venn diagrams, new book covers, animal animations, and more. I took a minute to choose some of their work samples to share here. Our next project will be related to Colorado history biographies. Students just picked their books today. Interview your child about whom they chose and what we'll be doing in our last few weeks together before Spring Break. CMAS (also known as PARCC) testing will begin the first week of March here at Werner. Dates and times are being finalized now. I have mentioned before about the availability of the practice tests. I would like to strongly encourage you to follow the link here to check out the types of questions your child will be asked to answer for the math portion of the tests. PARCC has two separate testing cycles: Performance Based Assessment (PBA) and End-of-Year (EOY.) In March we will take the PBA tests. These are more explanation and problem-solving type questions. Ask your child about the practice tests we have all been taking in class and see how they are feeling about the test right now. They are challenging! Reassure your child that if they do their best and take their time, they'll be in good shape. To access the practice test for your child's grade level: http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/math/ Scroll down and click on the grade level you are looking for You will see PBA on the left with options Click on "Computer-Based Practice Test" If you want to see the answer key: http://www.parcconline.org/practice-test-answers Scroll down and click on the Online PBA grade level of your choice And in light of CMAS (PARCC) testing coming up, I was reminded this week at a math training about how important our language we use when praise students. Carol Dweck, professor at Stanford University, has done extensive research on "growth-mindset" vs. "fixed mindset." These new state-wide tests are going to be challenging for all students. Therefore, students need to understand that it is through hard work and perseverance that they will be successful. And that applies not only to these tests but daily life in and out of school. This is especially relevant to gifted kids who have probably been told many times through their educational careers so far that they are very smart. They already feel the pressure to be perfect so that they continue to "look smart." We, as parents and educators, need to remind them that it is their work ethic and their attitude towards taking on challenge that will help them be successful. Take a moment to watch this video that shares examples from Dweck's research and reminds adults about how to praise students' effort...
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Tracey BeanWerner Elementary Archives
May 2018
Sign-up for updates: |
Knowledge Peak | Blog |