Fifth graders from both Room 301 and 303 presented and
shared some of their work from the first half of the school
year on February 26, 2016. Each author selected one piece
from their portfolio that they read to visitors as well as share
reflections on new understandings about that genre.
Selections ranged from Memoir to Fantasy to Essays and
Nonfiction Feature Articles. Additionally, they showcased
their public speaking skills: reading fluently and with
expression along with making eye contact and reading at an
appropriate pace. Afterwards, visitors were invited to read
their portfolios and engage in conversations with the authors
over coffee and pastries.
Ms. Rowan, FMA's fabulous Math coach, visited with
students for over an hour and recorded student responses to
the question "How have you grown this year as a writer?"
Authors noted improvements in each of the six traits of
writing. Some responses included: they use more evidence
and details in their writing, they used brain frames and other
organizational tools to organize their thinking, they improved
their voice or personality within their pieces, added new
vocabulary words to their pieces, and they didn't forget about
Conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation)! Ms.
Duggan, FMA's lovely Literacy coach, noted that,“each
student’s confidence was soaring as they shared their writing
and celebrated their hard work." Well done, 5th Grade!