Inspiration for FCAT Writes!

Limo Day on PhotoPeach



Our 4th Grade classes were just visited by some very special former 4th graders (and a very special former 4th Grade teacher) so that we could learn some tips and strategies for doing our very best on the upcoming FCAT Writes Assessment, which will be on February 28th! The students who visited our room all earned a Perfect 6 score on the FCAT Writes last year when they were in 4th Grade. Mrs. Phillips and Mr. Pinchot are especially proud of these students because all three of them were in their Math and Science class last year! Two of these students read their "perfect 6" papers and all three shared important tips on how to prepare, approach, and accomplish this very important test. We were also able to ask our "expert" panel questions, and many of our students did just that! Here are some of the tips we learned from our special guests:

*Planning is important- spend about 5 minutes doing this and jot down lots of details and examples as you think of ideas
*Be sure to stay on topic as you write
*Don't give up if you can't immediately connect with the prompt- reread it and keep jotting down ideas...they will come to you!
*Use the whole 45 minutes that you are given to write
*Include strategies and author's crafts that you have learned about in Writing: making comparisons, using sizzling vocabulary, painting a picture in the reader's mind, using subtle humor, finding places to add dialogue
*Have an open mind....what COULD happen??? Possibilities are endless!

We all noticed that their writing was very structured and organized. They used a lot of imagery. Each had clear and concise closings. Transition phrases were clever and unique. Our guests also offered us another very important tip that we will always remember: READ, READ, READ! The more we read, the more we learn author's crafts, ideas for writing, and meaning of vocabulary!

After their very special visit to our classroom, we celebrated their departure from the school by cheering them off as they went to a very special lunch in a limousine with our Principal and their families to continue their celebration.

You will have an opportunity to see how your writing scores this week.  On Wednesday, we will all take a practice writing prompt, just like the FCAT Writes.  Afterwards, Mrs. Nash and Mrs. Montero will score every piece.  This time, we will send your SCORED writing home with you to share with your parents, along with more information and reminders about how we can make our writing better every time we write.

Also coming up in February, Mrs. Montero and Mrs. Nash will send home practice writing prompts for those of you who are interested in doing everything they can to secure their own seat in next year's limo.    Your parents can set a timer for 45 minutes, and get in a little at home training for the big event!

We were so excited for the awesome writers we met this week.  Hearing their writing, listening to them speak, and watching them parade down the red carpet in true celebrity style inspired us to follow in their footsteps! Who will be next to earn a "perfect 6"? :-)

Leave a comment to share the BEST PIECE OF ADVICE you gained from our expert panel of visitors. We can't wait to read them!