Where Fourthies stretch their imaginations and become stronger writers.
Storybird Rubric
Writing Lab Rubric #1
Writing Lab Rubric #2
Storybird Rubric
Writing Lab Rubric #1
Writing Lab Rubric #2
Lab # 16 Fourth Grade Storybird
Tell a fourth grade tale. Spend some time thinking about what you learned in fourth grade. Can you include advice for a younger girl about being a Fourthie? Your story will be read in September by the class of 2027. Include lots of WW words. Be your most creative self.
Lab # 15 Celebrating National Poetry Month with color!
1) Spend a few mindful minutes thinking about your favorite color(s) and how they make you feel.
2) Use your five senses and create a color poem. Here's an example: 3) Create your poem and embellish with clipart. 4) Remember the difference between a scientist and a poet. |
Clipart sites:
https://classroomclipart.com/clipart/Clipart/School.htm
https://www.mycutegraphics.com/graphics/graphics.html
https://classroomclipart.com/clipart/Clipart/School.htm
https://www.mycutegraphics.com/graphics/graphics.html
Lab # 14 Using powerful nouns, adjectives, and verbs
Work with your weekly partner and create a drawing with your voice. You will record yourselves reciting multiplication and division facts. Take turns calling out facts and answers.
1) Click on the voice link.
2) Practice a few times to get the hang of it.
3) Spend five minutes calling out facts.
4) Screen shot your voice image, drag into your Google Drive and share with your partner.
5) Drag your voice image into a Google Drawing (in Classroom) and size it.
6) Imagine your image is abstract art. Imagine it is a masterpiece! You want this art to sell for a pretty penny. Write a paragraph describing the art. Describe what you were thinking, feeling, and seeing in your mind when you painted your "masterpiece."
7) Color code your writing and include a key. Choose three powerful examples for each:
verbs, adjectives, proper nouns, common nouns
8) Print. Feel free to add color to your abstract masterpiece.
Work with your weekly partner and create a drawing with your voice. You will record yourselves reciting multiplication and division facts. Take turns calling out facts and answers.
1) Click on the voice link.
2) Practice a few times to get the hang of it.
3) Spend five minutes calling out facts.
4) Screen shot your voice image, drag into your Google Drive and share with your partner.
5) Drag your voice image into a Google Drawing (in Classroom) and size it.
6) Imagine your image is abstract art. Imagine it is a masterpiece! You want this art to sell for a pretty penny. Write a paragraph describing the art. Describe what you were thinking, feeling, and seeing in your mind when you painted your "masterpiece."
7) Color code your writing and include a key. Choose three powerful examples for each:
verbs, adjectives, proper nouns, common nouns
8) Print. Feel free to add color to your abstract masterpiece.
Lab # 13 Celebrating Women's History Month! The Persuasive Essay
1) Learn a little about Mt. Rushmore.
1) Learn a little about Mt. Rushmore.
2) Now imagine a different Mt. Rushmore. Imagine a woman holds a place on that mountain. Who should it be?
3) Visit the National Women's Hall of Fame.
4) Choose one woman who you believe belongs on Mt. Rushmore. Take notes about this woman. Your notes will build your persuasive essay. Gather as much information as you can.
5) Begin with a strong assertion/thesis statement.
6) Write your essay (the document is in Google Classroom). Make the reader believe that the woman you have chosen MOST DEFINITELY belongs on Mt. Rushmore.
7) Change the face of that mountain!
https://www.photofunny.net/cat-funny-photo-effects/mount-rushmore
http://photofunia.com/effects/mount_rushmore
3) Visit the National Women's Hall of Fame.
4) Choose one woman who you believe belongs on Mt. Rushmore. Take notes about this woman. Your notes will build your persuasive essay. Gather as much information as you can.
5) Begin with a strong assertion/thesis statement.
6) Write your essay (the document is in Google Classroom). Make the reader believe that the woman you have chosen MOST DEFINITELY belongs on Mt. Rushmore.
7) Change the face of that mountain!
https://www.photofunny.net/cat-funny-photo-effects/mount-rushmore
http://photofunia.com/effects/mount_rushmore
Lab # 12 "How To" Essay
This lab will focus on a specific type of essay- a "How To" or explaining a process. You will explain how to tie a scarf.
1) Have your transition sheet handy.
2) Read examples of 'How To" essays. How can these essays be enhanced. How can they be revised? What edits would you make?
3) Watch the video and get inspired.
4) Practice tying.
5) Get creative! What clever name will you use for your scarf tying technique? Now explain the process. Try to incorporate several WW words (from any unit). Can you incorporate any math terms? Can you use the scarf dimensions?
6) Time to demo. Work with your weekly partner and video yourself. We will create a class "How To" video.
This lab will focus on a specific type of essay- a "How To" or explaining a process. You will explain how to tie a scarf.
1) Have your transition sheet handy.
2) Read examples of 'How To" essays. How can these essays be enhanced. How can they be revised? What edits would you make?
3) Watch the video and get inspired.
4) Practice tying.
5) Get creative! What clever name will you use for your scarf tying technique? Now explain the process. Try to incorporate several WW words (from any unit). Can you incorporate any math terms? Can you use the scarf dimensions?
6) Time to demo. Work with your weekly partner and video yourself. We will create a class "How To" video.
Lab #11 Student Choice!
1) Choose a topic (something you haven't written about before with characters you have never met.)
2) Choose a platform: Buncee, Piclit, Storybird, Animoto, Emoji Writing (just to name a few).
3) Be creative! You will share your writing with the class.
1) Choose a topic (something you haven't written about before with characters you have never met.)
2) Choose a platform: Buncee, Piclit, Storybird, Animoto, Emoji Writing (just to name a few).
3) Be creative! You will share your writing with the class.
Lab #10 Writing descriptive paragraphs that reinforce the meaning of friendship.
How much do we treasure our friends? Friends are so important that there is even a National Friendship Day (August 7th). We are going to celebrate early this year!
1) Watch this clever video about the power of friendship and working together.
How much do we treasure our friends? Friends are so important that there is even a National Friendship Day (August 7th). We are going to celebrate early this year!
1) Watch this clever video about the power of friendship and working together.
2) Imagine that you are in the Friendship Business! Create a machine for your business.
3) Write a descriptive paragraph explaining what your machine does. Details!!
4) Illustrate the machine. Be sure to name both your machine and your company.
5) Naturally you are the owner, president, CEO of your company. You'll need business cards.
6) Create your business cards and save to your Google Drive. You'll use a template to print.
3) Write a descriptive paragraph explaining what your machine does. Details!!
4) Illustrate the machine. Be sure to name both your machine and your company.
5) Naturally you are the owner, president, CEO of your company. You'll need business cards.
6) Create your business cards and save to your Google Drive. You'll use a template to print.
Lab #9 Writing a procedure paragraph and working with transitions.
Visit History4Fourthies for writing details.
Visit History4Fourthies for writing details.
Lab #8 Focus: Summarizing a key event or activity.
1) Watch the "Man on the Moon" clip.
1) Watch the "Man on the Moon" clip.
2) Now it's your turn to continue the story. Imagine that you are the girl in the video. You are back in school after a fun-filled Christmas vacation.
3) Your teacher has assigned the following writing prompt:
3) Your teacher has assigned the following writing prompt:
Spend a few minutes and reflect on your vacation. Write a summary about only one of the many activities you enjoyed and memories you made. Be descriptive so we all feel like we were part of your memory/activity.
4) Of course your favorite memory is the one you shared with The Man on the Moon. How will you explain this to your teacher and classmates?
Lab #7 Focus: Working with abstract nouns.
In third grade you learned that nouns are people, places, and things. Nouns are also ideas- honesty, patience, joy, and hope are a few examples of idea nouns- abstract nouns.
1) Spend some time thinking about how you celebrate the holidays. Do you travel to see family? Do you stay in Richmond? Are there traditions you enjoy each year? What makes this time of year special for you?
2) Choose 4-6 abstract nouns that make you think about the way you celebrate the holiday.
3) Write a 10 second script (use the script worksheet) explaining each noun and why it is special to you. Get Descriptive!
4) Create a folder in your Google Drive and name it Animoto.
5) Record your script using PhotoBooth. Sure you can add backgrounds.
6) Drag your video clips into your Animoto folder
7) Find images using the websites provided that further explain and complement the nouns that you have chosen.
8) Drag these images into your Animoto folder in your Google Drive.
9) Login to Animoto and build your movie! Add music, choose a theme, add text. Get Creative!
In third grade you learned that nouns are people, places, and things. Nouns are also ideas- honesty, patience, joy, and hope are a few examples of idea nouns- abstract nouns.
1) Spend some time thinking about how you celebrate the holidays. Do you travel to see family? Do you stay in Richmond? Are there traditions you enjoy each year? What makes this time of year special for you?
2) Choose 4-6 abstract nouns that make you think about the way you celebrate the holiday.
3) Write a 10 second script (use the script worksheet) explaining each noun and why it is special to you. Get Descriptive!
4) Create a folder in your Google Drive and name it Animoto.
5) Record your script using PhotoBooth. Sure you can add backgrounds.
6) Drag your video clips into your Animoto folder
7) Find images using the websites provided that further explain and complement the nouns that you have chosen.
8) Drag these images into your Animoto folder in your Google Drive.
9) Login to Animoto and build your movie! Add music, choose a theme, add text. Get Creative!
Lab #7 Focus: Working with parts of speech and using imagery
Get creative with Piclits!
1) Create a Piclit folder in your Google Drive.
2) Read the adjective and verb choices. Create several Piclits using the "Drag-n-Drop" feature.
3) Take a screenshot and move them to your Piclit folder.
4) Create several freestyle piclits. Use vivid adjectives and strong verbs.
5) Take a screenshot and move them to your Piclit folder.
6) Add your favorite Piclits to our collaborative slideshow.
Get creative with Piclits!
1) Create a Piclit folder in your Google Drive.
2) Read the adjective and verb choices. Create several Piclits using the "Drag-n-Drop" feature.
3) Take a screenshot and move them to your Piclit folder.
4) Create several freestyle piclits. Use vivid adjectives and strong verbs.
5) Take a screenshot and move them to your Piclit folder.
6) Add your favorite Piclits to our collaborative slideshow.
Lab # 6 Writing with sentence variety and using conjunctions.
Spend some time identifying and making compound sentences.
1) BBC -Is this compound?
2) Fun grammar-Choosing the right conjunction.
3) IXL-Which is compound?
Let's watch compound sentences in action:
Spend some time identifying and making compound sentences.
1) BBC -Is this compound?
2) Fun grammar-Choosing the right conjunction.
3) IXL-Which is compound?
Let's watch compound sentences in action:
4) Get ready to practice writing with compound sentences. Your job:
First- Interview your partner. Find out about her interests, hobbies, likes, dislikes, challenges, etc.
Second- Use your notes to write a well developed paragraph about your partner. Your paragraph should contain several compound sentences. Go to Google Classroom to get your document. Practice editing and revising with your partner. Print in 14pt, readable font, and double spaced.
Third- Design a magazine cover that features your partner. Use the planning sheet. Include at least 3 article titles. What clever name will you give your magazine?
Fourth- Take a few pictures of your partner. Upload them to your Google Drive. One of the images will be the cover of your magazine.
Finally- Create your magazine. Check with your teacher before printing.
First- Interview your partner. Find out about her interests, hobbies, likes, dislikes, challenges, etc.
Second- Use your notes to write a well developed paragraph about your partner. Your paragraph should contain several compound sentences. Go to Google Classroom to get your document. Practice editing and revising with your partner. Print in 14pt, readable font, and double spaced.
Third- Design a magazine cover that features your partner. Use the planning sheet. Include at least 3 article titles. What clever name will you give your magazine?
Fourth- Take a few pictures of your partner. Upload them to your Google Drive. One of the images will be the cover of your magazine.
Finally- Create your magazine. Check with your teacher before printing.
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/3/0/1730475/published/witch-clip-art-witch11.png?1507816113)
Lab #5 Focus: Sentence editing, using specific verbs, descriptive adjectives
Watch out Fourthies! The witch will cast a spell on you!
1) Create your before and after picture in Pages (no Chrome Books for this step). Remember to use a cubby door for the background. Write a clever caption (the caption will be the title of your story explanation) above your before and after pictures. Get creative with shadowing and borders. Enhance with a smidge of clip art. Here's a sample.
2) Explain how the witch was able to cast the evil spell on you.
3) Include specific and strong verbs and descriptive adjectives.
4) Carefully read your writing and EDIT.
5) Color code your writing- choose 3 of your best verbs and make them RED, choose 3 of your best adjectives and make them BLUE.
6) When you are proud of your writing, print it (14 pt., double spaced, plain font, dark color).
Watch out Fourthies! The witch will cast a spell on you!
1) Create your before and after picture in Pages (no Chrome Books for this step). Remember to use a cubby door for the background. Write a clever caption (the caption will be the title of your story explanation) above your before and after pictures. Get creative with shadowing and borders. Enhance with a smidge of clip art. Here's a sample.
2) Explain how the witch was able to cast the evil spell on you.
3) Include specific and strong verbs and descriptive adjectives.
4) Carefully read your writing and EDIT.
5) Color code your writing- choose 3 of your best verbs and make them RED, choose 3 of your best adjectives and make them BLUE.
6) When you are proud of your writing, print it (14 pt., double spaced, plain font, dark color).
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/3/0/1730475/banner-3.jpg?250)
Lab #4 Focus: Using specific verbs, adjectives, adding imagery.
1) Let's understand imagery:
* Definitionwww.softschools.com/examples/grammar/imagery_examples/141/
* Listen to " I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" by William Wordsworth
* More examples
2) Close your eyes and focus on the beauty of FALL! Imagine what you love to do during this crisp, fresh air season.
3) Log into your Storybird account. Spend sometime looking for images that will help you use imagery in a short story about the season of fall.
4) Keep your short but paint a picture with your words.
1) Let's understand imagery:
* Definitionwww.softschools.com/examples/grammar/imagery_examples/141/
* Listen to " I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" by William Wordsworth
* More examples
2) Close your eyes and focus on the beauty of FALL! Imagine what you love to do during this crisp, fresh air season.
3) Log into your Storybird account. Spend sometime looking for images that will help you use imagery in a short story about the season of fall.
4) Keep your short but paint a picture with your words.
Lab #3 Focus: Summarizing an event, sentence structure, editing practice.
1) Spend some time reading the Newsela articles about "fake news" in the Text-Set titled "Is it True?" 2) Choose an event and write a fabricated news article. Paste your article in the newspaper generator. 3) Want to take it a step further? Create your own fake "Breaking News." |
Lab #2 Focus: Sentence expansion,editing practice, choosing verbs and adjectives.
It starts with a cup of tea.
1) Now you have seen how a simple sentence can expand into a descriptive paragraph that really lets the reader see, hear, and feel what is happening.
2) Examine the images and choose one to use for your expanded paragraph.
3) Edit your writing.
4) Make 3 of your most descriptive adjectives red.
5) Make 3 of your strongest verbs blue.
6) Download your image and drag it into your document.
It starts with a cup of tea.
1) Now you have seen how a simple sentence can expand into a descriptive paragraph that really lets the reader see, hear, and feel what is happening.
2) Examine the images and choose one to use for your expanded paragraph.
3) Edit your writing.
4) Make 3 of your most descriptive adjectives red.
5) Make 3 of your strongest verbs blue.
6) Download your image and drag it into your document.
Lab #1 Focus: Sentence structure and punctuation editing.
Mystery Fourthie- Your writing will be on display in the hall:)
1) Describe yourself in 6-10 well thought out sentences. Include your hobbies, passions, interests, and personal traits about yourself. Focus on who you are NOT what you look like. Each sentence should begin in a unique way. Write your paragraph in first person point of view (saintscs, library).
2) Take a picture in Photo Booth and bring it into PicMonkey. Have some fun in PicMonkey. Use the Focal Pixelate. Drag your finished picture to the desktop and then drag it into your writing. Some visual hints:
Mystery Fourthie- Your writing will be on display in the hall:)
1) Describe yourself in 6-10 well thought out sentences. Include your hobbies, passions, interests, and personal traits about yourself. Focus on who you are NOT what you look like. Each sentence should begin in a unique way. Write your paragraph in first person point of view (saintscs, library).
2) Take a picture in Photo Booth and bring it into PicMonkey. Have some fun in PicMonkey. Use the Focal Pixelate. Drag your finished picture to the desktop and then drag it into your writing. Some visual hints: