'Tis the season, and if antlers help you finish that essay about Saturdays...well, that's just alright. Some of the fourth graders think Saturday is the best day of the week so it makes a good topic for Writing.

Report cards went home with students on Wednesday, and we learned how to conduct interviews for the Family History Report Project. Here are some of the questions parents and other relatives may find themselves answering over the Winter Break.

1. Where were you born?
2. What were some of your favorite things to do when you were my age?
3. Tell me something about the schools you attended.
4. What are some of the jobs you've had?
5. Tell me an anecdote from your life.

The report isn't due until the end of January, but the interviews sometimes work best during the winter break when there are often more opportunities to talk to relatives. In January students will learn how to make a family tree, add pictures and collect a favorite family recipe among other things.

Join us for the Sing Along tomorrow afternoon in the gym.

Friday

Homework. Fifteen minutes (at least) of reading each day is required. Yes, it's that important because, like learning to play the guitar or any instrument, the skill doesn't develop without a lot of practice.

The other part of homework is finishing assignments from class to turn in the next day. Finally, there are occasional projects like the Family History report that we talked about at Back to School Night and conferences. The kids will learn how to conduct interviews next week when the project assignment is given. The holidays are often a good time to interview relatives. The project isn't due until the end of January (no need for more holiday stress!)

Bonus question: What is the capital of Iowa? Several students came in this morning with the correct answer: Des Moines. Well done!

Friday

Our fourth graders learn to write essays this year. This week they completed a rough draft on the topic Saturdays. Many chose the title: Why I Love Saturdays. Learning to write a strong opening paragraph followed by a few more paragraphs of elaboration, examples, and details takes time and concentration. Today we'll learn how to write a strong concluding paragraph to finish the rough draft. Then, next week, we move on to revision, editing and the final draft.

Below is an optional assignment for an essay contest.

Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

Fourth Grade: Explain why Martin Luther ing Jr. was special enough to have his own recognition day.

Essays are due Friday, January 28, 2011.