Reader's workshop - I am still continuing to test for new levels. I expect to have levels set in the next week and a half. At that time, literature circles will begin! For now, we are practicing our skills and becoming stronger readers (making mental movies, stopping to ask questions, etc.).
Writer's workshop - Students are continuing to work towards creating personal narratives. They are diving into the editing process by looking carefully at their own work by using a rubric. They are also working together by becoming editors of classmates work. They are offering helpful and detailed compliments and suggestions. In the next week or so students will begin to publish their work. Instead of typing personal narratives, students will be reading and recording stories. This idea was inspired by a special series on NPR called Story Corps: Recording the Lives and Stories of Everyday. Eventually students will post their recording on their websites.
Math - We are continuing work with place value (standard form, expanded form, comparing numbers and rounding). Students are getting use the centers/stations and taking advantage of that time. Students are also focused on word story problems and logic puzzles.
Social Studies - We are continuing to establish our setting for the NW Coast, the backdrop for our role play. This week students will create families and characters.
Word work - Last week students began the routine for work work (Mon.-Wed.) and Greek and Latin roots (Thurs.-Fri.) each morning. For word work students will be looking at different letter patterns and sounds, which will help with spelling and reading. Each week they will get a new set of words, receive a lesson, sort based on patterns and complete various activities for practice. Greek and Latin roots will help with vocabulary. Students will participate in different activities, including word sorts, illustrations, discussions and matching.
Class meetings - As usual, the compliments that take place at the beginning of each meeting are incredible! Students are continuing to solve problems from our notebook by offering suggestions to challenges that students are facing. This week we will focus on a range of strategies that can be used to solve problems before we write them in the notebook.
Other notes:
Students received a class calendar, which will be used to help keep track of important dates. This is meant to help students take responsibility and be prepared for school. For example, students should be remembering on their own to bring instruments and homework on specific days. They could update their safety patrol schedule or play dates. Students should bring to school each day. Feel free to add important dates specific to your family as well.
I hope to see you at Open house on Thursday! I will be going over more specifics on how things operate in our classroom and you can take a look at what students have been up to so far!