Wow, another busy week in our class! Just looking at the heading gives you a clue as to a few of the things we have been starting. I have been doing my best to post pictures and updates to Twitter for those of you who have followed us! I have gotten a little feedback from a few parents that they have enjoyed it.
Last week, and into this week, our reading groups worked on determining importance of text. We used informational books to turn the headings into questions before we read, and after we read the section, we went back and answered the question. We also just finished up working on Compare & Contrasting things in writing.
In reading this week we started literature circles, or "book clubs", where a group of students read a chapter from the same book and then meet to discuss their reading. I have gotten 3 of the 4 groups started.
Last week, and into this week, our reading groups worked on determining importance of text. We used informational books to turn the headings into questions before we read, and after we read the section, we went back and answered the question. We also just finished up working on Compare & Contrasting things in writing.
In reading this week we started literature circles, or "book clubs", where a group of students read a chapter from the same book and then meet to discuss their reading. I have gotten 3 of the 4 groups started.
Blue group has started From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This is a story about a girl and her brother who run away from home and live in a museum! The other 2 groups will start their book clubs next week. | Green group has started The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin. This is a mystery novel that will keep us guessing throughout the whole book! |
When the kids finish reading a chapter, they head onto a new website we are using called Edmodo.com. This is a website that allows students to reply to posts from either the teacher or other students (Yes it is similar to Facebook, except their profiles are not public and they need a password to join our class). If you are interested in seeing our discussions, leave a reply to this blog post and I will get you the class password!
Students did a great job with their first week of Voicethread. If you you are interested in learning more about what Voicethread is, ask your child to log on at home and show you! We are still working through some kinks, but I think we are getting the hang of it. I have noticed that it takes the kids much less time to talk about their reading as opposed to writing about it!
Next week on Tuesday we are going to do the "Hour of Code!" I can't wait for students to learn 21st century-skill of coding!