This week in Language Arts:
We will continue our study of realistic fiction through our reading of The School Story, by Andrew Clements. Throughout the novel (some read together, some independently or in partners,) students are discovering points on the plot pyramid, learning new vocabulary, and practicing comprehension skills. This is all leading up to book studies that will follow soon, where students will choose books on their own level and interest.
Our writing is taking on a life of its own through elaboration. Students are learning and applying a "show-don't-tell" strategy to help the reader really see, hear, and feel the way they do as writers. We are finding examples in our novel and we're applying the strategy to writing practice this week. Soon it will become part of their daily writing. :)
In Social Studies:
Students are working one more day on their Explorer books. We've been working each day in class during the week before Thanksgiving, so if students were working efficiently without having to be reminded to stay on task, they should be close to finished. The final product is due Friday, as well as the GT extension that some of them have. I will say that a few students lost their work and are having to start over again, so please check with your child tonight to see his/her progress.