Hi Everyone,
I hope you had a nice three-day weekend. And just think...spring break is just around the corner. :)
Here's what we are doing this week.
Reading: Students will continue reading independently in class each day for a short sustained silent reading of their historical novels. Each day as they read, a different focus is suggested such as paying attention to the use of figurative language or noticing unfamiliar words. Students use post it notes as they read to make note of these observations and we are keeping them in a folder. Each student is working on completing 6 short assignments from a choice board geared toward their individual skill level as well as choice of learning mode (i.e. visual spatial, linguistic, etc.) These little focus points each day will help them accomplish the chosen activities. For homework, students should continue to read 30 minutes per night. This week, if they haven't already, students should make one of those reading assignments be on MyOn. I have a project set up for them there.
Writing: Students are reviewing the latest writing benchmark. The objective portion scores were way up this time compared to the one taken in December. We are still working on developing prompts with strong supporting details and explanations, as well as catchy introductions and strong conclusions. This week we will be working a new prompt in class. Work that is not completed in class (due to off task behavior) will be sent for homework, and an email will be sent to you explaining that. In addition, there is some short editing and revising practice that is coming home today and due Friday.
Social Studies: This week, in 1836, the Battle at the Alamo began. We are looking at the battle in parts through a read aloud and a couple of short videos on Discovery Education. Students are creating a short mini book called Faces of the Alamo. We just started looking at the requirements today, and will go over it in more detail tomorrow.
Below you will find a slide show that will help you understand a typical prompt and how we address it in class. Each picture has a caption to explain.