We have started The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. This will be our last book of the year.
Each night, students will have a chapter to read and a writing assignment from class to finish. Please check with them and make sure they're caught up. By tomorrow, they should be done with Chapter 3 and have written 3 summaries as well as answered 2 essay-style discussion questions.
We're also working on Mythology Newspapers and the Author Study, both of which they will share at their Exhibitions!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Author Study Books
The 3 books for the author study need to be completed by tomorrow! We've got to get moving on this project. I've been waiting for kids to get their books done, but I can't wait any longer. If I do, we won't finish it before the end of the year.
There's a note with more information on this coming home today. Let me know if you have any questions.
There's a note with more information on this coming home today. Let me know if you have any questions.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
A Wrinkle in Time Project
Check out our project for the book A Wrinkle in Time...it's called the 4 Icon Challenge. Students had to find four images that captured the essence of the novel. They also had to explain why they chose the images that they did. Take a look...
Can't see it? Click HERE.
Also, just a note...we have starten new reading groups. These will be quick, done before Easter, and it'll require a lot of work on the students' parts. They'll have reading to do EVERY NIGHT! Also, don't forget about the Author Study. Reading those books will be a big part of their work over Spring Break.
Be sure to contact me with questions.
Can't see it? Click HERE.
Also, just a note...we have starten new reading groups. These will be quick, done before Easter, and it'll require a lot of work on the students' parts. They'll have reading to do EVERY NIGHT! Also, don't forget about the Author Study. Reading those books will be a big part of their work over Spring Break.
Be sure to contact me with questions.
Monday, March 12, 2012
New Book Starts Today!
We are starting our new book today. It's awesome and it's called When You Reach Me. We'll be using it to explore how to compare and contrast books as well as how to make connections between books.
We're ramping up the pace of things this go-round. We'll be spending only 8 school days on the book, so there are 8 reading assignments of about 25 pages each. Every time they read, students should write a quick summary of the main events. There will also be a writing prompt every day. Sometimes two! It's time to step it up and get them ready for sixth grade.
Also going on right now is our Author Study. For their independent reading, students have chosen an author. They are to read 3 books by that author. We'll then be writing a compare and contrast essay about the books. It would be good if all books are read by the end of Spring Break (April 16).
Stay tuned for more updates and for our Wrinkle in Time Project, which should be ready to share soon.
We're ramping up the pace of things this go-round. We'll be spending only 8 school days on the book, so there are 8 reading assignments of about 25 pages each. Every time they read, students should write a quick summary of the main events. There will also be a writing prompt every day. Sometimes two! It's time to step it up and get them ready for sixth grade.
Also going on right now is our Author Study. For their independent reading, students have chosen an author. They are to read 3 books by that author. We'll then be writing a compare and contrast essay about the books. It would be good if all books are read by the end of Spring Break (April 16).
Stay tuned for more updates and for our Wrinkle in Time Project, which should be ready to share soon.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Skype Session Tomorrow!
We just got done with the book A Wrinkle in Time. It was excellent and the kids got a lot out of it. We had some deep discussions about characters and theme. I'm really impressed with what they're doing.
Tomorrow, we'll be skyping with a 5th grade class in Salem, Massachusetts that is also reading the book. I can't wait! I'll share the results with you on Thursday. It should be an awesome experience.
Also, we'll be starting a new (and extra awesome) guided reading book, When You Reach Me on Monday. Stay tuned for reading assignments. We're going to only spend 2 weeks on it, because on March 26 we are starting a project on Mythology (which will also be awesome!!!!).
Stay tuned!
Tomorrow, we'll be skyping with a 5th grade class in Salem, Massachusetts that is also reading the book. I can't wait! I'll share the results with you on Thursday. It should be an awesome experience.
Also, we'll be starting a new (and extra awesome) guided reading book, When You Reach Me on Monday. Stay tuned for reading assignments. We're going to only spend 2 weeks on it, because on March 26 we are starting a project on Mythology (which will also be awesome!!!!).
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Author Study is Launching
For the second semester, my reading students will have to complete an author study. This involves:
- Reading and taking notes on 3 books by the same author. The author must come from a list I will provide tomorrow. None of the books should be from the same series.
- Writing an essay that compares the three books and that includes information about the author.
Reading three books is going to take some time. So I'm going to get students started on this as soon as possible. I'd like to have them choose an author by Tuesday.
I have lots of books in my classroom library and I'm more than happy to share. But I don't have 3 books by every author on the list, so a trip to the local library or bookstore is more than likely going to be necessary.
Look for a full description of the project to come home soon. If you have any questions, be sure to let me know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)