Curriculum Corner for November 16-20, 2009
Reading:
- Teacher Read Aloud: This week we are finishing up the mystery The Westing Gameby Ellen Raskin. Your children have all been acting as detectives and gathering clues.
- Shared Reading: Understanding and Analyzing Theme: There are many questions we can ask about the characters and events that can help us identify and think about the theme of a book.
- Guided Reading: This week, the kids are finishing up their latest book club selection. They are completing their last job assignments tonight for their group to discuss tomorrow.
Writing: Response to Literature. The kids are editing and revising their drafts of their response to Summer of the Monkeys. They are required to write a 5 paragraph essay that includes a plot summary, the connections they made with this book and a "slow down" of their favorite part. They also must include their opinion about the book and back it up with details from the text. I have to say that I am impressed so far. Wait till you see these! I've got some natural writers in my rooms and even those that swore they couldn't write a 5 paragraph essay at the beginning of the year are proving themselves wrong. This makes my heart happy! :)
Spelling: Sort 15. See below for copy of the list. Several kids tested out! Yeah!
Grammar: Adverbs
Geography: A Physical Map of the United States
Math: Input / Output charts and Division with 2 digit divisors. I added a link on my website that might offer extra practice for those that need it.
Social Studies: The 13 colonies: kids will be creating a power-point (at school) with their research about their assigned colony. This Friday your child will travel back in time to Colonial Days with the whole grade level. Each classroom will offer a different lesson dealing with the Colonial time period. The kids will rotate to each room throughout the day.
