Weekly Update

Reading Workshop
We began our second unit of study this week--Understanding Characters.  We also began our second chapter book read aloud, Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.  So far in Unit 2 we have talked about how readers envision and notice what the characters say, do, think and decide.  We've also learned to use our observations to figure out what the character is like on the inside.  Students practiced "walking" inside a character's shoes during independent reading time.  This helped them understand they can feel what the character feels and want what the character wants.  Finally, readers learned that stories will provide new details which will help them get to know even more about their characters.

Writing Workshop
We also began our second unit of study in Writing Workshop.  Students will learn more strategies for writing effective personal narratives throughout this unit.  Students have learned it is easier to write well if they are writing about a memorable experience.  They created a list of ideas for personal narratives by thinking of a strong feeling (worry, hope, embarrassment, sadness, happiness, etc).  Students also created a list of ideas for personal narratives by thinking about times when they did something for the first time.  As students get started writing, they are reminded to make a movie in their mind and start with a strong lead.

Math Workshop
This week we started Unit 2.  Please take some time to read the Parent Letter by clicking on the "Math" tab above.  In this unit, students will use various strategies to learn multiplications and divisions for 6s, 7s, and 8s while continuing to practice with the factors covered in Unit 1.  In the first lesson students explored patterns in the 6s count-bys, multiplications, and divisions.

Science
We wrapped up our Water Unit and will soon begin our next unit--Earth, Moon, and Sun.

Happy Halloween!
Students had a lot of fun at the class party on Thursday.  Thank you to the parents who planned the party!  The CSI activity was a big hit!  Students also enjoyed a craft, word search, and lots of yummy treats!!