independent Novel study
Students are picking out novels to read on their own. Through our class novel, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, we are learning about the elements of a story: plot, conflict, character, setting, theme, and point of view.
Reading
While reading, I "think aloud", and talk about what's going on in my head. This helps students hear what readers think about while they read. Good readers do a lot of thinking. That's the main difference between Real Reading and Fake Reading.
In order to truly understand the meaning of a novel or main ideas in a textbook, we often need to dig further than the words on the page. Our class will try out strategies used by good readers so that we can get the most out of what we read.
In order to truly understand the meaning of a novel or main ideas in a textbook, we often need to dig further than the words on the page. Our class will try out strategies used by good readers so that we can get the most out of what we read.
So What do good readers do?
1) They think about what they already know about the subject and combine new information to build deeper understanding.
2) They ask questions about the reading topic and try to answer them as they gain information. Their ideas may change as they find out more.
3) They make predictions about where the text is headed.
4) They often have a purpose while reading.
5) They pay attention text cues (pictures, graphs, headings) to gather information.
writing
We are busy writing journal entries to fill our class anthology, The Tales of Growing Up. Expect to be delighted, horrified, and maybe even put to tears with our recollections. We have agreed that writing can be a powerful form of communication. We will strive to make an impact with our words by learning some of the tricks used by our favorite authors.
So what do good writers do?
1) They use punctuation!
2) They adjust their tone to suit the audience.
3) They describe emotions and/or examples so the meaning is clear.
... there is much more, but let's leave it there for now.
2) They adjust their tone to suit the audience.
3) They describe emotions and/or examples so the meaning is clear.
... there is much more, but let's leave it there for now.
ORAL COMMUNICATION
Effective speaking and listening skills will be coached everyday!