February is here!! NO major snow storms!
Eighth graders have just completed a cross curriculum essay describing how Benjamin Banneker, a free black man, influeced Thomas Jefferson shortly after he wrote The Declaration of Independence. The historical documents we read, including The Declaration of Independence were sources the students used to formulate opinion essays. They produced wonderful essays that were well thought-out and brought together 2 short books, 3 articles, and The Declaration of Independence to understand the role of African Americans in Colonial America. Later this year, when they make the trip to Washington D.C., Reading Workshop students will make the real life connection of our founding fathers and their feelings regarding slavery in America at that time. The students have created a wonderful display of their work, including portraits, a copy of The Declaration of Independence, and all essays. I encourage parents to take a look at this glass display case just outside the gym. Eighth graders have also just completed a short work of fiction by James Meek, The kind of Neighbor You Used to Have. This is a story about a Dystopian society, much like George Orwell's 1984, and Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, which they are reading in English. This connection will help students to better understand the theme behind this type of story.
Seventh graders have completed several short fiction and non-fiction and have continued to practice 4 comprehension strategies with all of their reading. We have just begun the second in the Joey Pigza series by Jack Gantos; Joey Pigza Loses Control. Students loved reading about the antics of Joey, but also understood this likable character had some sadness in his life that is very realistic. Our students are very tuned in to the feelings of others.
Sixth graders have been moving quickly through short fiction and non-fiction. They are doing a wonderful job reflecting on what they have learned, and are learning to use the four comprehension strategies of Question, Clarify, Predict, and Summarize. We have recently joined Mrs. Caprio's MARS reading class for MCAS preparation. Mrs. Caprio has managed to make this task fun, and a wonderful learning experience. Joining in with the larger class has been a nice change of pace for my students. We have also completed a short story by Ray Bradbury, and watched a video of the same story, All Summer In a Day.
I have many wonderful books in my personal classroom library to borrow. Please stop by when you need a new book for SSR or personal reading at home. Parents, please discuss with your son or daughter what he or she is reading. Discussion of reading material is key to motivating and improving comprehension.
Laura Bradley
|
|