Celebrate reading

What a joy to come to school to a cast of book characters this morning. Many students in class opted to dress as favorite characters today, from Percy Jackson to Minli. It was a terrific start to the week. Tomorrow the collective of Lower Division students will drop everything a read at 8:15, together in the lunch area. Be sure to remind your child to bring a towel on which to sit and read! On Thursday we will enjoy some buddy reading with Ms. Cameron's class. Students will spend time sharing the books they have been reading in reading workshop, oping to spark one another's interest in some new titles. On Friday, of course, is Oldie Goldie. If you would like your child to purchase gently used books, please send a few dollars on Friday. As you know, books are a steal at 25 and 50 cents a piece!

In reading workshop, students are considering now how setting may or may not impact the stories we are reading. We began a new read aloud novel, Tuck Everlasting. In the Prologue, Natalie Babbit paints a vivid picture of a humid, dead air moment in time that hints to the reader the twisting, turning and exciting story to come. On their own reading, students noticed that in addition to foreshadowing, setting may also reveal attitudes and personalities of main characters as well, in addition to proving very specific stages to the action of the stories. And then, at times, setting seems less important within the stories we read, merely providing a dim backdrop to character change and plot. For sure, reading this book together is a highlight of the year. I am thrilled to begin the journey!

In writing workshop, we are studying effective fictional narrative endings. We know that high quality endings usually resolve a problem that has been crucial to the stories that we read. In that way, endings usually connect readers to the beginnings of stories. Finally, we know that good endings--although they might surprise us--makes sense in the context of the stories. We will continue to examine endings as students begin the process of making large revisions and publishing their fictional narratives.

We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Jotch's class of junior kindergarteners Wednesday as we begin early our celebration of science week. Fourth graders will facilitate a land and water experiment during which we will question how dry land will interact with water. Fourth graders will guide the younger scientists to come up with hypothesis, plan and carry out their experiments, and make conclusions. Stay tuned for pictures! In two weeks we look forward to being taught a lesson from Mrs. Owen's first graders on the topic of astronomy.

Students began a unit on perimeter and area today. Working in partnerships and small groups, we started by mapping and measuring our classroom. Once our we agreed on measurements in the large group, each student created a map of the classroom to scale and then found the perimeter of the room.

Upcoming important events:
February 22: DEAR, 8:15 a.m.
February 24: Oldie Goldie
February 27 - March 8: Science Week
March 9: Field Day
March 12 - 16: Spring Break