What We've Been Up Too...

I modeled how to retell a story using the big book Robot-Cat.

Students were given retelling writing prompts. They used the paper to stick their post-it notes to. 

In Writing I modeled how I can stretch out my small moment story by storytelling it across my five fingers.  Next, students retold their story lifting a finger as they told what happened first, next, and so on.  After that, in their five page booklet, they quickly jotted down what happened first, next, and so on.  This will help them remember what each page will be about and encourage them to stretch their story across five pages!

We have also practicing zooming in on the small moment by noticing tiny details.  To begin this lesson each pair of students received a seashell and a magnifying glass.  With a buddy they noticed all the tiny details on the shell such as the texture, colors, and smell.  Before students went off to add to their story, I modeled how I can zoom in and add tiny details to my story. 

We practicing SHOWING not TELLING our feelings when we write.  After showing examples it was the students' turn to try this writing technique. 

We listened to the story Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. We used the lead of the story as a mentor lead.  We asked ourselves, "What did Jane do to write such a great setting lead?"  

To model how I can revise my lead I first cut it out.  

Next, showing the children how I use Jane's lead as a guide I rewrote my new lead on a revision strip. 

Lastly I tape my new lead onto my story.  

While sitting next to their writing buddy, students each were given a revision strip to try writing their own setting lead, referring to our mentor author, Jane Yolen as a guide. 

This upcoming week we will try out more types of lead before choosing our favorite. 

In Social Studies, students have been learning about the different types of communities. 

This week we also went to a bullying assembly where two of our classmates were picked as volunteers from the audience!

Our Word of the Week was catastrophe. 

Lucy, the dog from St. Hubert's Animal Shelter came to visit our class.  We learned about being kind to animals. 

And listened to the story Go Home!  The True Story of James the Cat.

And finally to end our Friday, students who had all of their homework this week were able to pick a coupon they can use in the classroom such as: stinky feet (taking off shoes for the day), wearing a hat, extra time on the computer, switch seats for the day, switch jobs for the day.  More coupons will be added soon!