Here's a rundown of what we've been working on in class.
Writing -
This week we began Journal writing, which will be part of our daily routine. Journaling is a great way for students to build writing stamina, both physical and mental stamina. The rules are pretty simple: Date every Journal entry, and start on a new page. Write for the whole time - we are starting with 5 minutes, and building up to 10 minutes. Journals are confidential (with a just a couple of exceptions). Spelling and grammar don't matter (we'll work on that important stuff in other ways). Write about anything and everything.
We brainstormed and created an anchor chart that we can refer to each day for ideas - stories, memories, poems, diaries, sports, holidays, the future, etc....
I have used journaling for a few years, and find it's a great way for students to practice writing, and grow as writers without feeling a lot of pressure.
Reading -
This week we began with a story from Greek mythology called Zeus and Hera. We begin examining a short fictional text using an Inquiry method. We begin our initial reading of the text aloud together, and numbering the paragraphs together. Students then work together or independently on a second read focusing on understanding - underlining words and phrases we need clarifying in order to better understand the text - building vocabulary. 3rd and 4th readings we focus on important events or key passages. This week we focused on examining plot events, and looking at the main ideas of the text.
Independent Reading:
We had our first library visit this week, so everyone had a chance to check out a book.
Students should have a book for class each day.
Students should always be doing independent reading at home - a chapter book, graphic novel, biography, or non-fiction that isn't focused on pictures and graphic information. Each Friday we're doing quick response journals based on what students are reading at home. Students compose brief paragraphs about what they are reading, what reactions they have had, what predictions they are making, and what connections they make.
Social Studies -
This week we looked at Cave art evidence left behind by early cultures. We looked at patterns - what kind of images are commonly found, and attempted to speculate on why these images were made, and what purpose they filled. Were they religious or ceremonial artifacts, were they used in rituals, were they maps to hunting grounds, or were they stories of a success hunt?
We finished the week by making our own cave art. Thanks to families for helping to collect natural items to help make our pigments. Student's created their own images based on the examples we studied including common animals, and symbols we have observed. They will also be writing about what their image means or what stories it tells, what they symbols mean, and what they used to make them.