Here's what is happening this week:
* Reading Log - Due Monday, April 16th
Shout out for Reading Logs - Reading Logs are a tool to encourage students to grow as independent readers. Many studies show that independent reading is a key skill linked to academic success. Please encourage students to read weekly outside of school whether it be novels, informational books, graphic novels, magazines, blogs, or even turning on the closed captioning on the TV.
Writing -
Monday we'll be a new tradition - MEL-Con Monday.
MEL-Con is a formula for writing exceptional argumentative paragraphs. MEL-Con stands for Main Idea (topic sentence or claim), Evidence, Link (explanation) and Conclusion.
Each Monday, we'll begin with a Pro/Con topic article and practice picking a side, using evidence from the article to support our claim, linking or explaining how our evidence supports our claim, and conclusion (recap or summary).
Later in the week we'll continue with Poetry focusing on Figurative Language -Metaphor & Simile, Alliteration, Hyperbole, Imagery, Onomatopoeia & Personification.
Reading Groups - Reading Groups will be back into full swings this week. Some groups are finishing books started before the break, some groups are transitioning into new books. This term we'll be focusing on character traits, plot and theme or message.
Independent Reading - Reading Log - Due Monday, April 16th.
All classes have a goal for number of students turning in Reading Logs, so that we can earn a class reward!
Students are expected to complete at least 150 minutes of Independent Reading each week with parent/guardian signatures for their reading times.
Social Studies -
This week we beginning our chapter on trade and cultural diffusion along the Silk Road.