A Christmas Carol

In reading we finished problem/solution text structure. The kids enjoyed being super sleuths playing Clue before Thanksgiving break. We will begin "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens Thursday, December 3rd with an author study. I think it is important to have background knowledge of the authors as well as reading their magnificent literary works. The test is written in play form, therefore the classes will rotate speaking/reading parts daily in their reading groups. We will focus on plot line and literary elements.
In writing we will finish this quarter with more figurative language. This week we will focus on hyperboles. Shel Silverstein is the author I'm incorporating into the writing lessons. My students will also keep an in-depth log of figurative language found in "A Christmas Carol".
I'm still in desperate need of a bookcase if anyone has one in good condition and would like it to find a new home!
If any parents would like to purchase Clue games for my classroom, it would be immensely appreciated. Thank you!

Problem/Solution

We will engross our learning with problem/solution reading text structure and writing structure this week through Dec. 4th. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous characters Sherlock Holmes and his trusty companion Watson will serve as our problem/solution modeling.
In writing my students will focus on 7th grade problems and possible solutions. They will complete a published three paragraph short essay on their chosen problem/solution.
Tuesday, November 22nd my reading students will be super sleuths learning and "playing" CLUE. If you have a Clue board game would you please send it to school with your child this week. I need 5 more games. THANK YOU!!!!!!

Vampires

Well this week we are reading about Vampires and my personal dream boyfriend Edward Cullen! We will explore the myths, legends, facts, and opinions of vampires. Rod Sterling is the author of the week. After reading "Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" we will compare and contrast 2 Rod Sterling videos - don't you just love The Twilight Zone!
We will read and write persuasive text. A look at advertising and the methods used will be explored.
Students finished their literary mini poster and are busy working on their life analogy paragraph! The analogy of my life is like a KC Chiefs game!

Common Assessments

My reading students will take their second District Common Assessments this week. We have had a lot of ill students the past few weeks - just a reminder to take your vitamins, drink plenty of liquid, get lots of rest, and READ to relax!
In writing we are continuing rainbowing and figurative language. We need old magazines this week!

Folklore & Fairy Tales

Weeks of Oct. 5th and 12th: We will explore the world of folklore and fairytales to coincide with the International Fair in Social Studies. Your child will read, work on plot line, develop character, setting etc... to coordinate with writing a folklore. We will compare and contrast different version of fairytales also. Specific details will need to be included with the final result - a folklore developed by them to read to a third grader attending the Internaional Fair on October 14th!

Need a Book Case

Parents - If any of you have a book case taking up space at your home and would like to donate it to my classroom, it would be deeply appreciated! The one in my room is very small and I have many books I would like to add but can't due to limited space! Thank you very much!

Rikki Tikki Tavi

For the weeks of Sept. 21st and 28th: We will read Rikki Tikki Tavi from the basal and discuss story elements and plot line. We will add some poetry writing also. I will show them a clip from Discovery Streaming on cobras and will conclude the story with a test and 30 min. DVD. They are welcome to bring a drink on THursday, Oct. 1. Please kep in mind we will be on Gold schedule that day so they will have reading in the morning and juice maybe more appropriate than soda pop! We will add some poetry writing also.
In writing we will finish their expository writing and complete prefixes and suffixes. We will start working in some figurative language.
Please keep checking those grades on Power School! I mini-conference with my TA and Enrichment class students every Thursday so they know their grades.

"The Chase"

We finished "Black Blizzard" and will continue expository reading from our basal next week "The Chase". We are still working on the 5 W's, cause/effect, and drawing conclusions.
We are working on our expository writing - their "Moment in Time" essay. Rough draft is due Tuesday, Sept. 15. We will finish our last unit-Unit 4 on roots.
Enjoy the fair next Wednesday - I know I will after "teacher" school that day!

"Pop Talks"

Next "Pop Talk" is Friday, September 25, 2009. Please remember to bring your favorite soda pop or other drink and be prepared to tell about your character and summarize what you've read thus far in your library book!

"Pop Talks"

First "Pop Talk" is Friday, Sept. 4th. Please bring your favorite soda "pop" or drink! My favorite is Dr. Pepper!

School year begins!

What a great first week! It was absolutely awesome recognizing all those grown-up faces from 6th grade! This blog will give you some information about Communication Arts this year, but as always don't hesitate to call if you have questions or concerns.
Reading: We are currently taking the first District Common Assessments-oh joy! We will begin the fall with a selection of articles for "A Moment in Time" unit. They are expository articles and included in this unit we will explore our own "moment in time." They have already completed their poster about themselves.
Writing: We are busy journaling and getting to know each other related to "A Moment in Time." We will begin "rainbowing" (diagraming) and learning our roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

Sillin Spotlights Beginning

This blog is for the sole purpose of parents and students to blog with me about reading, writing, or enrichment classes. Feel free to write general blog statements or read for updates about class assignments, projects or miscellaneous information. Personal information should be emailed to me!
Thank you for being a part of this exciting project with me!
Let's have an awesome year together!