End of Sept Update!

In writing

 We are officially off to a spectacular start on our narrative pieces. Most students have selected a small moment topic to write about as a full out narrative. This will include taking a moment and writing about it with an introduction, middle and conclusion, as well as using author's craft techniques such as figurative language and dialogue to help make the story interesting. I am also focusing heavily on what type of writer's they are and how they work through the writer's process. If you want to help your child at home, I recommend asking them about the topic and help them remember details from that particular topic. I know they would appreciate the help! 

In reading

we are working on writing a good stop and jot using Kyleen Beer's Fiction Signpost strategy. These signposts help students recognize moments in a story that give clue to larger concepts such as conflict, theme, symbolism, craft, etc. We used common clips from videos to help teach us of these moments, and then looked from them in our own texts. On Friday (today), we took one of those ideas and talked about how to write a good write long about it, as we will be using this technique in reading frequently. 

**Our September reading challenge is finished on Tuesday. Their goal was to read 350 minutes this month(in and out of class) to reach 9,000 as a class. They have a log that does need to be signed and turned in to get credit. If they lost theirs or forgot it, I have extras 

 You read Challenge

For Math (Ignore if your child not in my class or in CC1)

 This first unit is all about teaching routines for Bridges and multiplication strategies. We are just getting into the heavy lifting of the unit by discussing different methods of multiplying larger strategies. If you need any help at home teaching these ideas, please let me know or check it out on the Bridges Website.  With the pacing we are going at, my class will be  looking to take our first Unit test sometime in the first full week in October (not next week but the week after).

In social studies

 we are working on geography basics. We had an informal states and capital test which went very well, and I will continue to give the option to retake the test so students can nail all 50 states and capitals by the end of the semester.  They are also currently working in groups to identify characteristics of the US regions.  I extended the deadline for Monday, which hopefully they will be ready for. If not, I can extended it again if necessary.  

Overall, we've had a wonderful first month together. I have really enjoyed teaching your children so far, and have loved the sense of community they are developing. We have a lot of fun working together, talking things out and sharing ideas.  I have also really loved our classes' sense of humor!

 Things you can ask your kiddos this weekend:

1. What is a metaphor vs. a simile?

2. Who are the Little Rock 9?

3. What's the difference between revising and editing?

4. What is a longitude line and what is a latitude?

5. What was the best post it you had this week about the videos?

6. What is your narrative topic? How do add details to your writing?

7. What did the BFG do with Sophie in the last chapter?

8. When does Mexico celebrate their Independence from Spain?

9. How do you play alibi?