As my girls and I hiked through Indian Lake on Saturday, we got so warm we were shedding our layers and I thought, this is nearly February in Wisconsin?! If it is, I'll take it! The kids know how much I like to go on hikes with my girls and this weekend was perfect for some spectacular views, fresh air and girl talk!
January was a busy month of assessing kids in reading, writing and math! We took both the reading and math MAPS assessments. I will share the results of those at our upcoming conference. I have also completed another spelling inventory and an individualized reading assessment with all the kids. It is an exciting time, getting to see so much growth! I am very proud of the kid's hard work!
As we enter into February, here are a few things that are coming up:
As we enter into February, here are a few things that are coming up:
conferences
Conferences will be held on March 3 and 10 from 3-6:30pm. I sent out a sign up. If you did not receive it or need an alternate time/day, please let me know!
reader's workshop
We have been very busy with our animal research! Groups of kids have been researching the same animal, working together to build on their knowledge through a variety of nonfiction texts. We have been learning about note taking, comparing and contrasting information, synthesizing and working together cooperatively.
writer's workshop
In the beginning of January, we immersed ourselves in poetry and experimented with writing some of our own. It is such a fun form of writing and the kids came up with some wonderful poems and ideas!
We then moved into developing literary essays. We have been experiencing 'close reading.' This is to read the same text three times, each time looking deeper and deeper into different aspects of the book. We are asking questions about the characters' traits and motivations as well as the author's intentions, purpose and feelings towards their characters. So far we have used the short story "Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros and the picture book, "Fox".
We then moved into developing literary essays. We have been experiencing 'close reading.' This is to read the same text three times, each time looking deeper and deeper into different aspects of the book. We are asking questions about the characters' traits and motivations as well as the author's intentions, purpose and feelings towards their characters. So far we have used the short story "Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros and the picture book, "Fox".
The second week in February, we will move into opinion writing where the kids will have an opportunity to write a persuasive essay and a petition.
friendship celebration
On February 12, we will have a small Friendship celebration. The kids are welcome to bring in notes and/or Valentine's for all of their classmates. I will send home more information soon, along with a list of names of everyone in our class.
Have a wonderful start to February! And, maybe, just maybe, wear your PJs inside out on Monday/Tuesday night :)
Have a wonderful start to February! And, maybe, just maybe, wear your PJs inside out on Monday/Tuesday night :)