Literature Circles
1. Students choose their own reading materials
2. Small temporary groups are formed, based upon book choice
3. Different groups read different books
4. Groups meet on a regular, predictable schedule to discuss their reading
5. Students write responses to literature to guide both their reading and discussion
6. Discussion topics come from the students
7. Group meetings aim to be open, natural conversations about books, so personal connections, digressions, and open-ended questions are welcome
8. In newly-forming groups, students may play a rotating assortment of task roles
9. The teacher serves as a facilitator, not a group member or instructor
10. Evaluation is by teacher observation and student self-evaluation
11. When books are finished, readers share with their classmates, and then new groups form around new reading choices.
2. Small temporary groups are formed, based upon book choice
3. Different groups read different books
4. Groups meet on a regular, predictable schedule to discuss their reading
5. Students write responses to literature to guide both their reading and discussion
6. Discussion topics come from the students
7. Group meetings aim to be open, natural conversations about books, so personal connections, digressions, and open-ended questions are welcome
8. In newly-forming groups, students may play a rotating assortment of task roles
9. The teacher serves as a facilitator, not a group member or instructor
10. Evaluation is by teacher observation and student self-evaluation
11. When books are finished, readers share with their classmates, and then new groups form around new reading choices.
Spelling / Vocabulary
Along with high utility words and phonemic instruction, our new curriculum has a leveled program that is designed to help students recognize spelling patterns through word study/word sorts, as well as an introduction to Greek and Latin roots. The new words for the week will be sent home every Monday, and there will be a homework assignment utilizing these words Monday - Thursday. High utility words may also be included in their homework. They are words that do not necessarily match a pattern, but are used frequently in writing, and should be memorized. Please help your child study these words daily. You can help by doing word sorts, playing word games, giving quizzes, and practicing identifying the word patterns. There will be a test every Friday that will include words from the spelling list and the vocabulary list.
The weekly lists are under the homework link.
The weekly lists are under the homework link.