This week in reading workshop we talked about activating prior knowledge before reading non-fiction. This is a way for your brain to start thinking about the topic and asking questions while reading:  Is what I thought true? Does it make sense? I didn't know that...  We also looked at details in non-fiction and why the author might include certain information.  We worked on comparing and contrasting two books on the same topic while continuing our study of text features.

In writing workshop we are continuing to work on how-to books.  We practiced writing with voice and talking directly to the reader using the word 'you.'  We talked about the way that how-to writers picture each step and then choose exactly the right words.  We started a class how-to book about getting ready for recess.  We imagined ourselves getting ready in slow motion so that we could think about each step and exactly what we should write.  We re-read how-to books and noticed that an author elaborates on the steps by adding warnings and tips to keep the reader from going wrong.  We worked on adding warnings and tips to our own writing-this was fun!

On Friday we read a book that I had made about "How to Make a Kite."  We practiced reading it together, then the children had to follow the steps to make their own paper kites.  The steps were posted for them to refer to as they worked.  This was great practice in reading, following directions, using a how-to book, and fine motor.

Our sight words for this week are: mother, then, when, do, like


In math we practiced making different
 groups to make 6, 7, 8, and 9.  We worked on writing the sum first, then the addends.  This was quite tricky last week, but the more we practiced, the easier it has become for children to grasp the concept.  We practiced making groups of 6 with bi-colored beans, then writing a corresponding number sentence.  We also practiced making groups of 6 with cubes, then coloring the paper strip to match and writing the math sentence.

On Wednesday afternoon we had a chance to see the fifth grade play, "The Knight The Castle Rocked."  The children were mesmerized and really enjoyed it.

 Station work