Fleshing Out A Character

Fleshing Out A Character is a fantastic after reading or pre-writing strategy!  This graphic organizer gives the students the ability to create or reflect on a character's actions, thoughts, dialogue, character traits, and feelings. 
This lesson went perfectly with our study of using decriptive details, action, and dialogue in our writing. 

Comic Central

  Last week we discussed how writing a comic strip was writing a short scene or a short story.  Clear beginning, middle and end.  We had been adding dialogue and details in our narratives, so writing a comic strip would be a great way to feature these crafts as well as the students' imagination. 
We shared in class different comic strips.  Some of the strips had 1, 2, 3 or more panels to share their thought.  We discussed how comic strips usually use humor.
I went on line and found a site where I can print strips already made in 3, 4 or more panels.  They are in the classroom and can be used during "free write" or lunch time.
The comic strip site was http://www.gocomics.com/.  Parents, this site is loaded with comic strips.  Please review the comic strips your child selects.  Some are geared more for adult humor.  We shared Marmaduke, Charlie Brown, Cathy, and Garfield. 
Here is one friend's work!

Christian the Lion

     Last night at the Duval Reading Council meeting, the presenter showed this youtube clip.  She also shared the books that had been written about this special lion.  There are two adult books and two children books in print.
     We shared this clip in class today and the children were so excited.  We then went to the Media Center where Miss KK quickly researched and found out that we had one of the books in our library.  Of course the students checked it out. 
     We want our readers to read independently, read with friends, discuss what they have read, know how to take an assessment, and probably most importantly, we want them to be curious about the world around them, research, and then read!  This morning's lesson was not planned, but it is one we bet the students will not forget. 
     Both authors have websites Anthony Bourke and John Rendall.  George Adamson is the man that helped release Christian into the wild, and information about him is also online.

Captain Nobody

Our current read aloud is Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford.  The summary reads, "When Newt Newman's football-star brother, Chris is knocked into a coma during the biggest game of the season, Newt's two best friends keep Newt's mind off the accident by helping him create the ultimate Halloween costume: Captain Nobody."
The time we spend reading daily allows me to ask hgher level questions that require deeper thinking and it broadens the students' vocabulary.  We use our context clues to figure out the meaning and record the rich words in our Wonder Word book and put the words and their definitions on our Wonder Words Wall. 

Check out the following sites featuring Captain Nobody.
Captain Nobody
About the Author Dean Pitchford

White Boards to the Rescue

     This week we have begun to utilize small dry erase boards in Writer's Workshop.  The erase boards are used in the "Connection" segment of the mini-lesson.  I review what we learned as writers the day before and then give the writers a topic to write about.  For example, we discussed how to use a web to write down thoughts, dialogue, setting, and actions before actually writing.  So, one day this week they were given a topic (a slide in the park) and they had about 5 minutes to create a web.

     Then the students hold up their board so that I can read their ideas, and then a few students share their ideas and I record them on the board. 

     We have dry erase boards, individual markers, now we are in need of an eraser for each student.  Socks get so dirty, so please consider purchasing an eraser for your child.  It of course is theirs to keep.

     This photo is an example of a setting lead. 

Websites of Interest

http://www.poetry4kids.com/
www.studyzone.org/testprep
http://www.destinationsuccess/
http://school.familyeducation.com/

Knowing Authors and Illustrators

I want your child to know the names and styles of certain writers and illustrators!  Yes, it is great if they can recall a book title that they read, but I want them to take the time to become familiar with that author and illustrator. 
We have a special area set up in the classroom where we can "get to know" our favorite authors and illustrators.  Most authors have their own website your child can visit.  You can google an author or illustrator to find out other books they have written or illustrated.
Teaching your child to make connections between the books an author has written is powerful.  Your child will know about the type of style the author writes with.  What common themes are among the books.  Other authors that write in a similar fashion, or the authors who have a style very different. 
Here's a few to look at:
http://www.lesterlaminack.com/
http://www.memfox.com/ and
http://www.carmenagradeedy.com/

Learning Outcomes

We have started off the year focusing on Chets Creek's Learning Outcomes.  These outcomes are posted outside the door of every classroom.  These are the attributes we want all children to pocess when they leave Chets Creek after fifth grade.
We are studying in depth through converstation and role playing each of these outcomes.  We began the year learning what it means to be self-directed.  The students amazed me with their thoughts on the topic.  For example, they said things like, " In a self-directed classroom the teacher doesn't talk as much.  I learn from my classmates.  I get to be indepent.  I don't have to raise my hand to talk."
We just spent time last week discussing what a collaborative learner does.  Ask your child about these two outcomes. 
The year has begun beautifully!