Reader's Workshop and "Stars"

Baskets of books are everywhere in our classroom. We will be testing reading levels next week, but we already know the books that are "just right" for us. We are busy working towards Guided Reading groups which will be formed by the end of this week. The children love their reading time. We are exploring characters,how they feel and what they are doing. The settings, where the story is happening, what the season is, what time of day it might be. After reading we have time for discussions about wonderings, what they noticed about the stories. We began our "Star Vocabulary" introduced with the story Goldilocks and The Three Bears. The words we used and learned about were "tempted, gruff and enraged". I heard many use this word and they received a "Star" certificate everytime I noticed they used the new word. What a great way to increase vocabulary! Such a fun way. Next week The Gingerbread Man will bring us some new "Star" words. I can't wait to find out what they are!!

PS Ipod Shuffles are coming to our room soon!!!

"Sharing" Writer's Workshop

One of the most important aspects of Writer's Workshop is the "sharing". The stories are flowing in Room 12 and we love to share. In our classroom we have a technology cart that includes a document camera where the children can place their writing to be shared with all. It gives the teacher a chance to check for understanding of the mini lesson that was taught and allows the students to see how their friends are writing and encourages improvements. Students give compliments to the writer and noticings of not only the story elements, but the conventions of the story. A great way for students to share and use the cutting edge techology that we are so fortunate to have in our classroom. Pictures to come!

Storm Watching

Your children and I had a great first week. We were very busy learning and practicing rules and routines. We've started our Journals, which by the way, are going to be such a joy for you to read after our 180 day adventure is done! I can already see that I have many good readers and writers.
We also started our new Math program Investigations and what fun it is! The pictures you see on "Rock You" are mostly taken during Math. Next week we will explore counting to 20 in many different ways including some games that always make learning a little more fun.
Next week we will begin our "Star Vocabulary" Unit. This is a unit created by a group of teachers in Jacksonville, Fl. It is designed to increase the vocabulary of our young readers using words that are in our all time favorite books. Don't be surprised if you hear a new word or two! If you do, ask your child what that word means and then praise the of course for being a STAR word user!
We will also begin to bring home Reading Homework every night, Spelling twice or three times a week and Math twice a week. Reinforcement at home is very important so please go over your child's homework each night to reinforce what we are doing at school. Send all homework back in the "Blue" folder and don't forget to sign your child's planner.
That pesky storm, Gustav may be bringing some rain our way by Wednesday...so your children and I will be doing a little storm watching. That makes for some really good stories!!