FUN in Fundations Stations!

This week during Fundations stations students reviewed bonus letters and closed syllables. We watched a fun Alphablocks video to kick off the lesson, then broke into differentiated groups to rotate through stations. This group is constantly impressing me with their knowledge of spelling principles!

Alphablocks clip

Students search for and correct spelling errors on words with bonus letters.

Caleb and Elise work on trick word tic-tac-toe

Ada and Luke hard at work!

Molly and Nadia practice marking up bonus letter words.

Writer's Workshop: Map of my Heart

In Writer’s Workshop this week we read a fun mentor text ‘The Best Story’ and students brainstormed ideas for a ‘Map of My Heart’. We will be doing a lot of writing in our classroom over the next few weeks to celebrate the fall and Halloween season just around the corner.

Sadie, Soren and Gwyneth are busy filling the Map of their Hearts!

Nadia adds to her 'favorites'

J.J. decorates his heart map.

Starting Reader's Workshop!

Throughout Reader's Workshop in the past few weeks, students have practiced expanding their reading selection and choosing a ‘just right’ book. We read the mentor text Goldi Socks and the Three Libearians, and discussed the “five finger rule”. Ask your child how this rule works!

Annie tries out a non-fiction book using the five finger rule.

Danielle uses the five finger rule with a new series.

Jake reads the first page of a new book!

We also explored our classroom library and learned how and where our non-fiction, fiction, and series books are organized. During independent reading time, I have started conferencing one-on-one with students and learning more about them as readers. During share time we practiced the ‘turn and talk technique' with a partner. This is when students quietly share their thinking with a buddy. We are having fun in Reader’s Workshop and working hard!