3-9-11

I thought it was almost spring...after today's late start for snow I'm beginning to think that isn't the case :) However, with a little extra time this morning, it is a good time to update you on what's been going on in reading/language arts!

Reading: We're still plugging away at our strategies! Our strategy wall is getting full of the varoius tools that we can use while we read. We are currently working on summarizing and reading nonfiction materials. The kids are just finishing up with a nonfiction small group book. These were not easy and the kids are doing very well on them! These books have RC quizzes over them, and will count towards the requirments for the month. The biggest strategy for the nonfiction books has been adjusting your rate of reading.

Vocabulary: New words are coming today. The theme of these words is pioneer/frontier. The awesome thing about this unit is that it ties in perfectly with what Mrs. Dickman is doing in Iowa History. We may be collaborating with a couple of assignments! Test over these words will be next Tuesday.

Spelling: Words this week are commonly mis-spelled words. There are no challenge words this week, and the test will be on Friday.

Writing: Look out, the kids are learning to persuade. They are writing a persuasive paper on the topic of their choice this week. Some ideas out there are....kids should be able to drive, kids should be paid to go to school, the cafeteria should be a restaraunt. They are very funny.

Grammar: COMMAs....not their favorite :)

Next RC quiz is due on the 15th! Gotta keep reading!