Happenings in ELA

Both 4th grade classes are reading, Mrs.Frisby and the Rats of NIMH!  We have just begun reading it this week and it seems that the students are enjoying it. 

This trimester we worked on Informational pieces and are finishing up.  Some students created posters (4D) and others are creating informational books to be shared in our writing celebration, coming soon.

We are preparing for RICAS testing by becoming familiar with the tools that are provided to them on the chrome books. 
We are also reading text provided to us by the RI Dept. of Ed and working together to answer released items.  It is great exposure and practice in preparing the children.

Ms. Lopez was showing the students how to use the protractors and gave a lesson on different types of angles.

We will continue to practice during our Enrichment classes
on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We know that with exposure to the tools and examples, the children will feel more confident when it is time to actually take the test/

Our 5th graders finished the English project of Different Perspectives and are now focusing on The Live Wax Museum!!

These are just some samples of what the costumes and posters should look like.  This project requires a lot of effort and time.  We have begun work on it in class.  As of this past week, we have begun the researching phase, reading about the famous American they chose, and taking notes.

We have decided that we will dedicate the last week of March for the students to work on their poster board in school.  The children will work on planning out the layout of what they will put on their poster and how it will look. 
The costumes they wear should represent the person they are researching.  We ask that the children look around at home, or ask family members for clothing.  It is not mandatory that they order the costumes.  We want them to be resourceful and creative without spending too much money.

Fourth graders are also working on this in class.  They too are at the researching phase.  They will be reading about the famous Rhode Islander, taking notes and organizing the notes to create their written report.

Our circling up time has been working out nicely.  After reading a book to the children, we revolve our discussions from the lesson of the book.  In doing this, the children are exposed to many of life's lessons.  Some make great connections, others have A-ha moments.  They really enjoy sharing out their experiences, or some of the problems they have.  It is a great opportunity for team building or just conversations about some issues they are having.  For example, some of the themes we discuss are, friendships, getting along with others, diversity or just if someone is having a bad day.  We try to come up with some solutions that the children can work on. 

Coming up this week: Pi Day March 14th- We hope you can join us on Thursday night to take part in some of the wonderful games and activities that are being planned.

Report Cards will be sent home on Friday, March 15th

Have a wonderful week!!!