Week Four: July 2 - July 6

Hooray, for the publication of our first summer school newspaper!

Reading

Our reading clubs are underway. The kids are getting into the routine of reading, taking notes, and discussing things about their books. This week, we talked about some of our challenges with book clubs. Many students shared that it was sometimes difficult to agree on the number of pages to read, how to read (out loud or silently), and to stay focused (sometimes conversations strayed away from the book or students read ahead).

We continue to talk about strategies that good readers use. This week, we focused on the strategy of “asking questions.” The students are learning that good readers ask questions before, during, and after they read. Further, good readers seek answers to their questions.

Writing

Many of the students have been interested in writing comics. Last week, Scott Yoshinaga and Audra Furuichi came to our classroom to talk with us about comics; they publish the comic Nemu*Nemu. Scott and Audra gave us great insight into the process of creating a comic and the essential elements of comics. Thank you, Scott and Audra!

This week in writing we focused on writing good conclusions. The children determined that good conclusions: wrap up the author's ideas, reinstate the author’s opinions, move the reader to action, or leave the reader with an idea, thought, or impression.

The students who published articles in last week’s newspaper are busy writing new articles. If your child did not have an article in last week’s newspaper, you’re sure to see one in our upcoming edition.

Please Note: Due to the shortened week, there will be no student "Weekly Reflection" attached to your child's evaluation. I decided to give the students more time to work on their goals.

Posted on July 5, 2007 6:24 AM | Permalink