Text-based Evidence, 5 Themes of Geography, Book Orders

Currently we are reading the novel Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. The first big focus of our discussions in reading workshop is "What can we tell about a character based on their actions, feelings, and dialogue?" Yesterday and today students have been working in groups to discuss what they have already figured out about Opal and her father, who she calls "the Preacher." Getting used to backing up your answer and explaining your thinking is a big step, and I heard GREAT conversations from around the classroom. One group even grabbed their Interactive Reading Notebook (see the photo on the right) to refer to our list of character traits. 

This year in social studies we will focus on two main topics...regions of the US and North Dakota. Everything we study will tie into these five themes of geography (see pic). Before we begin, however, we need a solid understanding of how to read maps, so this week we jumped into Chapter 2 and have studied map scale, lines of latitude and longitude, map keys (also called "legends"), and cardinal / intermediate directions. 

Last, but not least...ordering from the Scholastic book order. The website to order online is on the front cover of the flyer, right below the heading and our class ordering code. To get into our classroom ordering page, you'll need the code GTTYN.

I can!

You will probably begin to read and hear statements that begin with the two words "I can..." quite often around Westside. Our Common Core standards have been rewritten in "kid-friendly" terms, and we are using a few each day to focus our learning and set goals for our time. They are so helpful, and I've been so amazed at how much more ownership students take in their learning when they know where we're going. It's hard to arrive at your destination if you don't know where you're going!!!

A few "I can..." statements from this week:
I can identify characters in a story and define setting.
I can explain how illustrations contribute to the words in a story.
I can use graphic organizers to plan my writing.
I can recognize when I need to double consonants, drop e, or change y to i when adding suffixes.

There are many more, but these stand out to me tonight after today's lessons!

Quick notes:

• Powerschool Gradebook: First few grades have been entered. Be sure to check through your Parent Portal access, and if you have any questions or need help setting up your account please contact Kristie in the office!!!
• Scholastic Book Order: Orders are due Friday. Either send a check and order slip by Friday, or order online using code GTTYN. Internet link was in the email I sent this afternoon!
• If you haven't yet, read my blog page titled "Homework." We are working on establishing activities at home to support learning in school and healthy living. Daily homework is to read, be active, and do a Home Link if one was assigned.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog and remain involved in your child's time in school!!!