In
writing, our class continues to work on narratives. To date, we have explored a variety of leads,
looked at transitional words and phrases and explored ways authors
elaborate. Students learned that authors
use a blend of action, description, dialogue and thinking to develop
characters, setting and plot. Today, we
focused specifically on the use of dialogue.
Through a mentor text we explored a variety of tags for dialogue that
can be used instead of the commonly used, “said”. Throughout this unit each student has evaluated
their own pre assessment piece, exploring ways to improve their writing.
In Social Studies, we have been learning about mapping
skills and geography terms. Students have worked with the compass rose, determining cardinal and
intermediate direction. They have
learned about the grid system and grid coordinates. We have also worked with scale and the legend or
key.
Last week, students were assigned a “design your own amusement
park” assignment. This map and writing
assignment is due next Thursday, October 20th. Additionally, we are working on a geography “word
study” project/map in class. Students
have been given 29 geography terms that they are defining in their own words.
They are also creating a map that includes all 29 terms.
Tomorrow will
be our first nature journaling class with Karen Lieberman. After an introduction, we will move to the
woods behind the school to find our own “sit spots” where we will begin
sketching and observing nature.
Be sure to ask your child about
our first read aloud. It is one of the DCF
Book Award nominees, Escape from Baxters' Barn. A barn cat, Burdock, discovers a plot that
could endanger all of the animals on the Baxters’ farm. Together, the farm animals must use teamwork
to figure out a way to escape from the barn before it is too late. Be sure to ask your child about this
wonderful book. It is also one of the
featured books in the Library’s next Dorothy’s Club on Oct. 27th
from 5 to 6 pm.
Working with Vermont Road Maps
