Reading Challenge groups will start towards the beginning of October.  This will be their small group time, so the core content will be delivered and graded by their classroom teacher.  This year we will be weaving Depth and Complexity and Bertie Kingore activities throughout Project Based Learning connected to their Wonders curriculum.   Once in a while, we will be using a 'Walking Classroom' some days where students will walk and listen to podcasts about content aligned to the classroom curriculum along with learning some mindfulness techniques (like observing nature and going for a leisurely walk).  Students will engage in structured discussions using questioning strategies about these podcasts, higher-level comprehension questions, rigorous vocabulary, and complex text for their ability level.  

Reading Challenge groups will start towards the beginning of October.  This will be their small group time, so the core content will be delivered and graded by their classroom teacher.  This year we will be weaving Depth and Complexity and Bertie Kingore activities throughout Project Based Learning connected to their Wonders curriculum.    Students will engage in structured discussions using questioning strategies about these podcasts, higher-level comprehension questions, rigorous vocabulary, and complex text for their ability level.   We will be doing a National Parks project that stems from what students will learn through Reading, Science, and Social Studies in their classrooms.  The project uses different technology (like Canva and Tinkercad) along with deep research about one park they have yet to visit.   They will finish the unit by making a 3D printing combining Ecosystems with their National Park.

6th-grade students who would like to continue their Genius Hour Project from last year will have that option, and I will be discussing with them a different project from their favorite book or a book they are looking forward to reading this year.  I plan to also weave in all the above lessons to keep the motivation high.