ELA Updates

Week of January 12th

So excited to be back! Re-establishing routines is key to a smooth transition back to school. We encourage parents to work collaboratively with us in supporting students to adapt to school routines effectively. Consistent routines contribute to a sense of security and help students focus on their academic and social development. Our top priority is to create a positive and inclusive environment for all students. To achieve this, we organized communication and team-building activities that foster collaboration, understanding, and camaraderie among the students. These activities aim to strengthen the bonds within our school community, creating a supportive atmosphere for everyone. 

Week of December 4th

Throughout the weeks, students have been meeting regularly with their literature groups to discuss assigned readings. These gatherings are not just about covering the material but also about fostering a deeper understanding of the texts. Students are encouraged to express their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in open dialogues to enhance their comprehension of the material. The heart of these literature group meetings lies in the focused discussions that take place. Students are encouraged to explore various aspects of the text. This collaborative exploration not only enriches their understanding of the literature but also promotes critical thinking skills. To further enhance comprehension, students are actively annotating their thoughts while reading. This process allows them to capture their initial reactions, questions, and interpretations, creating a personalized record of their engagement with the text. Annotated copies are then shared within literature groups, fostering a rich exchange of ideas. The literature group approach goes beyond traditional classroom learning. It promotes a sense of community among students, encourages active participation, and nurtures a deeper appreciation for literature. By engaging in thoughtful discussions and annotating their thinking, students are developing essential skills that extend beyond the realm of literature, preparing them for success in various academic and real-world scenarios. 

Week of October 16th:

Students have been placed into literature groups and are actively engaging in discussions about their shared book. This is an effective way to promote reading comprehension, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. After our current read allowed, students will be choosing books for their groups. Allowing students to choose their group books can also be a motivating factor in promoting a love for reading.  

Week of September 25th:

I am finishing up with BAS reading assessments on all students. We will continue launching our readers workshop this week. It has been a lot of fun listening to the students share their thinking about the books they are reading. I love it when I see students expressing their excitement for books and discussing them with others. 

Week 1 has been AMAZING! I have enjoyed getting to know all of the 5th graders over the past few days. We have spent this week getting to know each other as well as review classroom procedures and expectations in 5th grade. Next week we will start our reading assessments. I'm looking forward to getting to know the students as readers.