ELA 

ELA stands for English Language Arts and this is where we will be developing and strengthening our reading and writing skills.  This year we will be using the Units of Study program, which was developed by Lucy Calkins.  Below you will find a short video, narrated by Lucy, which will give you an idea of how our reading workshop will be organized. It will begin with a mini-lesson, where I will present and model a particular reading strategy.  Then the students are sent off to practice the reading strategy on their own.  They also will be continually writing about their reading and reflecting upon their progress of becoming a more proficient reader.  We will also be setting goals together to help the students achieve success as a reader.  While the students are reading and writing independently, I will be conferencing with them on an individual basis, or sometimes in pairs or small groups.  In addition, StoryWorks is another resource that we frequently use in the classroom.   The link is posted below, along with our class code, so you or your child can access it anytime from home.  

Word Study - This year we will be using greek and latin roots to help us develop our vocabulary skills and determine meaning of words.  Each unit will last about two weeks and there will be a unit test at the end of the unit.  The students will need to practice these words and study them at home before the unit test.  They will be required to apply these words in different contexts, not just memorize the definitions.  

Writing - In the first trimester, we will be working on developing a writing community and writing fictional narrative stories.  We will be using lots of descriptive language and details to enhance our stories!  In the second trimester, we will be working on informative writing, which aligns nicely with the second unit in Reading, which has a strong focus on non-fiction texts.  The third trimester will consist of persuasive writing and we will be reading lots of argumentative texts and will even practice debating in class to deepen our comprehension and ability to form strong opinions.  

Login as Student    Class Code:  Ebling