We're off to a great start in Literacy this year! It has been such a pleasure working with your students and getting to know them better. They all bring such important experiences and knowledge with them that continue to form our classroom community into something wonderful.
Our first unit of the year is a short story unit where we read, analyze and write about various short stories and their elements. So far, we have reviewed many literary terms, discussed and explored a traditional plot map and learned about inferences and evidence. Ask your child about the animated short film, "Alma" and how this film followed the traditional plot map formula. In addition, talk to them about the inferences and evidence gallery walk we did today where we looked at 12 different photographs and made inferences based on what we saw. Lastly, have them tell you about the character profile they created based on trash. Yes, it sounds strange, but it's a great way to teach kids about how to make logical inferences. Tomorrow, we will read and begin to analyze our first story, "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes. Although I don't track at home reading with a log, please encourage your child to read at home nightly. We read in class every day for 30 minutes, but by reinforcing the importance of reading at home we can create those life-long habits that will serve them in the future. Let us know if you have any questions! And again, thanks for sharing your wonderful children with us. :) Ms. Saab |