This week in Literacy our lessons and stories were about animals and how they depend on their habitat for survival. The kids loved reading the narrative nonfiction pieces. They learned lots of great facts about many different animals and their habitats. One of the pieces we read this week was about coral reefs and how important they are to many sea animals and plants. I brought a piece of coral and a big chunk shell in for students to get a hands on idea of what can be found in a coral reef. Another interesting story we read was about prairie dogs and their habitat. We learned that prairie dogs use many different sounds to communicate with each other and they even take turns being a "guard dog". In our little reading groups we read a book called "A Tree Full of Life" this book gave us information about all the creatures that depend on the Eucalyptus tree. Ask you child about some of the animals that depend on this tree.
We have been working hard on identifying the main topic and key details in the pieces of text that we read. Another important strategy that we are working on is looking back in the text to find answers. This is a super important skill, it helps with test taking and we will continue to work on this through out the school year.
In writing we have started to write a procedural text which is basically writing how to do something. We looked at a model piece of writing called "How to Draw a Dolphin". We then brainstormed ideas of different types of "How to's". I modeled with my own piece of writing "How to make a Turkey Sandwich". Students are currently in the process of making their own stories.
In Social Studies we have started to learn about different land features. Yesterday each child was assigned four different landforms to illustrate. They did a great job.
Enjoy the weekend!!
Anne Taylor
