Writer's Workshop: Expert Nonfiction

Our first and second graders recently finished publishing their expert nonfiction pieces. During this unit, our students wrote about topics which they already knew a lot about, rather than using research. This unit emphasized creating a foundation for developing the skills needed for nonfiction writing.  We learned the writing style which is used in informational nonfiction books, the purpose and importance of various nonfiction text features, and the style of writing that is typically used in informational nonfiction writing.

Please visit your child's blog to see a digital copy of their published book. 

Reader's Workshop: Fairy Tales and Fables

Recently, we have been learning about fairy tales and fables in reader’s workshop. The students have been learning about the typical story elements of the genre. We have focused on learning about the characters, setting, events, and lessons in the tales. 

We are also in the process of writing fairy tale and fable adaptations. Please watch the video below to see one of our student’s understand of fairytales and the adaptations she plans on making to her own version of a traditional tale. 

Science: Air & Weather

During our current science unit, Air and Weather, our students have been learning about patterns in weather conditions and how we can use these patterns to forecast the weather. One element of weather patterns which we have researched is seasons. Our students have learned how seasons are created and why seasons are different in various parts of the Earth. You can watch the video below to one of our student's learning. Please visit your child's blog to see their Air & Weather posts.

Reading: Nonfiction Books

In reading, we have been studying nonfiction texts. Out students have been learning about the characteristics of the non-fiction genre and strategies which good nonfiction readers use. Our students have been reading about a variety of topics and learning a great deal of new, interesting information! Ask your child to share some of the amazingg facts they have learned. 

Watch the video to below to hear some of the strategies a good non-fiction reader uses.