Report Writing

In the beginning of the year we conducted a research project and wrote reports based on our research. Today, we edited our reports to include some of the features of nonfiction text. Some of us added a table of contents, others text boxes, and still others labels and bold print. It was amazing work and the kids impressed me so much. 

Identifying and Describing Nonfiction Text

We have been working really hard at learning how to identify and describe the different parts of nonfiction text. The kids explored a pile of nonfiction, noticing many features, which they then used to generate a thorough list for our new anchor chart (see picture below). It has been so much fun to continue this exploration over the last few weeks and see kids get excited about what they know about nonfiction. They have even brought in their own books, pointed out things like the glossary and table of contents, and refered to our anchor chart as a reference!

This exploration aligns with common core standard RI.K.5: 

With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

Sharing New Facts I Have Learned

Today we learned that when we read nonfiction we learn new facts. A fact is something that it is true and gives us true information  about a topic. We talked about the importance of remembering the facts you learn in a book after you are done reading. To practice this we followed the following steps:

First we read the book.

Next we reread the title.

Last we say back across our fingers the new facts we have learned.

We used the nonfiction text "Living and Nonliving" and did a "close" read with each child listening for a new fact. After reading, we each took a sticky note and recorded our new fact and then posted it on a classroom chart (see the pictures below).

This activity supports common core standard RI.K.2 (Reading: Informational Text) With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.

100th Day of School

In February we celebrated the 100th Day of School! The kids pointed out to me that I have not posted our pictures from this special day. 

Throughout the year, during number corner, we have been keeping careful track of each day so we knew when we were at this milestone. It has been a meaningful way to practice Common Core Standard K.CC.A.1, (counting and cardinality) count to 100 by ones and tens. We created cereal necklaces using ten-frames to help us count, made crowns with 100 stars and went on a Hershey kiss hunt around the classroom. Each kiss had a numeral on the bottom. We matched the numeral to a 100 chart. 

African Drumming

We were treated to a fabulous African drumming performance on Friday by South Burlington High School musicians. Today, Mrs. Brown brought in her African drum and we were able to give it a try in our own classroom. 

Block Building

"Hey Mrs. Couture, come and put our castles on the blog!"