We finished Stone Fox!

This week during Reader's Workshop, we finished our first Reading Unit and the book Stone Fox.  Our discussions this week focused around asking questions while reading and determining the author's purpose in books.  As we read the ending, we tried to decide why the author might have ended the book the way he did (Ask your child about the ending...many were surprised.).  After finishing the book, the children were given a choice of book projects on which to work to show there learning from the book.  They could choose from the following options:  a new book cover, a map of the race course, a poster for the dogsled race, re-write the ending, or create a timeline of events in the story.  Many children chose to make maps of the race course.  They were very creative and incorporated details from the book!  We certainly enjoyed this book, but are looking forward to reading the ten Red Clover Books next month and working on comprehension strategies!

In writer's workshop, we are still working on our opinion writing pieces.  This week we talked about organization and creating paragraphs.  As the children read through their work (or continued writing), they were encouraged to check to make sure each paragraph was just about one reason.  Sometimes all their reasons to support an opinion can show up in one paragraph!  Organization and revising can be a tricky aspect of the writing process so we will be working on this for the next few writer's workshop lessons.  We continue to be impressed by these Esprit writers!

During theme, we are beginning to wrap up our Shelburne History unit.  The children have been working on creating timelines of important events in Shelburne.  Can your child tell you something that happened long ago in Shelburne?  Our hope is finish this unit with a walking field trip through Shelburne Village to look at some of the sites we have learned about in our reading.

We hope that you have a wonderful weekend!  I imagine many of you will be enjoying some Halloween festivities.  Please note that although we are having a festive and special snack, costumes and candy are not allowed at school on Monday.  Thanks!