Omega Update - January 21, 2008

Reading
We have begun our second round of literature circles. There are five groups this time ranging from two to five students. The groups are interest based, as the kids all had the power to choose their next book. The five books we are reading are: Julie's Wolf Pack by Jean Craighead George, Loser by Jerry Spinelli, Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park, Half Magic by Edward Eager, and Frindle by Andrew Clements. You can support the work your child is doing in literature circles in many ways: talk about the book, read and discuss sections of your child's choosing, get a copy of the book and read along at home, talk about your child's literature circle job with her/him.

I will be teaching mini-lessons on storyline in conjunction with strategies for "filing away" and recalling details and events in text. The first of these will happen tomorrow. We will finally get to read The Raven-a porquois tale from the Native American Indians of the Pacific Northwest-as part of this lesson.

Remember to casually mention/remind your child about filling out the reading calendar if s/he is one to forget such things.


Writing
Students will be working on writing as a way to get to know themselves and figure out their social worlds, as they journal and we converse in writing about friendships. These entries/conversations will begin this week in conjunction with friendship group.

We have finished a series of lessons on contractions, and I have been noticing kids trying to incorporate contractions into their written work.


Spelling
Be looking in your mailboxes for your child's next set of spelling words. Most groups were assessed last week and are starting new sorts. I've heard kids mention that working with their words at home is helping them learn. Keep up the good work on the homefront.


Word Work
Last week the Omegas agreed on their goals of three words per week for O1s and four per week for O2s. We didn't take the goal seriously last week because kids were still learning how to complete the cards. The idea of collecting words seems to have caught on, and most (if not all) are enjoying the task.


Friendship Group
This week we will play Charades as we have fun comunicating with body language. Kids will be journaling about ways friends communicate, and I will be responding to their entries.


The Play
We have in-school play rehearsal on Friday mornings from 8:40 until 10:00 (first recess). Fran and I are sharing the hour and a half block from 10:30 until 12:00 for literacy and math instruction. Last week we began regearsals in play short courses, too. "Star Sisters" will be regearsing after school this Tuesday. I was impressed to learn that some kids have already memorized their lines.


Commenting
Charley figured out how to comment, so if you're having trouble check in with him. I think all you have to do is click on "comments" at the bottom of the post and follow directions.


Have a Great Week!