"Going With" Learning

Sam happily takes comments after reading his Holes perspective piece

Having lots of uninterrupted time allows us to be flexible.  Even though I was prepared to kick off Westward Movement today with a 'see, think wonder' activity, after lunch recess students chose to expand on their Holes perspective pieces.  They wrote and wrote and some produced upwards of ten pages.  When the character and voice are already established, words flow.  Students didn't stop, then wanted to share; I went with it, and what a treat it was to hear more great writing!  I’m not going to post the pieces yet (like I promised yesterday) for two reasons: 1. Some are now 10 pages and would take about an hour total to scan and 2. Some are not yet complete.

Last night I spent lots of time at the public library and chose six books to present for a next read aloud: Across a Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Gregory (a Dear America Book about Westward Movement), Crispin the Cross of Lead  by Avi, and Small Steps by Louis Sachar.  Students chose Small Steps, the sequel to Holes.   The other books are great, too, and we hope to read them this year.  Everyone is so excited about the read alouds!

Students were grounded, rested and excited to learn today.

Here are some pictures from the day.

On Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:15-10:30 Amy has been choreographing a dance routine.  Click here to see it!

Homework for tonight is to:

1.  Read for thirty minutes and fill out the Summary Reading Log

2.  Fourth grade math

3.  Fifth grade math

4.  Spelling

Have a good night!