We have finished our chapter book study, Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren. After we read the last sentence together, everyone was smiling and I heard, “This is the best book ever!” Teacher win!! I mean, who doesn’t love Pippi?!

Most reading was whole group, but I did assign small parts each night to read at home. We discussed many general strategies for reading comprehension including: previewing, predicting, questioning, visualizing & making inferences.

To celebrate, we enjoyed eatable(chocolate) gold coins and role played as pirates! 🏴‍☠️

A biography project isn’t just about celebrating the life and achievement of a notable person. This type of writing experience can be rooted in instructional goals. This includes goals related to informational reading and writing in response to research. This specific type of project supports research, writing and speaking skills.

Students followed a checklist that outlined the steps to completing the project….

-chose a person that interested them

-Find a bio or autobiography about the person (2 sources were required)

-read sources and take notes

-type final copy of report that follows a rubric

-present the report along with a Tri-fold presentation board that follows a rubric

This year, I was in awe of their biography choices! Each student expressed their personality through creative presentations.
Click below to view the presentations! 😬

https://youtu.be/2ZkoTfUl6D8
https://youtu.be/Qlw7Momm60I

As an introduction to our Biography unit of study, we celebrated the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through books, media and research, students were able to explain why we celebrate this National holiday and how MLK Jr. played a vital role as leader of the Civil Rights Movement.
Below, each student expresses a personal dream for the future.

December is always a fun time of year in the classroom! The class worked hard making their parents a gift. The students learned how to sand a piece of wood, use a hammer and nail a Christmas tree outline to the board. Then, we strung the yarn and string to create a beautiful gift! ☺️

They also solved a Christmas mystery and helped Santa rescue Rudolph through reading clues and high order thinking puzzles. Each were given a certificate stating they were top agents!

To end this year, we celebrated the birth of Jesus with a Christmas party! Yummy food, PJ’s and painting!

From our class to you, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!