Notes from The Learning Lab
A Switch to Nonfiction
Reading Workshop
Nonfiction
The American Revolution has been the focus of our nonfiction reading this week. Students have read digital and paper articles about different times during this important period of American history.
Readers can choose either fiction or nonfiction for independent books so they also have voice and choice about their personal reading.
Thanks for watching...Fact Not Fiction!
Reading Stamina Survey
Readers Talk
Readers Analyze
Writing Workshop
We then started some free choice writing because writers should always have back up writing going on in their notebooks. We did a writing marathon where students wrote about topics generated by students that were drawn at random. Writers also had the opportunity to free write anything-nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and so on.
Each day we warmed up as writers with a quick write such as 3 for 3 (powerful 3 word phrases) and creating alliteration rhymes (tongue twisters that all begin with the same or mostly the same letters).
Finally, our study of nonfiction began with students identifying interests for nonfiction. Writers began researching and experimenting with topics that would spark excitement and curiosity. It was a great week of writing!
Math Workshop
Jones (6th grade math)- Students started a new unit on geometry. We learned about various kinds of angles, measured using a half and full circle protractor, and started math projects. Each Friday will be dedicated to a working on math projects. See videos below