The North Star Gazette
North Elementary's Most Reliable News Source from Room 204
Discussion Is Important- Without iPads
Throughout the school day, the students discuss reading, writing, share ideas, and even discuss current events. Last week, students read articles in Time for Kids and chose an article of interest to discuss. They then met in small groups with kids who had similar interests of articles. The groups discussed what they got out of the article as well as shared expertise related to the topic.
Discussing Wingspan
Teddy and Diego discuss the wingspan of an insect featured in an article.
Scotland
This group discusses Scotland's independence.
Elliott, Audrey, Lexie, Brecken, Zoe, and Joel.
Flag Rights
This group discusses a group of people who were taking bits of the American flag apart.
Rileigh, Tyer, Gabe, Alexis, Nathan, Jonathan
Writing Narratives
Revision is becoming a daily activity for these writers, especially related to making vivid images come to life in our stories. There are writers in class who are using sticky notes to add description. Some writers are using apps to make notes about which parts to change, remove, or add to. We are really trying to write in a way that makes the reader feel as if he or she is right there in the moment with us.
Writers at Work
Rileigh, Audrey, Adell drafting and making changes to work.
Jonathan and Diego
Write their hearts out!
Maggie in the Zone
Maggie working on her Extreme Tubing story.
Reading is Collaborating About Characters
Sometimes it is important for readers to think of all of the small pieces of evidence that add up to a bigger idea about a character. We used our read aloud, Wonder, to look closely at Jack Will. In three groups, the readers worked with me first, then each other to come up with ideas about his actions and the motives behind them. Then groups looked for patterns in ideas and color coded them according to the type of behavior/action.
Talking Patterns
This group discusses their ideas, comes to an agreement, then writes them down.
Backing it Up
This group gathers evidence about Jack Will and takes turns charting them.
Group Meeting Area
This is our "cubes area" where we meet for lessons, share ideas, and share writing and projects. Here, Taylor reads her narrative to the group.
Getting Personal With Mrs. Jones
Over the weekend, my husband, in addition to other law enforcement officers for the Marion County Sheriff's Office (and other departments), had the honor of carrying the torch during the Special Olympics event at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. Mr. Jones and fellow officers first ran two miles, then my husband had the very special honor of helping Special Olympic athletes light the Flame of Hope to kick off the festivities. It was a proud moment for our family and one we will not forget.
Email: melissa_jones@nobl.k12.in.us
Phone: (317) 773-0482
Twitter: @MrsJones5th