English Language Development
October 2015
Welcome Back From Fall Break!
Below you will find some more information regarding these projects. I've also included details about arranging ELLP meetings (The ELLP program is finally up and running!), grade level language targets, and upcoming dates! As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns! Have a wonderful and spooky Halloween!
*Note: I understand that many families, for a variety of reasons, choose not to celebrate Halloween. If this is the case for your family, please email me so I can adjust my plans. I don't want any families or students to feel uncomfortable. Thanks!
Take care,
x Rachel Gerfen
ELLP Meetings
In previous years, I tried to meet with families to go over ELLPs during parent/teacher conferences. However, I've noticed that this isn't optimal; we typically run out of time and opportunities to ask questions is limited. This year, I'm going to have ELLP meetings separately, unless there are specific parent requests to meet during conferences. Please be on the look out for an additional email from sign-up genius so you can choose an ELLP meeting date. I can definitely meet before and after school. If, however, you need a different time than is listed, please let me know. I can move around my schedule if I need to.
Language Focus for the Remainder of October
Language Focus:
Describing physical attributes
Persuasive writing
Topics (Related to grade-level PBL):
Kindergarten--Describing Fall
The kindergartners will be using sensory details to describe what they see during fall. They will also continue reviewing the classroom letter of the week. They are currently making an iBook titled: The ABCs of Me!
1st Grade--Creating a Scary/Suspenseful Story and Describing Autumn
The first graders will be working on creating a suspenseful story that has characters, a setting, and plot. They will also be working on using sensory details and actions to describe activities that occur during autumn.
2nd Grade--Continue Animal Research and Creating a Scary/Suspenseful Story
The second graders will be continuing their work on comparing and contrasting two different animals. This will most likely be a long-term project that will continue into November. They will also be spending a few days writing a scary or suspenseful story. We will be reading several picture books and the analyzing how authors added excitement and suspense.
3rd Grade--No 3rd grade students
4th Grade--Creating and Selling a Costume
The fourth graders will be designing a costume on paper. Then, using their best persuasive skills, they are going to write a proposal, convincing me to choose their design. They will not only be working on providing detailed descriptions, but also the language structures we use in persuasive writing.
5th Grade--Selling a Haunted House
The fifth graders are going to be writing a persuasive ad for a "haunted house" that is for sale. They will be using persuasive language structures and providing detailed descriptions. We will be discussing how writers use language to appeal to an audience.
How can I help my child at home?
http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/building-your-childs-vocabulary
Upcoming Dates!
October 19th-23rd
ELLP Conferences--Times Vary
October 26th-30th
ELLP Conferences--Times Vary
October 30th--Halloween Parties
Contact Information
Email: rachel.gerfen@dcsdk12.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/dcsdk12.org/english-language-development/
Phone: (303) 387-5700