Mapping the World

In Social Studies, we began our study of the continent of Australia!  In this important study, students are learning cardinal directions, map navigation, and the differences in maps and globes.  They are working on identifying on a map or a globe all of the continents and the four major oceans. 

Reading

In Reading, we are studying the Australian author, Mem Fox!  Mem Fox has written several children’s books.  This week, we read and studied Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild! to learn about the author’s use of dialogue, and we identified Mem Fox stories that do and don’t have dialogue in them.  We also read Koala Lou and Possum Magic to highlight features that come from Australia in her books.  Next week we will continue to examine her books to learn about writing crafts such as onomatopoeia and rhyming.  

Writing

This week, we closed out our information chapter book writing unit.  Students should be commended for all of their hard work that they poured into sharing what they know about their chosen topics!  We celebrated the end of the unit by sharing our stories in small share circles.  Next week, we will begin our opinion writing unit, where students will learn to write reviews.  Please remember to send in your child’s shoebox collection on Monday, January 11.  If you have any questions please let us know. 

Important Dates:

January 18th- No School (MLK Day)