Literacy News

During our literacy times, we have been learning about expectations for independent reading (read to self) and partner reading (read to someone) in our classroom.  Throughout the year, we will discuss and practice a variety of reading strategies that readers can use to help themselves or to coach a partner when they are trying to figure out a challenging word.

Today I shared a wonderful read aloud book with our class called Up North at the Cabin by Marsha Wilson Chall.  One reason that I love this book is that it reminds me of my own summer vacation in Maine.  We found that many students also made connections with this story about staying at a cabin, seeing loons, swimming, canoeing, and water-skiing.  Everyone also seemed to enjoy the beautiful illustrations.  As we listened to the story, students discovered that the author used creative descriptions, interesting vocabulary words, and similes to make her writing really grab our attention.  I have challenged students to revisit their free writes about their summer vacations to find ways to add more details and descriptions to their work.