Classroom News: "Small Moments" Narratives and Owl Moon

We are wrapping up our "small moments" narrative writing unit.  During this unit, we continued to revisit our mentor text, Owl Moon, looking for ideas and inspiration.  We learned how the author, Jane Yolen, used repetition, comparisons, and descriptions in her writing as she stretched out her story.  After reading the story aloud, students worked in small groups to place sticky notes on sentences or phrases that they thought were examples of good writing.  Then, each student chose a few phrases and wrote about why he or she thought they were interesting.

We chose a few of these phrases to use as we created a dance that showed our ideas about what the descriptions mean.  We tried out our dance while listening to George Winston's song "December", which matched the mood of the story very well.  The phrases we chose were:

"... a train whistle blew, long and low, like a sad, sad song."

"I could feel the cold, as if someone's icy hand was palm-down on my back."

"...the owl pumped its great wings and lifted off the branch like a shadow without sound."

After our movement lesson, students wrote a short reflection about one movement that they felt connected well with the book.  We also participated in an ECO lesson that connected with Owl Moon and wrote about this lesson in our ECO journals.  Finally, we created a watercolor painting about a favorite phrase from the book.

It has been wonderful to see how well students understand the power of the writing choices Jane Yolen and other authors make.  It has also been exciting to see students trying out these "craft" moves, such as making comparisons, to lift the level of their own writing!

Important Dates and Reminders:

November Homework is due by Tuesday, November 25th.  Students can bring their packets in on Monday if they are already finished.

Scholastic Book Orders are due on Monday, November 24th.  Please let me know if you would like your order to be a surprise, so we can arrange a special pick up time.  Otherwise I will hand out the orders when they arrive.

Second grade/ Kindergarten Pancake Breakfast:  Tuesday, November 25th 9:00-10:00 am

Thanks to everyone who has signed up to bring food for this special event! 

Reading to End Racism:  Tuesday, November 25th, 2:45 pm

Thanksgiving Break:  Wednesday, November 26th to Friday, November 28th

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break!  I am so thankful to work with such an amazing class and supportive families!