We have had a very busy week, continuing to practice routines that were established last week and adding in some new ones.  We began writer's workshop this week by reading a book call Library Mouse (ask your child to tell you about it), and then setting off to be authors ourselves.  We talked about many ways of writing including telling a story with pictures, writing pretend words (scribble writing), or writing letters or words that we already know.  At this point most of us using pictures to convey a story and I am scribing as the children share their stories with me. We have been practicing writing for about 10-15 minutes and then sharing the work of a few children each day, which is a great way to spread ideas and strategies.

After lunch each day we have a short quiet time.Children come in to their own space and may rest, look at books, or draw in their quiet time journals.  This gives children a chance to recharge for the afternoon and many children have come to look forward to this time (a few have asked me mid-morning when it will be quite time!)

Perhaps most importantly, we are continuing to get to know one another and working on being good friends.  Most children had a chance to share their artifact bags this week.  If your child hasn't shared yet, please send it in next week.  This is a great way for us to learn more about each other and many children are discovering that they share common interests.  Have a fantastic weekend.

Reading with 3rd and 4th grade buddies.

Quiet time journal writing.

Practicing number formation during math stations.

A choice time creation made by four students.