Immersed in Non Fiction!

Perusing non fiction ocean books

Our non fiction writing genre is up and running. We began by looking through the pages of our huge collection of ocean books. Then each child found one fact to write on a sticky note and place within our chart paper organizer. In no time at all we had a display of notes organized into three sections: What is the ocean? What creatures live in the ocean? How do we use the ocean? The final activity was to write an informational booklet about the ocean using this outline and our notes to inform our readers.

Our science focus on animal parts and how they use them to live and grow (structure and function) is a perfect compliment to our non fiction writing. After sorting animal photos into groups of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians, the kids partnered up, chose two animal cards, and put their observational skills to work. As a team they filled out a Venn Diagram, which is an organizer used to list similarities and differences between their animals.

Illustrating their chosen animals

Comparing observations

Filling out the Venn Diagram

Partner work

Lots of laughs!

Our western theme and books have continued. It is definitely a highlight of the day for our line leaders to don cowboy gear and race off to get the daily mail! We enjoyed a read-aloud by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Prairie Days, and another Billy and Blaze book, Billy and Blaze and the Lost Quarry. A fun modern day series about a girl who imagined herself and her bike to be a cowgirl and her horse was called Every Cowgirl Needs A Horse. We read the true story of 3 courageous brothers (all under age 11) who traveled 150 miles through Kansas to join their father who had taken up the offer of free land, and built a home for them. That book was called Wagon Wheels, and captivated our listeners.                        

Younger version of the 'Little House' series

I got the mail!

Ready to ride!

Riding through every danger!

We make a good team!

Riding like the wind!

Next week we have the book fair on Tuesday at 9:15- 9:45. We have one more week until April vacation and plan to get lots of activities in! Meanwhile, we could use empty tissue boxes for an upcoming project if you have any to send in. 

Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Dagley