So, we meet again...

Good day to you almost 6th graders,

-I can evaluate author’s purpose, point of view, and effectiveness.
-I can analyze character traits and motives. 

Here are two of the LEARNING TARGETS we will focus on in our BOOK CLUBS over the next few days.  Good readers think about author's purpose while they read, and good readers think about how the author uses characters in the book to express their voice.  Pay attention to the dialogue in your books and think about what the author is trying to express.  

Here is a note from Wednesday's web log post.  Think back to that galaxy far, far away... 
"As for the WORK PLAN.  You will have one for this week that I have started for you.  You all will have another one for the next week.  Have a meeting TODAY and discuss what next week will look like.  Your work plan for next week will include the following:"

1. 2 Meeting dates
2. 3 Independent Reading/Work days
3. Assigned reading for the next meeting
4. 1 date for a blog post and response (this may be on a meeting date)

Please hand these into me as your exit slip at the end of class. 

Sincerely,
C
P.S.
Getting things done is not always what is most important. There is value in allowing others to learn, even if the task is not accomplished as quickly, efficiently or effectively." - R.D. Clyde

Take your time. Do your best and forget the rest.

1,2,3... HERE WE GO!!

Good Morning/Afternoon Awesome Academics,

      Today is Wednesday, January 26, 2011.  DAY 1 of book clubs is at hand.  Today you will get to dive into your books!  We have created our 4 Agreements/Guidelines for our groups to follow.  We have discussed the consequences of poor collaboration.  We have watched other students in action.  We have defined for ourselves what we think collaboration and independent mean.  So, the last thing we have to do to launch these clubs is to start reading. 

      Now that you have gotten a start on your clubs, I want to help you plan your work over the days ahead.  I have made a weekly calendar that shows all the time we have for these book clubs in class.  Your out-of-class time will be yours to pursue any inquiries or questions your group comes up with.  For this first round of meetings I'll get you started.

     Everyone will meet again in their clubs on Friday.  So for Friday mark that you have a meeting.  Today you are going to be assigned two tasks.  SUMMARIZE your first read and PREDICT what will happen next in the story.  If you read it already, do a think-back and write down your response.  Some book clubs have a strict rule of not reading ahead or spoiling the story so if you have read it already just write your answer on the predictor sheet.

     As for the the WORK PLAN.  You will have one for this week that I have started for you.  You all will have another one for the next week.  Have a meeting TODAY and discuss what next week will look like.  Your work plan for next week will include the following:

1. 2 Meeting dates
2. 3 Reading/Work days
3. Assigned reading for the next meeting
4. 1 date for a blog post and response (this may be on a meeting date)

Please hand these into me as your exit slip at the end of class. 

Sincerely,
C
P.S.
Getting things done is not always what is most important. There is value in allowing others to learn, even if the task is not accomplished as quickly, efficiently or effectively." - R.D. Clyde

Take your time. Do your best and forget the rest.

   

CREATING GOOD GROUP HABITS

Hey Book Club Kids!

      Today is Monday, January 24, 2011.  Last week two rotations sat down after a TRIBES activity and wrote out these ideas for what we need for a great book club.  I'm going to mention this a few times so everyone understands this: I DID NOT SAY ANY OF THESE!!!  I want you all to understand that these anchor charts were created by 5th graders.  Your teachers had nothing to do with it.  This tells me that you all know how to treat each other in a group.  This tells me that all of you, as 5th grade readers, know what it will take to make our BOOK CLUBS successful. 

      Today in your groups you will be setting up your own good habits and ground rules.  You have four jobs to put in writing.  First, you need to talk about and write down 4 rules/agreements your book club will have to follow (BIG PAPER).  Second, each group will have to decide what would be appropriate action if a member isn't following a particular guideline (BIG PAPER).  How do you get someone to change their behavior?  What will you ask people to change if they aren't contributing what the group needs?  Third, post your 4 rules/agreements on the blog for me to approve.  Each group will also have to post the actions steps for a member that does not follow the guidelines.  And finally, respond to another group's agreements.  Give one other book club in the class your thoughts on the rules/agreements they came up with.

1. Make the agreements.

2. Make the consequences for poor choices.

3. Post on the blog. (Include your book club names.)

4. Respond to another book club.

Have fun with your groups.  You will be with them for the next few weeks. 

Sincerely,

C

P.S. Take your time.  Do your best and forget the rest!