O'NEILL & ROST This week, we're moving from thinking about characters to thinking about theme; i.e., now that we know characters well, we can consider their experiences, what they learn, their mistakes, etc. to grow ideas about themes.
Target Learning Goals: To grow ideas about theme, readers can...
- ... use "Somebody Wanted But So Then" to distinguish plot vs. theme.
- ... use our schema to generate ideas about "Bumper Sticker" themes vs. topical themes (see pictures below). This target learning goal is all about jogging students memories and generating themes we're familiar with so we can refer back to them throughout the unit. This strategy will also help students later on as we dig into conflict resolution and its implication on theme.
- ... consider mistakes and what character might learn/ do differently.
- ... explore character development, change, growth.
- ... look for and study symbolism.
TLGs in Action: If you see a snapshot of you child below, ask them if they were wearing a bumper sticker or topical theme. Ask them for a 6-word sentence about what they learned in Readers' Workshop today.
MEZAN This is a very exciting week for Mezan's room-- we've started our new Read Aloud book, Crenshaw, by Katherine Applegate! During this Read Aloud, students all have a copy of the text in front of them; however, I still read aloud and model fluency and comprehension strategies. Students engage in dialogue about characters, internal v. external conflicts, theme, ect. as we stop, think, discuss, and write. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to put what they're learning into action, but still have the support of an experienced reader reading to them.
Target Learning Goals (TLG): To grow ideas about characters, readers can...
- ... use thinking and writing stems to push our thinking about characters.
- ... pay attention to Memory Moments (flashbacks) and think about why they might be important; considering...
- ... what the character might be struggling with internally.
- ... what the character depends on, holds dear, be worried about.
- ... what it reveals about the character's traits and relationships.
TLGs in Action: Below is a book trailer for Crenshaw! Take a look!
Homework:
- Math homework
- 30 minutes reading
- Book club reading and assignments, if not completed in class.
- Spelling (just words in planner on Mondays)
Reminders:
- Get Caught Reading: Remember to email in pictures when you "catch" your child reading! Hadley.ONeill@hcps.org
Upcoming Dates:
Thank you,
Mrs. O'Neill
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