Informational Writing and Reading

We end the year getting ready to write our first report in January. We will begin with everyone learning about reindeer since it is December. High interest.

​We began this unit learning the difference between  factual statements and our opinions about our favorite food. We made several flap foldables for our writer's notebook.

​This was interesting as the children were asked  to also give facts or opinions about a favorite game. This brought up  some strong emotions.  So,  we talked about how it was ok to share opinions that weren't like ours. Different opinions did not mean anyone was 'wrong' and that someone's different opinion could change ours.  Where as facts could not really be changed easily or at all. We did talk about how at one time people believed the world was flat which  demonstrated that some facts could  change as we learn more. 

Next, we began building our large G.O. bulletin board reindeer. We first read and highlighted specific text features in a magazine type   article on reindeer.  We then read it again and jotted down new learning and will compare this to our KWL  chart when we return. ( KWL= what we Know, Want to learn and Learned) 

A talented artist in  my class drew our reindeer  that we began to label with  physical features needed to survive and they will be reading about.