Following Characters into Meaning

As we begin our unit on Following characters into meaning, we have started a shared reading of Gooney Bird Greene. This book written by Lois Lowry introduces us to a delightful character that has a lot to teach us about being your own unique self. Gooney Bird takes over Mrs. Pidgeon's class of second graders and shares unusual stories such as, How Gooney Bird Greene Came From China on a Flying Carpet and How Gooney Bird Greene Got Her Name. These sound like fictitious titles but, Gooney Bird professes she tells only "Absolutely True Stories" and we as readers discover she does! This book has not only helped us to come to truly know Gooney Bird Greene, it also provides many opportunities to share the way a reader comes to know any character. Some of the ideas we are discussing in our lessons are when you follow a character into meaning you grow ideas about the character by noticing: 

• how the author describes the character's appearance and personality
• what the character says
• the characters actions 



Gooney Bird Greene

• how other characters treat the main character

We are realizing some characters are round characters, or fully developed characters and secondary characters are usually flat characters, or we only learn a bit about them.

When you are discussing characters in fiction reading with your child see how they respond to these ideas with their at home independent reading.

Building a Reading Life

This week we are continuing our theme of Building A Reading Life by getting to know some characters that show us how they've been successful with reading. We began the week reading a story about a friendship. A seven year old boy and a 100 year old man become friends as they learn to read. They inspire each other and show high quality ways to be a friend and learn something new! Ask your son or daughter what they thought of the story and see what details they recall. Additionally, we discussed the fact that we become like the top 5 people we spend the most time with, so we should choose our friends carefully and find people that think like we do and are inspired to reach their goals!

Another book that we are reading this week is one of my personal favorites! The book is called WOLF! It is about a very persistent, determined, wolf, who perseveres through many challenges to become a very fluent reader! The humorous tale models for my third graders the way each of us can become a reader with a solid reading life!

Both of these books can be discussed with your child to have them share what they learned from the characters and how they can use the new ideas in each of their own lives!

Our "Ready for Kn 'OWL' edge Classroom Management Syst

The purpose of the “Ready for Kn‘owl’edge” Classroom Management System in Room 24 is to maximize instructional time and minimize the amount of time spent responding to behavioral interruptions in the classroom.  All students will have an equal opportunity to be successful in the classroom by following the rules and receiving the corresponding consequences for positive or negative behavior.  It will be reinforced that all students are responsible for their own behavior.

How does it work?

Each morning, all students will begin with their name clip on “Ready for

Kn‘owl’edge” shown in the middle of the chart system.  Throughout the day, students have the opportunity to increase or decrease their “learning status” based on their ability to follow the classroom rules, expectations, routines, and procedures.  The rules and procedures of the classroom will be taught explicitly at the start of the school year.  Each of the “learning statuses” has corresponding consequences as well (see below).  “Fun Friday” will include a 15 minute break with a variety of fun activities. 

 

School-wide Behavioral Expectations

1.    Respect yourself.           
2.   Respect everyone.

3.   Respect the school.

The poster that hangs in our classroom.
All student clips start the day on "Ready for Kn 'OWL' edge.

‘OWL’ standing Behavior!    

·      You earn two YES tickets!

·      A note or email is sent to your parents, recognizing the specific behavior that makes you a “‘OWL’standing  Student”

·      You are focused on your learning and demonstrating respectful behavior!!!

·      You may choose your seat each month when we change seats

   You may participate in “Fun Friday!”

Flying High

·      You earn one YES ticket!

·      You are focused on your learning and demonstrating respectful behavior!!!

·    You may choose your seat each month when we change seats

   You may participate in “Fun Friday!”

Ready For Kn ‘OWL’ edge

·      You are focused on your learning and demonstrating respectful behavior!!!

·      You may choose your seat each month when we change seats

   You may participate in “Fun Friday!”

‘OWL’ Think About It

·      This is considered to verbal warning

   You lose 5 minutes from “Fun Friday”

Parent Contact

·      A reflection sheet is given to provide the student with the opportunity to think and improve upon his/her behavior (not as punishment); it is completed and signed by a parent

·      You will sit in an assigned seat for the month

   You lose all of “Fun Friday”

Room 24's students and I have discussed the classroom management plan and we are all excited for the promise of "Fun Friday" each week!