Penguins!!

      This week we are moving beyond the whole class teacher modeling, partner practice and independent trials of reading non-fiction about Antarctica to some small group work about some creatures that can only be found in the southern hemisphere ...Penguins! Our work in comparing 4 books from our text set and video clips about Antarctica is nearing completion. What could be better for some additional practice with classmates, than learning about the seventeen types of penguins in our world, many which reside in the waters around Antarctica!
       Students are reading in their "just right reading group"with guidance from a Good Reader's Packet and my daily visits for discussion. Each book offers similar yet different information about penguins. Group work allows a whole different opportunity for students to shine. The comfort of a group allows students to take on the role as reader, discussion starter and response composer with the support of others in the group. Sometimes, new work is not as challenging when several classmates work together. Once reading is completed student will work in their groups to teach the rest of the class about the specifics in their book.