This week our grade 4's have been introduced to two year-round ELA programs, Readers and Writers Workshops. Both programs will be used on a weekly basis throughout the grade 4 year. Readers Workshop will focus on key reading strategies and their importance to each learner. As we begin Writers Workshop, the focus will first be on the process of writing (Pre-writing, First Draft, Revisions, Editing and Publishing) before engaging the 6+1 Writing traits. Once students are familiar and comfortable with the writing process, they will be asked to explore their implementation of ideas, sentence fluency, organization, word choice, voice and conventions in their writing.
We have also begun to explore spelling this week. We have had discussions based on the question: "Is spelling important?". Our spelling focus will be on developing word knowledge versus memorization skills. Students will engage in activities that encourage them to make connections and conclusions. For example, in the pictures below, 4.1 students explored "sh" sounds and the letters involved to pen a set of "rules" when words make that sound.
We have also begun to explore spelling this week. We have had discussions based on the question: "Is spelling important?". Our spelling focus will be on developing word knowledge versus memorization skills. Students will engage in activities that encourage them to make connections and conclusions. For example, in the pictures below, 4.1 students explored "sh" sounds and the letters involved to pen a set of "rules" when words make that sound.