Susan Lamothe

November, 2011

November brings us back to research, and what better subject to research then, Thanksgiving and Turkey - the bird.  We begin by tracing our hand on paper and using the four feathers for facts and titles of books.  While doing research for this lesson I found out why and how a turkey got the name "Turkey".  Please ask your child what and why.  If you know send me a note.  Being a city girl I don't know all the names of turkeys or breeds, but will be finding out along with students.    Happy Thanksgiving.

                    

October, 2011

Research:  Lessons focus on research.  We started with Biography and used front & back covers to get quick information about a person.  Week #2 is all of non-fiction and table of contents and index  for quick information inside the book.  Teaching during testing is very difficult.  In the morning, younger students are great because they understand the importance of quiet and not disturbing testing classes.  In the afternoon classes who have been testing are fidgety.  I understand and try to make lessons short and fun.  Week #3 will be online information about a person or thing and Week #4 is BookFair.  Students will buy during the day, so bring money or ideas to buy from Scholastic.