We have an extensive third grade English Language Arts Program at Sturgeon Heights School.
Some of the exciting things we are doing every week include:
Some of the exciting things we are doing every week include:
- Guided Reading - This year we are going to try something new! We are going to attempt the 40 Book challenge. I read a book over the summer called, 'The Book Whisperer'. It was inspiring! Included in the 40 book challenge is...5 Realistic Fiction, 5 Fantasy, 5 Informational, 5 Biography/Autobiography, 4 Mystery, 4 Historical Fiction, 2 Poetry, 10 of the students choice. Instead of the teacher conferencing with a group of students, it will be one on one. Helping the student through understanding, comprehension, etc. I'm excited to try this method out and I think the kids will be as well!
- Daily 3 - During guided reading time, students are busy at their Daily 3 stations. These stations include: Work on Writing, Word Work, Listen to Reading. Students have a classroom library to go choose books at anytime as well as we go to the library once a week to pick out our, "good fit books".
- D.E.A.R - Drop Everything and Read. Everyday after lunch students get the time to read a book. The whole school is involved at the same, including staff.
- Words Their Way! A spelling program we are using at Sturgeon Heights School. Again the students are put into their appropriate spelling groups so they are learning at their own level. The students get to work with these words during the week in a variety of different ways!
- Writer's Workshop - Students learn to become confident writer's. In writer's workshop they learn about drafting, pre-writing, writing, edit/revising and publishing. We talk about grammar and conventions in writers workshop as well. Students regularly conference with the teacher to ensure they are on track and for the teacher to give instant feedback on their writing.
- Novel Study - Students will listen to good reading and be able to participate in their first novel study. In grade 3 we start with the book, 'Wonder'. Other novels to follow.
- Journals - Students write in their journals at least once a week. Typically at the beginning of the week, so I can hear how their weekend was.
- Silent Reading - In grade 5 we want the students to get to around 20 minutes of independent reading time. We practice this skill on a daily basis. At the beginning of the year students track their time and build 'stamina' until they reach their goal! They are able to pick any books to read during this time.
- Poetry - We start to look at different forms of poetry and experiment with our own. We do a lot of work outside in the spring time with poetry. I find being in the natural environment allows students to express their senses a lot easier and the poetry just flows out!
- Handwriting - Handwriting continues in grade 5. Students will have time to practice their printing and cursive skills.
- Keyboarding - Continues in grade 5.
- And so much more! When students are performing at their level they're able to make goals that are obtainable and work hard to get there, because the goal is in site! Giving students a choice in what they write about allows for the student to give you their best work and for them to think outside the box.
- This is just a snapshot of the English Language Arts program at Sturgeon Heights School! Any questions, concerns or comments please fill out the form below.