Friday

Today we initiated our new Reader's Workshop procedures. As a class, we read an article by Connecticut writer Mike DiMaura entitled "What Exactly is Wrong with Being 'It'?" In this article, DiMaura attempts to persuade his reading audience that the banning of tag from playground is a ridiculous idea. He uses much humor and examples of ineffective persuasive techniques that we have studied this week, but the article works because the author's sarcasm and irony make it humorous.

Students responded to the article with a prompt I provided; then they wrote a second response to a prompt about their reading from this week. The standing homework assignment in LA is to read 30 minutes per school day and keep a reading record on a special bookmark I also provide each Monday. Parents, please ask your student about this expectation and procedure as it will have an impact on grades and on growth as a reader, writer, thinker. I read a recent online article stating that reading for pleasure is an indicator of academic success. I actually cheered when I read this!

Everybody have a good weekend and keep reading great works.

Fondly,
Mrs. V~