Mrs. Gratton’s Reading

Fables

In our study of fables students will 

·        Identify characteristics of fables

·        Identify foibles

·        Determine the moral of a fable

·        Identify cause and effect in a fable

Informational Texts

        We will also strengthen our knowledge and skills using text features, understanding the characteristics of fiction and informational text.  We will review how to transition from oral summary to writing summaries of fiction and informational text during the first quarter. Students should already be familiar with the common text features of labels, headings, bold print, captions, tables of contents, indexes, and diagrams.

        Students will have numerous opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency in overcoming the challenges of reading informational texts.  Reading strategies, using text features, and writing summaries require higher level thinking skills.  Students will be provided many opportunities to discuss and write about informational text that has been read aloud, read in guided reading groups, or read independently.

Spelling

We have a 2-week spelling cycle which will focus on a spelling pattern, sound, or derivative.  Please see the schedule attached to the spelling list for homework activities.

        The exploration of spelling patterns is a major focus for advancing writers.  Explorations of spelling patterns allow writers to focus on groups of letters that represent sounds they hear in words.  Most importantly, an emphasis on spelling patterns assists students in learning to visualize and remember words. 

        Students will develop

·        An increased awareness of visual patterns in spelling which leads to remembering possible spelling of words

·        The understanding that most spelling patterns represent a variety of sounds

·        The knowledge of possible sequences of letters in words

·        The awareness that certain spelling patterns are located in certain places in words

·        The ability to try different pronunciation when reading unfamiliar words