New Literature Circle Groups

Class update: Students have selected new books for their literature circle groups and we will be starting the 1st reading selection tomorrow in class. I am posting the Literature Circle schedule so you are aware of work that may be do. Students are given class time to complete all the required material, however some may still need to take extra time at home to complete the notebook assignments.

The Literature Circle Schedule:
Monday/Tuesday: Reading Skill days in class (Lit Circle reading done for HW or during SSR)
Wednesday: Reading day in class (45 - 60 min period)
Thursday: Work day. Reading must be completed. (45 - 60 min period)
Friday: Group Discussion and Evaluation Day (30 min). Reading of next selection begins.

Students have from Friday through the next Wed. to complete their reading. They can read with group members, partners, teacher, or individually. If their notebook assignment is not complete be Friday morning they will not join their group for discussion. This will have an effect on their participation and work grade. Any work that is not completed during the course of the day must be taken home for homework and completed on time.

I am looking forward to hearing the students discuss their new literature and watching them grow as readers and cooperative group members.

Thanks - Ms. M

Welcome Aboard

I just want to apologize for neglecting all of you during the last few weeks. My lap top had to go in to be serviced and I was pretty much without the Internet or my computer for the past several days. But now we are back! All comments have been published and are now viewable. I am very excited about some new additions that will be coming soon. I brainstormed with the students and they had some great ideas to add to our blog. Also, the original blog, that was created solely for student interaction, will now be up and running at school. The Warwick Schools IT Department has granted permissions to the Literature Circle blog site. I am looking forward to implementing it into our Literature Circle routine this week. Hope to hear from you all soon! Happy Blogging! Ms. M

Parenting Matters Conference

FYI to all families:
There will be a Parenting Matters Conference held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI on Saturday, March 31st. This conference is presented by Bradley Hospital A Lifespan Partner. It is a day-long conference helping families tackle tough issues in parenting children of all abilities. Contact number: 1-800-927-1230. You may also register on-line at www.bradleyhospital.org. (Click on the link to the right for direct connection.)

Program costs: The registration fee is $25/person. Online registration ends March 23. Limited scholarships are available. Professional credits are available for educators. If you use code PM2007 there is a $5 discount.

Children do not come with manuals and are all so different. However, there are proven techniques to help make parenting easier and more consistent. Take advantage of this conference to reassure your current parenting techniques and introduce yourself to new ones. You will also be provided with situational tips and strategies to use with your child.

I do plan on attending myself. Even though I do not have children of my own, this sounds like a positive experience to gain and build knowledge on how to deal with children in a consistent manner. Hope to see some of you there!

Enjoy the evening ~ Ms. M