Reading, Writing and "Rithmetic

In addition to “The Tree Swallows,” we have dubbed our class “Writers and Readers Galore” because of our enthusiasm and motivation to write stories and to read fictional and non fiction.
We have begun to establish the routines and procedures of Literacy Centers. This is experiences in each of the Literacy domains: Reading, Speaking, Writing, Listening. This choice time also creates independent learners and allows me to meet with focused, guided reading groups for reading and spelling skill teaching.
We have already established “Reading Logs” to document texts each student is reading during DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time.
A favorite time already is writers’ workshop. This time begins with a “mini-lesson” on strategies and procedures to uses during writing time, then turns to independent writing. We have many students well on their way to publishing chapter books!
Last week we began our grade-leveled math groups, Tues-Thurs. The beginning of the week offered time to get to know new friends and sometimes a new space. We shared our hopes for math and our current personal “vision” as mathematicians.