Students in several grade levels are sharing new learning and opinions in writers’ workshops. Kindergarten and fifth grade students have moved into their informational units. In kindergarten students are writing How To books that teach others about a variety of topics, including how to wash your hands, make a specific snack, play a certain sport or enjoy a certain game. Students sketch across pages to ensure they do not miss an important step in the process. They are also working on labeling their pictures and writing words and sentences. In the fifth grade informational unit students are writing like historians. They are currently researching colonial America and exploring different structures to organize their information.
First graders on the other hand are in their opinion unit. They are currently writing reviews on favorite games, restaurants and movies. They are finding different and specific reasons to support their recommendations. They are passionate about their topics and enjoy sharing their reviews with others.
Writing continues to be one of Gold Rush students' favorite subject areas! Teacher teams are ensuring that students are continuing to write long each day as they implement the Benchmark Writing Workshop Curriculum this year. We continue to be proud of students’ enthusiasm and work!
This month second and third grade students are learning about integrity with GRE School Counselor Mrs. Fitch. They read the book The Empty Pot, which highlights bravery, honesty and integrity. Students defined integrity as doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. Students identified areas at school and at home where showing integrity matters. Students also shared ways to model this important trait, such as listening the first time, picking up after ourselves, keeping our promises and being honest.
Mrs. Fitch emphasized that maintaining integrity in the face of peer pressure can be challenging. She reminded students that it can be difficult to stand up for what you believe in when others are doing something else. She did reassure students that the more one demonstrates integrity the more natural it becomes.
