Beginning next week, the kids will be asked to bring in at least one news share each month that they would like the class to learn about and/or discuss. Many 2nd-5th grade classrooms do this at CFI so I am borrowing a bit from Mrs. Pender's most recent newsletter in which she does a lovely job of detailing this classroom structure. Please take a moment to read it so you will be aware of what the kids need to do. And as always...if you have any questions just ask!
And now, here's Mrs. Pender's description...
As you know, an important part of our day is our Morning Meeting. These meetings are held early in our day and give the class time to talk about business, share about happenings in our life, and launch into discussions about the current events in our world.
It is a time for kids to bring their questions and understandings about things they hear about around them. It provides a safe space to learn about, think through, ask questions, and formulate opinions and understandings.
While up to this point, I am was the one who frequently brought topics to the conversation, a shift will soon take place. The children were always encouraged to contribute and take the lead in our discussions by bringing in articles from home to share, however we are now at the point where I will slip back and create the space for the students to take the lead. There will be an expectation of sharing and opportunity to show what interests and inspires us in our world.
The students are now required to share at least once a month starting in October, although they are encouraged to do so more often. The purpose behind this routine is to develop citizens who are knowledgeable, able to think about a variety of perspectives, and debate an issue while accessing facts.
We will rely on our growing skills as readers to decode the language, synthesize the meaning, and summarize the important ideas. Providing a predictable and comfortable space for these conversations promotes questioning and critical thinking skills while looking beyond ourselves and striving to understand different perspectives.
A variety of non fictional resources are utilized to learn about things happening in our community, state, country, and the world. Newspapers, magazines, Internet articles are some of the places the children may find something to read, summarize important information, and prepare to teach classmates.
Here are a few great internet sources for kids:
Time for Kids http://www.timeforkids.com/
Scholastic News http://magazines.scholastic.
It is important that parents work alongside a student as they prepare an article to share to ensure it is age appropriate and that they have worked through the text since the level can be a bit challenging for this age. We are modeling and providing demonstrations in how to prepare, lead the discussion, and how to participate in a healthy and respectful conversation about topics in which people may have a variety of opinions.
There should be some type of evidence that the child prepared ahead of time such as an article with ideas highlighted or notes written on the side of things they want to be sure and discuss. Online articles or clips are welcome and can be sent to my email address, so I may pull it up on the board.
The first article is due during the month of October. Please let me know if you have any questions.
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