Studying Allen Say

In Readers and Writers Workshop, we have been studying the author Allen Say. During an author study, students learn all about the author's craft and style of writing. This type of unit allows students the chance to compare and contrast themes, characters, and plots more deeply.

During each reading, we fill out an attribute chart to monitor his books. This chart includes: theme, setting, plot, genre, noticing, and characters.

Then, students have been completing writings responses on his stories.

They have really started to notice many similarities in his books such as how many characters chase their dreams, believe in themselves, cultural differences and struggles, and the bonds of family. Ask your child about their favorite Allen Say book! Or, visit the website below to view summaries of his books.

Allen Say's Homepage

Can you Comprehend?

What is reading comprehension,why is it important, and why do we have weekly test on this?

The purpose of reading is to connect the ideas on the page to what you already know. You have a framework in your mind for reading, understanding and storing information. Learners must be able to make use of what they read to expand their knowledge in subjects at school in social studies, math, and science. They must be able to understand and make use of the information that they read for a variety of purposes. Skilled readers don't just read, they interact with the text.

Skilled readers:
-Predict what will happen next in a story using clues

-Create questions about the main idea, message, or plot of the text
-Monitor understanding of the sequence, context, or characters
-Clarify parts of the text which have confused them
-Connect the events in the text to prior knowledge or experience

Here are some extra practice tests to build your child's reading comprehension. Print one off and your child can receive a 2 tickets for each test!

Keys to Successful Reading Comprehension

Practice Reading Comprehension Tests

More Fiction Practice Tests

Tree Hill Field Trip

Enthusiasm and energy were exploding after our latest field trip to Tree Hill. Check out the pictures below. We had such an amazing time learning about animal and plant adaptations. This was such a wonderful experience for all the students to witness the types of things they are currently learning about in Science.

Having 'hands-on' learning experiences are priceless in a child's education. Do you want to visit yourself? Having strong jealously pains from not being able to spend a few hours learning and exploring nature? DON'T BE! Here is their website and traveling information so you can visit yourself. :)

Tree Hill