5th and 6th Grade MUR:
This week our focus was on poetry. We started a unit on T.S. Eliot's "cats". I am always interested in student's reaction when we begin a new unit. Many were hesitant about this unit saying things like, "I don't like cats" or "Why aren't we doing a unit on dogs?" But, as the week has gone on the comments have changed to "why are we only reading one poem today?" and "I could do this unit all year!" As a teacher, these are the words we dream of hearing. Eliot's characterization of these cats is amazing and has drawn all of us in. We have looked at the way he has taken human traits and conflicts and applied them to cats in such a unique way. Along with this we have focused our attention on structure, rhyme scheme and pattern. Next week we will compare the poems to Andrew Loyd Webber's "Cats".
3rd and 4th Grade MUR:
This was an exciting week for us as we began our first novel. A Murder for her Majesty is an exciting way to begin our mystery unit. Students began the unit by defining the various genres of fiction. As we embark on the book, students have labeled the book historical, action adventure, mystery fiction. We discussed at length how books can crossover into numerous genres. We will continue this novel for the next few weeks focusing on foreshadowing, flashback and point of view.
***Reminder: Reading Rodeos are DUE: Wednesday, October 31, 2012!
