Braille

During guided reading this week we focused on figuring out what was important in non-fiction texts using a article describing Helen Keller.  We dove deep later in the week and created our names in Braille using miniature chocolate chips.  We had a great time learning how people  can be different, but still make a difference.  Louise Braille became blind and at the age of 13 created Braille so blind people, including Helen Keller, could read like everyone else.  We had discussions about compassion for others that are different than us, and really grew an appreciation for others.

We had to study the Braille alphabet to correctly represent our names in Braille.  We even had to include an extra character in our names to show that they are capitalized. 

Comprehension Strategy: Compare & Contrast

This week we are learning how to compare and contrast characters in stories to improve our understanding. We are using a venn diagram to organize our thinking.

Today we read the story entitled, First Day Jitters. We then worked independently to create a venn diagram in our reading journals. We compared and contrasted the main character, Ms. Sarah Jane Hartwell, with ourselves. Some students did a fantastic job and shared their work with the class.

Story Elements

 (picture courtesy of amazon.com)

On Monday, we read Duck at the Door by Jackie Urbanovic.  We concentrated on identifying story elements (characters, setting, problem and solution) to help up better understand the story.  Upon completion of the story we broke into teams illustrating the different story elements.  

Today, we completed our illustrations and retold the story using our pictures.  We learned that a story can have multiple characters, settings, problems and solutions!  We proudly displayed our learning in the hallway to share with other first grade wildcats.  

Do you see your illustration?