We read a non-fiction book called
Building Green Skyscrapers. While reading, students noticed and made notes about their thoughts. They then looked back over their notes to find an idea they wanted to think more about. They then wrote about that idea. Our discussion about the book focused on our reactions to the text, the text's various features, and the author's use of the phrases "in fact" and "actually." We did some vocabulary work around the word absorb, and some work on fluency, practicing reading at a reasonable pace. Our current book is called
The Gift of Aloha. As with past books, students engage in a process of reading and note-taking, then writing in response to their ideas.
How can you support your sixth-grade reader and our work in class?
- Keep them reading! Make sure there is time for and an expectation of at least 180 minutes of independent reading each week.
- Talk about words - interesting words, funny words, confusing words. Use sophisticated words in conversation with your child.
- Feel free to read aloud to your child and/or listen to audio books together.
