Ivan!

The One and Only Ivan

Ivan the Silverback has been in his domain separated from his kind for years. He has made friends with Bob, Stella, Julia and precious baby elephant Ruby.

Please share your thoughts on this wonderful book so far. Which character is your favorite? Why? Can you think of any memorable lines or themes so far?

Themes

Themes - Big Ideas

Today, we discussed the difference between plot and theme. Plot is the main events in a story. Themes are big ideas (patience, kindness, perseverance, anger, friendship etc). We have been focusing on the themes or big ideas from our own reading books and class read-alouds. Please write about a theme you've discovered in your reading or class read-aloud and give an example. I will write one as well! Please read my example before you write your blog entry.
**Attention: Setting is where a story takes place. Please focus on the THEME (messages in the story).

Panda Path

This week, we visited the Panda Path pre-k students at the Spring Branch Family Development Center. We brought books to read and donate. Please describe your experience. You may write about what you enjoyed and what was challenging. How did it feel to give away the gift of a book? Did you learn anything about your buddy? Would you like to return? Please write in complete sentences.

Giving Thanks

We are learning that the Native Americans practiced gratitude often. They even thanked the animals for giving them the gift of food. Thanksgiving is just weeks away. Many of us will spend time with family and friends. This holiday gives us time to think about what we are grateful for. 
Please share some of the people and things that fill your heart with gratitude! Write at lease 3 sentences please. 

Science Share

Monday is your first science test. You've been learning about the metric system and nutrition. Please share four to five facts that you have learned during these units. What is your studying strategy? Be sure to write in complete sentences and use the correct punctuation and capitalization. 

Disappointment

Today, we faced some disappointment when our field trip to Panda Path did not take place. Disappointing events can be hard and emotional. In writing workshop today, we wrote about some other times we have been let down and how we coped with it. Please think back to writing workshop. What is one time in the past that you have been disappointed? How did you fix the problem? Did someone help you make a plan to make things better? 

Reading Share

We love to read! We have been reading nonfiction and fiction in class. Please write about what book or books you have recently finished (in school or at home). Then, write about what you are reading now and what you plan to read next. We should always be thinking about what we want to read next so that we are always reading! Reading each others' responses may give YOU an idea about what to read next!