Humanities Blog: Nov. 13 ~ Nov. 19

Spelling list:  This list contains curricular terms related to our current study of Alberta's fossil heritage, homonyms and words containing the spelling pattern 'oa' where the 'o' is voiced and the 'a' is silent.  There will be a quiz on Nov. 22.  

Since September we have been talking about and repeatedly reviewing the types of behaviours that will support students in their reading.  Some examples of behaviours that will help students with their reading are:

• getting started reading right away
• staying in one place as they read
• reading for a minimum of 20 minutes at a time
• selecting and reading 'just right books' 

   The reading goals pictured above fit under multiple categories.  Expanding vocabulary refers to knowing, finding and using interesting words.  Comprehension refers to understanding of what one is reading.  Accuracy is the ability to read words fluently with phrasing and less needing to stop repeatedly.  Backing up and re-reading a word that you didn't get the first time is a strategy for becoming more fluent, and is likewise  a comprehension strategy.  During Word Work and in spelling lessons, students have been using dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries as a means of learning the meaning of new words and thereby expanding their knowledge of curricular terms.