I just wanted to share a quick update on what we’ve been working on! 

In reading we’ve been studying the different types of text structures found in nonfiction text. We’ve discussed why authors may choose different structures depending on what their purpose is. Problem and Solution is a great option when writing persuasively while Description may be the right choice while writing to inform. The trickiest part is differentiating between the multiple types of structures. We’ve identified clue words that may help us to determine which structure is being used in a text or passage. We will keep working on this throughout the week.

In writing we’ve been working on a short term project (a surprise!) that will help us when we write our biographies. In the next week or so we will take a break from biography writing and shift our focus to the Junior Docent program. Your children have selected their piece of artwork to study. Their next steps include replicating the art work in addition to studying the artist, writing a short essay about the artist and artwork AND writing a creative piece inspired by their art. Phew! We have a lot to do! 

This is a really fun and busy time of year… I can’t wait to see the writing your children produce! 

🙂 Gev. Kimmel 

PS. A little more information about Junior Docent…

Fifth graders complete the Milwaukee Art Museum Junior Docent Program they began in third grade. Friends and family are welcome to join us for this wonderful program that features your child’s presentation about his/her chosen artwork. It will take place on Tuesday, March 3. 

Students will leave MJDS via bus at 2:45 p.m. The program begins at 3:30 p.m., at MAM. Families are responsible for taking them home. Siblings may join us on the bus! 🙂

We’ve learned so much in the short time we’ve been back since winter break! We are knee deep into our studies of non-fiction reading and biography writing. 

Over the last few lessons, your children listened to and read multiple mentor texts allowing them to identify features of biography and text features often included in reference nonfiction. Additionally, they learned about the three types of nonfiction which we will study further throughout the unit. 

On Monday, the students investigated a variety of reference books, participating in a scavenger hunt to find text features, name them and state their purpose. I had generated a list of 16 possible text features that I was prepared to talk about. I thought for sure the students would only identify five to eight on their own…they got 13 of them through the scavenger hunt! They continue to blow me away daily!

Next week students will choose their own nonfiction books to read and reading responses will be assigned.