WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ROOM 218? - Week of September 26 Students in my Reading class continue to be tested to determine their Independent Reading Level. Independent Reading Level means that students can read a particular book with 99 to 100% fluency. They can read the book without having to ask what a word means. They also have shown that they understand what they have read and can discuss this information with others. The Independent Reading Level may or may not be below grade level. That is okay. With time students will increase their Independent Reading Level. In Reading all the students will be reading several books independently. They will read two short core novels, "UFO's" and "Alien Mysteries". They will find the main idea and supporting details. After that they will all read read a Chapter Book, "My Teacher Is An Alien" and be able to discuss the book. In Social Studies we have been learning about the the Election Process and the Constitution. Students are reading the National Geographic Reading Expeditions Book on "The Constitution." They are learning specific vocabulary, drawing conclusions and solving problems regarding the the problems associated with the Article of Confederation. When they are finished the book, they will have an Open Book test. Don't let this fool you. Students need to look in the book if they are not sure of an answer. This skill of going back to the text reinforces what they will do on Smarter Balance in the Spring. Next week they will continue with "The Bill of Rights". Students in my writing class completed a Pretest State Generated Opinion Writing piece. They will also complete another Opinion writing piece next week.