Close Reading Bulletin Board: What lens are you using?

 This month our bulletin board features the work we have been doing in Reader's and Writer's Workshop. Students have learned a few elements of  what it means to "close read." Some students focused on the patterns in Eric Carle's books, some focused on the vocabulary used, and others talked about how their thinking changed from what they first thought about a book. Children had the opportunity to think deeply about not only about Eric Carle's literature but the author himself. His childhood years included lots of nature walks with his father which gives his books a special appeal to young readers.

 Kamryn had her "pattern lens" on while listening to "From Head to Toe" and discovered the question and answer pattern of this book.

 Ezekiel changed his thinking from what he first thought about "The Grouchy Ladybug" to his new thinking.

 Jacob thought is was going to be about a caterpillar eating a lot of food but then his thinking changed to discover that Eric Carl was teaching us how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly.

Ayden saw two patterns in "Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother Too?". One was the pattern in the animal's skin and the other was the words repeating.

Eric Carle Celebration Day

On Friday, we celebrated the end of our three week author study of Eric Carle. We looked closely at the vocabulary he used, his writing patterns, the characters, and themes of his books. After a morning of center activities, including Eric Carle bingo, pancakes, and making caterpillar necklaces, we celebrated with our very own Very Hungry Caterpillar cupcake cake (Thank you to Susan E., Christa H., and Mary G. for all of the tasty treats.)

Some of Eric Carle books that the children love.

Eric Carle artwork - The Grouchy Ladybug and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Having fun with caterpillar necklaces.

This is one author that the children will remember for a long time.

Closely Looking at Eric Carle - Author Study

 

 The Eric Carle Author Study is one that all Kindergarten students and teachers enjoy. We took it a step further this year and started to look at Eric Carle and his literature a bit deeper in our close reading. By using different "lenses", students were able to focus in on the characters, settings, vocabulary, patterns or recurring objects. It was amazing to see how the quickly the children understood this concept and were able to share with the class what "lens" they used. For instance, for "Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother Too?" one student used her "pattern" lens and was able to recognize the question/answer pattern and said how it helped her understand the book and  how Eric Carle likes to write. 
From "Does A Kangaroo Have a  Mother Too? students noted that Eric Carle must like animals.

"Do You Want to be my Friend?" we looked for evidence in the text to decide where this story takes place.
 

Bringing the stories back to Eric Carle himself, students noted that he must like cats a lot.

Fund Run - Fundraiser

 Children were lined up for the "Fund Run" on Thursday. Family and friends pledged a certain amount of money for running each lap. The kids had a great time running on this chilly morning.

 Students were checked off after each lap.

 They just kept running.