Making Connections with the Book

corn samples

For the past two weeks my 2nd grade students in small group reading have been activating background knowledge, using text features, and making connections to the text.  We used the book The Story of Corn, by Lilly Ernesto.  Before the students opened the book they had to guess what kind of corn was in each container only using background knowledge.

The students were told that after they read the book they would once again get an opportunity to identify the corn.  (Sample A:  popcorn, Sample B:  dried sweet corn, Sample C:  Dent corn)  Four types of corn were identified in the book, but I could only find three for our live sample.  I couldn't find a sample of flour corn.

Students were then given a blank chart.  They were told to read the book, The Story of Corn, and stop reading when they found the page that described the different types of corn.  Together we decided what categories we should use when thinking of descriptive words for the different corn types.  Our group decided that we should look for descriptive words for the corn's texture, shape, size, and color.

Students discovered that the book didn't tell the students with words how the corn samples were different, instead the students had to use the illustrations in the book to come up with descriptions for the corn.

Students sampled different foods made with corn.  Mrs. Harder baked corn muffins and popped popcorn with a hot air popper! 

 Poe made the observation that popcorn turns from yellow to white after it is popped.  He also observed that the popcorn coming out of the popper looked like a volcano!

We also watched a video clip that showed how corn can be made into plastic.  The plastic can then be made into cups, bags, table clothes, and even clothing!  Following the video Eleazar made a text to self and a text to world connection.  He asked,  "Is dent corn the type of corn used to make plastic?"

We learned from the book that dent corn is typically used for animal feed and  flour corn is made into food for humans.  Popcorn and sweet corn are also used as food for humans.  Yes, dent corn is used to make plastic.

Students made text-to-self and text-to-world connections and wrote about the many uses of corn and described their favorite corn products. 

So now we want to know, what is your favorite thing that is made from corn?

Fluency Fun in First Grade

First grade students in Ms Wick's class have been practicing reading fluency with Mrs. Harder as a part of small group reading.  We have performed poems, songs and reader's theatre scripts.  One group decided that the latest poem needed a tune.  Together, we created a tune to fit with our poem.  The students then performed the song for different classes and school staff throughout the building.  Today we recorded the song to share it with parents.

April Family Fun Night

Family Fun night was a HUGE success!  There were over 375 people in attendance.  Parents and students participated in obstacle courses and found ways to measure distances with objects that can be found around the house.  Families also tested out fun math and reading websites hosted by Iowa Public Television and the Iowa Area Education Agency.  Please check out the Title I website for pictures!

Title I website