Our theme unit has come to a close, but have no fear, our aquarium unit is here! I'm really pumped for this unit. The intention had always been for our last two units of the school year to be theme and revisiting nonfiction. Originally, the plan was for theme to be our final unit, with nonfiction coming beforehand. Yet I decided to rearrange the order so that we concluded with nonfiction. As our second nonfiction unit of the school year, this one is specifically focused on reviewing nonfiction reading strategies, recognizing different types of nonfiction sources, and researching/writing about a specific topic of interest. I took the outline and focuses of the unit and applied them to marine animal adaptations. It was actually really neat, because after getting in touch with folks at the aquarium, I got to go into the Teacher Resource Center last weekend and explore a bunch of resources on animals we'll get to see during our aquarium trip. With the help of one of the Teacher Resource Center staff members, we made a list of 34 marine animals that have interesting physical and/or behavioral traits. I left that day with two giant tote bags packed to the brim with loaned books on these animals. Between these books and texts from our school library, we have a pretty incredible collection of nonfiction resources on marine animals. I went through all of the books and estimated their reading levels. This led me to assign each student a particular animal based on reading level, anticipated area of interest, and small group dynamics, as there will be certain lessons when students with similar animals will work together. This assigned animal, along with animal adaptations in general, will serve as the topic they focus on during reading block for the next month. The final product will be an essay and presentation on how the physical and behavioral traits of their animal help it survive in its habitat. Mrs. O'Keefe will also be spending the last science unit teaching into animal adaptations, and we'll be working together to ensure that all students are ready to share with the class what they've learned about their animal prior to our visit to the aquarium on June 18th.

We had a bunch of assemblies this week. On Tuesday, we were one of a few lucky grade levels to get the opportunity to watch an impressive performance by the Somerville High Band and Drumline. On Thursday, we had a post-MCAS celebration of best effort with sunshine, popsicles, and kickball. On Friday morning, the whole school headed outside for an assembly in honor of Memorial Day, and that afternoon, we had a kick off assembly for next week's STEAM week.

Our Bucket Filler's this past week were Marco and Robert. I love Marco's enthusiasm for our new reading unit. For a teacher, it's always a great feeling when students seem eager about what we're learning and doing in school. Marco makes sure I experience that feeling on a regular basis, continually voicing how excited he is for particular lessons, activities, or units. Robert gave me a feeling of pride this week when we found out that one of his poems will be published on poeticpower.com, a website that celebrates talented young writers. This recognition is well-deserved, considering Robert is currently writing poems for his third book of poetry...