Biography Resource

I wanted to share a fantastic resource that we learned from Ms. Rashmi, our lovely ELL teacher. It's something your child can do in his/her free time or for a bit of extra homework. (Even I enjoy reading these as they are a very quick, concise way to learn about people who changed history.)

It's called PebbleGo and you can access it by following these simple steps:

1. Go to the DAA Community Portal.
2. Click on the Library tab at the top.
3. Click on DAA Elementary Library, which is the link directly underneath Academic Search.
4. You are now on the DAA Elem. Library Page.
5. Click the second heading: "Database for PS."
6. Click PebbleGo for Primary (this is appropriate for our age-level as well)
7. Once you're in, you can click on Biographies.
8. After reading, your child should be able to answer the following for questions:

• Who is your subject? (includes name, date of birth, death, facts about life, etc.)
• What did he or she want? (freedom, to find a way to allow blind people to read, etc.) 
• What were some of his or her struggles? 
• How did he or she overcome those struggles?

Also, please be sure to check the extras at the bottom of each biography as they include an activity page, video, timeline, and related articles. 

Parent Engagement Invitation

Parent Engagement Invitation

Have you ever wondered if your child is reading a “just right” book or if they even know how to select one? Or, have you been curious to know more about how you can read in a greater interactive way with your child at home? Maybe you’re wondering if your child is really even thinking while he/she is reading.

If you’ve ever pondered any of these questions, then you will benefit from our Grade 3 session during Parent Engagement Week.

I would like to invite you to come join us in our classroom for one 40-min. lesson on Wednesday, January 28, from 8:00-8:45 AM where you will learn more about collaborative reading, ways to show what we are thinking about our reading, and a chance to practice with your child in a true Reader’s “Workshop” style.  

As a Grade 3 Team, it is our hope that this session will enable you to learn a few very practical ways to help your child soar as a lifelong reader. Participating parents will also receive a handy reading tool to use at home...and maybe even a homemade cookie. ☺

We hope to see you then! #savethedate

Book Recommendation

After the recent unity march in Paris, it was timely that our dear Mia brought in this great book, which runs along the same vein of firmly standing for freedom, bravely speaking out against violence, and inspiring others to stand in unity for basic human rights. 

The interactive read aloud raised a few thought-provoking questions, so I was mindful to keep my responses as age-appropriate as possible. Clearly, many of the children are beginning to see the precious value of education, freedom of expression, and how even one person can have a profound impact on the world. 

So, in the event that your sweetie asks you any questions about such a deep topic, please consider this a heads-up. :) 

Helpful resources: 

• Malala Yousafzai 
• Iqbal Masih

Iqbal Masih