Only one month to go before the Christmas Break :-)   A Glance at Our Classroom This Week:     Literature Circles - groups will continue to explore Literature Circles - roles and responsibilities Reading and writing activities - Literature Circles - from the Gift of the Magi  Letter Writing - parts of a letter, letters to Santa Introduction to Basic Handwriting Techniques Read Aloud - Parvana's Journey Quick Writes - pertaining to Parvana's Journey Special Note to Parents:  A few of you have expressed to me concerns regarding student handwriting. As a result, I have decided to incorporate into English class "Basic Handwriting" skills. An excellent resource for this is the consumable booklet entitled "Canadian Handwriting - Book E". I have ordered a class set of these booklets - one for each student. The cost of these booklets is $ 7.00 each. When our booklets arrive I will send along another note to remind you of this payment. If this cost is a problem or concern, please let me know and the school will cover the cost.   Homework Monday: Read 15 minutes. Finish Cursive Writing Assignment Complete letter to Santa Homework Tuesday: Read short story from Gift of the Magi "The Chapparel Prince". Discuss with a family member. Homework Wednesday: Read 15 minutes - student choice of reading Homework Thursday: Read short story from Gift of the Magi (to be assigned in class on Thurs.) Complete Literature Circle Activity