Reading/Writing Update:

This week in reading students heard the story Ooka and the Honest Thief. Students then reread the story with a partner. They had to determine if Ooka, the judge, was fair or not fair following this format: " I think Ooka was a fair or unfair judge because...(insert opinion) In the story...(insert story evidence) That's why I think Ooka was a fair or an unfair judge." It is often challenging for third graders to answer a question in more than one sentence. We discuss how using a thesis statement at the beginning is important. Backing up your opinion with evidence from the story is the next step. Finally, students close their argument by firmly by restating their opinion.