Water Travels in a Cycle, Yes It Does!

This four day week flew by, probably because it was one busy week.

My team is trying to be really cognizant of incorporating reading and writing with other content areas. This week we were able to combine reading, writing, and science. 

Students have been learning about different non-fiction text features. 

So, to apply our knowledge, we made a non-fiction book about the 

Water Cycle. 

 First, we made the table of contents.

 Then, we did a close read. 

As we implement the common core ELA standards, we have been trying to up not just the Lexile level of passages, but the text complexity in general. 

 Once we annotated the passage and used context clues to make meaning of unfamiliar words, students completed the vocabulary graphic organizer. 

Later in the week, we re-read the passage with the intent of using our new knowledge to make a diagram (another non-fiction text feature!).

 Last, each student made a Water Cycle bracelet. 

After the bracelets were assembled, we used one of my favorite Kagan strategies, Mix-Pair-Share, to verbally explain the stages of the 

Water Cycle. 

To assess learning, students wrote a paragraph describing the stages of the water cycle. I loved how students who knew nothing about the Water Cycle, and who weren't even able to read words like "evaporate" and "condensation" at the beginning of the week, were able to accurately talk and write about it.  

To get a copy of this Water Cycle product, click HERE.  

...And so our weather unit continues,  up next week, clouds! 

One last thing...

I wanted to share, our Water Cycle song & dance! Love these Sweet Peas!