There’s no place like Sara Harp Minter Elementary on Emerald Day. Kristi Soong’s 1st grade class completed their study of the Wizard of Oz with a big celebration based on their new favorite book.
In January, the class started their first whole group book study. Together, they read “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” with Soong reading each chapter aloud while the kids followed along in their own books. After each chapter, they had a group discussion; summarizing, analyzing, and predicting. The kids were then given a question to answer in their writer’s journals. They timed it out to read the last chapter on March 16, so they could have the party on March 17 instead of the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Party.
The Emerald Day fun included themed activities and treats, and many of the students dressed up as their favorite characters from the book, like the Wicked Witch of the West, Glenda the Good Witch, and the Cowardly Lion.
Soong’s class had so much fun with it, she hopes it catches on around the school.
“The kids have truly loved this journey. During the whole process they have learned how to be good readers and good listeners,” said Soong. “They have learned to love the anticipation of the next chapter. I want them to remember this and hopefully want to continue their love for reading.”
— Provided by the Fayette County School System.
