Workshops held at this grade level aid children in better understanding what they are reading. It is not necessary to get the whole class involved in a group for each book, but they may be expected to choose two or three of the books on a list to read. Participation in a group setting allows children to see different points of view, as well as show them that working with a group demands respect for all involved.
A workshop involves independent reading, possibly one chapter a night for homework. It then involves a group discussion for each portion of the book read.
This may take place in the classroom. After a project is completed, someone from the community that the children are trying to help would come to the classroom to make a presentation about the cause. The children would then present the person with the product of their project.
For instance, your students may choose to collect food and personal care items for a local food cupboard. The students find a way to get the word out about their project, perhaps a newsletter to parents. You teach them about the reasons why people in their communities may need help, such as loss of work or illness. The children set up an area where they will place the items that they collect. In groups the students create a project about what they learn, encouraging teamwork. They will present this to the person invited to speak to the class, before presenting him with the goods collected.
Children learn well when you make a game out of things they study. They learn better when they create the games themselves. The games, once finished, may be used throughout the year to reinforce what they children learn about each topic within the classroom.
A study about presidents, for instance, may include the creation of a memory game. The game's development will require students to conduct some research. They will be recording what they learn about all of the presidents on cards. Your responsibilities are to explain to the students what they need to do, and to be sure that they have the facts right.
Nutrition is another study that opens itself to classroom activities. Healthy, nutritious snacks and lunches are able to be made without the use of a stove, keeping the preparation time in the classroom. Students learn about the nutrition of particular foods, such as apples, bananas and yogurt. They are then able to aid the teacher in making a snack such as a smoothie using the foods that they have learned about.