Having learned how to distinguish between facts and opinions in Language Arts earlier this month, the fifth graders did an impressive job linking the newly acquired critical thinking skill with a Social Studies activity this week. They were asked to read an entire lesson on Western and Southwestern Native Americans and look for two facts from each section. They were then required to write their facts on sticky notes and post them on the board for everyone to see. Students were highly engaged in this activity and when asked what they liked the most about it, they commented on how looking for the facts helped them read more purposefully. They also noted that having to read their classmates’ facts assisted them in retaining the information more deeply.