May 19, 2008

May 19, 2008
Students received a CD, bookmark, and handout about the author who will be visiting on Friday.

Students went into the computer lab to type up their class finals.

Remember to hand in the class final, and, if you haven't yet, turn in your tall tale and your underland story.

On Wednesday, come dressed to go outside and to sit on the ground.

May 15, 2008

May 15, 2008
Today we had a mini-lesson on Voice (one of the the Six Traits of Quality Writing).
See the nearby post about Voice.

We read and listened to examples of voice.

Do this Activity:
1. Select a voice (pick a voice that is strong and easily recognized):

Captain Jack Sparrow
Miss Piggy
Giselle (from Enchanted)
Edward (from Enchanted)
Bugs Bunny
Eeyore
_________________________
_________________________

2. Tell about what you actually did last night, or about what you did this morning, or something you did last weekend, using the voice you’ve selected. Write it such that when a reader reads it, he or she can "hear" that voice in his or her head.

Students received a paste-in for checking a short story as you revise and edit.

We had writer's workshop during which students were to work on their writing assignments.

May 13, 2008

May 13, 2008
Students wrote a creative response to an optical illusion on the overhead. This isn't quite the same image, but if you were absent, you should write about this one. Some students wrote creative descriptions (using simile and metaphor). Others wrote poems or brief stories.

Students saw samples of the "Class Final." See the nearby post that describes that assignment.

We read another tall tale. A tall tale --
is humorous, exaggerated
includes unlikely events
includes characters who try to solve problems
uses language that is colorful (not inappropriate, though) and informal
has a memorable ending

Students used Writer's Workshop time to work on
The tall tale if needed
The "Underland" story
The class final -- We'll be in the computer lab only on May 19th.

May 9, 2008

May 9, 2008
Today we read from an example book for an Underland story: Gregor the Overlander which the first in a series of five books. Students should be working on developing their underland stories.

We also used that book to look at developing a character, and ways an author gives the reader information about the character.

Students received their class final assignment which is due by May 23rd at the latest. We will have one computer day -- May 19 to type these up in the computer lab. See the assignment in a nearby blog.

May 5, 2008

We worked on the books for the kindergarten children. These books are looking great! The books must be finished by the end of the period today. We will be going to the kindergarten to deliver and read the books on May 7.