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.

January 7, 2008

January 7, 2008
1. Today students wrote a silly rhyme "inspired by" a real nursery rhyme.
Here are some examples from poet Bruce Lansky's books Mary Had a Little Jam and Peter, Peter, Pizza-Eater: (If you were absent, get the handout when you return.)

Peter, Peter, pizza-eater,
How I wish that you were neater.
Half the pizza’s on your shirt.
Clean the mess, or no dessert.

Mary had a little jam;
she spread it on a waffle.
And if she hadn’t eaten ten,
she wouldn’t feel so awful.

2. Students received the assignment for the class final: Advice for Writers. We will spend time in the computer lab to work on this today and next time. The completed final project is due by Friday the 11th. It will not be accepted after that. (See post of the Class Final assignment.)

3. Work on your tall tale. We will have some time to work on it in the computer lab again next time, but you will also need to finish up your Class Final then.