Figurative Language

This week we have been learning about the different forms of figurative language. Figurative language means that the words you use don't have their literal meaning, but instead are meant to be imaginative and vivid. We've been learning about similes and metaphors as well as idioms. A simile compares two things, usually using the words "like" or "as". For example, Our class was as busy as bees today. A metaphor directly compares two unlike things. For example, My baby sister is a doll. This compares your sister's size and sweetness to that of the perfection of a doll. Idioms are groups of words whose meaning is different from the ordinary meaning of the words. For example, My mom told me to zip my lips. She's not really telling you to zip your lips but to be quiet. Check out some of the fun activities we have been doing in class to help us better understand figurative language.

Journey Across America

Today we got to share our State Reports with the class. Some students even brought in a treat from their state to share with the class. We enjoyed learning from each other and the treats were yummy. What a fun day! We are so proud of all the hard work put into each report. Keep up the Awesome Writing!

Informational Text

Our students have been working hard on their report writing for the past few weeks. Each student chose a state for the topic of their report. We have researched information through books as well as on the computer. Students took their notes and turned them into chapters for their reports. Each report includes a table of contents, introduction, at least 3 chapters about their state, a procedural of how to make something or do something (like a dance) that pertains to their state, a conclusion and finally a map that locates their state. They also included pictures with captions. Students typed their final pieces on the computer and learned how to copy and paste images onto their page. They also made a cover that included a dedication and a summary. Wow!! Here are a few examples of some of the chapters in our reports. We are so proud of all their hard work!!

Partner Reading

For the past few weeks, we have been studying informational text. Students have been reading nonfiction books during Readers' workshop and are learning about the different text features in a nonfiction passage. Today, students read an informational text with a partner. They then wrote a response in their reading journals about what they learned from their book. We are learning some interesting facts about all kinds of things! What a fun learning filled day we had in Readers' workshop!

Here is a sample of one student's response.

Dear Mrs. Shaffer and Mrs. Nelson,                                                                                      2-4-13
When I was partner reading with Ava, we read the informational text called Birds by Nicola Davies. It is about birds and how they use their feet to grab stuff and much more.
While reading, I learned
1. That some birds' skeletons are lighter than all their feathers. This makes it easier to fly.
2. Some baby birds are born with no feathers but grow them later.
3. The Toucan's bill is long and light because it is hollow.
I recommend this book to students who enjoy learning about birds.
Sincerely,
Ivy

Reading Test Taking Top Chefs

This year our students have been working really hard to focus on "doing their best on the test" by using all the awesome test taking strategies we are learning. That way when they finish their test they will be proud of their hard work. A Reading Test Taking Top Chef is selected each week for their hard work on their reading test. Each nine weeks, all the students who earned the Reading Top Chef get to participate in a pizza party lunch. Congratulations to our second nine weeks Reading Test Taking Top Chefs! We are so proud of all your hard work.

Holiday Fun :)

Holiday Fun on PhotoPeach

Powerful Persuasive Pieces

Our class just finished our Persuasive Writing Unit. The kids did a wonderful job trying to convince someone to agree with their opinions. Here are a few examples of what we published. Enjoy :)

Dear League Director,
     Isn't it boring when football season is over? I think there should be more than 16 pro-football games in a season. Having more football games keeps you active, you get to hang out with your friends and it is fun to watch!
     First of all, I am a football player. So I know it keeps you active! We run a lot in football and work hard! We have practice at least one hour a week. Don't you think if you were more active you could be much more healthier?
     Second, you get to hang out with friends that aren't in my class during football. It's fun to hang out with them. Football is a team sport and you encourage your friends to play hard.
     Finally, football is fun to watch. It gets you excited and you get to watch your city play. For example, my city has the Jacksonville Sharks for arena football. I got to go and watch them play. It was pretty fun and they won!
     I want you to increase the amount of games in a football season now! This way people will become stronger and have more fun playing and watching football! Also, a lot of people will thank you like me. Thank you!
                                                                                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                                                                       Dylan

    Hello! I'm a Christmas tree. Are you looking for a Christmas tree? If you are, then pick me! Pick me! I'm the biggest, tallest, most prettiest Christmas tree you've ever seen!
     First of all, I'm big. Really big! But not too big that I will take up a lot of space in your house. I'll work perfectly if you have a lot of ornaments in your house that you don't know what to do with.
     Second of all, I'm tall. Tall enough to almost reach your roof! Lots of people buy small Christmas tress because they can't find trees tall enough. If you buy me, I will solve your problem!
     Last, but not least, I am really pretty. I have a bright green glow that I'm sure you and your family will love. I look even brighter with ornaments and a star on top. Your house will look fabulous with me in it. I also don't have that many sharp spines on me so that if you have kids, they won't get hurt if they touch me.
     I think that you are going to love me the minute you put me in your house. I'm big, I'm tall and I'm pretty. What more could you ask for? Pick me for your Christmas tree if you want to have a real good Christmas!
                                                                                             
                                                                                                                      by Shreya