After Today, Simile's are Like a Walk in the Park!

Similes are lively comparisons used to enrich descriptions of people, places, things, emotions, actions.  A simile links two different elements by comparing one with the other in a way that shows how they are actually alike.  A simile contains the word LIKE or AS.

Mary had a little lamb,
I'ts fleece was white as snow  -- compares the lamb's fleece to the whiteness of snow.

As quick as a wink, he grabbed...  -- compares quickness with the speed of a wink

She works as hard as a horse - compares how hard she works with the strength of a horse.

Now you try some! OR as you're reading and find a good simile, write it down (and the title and author) and post it to our blog.  Have fun finding lively similes!

Sarah Hale used the power of writing to support a cause and create a national holiday.  How would you use writing to change our world?  Write what you think could be done to promote change.  Justify your answer with examples, details, or facts.  Use the magic rule of three.
Example:

I would like to propose a national holiday to honor the oldest child in families across the United States.  Oldest children often have to take over chores at an early age.  They often have to babysit little brothers and sisters.  This can be such a pain because younger siblings often don't behave and are quite messy.  Oldest children also have to set an example for their younger brothers and sisters, too.  They rarely get to misbehave, and that should be a part of growing up.  It's a lot of pressure to be good all the time.  Finally, oldest children are the guinea pigs for their parents.  Parents learn how to be parents using their oldest children to try out new parenting skills.  Sometimes parents make mistakes, and oldest children are the ones to suffer because of them.  So I propose a holiday to honor oldest children all across our nation in honor of all the hardships they face on a daily basis!

Questions

We are full of questions!  What are some of your most pressing questions?  Many authors get writing ideas simply by wondering - Hmmm, what's on your mind?

Coach John Wooden

We will be studying quotes from Coach John Wooden all week.  Watch this video and think about the quotes we read.  What kind of person do you think Coach Wooden was?  How do you think he viewed life? What messages do you think he has for you today?  Do you have a favorite quote?

Block Three Responses

We have read and responded to many quotes the past few weeks.  Type your favorite quote, the author, and your response.

Block Two Response

We have read and responded to many quotes the past few weeks.  Type your favorite quote, the author, and your response.

Block One Response

We have read and responded to many quotes the past few weeks.  Type your favorite quote, the author, and your response.

Book Response

So kids...what are you reading these days?  Let us know the title, the author, and what your book is about. You might want to also let us know what you think about the book so far, and about the author's style of writing.  I look forward to reading about your reading!

Mrs. Heim

Let's practice revising sentences with boring nouns to sentences with SPECIFIC nouns:

1. She ate the food quickly.

2. The teacher fell at school.

Have fun!  Remember to use your initials and block number.

My wish for you this year is that you find authors and texts that entertain, inspire, and teach you things you never thought possible.  We are all in for such adventures this year, and I can't wait to get started!  Here is a video from a middle school that you might enjoy...

Flash Mob - Reading