Current Studies
We are currently working on our short stories unit. Here are some terms you might need to know:
Figurative Language: The language an author uses to compare things in a non-literal way.
Simile: comparing two unlike things using the terms 'like' or 'as'.
Metaphor: comparing two unlike things concretely (using the term is)
Examples from Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone: "He looked simply too big to be allowed, and so wild - long tangles of bushy black hair and beard hid most of his face, he had hands the size of trash can lids [metaphor], and his feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins [simile]." (p. 10)
Figurative Language: The language an author uses to compare things in a non-literal way.
Simile: comparing two unlike things using the terms 'like' or 'as'.
Metaphor: comparing two unlike things concretely (using the term is)
Examples from Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone: "He looked simply too big to be allowed, and so wild - long tangles of bushy black hair and beard hid most of his face, he had hands the size of trash can lids [metaphor], and his feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins [simile]." (p. 10)
POETRY ResourcesWe have started studying Poetry. To see a quick review of our poetry resources, head over to the daily blog!
The Daily 3 |
A few of my favorite words: |
This year in our class we are doing a modified version of the Daily 5 for Intermediate classrooms. We are only using three of the five strands.
Read to Self- the cornerstone of any good literacy program. This sustained silent reading time allows each student to delve into a good fit book and learn to love their adventures through various types of literature. Word Work- encourages students to practice vocabulary and spelling. Knowing how to read without having a large vocabulary limits the material you have access to. Learning commonalities of the written word (roots, suffix, prefix) gives students the opportunity to take educated guesses at new words they come across. Work on Writing- Language Arts encompasses the writing aspect as well, and it is so important that all students learn to express themselves on paper. During this time students can choose to write about a prompt, a picture, or something that is happening in their lives. There is a strong correlation between good readers and good writers and this station works on improving those skills. The Daily 5 is a Language Arts program developed by teachers Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. It encourages students to build up their language arts stamina and knowledge through 5 'centers' of learning. |
Silhouette
Trajectory Cadence Quixotic Mellifluous Verbose Serendipity Phenomenal Anathema Soliloquy |
CAFE
CAFE is the management system for The Daily 5. It allows teachers to assess, monitor, coach, and track student success.
C is for Comprehension: I understand what I read- There are 15 different strategies that students can use that will allow them to better understand what they are reading.
A is for Accuracy: I can read the words. It is so important to make sure that students have strategies and tools to help them when they come across a word they don't know. There are 8 main tools that help scholars check to make sure they are reading accurately.
F is for Fluency: I can read accurately, with expression, and understand what I read. This group of strategies is all about being able to read comfortably. We don't want choppy robotic voices, or texts that are too hard to read and understand. Fluency is essential for developing a love of literacy.
E is for Expand Vocabulary: I know, find, and use interesting words. We all have that friend who loves their word of the day calendar. This group of tools wants to develop a passion for words in every student. The english language is rich with colourful words, textured words, nuance, boldness, flavor, and crispness. Our students are going to grow up needing every word they can get their mouth around to live in the world we are handing them.
C is for Comprehension: I understand what I read- There are 15 different strategies that students can use that will allow them to better understand what they are reading.
A is for Accuracy: I can read the words. It is so important to make sure that students have strategies and tools to help them when they come across a word they don't know. There are 8 main tools that help scholars check to make sure they are reading accurately.
F is for Fluency: I can read accurately, with expression, and understand what I read. This group of strategies is all about being able to read comfortably. We don't want choppy robotic voices, or texts that are too hard to read and understand. Fluency is essential for developing a love of literacy.
E is for Expand Vocabulary: I know, find, and use interesting words. We all have that friend who loves their word of the day calendar. This group of tools wants to develop a passion for words in every student. The english language is rich with colourful words, textured words, nuance, boldness, flavor, and crispness. Our students are going to grow up needing every word they can get their mouth around to live in the world we are handing them.