We're studying poems...naturally!

Starfish,

As you know, we've been reading poems for the past few weeks. This week, we will study different types of poems (concrete, narrative, rhyming, haiku) as well as different poetic elements (hyperbole, simile, metaphor, personification). Poetry can be challenging, but definitely worth the effort!

A common image that will pop up in all our poems this week is nature. We will suffer the cold with "Sam McGee", experience "Winter" with Nikki Giovanni, find ourselves "Washed in Silver", and splash around with a "Seal". These poems were inspired by images or elements of nature.

What things in nature do you find inspiring? What scenes would make you want to write a poem? Is it the smell of fresh cut grass? The feel of ocean waves crashing against your toes? The pink sky of a spring sunset? What images in nature make you feel poetic?

See you in class!
Ms. L

Who Are You?

Starfish,

This week we are studying poetry that focuses on celebrating our unique and individual qualities. We read poems about being an individual and loving our differences. Here is a cool poem I found on the same topic. It's on a really awesome site that has many other funny poems. To check it out, just CLICK HERE!

"Unique"
ByPaul Curtis

Always remember that you're unique
Unequalled, uncommon, c’est magnifique.
One of a kind quite, special and rare
Singular, original, not one of a pair.
Special, the exceptional you embody
You're really unique, just like everybody.

I like how this poem explains the true definition of being unique and reminds us that every one of us is unique in our own way. Now I want to know...what is your unique quality? What makes you "one of a kind, quite special and rare"? Or would you rather be like Emily Dickinson's "Nobody"?

Looking forward to hearing your responses! Post them in comments and remember to leave your first name, last initial and period when doing so.

See you in class!
Ms. L

Announcing FCAT Fun Friday!!

Starfish,

Our favorite friend, THE FCAT, is right around the corner! The test is scheduled for March 10th and 11th. In order to get ready, I'm declaring every Friday from now until then as...

We'll be doing super-fun learning games called "Brain Battle", "Double Trouble", and "Category Challenge". We'll also watch a very silly (but educational!) video to bump up our test taking skills.

What ideas do you have for FCAT Fun Fridays??

See you in class,
Ms. L

Homework for Parents .. are you serious???

Hi Starfish,

Good News! It's finally time for you to give your parents some homework. On Tuesday, we will take a practice FCAT test. You will then take the booklet home and administer the test to your parent or guardian. You can even make them sit and listen to the directions like we do!

My question for the week is ... why on earth do you think I would assign this as homework to your parents? Am I mean, crazy, brilliant, or all three?? Tell me what you think!

: )
Ms. L

In The News...

Hey Starfish,

What we are doing in class this week is making the news! Check out today's (Jan. 21st) edition of the Beaches Leader for the front page picture and story.

Speaking of newsworthy, all eyes (including ours) were on Washington DC yesterday as President Obama became the 44th President of the United States (POTUS for short) and the first African American president ever! It's so cool to be watching history happen, don't you think?

We've been linking it to our study of the Civil Rights Movement to finish the non-fiction unit. I just found out yesterday that Governor Crist is sponsoring an essay contest relating very closely to what we've been talking about in class. One middle school student can win a full-paid tuition to a Florida University! Wow, what an opportunity. Details coming soon.

Last night I watched President Obama dance at the MTV Youth Inaugural Ball. He said that young people (that's you ... and me, even though I'm a old, old lady) must rise up to the challenges facing our nation. I'm curious, as young people, what do you think America needs more than anything right now? How can you help?

See you in class!
Ms. L

Mmm...Menu Project Mania is here!

Starfish,
I've discovered that it is VERY DIFFICULT to hear all your wonderful menu ideas all day long. It makes me so hungry! Should I cancel the project to save my starving stomach?? Just kidding! It's due on JANUARY 20th!

I'm not a very good cook, so when I go home to Ocala I always ask my stepmom to make her famous, savory meatloaf! She always serves it with home-made mashed potatoes, green peas, and triple chocolate cake for dessert. Delicious!

What is your favorite food? Leave a comment and use as many descriptive words as possible. Remember...comments = bonus points!

See you in class,

Ms. L

Biography Schmiography!

Starfish,

By now you should be hard at work on your Biography Comic Strip. Remember, this assignment is to prove your ability in:

1. Gathering information from a variety of sources (library books, internet, posters)
2. Organizing your information for a purpose (to tell a President's life story)
3. Interpreting information into another text (making the comic strip)

If you need help finding information online, click here. It's the official site for the White House and it has a biography on each president. Be sure to click on the "Read Full Bio" tab for the complete article. Remember, when using a search engine, don't just type in the President's name. That will bring up too much information! Be specific. Try typing "Thomas Jefferson Biography" instead.

If you need help, please be sure to ask me! Comic Strips are due on Monday!
Ms. L