An Interview with a Pumpkin

     October brought a fabulous lesson in personification!  The AAA students learned all about growing pumpkins.  We studied all of the steps, from planting, to flowers, to pollination, to growth.  Then, we imagined what a pumpkin might feel like during this whole process.  We then "interviewed" a pumpkin, and had fun creating voice, mood, and of course, the pumpkin's end to life.  Enjoy these fantastic samples!

Pumpkin Interview

by Rayne (4th grade)

Rayne:  Hi, my name is Rayne.  Thank you for meeting me here.

Sugarspice:  You’re welcome.  My name is Sugarspice.

Rayne:  What a beautiful name that is!

Sugarspice:  Thank you so much.

Rayne:  Okay, let’s start right at the beginning.  Can you tell me the earliest thing that you can remember?

Sugarspice:  Oh yes, I remember it like it was yesterday.  One day I woke up from a nice long nap and saw light.  The next thing I knew a small hand was pulling me and my family out of this brown bag thing.I got stuffed in the ground and it was very dark!  Then this wet stuff hit my head and got me all wet.  I was soaked.  After a while, I grew two lovely pigtails and my mom told me they were called seed leaves. 

Rayne:  I bet you looked gorgeous with pigtails.  Did these seed leaves change at all?

Sugarspice:  Yes, my seed leaves did change.

Rayne:  What did they change into?

Sugarspice:  My seed leaves turned into vine leaves.  The vine leaves pricked me a couple of times.  Then my vine leaves grew and grew.  Then a tendril tried to latch on to everything around me.  Then this flower-like thing began to grow, on my head and I finally realized it was a yellow flower.

Rayne:  That’s very interesting.  Please tell me more.

Sugarspice:  Then a little green ball appeared at the bottom of my flower.  My mom told me I was going to become a pumpkin.  Then my mom said I had to be pollinated.  So, a bee came buzzing toward me and pollinated me.

Sugarspice:  After a week or so my flower fell off. 

Rayne:  Did you get scared?

Sugarspice:  I didn’t really feel anything so I guess it didn’t hurt.  I thought I was sick because I was green.  But after a little while, I turned orange and white.  Eventually, I got chopped off the vine.  It hurt very very badly! 

Rayne:  Sounds painful.

Sugarspice:  It was!  But then I got beautiful lace painted delicately around the bottom of my stem, and now I’m here with you.  Thank you for interviewing me.

Rayne:  You’re welcome.

Pumpkin Interview

By:Bette (6th grade)

Bette: It’s a pleasure meeting with you today Ms.October. You’re quite beautiful, and I love that color on you.

Ms.October: Thank you so much. You’re not so bad yourself. I’m very happy with the way I turned out. The journey was quite worth while.

B: Let’s dig into this journey, what do you first remember?

Ms.O: Well, It’s quite a far time back, but I do recall hearing a slice of scissors, then being blinded by sunlight. I saw a small girls face, her brown frizzy hair blocking most of it. She ran over to the yard and started to create a hole in the ground. From there I was thrown into the darkness, and quickly covered up.

B: I see. Do you recall anything after that?

Ms.O: I do recall being quite parched. That little girl must have some super power, because three seconds later I was drenched in the cold water.

B: Oh thank goodness! How long in the darkness did you stay?

Ms.O: Although it felt like forever, about 1 week. By Sunday I had the funniest green colored hair.

B: Wow, how exciting! What do you remember after that?

Ms.O: I thought I was growing longer hair, but the girl called them tendrils. These weird things never stopped growing. They would latch on to everything they could! It was amazing!

B: Oh! How long did they stay like that?

Ms.O: Eventually they stopped growing and out of nowhere, a golden flower had sprouted on the top of my head!

B: Truly magnificent! What happened next?

Ms.O: I remember feeling a small ball on the end of my flower. It was the darkest color of green.

B: Awesome! What happened to the flower?

Ms.O: Oh, the scariest thing. One minute all was quiet, then the air was filled with this horrible buzzing! I was landed on. This thing was furry, black and yellow. It threw this orange stuff on me, and like magic about 1-2 weeks later, my flower had disappeared.

B: Wow! How frightening! What else do you remember?

Ms:O: I started to get bigger, and bigger, and bigger. I was green at first, then became the brightest color of red. After, small bumps began to appear on me, and then here I am.

B: What a terrific story! How do you expect to end your life?

Ms.O: Something about being decorated, the girl said.  I honestly can’t wait!

B: Amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time to come here today!

Ms.O: You’re most welcome!

Fantastic Paragraph Writing!

     Both "Budding" and "Awesome" classes had a fantastic lesson in paragraph writing.  To find an interesting subject matter, we brainstormed real animals and spelled them backwards on the board.  Our new and imaginative animals were then the subject of our paragraphs!  The younger classes answered some brainstorm questions about appearance, diet, habitat, and activities.  When they were done brainstorming, they were given goals appropriate to their grade level in regards to how many sentences to write.  Everyone learned how to do a conclusion sentence using strong adjectives.  Check out these awesome samples!  (And see if you can figure out the original animal's names!)

By Nathan, 1st grade:

     My animal's name is the Nihplod.  My animal has a telescope.  My animal eats boxes of toys.  My animal lives in a burrow.

By Tyler, 2nd grade:

     My animal's name is the Rehtnap.  Its colors are black, orange, and blue.  Its eyes are blue.  My animal is furry and has an orange hat.  This ferocious creature eats alligators and crocodiles.  He lives in the jungle.  The Rehtnap looks for people to pet it.  The Rehtnap is black, furry, orange, and nice to people and other animals (besides alligators and crocodiles!)

     The "Awesome" classes were challenged by being given strict guidelines to follow at paragraph writing time.  While it may sound restrictive to be limited to five sentences with specific sentence patterns, this lesson taught the students to vary their sentence starters and patterns to keep their writing interesting.   The key was to be creative within the parameters given.  They did a fantastic job.  Check out these imaginative animals!

By Amelia (3rd grade)

      The Lahwran is fierce and aggressive.  Its tail is sharp and poisonous.  Swimming through the ocean, its horns glow a brilliant gold.  Because its teeth are so sharp, all the sea creatures swim away in fright.  Although it can be scary, it only eats when it is hungry!

By Danika (4th grade)

     The Elahw is a very unique creature.  Its diet is different than any other creature.  It eats only candy corn that's read, white, and blue!  While it's eating candy corn, it stands up on two legs and wags its tail.  What a wild diet this Elahw has!

By Sophia (5th grade)

     The Yttik is the most beautiful animal in the world.  It is swan-shaped, has peacock feathers, scarf-shaped feathers on her neck, and a little foof of hair on its head.  It is so beautiful, that even the scariest predators can't bear to touch it!  While it glides across the clear, blue water, the Yeti's feathers glimmer in the moonlight.  The Yttik is a lovely, unique bird.

By William (6th grade)

     The Elgae lives deep in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle.  Living in the Bermuda Triangle is difficult because there are no fish there, but he finds a way to eat.  It's hard to find food, so sometimes he travels out to other regions to find his meals.  When he hunts, he sometimes finds a pack of fish.... YUMMM!  Then he will travel back to the Bermuda Triangle and rest, awaiting new adventures.

"Sunny Sentences:" How to Add Description to our Writing!

We are off to another fabulous start in "Budding Authors and Artists" (grades 1-3) and "Awesome Authors and Artists" (grades 3-6).  Our first assignment focused on the power of a single sentence.  Our job as writers is to paint a clear picture in our reader's mind; exactly what we want them to see.  How do we do that?  With……
~adjectives
~adverbs
~where phrases and clauses
~when phrases and clauses
~creative sentence starters

We started this assignment with a base sentence: a "boring sentence" that has the grammatical components to be a complete sentence, but lacks any description or excitement:

The sun shines.

 Step 2 was to add modifiers to our sentences, one at a time, while our peers helped us pick the best ones  in the most outstanding order.  It was a wonderful lesson, with great results.  These students know how important it is to use vivid, descriptive language to make their writing more exciting!  Check out a few samples from various grades.

Hewitt, 1st grade:

The big circular yellow sun shines warmly in the blue sky in the afternoon.

Maxine, 2nd grade:

The bright yellow sun shines happily on the playground at noon when I'm taking a nap.

Claire, 4th grade:

 Because it is twilight, the blinding yellow sun shines brightly on a field of wild flowers.

Joshua, 5th grade:

Because it is summer, the jubilant yellow sun shines brightly over the rainbow.

Another Workshop Ends!

Wow, those four months flew by!  It's now time for our Publishing Parties, where the students receive their portfolios with all the work they created.  They designed their own covers, and I am sharing one of my favorites because it reflects how much this student, Lucy (5th grade) enjoyed this session.  Students get to choose adjectives that reflect their work, and also design a central picture.  I bet you can guess what I love about Lucy's artwork.  (Click on the picture to enlarge it.)

Thanks for a great year, everyone!  Happy Summer!

Squiggle Line Stories

     This is always a favorite assignment!  The children get to pick from a pile of papers with squiggle lines on them.  They can turn the paper any direction they'd like, and then create a picture out of the design.  It is always so fun for me to see how different kids take the same shape and create completely different pictures out of it!  

     After art time, the students brainstorm the 5W's and H of writing for their story:

Who is in my picture

What is happening

Where my picture is taking place

When the action is happening

Why the action is happening

How the story plays out/ends

     Here are some fabulous pictures and stories from across the grades!

The Rocket, by Gabriel (1st grade)

     

      On the astronaut's birthday, the rocket went to space.  The rocket went through lightning into space.  The astronaut thought about how cool the moon would be when he landed on it.  It took him so long to get back to Earth that he was a whole year older!

The Worm and the Mother Bird, by Alyssa (2nd grade)

     One day, at 1:00 pm in the spring, a red, soft, fluffy bird with a bright yellow beak was hunting forever for yummy, crunchy food.  She was looking for food for her babies and some for her.  The worms are smart and tricky.  Her cute baby birds always get the yummy food, and she never gets it.  Then, the mother bird found a slimy worm.  She flew fast and swooped in as fast as she could, and finally she got her yummy food!  She finally got her lunch.

Brownie, by Saviana (2nd grade)

     One hot summer day, a dog named Brownie was in a green field.  He caught a smell.  A smell like..... just a smell like something sweet.  He went across the field, so full of flowers he almost lost the smell!  Brownie followed it and sniffed as hard as he could.  He wanted something to chew on, his teeth were begging him.  What was that smell, he didn't know either.  

     "Brownie!" called the farmer.  "Time to eat!"  

     He rushed to the porch and ate his lunch so fast, he didn't know his stomach was hurting.  He just thought about finding that smell!  He went back to the field and followed the smell.  Finally, he got to it!  He dug one foot then, there right before his eyes he saw a bone!  Happy and tired, he went home.

My Fluffy Bunny, by Rayne (3rd grade)

     One beautiful sunny morning, Brownie went out for a stroll down the road.  She was a little hungry, so she looked around on her walk.  She saw a worm, and she thought it would taste like the dump!

     Then the bunny passed a nut.  She tried it, and it tasted like cardboard to her!  So, she went along with her walk.  She didn't see anything for a while.  The only thing she saw was a fox, so she decided to take another trail.

     Then she saw Cat.  Cat was going for a walk, too, but then Cat saw a mouse, and went after it.  Brownie was sad that she had not found anything to eat for herself.

     Then, she saw an apple tree.  She went over to the tree, and saw juicy, yummy apples.  She reached up, and grabbed an apple.  Then she smelled and tasted the apple.  It smelled delicious, and tasted like it was perfectly ripe, so she ate it and went home.  She was no longer hungry!

Hungry Chubby, by Daniella (3rd grade)

      Chubby was sleeping with her mom.  Her mom couldn't sleep because her little cub's tummy was grumbling so loudly her ears were about to pop!

     Mrs. Polar Bear said loudly, "You go get some food!"

     Chubby walked as she saw the full moon and got even hungrier because she thought that it was cheese.  Chubby ran to a little circle in the ice that was cracked.  There she saw three little fish named Scared, Scream, and Help.  She licked her lips and said, "This is going to be easy."  As she snatched three small fish in her huge paw, they screamed, "Help!" and "I'm scared!"

     As she walked back to her mom, she stuffed the three fish in her mouth, and said, "Yum."  Then she lay on her mom's nice warm belly and went back to sleep.

The Snake, by Samantha (4th grade)

     "Yes!  I see it!  I'm not hallucinating!" said evil Dean DeVil.  "Cruel is going to be so happy!  Ever since we married, we've been itching to make a real snake skin dress line!"

     Giddy with happiness, Mr. DeVil inched toward the innocent snake.

     With reflexes like a cat, Mr. DeVil snatched the snake.  The poor snake squirmed and struggled, but it could not escape Mr. DeVil's strong grip.

     Cackling piteously, Mr. DeVil brought the snake to his evil private lab.  Mr. DeVil chained the frightened snake to the operation table.

     Just as Mr. DeVil was about to slice the scared snake in half, his evil Henchmen arrived.  While the women distracted Mr. DeVil, the snake found out that the chains were actually made out of metal shavings!  Small, carefully placed magnets were holding the chains together.

     Hope ignited in the snake's heart.  He bravely knocked a magnet out of place with the tiny tip of his tail.  To his delight, the chains fell apart!  Happily, he slithered to the door.

     He stopped dead.  Mr. DeVil was running towards him!

     He slithered towards the exit, his heart beating loudly over the sound of the minions' cries.  One inch left..... He made it!

     Happy again, the snake slithered into the garden.  Never, EVER to be bothered again by Mr. DeVil!

Sophie Squiggle, by Adeline (5th grade)

     Sophie was staring at the mirror, trying to adjust her magenta bow just right.  It was Picture Day at her school, so she was also practicing her smile.  But not just any smile.  A smile she could keep on her face while trying to see her bow at the same time.  All while having the same exact adorable face she always has.  It was hard, and if you tried to do it, you would probably give up in two minutes.  But Sophie was trying, because all of her pictures in the yearbook didn't have her cute bow in it, and plus, she was always frowning in frustration, trying to keep her bow in the picture.

     "Sophie!  The bus is here!" her mother called.

     "Coming!" Sophie shouted back.  "Ugh.  My stupid giant head," she thought as she climbed up the steps of the school bus.  "It's always ruining everything, even my school picture."

     "Okay, Class, it's time to go," her teacher announced.  She led all of the young aliens to the area with just a whole bunch of reddish-brown dust.

     "Sophie Squiggle!" the photographer called.

     Sophie squirmed up in front of the camera, and did what she practiced all morning.  When Sophie started to scrunch up her face, she relaxed and glued on her perfect smile.  Then she stared up at her head and frantically tried to move her head to the perfect position so that her bow would show.  But right in the middle of when Sophie was perfecting that: CLICK!  The photographer had taken the picture!

     "Next!" The photographer shouted, and the next alien walked up.

     When Sophie came home, she saw her picture and realized two things.  One, her bow wasn't in the picture.  But luckily, she was wearing her adorable smile and looking the cutest she could be.  And that is all that counts!

Henry Gets Bullied, By Ahnika (6th grade)

     Once there was a Hippo named Henry who loved to eat flowers. He would graze in the fields alone in the sunny afternoons, and dance in the evening underneath the shining moon. Henry was a very kind hippo, but his friends were not so nice. They always teased him until he would cry, and they would laugh when he ran away to his mommy.

Henry eventually quit school and got home schooled by his grandma. His grandma Heather was sweet and caring, and helped Henry feel better about his troubles at school.

It had now been a year since Henry went to regular school. Henry was happy and full of spirit again and forgot all about his mean friends at school. Until he saw them again when he was on his regular afternoon grazing routine. Henry immediately tensed up and got ready for the avalanche of hurtful words to come. But Henry was surprised to hear what they said.

Henry’s old friends apologized for their bad behavior and asked Henry for his forgiveness. Henry stood still, amazed at what happened. He gave a nod with tears in his eyes.

     The bullies’ faces got sad when they saw him crying, “I am just so happy,” Henry said. “I am coming back to school!” he exclaimed. The bullies’ faces lit up. After Henry returned to school, his enemies became his friends.

Pledge of Allegiance Translation

How many kids recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have NO idea what they are saying?  The "Budding" class got to translate the Pledge into language they could understand!  After studying definitions and picking the ones that would fit best, the students began to recite a Pledge that contained words that helped them understand the importance of the words they were reciting!
After learning the vocabulary, they got to color and design flags, and glue them above their words.  Here is a beautiful sample done by Tiffany (3rd grade.)

I promise to be loyal to the flag of the United States of America, and to the government for which it stands, one country under God, undivisible, with freedom and fairness for all.

Great Inventions!

     In honor of Thomas Edison's birthday on February 11th, the students were to come up with a  creative invention that would help improve their lives, the lives of others, or perhaps even the entire world!  They started off with a story map that would eventually lead to their 5-paragraph essay.  (The Budding Authors and Artists filled in the blank with a similar outline.)   The paragraph topics were:
1. Introduction: Name and briefly describe your invention
2. More details/how it works
3. Whom your invention would help
4. Other important or cool facts
5. A conclusion that would make the reader want to buy your invention!

It was very difficult to pick my favorite inventions!  So many of these would improve my own life!  Would you buy any of these products?

The Barry Bonds Bat, by Tyler (1st grade)

     If I were a great inventor, I would invent a Barry Bonds Bat.  It would help people always hit home runs.

     First, you would tap it and it will wake up.  Next, it will be ready to bat.  Then when you swing at any ball, you will hit a home run!

     My invention would help anyone in baseball and softball.

     The bat would change to any colors you want for boys and girls, and it would only be $4.

     I think my Barry Bonds Bat would be helpful to a lot of baseball and softball players!

My Invention, by Alex (2nd grade)

     If I were a great inventor, I would invent a Talking Floating Ducky.  It tells whose turn it is if you have a brother or sister when you are playing a game.

     First, you squeeze the floating ducky, and it turns on.  Next, it floats in the air.  Then, it tells whose turn it is.  Finally, you poke it, and it floats down and sleeps.

     My invention would help younger brothers and sisters if they have a hard time taking turns.

     It costs $12.69.

     My Talking Floating Ducky would be marvelous!

     

My Identical Twin Helper, by Danika (3rd grade)

     If I could create a new invention, it would be the "Identical Twin Helper."  It helps people that have identical twins and can't tell which one is which.

     "The Identical Twin Helper" is a toothbrush shaped item that would work like this.  You slide the button in the middle.  Then you push the black button on the bottom.  Next, you put the toothbrush in their mouth.  Slide the button up, and their name will appear!

     My invention would help every parent that has twins.  Teachers, coaches, and doctors would find it handy too.

     The toothbrush costs $10 and comes in one size.  The colors are purple, pink, blue, green, black, yellow, white, red, and orange.

     This invention will definitely help you if you have identical twins and can't tell which one is which.  My invention is amazing!

The Astounding Dish-Table, by Flo (4th grade)

     Aren’t you always complaining about having to do the dishes? Or having to set the table? Well you can kiss your troubles goodbye with the all-new Dish-Table!

     Here is how this staggering invention works. First, you press the “set table” pedal and any dish you’d need would pop up. After that, you can pick up the plate, serve food on it, and eat your meal. Next, you would step on the “wash” pedal. Your food would automatically be scraped off your plate, your plate will be washed, and would be prepared for the next time you set the table.

     This creation would help anyone who has ever needed a helping hand with the dishes, or just didn’t have the time or desire to do the dishes.

     The starting price for this product is $1,500 USD. You can order a rectangular, circular, white, black, formal, or wood-styled Dish-Table. A cool fact is that the Dish-Table is solar powered, so it’s great for the environment.

     This miracle-working table will minimize disagreements around the world. No more arguments about who’s turn it is to wash the dishes!

The Flavor Changer, by Morgan (5th grade)

     Are you a parent that gets stressed at every meal time?  Well, fear no more!  The "Flavor Changer" is a new hi-tech chip that you can place in your child's mouth.  Every parent would have one less problem to stress about if they purchased this awesome product!

     The "Flavor Changer" changes the flavor of a food your child doesn't like.  All they have to do is think of a flavor, such as chocolate, and as soon as they bite down, the flavor sprays all over their mouth.  The best part about it, is that it has the same healthiness as the food with the original flavor! The chip uses mini suction cups to stick to the child's mouth.  They can't feel it there, and you can take it out at any time.

     This new invention would help picky eaters and annoyed moms who want their kids to eat a balanced meal.  Imagine how much easier yours and your child's life could be!

     The "Flavor Changer" comes in five different colors: red, blue, purple, green, and black.  It is only $7.99 for 21 in each pack, one for each meal of the week.  As a bonus, it comes with different suction cups that you can switch out, and a case!

     My invention would be a stress-relieving product for picky eaters and parents everywhere!

"No Regrets," by Rebecca (6th grade)

     Have you ever stayed up at night, wondering what would happen if you had done something else? Well, worry no more!  Now with the brand new "No Regrets" invention, you can live with one giant weight lifted off your shoulders.

     "No Regrets" is a small tablet or a large machine, depending on your preference.  Activating this machine is as easy as the simple tap of your finger.  There are two modes: decision-making and alternate-ending mode.  In decision-making mode, you can scroll back to the desired time.  Then, you can interact with the others and relive that moment.  When alternate-ending mode is activated, you can remake your decisions without it altering your current state.  You can then see the future after that decision, either in slo-mo, normal speed, or elapsed time.  You can change between the options at any time.  The uses of "No Regrets" are both handy and plentiful!

     This machine can help people of all shapes and sizes.  For example: students.  They can retake a test or choose a different work partner.  Adults can use it to apply to a different college or job, and decide on a different major.  Anyone and everyone across the globe can benefit from this invention.

     Don't fret if you fear you won't enjoy the basic look and style.  There are multiple options!  Colors include chartreuse, burgundy, crimson, teal, silver, gold, black, and white.  Sizes range from small to large, weak to powerful.  You can get it with buttons or a touch screen.  There are several charging options: solar, manual, batteries, or plugged in.  This invention is fully customizable!

     Whoever you are, wherever you are, your life can be improved by the "No Regrets" invention.  Live life with No Regrets!

Powerful Paragraph Writing!

The "Awesome Authors and Artists" class was given a challenge to write a descriptive paragraph based on a nature picture brought in from home.  They were given a list of possible sentence patterns.  Some of these included:
~Include two vivid adjectives.
~Use a phrase or clause that tells "when" or "where."
~Start a sentence with "Because."
~Use a strong adverb in the sentence.
~ Use a quote style sentence.
~ Use a very strong, vivid verb (no "is," "go," etc.)
~ A sentence that has unique punctuation

And more!

In addition, they were given three options for the topic of their paragraphs:
~ Describe your picture.
~ Tell a short story (only one paragraph!) about your picture.
~ A nature lesson on the subject of your picture (this was by far the hardest one.)

Here are some of my favorite samples across the grades.  Enjoy these beautiful pictures and paragraphs!  (See if you can find the technique in each sentence that makes it different from the other sentences!)

Picture Descriptions:

by Kayla (3rd grade)

     This graceful, shiny dolphin is jumping out of the air.  Because of its incredible strength, it can easily fly out of the water.  As it leaps, the sun is beautifully setting.  The sky is blue and orange with puffy clouds.  Obviously, dolphins are interesting creatures.

     by Izzy (4th grade)

     This is a family of three cute penguins in the snowy cold weather.  Because the baby penguin can hardly walk, he is using his daddy's feet and body for support.  When the dad walks, the baby penguin walks, too!  "We are so grateful to have you, aren't we?" the mother asked.  "Yes, we are," replied the father.  "And I'm so lucky to have you as parents," added the toddler.

 by Adam (5th grade)

     Because the cheetah was going faster than anyone has seen before, its prey couldn't seem to get away.  The unlucky gazelle was taken to the magnificent tree, where the two cheetahs got ride of every part and piece of the gazelle.  After the poor animal was devoured, the cheetah started to look for another prey.  He soon spotted a frightened gazelle, and sprinted, making sure he would catch it.  I was lucky enough to catch a perfect photo, which reminds me of the precious moment.

by Niki (5th grade)

     On a sunny morning, a big brown bear soared into the air with a salmon in its paws.  The fish flapped its flippers in the bear's face, keeping it from being devoured.  "Just keep flopping!  Just keep flopping!" screamed the fish desperately.  The bear closed its eyes and dug its paws into the salmon, finishing it off.  Righteously, the bear sunk its teeth into the silver and pink flesh.  What a delicious meal!

Story Time!

by Nicole (4th grade)

     One day, I took a walk through a large forest.  Then, I spotted a small, red-eyed frog sitting on a leaf.  As I went down to get a closer look, I felt like I'd seen this sort of frog before, I just couldn't remember it.  So I leaned over to pick it up, but to my surprise, it leaped onto my hand!  Suddenly, I remembered its name: It was a Red-Eyed Tree Frog and..... it's poisonous!  I shook my hand to try and drop it, but unfortunately I figured out what it was a little too late.......

by Bette (5th grade)

     I walked through the woods on a cold winter day.  Snowflakes pattered down on my warm winter coat.  I looked up at the sky, but frosted trees blocked my view.  "This forest is deserted," I thought.  I looked around once more, when I spotted a bird.  "Here, all alone, like me!" I thought.  I walked up to the bird.  Who knew that nature could be your best friend?

by Mira (6th grade)

     From a high perch in some foliage, the scene pans to a small trio of drenched, maroon bears wandering a pebbly beach.  Warily, two brothers protect the lookout, and a smallish sister, who gazes out into the distance, surveys the murky and eco-rich waves.  They slowly wade in shallow water, as if yearning to reunite and find a family member of tasty meal in time to frolic together a little longer.  Growling and murmuring drifts between the cubs, which are discussing a way to brave the turbulence!  Like anticipatory spies, the triplets eagerly race to the other shore, clawing and pushing the water with lengthy claws; a technique that causes them to bob and advance rapidly through the choppy resistance.  As I always say, "Determination along with teamwork creates a success."  These persistent, young brown bears exemplify a symbol of childhood and bonding like no other animals.

Scientific Facts:

by Lucy (5th grade)

     The Kakapo is a cute and friendly animal, which was once at the brink of extinction.  It is the world's heaviest parrot at about twenty inches, and four to nine pounds.  It gets its name from Kaka, which means owl-like.  The Kakapo feathers are green on its back with yellow at the end of each feather.  Moreover, they have long nails that are great for climbing, since this bird can't fly.  This ia g great and beautiful creature that was thankfully saved from extinction by the Kakapo Recovery Team.

New Year's Resolutions

My New Year's Resolution is to not get so behind on this blog!!

     The Budding Authors and Artists read a poem about New Years, and we followed it with a writing assignment about New Years Resolutions.  The goals the children set for themselves were fabulous, but listing the goals were not enough.  They had to write about WHY those resolutions were important to follow through on, and what would happen if they succeeded.  Enjoy these samples!

     My New Year's Resolutions are to not watch that much TV, and follow directions.  This is important because I want to follow directions, and my mom won't be happy if I don't.  Ii don't want to watch TV that much, because it's bad for my brain!  If I do these things, I will get more time to spend with my family, and I will be a good student!
~Kalea, 1st grade

     My New Year's Resolution is to be better at math than I am now.  I think I need to work on subtraction.  I make mistakes like 20-15=? but I am going to work hard on it.  This is important because I want to have a great year.  If I do this, I will get better and better and maybe become a math teacher!

~Rose Anne, 2nd grade

     My New Year's Resolution is to not get mad every time I lose a game, not be very bad to my brother, and to do more push-ups.  This is important because I don't want to have a fit.  If I do these things, God will be very grateful, and my brother will love me, and I will get really strong.

~Andrew, 2nd grade

Snowflake Sentences!

Another session of "Budding Authors and Artists" and "Awesome Authors and Artists" started up in late January.  We were inspired by winter to create beautiful snowflakes with sentences to match them!  We started with a lesson on what makes a grammatically correct sentence: Simply, it's a Noun + Verb.  But to create a sentence that is exciting to read and that paints a perfect picture in the reader's mind of what the author wants to convey, we need to add:

1. two adjectives

2. one adverb

3. a phrase or clause that tells "where"

4. a phrase or clause that tells "when"

5. The "Awesome" students also learned how to start a sentence effectively with "Because"!  They were also encouraged to peer edit and help each other move phrases or clauses around for better sounding sentences.

This is a project I love to see across the grade levels.  It's fun to watch the students' writing ability mature as they get older.  Enjoy these samples!

 The beautiful white snowflake falls gracefully at Lake Tahoe in winter.

~Alice, 1st grade

 The unique, glittering snowflake falls softly on my snowy roof on Christmas Eve.

~ Lucy, 2nd grade

The soft, pretty snowflake falls quietly and gracefully outside my window on the 1st of January.

~Tiffany, 3rd grade

Because it is snowing, the shiny snowflake falls softly on to the tip of my tongue.

~Lana, 4th grade

During the Winter Olympics, the brilliant and sparkly snowflake gracefully falls on the ski of a famous skier.

~Tyler, 5th grade

While a mysterious, shimmering twilight moon illuminates the dark forest, a single intricate and delicate snowflake drifts soundlessly on to a bed of white snow.

~Sophie, 6th grade