Apples and Oranges!

Dear Readers,

You have learned how to compare and contrast different topics like nonfiction and fiction; boas and pythons; TV or no TV (gasp!). Next, I would like you to take it a step further and compare and contrast your reading. You may choose two storybook characters and tell me how they are similar and different. Be sure to include text evidence in your response as well as signal words (which I have bolded below). Please read my example below. I look forward to your comments!

Your teacher, 
Ms. B 

Harry Potter from the Harry Potter Series and Percy Jackson from the Percy Jackson  Series, are two very well-know storybook characters. Harry and Percy are similar because they are both young boys who face great dangers, and demonstrate courage. They both battle forces greater than themselves, but triumph in the end. Also, they are both characters from popular book series. In addition, Harry and Percy  have the help of their friends like, Hermione and Annabeth to help them along the way. Although Harry and Percy are alike, they also have some significant differences. For example, Harry is an orphan, but Percy's mother is still alive. Harry deals with the world of wizards and Percy lives in a world of Greeks Gods and myths. I find both characters to be interesting and unique. I enjoy reading about their adventures.

What do YOU Think?

Readers,

As we read our fiction books, we have learned how to get to know a character in a deep way. We have studied:

• character traits (appearance, actions, dialogue, and thoughts)
• a character's relationship with other characters
• how a character changes in the story

At this point, you should have a well-rounded view of the character in your book. Now, I want to know what you think about your character -- your OPINION.

Your post must state your opinion, and your opinion MUST be supported by the text (text evidence) and what you know about the world. Be sure to edit.

Here is my example:

I think Ida B is trying to be tough because she doesn't know how to handle all of the heartache from her mother's illness and the changes in her life. In the story, her mother cries on her shoulder and apologizes to Ida B for the pain she is causing her, and Ida B has to give her best effort to not cry and be kind to her mother. Instead, she shows no emotion toward her mother. Also, when Ms. Washington puts her hand on Ida B, she feels it for some time after, which means Ida B still cares. I predict Ida B will come around because she cannot continue to live with such a hateful attitude. It will eventually get to her.

Happy posting,
Ms. Blackmon

Concise, Precise Summaries!

Readers,

As a voracious reader, I love discussing books with other lovers of literature. I have joined book clubs, emailed with friends, and sat down over many meals where the conversation turned to what everyone was reading. Books are a part of my life.

However, I have noticed I have certain friends who never fail to disappoint me with their EXCELLENT recommendations. I finally figured out why they are so great at this life skill ...

When recommending a book to me, they give a concise, precise summary of the book. Their summary consist of the main characters, the setting, and the problem and solution, otherwise known as, the plot. They use LITERARY ELEMENTS to explain what the book is about!

I would like for you to write a short summary about the fiction book you are reading, including characters, setting, and the plot (problem/solution). Assume I have not read the book and be sure to edit your work.

Here is an example from Ida B.

Ida B is about a young girl, who lives with her mom and dad on a farm and is home schooled after an unpleasant experience at school. She lives a happy life, using her imagination to play on the farm and with her pets. Sadly, her mother gets cancer and Ida B's life is turned upside down and she is heart-broken. She must return to school and she makes a decision to change into a person with a cold, hard heart.
I cannot wait to see your understanding of what you are reading!

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

What Exactly is a Blog?

Dear students,

What exactly is a blog, and why are we using it in 4th grade? We will use the blog to communicate about different things we discuss in class. Our online post will extend our conversations from class, and allow us to see what other classmates are thinking as well.

We will use the blog for many different things. Often I will write a post, and you will be asked to respond to it for homework. For example, we might post about different reading strategies, or use it to respond to poetry in the spring. However, this year I would also love to have students write a blog post, and classmates can respond to their post.

Today, I am interested in your thoughts about the blog. Please answer the following questions:

1. What excites you about the blog?

2. What questions do you have about the blog?

3. What ideas do you have for future blog posts or using the blog?


I look forward to reading your first blog response!

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Would You Rather Part 6...

Dear students,

As I read your posts from yesterday, I noticed a lack of editing. Be sure to do your best writing.

As a reminder, for your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Would you rather always have to say everything on your mind or never speak again?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

Would You Rather Part 5...

Dear giant hamsters and tiny rhinos,

As I read your posts from yesterday, I noticed a lack of editing. Be sure to do your best writing.

As a reminder, for your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Imagine your favorite food in the entire world. Now, imagine how yummy it tastes! MMMMMMMMM. Got it? Good! 

Would you rather eat your favorite food everyday for the rest of your life or never eat your favorite food again?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

Would You Rather Part 4...

Dear students,

For your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Would you rather be a giant hamster or a tiny rhino?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

Would You Rather Part 3...

Dear students,

For your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Would you rather have the ability to see 10 years into your own future or one year into the future of the world?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

Would You Rather Part 2...

Dear students,

For your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Would you rather win five million dollars or become a famous superstar?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

Would You Rather...

Dear students,

For your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Would you rather have a 3-day weekend every week or have an extra month of summer vacation?

I cannot wait to see what you will write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B

P.S.-Here is my example:

        If I had the choice to have a 3-day weekend every week or have an extra month of summer vacation, I would rather have a 3-day weekend every week. If I had a 3-day weekend instead of 2 days, I would get a lot more done! In addition, I would not have to work as much, and I could spend more time working out, shopping, reading, relaxing, and hanging out with my friends. Plus, I would not feel so rushed on my weekends. I could even go out of town for long weekends and visit family and friends! I prefer having a 3-day weekend  rather than having another month of summer vacation.

Final Showdown!

Welcome to the FINAL SHOWDOWN!!! Reread "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" and "Roger the Dog."

Your post MUST include:
*why you connect to the poem
*what you like about the poet's craft

If your response is not detailed and does not answer both parts, it will be disqualified. In addition, if there are multiple grammatical and spelling mistakes, your response will be disqualified.

It takes attention to detail and hard work to be a champion, so your blog post needs to reflect your best writing and thinking. May the best poem win!

Championship Game!

Welcome to the championship game!!!

Your post MUST include:
*why you connect to the poem
*what you like about the poet's craft

If your response is not detailed and does not answer both parts, it will be disqualified. In addition, if there are multiple grammatical and spelling mistakes, your response will be disqualified.

It takes attention to detail and hard work to be a champion, so your blog post needs to reflect your best writing and thinking. May the best poem win!

Poetry Madness: Final Four, Game 2

Who is going to make it to the championship game? Read your poems and respond to the following post:

Your response needs to be a paragraph with at least 3 sentences, but you do not need to summarize the meaning of the poems. Instead, your response should include the following information:

• Which poem's meaning is more important to you?
• What personal connection can you make?
• Which poet's craft do you enjoy more? Poet's craft can include repetition, word choice, rhyme, simile/metaphor, etc.

 Make sure your answer is detailed and explains the three bullet points.

Poetry Madness: Final Four, Game 1, REDO!

Welcome to the Final Four! You will need to read the winners of Game 1 and 2 for this round. Be sure to fill out the bracket.

Your response needs to be a paragraph with at least 3 sentences, but you do not need to summarize the meaning of the poems. Instead, your response should include the following information:

• Which poem's meaning is more important to you?
• What personal connection can you make?
• Which poet's craft do you enjoy more? Poet's craft can include repetition, word choice, rhyme, simile/metaphor, etc.

 Make sure your answer is detailed and explains the three bullet points.

Poetry Madness: Final Four, Game 1

Welcome to the Final Four! You will need to read the winners of Game 1 and 2 for this round. Be sure to fill out the bracket.

Your response needs to be a paragraph with at least 3 sentences, but you do not need to summarize the meaning of the poems. Instead, your response should include the following information:

• Which poem's meaning is more important to you?
• What personal connection can you make?
• Which poet's craft do you enjoy more? Poet's craft can include repetition, word choice, rhyme, simile/metaphor, etc.

 Make sure your answer is detailed and explains the three bullet points.

Poetry Madness: Round 2, Game 4

Your response needs to be a paragraph with at least 3 sentences, but you do not need to summarize the meaning of the poems. Instead, your response should include the following information:

• Which poem's meaning is more important to you?
• What personal connection can you make?
• Which poet's craft do you enjoy more? Poet's craft can include repetition, word choice, rhyme, simile/metaphor, etc.

 Make sure your answer is detailed and explains the three bullet points.

Poetry Madness: Round 2, Game 3

Your response needs to be a paragraph with at least 3 sentences, but you do not need to summarize the meaning of the poems. Instead, your response should include the following information:

• Which poem's meaning is more important to you?
• What personal connection can you make?
• Which poet's craft do you enjoy more? Poet's craft can include repetition, word choice, rhyme, simile/metaphor, etc.

 Make sure your answer is detailed and explains the three bullet points.

Poetry Madness: Round 2, Game 2

In Round 2, you need to choose your winner based on the following criteria:

• Which poem's meaning is more important to you?
• What personal connection can you make?
• Which poet's craft do you enjoy more? Poet's craft can include repetition, word choice, rhyme, simile/metaphor, etc.

 Make sure your answer is detailed and explains the three bullet points.

Poetry Madness: Round 2, Game 1

Poetry Madness: Round 2, Game 1

Now that you have read through all of the poems and chosen a winner to advance to the Elite 8, the pressure has mounted. Read "Mother to Son" and "The Eagle."

In Round 2, you need to choose your winner based on the following criteria:

• Which poem's meaning is more important to you?
• What personal connection can you make?
• Which poet's craft do you enjoy more? Poet's craft can include repetition, word choice, rhyme, simile/metaphor, etc.

 Make sure your answer is detailed and explains the three bullet points.

Poetry Madness: Game 8

Poetry Madness: Game 8

We are at the end of Round 1. I've enjoyed reading your responses, but can't wait to see what happens as the competition heightens!

Read Game 8 poems. Then answer each question. Remember to explain WHY you chose the winner based on poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition)and your personal connection to the meaning.

Your post needs to include the following:
1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY?

 ***I still notice some of us need to correctly capitalize the title of the poems. However, many of us responded with detail on Part 3. Keep up the good work!

Poetry Madness: Game 7

Read Game 7 poems. Then answer each question. Remember to explain WHY you chose the winner based on poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition)and your personal connection to the meaning.

Your post needs to include the following:
1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY?

 ***I still notice some of us need to correctly capitalize the title of the poems. However, many of us responded with detail on Part 3. Keep up the good work!

Poetry Madness: Game 6

Read Game 6 poems. Then answer each question. Remember to explain WHY you chose the winner based on poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition)and your personal connection to the meaning.

Your post needs to include the following:
1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY?

 ***I still notice some of us need to correctly capitalize the title of the poems. Also, be sure you give a detailed answer in Part 3.

Poetry Madness: Game 5

Read Game 5 poems. Then answer each question. Remember to explain WHY you chose the winner based on poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition)and your personal connection to the meaning.

Your post needs to include the following:
1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY?

 ***Be sure you give a detailed answer in Part 3.

Poetry Madness: Game 4

Read Game 4 poems. Then answer each question. Remember to explain WHY you chose the winner based on poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition)and your personal connection to the meaning.

Your post needs to include the following:
1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY?

 ***Please tell me everything you think, but use your best writing. 


Don't forget to capitalize the title of the poem and to reread your post for mistakes.

Poetry Madness: Game 3

Read Game 3 poems, "The Eagle" and "Casey at the Bat." Then answer each question. Remember to explain WHY you chose the winner based on poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition)and your personal connection to the meaning.

Your post needs to include the following:
1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY?

 ***Please tell me everything you think, but use your best writing. 

Poetry Madness: Game 2

Read Game 2 poems, "Roger the Dog" and "The Falling Star." Then answer each question. Remember to explain WHY you chose the winner based on poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition)and your personal connection to the meaning.

Your post needs to include the following:
1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY?

 ***Please tell me everything you think, but use your best writing. 

Poetry Madness: Let the Games Begin!

During March, the best college basketball teams compete for the National Title. In order to be the best, each team must state their case by playing the best, scoring the most, and ultimately advancing to the next round.


To create a sense of poetry madness in our room and celebrate poetry, we will read a 2 poems each evening and advance a class winner the following day. However, like the basketball tournament, we must use specific criteria to judge a poem: meaning, poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition), ability to visualize, and your personal connection.


 Each night you will answer the following 3 questions about the poems you have read.


1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)
2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)
3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY? ***Please tell me everything you think, but use your best writing.


 Tonight please read Game 1 and choose your favorite.

If You Could...

Dear students,

If you could go anywhere for spring break, where would you go and why? 

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence
• supporting details
• complete sentences
• correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation

I cannot wait to read your response!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

If You Could...

If You Could ...

Dear students,

If you could be principal of Oak Hill School for one day, what would do? 

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence
• supporting details
• complete sentences
• correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation

I cannot wait to read your response!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

If You Could...

Dear students,

If you could do anything you wanted when you grow up, what would do? 

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence
• supporting details
• complete sentences
• correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation

I cannot wait to read your response!

Your teacher,
Ms. B

Book Buzz! 

Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox

Brownie Groundhog steps outside on February 2nd, hoping to see a few signs of Spring. Unfortunately, all she sees is her shadow, and a small red fox, who is determined to eat her for breakfast.

"Don't be silly," says Brownie, after the fox knocks her down and sends her basket flying. "You're too late for breakfast. You'll have to wait for lunch." And so the two head out for a morning of adventure, which includes gliding and twirling and swirling and looping and swooping across a frozen pond.

Soon, however, Fox begins thinking about food again, and informs Brownie that he is ready to eat her for lunch. "You skated right past lunch," says Brownie. "Now you'll have to wait until dinner." Before dinner comes, however, Brownie ties the Fox to a tree. She starts to leave him, but then has second thoughts…

A fun friendship book with a main character who is sassy and just a little bit bossy! 


Dear students,

You just read a "Book Buzz" for Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox. Now, it is your turn to buzz your independent reading book. Please do NOT give away too much for the reader. Remember, you are trying to entice other readers to pick up your book. Have fun!

Your teacher,
Ms. B :)

Reflecting on Hearts of Service Day

Dear students,

I had a wonderful time volunteering with you and your families at the Nashville Rescue Mission. I learned a lot about myself as well as the importance of giving back to the community we live in. Volunteering takes more than showing up for a few hours. It takes preparation, planning, action, and, now, reflecting. I want you to reflect on your time spent at the Nashville Rescue Mission. Please answer the following questions:

• What was your role(s) at the Nashville Rescue Mission? How did you contribute?
• What was your favorite part(s) of our service project and WHY?
• Name some connections you made during your time at the Nashville Rescue Mission.
• What is something new you learned from this experience? Be specific! Also, were you surprised by anything you saw or heard?

Please make sure you answered each bullet point before you publish your comment. Double check your comment for punctuation/spelling mistakes.

I cannot wait to hear about your day.

You teacher,

Ms. B

What are you reading?

Dear Readers,

I am interested to hear about your independent reading books. Right now, I am reading a book Ms. Sikes recommended to me. I can't wait to tell her about my favorite parts and discuss the questions I have so far.

What are you reading?
What's your favorite part?
What questions do you have about the book?

Please answer the questions above. Be sure to write the title of your book in the topic sentence.

Your teacher,
Ms. B

Point of View

Dear Readers,

We have discussed point of view in class. We learned about first person, third person limited, and third person omniscient. Then we analyzed some of Patricia Polacco's books and from who's point of view the story is told.

For example, Pink and Say was written in third person limited. The story is told from Say's perspective, but a narrator is telling it because it uses the pronoun "he." As a reader, we do not know everything, but only the thoughts and feelings of Say.

In our historical fiction book clubs, we have analyzed our book's point of view. What point of view is your independent reading book told? How does the point of view influence how the story is told, and what you know or do not know?

I look forward to reading about your book's point of view and why it matters.

Be sure to answer both questions in complete sentences, and edit your work before you submit it.