Friday, May 27, 2011

More fantastic examples of the third graders book reviews:

The Word Eater by Baylee
    
     Have you ever seen a worm that when he eats words they disappear all over?  Well, in the book The Word Eater by Mary Amoto, this fiction book will blow your mind.  Literally, BLOW YOUR MIND!
     First, Lurner Chance finds Fip.  Next, Fip eats Max thumb tacks.  Then, Fip devoured the words Jay's star.  Last Fip meets Polly.  What will Polly tell Fip to do?
     I recommend this book to 3-5 graders.  The lesson I learned was that you can't get to power hungry.  Will Fip stay how he is?

 Little House in the Big Woods by Willow

     Have you seen a little 6 year old girl make her own toys and milk a cow?  Well in Little House in the Big Woods Laura and Mary do it every day, well, sometimes.  Little House in the Big Woods is by Laura Ingalls Wilder, she is in all nine of the Little House books and they are all about her.  Little House in the Big Woods is an auto-biography.  The characters in the little house are Pa, Ma, Mary, Laura and Carrie.  The setting is in the Wisconsin woods and a little log house.
     First, the Ingall's family cuts wheat and makes cheese and butter.  Next, Mary and Laura make paper dolls and play with them.  Then the Ingalls family goes to church, eats cold food and did not play or work, they just read the bible.  Last, the Ingall's family goes to a party at Grandpa Ingalls house.
     I recommend this book for 3rd grade to 6th grade.  The lesson I learned was to milk a cow from the right side or you will get kicked.  So do you want to read Little House in the Big Woods?  If you like this book read the other 8 Little House books.  So what do you think happens to Laura?

Helen Keller and the Courage in the Dark by Jade

     Lets face it, Helen is a naughty pants because of her blindness and because of her deafness but she likes her darkness.  Helen Keller and the Courage in the Woods has the author go by Johanna Harwitz.  Johanna loves to write non-fiction biographies.  This takes place in Alabama and Boston.  Helen's teacher is called Anne Silverman.  She is very nice to Helen.
     First, Helen got sick and her parents got worried becuase they thought she might die.  Next, when the sickness went it left 2 illnesses (deafness and blindness).  Then, when she got older she was really hard to handle.  Last, they find someone who can help.
     I would recommend this book to 2-3 graders.  The lesson I learned was to never ever give up.  Can Anne cure Helen?  You're going to need to read the book to find out!

Igraine The Brave by Mia

     Have you ever heard of a knight?  Especially a 12 year old girl knight?  Igraine The Brave is a great book about Igraine a 12 year old with a big story to tell.  At Pimpernal Castle, Albert, Igraine and Igraine and Igraine's parents (Sir Lamorak the Witty and the Fair Melisande) get a horrible message saying Osmund The Greedy is going to attack Pimpernail!
     First, Igraine's parents turn into pigs!  Next, Igraine goes on a quest for giant hairs for the potion to turn them back.  Then, they try to turn them back.  Last, Igraine fights Osmund The Greedy.  Will she win?
     I recommend this book to 3-5th grade because this is a fun but challenging book.  I learned that even if all hope is lost don't stop being brave!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Here are some more examples of the third graders book reviews:

Book Review by Parthiv

     In this extremely fascinating book, Poppy and Rye by Avi, it is a great fantasy - fiction book.  Poppy a deer mouse, desperate to save Rye from jail.  Hope it will blow your mind with a forest full of animals!
     First, Poppy met Rye's family and told them about their beloved son, Ragweed and told them how he got killed by an owl.  Second, she finds out that Rye was a prisoner to the heaven's!  Last, Poppy rescues Rye and marries him.
     I recommend this book to 3-4 graders.  I learned not to get trapped.  I think that you will not be like Rye and get stuck...will you?

Book Review by Abe

     Have you read a book about someone's horrible life in middle school?  Well, I have.  It's called Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.  The genre of this book is fiction.  The character's of this book are fiction.  The characters for this book are Greg, Rowley, Ridrick, mom, dad and Holly.  The book takes place at school and at their house.
     First, their parents go on a suprise trip and told Rodrick and Greg, "no parties"!  Then Rodrick throws a huge party but they eventually get caught by pictures.  After that, Greg feels sorry that Rodrick can't play in the talent show because he was grounded.  Finally, Greg has to do a magic trick with Rowley because then Rodrick can play in the talent show.  But, not everything works out for Greg.
     I would recommend this book to 2-4 grader's who are smart readers.  A lesson I learned is to not be like Greg he's pathetic.  Don't you want to read this book?  Because....well I'm a professional third grader and I thought you should!

Book Review by Anonymous

     Have you ever been a bold teen and acted like a skunk?  Well you will in this book review!  You can get this information in a book called Poppy's Return by Avi.  This book takes place in Dimwood Forest.  This is a laugh out loud book.
     First, Junior (teen) acts like his friend Maritta the skunk.  Next, Eveth is trying to stop Junior from being a skunk, then Eveth finds out he can't  do anything about that.  Last, Poppy's sister comes with a secret message.
     I recommend this book to 2-4th graders and they would never want to be a teen (that's good).  I learned that if your a teen you will get kind of koo-koo!  And you don't know what you're doing.  Like when a mouse is disrespectful to his parents.  I would not think what I would do if I was a teen.  Would you?

Friday, May 13, 2011

Third Grade Book Reviews By Mrs. Gwaltney's Reading Groups

Here are 2 great examples of book reviews written by Mrs. Gwaltney's Yellow and Red Reading Groups:

Book Review of Number the Stars by The Yellow Group

     Have you ever seen two soldiers on every street corner?  In this historical fiction book by Lois Lowry, Number the Stars is an adventure book that has won the Newberry Award.  When the soldiers try to relocate the Jewish people, AnnMarie a very brave girl has to hide her best friend Ellen in Denmark.
     First, AnnMarie and Ellen are stopped by the soldiers at the corner.  Next, Ellen goes into hiding.  Then, they go to AnnMarie's uncle's house.  Last, will Ellen ever be reunited with her parents?
     We recommend this book to 3-5 and the lesson we learned in this book is know matter what happens don't stop being brave or give up hope.

Book Review of How Mother Nature Got Her Job by The Red Group

     Do you know how Mother Nature go her job?  In this fiction ledgend book How Mother Nature Got Her Job by Suzanne Weyn, it will blow your mind.  In a small cottage in the countryside Sam and Rae's big adventure starts by meeting Mother Nature.
     First, Sam and Rae meet Demeter.  Next, they find out Demeter is actually Mother Nature.  Then, Demeter made a storm in Arizona when she was mad.  Last, she saves creatures in the sea by stopping the oil leak.  If you want to find out more, read How Mother Nature Got Her Job.
     We recommend this book for 1-3 who like fiction legend.  We learned to be nice to the earth and don't take it for granted.  Don't you want to learn how Mother Nature Got Her Job?

Friday, May 6, 2011

Snow White Stories (Continued)

The Snow Princess - Fiona

     Once upon a time, there was a girl names Snow Princess.  Her dad died a few years ago, but her mom was still alive (her mom's name was Olive).
     But the only problem was that Olive had been sprayed with magic that made her evil and want to be the prettiest.  Right now Snow Princess was the prettiest.
     A few months later Snow Princess ran away.  Later, Olive noticed.  She sent a guard out to cut off the head of Snow Princess.  But when the guard found Snow Princess he thought she was so pretty he let her go. 
     Soon after, Snow Princess found a little house with seven trolls sleeping on seven little beds with seven little plates and seven little cups.  About an hour later Snow Princess fell asleep.  When Snow Princess woke up the seven trolls were gone.  Not so far away Olive was dressed as a little girl selling the newspaper.  When Olive rang the doorbell Snow Princess opened it and got sprayed with a bottle of poison.  When the trolls got home they gave Snow Princess some medicine. 
     When Olive got home she decided this time she would go to the little house dressed as a boy who had no friends and to bring a pie that had poison in it.  When Olive came to the little house, Snow Princess played until the trolls came home.  Later that evening Snow Princess took a lick of the pie and fell on the floop.  The trolls gave her a magic kiss and Snow Princess woke up.
     Olive decided she would go to the little house dressed up as a girl selling girl scout cookies.  When Olive opened the door she got sprayed with a bottle of permanent poison and died.
     Finally, Snow Princess moved back into the palace and got married.  Then lived happily ever after!   

Sterling Silver - Parker

     Once upon a time a lovely queen was making a golden bracelet with silver jewels and rubies.  Next to the queen sat a plate of peaches.  "I wish for a daughter with hair as gold as this bracelet, eyes as silver as sterling silver, lips as red as rubies, skin as peach as these peaches" said the queen.  After awhile a beautiful baby girl was born named Sterling Silver but alas, the queen disappeared right after the baby was born.
      The king remarried right away, but this time the mother was cruel.  Every now and then the queen would check her magic mirror.  When Sterling Silver was 17 the queen asked her to go pick berries.  Sterling walked for hours in the forest.  Finally, she stopped to rest.  She leaned on a tree.  Suddenly the tree opened up and Sterling Silver tumbled through darkness and landed on the floor of the home of the 7 pixies.  THUD!!  When she was again conscious she was greeted by 7 pixies, Juno, Minerva, Artemis, Daisy, Saturn, Mercury and Venus.
     Meanwhile, back at the castle the queen found out that Sterling Silver was still alive and so she went to sell poison lemonade.
     "Would you like some?".  "Yes", said Silver.  Why as soon as she drank some she fell to the floor.  "What do we do?", asked Venus when they saw her.  Suddenly Sterling Silver coughed and she woke up.  The kingdom danced for a whole week.  Sterling got married to a prince and they found Sterling Silver's mom.  They all lived happily ever after.  The End.

Snow White and the Candy's - Anonymous

     Once upon a time in a little town called Ahethns a little girl named Snow White was born.  But soon her mom died and so her dad the king took another wife.  This wife was cruel and mean to Snow White.  She wanted to be the most pretty in the land.  But many boys looked at Snow White not her.  So she told a guard to lock Snow White in the dungeon.  But Snow White overheard and ran away into the woods.  But she left a trail of wrappers she meant to throw away because she loves gum.  Then she smelled some candy.  All of a sudden a house of candy appeared.  When she went inside she was greeted by 7 types of candy - Jellybeans, M&M's, lollipops, popsicles, banana splits, Butterfinger and Hershey bars.  The jellybean person welcomed her and she told her story.  Then, she said you may stay here.  So she did.  But one day the queen saw the trail and took off.  Then she found Snow White and went back to make poisoned gum to get rid of her.  So then the wicked queen hid herself like an old peddler and poor Snow White did now know and ate the gum.  But as soon as she bit down she fell down on a bed.  Then the queen laughed and left.  When the candy's came home one plopped next to her and the bed bent down.  Then the candy got up and the bed went up and the gum flew out of her mouth.  So she started to breathe.  The queen went back to see if her plan had worked and when she saw Snow White alive she sprinted back to try something else.  Then, she made a poison gladd slipper.  The candy's told Snow White not to open the door to people she didn't know.  But the queen made herself look like a farmer's wife and said, "lovely things for sale".
     One day a prince was riding on his horse and saw her.  He found the candy's and asked "may I have her"?  I will give you anything you want, I will die without her.  The candy's took pity on th e kind mand and gave her to him.  On the way back to the castle a guard stumbled and the violet flower flew out her hands so she woke up.  She sat up and asked "where and I"?  The prince said, "you are here with me and I will love you".  "Will you marry me"?  She said yes and they found out that her wicked step mother had died.  So they lived happily ever after.


Snow White and the 7 Green Elves - Meghan

     Once upon a time there lived a girl named Snow White.  She lived with her mom abd dad on top of a hill in Colorado.  Snow Whites mom did not like her because Snow White was prettier than her mom.
     One day her dad went on a business trip.  The second after he left, Snow White's mom threatened Snow White that she would become prettier.  That night Snow White ran away into the forest.  But then Snow White heard  "Snow White".  That was the sound of Snow White's mom's voice.
     Snow White ran as fast as she could but then she came up to a little house.  "I bet I will be safe in there" thought Snow White.  When she walked in there were 7 little beds, 7 little books, 7 little cups of milk and 7 little cookies.  One hour later 7 green elfs walked in.  "Hey" said the first elf.  "Who ate my cookie?", "Did someone drink my milk"? said the second elf.  The third elf said, "has someone been reading my book"?  The sixth elf said, "Did someone sleep in my bed"?  "Someone is in my bed", said the seventh elf.  "Lets wake her up", they said.  Quickly Snow White woke up and said, "who are you" and they asked, "who are YOU"?.  "I am Snow White" she said.  "Why are you in my bed"?  asked the seventh elf.  Oh....you see my father left for a business trip and left me with my mother but my mother threatened me because I am prettier so I thought it would be safer to run away for awhile.  "Well you got to leave" said the elfs.
    
The Ice Cold Girl - Anonymous

     Once upon a time there was a girl named Taylor Swift.  Her mom has died so a step baby was to take the place for the mother.  But step baby got admonished.
     Sometime.  But before I tell you how.  I must tell from the beginning.  Step baby was furious because he was the silliest.  Because Taylor Swift was the silliest.  Because Taylor Swift would do wacky things.
    So one day step baby was buying ads.  It was a freeze gun.  So the step baby shot Taylor Swift.  Taylor Swift was solid and frozen.  Step Baby put Taylor Swift in the 7 Jonas Brother's freezer because they hardly ever use it.  But when the 7 Jonas Brother's came home they went to the freezer to check their food.  Then suddenly they saw Taylor Swift frozen so they got a heater to unfreeze Taylor Swift.  Taylor was sleeping so they thought it was their chance to give Taylor Swift back, so they did.
     The 7 Jonas Brother's got grounded for one second because they were not the boss of Step Baby.  So one day the Step Baby was reading the comics and saw an ad that said poison apple for ten dollars.  So Step Baby bought it.  So she gave Taylor Swift it then POOF she fainted.  So then, Step Baby put Taylor Swift on Justin Beiber.  When Justin Beiber came back he saw Taylor Swift, so Justin Beiber kissed Taylor Swift on purpose.  Then Taylor Swift asked if they could marry.  Then, they lived happily ever after.  THE END!






Monday, April 25, 2011

Completed Snow White Stories

Snow White and Princess Ichiro - by Tyler

     Once upon a time there was a girl named Princess Ichiro and her evil baseball coach.  They lived at the bottom of Mariner's stadium.  Her evil baseball coach said "let's go for a walk".  She was so pretty that the coach captured her and brought her to the top of the Mariner's stadium.  She was wearing so much clothing so when she fell off Mariner's stadium she landed on a cushion of her clothes.  Princess Ichiro fell  and the seven corndogs brought her to the Prince.  The Prince was so strong that Princess Ichiro and Ken Griffey Jr. got married.  A month later the evil coach got revenge by giving her a poison pickle she ate the pickle.  The seven cordog's were the first to witness the crime.  They thought of a good idea.  If each one of the seven corndog's donated a bite, she'll be cured!  You got it!  She's well again.  A couple days later they sued the evil coach.  They got 20 million dollars and they lived happily ever after! 

The Hawaiin Snow White - by Lauren

     Once upon a time there lived a beautiful girl named Kama.  She lived in a luxury resort in Maui.  Kama's mom died because a widow made a potion and her mom drank it and died.  Her father remarried an evil lady.  Her stepmother hated her because Kama was more beautiful then her.
     First, Kama was in her luxury resort in her old mom's bedroom.  Kama was very sad!  She missed her mom very much.  She wished she was not dead and that she didn't have a stepmother.  She went to her luxury pool to visit with her seven dolphins.  Maybe they would make her happier.
     Next, her step mother was wearing a disguise and sold Kama a poisoned coconut.  Kama ate is and fainted.  Kama's dolphins saved her after she fell into the pool.
     Then, her stepmother went to a closed coffee shop and made poisoned frozen yogurt.  Kama ordered an extra big amount, she ate it and fainted.  Luckily, the coffee shop was close enough to the lusxury pool so that the seven dolphins could save her!  They lectured her about buying things from strangers.
     Last, Kama went to a secret labratory and made a poisoned mango for her stepmother.  Her stepmother ate it, she died, she lost her power that made Kama's good mom disappear.  Kama's good mom came back alive and Kama lived happily ever after!!

Lady White - by Ryan

     Once upon a time there lived a Lady White beautiful as a swan and white as a pedal with her not cool dad and her evil mother in Hollywood.  One day the evil mother got a new brother named Justin Bieber.  Justin's hair was brown just like a golden bear.  The evil mother liked Justin better than Lady White.  She tried to kill Lady White with a tiny pencil in the bathroom but she ran away without a single trace.  After walking 7 cold days and nights she found a tiny house with 7 cowboys hobos in the bathroom washing themselves.  The hobos let her in.  Back at Lady Whites home sweet home the father died because of the rock and roll song Justin plays.  The End. 

Friday, April 15, 2011

Versions Of Snow White

This trimester we're learning about fairy tales!  Students read Snow White and are writing their own versions.  Here are some creative exerpts from their stories:

"Once upon a time in a city called Seattle and baby was born.  She was called Snow White.  A place not far away a witch lived.  She had a well that would tell her anything that she wanted to know." -  Justin

"That night after her step-mother had left, Strawberry fluffed herself with her big pink powder puff, tied the bow on her head and wished she had a carriage.  But, she did have the MAGIC BOW!" -  Mia

"The pot said in it's low voice, "Snowgoldstem has the most beautiful lips in the land".  The queen was so mad she yelled, "where would Snowgoldstem be?".  In the woods where you left her, but not for long."
- Jade

"Suddenly, the ground began to shake.  When she turned around she saw some dinosaurs charging at her!  Then, she jumped, did a flip and landed on the ground safely!" - Spencer

"Once upon a time in the Oak Wonder Forest, a little Eagle was born.  The mother noticed that the Eagle had a purple head.  Odd she thought!" - Ethan

"Once upon a time in Delhi there was a beautiful Indian girl with the eyes the color of melting chocolate and beautiful night black hair.  She wore a headwear made of flowers and it was her good luck charm.  She lived a happy life until one day......" - Partiv

"This is when the 7 Octopi appear.  With their x-ray vision they saw the stepmom drowning Sand Tan.  So the 7 Octopi went over there and with all their might they picked up Sand Tan and pushed on her stomache until she blew out the water which was poison." - Mark

"Now this mean stepmother was very MEAN.  Then the stepmother said, "I'll be back at 7:00 pm".  Then she left with a beautiful necklace....  - Steve

"Soon Brown Coconut came to a monkey.  The monkey thought Brown Coconut was very beautiful so he went to a nearby flower and picked it up for Brown Coconut.  Soon Brown Coconut came to a huge blue hut.  When she went inside she found....." - Baylee

Friday, April 1, 2011

How To Be A Good Third Grader

Here are some examples of expository writing from the class on "How To Be A Good Third Grader".

"A good third grader does not only do their work, they also don't COPY other people's work, they raise their hand in class and do not GOOF OFF!" - Fiona

"Now that I have given you such fantastic descriptions of how to be a good third grader.  I hope you follow my advice and good luck!" - Anonymous

"Do you want your teacher to like you?  Well, here's how!  Pay attention.  That way you know what to do.  You know how to do your work.  Last, use virtues!  That's the key to being a good third grader." - Anonymous

"Excellence is important because in the work excellence there is the word excel.  Next, be kind, dont yell at people, it hurts their feelings." - Parker

"You have to be nice, I will tell you how.  You have to keep your hands off other people.  Fill other people's buckets, and use virtues.  I hope you have learned how to be a good third grader." - Alex

Friday, March 18, 2011

Friendship Expository Writing

Here are 3 complete examples of expository writing from our class in their entirety:

How To Be A BFF:  by Ryan and Tyler

     Hmm...lets see how do you be a good friend?  Oh, I didn't see you there.  Do you want to be a BFF with other people?  Yes?  Well all you have to do is to read this book.  To be a good friend you should be nice, kind and help other people.
     Helping a friend is easy.  Drip, drip, drip.  "Oh no!"  Someone is dripping water from their bucket.  Invisible buckets.  An example is to tell them to follow rules and of course help them with math.
     "Ouch!"  That's not nice.  Please do not hit anybody if you get mad.  I think you should use the virtue love, self-discipline and gentleness.  Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, use your words not your body.  Second, I think you should try your best.  "Wow!"  Keep it up.
     "Ow!"  Being kind is the last thing to do.  Okay.  How about being kind by playing with them at recess.  Well, that's not easy.  Do not be mean to your new BFF.  Ouch.  Don't kick me.  Oh yeah.  Try not to hit back.
     To be a good friend you should be nice, kind and help other people.  "Wow!"  Now you have completed the three ways of being a BFF.  Look at you.  You did it!  Now you don't need me anymore!

How To Be Awesome Friends:  by Willow and Anonymous

     So you want to be a good friend?  Do what we say.  I will teach you these things.  Be best friends, be BFF's and help.  So enjoy the movie.
     First, be best friends by hugging friends when they are sad.  When a friend is sick tell a teacher.  When lonely, play with them.
     Second, be BFF's first be BFF's forever.  Invite them over for a play date.  Stand up for your friend.  So you want the last one hmm?  I will let you read it but beware you can't tell anybody, okay? 
     Now, it is help them with homework.  Help them when they drop something.  Help them when something is broken.
     Now you know how to be best friends.  It is be best friends, be BFF's and help them.  To get more information call 605-208-5180.  So that is the end of your show!

How To Be A Good Friend:  By Lauren and Meghan

     Are you a good friend to others?  Kind of.  Okay, we will help you be a good friend.  To be a good friend, stand up for your friend, use nice body language and use virtues.
     Stand up for a friend and help when they are being bullied.  Be kind and nice not rude and hurtful.  One time, my friend was mean to me, it really hurt my feelings.  Be caring to other kids by caring for them.
     If you want to know nice body language tips, please read this paragraph.  Nice body language is hugs, greet, smile and high-five.  I've used nice body language like smiling when I say hi to my friends.  Talk with humor, interesting conversations and ask how they are.  Do nice talking!
     Using virtues is a good thing to do, not just when your playing.  Always use virtues no matter what.  We show virtues to our teachers.  One time we showed peacefulness when sitting on the carpet quietly.  Be truthful by not telling a lie.  Be friendly by keeping your friends secrets.  You can show understanding of their feelings.  Be generous by sharing your things.
     If you want to be a good friend, stand up for your friend, use nice body language and use virtues.  Follow these easy steps and we guarantee you'll make lots of friends.  Also your friends will be super lucky to be friends with you!!!  Your friends will wonder how did you get to be such a good friend?  Fine, we will explain again.  To be a good friend,......

Friday, March 11, 2011

Country Posters

Students have been hard at work on their country posters!  Each student picked a country to research and present the information in a poster.  This project used their reading skills to find information, their social studies skills to understand different cultures, and their writing skills to present information in a logical and organized manner.  Stop by our hallway to see these in person!

Here are some interesting fact we've found:

Italy - "An Italian tradition is to go on a trip in August". - Anonymous

Singapore - "Singapore is a small island and the languages spoken are Malay, Chinese, Tamil and English." - Jade

Puerto Rico - "Puerto Rico is a common wealth of the United States.  This means it is part of the United States and it's own country." - Mark

Italy - "After school children go to the piazza.  A big tradition in Italy is soccer." - Meghan

Germany - "For good luck, German's will fold their thumb and close their fingers on it.  An unusaul fact about Germany is there is no speed limit!" - Parthiv

South Africa - "Preteria is the capitol of South Africa but Johanesburg is the most well known." - Spencer

Italy - "A tradition in Italy is to kiss each cheek when you are saying hello.  They also have paid dog parking in Italy." - Tyler

Canada - "There are two main languages spoken in Canada, English and French.  Canada had the Olympics and Vikings came to Canada." - Justin

Spain - "There are alot of traditions in Spain.  Some are flower dancing, chess, soccer games and bull fighting!" - Anonymous

Friday, March 4, 2011

Some Superbly Written Sentences

Here are some excellent sentences from our last round of expository writing pieces!  These sentences were selected for humor, good word choice, clearly stated arguments and more.

"Last, it gives you exercise like HULK!  It also helps you not to be weak.  Also you grow more!" - Anonymous

"Just dance can warm you up because all it takes is some moves!  You can do it for a birthday party.  You can give it as a gift." - Willow

"When I play soccer I feel a gentle breeze blowing in my hair.  I feel like running to the other end of the field and getting the ball before the other team scores!" - Lauren

"Football in the snow is fantastic because it is fun, it feels like you're a maintenance crew, and I have great memories!" - Ethan

"I think soccer is fun because it's exciting, the wind blows in your face when you are hot and you can kick the ball as far as you want!" - Fiona

"No, wrong note."  "Ahh, yes!"  "Oh my, hi."  What am I playing you ask?  I am playing the piano.  Have you?  - Anonymous

"I like playing the kinect for fun, there are fun games, you get to customize the characters and you get to exercise!" - Baylee

"I like to play wizard 101.  Do you?  Well, I do because you can do a lot, battle a lot of things, and use spells." - Alex

"It's exciting!  There's cheerleaders (my personal favorite).  Oops it's boy stuff you would not understand.  And you can hear the crowd cheer.  It's so cool!" - Abe

"Getting there in the morning is fun.  The musky smell fills the air as I lead Spirit, a horse our of her paddock.  Then I run my fingers through her hair and tell her I'm so glad to see her!" - Mia

"Some scary movies even give you goosebumps.  This movie already gave me a plethora of goosebumps.  Watching movies can also be hilarious!" - Ryan 

Friday, February 11, 2011

Introductions & Conclusions

Good introductions hook the reader and make him or her want to read more!  Good conclusions tie up your writing and leave the reader feeling satisfied. 

Here are some examples:

"Okay people, listen up!  I'm telling you what i like to do at home.  Yes, you've got it, it's LEGOS!  Lego's are so fun because you never get bored and you can build so many different things!" - Tyler

"Have you ever felt the wind blowing in your face?  Well, it feels insane!  One of my favorite things to do at Clyde Hill Elementary school is soccer because it's fun, easy to learn and challenging." - Parthiv

"Now that I've given you such a fantastic description of why ice skating is awesome because it is great to learn.  It feels good, and it is fun.  So I think kids at Clyde Hill should ice skate for fun!"  - Anonymous

"What exactly do you mean, "lessons"?  OK, so my parents don't love guitar.  I do!  Acoustic totally.  Electric's okay, I guess.  Sure I play it, but I play acoustic better.  I like acoustic because I can tune them high and play Spanish songs.  I also play electric, my mom likes that guitar if any.  My dad likes acoustic.  I like guitar because it's easy to carry, I like the sound and it's pretty." -  Parker

"Do you like to toss balls?  I do!  If you do I know just the sport.  This sport is called dodgeball!  Dodgeball is a good sport because it is lots of fun, unique and it is popular.  Dodgeball is lots of fun because you get to defeat different teams and dodge a lot of balls."  -  Spencer

"Soccer is the best sport ever because you are with friends, large field and you get to run.  Oh, I'm sorry someone is trying to score a goal, I better go stop them!" - Meghan

Friday, February 4, 2011

Here are some more examples of great word choice:

"Bay Blades are fast like a hawk!" - Anonymous

"Oh sorry, someone is trying to score a goal.  I better STOP them!" - Meghan

"Dodgeball is also unique because you get to ram people with the balls." - Spencer

"Drawing also makes me happy because people give me compliments, plus my brother is jealous of my fabulous work!" - Jade

"Last, I would recommend ping pong because it is fun, hard, and challenging .  Okay, so now I am going to go play ping pong with my superstar brother!" - Mark

"Chess is my favorite thing to do because it is hard, there is lots of strategy and I could use a break.  That is why chess is my favorite activity at Clyde Hill.  Go grab your chessboard and meet me tonight!" - Justin

Friday, January 28, 2011

Word Choice

Good writers use creative and original word choices to keep their readers interested!  Here are some examples from our class:

"The tabasco made me on FIRE!  It was so hot mmm......." - Anonymous

"The taste, oh how delicious!  The taste of the nectarine explodes in my mouth when I take a bite!"  - Lauren

"The dough slipped into my mouth with the chili sauce on it.  Mmm....dumplings are the best food I ever tasted on earth!" - Ryan

"It is so tastey, kids LOVE it!.  It sparks your taste buds, mmm it is so moist." - Tyler

"The cold, rich and creamy liquid slithers down my throat. Yum!" - Mia

"The reason my treat is tastey is because grapes are super sweet, super savory and have a smooth texture." - Baylee

"SO many different flavors!  The tastey POPS in my mouth!" - Anonymous

"It is healthy because......people are more likely to eat fruit.  (To the mom's:)  also, you can sneak a little fruit in.  It's that easy.  It's that easy!  And that's why it is healthy." 
- Abe

Friday, January 14, 2011

Argument Sentences

Argument Sentences

Argument sentences are the part of expository writing that tell your reader what you are writing about.  Good argument sentences include a clear topic and three supporting details.

Here are some examples:

"Mrs. Benson should put milkshakes in the cafeteria because they are healthy easy to make and people love it."
-Abe

"I think that Mrs. Benson should make pizza in the lunch room everyday because it is healthy it tastes good and kids enjoy it." - Alex

"I think Mrs. Benson should put grapes in the cafeteria because they are easy to get, they are healthy and they are tasty." - Baylee

"Mrs. Benson should include cupcakes because they are tasty have good texture and are easy to find."
- Anonymous

"Mrs. Benson should add salad because it's healthy, easy to make and you can add anything." - Ethan

"I think Mrs. Benson should include cherries in our lunch room because they are healthy easy to find and people love them." - Fiona

"Mrs. Benson should include nectarines in the cafeteria because of the taste, it's healthy and people love it."
- Lauren

"Mrs. Benson has to have jelly beans in the lunch room because they are easy, have different flavors and they are coloful." - Anonymous

"I think Mrs. Benson should put ice cream in the cafeteria because of it's taste, people love it and it's easy to get." - Mark

"Mrs. Benson should put strawberries in the cafeteria because they are fast, healthy and people love them."
- Meghan

"Mrs. Benson should have a milkshake bar in the cafeteria because milkshakes taste good, they're fast and easy and parents will allow it." - Mia

"Mrs. Benson should add spaghetti and meatballs to the menu because it's tasty, it's easy to make and it has good texture." - Parker

"Mrs. Benson should include dumplings for lunch because it's healthy, people love it and it's chewy." - Ryan

"Mrs. Benson should put chicken curry in the cafeteria because it's healthy, easy to make and tastes good."
- Spencer

"Mrs. Benson should put in rice and tabasco and chicken because it's healthy and fast to make and tastes GOOD." - Anonymous

"I think Mrs. Benson should install a fish bar because it is so tasty and healthy and easy to catch." - Tyler

"Mrs. Benson should include pizza and nachos in the lunch room because it is cheap at stores, very good and super easy to make.  Well, now you know why pizza and nachos should be in the lunch room." - Willow 

"I love crab.  I love crab, oops I didn't see you there.  I want Mrs. Benson to add crab in the cafeteria because it is munchy, easy to find and people love it." - Anonymous

"I think Mrs. Benson should put oranges in the cafeteria because they are healthy, tastey and have a funny texture." - Jade

"I like Nachos because they are fresh, easy to make and the taste is so good with the melting cheese, tangy sour cream and the crisp, crunchy nachos." - Partiv

"I think Mrs. Benson should include candy in the cafeteria because it is tasty, easy to find and cheap!"
- Justin

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Class Example of Expository Writing

*This example was written by Mrs. Gwaltney and her third graders! Notice our clear argument sentence, good details and strong word choice.

The warm sauce cascaded down my throat followed by the tangy parmesan and slithery noodles.  Mmm…Delicious!  Oh, I’m sorry – I didn’t see you there!  What am I eating, you ask?  Well – I am eating spaghetti and meatballs.  It is the best food ever because of the taste, it is healthy and it is inexpensive.

Spaghetti and meatballs taste fantastic!  The cheese is tangy and melts in my mouth.  The thick and rich sauce has chunky vegetables.  My meatballs are crispy on the outside.  The juice explodes in my mouth when I bite.

It is also a healthy meal.  You can use different types of meat for the meatballs.  I use turkey because it is healthy.  Whole wheat noodles make it even healthier!  I also pile loads of vegetables in the sauce – spicy onions, sweet peppers and juicy tomatoes.

Last, spaghetti is inexpensive.  It makes a lot of food, so there are leftovers for lunches later in the week.  When shopping at the store, these ingredients (especially noodles!) are cheap.  I can also make it quickly, so I don’t have to waste money by ordering take out on a busy night.

Spaghetti and meatballs are the best meal because it is healthy, inexpensive and it tastes delicious.  You need to go try some RIGHT THIS SECOND!