Concise, Precise Summaries

Dear 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 at home, 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!

What's your opinion?

Dear Readers,

We have begun studying and analyzing (looking closely) the characters in our assigned books. I am interested in hearing what your thoughts are about your character.

Answer the following questions:
1. What is your initial opinion of your character? Give text evidence.
2. Do you connect to your character? Explain and give text evidence.

I can't wait to hear about your book!

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!

Poetry Madness: Championship Game

Here's to your final post of Poetry Madness 2012! You need to read "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" and "Falling Star" as the final two poems. Be sure to do your very best writing and thinking. For example, be sure to capitalize the title of each poem, include both poet's craft and meaning in your explanation of your final winner, etc.

Remember your post must include:

1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)
2. What is the meaning of the second poem?
3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY? Remember to discuss the poet's craft and your personal connection to the meaning or something in the poem.

Poetry Madness: Game 2 of the Final Four

Welcome to the Final Four! You will need to read the winners of Game 3 and 4 for this round. Be sure to fill out the bracket.

Remember your post must include:

1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)
2. What is the meaning of the second poem?
3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY? Remember to discuss the poet's craft and your personal connection to the meaning or something in the poem.

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.

Remember your post must include:

1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)
2. What is the meaning of the second poem?
3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY? Remember to discuss the poet's craft and your personal connection to the meaning or something in the poem.

Poetry Madness: Game 4

Read the fourth pair of 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.

Tonight please read Game 4 and choose your favorite.

Poetry Madness: Game 3

Read the third pair of 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.

Tonight please read Game 3 and choose your favorite.

Poetry Madness: Game 2

Read the second pair of 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.

Tonight please read Game 2 and choose your favorite.

Poetry Madness: Let the Games Begin!

During March, the best college basketball teams vie 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 bracket (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.

One Little Word (OLW)

Each new year, two of my cyber-mentors challenge teachers to find their One Little Word (OLW). The OLW is one word that will represent, or symbolize, the year ahead. The word should be personal and thoughtful. My mentors spend weeks thinking about their OLW, making sure they select a word that will really guide them.

I have thought a great deal about my OLW. For 2012, I selected "trust" as my One Little Word. I selected "trust" because sometimes I don't trust my own ability or God's timing. I need this word to remind me to trust not only His plan for me, but also to trust in the strengths and talents He has blessed me with, rather than worry about the future. Trust can apply to my life in so many ways - through friends, work, my students, my family, myself, and ultimately, God's plan for me. I will use this word to guide me through the days of 2012.

What is your One Little Word? How does this word apply to your life? How can you use your OLW to guide your year? Comment to this post with your OLW, and examples of how you can use your OLW this year. Here is a list of possible words to help you. Copy and paste this link if you need suggestions for a word.

http://aliedwards.com/2012/01/one-little-word-2012-the-words.html