Jun 19, 2013

Student Writing

Literacy Circles

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WELCOME TO MRS. BASALDUA'S 5TH GRADE CLASSWIKI

This technological extension of the classroom is here for you, to meet your classroom needs. I am sure that you will find an answer to most any question you may have. And if you don't, please feel free to contact me - Terry Basaldua. I hope you visit often.

Please visit Russell's Week in Washington.


1. Affix Battleship

2. Affix Quiz

3. Text Structure Rags to Riches

4. Expository Text Structure Quiz

5. Text Structure Quiz


Prefix Columns

Prefix Matching

Prefix Meanings

Prefix Jeopardy


Build A Coaster

Epic Coaster

Roller Coaster Creator

Roller Coaster Adventure

Fling the Teacher Equivalent Fractions

Fling the Teacher Prefixes and Suffixes


Myebook

Interactive Games

Text Structure Battleship

Computer and Internet Terminology

Rags to Riches Introduction to the Computer

Fling the Teacher Math

Fling the Teacher X Tables


Analogies


Jumble Kids


Compound and Simple Sentences Challenge Board
Write your name in Player 1 and Click on Begin Player 1 Game.

Sentence Structure Quiz
Once you've praticed a little with the Challenge Board, take the quiz. You have three attempts. Good Luck!

When you have finished, have fun with Word Clouds. Get permission to print before printing.


For Monday, January 14, 2013

Word Clouds


Quia Quiz Author's Purpose
Type your first and last name. (Be sure to capitalize your name!) Graded

Affixes Jeopardy

Prefix Matching Game

Paint by Idioms


Christmas Games

More Christmas Games


Farkle Flip Instructions


Origami Club


December 7


Origami Box with Lid Video


Synthesizing and Making Logical Connections

Synthesize - combine elements and parts to form a coherent whole

Drawing conclusions - a form of inference in which the reader gathers information, considers the general thoughts or ideas that emerge from the information, and comes to a decision. The conclusion is generally based on more than one piece of information.

  1. Identify similar/related information from multiple texts of the same or different genre
  2. Draw conclusions about the overall connections/relationships between the two

1. Read the two articles, keeping notes about what you read.

2. Create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the two articles.

3. Synthezise the information from the Venn Diagram, not the article.

4. Write a response making a logical connection between the two articles.

5. Two grades will be taken. One for being able to synthesize the information and another for using proper grammar and sentence structure in the response.


Response -

Identify and describe how the authors' purposes are similar or different in te texts read in class. Make sure to support your ideas using evidence from the text.

Comparing and Contrasting Author's Purpose

  • Identify the author's purpose
Purpose - the intended goal of a piece of writing; the reason a person writes
  • Identify if the purpose is implied or stated
  • Identify if the author's purposes are similar or different
  • Describe how the author's purposes are similar or different

What link connects the two passages?


Text Structure Battleship


Elf on the Shelf Video


November 26

Water Bottle Pollution


Context Clues Quiz

Prefixes, Suffixes and Root Words Battleship

Prefixes, Suffixes and Root Words Quiz

Analogy Quiz


Blizzard!

1. 1. As you prepare to read Blizzard!, you could anticipate that the purpose of the selection would be -

A. to be informed
B. to be entertained
C. to be persuaded
D. to perform tasks

2. Examine this outline based upon the ideas within Chapter 1 of Blizzard!. What best fits the blank at C1?

I. The Unholy One

A. Unusually warm weather for March
B. Various activities of specific people
C. Local weather stations keep track of two storms
1. Weather station telegraphed calm weather for the area
2. Everyone went home leaving weather stations unattended
3. _____________________________________________________

Seeds of Revolution

1. As you prepare to read the passage on the French and Indian War, you could anticipate that the purpose of the selection would be -

A. to perform tasks
B. to be entertained
C. to be informed
D. to interpret

2. Choose the correct cause/effect relationship based upon The French and Indian War.

A. The French hated the Indians. Therefore, they go to war.
B. The French and Indian are friends. They want the same land as the British. Therefore, they go to war over the land.
C. The French want the land. The British want the land. Therefore, the Indians sold the land to the French.
D. The Indians didn't like the French. Therefore, they fought the French in a war.

3. Why would the French and Indians be allies against the British?

A. The French and the Indians wanted the same land and would not share it.
B. George Washington built Fort Necessity.
C. The British bought the land but the Indians believed that no one owes land, but wanted to share. The French shared the land with the Indians.
D. The British could not have Fort Duquesne and Fort Necessity so they ran away.

4. Choose the correct cause/effect relationship based upon The First Thanksgiving.

A. The Pilgrims planted corn in the winter, therefore many starved to death.
B. The Mayflower was in a thunderstorm while at sea, therefore many Pilgrims died from being tossed about the ship.
C. Squanto taught the Pilgrims to fish and survive in their new home, therefore the Pilgrims were able to celebrate after a bountiful harvest.
D. Massasoit was very frightening to the Pilgrims, therefore he did not help the Pilgrims.


Conflict


Who will be our next president?

Every Kid Votes


Literary Elements Hangman

Rags to Riches Inference

Fling the Teacher Figurative Language

Games for the Brain

The Moonlit Road


Quia Quiz Adjectives

Quia Quiz Context Clues

May 28, 2012

Woodsong Final


May 22, 2012


George Burns

May 21, 2012

Map Puzzle


May 18, 2012

Blue on Black Dogs

Big Huge Labs


Map Games

Vector Kids State Map


May 14, 2012

Dress Code in the Media

Pros and Cons of School Uniforms Web Site

Do Uniforms Make Schools Better? Web Site

No School Uniforms Prezi Presentation

School Uniforms Prezi Presentation

News Report about School Uniforms

School Uniforms PSA

Ban School Uniforms


May 11, 2012

Interactive Map of the United States

USA Map - States and Capitals


May 9, 2012

Ropes Course Web Site

1. Which of the following sentences BEST states the main idea for the web page about the Ropes Course?

A. The Ropes Course builds strong cohesive teams in a fun and educational setting.

B. The Ropes Course challenges with ropes.

C. The Ropes Course increases staff productivity.

D. The Ropes Course is a great place to have a date.

2. What is the meaning of the word cohesive as it is used in the Web Site?

3. After reading the web page for the Ropes Course, explain how this message would be presented differently if it were part of a televised newscast?


Ropes Course Documentary

3. What textual clues are there to support the inference that this excerpt is part of a documentary?

A. It suggests a fast pace of dialogue and camera shots.

B. It is a short synopsis of information.

C. It is a journalistic record conveying factual data.

D. It uses an anchor person in a studio.

4. What bias influences the point of view of the speakers in the documentary draft about the Death Valley program?

A. Anyone can participate in the program.

B. People in wheelchairs should not participate.

C. Students may learn more about how to climb.

D. Teachers need to instruct their stuents with pictures and graphics.

5. After reading both the web page about the Ropes Course and seeing the documentary, what is a MAJOR difference between the two pieces and not just a minor detail?

A. One shows a person on one activity and the other shows instructors telling students how to climb.

B. One has multiple pictures, and the other has only two picture for the readers.

C. Both are describing people experiencing the team building activities.

D. One is attempting to persuade readers to visit, and the other is narrrating a particular visit.


May 8, 2012

USS Lexington Web Site

1. Which of the following sentences BEST states the main idea for the web page on the USS Lexington?

A. The Lexington allows the imaginations of all visitors to run wild on the World War II era aircraft carrier.

B. The Lexington has many unusual tunnels and ladders.

C. The Lexington rests in Corpus Christi Bay.

D. The Lexington is a place for getting lost in its tunnels.

2. What is the meaning of the word maze?

3. After reviewing the web page about The USS Lexington, what types of actitivies might need sturdy shoes?


Channel 8 News Nina and Pinta Replicas

4. What bias influences the point of view of the speakers in the documentary about the Nina and the Pinta?

5. What textual clues are there to support the inference that this excerpt is part of a documentary?

A. It suggests a fast pace of dialogue and camera shots.

B. It is a short synopsis of information.

C. It is a journalistic record conveying factual data.

D. It uses an anchor person in a studio.


Fox News Obama Campaign

CNN News Obama Campaign

Politico.com news about Obama Campaign


May 3, 2012

Plastic in Oceans Pictures

MSN Report - Plastic trash in oceans 'vastly' underestimated

April 30, 2012

Documentaries


April 23, 2012

We will begin our new unit on Literacy Circles today. I am so excited! I love Book Clubs, allowing students to read, write and think together as they work through a book.

We will also begin a new writing assignment. The students will get to write about anything they want in whatever genre they want. This should prove to be very exciting.

Looking for Lincoln Documentary


April 11, 2012

Spelling City Game

Spelling City Analogies

Introductory Paragraph


March 30, 2012

Learn about the life of a runaway slave as you travel the Underground Railroad. Click on the headphones icon to listen to each station. It is truly amazing!


March 28, 2012

On Thursday, you will begin a very elaborate research project. The typed research project is due April 18. You will research a favorite author, a person from history, or a scientist. There are many to choose from, but we cannot delay.

We will be doing all our research in the classroom, however, you may do some of your own research at home and bring what you have learned to school. Print out your information so that you can make reference cards to use in class.

Below is a link that may help you make the most of your research.

Big 6 Research


March 26, 2012

Zoom Jeopardy!


March 22, 2012

Paint by Numbers Idioms

Awesome Analogies


March 21, 2012

General Tso's Spicy Synonyms

Inference Battleship


March 20, 2012

Writing Prompt - What did you do during Spring Break? Please describe where you went and what you did like you were telling your best friend.


Take AR Quizzes on the following books:

Luka's Quilt

Fly Away Home

Brave Irene

Your Move

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Ellis Island


March 19, 2012

Welcome back!

ARE YOU READY?

Synonym Challenge

Antonym Challenge


March 9, 2012

Inference Quiz

Literature Cloze Activity

12 Powerful Words


March 8, 2012

Character Trait Hangman

Context Clues Synonyms

Reading Strategies that Work - Test Genre


March 7, 2012

Literary Elements Hangman

Idioms Concentration


March 6, 2012

Rags to Riches Inference


March 5, 2012

Inferencing


February 27, 2012

Infinity Pool


Harvesting Hope

1. What is the best summary for "Huelga?

A. Workers started to rebel because they were poorly paid. In 1965, the vineyard owners cut their wages even more. The grapes were not harvested because the workers were in a strike.

B. It was time to rebel, and th eplace was Delano. Here, in the heart of the lush San Joaquin Valley, brilliant green vineyards reached toward every horizon. Poorly paide workers hunched over grapevines for most of each year. Then, in 1965, the vineyard owners cut their pay even further.

C. Workers went on strike because they were not getting paid enough money to work in the tomato fields.

D. The workers rebelled. The grapes do not last long.

2. Which words from Harvesting Hope support the conclusion that students were not allowed to speak Spanish in school?

A. White Trade Only

B. broke the rule about speaking English

C. liked to learn

D. dropped out to work in the fields.

3. How does the author of Harvesting Hope develop his story?

A. He compares what Chaves did with Ghandi

B. He provides reasons for Chaves to organize the workers

C. He uses emotional words in his story, makin gyou feel sympathy

D. He uses sequencing to show the logical order of events in Cesar's life.

4. What does the author mean when saying, "They inched their way through?"

2. Define the following words as it is used in the story. Create a chart like the one below.

Unknown WordClue WordsWhat I Think it MeansDictionary Definition
packhorses   
shrill   
plates   
headman   
interpreters   
collapsed   
holler   

Definition Delight

Kajeet Internet Ad

Compare and contrast


Spotting an unreliable website.

Bias Website

Procedural Text with Prezi

"How to Play Uno"

1. What does the phrase there is a hitch mean as it is used in the Wild Draw Four Card section of the passage?

2. What information in the passage supports the conclusion that a Wild Draw Card is the best card to have compared to all the other cards?

3. What is the best paraphrase of the section Going Out?

A. A player must say UNO before the next player begins his turn. Beginning a turn means that the player has taken a card from the DRAW pile. A player must draw cards if the last player plays a Draw 2 card. Reshuffle and play.

B. You may not catch a player for failure to say UNO until his second to last card touche the DISCARD pile.

C. A player must say UNO before the next player begins his turn. You cannot catch a player for not saying UNO before his turn is over or after another player begins his turn. If the last card played is a Draw Two or a Wild Draw Four card, the next player must draw the cards and count the points. If there are no more cards on the DISCARD pile, reshuffle and continue playing.

D. A player who forgets to say UNO before his card touches the DISCARD pile, but "catches" himself before any other player catches him, is safe and is not subject to the penalty. You may not catch a player for failure to say UNO until his second to last card touches the DISCARD pile. If the last card played in a hand is a Draw Two or Wild Draw Four card, the next player must draw the two or four cards. These cards are counted when points are totaled. If no one is out of cards by the time the DRAW pile is depleted, reshuffle and continue play.

What is wrong (if anything) with the following sentences?

4. My daughter took a foto of her as an eighth grader to school to show her class how she looked back then.

5. My brother, Louis, likes to sign his name as L. d. Bratton.

6. I really enjoy teaching and I look forward to several more years of teaching.

7. I yelled, "Look out! as the little boy ran into the street.


Word Study Concentration

1. Get with your partner. If your partner is not here, get started without him/her.

2. Take the bag of Greek and Latin prefixes and suffixes and their meaning out of the pocket. Find a place to QUIETLY play the game with your partner.

Directions

3. Face all the cards print side down on your desk in even rows and columns. Take turns turning two cards over at a time. If they match the correct prefix or suffix with its meaning, keep the two cards. If they do not match, turn the cards back over in the same place.

4. Now it is the other partner's turn.

5. Continue playing until all cards have been matched or time is called.

6. The partner with the most cards wins!


Summarizing with Prezi

There are now 4o INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS until your STAAR for Reading on March 28. Are you ready to SHINE?

Have your Reading Calendar ready to collect. Pick up a new one for this week.

This week will are talking about summarizing. Check out this online lesson at tv411 - Summarizing.

Try this Online Activity for Synonyms, Antonyms, and Homonyms.

Questions for "What are Freshwater Wetlands?"

1. What is the purpose of this passage?
To gain information about the characteristics of wetlands.
2. What is the main idea for paragraph 3?
A marsh has grass and no trees.
3. The author of "What are Freshwater Wetlands?" has included many details about the area called the wetlands. After reading such an article, how could you determine that the details are facts?

A. Send an e-mail to the author of the article.

B. Read a story set in the Wetlands.

C. Reread the article and list the details that are facts.

D. Consult an encyclopedia for the topic Wetlands.

4. What is the meaning of the word frequent as it is used in the sentence, Minks and otters frequent wetlands.
often goes to
5. How does the text structure in "What are Freshwater Wetlands?" help the reader to comprehend the message within the text?

A. Since the structure is in order of importance, the reader knows that the animal life is more important than the water.

B. Since the structure is a sequence of events, the reader can determine that first, animals came to the wetland, then they planted grass and trees and, finally, water collected in the area.

C. Since the structure is compare and contrast, the reader can determine that the wetlands is in danger of drying up.

D. Since the structure is description, the reader can determine that the article is creating an image of what the different types of wetlands are like.


January 18, 2012

Did you read for 20 minutes last night? What did you read? Did you add it to your calendar?

Questions for Dolores Huerta: Yes, It Can be Done and Marty and Mars

1. The author probably wrote the article, Dolores Huerta: Yes, It Can be Done to

A. teach readers about the National Farm Workers Association.

B. convince readers to fight for workers' rights.

C. inform readers about Dolores Huerta's efforts to help others.

D. persuade readrs that Dolores Huerta' did more for workers than did Cesar Chavez.

2. To explain the third-person point of view in Dolores Huerta: Yes, It Can be Done, the reader needs to know that the narrator

A. retells events that happened to the characters in the story.

B. was the main character of the story.

C. is Dolores telling her story.

D. wrote the story.

3. Dolores Huerta did not like seeing her students coming to school without warm clothing and not having enough food to eat. What additional action did this cause?

4. What does the word deter mean in the sentence, "You cannot let what people say deter you from your goal."

5. The role of the Marty's father in the poem Marty and Mars, is to

A. explain how to become an astronaut.

B. introduce doubt into the poem.

C. help Marty not to worry about what others say, but to believe in himself.

D. be someone for Marty to follow because his father was also an astronaut.

6. What is the common theme of Dolores Heurta: Yes, It Can be Done and Marty and Mars?

What is wrong with the next two sentence?

7. I read all three books in The Hunger Games series, and I can't wait for the movie to come out.

8. The worker fell off the ladder and had to be taken away by abulence.

9. Dad said to me, "Hold on with all your might. Don't ever let it slip away."

10. "He helped design a spaceship that could fly him to the stars and with that ship he was the first to ever land on Mars."


January 13, 2012

Did you read last night?

I am a Rock

Rock Island in a River Picture

The Joy of Books


Meeting Mrs. Pierce

1. On the last page Mrs. Pierce says..."it's not wise to dawdle." What is the meaning of the word dawdle?

2. What does Mrs. Pierce mean when she says, "Now, let's hurry and vote; at my age, it's not wise to dawdle"?

3. The role of the Mrs. Pierce in the drama Meeting Mrs. Pierce, is to

A. explain the beginning of the suffage movement.

B. introduce men into the story.

C. protect Charlotte from being arrested.

D. be someone for Charlotte to follow her example.

4. After the Girls' Suffage Society was formed, Charlotte wanted to volunteer her group for a school assembly. The Headmistress turned her down. What additional action did this cause?

5. What is the theme of Meeting Mrs. Pierce?

What is wrong with the next two sentence?

6. "MRS. Pierce is one of the founders of the suffrage movement, Charlotte."

7. "Charlotte and Elyse began inviting the girls whose parents were involved with the movement and then other girls began showing interest."


January 9, 2012

Non-passing to Passing

There are 1,440 minutes in each day.
Use 20 of them to READ.

Odysseus and the Bag of Winds

1. What is the meaning of the word monumental as it is used on Page 5?

2. The author describes Odysseus differently in the two parts of the reading. How is the central theme of Odysseus different in the two sections?

A. In the first part, Odysseus is a Greek God. In the second part, Odysseus is a sailor.

B. In the first part, Odysseus wins the war against the Greek gods. In the second part, Odysseus show his courage by running away from battle.

C. In the first part, Odysseus is a Greek hero. In the second part, Odysseus is not trusted by his men.

D. In the first part, Odysseus is the name the Greeks give the Trojan Horse. In the second part, Odysseus looses the battle against Troy.

3. The role of the Aeolus in the passage Odysseus and the Bag of Winds, is to

A. introduce Odysseus to the god of the winds.

B. award Odysseus for telling him many stories of the war.

C. introduce Odysseus to the men who would be sailing his ship.

D. explain who are the Greek gods.

4. To explain the third-person point of view in Odysseus and the Bag of Winds, the reading needs to know that the narrator

A. retells events that happened to the characters in the story.

B. was the main character of the story.

C. is the god, Aeolus.

D. wrote the story.

5. After siting his home of Ithaca, Odysseus fell asleep because he was exhausted after sailing for 9 days and nights. What additional action did this cause?


January 6, 2012

Acropolis Adventure

1. What is the meaning of the word jostled in Paragraph 2?

2. After reading Page 6, what can the reader conclude about Brady's attitude?

3. What is the main idea of the following passage?

"Well, that's about to change," Dimitri said, patting Brady on the shoulder. "I'm going to bring the secrets of Athens to life before your very eyes."

4. After Page 7, the author begins a tour of three sites in Athens. How should the reader's purpose for reading change after Paragraph 4?

A. It should change from reading for information about Athens, to reading to find out information about the street cafes.
B. It should change from reading for information about the what tourists see to reading to find out how the tower was formed.
C. It should change from reading to find out information about the two men meeting to reading to learn about three sites in Athens.
D. It should change from reading to find out how voices could he heard in the Theater of Dionysus.

5. Brady says that the Marble Calendar is cool on Page 12. What additional action did this cause?

Marble Tower

Theatre of Dionysus

The Acropolis


January 5, 2012

1. What is the meaning of the word scurrying in Paragraph 1?

2. The role of Mrs. Brickle in the passage The Trouble with English is...

3. What is the point of view of The Trouble with English? What does the reader need to know about the character telling the story?

4. After reading Page 9, what can the reader conclude about what will happen in the rest of the story?

5. What is the theme of the story?


January 4, 2012

1. The role of Miss Chang in the passage Cali and Wanda Lou is to

a. introduce Wanda Lou to unusual Chinese customs, show her the Great wall of China, and the giant pandas.
b. protect Cali from the spotted leopard.
c. introduce animals to the story.
d. explain the Reclining Buddha and why it is laying on his side.

2. Wanda Lou enjoys visiting the three cities in the Orient. What is the central theme of Cali and Wanda Lou?


Greek and Latin Roots and Suffixes Review Game


For January 3, 2012

1. In Paragraph 2 what is the meaning of the word carpetbag?

2. After reading Paragraph 1, what can the reader conclude about what will happen in the rest of the story?

3. What is the main idea of Paragraph 2?

4. After Page 6 the author begins telling about the Orient. How shoulc the reader prepare for a reading change after Page 6?

5. Wanda Lou lost Cali in a crowd. Miss Chang found her and picked her up. What additional action did this cause?

6. What does the reader need to know about the narrator to explain the first person point of view?


Here are some websites to help you with crafting your own handmade gift to give to your Box Buddy.

Eight crafts you can make from Education.com

400 Crafts for Kids

Origami Box with Lid Video


It's too Late to Apologize Patriots Video

It's too Late to Apologize Lyrics

School House Rock Shot Heard Around the World


Word Study

Greek Word Sort

Word Study Notebook – Work with your partner.
There are TWO different word sorts today. Choose four words from each.
1. Get your word study handout Greek Word Sort.
2. Underline the common word part in each word.
3. Divide each into syllables.
4. What is the word part, and what does it mean?
5. Write ALL words into the first column of your “Three Finger Cover.”
6. Take turns giving each other the words to spell.
7. Check your own words.
8. Correctly spell any words you missed.
9. Why is it important that readers and writers build their knowledge of words?
10. Glue your handout into your Word Study Notebook.


A Thanksgiving Story

A Little Thanksgiving Humor


Articles from Social Studies for Kids

Students on Buses Keep on Learning

Halloween Candy Doesn't Last Forever

N. Y. Toys Fair: What's Old is New Again, and Vise Versa

Taking Outdoor Education Up a Notch


More Adages Matching Game from Quia


More Idioms Matching Game from Quia

More Idioms Game


Sentence Practice

Conjunctions


Rags to Riches

Try these quick games from Bitesize.


October 31

These two stories are from The Moonlit Road website.

Deal With the Devil

The White Dress


Heinz Ketchup - Misleading

Yoplait Light

Pseudonymous Bosch - Contradiction

Angle Soft - Exaggeration

Snickers Diva

Just for Fun!


Anti-marijuana Commercial with Parallelism

80's Anti-drug Commercial


Merriam-Webster.com - definition for contradict

Thesaurus.com - synonyms and antonyms for contradict


Mayhem Commercial - Causality

T-Mobile Commercial - Comparisons

I Have a Dream Speech - Parallelism

Parallelism in M. L. King Jr.'s speech -

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.


Turn! Turn! Turn! Video - Parallelism

Tell Me about Yourself Jeopardy!

Sacagawea Video

October 4, 2011

Analogy Quiz Please type your first and last name in the boxes. Use capital letters.


Rags to Riches Punctuation

Animated Poems

September 21, 2011

Poetry Prezi

September 20

Try out these typing games to help improve your keyboarding.

Dance Mat Typing Start with Level 1.
You'll need headphones for this.

Keyboarding Triathlon
Begin with three timed tests.

Frogs Stay on a Diet
Help frogs stay on their diet by typing the correct letters.


September 19, 2011

Fling the Teacher Figurative Language

Take this Quia Quiz about Context Clues. Be sure to type your name using capitals.

September 9

Good morning!

Voki Fun

Island of the Blue Dolphins Voki

Prezi Presentation

Some Highlights from our Year

Fling the Teacher Figurative Language

Fling the Teacher Prefixes and Suffixes

Fling the Teacher Math Problems

Word Jungle

Analogies Jeopardy!

Cosmic Zoom Video


Figurative Language goes beyond the literal, or actual, meaning of words and phrases to create interesting writing. The reader must use his/her background knowledge to understand what the writer is saying through the use of figurative language. Writers may use metaphors, similes, and/or idioms in their stories.

Similes, like the word similar, refer to people or things being alike. Like and as are two words that are used in similes to compare two things.

Example: The sky is as angry as a baby having a temper tantrum.

Metaphors compares two wildly contrasting images to create a new idea in the reader's mind. This comparison is implied and does not use the words like or as.

Example: The sky is angry.

Idioms are sayings that have been used for generations and have become part of our everyday language.

Example: She's a wolf in sheep clothing expresses an idea that the girl is someone who cannot be trusted as a wolf dressed as a sheep may look harmless, but is really very dangerous.

Try to find the use of figurative language in the following paragraph. The sentences have been numbered. Write the number of the sentence that uses figurative language and identify is as a simile or a metaphor.

1. Perhaps the most interesting part of our weekend was going to our very first ice hockey game. 2. We were as excited as bees as we made our way to our seats. 3. Paul treated us to front row seats right in the middle section. 4. Before the game started, we bought popcorn, hot dogs and drinks. 5. The popcorn was dry dirt. 6. The hot dogs were like brittle twigs. 7. This, however, was not enough to squelch our excitement. 8. We learned that ice hockey is a very fast game. 9. Many times we saw players fighting. 10. Two players were so mad that they threw their sticks, gloves, and helmets to the ice. 11. Then they skated over to the center of the court along with two referees. 12. They punched each other like two angry pit bulls in a fight. 13. When it was over, one man's face was hamburger meat. 14. The game could not continue until the blood on the ice was cleaned up. 15. It was really exciting to see the players fighting over a small hockey puck. 16. They bunched up right on the other side of the glass and fought with all their might. 17. They often crashed into the glass with such fierceness I was frozen to my seat. 18. I would definitely go to another ice hockey game. 19. It was as fun as thrilling as a roller coaster ride that would not stop!

Yes, this is what we did in Wichita Falls this past weekend.

Answers:

2. Simile 5. Metaphor 6. Simile 12. Simile 13. Metaphor 17. Metaphor 19. Simile


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Here are some suggestions to help you do your best.

Before the test:

  1. Visualize yourself doing well on the test. Feel how good it is going to be when you are informed about the results.
  2. Get lots of exercise the day before the test.
  3. Get plenty of rest the night before a test.

The day of the test:

  1. Eat a good breakfast. Stay away from sugary foods.
  2. Arrive on time. Relax.
  3. Wear glasses and take any medications.
  4. Leave cell phones at home or turn off and turn in to your teacher.
  5. Check with your teacher to see if you will need your book bag.

During the test:

  1. To help with nervousness, take deep breaths. Take in a deep breath and hold it as you slowly count to ten. Do this several times any time during the test as long as you do not disturb anyone.
  2. Take breaks. Give your eyes a rest every few minutes. Look at something colorful or close your eyes.
  3. Follow the strategies for each test. Work out each problem.
  4. Read and think about all the choices before selecting one. Elimate those you know are wrong. Be sure your answer fits the question.
  5. Words that are printed in bold type, italics, or are underlined are very important.
  6. Be sure to answer all the questions without leaving any blanks. If you don't know an answer, make a best guess.
  7. Avoid stress. You may wish to select your clothes the night before.
  8. Find the evidence. Make sure that your choice answers the question.
  9. Remember -
  • Skim the passage. Circle key words.
  • Rthe questions and circle two or three key words.
  • Read the passage. Make short notes about long paragraphs.
  • Summarize the passage.
Fiction - Beginning/Middle/End
Nonfiction - Who OR What and What about it
  • Answer the questions.
Eliminate choices you know are wrong.
Find at least one piece of evidence in the passage.

One more thing. The name of the game is endurance. Stay strong all the way until the end.



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