Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Figurative Language

Class 3-6 is learning about Figurative Language!
My best bud Melissa at TeachingFashionista.blogspot.com had this helpful info on her class page.


What is Figurative Language?
Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else,
you are using figurative language. 


Simile
A simile uses the words “like” or “as”
to compare one object or idea with another to suggest they are alike.
Example: busy as a bee


Metaphor
The metaphor states a fact or draws a verbal picture by the use of comparison.
A simile would say you are like something; a metaphor is more positive - it says you are something.
Example: You are what you eat.


Personification  
A figure of speech in which human characteristics are given
to an animal or an object. Example: My teddy bear gave me a hug.


Alliteration
The repetition of the same initial letter, sound, or group of sounds in a series of words.
Alliteration includes tongue twisters. Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.


Onomatopoeia
The use of a word to describe or imitate a natural sound or the sound
made by an object or an action. Example: snap crackle pop


Hyperbole
An exaggeration that is so dramatic that no one would believe the statement is true.
Tall tales are hyperboles.
Example: He was so hungry, he ate that whole cornfield for lunch, stalks and all.


Idioms
According to Webster's Dictionary, an idiom is defined as: peculiar to itself
either grammatically (as no, it wasn't me) or in having a meaning
that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements
(as Monday week for "the Monday a week after next Monday")


Clichés
A cliché is an expression that has been used so often that it has become trite
and sometimes boring. Example: Many hands make light work.




Check out this site for some great games to use in centers!


Youtube Downloader



So if you teach in New York City like I do, you probably can't access YouTube because it's blocked! SO frustating, I know! There are so many wonderful videos that could be so useful in the classroom. Well, after spending nearly my entire prep trying to search for a video yesterday, I spoke to a co-worker of mine (Denise! Thanks!) who gave me some really helpful advice. Here goes....

The secret is YouTube Downloader! It's a free download. I found it by googling it and it came up right away.

Once you have this downloaded you are ready to start. 

1. Find the video you want to use in your classroom. 

2. Copy the video's URL. 

3. Click on the SAVE TO icon and choose to save it on a Flashdrive. 


Finally, enjoy the video with your students! 

Thanks again, Denise!




Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Communities Around the World



My class is beginning to do research on CHINA! It's such an interesting place to explore for my 3rd graders. They love learning about the Martial Arts, the dragon festivals, Chinese New Year, and so far the most popular feature seems to be the Great Wall of China. They are simply amazed about it!

The final project that they will be completing is a Brochure about China. They are learning how to research facts about topics, use multiple resources to locate facts (i.e. the internet, trade books, text book), write "perfect" paragraphs, and remember to include features of non fiction where applicable.

These are some of the resources my students are using:





National Geographic has an amazing section on countries. There are videos, photos, facts, and printables. My students have enjoyed visiting this site to get facts for their brochures.








Ancient China for Teachers 
Lesson Plans & Activities This website is great!  I discovered this when I taught my students about Egypt last year. It offers tons of great lesson plans ideas. My favorites are the power point presentations. I plan to show my students the Great Wall power point presentations since that seems to be their favorite!
 

Monday, January 2, 2012

January Writing Prompts

Happy New Year everyone! 
I hope that 2012 brings everyone much joy, happiness, and luck. It's important to just sit back and appreciate your life and the important people in it. I'm extremely lucky to have such wonderful family & friends & most importantly adorable, loving, and healthy children. 

2012 is going to be a great year! Looking forward to what life has to offer!

Here are some writing prompts for January.



Enjoy!