Your Child is a Poet

Yes, it is true. Your child is a poet, in case you didn't know it! As cheesy as it sounds, it IS true! Ask them to show you what they have written this week. They have poetry journals and some of their writings might be in their writing journals as well. I love the way kids think...so simple and then all of the sudden, they slip in some poignant, meaningful, philosophical statement. We are actually trying to stay away from the rhyming poems for now as to not limit them in certain words or expressions.

We made some really cool cloud posters analyzing stratus, cumulonimbus, cumulus, and cirrus clouds. We attempted to make a cloud in a 2 liter bottle, but the demonstration on-line was a bit more impressive. See for yourself... http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=msSVQ903T8k&feature=endscreen. This week we will be making a rain gauge, anemometer, and a weather vane.

Do the best you can in completing the weather journals. They will not be penalized for not completing the journals as homework since we are doing them together in the classroom. The fog in the morning has made it difficult to see the moon at all. Ask your child if he/she can explain to you the differences in the clouds.

This week we have learned that fables teach moral lessons; being a peacemaker, sharing, and being happy with who we are and what we have. We will continue with some funny tall tales like Paul Bunyan and Davie Crockett. Some of these stories are wacky, hilarious and can help bring the two of you together as you enjoy reading!

We are not doing reading logs this week, but they will have one Reading Activity due on Friday 30 (or before if they want). It will be to read a fable, folktale, fantasy, fairytale, legend, or a myth. They will need to bring the book in by Friday and share their favorite part from the story.

Feel free to use maybe some of your old books you have at home, and we will be looking for some in the school library on Monday as well. They will have a homework sheet that goes home with them on Monday to remind them.

Their Writing Activity due on Friday 30 is to write a poem.

• at least four lines (can be as long as they want)
  
• no need to rhyme but can if you want it to
• can write about anything (suggestions: pets, weather, friends, nature, family, questions)
• have a title

These are the things we are learning in poetry so, feel free to inquire about them from your child:
(These don't have to be included in the poem, I just wanted you to know what they are learning.)

• personification
• metaphor/simile
• line breaks/pauses
• onomatopoeia
• rhythm/music
• repetition
• describing the five senses

To summarize our geometric studies, they will be asked to do a shape hunt in their home, yard, or anywhere and draw a picture of them. For example, if searching for a rectangle, your child could draw a picture of your TV. Shape hunt activity will be due Friday 30th as well. (This makes a total of 3 activities, which should not take more than 1 - 2 hours for the entire week.)

We are having fun and I hope your child is teaching you a few things. My challenge to you as a parent and a poet yourself is to write a poem and share it with your child.

Don't forget our class has Gathering this Friday, March 30 starting at 2:20pm!

Hope to see you then!

Ashley Simpson and Mr. Hass