Skill Safari!

Hi Kids!
I just got home from training teachers who want to be better writing
teachers. We had so much fun! One of the neatest things we did together was to
take a "Skill Safari" to revise our writing. We divided the group into four
sections: the waterfall, the snakes, the jaguars, and the monkeys. Each group
had a special sound to make that went with their character. I gave each of the
106 teachers a special pencil and a glow stick. I put on binoculars and a
pith helmet. Then we turned all the lights out at once.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I said. Come with me into the jungle...We can
hear the sound of the waterfall (sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh), the snakes
(s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s), the jaguars (yee-OW--yee--OW), and the monkeys (oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo).
In the jungle, we have to carry our light with us. Break your glow sticks NOW."
You should have seen the eerie green glow creep over the room as 106
teachers broke their glow sticks at exactly the same time. You couldn't see
anyone's face---just the glow sticks casting their spooky green glow. We used the
glow sticks to light up our papers and look for----you guessed it---writing
skills! Yes, we looked for similes, metaphors, dialogue, hyperbole,
alliteration, strong verbs, sizzling vocabulary, and more. Talk about a cool
experience! Revising our papers was spectacular!
You can do this same activity in your classroom with your teacher. While
you are in "the jungle," look for individual writing skills to make your
writing better.
Have you started the Race Around Florida? Check out the photos on this
web page. You'll find some fascinating facts about the state of Florida!

Your friend,

Melissa Forney

Hi Kids!

Hi, Kids!
What a wonderful time of year. School has started, the weather isn't as
hot as it's been, and we're starting the Race Around Florida together. This
web site is for you! I'll be posting a blog for you to read. I'll share tips
to help you become better writers. I'll post pictures and information so you
can learn about our magical and spectacular state of Florida. We have a rich,
colorful history in this state. We have amazing animals and exotic plants.
Florida is an incredible place to live. You are learning to become great writers. Having the ability to write well is a life skill! Good communication skills open a lot of doors of
opportunity. You've got a great future ahead. As you write this week, try to imagine you are a video photographer. As you take your "video pictures," your audience will be able to see and hear everything you point your camera at. Your special video "camera" will also
enable them to smell and tastes things, too. That's the kind of writing that
drives readers wild! Use every kind of description you can think of. Chose words
that help readers picture just what you want to say. Be very specific. Here's
an example:
Instead of writing, "When I stubbed my toe on the sharp rock it hurt
really bad."
Try writing, "When I stubbed my toe on the sharp rock the pain was so
bad I went ballistic. I ran around in circles screaming at the top of my lungs."
See how easy that is?
Have a great week writing. Enjoy the clues for the Race Around Florida.
Have you made your paper bag suitcase yet?