Friday, May 20, 2016
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Monday, May 16, 2016
Blueprints?
Blueprints?
By Sara Holbrook
Will my ears grow long as Grandpa's?
What makes us look like kin?
and where'd I get my chin?
Where'd I get my ice cream sweet tooth
and this nose that wiggles when I talk?
Where's I get my dizzy daydreams
and my foot-rolling, side-step walk?
Did I inherit my sense of humor
and these crooked, ugly toes?
What if I balloon like Uncle Harry
and have to shave my nose?
How long after I start growing
until I start to shrink?
Am I going to lose my teeth,
some day?
My hair?
My mind?
Do you think
I'll be tall or short or thin
or bursting at the seams?
Am I naturally this crazy?
Is it something in my genes?
I'm more than
who I am,
I'm also
who I'm from.
It's a scary speculation--
Who will I become?
This poem is from the book, Am I Naturally This Crazy. You can buy it HERE.
Labels:
Poetry,
Reading Workshop,
Sara Holbrook
Friday, May 13, 2016
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Welcome Back From Camp
Today is the first day back in school after the trip to Camp Oty Okwa for three days of outdoor education. This video explains a little about the experience.
Labels:
Allan Sherman,
Camp Oty Okwa,
Youtube
Friday, May 6, 2016
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Adventures Of Isabel
Adventures Of Isabel
By Ogden Nash
Isabel met an enormous bear,
Isabel, Isabel, didn't care;
The bear was hungry, the bear was ravenous,
The bear's big mouth was cruel and cavernous.
The bear said, Isabel, glad to meet you,
How do, Isabel, now I'll eat you!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry.
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She washed her hands and she straightened her hair up,
Then Isabel quietly ate the bear up.
Once in a night as black as pitch
Isabel met a wicked old witch.
the witch's face was cross and wrinkled,
The witch's gums with teeth were sprinkled.
Ho, ho, Isabel! the old witch crowed,
I'll turn you into an ugly toad!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry,
She showed no rage and she showed no rancor,
But she turned the witch into milk and drank her.
Isabel met a hideous giant,
Isabel continued self reliant.
The giant was hairy, the giant was horrid,
He had one eye in the middle of his forhead.
Good morning, Isabel, the giant said,
I'll grind your bones to make my bread.
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She nibled the zwieback that she always fed off,
And when it was gone, she cut the giant's head off.
Isabel met a troublesome doctor,
He punched and he poked till he really shocked her.
The doctor's talk was of coughs and chills
And the doctor's satchel bulged with pills.
The doctor said unto Isabel,
Swallow this, it will make you well.
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She took those pills from the pill concocter,
And Isabel calmly cured the doctor.
By Ogden Nash
Isabel met an enormous bear,
Isabel, Isabel, didn't care;
The bear was hungry, the bear was ravenous,
The bear's big mouth was cruel and cavernous.
The bear said, Isabel, glad to meet you,
How do, Isabel, now I'll eat you!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry.
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She washed her hands and she straightened her hair up,
Then Isabel quietly ate the bear up.
Once in a night as black as pitch
Isabel met a wicked old witch.
the witch's face was cross and wrinkled,
The witch's gums with teeth were sprinkled.
Ho, ho, Isabel! the old witch crowed,
I'll turn you into an ugly toad!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry,
She showed no rage and she showed no rancor,
But she turned the witch into milk and drank her.
Isabel met a hideous giant,
Isabel continued self reliant.
The giant was hairy, the giant was horrid,
He had one eye in the middle of his forhead.
Good morning, Isabel, the giant said,
I'll grind your bones to make my bread.
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She nibled the zwieback that she always fed off,
And when it was gone, she cut the giant's head off.
Isabel met a troublesome doctor,
He punched and he poked till he really shocked her.
The doctor's talk was of coughs and chills
And the doctor's satchel bulged with pills.
The doctor said unto Isabel,
Swallow this, it will make you well.
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She took those pills from the pill concocter,
And Isabel calmly cured the doctor.
You can buy the book HERE.
Labels:
Ogden Nash,
Poetry,
Reading Workshop
Monday, May 2, 2016
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Here They are in Poetry
One day in class, as we were working on poetry, I just had to write about Cade. And then I wrote another poem about another student, and this post just started to grow.
A funny little guy
that makes people
laugh
Sometimes for no
reason
other than weird
little comments
that he slides in
there
like a base runner
coming home
No cheers for him
but lots of smiling
teammates
The Noise of
Issac
blah, blah, blah
yack, yack, yack
hum, hum, hum
buzz, buzz, buzz
rrrr, rrrr, rrrr
ring, ding, ding
clack, clack, clack
Quiet Karly
So quiet in class,
almost never a sound
always with a smile
but never a frown
Working away
almost never at rest
a teacher's dream
giving her best
A mind always
thinking
almost never shared
wonder what she'd
say
if ever she dared
Who is Wylie?
Layer upon layer
so many people
in one young girl
Deep in ways
so uncommon so young
Understanding of
others
seeing the good in
all
Goodness of
Garret
Soft-heated and kind
others first on his
mind
Treats everyone with
care
friendly everywhere
Following a role
of never hurting a
soul
Always standing tall
as a leader to all
Ryan's and His
Hair
Zoe
DRAMA
friendly smile
DRAMA
good reader
DRAMA
nice
DRAMA
always involved
DRAMA
likeable
Be Nice Like Bryce
Always friendly
Always says hello
Always smiles
Always laughs
Always nice
Always positive
Not always hard working
Corbin
Poem suspended for fighting
(it's a shame because he's really a nice guy)
Deanne
shy
quiet
inaudible
hushed
noiseless
Hallie
A student came to school
with not much to say
but paying attention
Then the writing assignments began
and amazing ability
from an analytical mind
leapt out
and I realized sixth grade
was just a step
in an amazing future
Annie Climbed the Mountain
She was successful!
No more study table.
Her grades improved drastically.
She made up all of her missing work.
She began working very hard.
She chose to be successful.
Then she decided to change.
She was in trouble every day.
Her grades were awful.
She didn't do her work.
She started at the bottom.
She was successful!
No more study table.
Her grades improved drastically.
She made up all of her missing work.
She began working very hard.
She chose to be successful.
Then she decided to change.
She was in trouble every day.
Her grades were awful.
She didn't do her work.
She started at the bottom.
The Change of Matthew
So so quiet and very shy
Not even enough nerve to say hi
Scared of new teachers and his class
Feelings ready to shatter just like glass
Many months later, hand's always in the air
Laughing and talking with never a care
Joking around, smiles for all
A really great guy, standing tall.
Renasha
Helps everyone
Especially giving
Loves to make people happy
Puts others first
Full of kindness
Unusually quick to assist
Lots of good in Renasha
Camo Will
wearing his camo jacket
blending in with the crowd
not wanting to be noticed
with so much to show
but staying hidden
Always Kailey
Always working hard
Always smiling
Always friendly
Always caring
Always giving her best
Always trying
Always nice to everyone
She's always Kailey
Madison's New Home School
Came from a disaster
two years home schooled
No school building
No classmates
No friends
No work
No success
Just her and the computer
Came to Salt Creek
here in sixth grade
An old building
Lots of classmates
Lots of friends
Lots of work
Lots of success
And made it her new home school
Two Sides to Kaleigh?
She's so so quiet
with almost nothing to say
Never raises her hand
or volunteers in any way
Then I saw her that time
going crazy at the dance
all over the floor
I watched her prance
Sometimes conversation seems
like such a chore
but I can see inside
there's so much more
One day she jumping jacked
with hop after hop
while the whole class watched
until I made her stop.
I've been studying her
for this whole year
and somehow I know
the shyness will disappear.
The quiet side
will someday go
and the outgoing Kaleigh
will forever show.
Josie's Smile
the nicest smile
always on her face
the best kind
that comes from inside
showing she cares
and that you matter
causing people to smile
and feel so special
on the inside
from the nicest smile
The Friendship of Ella and Brooke
Twins but not sisters
Making each other
Strong and successful
Sharing laughs
Whispered conversations
Grins of understanding
That only happens
with the best of friends
Sydney's Story
Like an iceberg
not the cold part
she's plenty warm
but the little seen part
just a small bit showing
but so much more
beneath the surface
Be Like Bryce
Hello Mr. McGuire,
he says with a smile
How are you, Mr. McGuire?
he says with a smile
whatever he says
he says with a smile
It seems real nice
to be like Bryce
Miss Mariah
Easing into life
Cautious and thoughtful
Caring and determined
Working hard
A young lady
that you could pass by
but so amazing when you don't
Wiggly Wyatt
Wiggly all over the place
Yanking himself to and for
Always on the go
Twisting this way and that
Trying so hard to sit through another class
Cheering Calla
Competition cheerleader
who goes through life every day
cheering on others
to have a great day
Enthusiastic and smiling
cheering one and all
being everyone's cheerleader
is definitely her life's call
wearing his camo jacket
blending in with the crowd
not wanting to be noticed
with so much to show
but staying hidden
Always Kailey
Always working hard
Always smiling
Always friendly
Always caring
Always giving her best
Always trying
Always nice to everyone
She's always Kailey
Madison's New Home School
Came from a disaster
two years home schooled
No school building
No classmates
No friends
No work
No success
Just her and the computer
Came to Salt Creek
here in sixth grade
An old building
Lots of classmates
Lots of friends
Lots of work
Lots of success
And made it her new home school
Two Sides to Kaleigh?
She's so so quiet
with almost nothing to say
Never raises her hand
or volunteers in any way
Then I saw her that time
going crazy at the dance
all over the floor
I watched her prance
Sometimes conversation seems
like such a chore
but I can see inside
there's so much more
One day she jumping jacked
with hop after hop
while the whole class watched
until I made her stop.
I've been studying her
for this whole year
and somehow I know
the shyness will disappear.
The quiet side
will someday go
and the outgoing Kaleigh
will forever show.
Jonathon has Heart
When I think of
Jonathon, I think of
heart. He is kind and he
likes people. He smiles
all the time, and he
shows people
how much
he cares
about
them
Josie's Smile
the nicest smile
always on her face
the best kind
that comes from inside
showing she cares
and that you matter
causing people to smile
and feel so special
on the inside
from the nicest smile
The Friendship of Ella and Brooke
Twins but not sisters
Making each other
Strong and successful
Sharing laughs
Whispered conversations
Grins of understanding
That only happens
with the best of friends
Sydney's Story
Like an iceberg
not the cold part
she's plenty warm
but the little seen part
just a small bit showing
but so much more
beneath the surface
Be Like Bryce
Hello Mr. McGuire,
he says with a smile
How are you, Mr. McGuire?
he says with a smile
whatever he says
he says with a smile
It seems real nice
to be like Bryce
Miss Mariah
Easing into life
Cautious and thoughtful
Caring and determined
Working hard
A young lady
that you could pass by
but so amazing when you don't
Wiggly Wyatt
Wiggly all over the place
Yanking himself to and for
Always on the go
Twisting this way and that
Trying so hard to sit through another class
Cheering Calla
Competition cheerleader
who goes through life every day
cheering on others
to have a great day
Enthusiastic and smiling
cheering one and all
being everyone's cheerleader
is definitely her life's call
Labels:
Poetry,
Reading Workshop,
Students
Friday, April 29, 2016
Overcoming the Monster
Recently in Reading Workshop we have been discussing the meaning of the lyrics in the song The Monster by Eminem. In this song, he relates the struggles he has facing himself and his doubts. We studied the lyrics and looked at this from the standpoint of the poetic voice.
Students final assignment is to compare this to their own life and how they overcome.
Labels:
Free Verse Poems,
Google Docs,
Poetry,
Reading Workshop,
success
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Monday, April 25, 2016
The Test
The Test
By David L. Harrison
It's not my fault
if I flunked the test.
This room's too cold
To do my best.
My foot's asleep,
I've lost my gum,
I've got a fever,
This pencil's dumb,
My collar's tight
There's pain in my head,
I couldn't hear
A thing you said,
My throat is sore,
I need a drink,
And . . .
What's that? You say I passed the test?
Well, if I do say so, I did my best.
The Test is from Somebody Catch My Homework available HERE.
By David L. Harrison
It's not my fault
if I flunked the test.
This room's too cold
To do my best.
My foot's asleep,
I've lost my gum,
I've got a fever,
This pencil's dumb,
My collar's tight
There's pain in my head,
I couldn't hear
A thing you said,
My throat is sore,
I need a drink,
And . . .
What's that? You say I passed the test?
Well, if I do say so, I did my best.
The Test is from Somebody Catch My Homework available HERE.
Labels:
David L. Harrison,
Poetry,
Reading Workshop
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Casey at the Bat
Casey at the Bat
by Ernest Thayer
by Ernest Thayer
The Outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.
A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only Casey could get but a whack at that -
We'd put up even money, now, with Casey at the bat.
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only Casey could get but a whack at that -
We'd put up even money, now, with Casey at the bat.
But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a lulu and the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat.
And the former was a lulu and the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat.
But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despis-ed, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.
And Blake, the much despis-ed, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.
Then from 5,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.
There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.
Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance gleamed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance gleamed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped-
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one," the umpire said.
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped-
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one," the umpire said.
From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand;
And its likely they'd a-killed him had not Casey raised his hand.
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand;
And its likely they'd a-killed him had not Casey raised his hand.
With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew;
But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said, "Strike two."
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew;
But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said, "Strike two."
"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered fraud;
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.
The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville - mighty Casey has struck out.
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville - mighty Casey has struck out.
Labels:
Casey at the Bat,
Poetry,
Reading Workshop
Need a Rhyme
So what do you do when you need to rhyme? How about going to Rhymezone?
When you are writing a poem and you need a word bank to help you,
Rhymezone is a great resource. All you do is type in the word and it
gives you a bunch of choices. Don't forget though, a poem still has to
make sense and be meaningful.
Labels:
Poetry,
Reading Workshop,
Rhyme,
Rhymezone
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Angry
Angry
by Sara Holbrook
You can't hold me
angry, angry,
When I'm angry
angry, angry.
There's no comfort
in your touching when I'm mad.
If you talk to me, I'll fight you.
If you reach for me, I'll bite you,
'cause I'm angry,
'cause I'm angry,
'cause I'm mad.
Though at first it wasn't you,
I was mad, but not at you,
till you held me,
or you tried,
to push my mad aside.
I'm a raging storm inside.
You can't hold me
and you tried.
Now I'm angry 'cause you tried.
Now I'm angry with an anger
you can't hold and I can't hide,
angry, angry
angry, angry.
Can't control me,
angry, angry.
You can't hold me,
angry, angry.
So don't try.
The poem is from the book, I Never Said I Wasn't Difficult. You can buy it HERE.
Image from epicnewsezine.com.
by Sara Holbrook
You can't hold me
angry, angry,
When I'm angry
angry, angry.
There's no comfort
in your touching when I'm mad.
If you talk to me, I'll fight you.
If you reach for me, I'll bite you,
'cause I'm angry,
'cause I'm angry,
'cause I'm mad.
Though at first it wasn't you,
I was mad, but not at you,
till you held me,
or you tried,
to push my mad aside.
I'm a raging storm inside.
You can't hold me
and you tried.
Now I'm angry 'cause you tried.
Now I'm angry with an anger
you can't hold and I can't hide,
angry, angry
angry, angry.
Can't control me,
angry, angry.
You can't hold me,
angry, angry.
So don't try.
The poem is from the book, I Never Said I Wasn't Difficult. You can buy it HERE.
Image from epicnewsezine.com.
Labels:
Poetry,
Reading Workshop,
Sara Holbrook
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