tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68735046888289053502024-03-13T02:27:58.647-04:00WITWriting Info & Tips for Young WritersNancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-58788933946528129062014-06-06T08:00:00.000-04:002014-06-06T09:25:33.793-04:00At Wit's EndIn past years, WIT has been on hiatus for the summer, picking back up again in September. But maintaining this blog has become too time consuming, even with help from the fabulous Margie Gelbwasser, Lori Degman, and Alison Formento. <br />
<br />
So...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>--drumroll, please--</em></span><br />
<br />
WIT will end with this farewell post. <br />
<br />
(Did you hear me sigh a HUGE sigh? It's always hard to end things.)<br />
<br />
I'll keep the link active for a while because HEY, there's great stuff tucked in here for young writers! Just start from the beginning and work your way through.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow; color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">GOOD LUCK and KEEP WRITING!</span><br />
: )<br />
-NancyNancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-47332298648417273202014-05-29T16:11:00.002-04:002014-05-29T16:13:46.675-04:00A Wave is Worth a Thousand Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBGLkGMPO87TOYg8pw0GoYS26bAsCKKoTarAOyfJNo_h_KLJC5csAImHKYcER_XDg-Y69PaNeTEGK-Z1mx1bGqya8cnfjBk5h8ftD-xS59G9eefxglILRXMBFIObnnr00o1njL2x7Dwo/s1600/P7120901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBGLkGMPO87TOYg8pw0GoYS26bAsCKKoTarAOyfJNo_h_KLJC5csAImHKYcER_XDg-Y69PaNeTEGK-Z1mx1bGqya8cnfjBk5h8ftD-xS59G9eefxglILRXMBFIObnnr00o1njL2x7Dwo/s1600/P7120901.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Summer is almost here! YAY!<br />
<div>
Some of us may chill out by the pool, go to camp, or simply play in the neighborhood.<br />
<div>
But what if you had the chance to become a pro surfer for the day? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaztqpz_2oz-DvKGfRXKOsqxgkhTNdoi3zPrJrWT1xXsmL-H-PfBerpYozC4yIGKSMem7tllBmHfmmJLS96-jqsIxgyhyphenhyphenkHEiPDbGRAVKDYYXDdvSu5y4-PK61ZyoX7KsUfLsHNwEKYo/s1600/Costa__1&2_006%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaztqpz_2oz-DvKGfRXKOsqxgkhTNdoi3zPrJrWT1xXsmL-H-PfBerpYozC4yIGKSMem7tllBmHfmmJLS96-jqsIxgyhyphenhyphenkHEiPDbGRAVKDYYXDdvSu5y4-PK61ZyoX7KsUfLsHNwEKYo/s1600/Costa__1&2_006%5B1%5D.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Write a paragraph or two about your experience answering the following questions:</div>
<div>
1. What is your name and how old are you?</div>
<div>
2. When did you begin surfing? When did you become a great surfer?</div>
<div>
3. How long do you practice and where do you surf?</div>
<div>
4. Is there a competition or invitational in your future?</div>
<div>
5. How much fame and money will you get if you win?</div>
<div>
6. Are you nervous? Excited? Anxious? Confident? Cocky?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wait. What? You're telling me you don't surf and have no idea what to write?</span></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, here's where a little research may come in handy. Many times writers create stories about things they know nothing about, so no excuses. Fire up Google, learn the surf lingo, the names of a few key surf moves, what happens at a surf invitational, and more. Give it a go, bro.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now WRITE!<br />
<br />
Peace out.<br />
<br />
Nancy</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-6628354633745886382014-05-21T08:00:00.000-04:002014-05-21T15:17:41.826-04:00Quick QuizTheir/There/They're, Who's/Whose?<br />
<br />
WHAT?<br />
<br />
It's quiz time, that's what! I love to take online quizzes, don't you? Wait, you don't? Have you ever tried one?<br />
<br />
This quiz will take no time at all, I promise. You'll get your score immediately, and it will never appear on any of your report cards. Big plus, huh?<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://www.softschools.com/quizzes/language_arts/spelling/quiz267.html" target="_blank">HERE </a>to begin.<br />
<br />
Good Luck!<br />
<br />
-NancyNancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-11881569598169491272014-05-15T08:30:00.000-04:002014-05-15T08:30:00.696-04:00Book-It!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have always loved writing. That's no secret. But I was never much of a reader until I got into 7<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> grade.
Contrary to my older sister who took a book EVERYWHERE (parties included), I
equated reading with my other least favorite chore—washing the dishes.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once in a while, however, a book I had to read for a book
report grabbed my attention. Some favorites were: <i>A Devil in Vienna</i> by
Doris Orgel, <i>When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit</i> by Judith Kerr, <i>My Brother
Sam is Dead</i> by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier, and <i>Sarah
Bishop</i> by Scott O'Dell. I read these books in 4<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup>
grade, but remember their impact more than 25 years later. <o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So why all this talk about reading on a writing blog?
Because the two go together! Books made me the writer I am today. I continue to
learn about technique and how to be a better writer from the many books I read.
If writing is something you love or need to work on, reading is the key.<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you're a reluctant reader, here are some tips to change
that. You may still prefer other activities, and that's okay, but reading
doesn't ever have to be painful! :-)<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>1. Find a book you connect with</b>. Love
sports? Choose a book where the main character plays your sport. Cooking your
thing? Plenty of books about that. Trekkie or Star Wars fan? Sci-fi, here you
come!<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>2.Make a personal connection to the book.</b> I
know this sounds the same as number one, but it's not. Let's say you absolutely
have NO choice in the type of book you can read. Don't lose hope. Do your best
to make a connection to the characters or topic. Even in a book like Harry
Potter, a connection can be made. Most of us have felt let out, just like
Harry. Some of us have had to deal with difficult teachers, like Snape, or
bullies like Malfoy. Dig deep. The book will be a lot easier to read if you can
relate.<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>3. Choose pictures!</b> Picture books are not
just for your baby brother. Many terrific books (e.g. <i>Smile</i> by Raina
Telgemeier) are told through pictures. They're called graphic novels and make
reading very enjoyable!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>4.</strong> <b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-language: HI; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Break
it down.</span></b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-language: HI; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"> Never feel like you have to read the book in one
sitting. Take it slow. Read a chapter a night. If it's a long chapter, read
half. If you don't feel pressured, there's a bigger chance you'll like what
you're reading.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-language: HI; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-language: HI; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">-Margie</span>Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-87581140467334329902014-05-08T07:30:00.000-04:002014-05-08T07:30:01.002-04:00BEE Happy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q5g4OwNZV2628yQbprPXglANAI7ImrwN0f8ikzB7uQrmDqhwGXX0YlzwTmyuPbhSmO1oXjsBirDD7QeH5VB2k7KTnJAmtNncBnaRndBw0DPCiUh_u3SuQ_tD6l1NRHXvErymBoZIgXs/s1600/photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q5g4OwNZV2628yQbprPXglANAI7ImrwN0f8ikzB7uQrmDqhwGXX0YlzwTmyuPbhSmO1oXjsBirDD7QeH5VB2k7KTnJAmtNncBnaRndBw0DPCiUh_u3SuQ_tD6l1NRHXvErymBoZIgXs/s1600/photo.jpeg" height="200" width="158" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can’t help but smile, clap, and sing along when you hear
the song <i>Happy</i> by Pharrell Williams. “Happy” is how most of us feel now
that the long winter has ended and spring is springing all around us. Green
grass is sprouting, new leaves are fluttering on trees, flowers burst with
bright blooms, and bees buzz all around us doing their happy work. My book
about bees, <i>These Bees Count!,</i> has
inspired wonderful bee art projects, and I especially loved this “BEE
HAPPY” writing project at a school visit in Pennsylvania. Students wrote about
how they want to “BEE HAPPY” when they are adults. Some wrote about traveling
the world, going to college, or becoming a doctor. One student wrote about her
dream of being a published author. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Summer vacation is almost here and that makes us all happy. Write a list of things you hope to do to “BEE HAPPY” this
summer. Write as many as you want, but try to write at least five.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s an example:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwSbAE94rzPKBBxfO0w6rFzW89bBAcGszNM-zL5JAxpBVbOonYFCmOpME5wFAMhtYve7Lew8EjmZsXArbTAXZu7KSBXDLDG9czrzKwUphijaGHWdo4O2G0cQ5LUoNexm-YmplRfqgFtE/s1600/bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwSbAE94rzPKBBxfO0w6rFzW89bBAcGszNM-zL5JAxpBVbOonYFCmOpME5wFAMhtYve7Lew8EjmZsXArbTAXZu7KSBXDLDG9czrzKwUphijaGHWdo4O2G0cQ5LUoNexm-YmplRfqgFtE/s1600/bee.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal">Going
to the beach</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Visiting family on July 4th</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Riding a bike</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Having
sleepovers </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Watching the stars</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, choose one thing on your summer list and write a story. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buzz like a worker bee through the rest of the school year
and whatever you do this summer, I hope you will be happy!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X-O8q93ENW67khUDefcfSkF_HvvoLUzMpwavivS7DzuYOAbl5bLe7TrRq2c3fjZYMnBkXqbr-y7u_muLtsttzg4j-ANa33kesJbkWzcbMSp5-xOBtF5dCU3gTIeqmIZHGbKZI2McgrA/s1600/bees+cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X-O8q93ENW67khUDefcfSkF_HvvoLUzMpwavivS7DzuYOAbl5bLe7TrRq2c3fjZYMnBkXqbr-y7u_muLtsttzg4j-ANa33kesJbkWzcbMSp5-xOBtF5dCU3gTIeqmIZHGbKZI2McgrA/s1600/bees+cover.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Alison</div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-22528007911692289942014-04-30T08:00:00.000-04:002014-04-30T20:57:20.260-04:00The Voice<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD410vG5uO5Tsq-WMuljNq9FIt5S5EvAPfOxcrkAxV4hrDKnthoGRkvvqaNoChzFn1yXLai709_MfxTE9FzgjswPFPB3aF9ihYr0wKP5fI8EowjgNtdG6UzRk-fNHfm0PfZ4gXNlV4-M/s1600/creativewriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD410vG5uO5Tsq-WMuljNq9FIt5S5EvAPfOxcrkAxV4hrDKnthoGRkvvqaNoChzFn1yXLai709_MfxTE9FzgjswPFPB3aF9ihYr0wKP5fI8EowjgNtdG6UzRk-fNHfm0PfZ4gXNlV4-M/s1600/creativewriting.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Pick a story--one you've written or are working on--that has more than one character and lots of
dialogue. If you don’t already have a
story like that, write one! </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Then read
the story out loud, using a different <span style="font-size: large;">voice</span> for each character. </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I have a feeling, as you start pretending to
be the characters, it’ll get easier to write dialogue for them and each
character will have his or her own distinct voice. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Give it a try! <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><sub><o:p></o:p></sub></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>-Lori</b></span></div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-51571699285932713882014-04-22T15:50:00.000-04:002014-04-23T10:03:04.148-04:00Instead of Writing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlqtwA4pul6vsXt26GPdHU08lW-CL48sHNGqBtGGHscsn_dpP1N7iNrNmgr5i0bJgZVwDkQa6qRz6CZ9d8yVQ59b_uxr3K_EJWjqcU3Si0iJqss8AZ2qY5JeuKtQEjucki5bBp-3zbaE/s1600/IMG_0212%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlqtwA4pul6vsXt26GPdHU08lW-CL48sHNGqBtGGHscsn_dpP1N7iNrNmgr5i0bJgZVwDkQa6qRz6CZ9d8yVQ59b_uxr3K_EJWjqcU3Si0iJqss8AZ2qY5JeuKtQEjucki5bBp-3zbaE/s1600/IMG_0212%5B1%5D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;">This week we celebrate Earth Day. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I love Earth Day.</i></span> </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">It's one of my favorite holidays. I don't have to cook, clean, buy or wrap presents, or do much of anything except show support for our lovely planet. Earth Day is <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>EVERY DAY</i></span> for me because at any given moment, I'd rather be outside.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;">So without further explanation, I offer you my thoughts (rules?) about Earth Day. No writing tips or things to do here, just a little light reading. Click on the link below, read my list, and then go out and do at least one thing. Who knows? Your adventure may lead to a great story.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nancyviau.com/2014/04/22/this-earth-day-get-back-down-to-earth/">http://www.nancyviau.com/2014/04/22/this-earth-day-get-back-down-to-earth/</a>Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-51923477390115714082014-04-16T08:20:00.000-04:002014-04-16T08:20:02.222-04:00Be on the Lookout!<div class="MsoNormal">
As a writer, I'm always on the lookout for new story ideas.
Sometimes, few come. Other times, there are so many, I don't know where to
begin. I'll definitely take too many instead of too little, but it's hard to
know which one is the best. You may get the advice to write about the idea you
can't stop thinking about, the one that keeps you up at night. That's certainly
awesome advice! But what if more than one does this? What if you start writing
and then realize the story that you thought was THE ONE is not really? It would
be great to avoid that disappointment, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to writing, I teach language arts. Recently, we
did an exercise to teach persuasive writing. The students had to fold their
paper in half and write down the pros and cons about a topic. Before they made
their lists, most had already chosen a side. After the lists, they realized the
side they wanted would not make the best writing piece because there weren't
enough arguments to support it. This got me to thinking about fiction writing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes the stories we really want to write seem amazing
in our heads, but once we put them down on paper look less than stellar.
Sometimes we get bummed when that happens and feel like we've wasted our time.
BUT, if we wrote only a page or two or even a few paragraphs of a few of our
ideas, time might be saved in the long run.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the next time you have a few ideas just dying to break
free from your imagination, pick the two that are screaming the most. Write a
few paragraphs of each. Chances are one will flow better than the other. THAT'S
the story to write. And what if both sing? That's not a bad problem to have.
File the paragraphs away for another day or when you need a break from story
one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy writing!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Margie</div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-48821796760635186232014-04-09T14:36:00.002-04:002014-04-09T20:54:57.082-04:00Love Your School Library? We Do!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiKG0TIYoOj1MDs9iqm_Vx-v2wF99iZomH69v_fsRheuL1ROb7kVEEoYBZgL_Frwy8cZxWftWeAYLxlTZE1-HNxenPyzVz-E7NlZL7nWtds1V8ZXumrPaFt9LptGQ72i6eFKdv8jdG9I/s1600/SLM2014_banner_web.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiKG0TIYoOj1MDs9iqm_Vx-v2wF99iZomH69v_fsRheuL1ROb7kVEEoYBZgL_Frwy8cZxWftWeAYLxlTZE1-HNxenPyzVz-E7NlZL7nWtds1V8ZXumrPaFt9LptGQ72i6eFKdv8jdG9I/s1600/SLM2014_banner_web.png" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: orange; color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ever wonder what authors have to say about school libraries?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Read all about it here: <a href="http://www.ala.org/aasl/slm">http://www.ala.org/aasl/slm</a></span><br />
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PS: I'm on this list WAY down at the end. Alphabetical order, you know... *sigh*<br />
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HAPPY APRIL!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~ Nancy</span>Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-50599867816635482872014-04-02T11:30:00.000-04:002014-04-02T14:57:53.052-04:00Hey There, Poets!April is National Poetry Month!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvdV3eGTR5YSdMRDsU66clvWNbnoemnT2Tt6ro44ziQjkqzQeeWzKnkzy1nL-6zXxY6sEmqsB9I89GRM2oDDN0D4d1Bh1mSrVBJDiSM1iMZclhtZ3SVAppQSW0DLNtFfMsYdoVttu4mU/s1600/nationalpoetrymonth.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvdV3eGTR5YSdMRDsU66clvWNbnoemnT2Tt6ro44ziQjkqzQeeWzKnkzy1nL-6zXxY6sEmqsB9I89GRM2oDDN0D4d1Bh1mSrVBJDiSM1iMZclhtZ3SVAppQSW0DLNtFfMsYdoVttu4mU/s1600/nationalpoetrymonth.png" /></a></div>
<br />
A few years ago, to celebrate Poetry Month, I did a series of blog posts explaining how to write different and unusual types of poetry and I wrote an original poem in each style.<br />
<br />
I’ve listed the different types of poems below– just click on the name and it will link you to my blog page. After reading about each poem, give them a try! You may find some you really enjoy writing!<br />
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<div>
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1893_com_zimbra_url"><a a11yfocused="true" href="http://loridegman.blogspot.com/2011/04/procrastination-cinquain.html" tabindex="0" target="_blank" title="Cinquain"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Cinquain</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1894_com_zimbra_url"><a a11yfocused="true" href="http://loridegman.blogspot.com/2011/04/saturday-night-clerihew.html" tabindex="0" target="_blank" title="Clerihew"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Clerihew</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1895_com_zimbra_url"><a a11yfocused="true" href="http://loridegman.blogspot.com/2011/04/sausage-poems.html" tabindex="0" target="_blank" title="Sausage Poem"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Sausage Poem</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1896_com_zimbra_url"><a a11yfocused="true" href="http://loridegman.blogspot.com/2011/04/skeltonic-verse.html" tabindex="0" target="_blank" title="Skeltonic Verse"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Skeltonic Verse</span></a></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1897_com_zimbra_url"><a a11yfocused="true" href="http://loridegman.blogspot.com/2011/04/love.html" tabindex="0" target="_blank" title="Verbal Collage"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Verbal Collage</span></a></span></div>
</div>
-LoriNancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-30458763148985713192014-03-26T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-26T18:42:07.563-04:00Can a Setting Be a Character?<br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #1d0e07; font-family: Arial;">The following post was written by Cynthia Chapman Willis, a wonderful middle-grade
author. </span></span><span class="apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="color: #1d0e07; font-family: Arial;">Please visit Cynthia's website </span></span><span style="color: #1d0e07; font-family: Arial;">http://www.cynthiawillis.com/ and consider adding her titles to your library</span><span style="color: #1d0e07; font-family: Arial; line-height: 15.6pt;">. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF8Y7DBvpamw_KJ-a84EpD945tyePoKUWjN-ejJp3pGbhxvC-FqAcx0ugqVPZv9UYmHrRyh6ObmQz8W6NssW0bhWUvwHl3C3TKEvYjwgQX5uF9vpf2vKMeDQZw1tmFfYrBf9DltFcwpo/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF8Y7DBvpamw_KJ-a84EpD945tyePoKUWjN-ejJp3pGbhxvC-FqAcx0ugqVPZv9UYmHrRyh6ObmQz8W6NssW0bhWUvwHl3C3TKEvYjwgQX5uF9vpf2vKMeDQZw1tmFfYrBf9DltFcwpo/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #1d0e07; font-family: Arial;">Have
you ever read or heard that a writer should consider setting to be a character
in a story? </span></span><span class="apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="color: #1d0e07; font-family: Arial;">Have
you ever read a story in which the setting came alive? Or, the details, moods,
and symbolism of a story brought it to life? I have. And I must say, the right
setting details can make an almost magical difference to a story.</span></span><span style="color: #1d0e07; line-height: 15.6pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #1d0e07; font-family: Arial;">Think
about a story with a vivid setting. I bet it evoked emotions in you as reader.
I bet it added to the characterizations in the story. And, I bet that setting
changed and developed ever so subtly. Maybe it even included specifics that set
the mood and the tone of the scenes. Perhaps the setting even took on a life of
its own. Didn’t this use of setting enhance the story? I am guessing that it
did.</span></span><span style="color: #1d0e07;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #1d0e07; font-family: Arial;">All
of this started churning around in my head as I started reading a novel in
which the setting is, so far, a character. The night air breathes, the floors
moan and whisper under the weight of someone’s steps, the moon hides behind
clouds and peeks out every so often. Goosebumps, anyone? At this point, the
setting is a creepy sort of character setting me up for something scary. And I
can’t wait to read more. </span></span><span style="color: #1d0e07;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #1d0e07; font-family: Arial;">Enough
about what I think. What do YOU think about setting? </span></span><span style="color: #1d0e07;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-9871562738234316292014-03-20T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-20T08:00:00.107-04:00Be a Pencil and Keep Your Writing SHARP!
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all the focus on the Common Core these days, students
don't get to do much creative writing. As a writer, this makes me sad. Too many
students think they're awful at writing just because essays are not their thing.
If you're one of those students beating herself up because step-by-step writing
is not your strength, perk up! Here is an activity to get your imagination
going! And....focusing on details may even help you with the essays, too!<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a fun writing activity one of my teachers did when I
was in school. She had us imagine we were an object and fill in the chart
below. Then, we'd use the details to write about our typical day. At the time,
I chose pencil, so that's what I put in the chart. Check it out!<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Life of a Pencil:</span></strong><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>What I see:</strong> students writing, the SmartBoard, the floor<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>What I feel:</strong> feet trampling over me in the hallway, sweaty
fingers squeezing my skinny body, an awful headache as students erase their
mistakes with my head, pain in my toes as students sharpen me</span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>What I smell:</strong> the inside of gym lockers, pizza in the
cafeteria, chewing gum<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>What I touch:</strong> crisp, white paper, messy backpacks full of
sticky things, kids' ears as they put me behind them<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>What I taste:</strong> dust, pencil shavings from the sharpener,
nervousness from all students taking a test<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>My hopes and dreams:</strong> To one day be a pencil on display in a
museum where people can come and admire me<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>My biggest fear:</strong> Being forgotten</span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now you try it! What
object would you like to be?</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Margie</span></span></div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-4811362393881142222014-03-12T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-12T17:18:52.278-04:00Rock Your Story with Story Rocks<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMoJBAB5knxKgKq67KiBHoafuinb5SpndgxTZenaQ3dvwZN4rVv6mVcQaIPJRlYd_wvSfmxXtIStzQruRYUUSKSLmtaJbtC2urn4EdChk-nDQJeI8nQjB4HKfpayAmyIB1WVgDQzU7MU/s1600/ROCKS+cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMoJBAB5knxKgKq67KiBHoafuinb5SpndgxTZenaQ3dvwZN4rVv6mVcQaIPJRlYd_wvSfmxXtIStzQruRYUUSKSLmtaJbtC2urn4EdChk-nDQJeI8nQjB4HKfpayAmyIB1WVgDQzU7MU/s1600/ROCKS+cover.jpeg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
Do you have rocks in your head? I do!</div>
<div>
Rocks are in my thoughts a lot now since my new picture book, THESE ROCKS COUNT!, rolled into libraries and bookstores just in time to celebrate spring.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
When doing research to write my new book, I spoke to many wonderful scientists called geologists who love to study rocks. They helped me learn how much rocks count in our world. I couldn't type this sentence without rocks, which are used to make parts for computers like the one I'm using right now. Rocks are used to make many items we use every day, such as telephones, televisions, and even toothpaste!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rocks can be used to inspire fun story ideas, too. <b>STORY ROCKS</b> are fun to make and you can trade with friends and classmates to create a unique and exciting story.</div>
<div>
1. Go outside and find about ten small rocks to paint.</div>
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2. Wash dirt off rocks and let them dry.</div>
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3. Paint an image on your rocks. A person, place, or thing, such as the examples in the "Story Rock" photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmzyFHQNBM39VHnuObCldRVf9zXEbMRub1i74EinT3mMiLc3EpY2lF_8WwqikQuLwMPF0NUjnwFE4yzac9w83IHH5ukPUk9N9upYFktigVbXZeUSIFqnkXvB599NtjfBMloJNIfxrZsc/s1600/story+rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmzyFHQNBM39VHnuObCldRVf9zXEbMRub1i74EinT3mMiLc3EpY2lF_8WwqikQuLwMPF0NUjnwFE4yzac9w83IHH5ukPUk9N9upYFktigVbXZeUSIFqnkXvB599NtjfBMloJNIfxrZsc/s1600/story+rocks.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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4. What story can you tell with your rocks? The images on your rocks should help shake up your imagination. Expand and elaborate. Your story rocks can be used to create a mountain of a story. You can even trade rocks with your friends to help more story ideas rock and roll.</div>
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5. Write your story.</div>
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<div>
Have fun! All story ideas ROCK!<br />
-Alison</div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-80362925403619279432014-03-06T07:30:00.000-05:002014-03-06T14:17:03.709-05:00Still Getting a Kick Out of IdiomsToday's post = short and sweet. Try this fun quiz to practice using idioms:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ixl.com/ela/grade-4/determine-the-meaning-of-idioms-from-context-set-1">http://www.ixl.com/ela/grade-4/determine-the-meaning-of-idioms-from-context-set-1</a><br />
<br />
(Copy link and paste into your browser if you can't click on it.)<br />
<br />
: )<br />
NancyNancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-4508306773772101082014-02-26T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-26T17:54:32.572-05:00Idioms Are Not IckyWhat's an idiom? (Pronounced ID dee um)<br />
Idioms are phrases that have different meanings from what the words actually mean. Confused? Don't be! Idioms are fun and people often get a <em><span style="color: red;">kick out of </span></em>them!<br />
<br />
Read the idioms below and see if any <em><span style="color: red;">ring a bell</span>. </em><br />
Ask yourself: What does this phrase really mean? Have I ever used these words in conversation?<br />
<em></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">give it a shot</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">have second thoughts</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">play it by ear</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">be in hot water</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">draw a blank</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">a rip off</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">give someone a cold shoulder</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">get cold feet</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">have a change of heart</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">get a kick out of</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">cost an arm and a leg</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">cross your fingers</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">hit the books</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">hold your horses</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">have mixed feelings</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">see eye-to-eye</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">it runs in the family</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">worked the graveyard shift</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">kiss of death</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: red;">play your cards right</span></em><br />
<em></em><br />
Give this<em> <span style="color: red;">a shot</span>:</em> Write a paragraph using at least four idioms. It may <em><span style="color: red;">be a piece of cake</span></em> or you may <em><span style="color: red;">draw a blank</span>. <span style="color: red;">Take a crack at it</span></em> and think about adding idioms to your writing. <em><span style="color: red;">Make no bones about it</span></em>--you will impress your teacher, but <span style="color: red;"><em>don't get carried away</em></span>!<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: red;">Keep your chin up</span></em>,<br />
Nancy<br />
<em></em><br />Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-66821890572425772092014-02-20T11:07:00.004-05:002014-02-20T11:22:22.528-05:00Thinking about Flag Day, June 14th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbHppTdORFWpkIFguKwDbORYsfxU7mzfNkT6hPgOIP1K6T5grEdGJmYinUT8SeNQd4FIOEkJD4uEjNC9-w08MRFNRMS_aPMjo4V9srXXp_l1qv5bMrkM2k-P8itU8ZRDLfGkMLsvn0a4/s1600/DSCN4771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbHppTdORFWpkIFguKwDbORYsfxU7mzfNkT6hPgOIP1K6T5grEdGJmYinUT8SeNQd4FIOEkJD4uEjNC9-w08MRFNRMS_aPMjo4V9srXXp_l1qv5bMrkM2k-P8itU8ZRDLfGkMLsvn0a4/s1600/DSCN4771.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Let's THINK about summer and pretend it's June--June 14th to be exact--the day we celebrate Flag Day in the United States. We could all use a little summer in our lives, right now, right?<br />
<br />
To celebrate our beautiful flag, try your hand at writing an acrostic poem. Start each line with the letters in Flag Day.<br />
THINK about the hot and sunny days ahead,<br />
and/or<br />
THINK about cheering on the U.S.A. Olympic Team.<br />
<br />
Take a look at the one I've done:<br />
<br />
F- Flags<br />
L- Like to dance in the wind,<br />
A- Always reminding me to be<br />
G- Grateful for our wonderful country.<br />
<br />
D- Dance like a flappy flag today<br />
A- And<br />
Y- Yell U.S.A. to cheer for our Olympic Team!<br />
<br />
Now, it's your turn!<br />
<br />
F-<br />
L-<br />
A-<br />
G-<br />
<br />
D-<br />
A-<br />
Y-<br />
<br />
<br />
GO TEAM U.S.A.!!<br />
-NancyNancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-53315614297109042222014-02-13T08:00:00.001-05:002014-02-13T12:10:40.806-05:00Love Notes <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XVb6hLcBumJOVvvogu3bwlO_5-nuu1jrRvWSfhr7EM3pQ6yMJlkY7W8JHkVZQM9MSVYOmqMSemwr-7-CcyTz6xEH0VdPI2Efe3T6hYLV4pFqMQU_cayF8q1-OnFcsLZ2HeelbHKrlhI/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XVb6hLcBumJOVvvogu3bwlO_5-nuu1jrRvWSfhr7EM3pQ6yMJlkY7W8JHkVZQM9MSVYOmqMSemwr-7-CcyTz6xEH0VdPI2Efe3T6hYLV4pFqMQU_cayF8q1-OnFcsLZ2HeelbHKrlhI/s1600/heart.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a></div>
IT'S VALENTINE'S DAY on Friday, so show some<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #741b47; font-size: large;">L-O-V-E</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i style="background-color: magenta;">in writing.</i></b></span></div>
<br />
Everyone loves someone or something, so this easy-peasy writing activity is a no-brainer.<br />
<br />
Grab some pink, white, purple, and red construction paper, some crayons or markers, a hanger, hole puncher, and ribbon.<br />
<br />
Decide who will be your Valentine.<br />
Cut out hearts in a variety of shapes and colors.<br />
On each one, write one thing about your Valentine (your brother, sister, mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandparent, pet, forest animal, insect, invisible friend, etc.) that you admire.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">For example: (In this case, my Valentine is Han Solo, my Beta Fish. xox. If you know about Beta Fish, you understand why this is THE best name in the world for one, right?)</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;"><i>I love how you never, ever, ever get mad at me even when I forget to feed you.</i></span><br />
or<br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>I love how you look at me with those beautiful, beady eyes.</i></span><br />
<br />
Write as many love notes as you want.<br />
Punch a hole in each heart and tie a ribbon to it.<br />
Tie the other end to a plastic hanger.<br />
Hang your love note mobile where your loved one will see it on Valentine's Day.<br />
<br />
xox<br />
Nancy<br />
<br />
<br />Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-11941022948552125592014-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-06T08:00:00.214-05:00Are You Up for THIS Challenge?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are a few quick
activities<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6873504688828905350" name="_GoBack"></a> that will give you a brain workout by setting parameters
(limits) on how you must write. Here are
some suggestions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p0RlJBtlqIQnh11XYWerUHFCh4n2ZdcZFD5lOqajvLKlVhA18YPBZeJiYRczlezAPd3e5_h_T2tJhQYI1zQ9pihB1B4U8E97FVcYIzONnHLVXJGoiOPYdh321JGxEXxO5b9mtdJA6FY/s1600/58294main_the_brain_in_space_page_138_crazy_kid-200px.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p0RlJBtlqIQnh11XYWerUHFCh4n2ZdcZFD5lOqajvLKlVhA18YPBZeJiYRczlezAPd3e5_h_T2tJhQYI1zQ9pihB1B4U8E97FVcYIzONnHLVXJGoiOPYdh321JGxEXxO5b9mtdJA6FY/s1600/58294main_the_brain_in_space_page_138_crazy_kid-200px.png" height="200" width="134" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. Write story in which the
first sentence has one word, the 2<sup>nd</sup> has 2 words, the 3<sup>rd</sup>
has 3 . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Hi! What’s up?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="color: red;">1 2<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Not too much. What’s new with you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"> 3 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">or<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mosquitoes. They bite.
They suck blood. Mosquitoes make
me itch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="color: red;">1 2
3 4<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. Write sentences in which
the first letters of the words are in alphabetical order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">~ <span style="color: red;">A</span>ndy
<span style="color: red;">b</span>ought <span style="color: red;">c</span>hocolate <span style="color: red;">d</span>onuts <span style="color: red;">e</span>very <span style="color: red;">F</span>riday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">~ <span style="color: red;">M</span>ary
<span style="color: red;">n</span>ever <span style="color: red;">o</span>rders <span style="color: red;">p</span>ickled <span style="color: red;">q</span>uail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. Write sentences in which
every word begins with the same letter – like a tongue twister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">~ <span style="color: red;">H</span>arry
<span style="color: red;">h</span>opes <span style="color: red;">H</span>elen <span style="color: red;">h</span>elps <span style="color: red;">h</span>im <span style="color: red;">h</span>unt <span style="color: red;">h</span>ippos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">~ <span style="color: red;">S</span>ome
<span style="color: red;">s</span>entences <span style="color: red;">s</span>ound <span style="color: red;">s</span>illy, <span style="color: red;">s</span>o <span style="color: red;">S</span>am <span style="color: red;">s</span>topped <span style="color: red;">s</span>aying <span style="color: red;">s</span>uch <span style="color: red;">s</span>entences.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Go for it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Lori</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-36280604535840460412014-01-30T11:00:00.000-05:002014-02-01T12:20:44.191-05:00Amp It Up With Adverbs<div class="MsoNormal">
How many of you have tried to spice up your writing with
adverbs? Not sure what they are? I'm talking about those -ly words that can
change a regular sentence into something extraordinary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, I could say: <b>Joanna picked up her backpack
and walked home.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That's a fine sentence. I can picture Joanna walking home
with a backpack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, what if we did this: <b>Joanna picked up her backpack
and <i><u>grudgingly</u></i> walked home.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Woah! Now, I'm getting curious. Usually, we all want to get
home right after school. What's going on that Joanna is GRUDGINGLY walking
home? Maybe it's her dad's first day at his new job and he won't be home. Or,
maybe, it's her birthday and she's positive her family is throwing her a
surprise party, but she hates surprises. That one little word—grudgingly—gets
us thinking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let's try another one: <b>Steven ate his peas.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can see this, but I'm curious. Did he like his peas? Is
there anything special about him eating the peas?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How about we amp it up with an adverb? <b>Steven <i><u>joyously</u></i>
ate his peas.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This sentence made me wake up. Who eats peas JOYOUSLY? Does
Steven just love peas or is something else making him joyous. It makes me want
to know more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now you try it! See if you can amp up each sentence below
with an interesting adverb.<br />
<br />
The boys dug in the ground.<br />
The teachers watched the clock.<br />
Many students waited in the cafeteria.<br />
<br />
Good luck!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
- Margie</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-76280010094986927812014-01-29T16:42:00.000-05:002014-01-29T16:45:49.901-05:00Skype With Me on World Read Aloud Day!Dear K-2 Teachers, Librarians, or Media Specialists,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://litworld.org/worldreadalouddayactivities/" target="_blank">World Read Aloud Day</a> is March 5!<br />
<br />
In honor of this day, I'm offering a 20-minute Skype session to a K-2 classroom. I'll provide a couple of fun things for you to do to prepare for my virtual visit, and then I'll read <em>Look What I Can Do!</em> and <em>Storm Song.</em> There will also be a surprise visit from one of the animals in one of the above books (who may or may not be stuffed)! And of course, there will be a few minutes left over for questions from the VIPS, also known as your curious students.<br />
<br />
Just send me an email at nancyviau(at)comcast(dot)net and let's make a date.<br />
<br />
-N<em> </em>Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-74848176355693796302014-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-23T08:00:05.528-05:00Write a Dream Speech<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MknJ4HTpJDh1k3UsLH_x2UAHSGPRu4eKX4mcHYGLLQhOodohKJ1QwYS9XXfkbOqDHgAOdRTZ9kiGG_sZ0ab2QqLDGuHDcHzhyphenhyphenuf5DQx3p3QMrLA96WUcESOOHZ3FefM_Ps_7m12cq4E/s1600/attachment.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MknJ4HTpJDh1k3UsLH_x2UAHSGPRu4eKX4mcHYGLLQhOodohKJ1QwYS9XXfkbOqDHgAOdRTZ9kiGG_sZ0ab2QqLDGuHDcHzhyphenhyphenuf5DQx3p3QMrLA96WUcESOOHZ3FefM_Ps_7m12cq4E/s1600/attachment.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZvslvI14A6bKf9bFArb33q9tfzki8zgBWzI0a-imDw4TV2Jqwv9QdD-kUy6bf3K7XV-6yviptXA1lEqi6r5-Tb1TtGkXJzcFbT_qAqily3aT9S3MhzOAioM7kbcCZQPvx5wCgbhVPNU/s1600/attachment+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZvslvI14A6bKf9bFArb33q9tfzki8zgBWzI0a-imDw4TV2Jqwv9QdD-kUy6bf3K7XV-6yviptXA1lEqi6r5-Tb1TtGkXJzcFbT_qAqily3aT9S3MhzOAioM7kbcCZQPvx5wCgbhVPNU/s1600/attachment+(2).jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>Martin Luther
King, Jr. would have celebrated his 85th birthday this month. Each January,
when reading or listening to a recording of Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream”
speech, we’re reminded of the power of his words and how they helped inspire
change in <st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region>.
There are several good books about Martin Luther King’s life and legacy. One
favorite picture book is <i>My Brother Martin</i> written by his sister
Christine King Farris with wonderful illustrations by Chris Soenpiet. This book
shares how Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up in <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city> in the 1930’s. He liked to joke and
had to practice the piano like a lot of children still do, but Martin was told
by his white neighbors that they couldn’t play with him because of the color of
his skin. That’s when he first began to realize the need for change in the
world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>All dreams are possible. Try writing a “Dream” speech.
The following questions may help focus writing ideas:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">What
is something special you hope to happen soon?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">What
do you hope or dream about happening for your family?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Do you
have any hopes or dreams for your friends? </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Do you
have any hopes or dreams for the world?</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, just as Dr. King did, speak your “dream” speech aloud
to share the power of your hopeful words.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Alison</div>
Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-39618009814956116492014-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-16T08:00:13.575-05:00Flaws ROCK!If you are writing fiction, and you write about a character who does <em>everything</em> well (because you want to impress your teacher...*heh, heh*), don't do it! Give your character a few flaws--things they didn't mean to do or stuff they have trouble with. Even flat-out mistakes! Characters who make mistakes, and eventually learn from them, are interesting. Nobody's perfect, right?<br />
<br />
Make a list of five mistakes you've made. Use at least one in a story that you write this week.<br />
GO!<br />
1.<br />
2.<br />
3.<br />
4.<br />
5.<br />
<br />
Now, it's my turn. Here are my mistakes. I bet there's a story in there somewhere!<br />
1. I used too much butter in my cranberry bread and it was a disaster.<br />
2. I ran into a plant and said, "Excuse me."<br />
3. I sent a text to the wrong person.<br />
4. I burped while in line at the grocery store.<br />
5. I lost my keys, twice in the same day.Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-85759054740589422972014-01-15T14:31:00.000-05:002014-01-15T14:31:52.354-05:00Publication Date for New Picture BookJust stopping in to say...<br />
<br />
MY NEXT PICTURE BOOK, <em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">City Street Beat</span></em>, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE FALL OF 2014. I am so excited. Can you tell?<br />
<br />
Carry on...<br />
NancyNancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-77010675575571175852014-01-08T08:30:00.000-05:002014-01-08T23:34:45.928-05:00Paint A Picture With Words<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Show - don’t tell</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">and don’t tell –
show.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Do it well</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">and pictures grow!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">One thing writers hear all the time is “<span style="color: lime;">show</span> – <span style="color: red;">don’t tell</span>”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like a funny thing to say because
you’d think pictures would “show” and words would “tell”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, if you choose descriptive and active
words, you’ll be showing – not telling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you use vivid details, you’ll be painting a picture in the reader’s
head.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Here’s an example:</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: red;">Tell:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob was happy.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: lime;">Show</span>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob grinned
from ear to ear.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">In the “show” example, I didn’t have to tell you Bob was
happy – instead, you probably imagined Bob with a big smile on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I painted picture in your head.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Here’s another example:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: red;">Tell:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah was
scared by the storm.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: lime;">Show:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each flash
of lightning and boom of thunder, Sarah ducked under her covers and squeezed
her eyes shut.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">I didn’t mention Sarah being scared, but you got the
picture!</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></o:p>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;">So, when you’re editing a story you’ve already written or when writing a new story, look for ways you can <span style="color: lime;">show</span> and not <span style="color: red;">tell.</span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Minngs"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Minngs"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Click </span><a href="http://begborrowandteach.blogspot.com/2011/12/show-dont-tell.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">HERE</span></a><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"> for an awesome activity to help you practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s from a website called </span><a href="http://begborrowandteach.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Beg, Borrow and Teach.</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"> (Teachers, bookmark this site. You'll want to come back again and again for great ideas!)</span> </span></span></o:p></o:p><br />
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~ Lori<br />
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Nancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873504688828905350.post-3015339203915432092014-01-02T09:00:00.000-05:002014-01-02T09:00:06.788-05:00Spelling Bee Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">WELCOME BACK TO WIT!</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Now...</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: red;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">DON'T LOOK AT THE REST OF THIS POST!</span> </strong><strong></strong></span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Turn your computer over to a friend. </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>And...</strong> </span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">NO Peeking!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The rest of this post is for your friend. He or she will tell YOU what to do.</span></strong><br />
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Hi there, friend,<br />
<br />
1. <i>Review</i> the list below to yourself. (If you need help pronouncing any words, ask a parent or teacher.)<br />
<br />
BELIEVE<br />
ADDRESS<br />
BUSINESS<br />
DEFINITELY<br />
FEBRUARY<br />
GRAMMAR<br />
LIBRARY<br />
MONKEYS<br />
PROBABLY<br />
SURPRISE<br />
WEIRD<br />
WEDNESDAY<br />
TOMORROW<br />
PRETEND<br />
TWELVE<br />
<br />
2. <i>Say</i> each word, out loud, to the person next to you. Repeat it.<br />
3. That person should say the word, SPELL the word, and repeat the word.<br />
4. Did he or she get it right?<br />
5. Don't make them suffer. BE KIND! Tell them the correct spelling right away and move on.<br />
<br />
For BOTH of you:<br />
6. Write down the list of words above. When you write something, it has a better chance of getting into your brain. When I was in elementary school, we had to write each of our spelling words 10 times! Does your teacher make YOU do this?<br />
<br />
: )<br />
NancyNancy Viauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00465242396884604484noreply@blogger.com0