Category Archives: Reading Enrichment

#60: 1 word sentences

Reading Enrichment

Is it possible to make a complete sentence using just one word over and over? Complete this mini spark to find out.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #60: 1 word sentences

2. ‘Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo’ is a grammatically correct sentence. How? Emma Bryce explains how this and other one-word sentences illustrate some lexical ambiguities that can turn ordinary words and sentences into mazes that mess with our minds. Record 3 details from the video on your recording sheet.

3. Try figuring out the meaning to these sentences. Record your ideas on your recording sheet.

Police police Police police police police Police police.
Will, will Will will Will Will’s will?
Rose rose to put rose roes on her rows of roses.
If it is it, it is it; if it is it is it, it is.

4. After thinking about the sentences above check out this  guide which will have clues for you and a few more example. Write about your favorite example from this page.

5. To wrap up this mini spark, use this info page to find words to help you create your own silly sentence using one word. Record your sentence of your recording page.

6. Share your language arts mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#59: 1 hand book review

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

Before you share a book with a friend, it helps to share a quick, ‘handy’ book review. Learn how in this mini spark.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #59: 1 hand book review

2. Read over these instructions and write down the 5 sentence starters on your recording page.

3. Choose a book that you have recently read and enjoyed. Write the title on your recording page.

4. Open this sheet and read it. You can print it if you want. You will use this as a guide to writing your own.

5. Create your own script on your recording page.

6. Choose at least two people and read your 1-hand book review to them.

7. Share your language arts mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

 

 

# 58:Halloween Roll-A-Story

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

Ready for some Halloween writing fun?

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: # 58:Halloween Roll-A-Story

2. Grab a die or use this online version

3. Use the guide below to choose elements of your story. Record these on your recording page.

4. Now you are ready to begin writing  your story on your recording page.

5. Share your language arts mini spark recording page and your spooktacular story with your teacher/EY coordinator.

L. Arts Mini Spark #58 – Creative Tweets

Mini Challenges, Reading Enrichment

Step 1: What is a Tweet? Read the definition below and look at the examples.

  • What is a Tweet?  A tweet is a status update on a social media platform called Twitter that is broadcast to other users. Limited to 280 characters or less, tweets can express how users are feeling, what they’re doing, and anything in between.

Step 2: Look over the Tweet options below and choose one to complete. Turn in your finished work to your teacher or EY coordinator.

  • Option 1: Character Tweet

What would a character from a favorite book “tweet” at the end of a chapter or section. Write it as though you are that character using Twitter.

Character Tweet Example:

Character Tweet Template:

 

  • Option 2: Chapter/Section Tweet:

Think of a chapter of a book or section of a movie and summarize what happened twitter style.

Chapter/Section Template:

  • Option 3: Book Review Tweet

Book Review Tweet Examples:

  • Option 4: Historical Figure Tweet

Choose a person from a historical event. What would this historical figure “tweet” after this event? Write it as though you are that person using Twitter.

Historical Figure Template:

Step 3: Use the contact form below and type your Tweet in the Message section. Hit Submit

#57: Unicorn Study

Reading Enrichment

Check out these unicorn topics to stretch your knowledge about this mythical beast.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #57: Unicorn Fun

2. Read this unicorn fact page. Using ideas from this page, create your own colorful unicorn fact page.

3. Read the Article-Siberian Unicorn Fossils. On your recording sheet, make a 5 question quiz with answers about these creatures.

4. Watch this Video-Unicorns of the Sea. Take detailed notes on your recording sheet while watching this video. Record at least 5 items.

 

5. Read this article about the unicorn puppy. On your recording sheet, summarize the article in 3 sentences.

6. Share your language arts mini spark recording page and your unicorn fact page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#56:Word Art

Reading Enrichment

WordArt.com is an online word cloud generator that enables you to create amazing and unique word clouds with ease.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page #56: Word Art.

2. Look over this example.

3. Decide what you would like to use as a topic for your word art. Record your choice on your recording sheet.

Some ideas for your Word Art:

  • Type on word but in different languages
  • Type the things you are thankful for
  • Type your favorites (food, music, color, artist, subject, etc.)
  • Type in the names of your favorite books/characters
  • Type in words associated with your favorite seasons
  • Type words about a history or science topic that you are interested in

4. Create a piece of word art using the following website:  https://wordart.com/

5. Add a screenshot of your art to your recording page or print it out.

6. Create a second piece of word art with a different theme. Use the same website and experiment with different shapes, fonts, colors, etc. Add a screenshot of your art to your recording page or print it out.

7. Share your language arts mini spark recording page and your art with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#55: Bio Poems

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

A bio poem is a simple poem that provides biographical information about a person, historial figure, or literary character.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #55: Bio Poems

2. A bio poem is a simple poem written about a person, and it follows a predictable pattern. Bio poems generally don’t rhyme, and they can be autobiographical (about another person) or biographical (about yourself). Record this information on your recording sheet.

3.  Decide who you want to research for your Bio Poem. Here are some options to get your brainstorming kick started.

  • American Presidents
  • African American Leaders
  • Influential Women
  • Favorite Athlete, Musician or Artist
  • Family Member or Friend
  • Yourself

4. Research your selected person (or interview family member) so that you have content for your Bio Poem. Take notes on your recording page.

5. Read the sample Bio Poem below about Rosa Parks.

6. Use the guide and template below to draft your own Bio Poem!

Optional: Draw or include a picture of your selected person.

7. Share your language arts mini spark recording page and your poem with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#54: What’s Cooking

Reading Enrichment

This mini spark has you wring all about cooking up something in the kitchen!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #54: What’s Cooking

2. Learn how to write a recipe. Watch this video to show you the steps. Take simple notes on your recording page about  the procedural text steps.

3. Learn how to write a recipe like a professional. Read this article which outlines the process.  This is very detailed, but has some really good pointers. On your recording page, write about how this article is helpful.  Include a question you have about writing recipes as well.

4. Ask a grandparent, relative, parent(s), teacher, etc. for a recipe idea. Add a picture of the recipe to your recording sheet

5. Using the recipe that you have been given, create a more formal version using the information from the video and the article.  The recipe should be typed and please include all of the procedural text steps.

OPTIONAL: Make something in the kitchen and take a picture/video of the process and/or final product.  Make sure your creation has a name and that you provide the ingredients necessary to make your recipe.  Make sure to get an adult’s approval first before you start.

6. Share your language arts mini spark recording page, starting recipe, and final recipe with your teacher/EY coordinator.

 

#53: Character Quotes

Reading Enrichment

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #53: Character Quotes

Step 1:  Download Adobe Spark Post for Graphics from Manager.  Here’s a quick video tutorial on how to login.  You can also go to https://spark.adobe.com/sp/ on a computer.

Step 2:  Create a new project that includes a quote from a character in a book you’ve read or from a book you’re currently reading.  Be sure to add the title of the book and the author.

Step 3:  Download your project and share it with your teacher

7. Share your language arts mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#52: Thank You Notes

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

An act of expressing your appreciation through a few words, a thank you note, is an important way to show your gratitude for someone and their time. In this mini spark you will learn about the basics and create a thank you note for Veteran’s Day.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #52: Thank You Notes

2. Veteran’s Day is November 11th, visit this website to learn more about the history of Veterans Day. Record 5 details about the history of veteran’s day to your recording page.

3. Learn the basics of writing a thank you note. Write each bold prase on your recording page as you read step 3.

Greeting. Don’t forget to make sure you’re using the correct form and spelling of the person’s name. Put a comma after the greeting.

  • Dear Aunt Sharon and Uncle Bob,

Express your thanks. Begin with the two most important words: Thank you.

  • Thank you so much for…
  • It made my day when I opened…
  • I’m so grateful you were there when…

Add specific details. Tell them how you plan to use or display their gift. It shows them that you really appreciate the thought that went into it. Even if it’s cold hard cash, describe how you’ll spend the stuff.

  • Here’s a picture of me with my new briefcase. I look so professional!
  • I can’t wait to use the birthday money you sent to decorate my dorm room.
  • The going-away party meant so much to me. Having all my friends and family in one place was something I’ll never forget.

Look ahead. Mention the next time you might see them, or just let them know you’re thinking of them.

  • We look forward to seeing you next month at Lucy’s party.

Restate your thanks. Add details to thank them in a different way.

  • Again, thank you for your generosity. I’m so excited about college. I’ll let you know all about it when I get settled.
  • We felt so blessed that you made the trip to be with us on our wedding day. We can’t wait to see you again soon!

End with your regards. “Sincerely” is a safe standby, but for closer relationships, you might choose a warmer option.

  • With love,
  • Many thanks,
  • Yours truly,

4. Read over this graphic about writing thank you notes. Write 3-5 reminders on your recording page.

5. Try it! On your recording page, use the steps from #3 and write a thank you note. You can write a pretend note to a fictional person or you can write one to someone who you would like to thank for helping you.

6.  OPTIONAL: Use this template or use your recording page to write a thank you note to a Veteran. If you do not personally know a veteran, you can write a general thank you to all Veterans.

7. Share your language arts mini spark recording page and your thank you note with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Source: https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/thank-you-ideas/how-to-write-a-thank-you-note/