Word Choice

    In our study of the 6 Traits of Writing, we have been exploring word choice.  Having good word choice means using varied and accurate vocabulary, staying away from bland and overused words, and making our writing more interesting and fun to read.     We started of by reading My Mama Had a Dancing Heart by Libba Moore Gray.  In this book, the little girl describes a year with her mother using fantastic word choice.  You can see a reading of the book here:
  We then read a poem that had very similar word choice, Jefferson.

     Then, before setting off to write our own tribute poems while practicing quality word choice, we practiced as a class by writing a poem about Mrs. Murphy.  We were able to share it with her and, I think it's safe to say, she loved it!

    Next week we will be writing our own tribute poems.  Stay tuned!

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.5
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. 

Shhhhh...top secret!

In Writing, we have begun focusing on the 6+1 traits of writing: ideas/content, conventions, word choice, organization, voice, sentence fluency, and production. One of our essential questions is: how do we, as writers, improve our pieces?

Focusing on "ideas," we are currently working on a highly confidential project.  Look at us busy at work!

This is helping us focus on common core standard: W.4.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.