Summer SAVY 2017, Session 2/Day 3- Playing with Words (Rising 1st)

Posted by morganr1 on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in SAVY.

It is so delightful learning with your young authors. In considering traits of an author, stunning geodes led us to consider the trait of wonder, antique keys helped us create analogies about imagination, and today we looked at dedication. An author takes risks, perseveres, and writes and rewrites. We looked at Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration. We were amazed that Dr. Seuss’ And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was rejected by publishers 27 times; and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was rejected 12 times. As gifted learners, we discussed having dedication toward excellence rather than letting perfectionist tendencies stop us from trying new things. Following our author visit today, we each began writing a story. Knowing we wouldn’t finish, and that it wouldn’t be “perfect”, gave your authors some confidence and freedom to write and share their ideas with the class! We ended the day by writing and sharing similes about ourselves. We are beginning to understand how figurative language can help us create new images and connections in our minds.
Jessica Young was with us for about 45 minutes today! It was such a treat learning about her writing process, publishing and illustrators work, and the catalysts for some of her ideas. She led the class on a figurative language color activity. Their creativity, confidence, and strategic questions are joys to see! Jessica even autographed a copy of My Blue is Happy for each of your authors – a gift from SAVY! https://jessicayoungbooks.wordpress.com/

As much as educators are committed to your student, parents are the ultimate teachers. The following ideas may be useful as your child grows in playing with words:
*Read the books and poetry your child is reading. Discuss the key ideas and the use of language to paint a picture in our minds.
*Play word games to enhance vocabulary and language usage. MadLibs, add adjectives, create similes and turn them into metaphors, word guessing games.
*Encourage your child to write every day in a diary or journal. Look for opportunities for your child to write encouraging notes, emails, letters to others. A dialogue journal can also be a way to share ideas back and forth.
*Watch shows interactively together. As with books, help your gifted learner see text-to-self, text-to-world, and text-to-text connections.

Mrs. Pfister