Writing

using onomatopoeia in writing

This idea is sure to create a buzz as you lead students to more descriptive writing. To start, challenge small groups of students to list their favorite sound words and, if desired, have them include characters or objects that might make each sound on their posters. Display the posters around the room. When a student writes, instruct her to include at least three examples of onomatopoeia in her story without using examples from her own group's poster.

Math

Place Value

Send students to an out-of-this-world display after they make this fun spaceship. To make a spaceship, a student folds a six-inch paper plate in half and then unfolds it. Next, he cuts along the inside of the rim of one of the resulting semicircles. The child folds the cut rim section atop the intact one and glues the rim sections together along the outer edge. Then the student adds the details described below before decorating his spaceship to his liking. Collect the index cards (as described below) and store them near a display of the completed spaceships. Invite students to visit the display and put the cards in the matching spaceships.

Read and write numbers (2.NBT.A.3):The student writes the word form of a three-digit number along the base of the spaceship. Then the student cuts an index card in half. She writes the standard form of the number on one half and the expanded form on the other half.

Rounding numbers (3.NBT.A.1): The student writes a three-digit number along the base of the spaceship. Then he writes the number rounded to the nearest ten on one index card half and to the nearest hundred on the other half.

Print-and-Use Organizer

Making Introductions

To help students plan their main characters, give each child a copy of the provided organizer. Direct the child to draw a picture of his character and then mark the checklists with the traits he wants the character to have. Guide the student to use the checklists to fill in the blanks of the story starter. Then have him cut out the story starter, glue it to a sheet of paper, and reference his checklists to finish the story.

To make the activity easier, allow students to discuss their story plans with you or another student before writing the rest of the story.

To make the activity more challenging, cut off the bottom portion of the organizer before distributing the checklists to students. Direct each child to use the checklist to guide his original story.