Welcome Allen Say

In Readers and Writers Workshop, we have begun studying the author  and illustrator Allen Say. During an author study, students learn all about the author's craft and style of writing. This type of unit allows students the chance to compare and contrast themes, characters, and plots more deeply.

During each reading, we fill out an attribute chart to monitor his books. This chart includes: theme, setting, plot, genre, noticings, and characters. Then, students will be writing responses on his stories.  They will start to notice many similarities in his books such as how many characters chase their dreams, believe in themselves, cultural differences and struggles, and the bonds of family. Ask your child about their favorite Allen Say book! Or, visit the website below to view summaries of his books.

Allen Say Homepage
 Interview with Allen Say

Helping Verbs

This week we have been learning about helping verbs. Helping verbs are
a verb that comes before the main verb. It does not show an action like a normal verb. Together the helping verb and the main verb form a verb phrase.

 For example, in the sentence Samatha can ride her sister's tricyle,  the helping verb is can and the main verb is ride.
More than one helping verb can be used in a sentence. For example, in the sentence Miss E has been walking to work, the helping verbs are has and been.

Sometimes a word (such as not) separates the helping verb from the main verb, but NOT is NOT a helping verb. For example, in the sentence Pam does not want a new  sweater, the helping verb is does and the main verb is want.

Sing along to the catchy tune Jingle Bells to learn your helping verbs!

"Helping Verbs! Helping Verbs! There are 23....

Am, is are! Was and were! Being, been, and be!

Have, has, had! Do, does, did! Shall, should, will, and would!

There are 5 more helping verbs: may, might, must, can, and could!"

Be a Millionaire Game
Fill-in a Helping Verb
Flash Cards and speed sorting