We are almost there!

One more week until FCAT! We are so ready! We've spent the last two weeks reviewing everything we have learned this year. We've learned a lot!

Want to read a cool and interesting book? Our Book of the Month was Henry's Freedom Box. This was the story of a man who saw his family sold away into slavery and mailed himself in a box to freedom! (true story) If you want to borrow a copy, just stop by Room 71.

We will be making our FCAP hats to wear during testing this week. We will be decorating hats that will help everyone do their best.

Jonathan Culbert's older brother models his 2007 hat

Edvin Beaganovic models his hat!

Thanks to all those parents who came out to February's End of Month Luncheon. We had fun. We had fewer students than usual due to some bad students choices, but I'm sure they will be back for next luncheon. Thanks to Mrs. Mika for delivering our meal, and to Mrs. Bridges for bringing dessert. Thanks for the drinks Mr. Keller and Mrs. Mika! Due to FCAT testing and Spring Break there will be no Luncheon in March. We look forward to seeing you at April's luncheon.

This past week we spent a great deal of time reviewing some literary terms. Even though there is no spelling test, please review the following words with your child:

(there will be a few quizzes on them this week)

metaphor - when a writer says one thing is another thing to make his point. Example: His bedroom was a pigpen. (a room cannot actually be a pigpen, but you get the point)

simile- to say that one thing is like or as another thing. Example: She ripped through the present like a pirate looking for treasure. (all similes have the word as or like in them)

alliteration- the repetition of a letter at the beginning of words. Example: Mindy worked all day Monday to get her mail ready for Mrs. Jones.

personification- to give human qualities to an animal or thing. Example: The cold winter air sneaked under the door. ( air cannot sneak, but you get the point)

sensory words- these are word that involve the five senses. Example: The gentle ocean breeze blew over us with its salty aroma. (senses of touch and smell)

assonance- the repetition of a vowel sound. Example: Ned and Emily went to Eric's house to decorate eggs. (the short e sound)

symbol- when one thing is used to represent another. Example: Miles to go before I sleep. (miles or distance represents time and sleep represents death in many literary works. Also, the lion may be used to represent courage, or the fox to represent sneakiness etc.)

hyperbole- extreme exaggeration to make a point. Example: Sh stuck her nose in other people's business for the millionth time. (she only did it three times, but you get the point)

Thank you to the PTA for supplying us with mints for testing!

Thank you to Joan Patterson, our intern! Joan finished her required hours last week, and we enjoyed having her! She is going to make an awesome teacher!

Mr. Gibbons and Mrs. Peck are very proud of Jose Bautista who has has really gotten on the ball with his citizenship and his 25 Book Standard! You rock Jose!