"Said is Dead"

You may be wondering, "How could my favorite word die?" I know, I know.  It's a sad parting when you have to give up something you treasure.  We all have to do it sometime.  Growing and moving on to better choices in life (well at least in writing) includes utilizing improved word choices.  Below is a list of options that you can choose from to avoid using the word "said."  Whenever you get stuck on this word, check back to this list.
Said is Dead

Spies and Secret Codes (Editor Codes that is)

Spies at work

Have you ever seen a 007 or any other secret spy movie, and wanted to become a spy? All those secret codes that they use to communicate just intrigues me!  Well, join the writer's club and you too will learn the "secret" codes that Editors all over the world use!  These Editor codes will be very useful when you get an essay or story back from your teacher and you do not understand their editing marks.  This will be the "secret" language between all students, teachers, and editors seeking to communicate.  Woot! I get to be a spy for a day! :)Don't worry about memorizing all of these codes.  You will get used to them as you continue to use them throughout the year.

Editor's Codes (Top Secret!)

Putting Together all the Pieces in the Puzzle

How many of you spend hours trying to fit the 1000 puzzle pieces together and sometimes, just get stuck?! I've experienced this many times and have often left puzzles unfinished. Things can definitely get a little hairy!  In writing, we often encounter the same types of puzzles.  We don't actually use puzzles, but we don't always understand how one part of writing applies to the other.  Learning and using the 6+1 Traits of Writing and rubrics will help ease much of this confusion we get from teachers sometimes. 

Rubrics will help you understand what exactly the teacher wants you to achieve on a particular assignment. 

The 6+1 Traits will help you understand what exactly a great piece of writing looks like.  Remember the 6+1 Traits of writing can be applied to ALL your classes when it comes to written work. 

If you are still confused about any of this information, please find Miss. Lee and maybe, just maybe, we can plan a hot chocolate date! :)