• Use the rhythms, rhymes and patterns of language in writing activities.
• Use a tape recorder to tape dramatic presentations of written work.

Activity

• Familiarize the children with the cumulative rhyme:
  "I Know an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly".

• Read several versions of the rhyme, sing it as a song, etc. As a whole group, write verses for a new rhyme by adding one or two sea creatures and new lines to the verse.
  
  For example:
  
  I know and old lady who swallowed a jellyfish
  That floated and jiggled inside her

• Have the children work in groups of two to create additional verses using their favourite sea creatures. Children can also make audio recordings of themselves reciting and singing their new verses.

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Assessment Tips from Old Tom the Turtle

• Observe students’ abilities to successfully record their dramatic presentations, note confidence and ease with which they prepare their presentations.

• Note students’ use of rhyme as they engage in writing activity. During small group conferences, observe the students’ abilities to use familiar language patterns in writing.