Sheila Ray, The Brave (words for said)

Sheila Ray, The Brave
Author:  Kevin Henkes

Possible Common Core Standards:
RL.4.3
W.4.3

How many times have you read a student's story and the word said is used for every conversation?  Use Sheila Ray, The Brave to help your students understand the usage of other words make their writing much more interesting.  First, cover all of the said words in the story with a sticky note with the word said.  Read the story.  Go back through the story page by page removing the sticky notes and logging the word 'substituted' in the story on chart paper.  Talk about how it makes the event interesting.  Ask students to watch for more 'substitute' words for said in other text.  Keep the chart in the room for use when writing.

I like the way Mr. Henkes uses other words yet also uses said in his story.  I think it is important for students to know it is okay to use said....just not every time.  :)