Diagnostic+Tools

Diagnostic Test: Grade 4-5 Class Language Arts: Simile's To gauge the previous knowledge and understanding of simile's in my Grade 4-5 class, I had students raise their hand when they heard a simile in the story. Prior to reading the story, the class defined what a simile was but there was no in depth conversation around this topic. In order to me to plan my lesson, which was about simile's, I needed to know where the understanding level was within the classroom. Student's did not know that they were being assessed, and more or less thought this was a fun and interactive way to listen to the story! The only drawback to this activity is that once students would see their peers raise their hands, they would also do the same. As a teacher, you need to also be watching out for the students that are following the actions of others.

The story that I read was "Twas the Night Before Christmas", as it was around the holiday season when I did this. I have pasted a copy of the story below.
 * Twas the Night before Christmas Poem**
 * Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house**
 * Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.**
 * The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,**
 * In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.**
 * The children were nestled all snug in their beds,**
 * While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.**
 * And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,**
 * Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.**
 * When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,**
 * I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.**
 * Away to the window I flew like a flash,**
 * Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.**
 * The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow**
 * Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.**
 * When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,**
 * But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.**
 * With a little old driver, so lively and quick,**
 * I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.**
 * More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,**
 * And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!**
 * "Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!**
 * On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!**
 * To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!**
 * Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"**
 * As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,**
 * When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.**
 * So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,**
 * With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.**
 * And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof**
 * The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.**
 * As I drew in my head, and was turning around,**
 * Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.**
 * He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,**
 * And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.**
 * A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,**
 * And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.**
 * His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!**
 * His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!**
 * His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,**
 * And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.**
 * The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,**
 * And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.**
 * He had a broad face and a little round belly,**
 * That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!**
 * He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,**
 * And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!**
 * A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,**
 * Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.**
 * He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,**
 * And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.**
 * And laying his finger aside of his nose,**
 * And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!**
 * He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,**
 * And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.**
 * But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,**
 * "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"**