• Write the sentence, Tom was quite sure his bones would crumble and join the cloud of dust that swirled around them. Circle the word and, and explain that certain words, called conjunctions, link two parts of the sentence. In this case, the word links the two parts of the predicate. It tells the two things that Tom thought the old man's bones would do.
• Have students find the sentence He carried a long glass stick, and he was using the stick to draw in the dust. Have a student identify the conjunction. Have students tell you what two things the conjunction connects.
• Have students locate the sentence beginning Of course, this is a fairy tale…. Point out that other words, such as so, because, but, or, and therefore also connect parts of sentences.

Independent Practice
Hand out worksheet 2 and have students combine the two short sentences into one sentence using one of the conjunctions listed. They may use the conjunctions as many times as they wish, but they should keep the meaning of the sentence in mind before picking one. You may wish to model an example or two to ensure that students understand. 

Similes

• Have students read the first paragraph on page 7. Have them tell you how the princess sees Tom.
• Explain that a simile is a comparison between two things using like or as. The princess compares Tom's swinging axe to the wind.
• Brainstorm a list of objects that students can describe using oral similes. Tell students that similes can be creative, simple, or funny. 

Fluency

• Allow students to reread the book independently or with a partner. Partners can take turns reading from the book.
• Students can take the book home to read with parents, caregivers, siblings, or friends.