and jumping up on me / his shaggy straggly paws

to hug the insides / right out of me

And when us kids / were playing outside

and getting slobber / all over the ball

Jack explains how he chose Sky from among the other dogs at the shelter.

Jack describes his favorite outdoor game that he plays with his friends.

Jack tells about his funny, slobbery dog, Sky, who followed him everywhere.

Jack reveals to his teacher why he has a hard time writing about his dog, Sky.

She shows details and uses little punctuation–most likely to show Jack’s strong feelings.

She uses long sentences and formal words–most likely to slow readers down for big ideas.

She uses rhyme and rhythm–most likely to show how this would sound if Jack were talking.

She uses short repeating stanzas–most likely to show what Jack has learned about writing poems.