1. NEWSFLASH! The notorious verb “Said” has Retired Effective Immediately! Fortunately, verbs to fill this position are everywhere! An emergency job fair to screen applicants to fill this position will take place today in class. Created by: Julie Mann, 6 th grade ELA, Hightower Trail Middle School 2014-2015

2. Newsflash! A Surprise Announcement Our good friend and colleague “SAID” has had a long & productive career. However, the daily grind has taken its toll. After careful consideration, the verb “SAID” announced its retirement today. Yes! After years of hard work and dedication, it’s time for “SAID” to kick back and relax! In fact, “SAID” is leaving immediately for some beautiful private islands where it can be left alone. Why? Well, “Said” said, “I’m flat worn out. I need some serious rest and relaxation. My islands are private for a reason. Please respect my wishes and do not use my verb name ever again in your writing!” So….

6. So, “SAID” made a sign to remind the world that it would be unavailable! “No more said,” said “SAID”, the most overused word in the history of the world!

7. Something strange happened… Words that had been minding their own business heard about the retirement. Worn out words joined together and united. They all resigned at once! No more: GET/GOT No more: A LOT No more: STUFF Well, you get the idea! More on this later!

8. HELP WANTED! We must hold an immediate job fair to find replacements! Immediate opening for a word that can fill the following position: Position: speech tag. Must be exciting, expressive, and ready to be part of a conversation. Interested parties must submit an application for consideration. :)

9. TASK: Your job is to find suitable applicant words to fill one of “SAID’s” many job responsibilities. Your mission is to find create a mini poster filled with excellent replacement words for our class. We need words to fill this position quickly. It’s urgent because you are writing a memoir that requires dialogue soon! Each group must create a poster with at least 20 big, fat juicy “SAID” replacement words. Have fun! You will be using these!

10. YOUR POSTER MUST CONTAIN: 20 WORDS WORDS WRITTEN IN LARGE LETTERS! BE COLORFUL! Happy Retirement “SAID”!