I am at a class about teaching grammar, and the discussion of grammar in the novel, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog".
Personally, I think that grammar is a way to attain beauty. When you speak, or read, or write, you can tell if what you’ve said or read or written is a fine sentence. You can recognize a well-turned phrase or an elegant style. But when you are applying the rules of grammar skillfully, you ascend to another level of the beauty of language. When you use grammar, you peel back the layers, to see how it is all put together, see it quite naked, in a way.
Hmmm....never thought about grammar as interesting, but this quote and Jeff Anderson are working in tandem to change my impressions. :)
Monday, August 8, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Books I have been Reading
So, I finally finished Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. I received the book as a Christmas gift (thanks Max O. and family) but immediately put it in the classroom library, so just have gained access to the book. Due to my detail oriented nature, I found myself inspired to re-read the first two of the trilogy prior to tackling the last, so I have had Hunger Games on the brain as of late. I found myself frustrated that the movie version of the first installment will be rated R, but in re-reading the book, I found that to visualize some of the descriptions would require a significant amount of blood, gore, and violence. I would recommend reading and discussing alongside your parent if you do venture into the world of Panem, but Hunger Games seemed to feature the most blood shed.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Color Outside the Lines
Coloring Outside the Lines
by Craig Kinsley
Something from nothing is where our story begins
When everything was created from beginning to end
Like salt from a shaker, beauty fell on the earth
And with a heart full of love the heavens gave birth
Each plant and each tree held splendor beyond reason
It was a sight to behold the unfolding of four seasons
Like a body with two eyes, two legs and a nose
Each part had a purpose, and their differences showed
Every piece was unique even beyond measure
The Creator said it was good and that it was His pleasure
Even the snow and its flakes were never the same
Each one was distinct as if created by name.
And even when two are created in one
Their fingerprints are different, whether daughter or son.
Not one created twice is His rule of thumb
Different purposes and callings to the earth have we come.
But in this day and age, as children begin to grow
The uniqueness that once was ceases to show
With our big ‘ol green roofs, and SUV’s in the drive,
a white picket fence and we say we’ve arrived
Like a single piece of cloth, we’re all cut just the same
“Become just like us, it’s the American Dream!” they exclaim
“How can we create that which doesn’t exist?
We’ll just follow the crowd, that’s the best” they insist.
Like a cookie or cake, it’s a sight to behold
One would think just by looking that we’re from the same mold
From the first to the last, from the hair to the clothes
There’s not one single difference and that’s good we suppose.
Assembled and packaged, like a gift from a store
They come right off the line and right out the door
Their bows and their braids, their neckties and pants
They’re packed up and wrapped up, not standing a chance.
Do this and do that and don’t say a word
“Could we do something different, well that’s never occurred”
As the years come and go, one after another
Our past hopes and dreams grow further and further
Life’s just too busy, there’s simply no time to think
It’s all passing by, we’re scared just to blink
The new is no more and creation has ceased
Something from nothing? No not in the least
But there once was a boy named Alfie who never did things very plain
Who dared to be different and never quite looked the same
He had the heart of an artist and the spirit of a pioneer
He seemed to always take the narrow road, this much was clear
As he sat there in class, there was no way to know
That this was the day that little Alfie would grow.
The teacher announces, I’ve got a project for you
There’s no need for anything different or to create anything new
I’ve done it all for you with my photocopy machine
You each get 1 color either blue red or green
As the pictures were passed, the teacher exclaimed
“There are lines on the page so they’ll all look the same”
“Just pick up your paper, sit down in your seat
Stay inside the lines where it’s nice and neat
Simply pick up your color, the blue one will do
You don’t have to think, the works been done for you
The work had begun on the coloring sheets
The students worked hard, not missing a beat
But Alfie had a dream, a desire in his heart
It was different from most right from the start
He created his masterpiece quite different from his friends
It might not have seemed pretty, but it was his in the end
As the teacher arrived, little Sally was through
She had used every color from yellow to blue
Her picture was perfect, from bottom to top
She even used paint down to the last drop
The colors were shaded and graded with particular care
All the teacher could do was sit there and stare
As the teacher arrived to Alfie’s small seat
Her stare was quite different and not quite as sweet
“I’m confused little Alfie, I don’t get your designs
Why not look at little Sally, she stayed inside the lines.”
“What have you done, I don’t mean to complain
But it’s new and it’s different, why don’t you explain”
“It’s a tree!” he exclaimed as he held the picture to show
“It’s swaying and rocking as the wind starts to blow!”
“A tree’s not what I see and no blowing wind
What I see is just scribble and scrabble my friend”
Alfie thought to himself, “I don’t understand
I drew it and thought it, it came from my hand”
“It might not be perfect, but what does that mean
Perfect is different when with the heart it is seen.”
“If I do it the same, will I see wonders and signs
No me I prefer to color outside the lines.”
From that day forward Alfie began to create
Something from nothing because a dream did await
He was created and crafted, so he did as well
With every new day he found his dream did excel
Each was quite different and hardly ever the same
Till one day his dream to reality it came
A great generation, that’s never existed before
Millions of lovers and dreamers that prophets called for
They all weren’t the same, they had various looks
But had one heart and mind as foretold in a Book
They had one common goal that began with a picture
That a King would arise and our love would grow thicker
So here is your canvas, made of paper and wood
Do what is different and what you never thought that you could
You see, dreams from the heart, are not a mistake
But cause people to rise and the earth to awake
That earth is now crying and waiting on you
To arise and awake and do something new
by Craig Kinsley
Something from nothing is where our story begins
When everything was created from beginning to end
Like salt from a shaker, beauty fell on the earth
And with a heart full of love the heavens gave birth
Each plant and each tree held splendor beyond reason
It was a sight to behold the unfolding of four seasons
Like a body with two eyes, two legs and a nose
Each part had a purpose, and their differences showed
Every piece was unique even beyond measure
The Creator said it was good and that it was His pleasure
Even the snow and its flakes were never the same
Each one was distinct as if created by name.
And even when two are created in one
Their fingerprints are different, whether daughter or son.
Not one created twice is His rule of thumb
Different purposes and callings to the earth have we come.
But in this day and age, as children begin to grow
The uniqueness that once was ceases to show
With our big ‘ol green roofs, and SUV’s in the drive,
a white picket fence and we say we’ve arrived
Like a single piece of cloth, we’re all cut just the same
“Become just like us, it’s the American Dream!” they exclaim
“How can we create that which doesn’t exist?
We’ll just follow the crowd, that’s the best” they insist.
Like a cookie or cake, it’s a sight to behold
One would think just by looking that we’re from the same mold
From the first to the last, from the hair to the clothes
There’s not one single difference and that’s good we suppose.
Assembled and packaged, like a gift from a store
They come right off the line and right out the door
Their bows and their braids, their neckties and pants
They’re packed up and wrapped up, not standing a chance.
Do this and do that and don’t say a word
“Could we do something different, well that’s never occurred”
As the years come and go, one after another
Our past hopes and dreams grow further and further
Life’s just too busy, there’s simply no time to think
It’s all passing by, we’re scared just to blink
The new is no more and creation has ceased
Something from nothing? No not in the least
But there once was a boy named Alfie who never did things very plain
Who dared to be different and never quite looked the same
He had the heart of an artist and the spirit of a pioneer
He seemed to always take the narrow road, this much was clear
As he sat there in class, there was no way to know
That this was the day that little Alfie would grow.
The teacher announces, I’ve got a project for you
There’s no need for anything different or to create anything new
I’ve done it all for you with my photocopy machine
You each get 1 color either blue red or green
As the pictures were passed, the teacher exclaimed
“There are lines on the page so they’ll all look the same”
“Just pick up your paper, sit down in your seat
Stay inside the lines where it’s nice and neat
Simply pick up your color, the blue one will do
You don’t have to think, the works been done for you
The work had begun on the coloring sheets
The students worked hard, not missing a beat
But Alfie had a dream, a desire in his heart
It was different from most right from the start
He created his masterpiece quite different from his friends
It might not have seemed pretty, but it was his in the end
As the teacher arrived, little Sally was through
She had used every color from yellow to blue
Her picture was perfect, from bottom to top
She even used paint down to the last drop
The colors were shaded and graded with particular care
All the teacher could do was sit there and stare
As the teacher arrived to Alfie’s small seat
Her stare was quite different and not quite as sweet
“I’m confused little Alfie, I don’t get your designs
Why not look at little Sally, she stayed inside the lines.”
“What have you done, I don’t mean to complain
But it’s new and it’s different, why don’t you explain”
“It’s a tree!” he exclaimed as he held the picture to show
“It’s swaying and rocking as the wind starts to blow!”
“A tree’s not what I see and no blowing wind
What I see is just scribble and scrabble my friend”
Alfie thought to himself, “I don’t understand
I drew it and thought it, it came from my hand”
“It might not be perfect, but what does that mean
Perfect is different when with the heart it is seen.”
“If I do it the same, will I see wonders and signs
No me I prefer to color outside the lines.”
From that day forward Alfie began to create
Something from nothing because a dream did await
He was created and crafted, so he did as well
With every new day he found his dream did excel
Each was quite different and hardly ever the same
Till one day his dream to reality it came
A great generation, that’s never existed before
Millions of lovers and dreamers that prophets called for
They all weren’t the same, they had various looks
But had one heart and mind as foretold in a Book
They had one common goal that began with a picture
That a King would arise and our love would grow thicker
So here is your canvas, made of paper and wood
Do what is different and what you never thought that you could
You see, dreams from the heart, are not a mistake
But cause people to rise and the earth to awake
That earth is now crying and waiting on you
To arise and awake and do something new
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
SchoolTube - Nick's Washington DC Presentation
SchoolTube - Nick's Washington DC Presentation
Here is Nick's presentation about his trip to Washington DC!
Yippee!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
K Nex Build/Math Connections
We have been discussing simple machines--levers, pulleys, incline planes, gears etc. We also discussed how math relates to these ideas. In examining ratios and proportions, we learned that in simple machines: F1/F2 = D1/D2 where F = force, and D=distance. Students had a chance to do some inquiry based learning by creating structures with K Nex and experimenting with force and distance.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Field Trip Information
Monday, May 9,2011
Our tour is scheduled to start at the capitol at 9:30, and they would like us to arrive at 9:15am. In order to make this happen, we need to be on the 32nd & Osceola RTD 8:28am bus. That means that we need to meet at school at 8:10am, and leave the school at 8:15am. With all three 4th grades heading downtown, I wanted to be pro-active in ensuring that we are on-time. I was hopeful that we could help each other by carpooling, etc to make sure we can all be here on time, ready to experience our downtown adventure!
Please let me know if you have any questions and/or concerns, so we can work together to get everyone here on-time and ready to go on Monday!
Thanks so much! Amy
Remember: Backpacks should contain water, lunch, camera(optional), notebook, pencil or pen.
Wear comfortable shoes because we will be doing some walking!
Our tour is scheduled to start at the capitol at 9:30, and they would like us to arrive at 9:15am. In order to make this happen, we need to be on the 32nd & Osceola RTD 8:28am bus. That means that we need to meet at school at 8:10am, and leave the school at 8:15am. With all three 4th grades heading downtown, I wanted to be pro-active in ensuring that we are on-time. I was hopeful that we could help each other by carpooling, etc to make sure we can all be here on time, ready to experience our downtown adventure!
Please let me know if you have any questions and/or concerns, so we can work together to get everyone here on-time and ready to go on Monday!
Thanks so much! Amy
Remember: Backpacks should contain water, lunch, camera(optional), notebook, pencil or pen.
Wear comfortable shoes because we will be doing some walking!
Homework Due 5-12-11
Homework Log Sheet
Homework is assigned on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students will be given time in class to record assignments.
THIS WILL BE THE LAST WEEK OF HOMEWORK!
Assignment #1: MATH PUZZLE OF THE WEEK. PLEASE COMPLETE GUIDELINE QUESTIONS TOO!
Regular hexagons are inscribed in and circumscribed outside a circle - as shown in the illustration.
If the smaller hexagon has an area of three square units, what is the area of the larger hexagon?
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words. Word list consists of the names of all 50 states. Students will be given a map and be asked to properly identify each state on the map.
Quote of the Week: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.
Buddha
Assignment #3: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
State reports will be due on May 23rd!
Read your literature unit book at home so you will be able to use class time to work with your group on assigned activities!
Homework is assigned on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students will be given time in class to record assignments.
THIS WILL BE THE LAST WEEK OF HOMEWORK!
Assignment #1: MATH PUZZLE OF THE WEEK. PLEASE COMPLETE GUIDELINE QUESTIONS TOO!
Regular hexagons are inscribed in and circumscribed outside a circle - as shown in the illustration.
If the smaller hexagon has an area of three square units, what is the area of the larger hexagon?
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words. Word list consists of the names of all 50 states. Students will be given a map and be asked to properly identify each state on the map.
Quote of the Week: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.
Buddha
Assignment #3: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
State reports will be due on May 23rd!
Read your literature unit book at home so you will be able to use class time to work with your group on assigned activities!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Homework Due 5 May 2011
Assignment #1: “From Here to There” activity
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying include making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc. Students are also responsible for memorizing the quote of the week.
Quote of the Week: Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Work on poetry books/research cards for state reports.
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
I will post the vocabulary list & From Here to There activities from home tonight----:) Sorry & thank you!
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying include making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc. Students are also responsible for memorizing the quote of the week.
Quote of the Week: Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Work on poetry books/research cards for state reports.
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
I will post the vocabulary list & From Here to There activities from home tonight----:) Sorry & thank you!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Benchmarks
Hey girls and boys!
Benchmarks are Tuesday, April 26th, Wednesday,April 27th, and Thursday, April 28th! Do an awesome job on these tests to show how much you have learned! Remember all the rules of writing, reading strategies, and math skills we have practiced and show your best work! Miss you & love you guys!
Benchmarks are Tuesday, April 26th, Wednesday,April 27th, and Thursday, April 28th! Do an awesome job on these tests to show how much you have learned! Remember all the rules of writing, reading strategies, and math skills we have practiced and show your best work! Miss you & love you guys!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Field Trip 5-9-11
On Monday, May 9, 2011, all Edison 4th graders will visit the State Capitol and the Colorado History Exhibit at the Denver Public Library. This adventure will complement our studies of the U. S. government, as well as support of studies of state history. Due to the schedule of our Capitol tours, it is essential that we leave Edison in a timely manner on that day. 4th grade teachers will be taking attendance outside, and leaving immediately from the school. Please have your child prepared for the trip by pre-packing his/her backpack with the following items: Lunch, water bottle, notebook, 3 pencils, and a camera(optional). Teachers will have bus passes, and there is no need for your child to bring extra money. We will be returning to school at approximately 3pm. If you are interested in chaperoning this trip, please notify your child’s teacher as soon as possible.
Thank you for your cooperation and support!
Thank you for your cooperation and support!
Homework Due 4-28-2011
Assignment #1: Puzzle of the Week:
Sierra, Grace, Daniel, Savannah, and Austin each went to the grocery store and bought a number (5, 3, 2, 6, and 9) of some type of plant (eggplants, carrots, grapefruits, peanuts, and bunches of celery). They each only bought one type of plant, however they differed in how much they bought.
They carried the items that they bought to class.
What did each person bring to class?
1. Daniel said that his items come from the root of a plant.
2. Savannah said that the edible part of her items are the seeds.
3. Someone brought in three grapefruits.
4. Sierra said that her items come from the stem of a plant.
5. Austin brought in the most number of items.
6. Someone brought in five bunches of celery.
7. Savannah brought in less than eight items.
8. Grace's items are not a vegetable.
9. Someone brought in two carrots.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying include making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc. Students are also responsible for memorizing the quote of the week.
Quote of the Week: "Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." Benjamin Franklin
Assignment #3: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
Assignment #4: Research facts for your state report. Requirement: 15 notecards due 29 April 2011.
Sierra, Grace, Daniel, Savannah, and Austin each went to the grocery store and bought a number (5, 3, 2, 6, and 9) of some type of plant (eggplants, carrots, grapefruits, peanuts, and bunches of celery). They each only bought one type of plant, however they differed in how much they bought.
They carried the items that they bought to class.
What did each person bring to class?
1. Daniel said that his items come from the root of a plant.
2. Savannah said that the edible part of her items are the seeds.
3. Someone brought in three grapefruits.
4. Sierra said that her items come from the stem of a plant.
5. Austin brought in the most number of items.
6. Someone brought in five bunches of celery.
7. Savannah brought in less than eight items.
8. Grace's items are not a vegetable.
9. Someone brought in two carrots.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying include making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc. Students are also responsible for memorizing the quote of the week.
Quote of the Week: "Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." Benjamin Franklin
Assignment #3: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
Assignment #4: Research facts for your state report. Requirement: 15 notecards due 29 April 2011.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Colorado Game Sharing
STUDENTS WILL BE SHOWCASING SOCIAL STUDIES GAMES ABOUT COLORADO. COFFEE & BREAKFAST TREATS WILL BE SHARED. PLEASE VISIT IF YOU ARE ABLE.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2011
8:45 AM—9:45 AM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2011
8:45 AM—9:45 AM
Monday, April 18, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Poetry Book Requirements
Table of Contents
Acrostic Poems ............................................................
Alphabet Alliteration ...................................................
Cinquain........................................................................
Color Poem...................................................................
Concrete Poem.............................................................
Creature Alliteration ....................................................
Five Senses....................................................................
Haiku.............................................................................
Who-What-When-Where-Why..................................
Other Poems I Wrote..................................................
Poems I Like by Other Writers..................................
Self Reflection & Critiques Sheet...............................
Grading Sheet...............................................................
Poetry Unit Requirements
1. You will be writing and reading lots of different types of poems. Your
overall grade will depend on the number of poems you write, the
illustrations, and on their quality. See the grading chart to determine the
number of poems you must write to earn points.
2. Final copies of poems should be word processed on the computer or
handwritten in your neatest writing. If you hand-write your poems, pencil
is preferred since spelling is expected to be perfect on the final copies.
3. Write one to two poems per sheet of paper. Include the name of the type of poem at the top of each page. Do not use the back of the paper.
4. Each poem must include a colored illustration. Illustrations may be hand drawn, a collage or printed from a computer clip art program.
5. You will create your own poetry book cover. You may hand draw this or create it using the computer. Include a title for your poetry collection,
your name, 4th grade, and the year. There must be an illustration, collage or clip art added to the cover.
6. When you finish your poetry book and it is bound together, you will be
asked to share it with several people. Each of these people will write a
few comments about your poems and then sign the critiques page.
7. You will also be asked to write a self-reflection “feelings” paragraph on
the critiques page. Include items such as: Did you have fun writing the
poems? Which poems were your favorites? Did your mind change from
the beginning of the unit to the end? Any other comments or feelings
you have about poetry.
8. The most important part of this project is to have fun with poetry and be creative!
Acrostic Poem
Acrostics are poems that go down and across. The poems don’t have
to rhyme, and they can have as many words as you like. You can
choose any subject you like, even your own name. Highlight or make
the word you chose bold in some way.
Here are some examples:
C runchy, munchy
O h, so sweet
O odles of chocolate and nuts
K ids love them!
I like to eat them hot from the oven
E veryone waits for them to cool.
J umps high
O ver the high jump bar
H ighest on the team
N ever a bad attitude
N ice to everyone
Y es, he’s a great kid!
S occer player extraordinaire
M any animal pets at home
I ntelligent, especially at math
T en years old on May 12th
H e likes to write Acrostic Poems!
Alphabet Alliteration Poem
In alliteration, each important word in the line begins with the same
letter. These poems end up being crazy, nonsense poems. Use your
imagination and alliteration skills to write three words for each
alphabet letter. If you want to, write longer alliteration phrases.
First word: an adjective (word describing a noun)
Second word: a noun (the subject - the person or thing)
Third word: a verb (showing the action that the subject does).
For example:
A wesome ants ache
B ony baboons bake
C razy cats crawl
D izzy dogs drool
E ager egrets eat
F erocious ferrets fake
. etc.
.
Z ippy zebras zoom
… or if you are feeling creative, make them longer and more
interesting!
A rtistic anteaters ate anchovies in the afternoon in autumn
B eastly bears begged for bamboo and bread with butter
C ostly critters cut catnip for crying cats top chew
D esperate dingoes dig for dinosaur bones using dull diggers
.
.
. etc.
Cinquain Poem
“Cinq” means “five” in French. A cinquain is a special kind
of five-line poem with a very strict form.
Line 1 One word – the subject of the poem
This word is a noun.
Line 2 Two words describing the title
These words are adjectives, words that describe the noun
Line 3 Three words expressing action
These are verbs that tell what the noun in line one
does. Separate the verbs with commas.
Line 4 Four words expressing a feeling
This can be a short phrase or a series of words.
Line 5 One word that is another word for the subject
This should be a synonym for the subject
Here are some examples:
Eyes
Large, mysterious
Watching, rolling, blinking
Tell more than words
Vision
Cats
Independent, friendly
Meowing, purring, sleeping
I love my cat
Feline
Motorcycle
Noisy, fast
Racing, climbing, crashing
Fun on two wheels
Dirt bike
Color Poem
Color poems use your imagination and senses to investigate a subject. The focus of the poem is on using similes and metaphors. Similes compare two unlike things using with words “like” or “as.” For example: "The lake is like a whirlpool". Metaphors are like similes without using the word "like" or “as”. They state that one thing is something else. An example of a metaphor is “The lake is a whirlpool.”
Directions:
Use your color swatch to write these lines:
Line 1: ________ (color) is
Line 2: ________ (color) is
Line 3: ________ (color) is
Line 4: ________ (color) is
Line 5: ________ (color) smells like
Line 6: ________ (color) tastes like
Line 7: ________ (color) sounds like
Line 8: ________ (color) looks like
Line 9: ________ (color) feels like
Line 10: ________ (color) makes me
Line 11: ________ (color) is
Example:
Blue is the color of the sky.
Blue is the waves in the ocean crashing against the shore.
Blue is the feeling I get sometimes when I’m sad.
Blue is the icy color of glacial snow.
Blue smells like freshly washed bed sheets.
Blue tastes like blueberry Kool-Aid.
Blue sounds like jets soaring through the clouds.
Blue looks like the clear waters of the Hawaiian waters as I’m snorkeling.
Blue feels like the snow on my face while I’m skiing at Mt. Bachelor.
Blue makes me want to put on my coat, hat and gloves.
Blue is my brother’s favorite color.
Concrete Poem
A concrete poem, or shape poem, is written to represent objects which
they describe. The poem can be written in the shape of the object.
Artwork adds to the visual effect of this type of poem.
Examples:
A
triangle
a mountain when we
go skiing on Mt. Bachelor
BRIGHT, CLEAR, SHINING ORBS
EYE
VERY USEFUL FOR SEEING
Creature Alliteration Poem
This type of poem makes use of alliteration to describe a creature. It is a humorous, whimsical form of poetry. The main words in each line will all begin with the letter you choose to alliterate. Each line of the poem (except line 1) should have at least 4 words alliterating with the letter you chose. Do not repeat alliterating words you have already used. The use of a dictionary is especially helpful in writing this type of poem.
Directions:
Line 1. Name your creature (add –ian to the end of the word)
Line 2. Tell 4 alliterating words about where your creature lives.
Line 3. Tell 4 alliterating words about what your creature eats.
Line 4. Tell 4 alliterating words what your creature likes.
Line 5. Tell 4 alliterating words about something about your creature.
Line 6. Tell 4 alliterating words about something your creature did to you.
Example:
This is a recatarian.
A recatarian lives on really ridiculous rectangular ranches in rural Russia.
A recatarian rudely eats rice, raspberries, radishes, roots, and rhubarb.
A recatarian likes rusty things, Rhode Island, rottweilers, and ravens.
A recatarian wore a rickety pair of roller blades and rafted down the roaring Roseburg River.
My recatarian rolled red roses over the rug in my room and ruined it.
Another example:
This is a principalian.
Principalians live in perfect, purple pyramids on the plains of Peru.
Principalians politely eat pudding pops, and pickled pig feet with pepper
on plates while drinking Pepsi. They also love pepperoni pizza.
Principalians poke peas with pencils, ponder perplexing puzzles, and
perform procedures on penguins.
Principalians pose for pictures while printing poetry, practice perspective
and paint pottery. They persuade people to purchase perfume.
This principalian prescribed a painless pill for me and panicked when I
pretended to perish.
Five Senses Poem
Five senses poems use your senses to study or investigate a subject. The focus of the poem is on using similes. Similes are comparisons between two unlike things using with words “like” or “as.”
Directions:
Line 1. Tell what color an emotion or idea looks like to you.
Line 2. Tell what the emotion or idea tastes like (imagine it has a taste)
Line 3. Tell what the emotion or idea sounds like.
Line 4. Tell what emotion or idea smells like.
Line 5. Tell what the emotion or idea looks like.
Line 6. Tell how the emotion or idea makes you feel.
Examples:
Summer is yellow.
It tastes like lemonade.
It sounds like kids splashing in a lake.
It smells like dandelions.
It looks like boating.
It makes me feel overjoyed.
by Hillary
Rain is clear.
It tastes like water.
It sounds like pounding on your windows.
It smells like fresh pine trees.
It looks like dew drops on plants.
It makes me feel cool.
by Hillary
Haiku Poem
Haiku is a form of ancient Japanese poetry. The poems are often written about things in nature or seasons. They are also written about emotions or feelings about something. Haiku poems are not written as complete sentences. They are more often written as short thoughts and capitalization and punctuation is up to the writer.
Haiku follows this form:
Line 1. 5 syllables
Line 2. 7 syllables
Line 3. 5 syllables
Include images that appeal to the five senses. What colors do you see? What sounds can you hear? What is the taste of the image? What smells do you notice? How does it feel? Since you are very limited in the number of syllables you can use, try not to repeat words and limit the use of unimportant words.
Examples:
Waking up to chirps
Birds singing in the morning
Beautiful bird songs
The evening sun sets
Brilliant colors glimmering
Beautiful sunsets
Yellowstone, geysers
Mud pots, geysers, and camping
Big place for nature
Who-What-When-Where-Why Poem
(W-W-W-W-W Poem)
Who, what, when, where, why poems should be five lines long. The poem should tell a story or give a strong picture of someone or something. Each line should answer on of the “w” questions in the order listed above. When you read the poem, it should sound like two sentences put together.
Examples:
“Politics”
WHO: A famous Senator
WHAT: shook hands and ate lunch
WHEN: last week
WHERE: at a restaurant in town.
WHY: He raised money for his campaign.
“Waiting”
WHO: The old man
WHAT: sat alone
WHEN: on a sunny summer afternoon
WHERE: on his front porch.
WHY: He was enjoying the breeze and drinking ice tea.
“Getting Ready”
WHO: I
WHAT: prepare for the race by running five miles
WHEN: every morning before school
WHERE: around the neighborhood.
WHY: You should always be prepared.
SELF REFLECTION AND CRITIQUES
Self Reflection
On a separate sheet of paper, write a few thoughts explaining your feelings about writing poetry. Which poems did you enjoy most? Did your feelings about poetry change as you completed this unit?
Other Critiques
Now share your poetry book with several important adults in your life (parents, relatives, previous teachers, family friends, etc). Ask these people to write a few comments about your creativity and efforts then have them sign their name.
Acrostic Poems ............................................................
Alphabet Alliteration ...................................................
Cinquain........................................................................
Color Poem...................................................................
Concrete Poem.............................................................
Creature Alliteration ....................................................
Five Senses....................................................................
Haiku.............................................................................
Who-What-When-Where-Why..................................
Other Poems I Wrote..................................................
Poems I Like by Other Writers..................................
Self Reflection & Critiques Sheet...............................
Grading Sheet...............................................................
Poetry Unit Requirements
1. You will be writing and reading lots of different types of poems. Your
overall grade will depend on the number of poems you write, the
illustrations, and on their quality. See the grading chart to determine the
number of poems you must write to earn points.
2. Final copies of poems should be word processed on the computer or
handwritten in your neatest writing. If you hand-write your poems, pencil
is preferred since spelling is expected to be perfect on the final copies.
3. Write one to two poems per sheet of paper. Include the name of the type of poem at the top of each page. Do not use the back of the paper.
4. Each poem must include a colored illustration. Illustrations may be hand drawn, a collage or printed from a computer clip art program.
5. You will create your own poetry book cover. You may hand draw this or create it using the computer. Include a title for your poetry collection,
your name, 4th grade, and the year. There must be an illustration, collage or clip art added to the cover.
6. When you finish your poetry book and it is bound together, you will be
asked to share it with several people. Each of these people will write a
few comments about your poems and then sign the critiques page.
7. You will also be asked to write a self-reflection “feelings” paragraph on
the critiques page. Include items such as: Did you have fun writing the
poems? Which poems were your favorites? Did your mind change from
the beginning of the unit to the end? Any other comments or feelings
you have about poetry.
8. The most important part of this project is to have fun with poetry and be creative!
Acrostic Poem
Acrostics are poems that go down and across. The poems don’t have
to rhyme, and they can have as many words as you like. You can
choose any subject you like, even your own name. Highlight or make
the word you chose bold in some way.
Here are some examples:
C runchy, munchy
O h, so sweet
O odles of chocolate and nuts
K ids love them!
I like to eat them hot from the oven
E veryone waits for them to cool.
J umps high
O ver the high jump bar
H ighest on the team
N ever a bad attitude
N ice to everyone
Y es, he’s a great kid!
S occer player extraordinaire
M any animal pets at home
I ntelligent, especially at math
T en years old on May 12th
H e likes to write Acrostic Poems!
Alphabet Alliteration Poem
In alliteration, each important word in the line begins with the same
letter. These poems end up being crazy, nonsense poems. Use your
imagination and alliteration skills to write three words for each
alphabet letter. If you want to, write longer alliteration phrases.
First word: an adjective (word describing a noun)
Second word: a noun (the subject - the person or thing)
Third word: a verb (showing the action that the subject does).
For example:
A wesome ants ache
B ony baboons bake
C razy cats crawl
D izzy dogs drool
E ager egrets eat
F erocious ferrets fake
. etc.
.
Z ippy zebras zoom
… or if you are feeling creative, make them longer and more
interesting!
A rtistic anteaters ate anchovies in the afternoon in autumn
B eastly bears begged for bamboo and bread with butter
C ostly critters cut catnip for crying cats top chew
D esperate dingoes dig for dinosaur bones using dull diggers
.
.
. etc.
Cinquain Poem
“Cinq” means “five” in French. A cinquain is a special kind
of five-line poem with a very strict form.
Line 1 One word – the subject of the poem
This word is a noun.
Line 2 Two words describing the title
These words are adjectives, words that describe the noun
Line 3 Three words expressing action
These are verbs that tell what the noun in line one
does. Separate the verbs with commas.
Line 4 Four words expressing a feeling
This can be a short phrase or a series of words.
Line 5 One word that is another word for the subject
This should be a synonym for the subject
Here are some examples:
Eyes
Large, mysterious
Watching, rolling, blinking
Tell more than words
Vision
Cats
Independent, friendly
Meowing, purring, sleeping
I love my cat
Feline
Motorcycle
Noisy, fast
Racing, climbing, crashing
Fun on two wheels
Dirt bike
Color Poem
Color poems use your imagination and senses to investigate a subject. The focus of the poem is on using similes and metaphors. Similes compare two unlike things using with words “like” or “as.” For example: "The lake is like a whirlpool". Metaphors are like similes without using the word "like" or “as”. They state that one thing is something else. An example of a metaphor is “The lake is a whirlpool.”
Directions:
Use your color swatch to write these lines:
Line 1: ________ (color) is
Line 2: ________ (color) is
Line 3: ________ (color) is
Line 4: ________ (color) is
Line 5: ________ (color) smells like
Line 6: ________ (color) tastes like
Line 7: ________ (color) sounds like
Line 8: ________ (color) looks like
Line 9: ________ (color) feels like
Line 10: ________ (color) makes me
Line 11: ________ (color) is
Example:
Blue is the color of the sky.
Blue is the waves in the ocean crashing against the shore.
Blue is the feeling I get sometimes when I’m sad.
Blue is the icy color of glacial snow.
Blue smells like freshly washed bed sheets.
Blue tastes like blueberry Kool-Aid.
Blue sounds like jets soaring through the clouds.
Blue looks like the clear waters of the Hawaiian waters as I’m snorkeling.
Blue feels like the snow on my face while I’m skiing at Mt. Bachelor.
Blue makes me want to put on my coat, hat and gloves.
Blue is my brother’s favorite color.
Concrete Poem
A concrete poem, or shape poem, is written to represent objects which
they describe. The poem can be written in the shape of the object.
Artwork adds to the visual effect of this type of poem.
Examples:
A
triangle
a mountain when we
go skiing on Mt. Bachelor
BRIGHT, CLEAR, SHINING ORBS
EYE
VERY USEFUL FOR SEEING
Creature Alliteration Poem
This type of poem makes use of alliteration to describe a creature. It is a humorous, whimsical form of poetry. The main words in each line will all begin with the letter you choose to alliterate. Each line of the poem (except line 1) should have at least 4 words alliterating with the letter you chose. Do not repeat alliterating words you have already used. The use of a dictionary is especially helpful in writing this type of poem.
Directions:
Line 1. Name your creature (add –ian to the end of the word)
Line 2. Tell 4 alliterating words about where your creature lives.
Line 3. Tell 4 alliterating words about what your creature eats.
Line 4. Tell 4 alliterating words what your creature likes.
Line 5. Tell 4 alliterating words about something about your creature.
Line 6. Tell 4 alliterating words about something your creature did to you.
Example:
This is a recatarian.
A recatarian lives on really ridiculous rectangular ranches in rural Russia.
A recatarian rudely eats rice, raspberries, radishes, roots, and rhubarb.
A recatarian likes rusty things, Rhode Island, rottweilers, and ravens.
A recatarian wore a rickety pair of roller blades and rafted down the roaring Roseburg River.
My recatarian rolled red roses over the rug in my room and ruined it.
Another example:
This is a principalian.
Principalians live in perfect, purple pyramids on the plains of Peru.
Principalians politely eat pudding pops, and pickled pig feet with pepper
on plates while drinking Pepsi. They also love pepperoni pizza.
Principalians poke peas with pencils, ponder perplexing puzzles, and
perform procedures on penguins.
Principalians pose for pictures while printing poetry, practice perspective
and paint pottery. They persuade people to purchase perfume.
This principalian prescribed a painless pill for me and panicked when I
pretended to perish.
Five Senses Poem
Five senses poems use your senses to study or investigate a subject. The focus of the poem is on using similes. Similes are comparisons between two unlike things using with words “like” or “as.”
Directions:
Line 1. Tell what color an emotion or idea looks like to you.
Line 2. Tell what the emotion or idea tastes like (imagine it has a taste)
Line 3. Tell what the emotion or idea sounds like.
Line 4. Tell what emotion or idea smells like.
Line 5. Tell what the emotion or idea looks like.
Line 6. Tell how the emotion or idea makes you feel.
Examples:
Summer is yellow.
It tastes like lemonade.
It sounds like kids splashing in a lake.
It smells like dandelions.
It looks like boating.
It makes me feel overjoyed.
by Hillary
Rain is clear.
It tastes like water.
It sounds like pounding on your windows.
It smells like fresh pine trees.
It looks like dew drops on plants.
It makes me feel cool.
by Hillary
Haiku Poem
Haiku is a form of ancient Japanese poetry. The poems are often written about things in nature or seasons. They are also written about emotions or feelings about something. Haiku poems are not written as complete sentences. They are more often written as short thoughts and capitalization and punctuation is up to the writer.
Haiku follows this form:
Line 1. 5 syllables
Line 2. 7 syllables
Line 3. 5 syllables
Include images that appeal to the five senses. What colors do you see? What sounds can you hear? What is the taste of the image? What smells do you notice? How does it feel? Since you are very limited in the number of syllables you can use, try not to repeat words and limit the use of unimportant words.
Examples:
Waking up to chirps
Birds singing in the morning
Beautiful bird songs
The evening sun sets
Brilliant colors glimmering
Beautiful sunsets
Yellowstone, geysers
Mud pots, geysers, and camping
Big place for nature
Who-What-When-Where-Why Poem
(W-W-W-W-W Poem)
Who, what, when, where, why poems should be five lines long. The poem should tell a story or give a strong picture of someone or something. Each line should answer on of the “w” questions in the order listed above. When you read the poem, it should sound like two sentences put together.
Examples:
“Politics”
WHO: A famous Senator
WHAT: shook hands and ate lunch
WHEN: last week
WHERE: at a restaurant in town.
WHY: He raised money for his campaign.
“Waiting”
WHO: The old man
WHAT: sat alone
WHEN: on a sunny summer afternoon
WHERE: on his front porch.
WHY: He was enjoying the breeze and drinking ice tea.
“Getting Ready”
WHO: I
WHAT: prepare for the race by running five miles
WHEN: every morning before school
WHERE: around the neighborhood.
WHY: You should always be prepared.
SELF REFLECTION AND CRITIQUES
Self Reflection
On a separate sheet of paper, write a few thoughts explaining your feelings about writing poetry. Which poems did you enjoy most? Did your feelings about poetry change as you completed this unit?
Other Critiques
Now share your poetry book with several important adults in your life (parents, relatives, previous teachers, family friends, etc). Ask these people to write a few comments about your creativity and efforts then have them sign their name.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Homework Due 4-21-11
Homework is assigned on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students will be given time in class to record assignments.
Assignment #1: Math Puzzle of the Week:
The Riddler has left a clue for Batman to follow at the scene of each crime. These are the clues that Batman has found:
(1) There is a 1 in the thousands place.
(2) The digit in the tens place is 9 times the digit in the thousands place.
(3) Multiply the digit in the thousands place by 2.
(4) The digit in the ones place is a hand without a thumb.
(5) The digit in the hundreds is 2 less than the number in the tens.
Solve the riddle to find the number and help Batman stop the Riddler. Then make 2 of your own riddles with at least five clues, and an answer with at least 4 digits.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying include making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc. Students are also responsible for memorizing the quote of the week.
Ecology Unit Vocabulary List
• Environment: all the living and nonliving things with which an organism may interact.
• Ecology: the study of the relationships and interactions of living things with one another and with their environment.
• Ecosystems: a unit consisting of all the living and nonliving things in a given area that interact with one another.
• Community: the living part of an ecosystem.
• Populations: a group of organisms of the same species living together in the same area.
• Habitat: the place in which an organism lives and obtains the resources it needs to survive.
• Producer: an organism that is able to make its own food by using a source of energy to turn simple raw materials into food.
• Consumer: an organism that cannot make its own food.
• Decomposer: an organism that breaks down the bodies of dead organisms into simpler substances.
• Food Chain: a representation of a series of events in which food energy and matter are transferred from one organism to another.
• Food Web: a diagram that consists of many overlapping food chains.
• Niche: an organism’s role in an ecosystem, which includes everything the organism does and everything the organism needs in its environment.
• Competition: the type of interaction in which organisms struggle with one another to obtain resources.
• Predator: an organism that kills and eats another organism.
• Prey: an organism that is eaten by a predator.
• Symbiosis: a close relationship between two organisms in which one organism lives near, on, or even inside another organism and in which at least one organism benefits.
• Commensalism: the type of interaction in which organisms struggle with one another to obtain resources.
• Mutualism: a form of symbiosis in which both organisms benefit.
• Parasitism: a form of symbiosis in which one organism benefits and the other is harmed.
• Parasite: an organism that lives on or inside of a host organism and harms the host.
• Host: an organism that provides a home for another organism; in parasitism, the organism that is harmed by the parasite.
Quote of the Week: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Find a poem. Read the poem. Write a one-paragraph response to the poem. Please make sure you include the name of the poem and the author of the poem, and attach a copy of the poem to your homework. You should address which poetic elements stood out in your mind, as well as describe your emotional response to the poem. (a paragraph should be a minimum of 5 well-written sentences)
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
OPTIONAL: Create a writing piece for the Author’s Tea on April 25th.
Assignment #1: Math Puzzle of the Week:
The Riddler has left a clue for Batman to follow at the scene of each crime. These are the clues that Batman has found:
(1) There is a 1 in the thousands place.
(2) The digit in the tens place is 9 times the digit in the thousands place.
(3) Multiply the digit in the thousands place by 2.
(4) The digit in the ones place is a hand without a thumb.
(5) The digit in the hundreds is 2 less than the number in the tens.
Solve the riddle to find the number and help Batman stop the Riddler. Then make 2 of your own riddles with at least five clues, and an answer with at least 4 digits.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying include making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc. Students are also responsible for memorizing the quote of the week.
Ecology Unit Vocabulary List
• Environment: all the living and nonliving things with which an organism may interact.
• Ecology: the study of the relationships and interactions of living things with one another and with their environment.
• Ecosystems: a unit consisting of all the living and nonliving things in a given area that interact with one another.
• Community: the living part of an ecosystem.
• Populations: a group of organisms of the same species living together in the same area.
• Habitat: the place in which an organism lives and obtains the resources it needs to survive.
• Producer: an organism that is able to make its own food by using a source of energy to turn simple raw materials into food.
• Consumer: an organism that cannot make its own food.
• Decomposer: an organism that breaks down the bodies of dead organisms into simpler substances.
• Food Chain: a representation of a series of events in which food energy and matter are transferred from one organism to another.
• Food Web: a diagram that consists of many overlapping food chains.
• Niche: an organism’s role in an ecosystem, which includes everything the organism does and everything the organism needs in its environment.
• Competition: the type of interaction in which organisms struggle with one another to obtain resources.
• Predator: an organism that kills and eats another organism.
• Prey: an organism that is eaten by a predator.
• Symbiosis: a close relationship between two organisms in which one organism lives near, on, or even inside another organism and in which at least one organism benefits.
• Commensalism: the type of interaction in which organisms struggle with one another to obtain resources.
• Mutualism: a form of symbiosis in which both organisms benefit.
• Parasitism: a form of symbiosis in which one organism benefits and the other is harmed.
• Parasite: an organism that lives on or inside of a host organism and harms the host.
• Host: an organism that provides a home for another organism; in parasitism, the organism that is harmed by the parasite.
Quote of the Week: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Find a poem. Read the poem. Write a one-paragraph response to the poem. Please make sure you include the name of the poem and the author of the poem, and attach a copy of the poem to your homework. You should address which poetic elements stood out in your mind, as well as describe your emotional response to the poem. (a paragraph should be a minimum of 5 well-written sentences)
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
OPTIONAL: Create a writing piece for the Author’s Tea on April 25th.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Homework Due 4-14-11
Homework is assigned on Thursdays and due the following Thursday.
Assignment #1: Math Puzzle of the Week: Magic Square
Complete puzzle and guideline questions.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying include making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc. Students are also responsible for memorizing the quote of the week.
Quote of the Week: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” Anonymous
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Respond to the following prompt in a well-organized three paragraph story: While cleaning out a closet, you discover a treasure map. Write a story describing what happens the day you try to find where the map leads. Remember to include vivid verbs, specific nouns, figurative language, adjective clauses, etc. to enrich your writing.
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday
Classwork Assignments:
Assignment #1: Math Puzzle of the Week: Magic Square
Complete puzzle and guideline questions.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying include making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc. Students are also responsible for memorizing the quote of the week.
Quote of the Week: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” Anonymous
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Respond to the following prompt in a well-organized three paragraph story: While cleaning out a closet, you discover a treasure map. Write a story describing what happens the day you try to find where the map leads. Remember to include vivid verbs, specific nouns, figurative language, adjective clauses, etc. to enrich your writing.
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday
Classwork Assignments:
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Cast of Characters!
Here are a few of the photos from Cast of Characters! I will post the video and pictures from the other camera from home! Thanks for your support!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
CAST OF CHARACTERS!
CAST OF CHARACTERS LIVE! COMING YOUR WAY TOMORROW---MARCH 23, 2011 FROM 6 PM -7PM!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Homework Due: Thursday< March 24, 2011
Homework
Assignment #1: Math Puzzle of the Week(attached). You must complete guideline questions. I have attached new copies of questions to everyone’s packet.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Quote of the Week:
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Write a plot summary. (one paragraph) of a fiction book you have recently finished.
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination of 100 minutes over the course of the week. Keep track of your reading in a personal reading log. (it does not need to be submitted) Remember to consider books that are AR, so you may use your home reading time to earn points toward your goal, or words toward your million word goal.
Assignment #1: Math Puzzle of the Week(attached). You must complete guideline questions. I have attached new copies of questions to everyone’s packet.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Quote of the Week:
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Write a plot summary. (one paragraph) of a fiction book you have recently finished.
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination of 100 minutes over the course of the week. Keep track of your reading in a personal reading log. (it does not need to be submitted) Remember to consider books that are AR, so you may use your home reading time to earn points toward your goal, or words toward your million word goal.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Blogs
I apologize for the late notice, but in contemplating a convenient way to showcase all cast of characters work, blog pages came to mind. My plan is to create blogs for each child to showcase individual work. I know most students have their own e-mail accounts, so we will be utilizing those. I will ensure controls are implemented properly. I felt it was important to seek permission regarding this project prior to blog creation. Please let me know if anyone is uncomfortable with this idea. I assure you, we will take precautions, such as leaving off last names, and not having any identifiers available.
Thanks, and sorry for the late notice again.
Amy
Thanks, and sorry for the late notice again.
Amy
Japanese Catastrophe
Hi all,
This is Mayumi (Leia&Ciaran mom)
Everyone must know about the earthquake in Japan.
Japan is my country where Leia and I were born, where my families and my friends live. My family live in south part of Japan.They are fine but I was shocked and I am afraid about nuclear plants.
The disaster area is suffering from lack of food, water, gas, blankets, diapers for babies, baby formula and whatever you can imagine.
I am wondering what I can do. so I decided to write this email to ask your support.
Donating money is better than sending supplies.
Many a little makes a lot.
Japan seems to be devastated now, but they will definitely overcome.
It will be little easier with your support.
------------------------------------------
＊The American Red Cross accepts donations via text message.
Text "redcross" to 90999, and you can make a $10 donation to the organization. It will show up on your next mobile phone bill.
http://american.redcross.org/
------------------------------------------
＊You can donate with PayPal to Red Cross Japan
https://www.paypal-donations.com/pp-charity/web.us/campaign.jsp?cid=-12
------------------------------------------
Here are more ways to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and others throughout the Pacific:
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/11/tsunami-aid-and-relief-how-you-can-help/?hpt=T1
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_newsroom/20110311/wl_yblog_newsroom/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-how-to-help
------------------------------------------
If you want to see Japan, here. (NHK: Japanese TV streaming in English)
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv
prayforjapan.jp - from twitter
http://prayforjapan.jp/tweet_en.html
Thank you for reading this all and helping Japan.
Mayumi
This is Mayumi (Leia&Ciaran mom)
Everyone must know about the earthquake in Japan.
Japan is my country where Leia and I were born, where my families and my friends live. My family live in south part of Japan.They are fine but I was shocked and I am afraid about nuclear plants.
The disaster area is suffering from lack of food, water, gas, blankets, diapers for babies, baby formula and whatever you can imagine.
I am wondering what I can do. so I decided to write this email to ask your support.
Donating money is better than sending supplies.
Many a little makes a lot.
Japan seems to be devastated now, but they will definitely overcome.
It will be little easier with your support.
------------------------------------------
＊The American Red Cross accepts donations via text message.
Text "redcross" to 90999, and you can make a $10 donation to the organization. It will show up on your next mobile phone bill.
http://american.redcross.org/
------------------------------------------
＊You can donate with PayPal to Red Cross Japan
https://www.paypal-donations.com/pp-charity/web.us/campaign.jsp?cid=-12
------------------------------------------
Here are more ways to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and others throughout the Pacific:
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/11/tsunami-aid-and-relief-how-you-can-help/?hpt=T1
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_newsroom/20110311/wl_yblog_newsroom/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-how-to-help
------------------------------------------
If you want to see Japan, here. (NHK: Japanese TV streaming in English)
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv
prayforjapan.jp - from twitter
http://prayforjapan.jp/tweet_en.html
Thank you for reading this all and helping Japan.
Mayumi
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Homework Due 3-17-11
Assignment #1: Math Practice: The Tale of the Math Garden. This is tough! Read directions carefully, and you have permission to use a calculator.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
List words:
1. alibi
2.confederate
3. discharge
4. economical
5. frank
6. modify
7. mutiny
8. negative
9. pursue
10. reign
11. singular
12. swindle
Quote of the Week: “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” Bill Clinton
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Persuasive Writing Activity. Find a news article (use a newspaper, TV, or the internet) Write a one paragraph response to the article, not summarizing it, but instead discussing whether you agree or disagree with the article.
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination of 100 minutes over the course of the week. Keep track of your reading in a personal reading log. (it does not need to be submitted) Remember to consider books that are AR, so you may use your home reading time to earn points toward your goal, or words toward your million word goal.
Class work Assignments:
Any work not completed in assigned time.
Cast of Characters Project: All writing components should be completed by 18 March 2011. Students have been told in class what components are still needed. (individually) The blog reflects all components. We have changed the “podcast” book review, to a video book review.
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
List words:
1. alibi
2.confederate
3. discharge
4. economical
5. frank
6. modify
7. mutiny
8. negative
9. pursue
10. reign
11. singular
12. swindle
Quote of the Week: “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” Bill Clinton
Assignment #3: Writing Task: Persuasive Writing Activity. Find a news article (use a newspaper, TV, or the internet) Write a one paragraph response to the article, not summarizing it, but instead discussing whether you agree or disagree with the article.
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination of 100 minutes over the course of the week. Keep track of your reading in a personal reading log. (it does not need to be submitted) Remember to consider books that are AR, so you may use your home reading time to earn points toward your goal, or words toward your million word goal.
Class work Assignments:
Any work not completed in assigned time.
Cast of Characters Project: All writing components should be completed by 18 March 2011. Students have been told in class what components are still needed. (individually) The blog reflects all components. We have changed the “podcast” book review, to a video book review.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Homework Due March 10, 2011
Homework Log Sheet
Homework is assigned on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students will be given time in class to record assignments. Assignments will also be posted on the blog page opinionswithokimoto.blogspot.com . All sections must be signed by parents each week to earn full credit for homework completion.
Student Name: ______________Date: ____________________________
Assignment #1: Math Practice: The Function Machine Goes Nuts! Be purposeful in explaining your thinking!
Parent signature: _____________________________________________
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Word List:
1. achievement
2. acquire
3. debate
4. exhibit
5. foe
6. latter
7. massacre
8. monotonous
9. preserve
10. sanitary
11. sprawl
12. widespread
Quote of the Week: It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
J. K. Rowling
Assignment #3: Writing Task: work on Cast of Characters assignments (due dates printed on weekly newsletter, blog, & your guideline sheet)
Assignment #4: We will be starting our Fantasy unit next week. Complete this information sheets about “Mythical Worlds”. Also, read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
Class work Assignments:
Any work not completed in assigned time.
Cast of Characters Project Guideline Sheet: Deadlines have been adjusted.
Changes are as follows:
All other components should have already been submitted.
Monologue Due: Monday, March 7, 2011
Book Review Due: Friday, March 11, 2011
ReWrite of Book Ending Due: Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Homework is assigned on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students will be given time in class to record assignments. Assignments will also be posted on the blog page opinionswithokimoto.blogspot.com . All sections must be signed by parents each week to earn full credit for homework completion.
Student Name: ______________Date: ____________________________
Assignment #1: Math Practice: The Function Machine Goes Nuts! Be purposeful in explaining your thinking!
Parent signature: _____________________________________________
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Word List:
1. achievement
2. acquire
3. debate
4. exhibit
5. foe
6. latter
7. massacre
8. monotonous
9. preserve
10. sanitary
11. sprawl
12. widespread
Quote of the Week: It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
J. K. Rowling
Assignment #3: Writing Task: work on Cast of Characters assignments (due dates printed on weekly newsletter, blog, & your guideline sheet)
Assignment #4: We will be starting our Fantasy unit next week. Complete this information sheets about “Mythical Worlds”. Also, read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
Class work Assignments:
Any work not completed in assigned time.
Cast of Characters Project Guideline Sheet: Deadlines have been adjusted.
Changes are as follows:
All other components should have already been submitted.
Monologue Due: Monday, March 7, 2011
Book Review Due: Friday, March 11, 2011
ReWrite of Book Ending Due: Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Homework Due 3-3-11
Please note--if all students of room 216 meet their AR goals of points, accuracy and book level by the end of the day on Friday, February 25, 2011---homework will be excused for this week!
Assignment #1: Math Practice Sheets: FACT PRACTICE SHEETS, Circle Graph sheet
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Vocabulary words: abuse, applicance, confirm, daze, flimsy, gauge, migrant, neutral, pitiless, presentable, rotate, shred
Quote of the Week: The future depends on what we do in the present. - Mahatma Gandhi
Assignment #3:Literacy Task: Complete reading comprehension sheet
Assignment #4: Writing Task: work on Cast of Characters assignments (due dates printed on weekly newsletter, blog, & your guideline sheet)
Assignment #5: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
Class work Assignments:
Any work not completed in assigned time.
Cast of Characters Project Guideline Sheet
PRACTICE ON WEB SITES FOR CSAPS IF YOU HAVE TIME!
Assignment #1: Math Practice Sheets: FACT PRACTICE SHEETS, Circle Graph sheet
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Vocabulary words: abuse, applicance, confirm, daze, flimsy, gauge, migrant, neutral, pitiless, presentable, rotate, shred
Quote of the Week: The future depends on what we do in the present. - Mahatma Gandhi
Assignment #3:Literacy Task: Complete reading comprehension sheet
Assignment #4: Writing Task: work on Cast of Characters assignments (due dates printed on weekly newsletter, blog, & your guideline sheet)
Assignment #5: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
Class work Assignments:
Any work not completed in assigned time.
Cast of Characters Project Guideline Sheet
PRACTICE ON WEB SITES FOR CSAPS IF YOU HAVE TIME!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
CSAP Breakfast Schedule
Dear Parents,
An activity Mrs. Rigsby and I did last year was having a class breakfast each morning prior to beginning our CSAP tests. I would very much like to repeat this activity this year. The CSAP potluck breakfast extravaganzas allow students to celebrate all the hard work they have done to prepare for the CSAPs. The event last year proved to be very enjoyable for the kids and me as well. It is a great way to set the tone for a positive testing situation, which can sometimes feel stressful. I assigned each parent something to send in on a specific day. If your assignment will not work, please let me know as soon as possible, and I will make necessary adjustments.
Thanks so much,
Amy
March 1- Bagel Day
10 bagels Nick B.
10 bagels Carlene B.
10 bagels Jack B.
3 cream cheese Ethan C.
Plates, napkins and cups Maya
Juice (1/2 gallon) Jake E.
Juice(1/2 gallon) Dorian E.
March 2-Cereal Day
2 boxes of cereal Cole G.
2 boxes of cereal Tia G.
1 gallon of milk Derek G.
Juice(1/2 gallon) Danny G.
Bowls and Spoons Gabriela
March 3- Yogurt Day
10 yogurts Jared
10 yogurts Leia
10 yogurts Hunter .
Fruit J Senia
Fruit Melina
Juice Marina
March 8- Doughnut Day
10 doughnuts Rafael
10 doughnuts Omar
10 doughnuts Maxwell G.
Juice (1/2 gallon) Samuel F.
Juice (1/2 gallon) Simon
March 9-Muffin Day
10 Muffins Lukas
10 Muffins Max O.
10 Muffins Paloma
Juice (1/2 gallon) Lincoln
An activity Mrs. Rigsby and I did last year was having a class breakfast each morning prior to beginning our CSAP tests. I would very much like to repeat this activity this year. The CSAP potluck breakfast extravaganzas allow students to celebrate all the hard work they have done to prepare for the CSAPs. The event last year proved to be very enjoyable for the kids and me as well. It is a great way to set the tone for a positive testing situation, which can sometimes feel stressful. I assigned each parent something to send in on a specific day. If your assignment will not work, please let me know as soon as possible, and I will make necessary adjustments.
Thanks so much,
Amy
March 1- Bagel Day
10 bagels Nick B.
10 bagels Carlene B.
10 bagels Jack B.
3 cream cheese Ethan C.
Plates, napkins and cups Maya
Juice (1/2 gallon) Jake E.
Juice(1/2 gallon) Dorian E.
March 2-Cereal Day
2 boxes of cereal Cole G.
2 boxes of cereal Tia G.
1 gallon of milk Derek G.
Juice(1/2 gallon) Danny G.
Bowls and Spoons Gabriela
March 3- Yogurt Day
10 yogurts Jared
10 yogurts Leia
10 yogurts Hunter .
Fruit J Senia
Fruit Melina
Juice Marina
March 8- Doughnut Day
10 doughnuts Rafael
10 doughnuts Omar
10 doughnuts Maxwell G.
Juice (1/2 gallon) Samuel F.
Juice (1/2 gallon) Simon
March 9-Muffin Day
10 Muffins Lukas
10 Muffins Max O.
10 Muffins Paloma
Juice (1/2 gallon) Lincoln
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Homework due February 24, 2011
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Vocabulary words:
1.absurd
2. avalanche
3. classify
4. ensure
5. navigate
6. nestle
7. plea
8. principle
9. realistic
10. security
11. selective
12. tart
Quote of the Week: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. -Mark Twain
Assignment #3: Writing Task: work on Cast of Characters assignments (due dates printed on weekly newsletter, blog, & your guideline sheet)
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
Class work Assignments:
Any work not completed in assigned time.
Cast of Characters Project Guideline Sheet
PRACTICE ON WEB SITES FOR CSAPS IF YOU HAVE TIME!
www.ixl.com
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/online
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_4th_original.htm
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Homework Due Thursday February 17 2011
Assignment #1: Math Practice Sheets: FACT PRACTICE SHEET, TRIP TO THE GAME ACTIVITY (NO GUIDELINE QUESTIONS NEEDED)
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Quote of the Week: "In art the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire. " Ralph Waldo Emerson
Assignment #3: Writing Task: work on Cast of Characters assignments (due dates printed on weekly newsletter, blog, & your guideline sheet)
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
Cast of Characters Project Guideline Sheet
PRACTICE ON WEB SITES FOR CSAPS IF YOU HAVE TIME!
http://www.ixl.com/
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/online/2003/grade4/read.htm
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_4th_original.htm
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Quote of the Week: "In art the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire. " Ralph Waldo Emerson
Assignment #3: Writing Task: work on Cast of Characters assignments (due dates printed on weekly newsletter, blog, & your guideline sheet)
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday.
Cast of Characters Project Guideline Sheet
PRACTICE ON WEB SITES FOR CSAPS IF YOU HAVE TIME!
http://www.ixl.com/
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/online/2003/grade4/read.htm
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_4th_original.htm
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Homework Due February 10, 2011
Homework is assigned on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students will be given time in class to record assignments.Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Quote of the Week:
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss
Assignment #3: Writing Task: work on Cast of Characters assignments (due dates printed on weekly newsletter, blog, & your guideline sheet)
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday. Class work Assignments:
Any work not completed in assigned time.
Cast of Characters Project Guideline Sheet
Please note that deadlines are not always Thursdays. For example, bio-riddles are due on Monday, February 7, 2011.
Quote of the Week:
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss
Assignment #3: Writing Task: work on Cast of Characters assignments (due dates printed on weekly newsletter, blog, & your guideline sheet)
Assignment #4: Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday. Class work Assignments:
Any work not completed in assigned time.
Cast of Characters Project Guideline Sheet
Please note that deadlines are not always Thursdays. For example, bio-riddles are due on Monday, February 7, 2011.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Homework: Due February 3, 2011
Puzzle of the Week:
Variable Dilemma
Each letter in the equation below stands for a different number (0-9). Look at each equation carefully. Thnk about the knowledge you have of how numbers work. Find the values of each letter. (A-J)
G + G + G = D
J + E = J
G2 = D
B + G = D
F - B = C
I/H = A (H > A)
A X C = A
Don't forget to answer your guideline questions.
Vocabulary words:
1. alternate
2. demolish
3. energetic
4. enforce
5. feat
6. hearty
7. mature
8. observant
9. primary
10. resign
11. strive
12. verdict
Quote of the week:
I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.
Abraham Lincoln
Writing Assignment: Work on Cast of Characters work.
Reading: 20 minutes per night, or 100 minutes over the course of the week. Please focus on your author study books.
Variable Dilemma
Each letter in the equation below stands for a different number (0-9). Look at each equation carefully. Thnk about the knowledge you have of how numbers work. Find the values of each letter. (A-J)
G + G + G = D
J + E = J
G2 = D
B + G = D
F - B = C
I/H = A (H > A)
A X C = A
Don't forget to answer your guideline questions.
Vocabulary words:
1. alternate
2. demolish
3. energetic
4. enforce
5. feat
6. hearty
7. mature
8. observant
9. primary
10. resign
11. strive
12. verdict
Quote of the week:
I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.
Abraham Lincoln
Writing Assignment: Work on Cast of Characters work.
Reading: 20 minutes per night, or 100 minutes over the course of the week. Please focus on your author study books.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Homework Due: January 27, 2011
I am so sorry I forgot to post homework last Thursday!
Here are the assignments:
Puzzle of the Week:Fencing
I have a miniature collection of farm animals and I would like to
fence in a rectangular area to put them in. I have only 20
centimeters of fencing.
Find all the different rectangles that you can that have a
perimeter of 20 centimeters.
Write or tell about any patterns you see about your rectangles.
Write or tell why you think you found all the ways to make the
different rectangles.
For extra credit, include one rectangle with decimal measurements.
Answer the four questions as well.
Vocabulary:
1. barrier
2. calculate
3. compose
4. considerable
5. deputy
6. industrious
7. jolt
8. loot
9. rejoice
10. reliable
11. senseless
12. shrivel
Writing Prompt: Personal Narrative
Here are the assignments:
Puzzle of the Week:Fencing
I have a miniature collection of farm animals and I would like to
fence in a rectangular area to put them in. I have only 20
centimeters of fencing.
Find all the different rectangles that you can that have a
perimeter of 20 centimeters.
Write or tell about any patterns you see about your rectangles.
Write or tell why you think you found all the ways to make the
different rectangles.
For extra credit, include one rectangle with decimal measurements.
Answer the four questions as well.
Vocabulary:
1. barrier
2. calculate
3. compose
4. considerable
5. deputy
6. industrious
7. jolt
8. loot
9. rejoice
10. reliable
11. senseless
12. shrivel
Writing Prompt: Personal Narrative
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Homework: 13 January 2011, DUE Thursday, 20 January 2011
Assignment #1: POW & Guideline Questions. Students must solve the math problem and answer the four questions.
Puzzle of the Week: Stacks of Coins
Dylan broke open his piggy bank and found a pile of quarters, dimes, and pennies. He had a total of 52 coins. He used all of his coins to buy a book for $5,98.
As he was stacking up his coins to pay the clerk, he realized 2 of the stacks had the same number of coins, while the 3rd stack had twice as many coins. How many quarters, dimes, and pennies did Dylan have?
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Vocabulary words:
1.accomplish
2.apparent
3. capacity
4. civilian
5. conceal
6. duplicate
7.keen
8. provoke
9. spurt
10. undoing
11. vast
12. withdraw
Quote of the Week: Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering. Yoda
Assignment #3: Writing Task:Assignment #4:
Writing Prompt:
Please write a three paragraph response to the following prompt:
Pretend that there is no such thing as television, Internet, or video games. What do you do with all your time?
Remember to organize your paragraphs with supporting details around a main idea. Use rich, vivid language. Include phrases, clauses, and figurative language. You may write on this page if you like.
Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday. Fill in attached reading log.
Start thinking about author study resources to use on Tuesday in class.
Puzzle of the Week: Stacks of Coins
Dylan broke open his piggy bank and found a pile of quarters, dimes, and pennies. He had a total of 52 coins. He used all of his coins to buy a book for $5,98.
As he was stacking up his coins to pay the clerk, he realized 2 of the stacks had the same number of coins, while the 3rd stack had twice as many coins. How many quarters, dimes, and pennies did Dylan have?
Assignment #2: Study Vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech for Friday test. (attached word list) Possible strategies for studying: making word cards, typing words on the computer to practice spelling, quiz with a partner or parent, etc.
Vocabulary words:
1.accomplish
2.apparent
3. capacity
4. civilian
5. conceal
6. duplicate
7.keen
8. provoke
9. spurt
10. undoing
11. vast
12. withdraw
Quote of the Week: Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering. Yoda
Assignment #3: Writing Task:Assignment #4:
Writing Prompt:
Please write a three paragraph response to the following prompt:
Pretend that there is no such thing as television, Internet, or video games. What do you do with all your time?
Remember to organize your paragraphs with supporting details around a main idea. Use rich, vivid language. Include phrases, clauses, and figurative language. You may write on this page if you like.
Read 20 minutes each night, or some combination that totals 100 minutes between Thursday and Thursday. Fill in attached reading log.
Start thinking about author study resources to use on Tuesday in class.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Cast of Characters
Cast of Characters is our next exciting unit of study! The overview of activities and requirements are as follows:
Required components:
1. Read two novels by this author, or some total of 200 pages by this author. One may be a book you have already read, but one must be new. (please discuss with teacher if you have concerns or need clarification)
2. Research the author’s life. Write an expository composition to present the author’s personal experiences that influenced their craft, character development, and writing style. (animoto)
3. Create a bio-riddle about the author. (See the attached guideline sheet)
4. Write an autobiography of one of the characters. (you may utilize creative license in filling in blanks not provided by the story but characters must be approved by teacher)
Autobiography must include: Birthdate & place, life story, siblings, experiences that shaped their life, education, etc. This assignment must be typed, and a minimum of six well written paragraphs, presented in 14 point, Times New Roman font)
5. Monologue of the Character: Choose a scene from the book to perform, or introduce the character in a 90- 120 second monologue presented on Blabberize. You will need to choose the scene and find a picture of your character and save it to your flashdrive. You will do the actual “blabberize” at school.
6. Rewrite the ending of the book. Create a change that will make a significant impact on the main character. Maintain the writing style of the author to the best of your ability. For example: Dr. Seuss incorporates rhyme and nonsense words in his writing. This should be typed in 14pt font , a minimum of three paragraphs, and be plausible .
7. Redesign the book cover. On a 9 x 12 sheet of white construction paper, draw and color in colored pencil your design. Remember all the components included on a book cover. This design will then be transferred to canvas during art .
8. Create a Reading Rainbow-style book review of the second novel by the author. Reviews will be shared via podcast on the night of the live performance, as well as linked to class blog.
9. Live performance. At an evening event, act as your character. Be prepared to maintain character by being able to discuss important events of the time period of the novel, quote specific passages from the novel, and BE the individual.
All technology aspects will be completed in class and students will receive significant guidance. The expectation is that drafts are completed in a timely manner so that work can be transferred to the digital media.
Due Dates of Specific Components:
1. Author & book selections: Friday, January 14, 2011
2. Expository composition of author’s experiences( Written copy): Monday, January 31, 2011
(technology aspect will be done in class)
3. Bioriddle about the author: Monday, February 7, 2011
4. Autobiography of book character: Thursday, February 17, 2011
5. Monologue of Character: Thursday, February 24, 2011
6. Rewrite of book ending: Friday, March 4, 2011
7. Redesign of book cover(colored pencil version): Friday, February 25, 2011
8. Book Review(written): Thursday, February 24, 2011
9. Live performance: Week of 21 March.(exact date TBD and announced NLT February 18th)
Students will have significant class time to work on project components, but it is essential that they are productive and efficient.
All technology aspects will be done in class.
If you have questions or concerns about a particular component, please ask prior to the due date!
I am so excited to see what creative and interesting projects result from this endeavor!
YIPEE!
Required components:
1. Read two novels by this author, or some total of 200 pages by this author. One may be a book you have already read, but one must be new. (please discuss with teacher if you have concerns or need clarification)
2. Research the author’s life. Write an expository composition to present the author’s personal experiences that influenced their craft, character development, and writing style. (animoto)
3. Create a bio-riddle about the author. (See the attached guideline sheet)
4. Write an autobiography of one of the characters. (you may utilize creative license in filling in blanks not provided by the story but characters must be approved by teacher)
Autobiography must include: Birthdate & place, life story, siblings, experiences that shaped their life, education, etc. This assignment must be typed, and a minimum of six well written paragraphs, presented in 14 point, Times New Roman font)
5. Monologue of the Character: Choose a scene from the book to perform, or introduce the character in a 90- 120 second monologue presented on Blabberize. You will need to choose the scene and find a picture of your character and save it to your flashdrive. You will do the actual “blabberize” at school.
6. Rewrite the ending of the book. Create a change that will make a significant impact on the main character. Maintain the writing style of the author to the best of your ability. For example: Dr. Seuss incorporates rhyme and nonsense words in his writing. This should be typed in 14pt font , a minimum of three paragraphs, and be plausible .
7. Redesign the book cover. On a 9 x 12 sheet of white construction paper, draw and color in colored pencil your design. Remember all the components included on a book cover. This design will then be transferred to canvas during art .
8. Create a Reading Rainbow-style book review of the second novel by the author. Reviews will be shared via podcast on the night of the live performance, as well as linked to class blog.
9. Live performance. At an evening event, act as your character. Be prepared to maintain character by being able to discuss important events of the time period of the novel, quote specific passages from the novel, and BE the individual.
All technology aspects will be completed in class and students will receive significant guidance. The expectation is that drafts are completed in a timely manner so that work can be transferred to the digital media.
Due Dates of Specific Components:
1. Author & book selections: Friday, January 14, 2011
2. Expository composition of author’s experiences( Written copy): Monday, January 31, 2011
(technology aspect will be done in class)
3. Bioriddle about the author: Monday, February 7, 2011
4. Autobiography of book character: Thursday, February 17, 2011
5. Monologue of Character: Thursday, February 24, 2011
6. Rewrite of book ending: Friday, March 4, 2011
7. Redesign of book cover(colored pencil version): Friday, February 25, 2011
8. Book Review(written): Thursday, February 24, 2011
9. Live performance: Week of 21 March.(exact date TBD and announced NLT February 18th)
Students will have significant class time to work on project components, but it is essential that they are productive and efficient.
All technology aspects will be done in class.
If you have questions or concerns about a particular component, please ask prior to the due date!
I am so excited to see what creative and interesting projects result from this endeavor!
YIPEE!
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