What Christmas song did the monkey sing? Jungle Bells, Jungle Bells...Jungle all the way...
I know it is a lame one but I will be publishing better ones later......
Students are rewriting "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and making it "The Twelve Days of Reading Class".....it was hilarious! There were some questionable verses about their teacher (me)
giving a lot of hard work....sorry, students...Ha!
The scores on the constructed responses were very good....I am proud of their efforts. They incorporated vocabulary, sequenced events, and compared emotions that Brian, the main character, felt during the whole ordeal. I was very pleased with this first effort. I can tell they have been listening.
Only FIVE days to go before Christmas break! Two days before their projects are due! I am excited about seeing them....Have a wonderful Christmas..if I have not already shared this with you.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Brian's Winter (Constructed Responses)
Students will begin working on an excerpt from BRIAN'S WINTER. This book is written by Gary Paulsen. Students will be reading the excerpt and underlining key vocabulary. The next step is to answer the multiple choice questions that follow the story.
Students need to know the difference between context clues, inference, cause and effect and summarizing. We have been reading articles in the newspaper and writing summaries about those articles. These summaries include the most important details from the articles. The context clues are words that surround a key vocabulary word and help students decipher the meaning. Causes and effects are tricky....one might that it snowed this morning (cause-the weather was below freezing/precipitation was falling to the ground in the form of snow) and the effect was the slippery roads this morning. An inference is what Mrs. Basham calls "reading between the lines"....when you read a passage..what clues and information does the author present but not come out directly and state....Reading can be like a secret code and you as a student must be a detective....
Finally, we will be dissecting the question, preparing to write the answer, identifying vocabulary and writing the best answer possible.....students often how much they have to write..my answer is that writing is like wearing a skirt..you must make sure it covers everything! Students usually get a kick of this! Ha!
Students need to know the difference between context clues, inference, cause and effect and summarizing. We have been reading articles in the newspaper and writing summaries about those articles. These summaries include the most important details from the articles. The context clues are words that surround a key vocabulary word and help students decipher the meaning. Causes and effects are tricky....one might that it snowed this morning (cause-the weather was below freezing/precipitation was falling to the ground in the form of snow) and the effect was the slippery roads this morning. An inference is what Mrs. Basham calls "reading between the lines"....when you read a passage..what clues and information does the author present but not come out directly and state....Reading can be like a secret code and you as a student must be a detective....
Finally, we will be dissecting the question, preparing to write the answer, identifying vocabulary and writing the best answer possible.....students often how much they have to write..my answer is that writing is like wearing a skirt..you must make sure it covers everything! Students usually get a kick of this! Ha!
PAS testing/Constructed Writing Responses!
We are testing in the media center on Monday and Tuesday of this week. The students are taking the PAS test for the second time this year. They are tested in the areas of math and reading....this test usually indicates how the student will be performing at the end of the year. They will be taking the MAP test next week. I appreciate their hard work and focused attention.
On a personal note, the snow was beautiful but slippery this morning. As I came to school, I noticed several cars had a difficult time with the highways. Students need to wear warm coats and layered clothing.
AR Points can be earned until December 16th...that is next Wednesday...I think...Students have done so much better this nine weeks. They have really been reading..I am proud of them. Keep up the good work...
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is gearing up for a fabulous Christmas!
On a personal note, the snow was beautiful but slippery this morning. As I came to school, I noticed several cars had a difficult time with the highways. Students need to wear warm coats and layered clothing.
AR Points can be earned until December 16th...that is next Wednesday...I think...Students have done so much better this nine weeks. They have really been reading..I am proud of them. Keep up the good work...
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is gearing up for a fabulous Christmas!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Ghosts of Christmas Past
The Ghosts of Christmas Past want to warn Miss Sidebottom and Mrs. Bowlds about trying to wear shirts instead of sweaters....chains will be shackled to wrists and ankles if your efforts do not improve in the Christmas Sweater Extravaganza!
C'mon, girls....you can do better!
The Ghost of Christmas Present is disappinted by the lack of creativity found on the first day...
I see REDEMPTION on the horizon....can they turn it around in time?.....That remains to be seen........
C'mon, girls....you can do better!
The Ghost of Christmas Present is disappinted by the lack of creativity found on the first day...
I see REDEMPTION on the horizon....can they turn it around in time?.....That remains to be seen........
On the First Day of December, My Teacher Gave to Me!
PROJECTS are being assigned....the students will receive the paperwork on Wednesday, December 2. Their projects are due on December 15, 2009.
They have their choice of three products: Origami mobile, Puppets/Stage and Game!
Each of these is based on a book they have read in class. Yippee! Get your creative groove on and get ready to knock your classmates' socks off......Please feel free to ask questions concerning the project! You can do it...they will be awesome!
By the way, the classes read articles in the paper entitled, "Alaska". They are perfecting their note-taking skills and then summarizing their notes cohesively in a wonderfully written paragraph........
Have a terrific Christmas and I am looking forward to a fabulous new year....
We will be taking the PAS test and MAP test again soon...keep focusing and working hard.....
They have their choice of three products: Origami mobile, Puppets/Stage and Game!
Each of these is based on a book they have read in class. Yippee! Get your creative groove on and get ready to knock your classmates' socks off......Please feel free to ask questions concerning the project! You can do it...they will be awesome!
By the way, the classes read articles in the paper entitled, "Alaska". They are perfecting their note-taking skills and then summarizing their notes cohesively in a wonderfully written paragraph........
Have a terrific Christmas and I am looking forward to a fabulous new year....
We will be taking the PAS test and MAP test again soon...keep focusing and working hard.....
Monday, November 30, 2009
HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT THANKSGIVING!
IN FIRST PERIOD, WE ARE READING "MARTIAN CHRONICLES" BY RAY BRADBURY AND DISCUSSING SETTINGS WITH EMPHASIS ON COMPREHENSION AND VOCABULARY!
Second Period: We read the story,"Ta-Na-E-Ka" dealing with rites of passage and how a young girl creatively uses to her wits to survive five days in the wilderness.
Third Period: The focus is Making Predictions! "The Bracelet" is a story about Japanese interrment during World War II. We also address the United States' response when the country apologized in 1989 after the Japanese Americans were imprisoned in 1942 for a period of several months to years.
Fifth Period: Japanese Folktales are read with emphasis on details. The two stories are " The Spider Weaver" and "The Grateful Statues". We are character diagramming and focusing on comprehension:)
Sixth and Eighth Periods: We are reading "Ta-Na-E-Ka". These stories are dealing with girls and boys being treated equally. The Kaw Indians (subtribe of the Sioux) were the first Indians that allowed women and men to be treated as equals.
Second Period: We read the story,"Ta-Na-E-Ka" dealing with rites of passage and how a young girl creatively uses to her wits to survive five days in the wilderness.
Third Period: The focus is Making Predictions! "The Bracelet" is a story about Japanese interrment during World War II. We also address the United States' response when the country apologized in 1989 after the Japanese Americans were imprisoned in 1942 for a period of several months to years.
Fifth Period: Japanese Folktales are read with emphasis on details. The two stories are " The Spider Weaver" and "The Grateful Statues". We are character diagramming and focusing on comprehension:)
Sixth and Eighth Periods: We are reading "Ta-Na-E-Ka". These stories are dealing with girls and boys being treated equally. The Kaw Indians (subtribe of the Sioux) were the first Indians that allowed women and men to be treated as equals.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Suffixes/Root Words/Synonyms/Multi-meaning Words/Words in Context/Comprehension
Students have been working on Suffixes (word parts added at the end of words), root words (base words), Synonyms (words that are not exactly spelled the same but have similar meanings), Context Clues (Looking at words in the sentence to provide clues for the correct word) and reading passages that are followed by comprehensive questions---plot events, conclusions and detailed character sketches!
AR Points Update
Students have their current total for AR points today (for current points during the second nine weeks). It is a form that needs to be signed and returned tomorrow. Students need to have points by November 13. Please encourage your child to read thirty minutes every night. They have a reading log that they are keeping and needs to be signed every night.
Students are practicing taking comprehension tests to identify chronological order (sequencing) and details plus multiple choice (synonyms/antonyms) questions to hone their skills when taking different assessments.
Students are practicing taking comprehension tests to identify chronological order (sequencing) and details plus multiple choice (synonyms/antonyms) questions to hone their skills when taking different assessments.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Vocabulary (New and Wonderful)
Irony Legend Myth Mood Limerick Main Idea Metaphor Mood
Narration Nonfiction Prose Refrain Rhyme Rhythm Setting Short Story
Simile Suspense Symbol Tall Tale Theme Tone
These are words are the newest vocabulary words! We will be grouping them according to their meanings......
Remember to get those AR points! You have a Reading Log to be signed every night for the next thirty days.....Remember to kindly ask your parents for their assistance...half of your AR points are due November 13, 2009!
Narration Nonfiction Prose Refrain Rhyme Rhythm Setting Short Story
Simile Suspense Symbol Tall Tale Theme Tone
These are words are the newest vocabulary words! We will be grouping them according to their meanings......
Remember to get those AR points! You have a Reading Log to be signed every night for the next thirty days.....Remember to kindly ask your parents for their assistance...half of your AR points are due November 13, 2009!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
New Vocabulary
1) Irony-a contrast between what is expected and what really happens (An example would be the field trip---we expected to go on our field trip but what really happened!? The weather made that impossible so now it is rescheduled for May!....WAH!)
2) Legend-a story usually based on some historical fact, that has been handed down from one generation to the next (stories about King Arthur and his knights)
3)Myth-a story usually explaining something about the world and involves gods and superheroes.
4)Mood-the overall emotion created by a work of literature
An example would be on page 795 --"Since Hanna Moved Away"
2) Legend-a story usually based on some historical fact, that has been handed down from one generation to the next (stories about King Arthur and his knights)
3)Myth-a story usually explaining something about the world and involves gods and superheroes.
4)Mood-the overall emotion created by a work of literature
An example would be on page 795 --"Since Hanna Moved Away"
The tires on my bike are flat,
The sky is grouchy gray.
At least it sure feels like that
Since Hanna moved away.
Chocolate ice cream tastes like prunes.
December's come to stay.
They've taken back the Mays and Junes
Since Hanna moved away.
Flowers smell like halibut.
Velvet feels like hay.
Every handsome dog's a mutt
Since Hanna moved away.
Nothing's fun to laugh about.
Nothing's fun to play.
They call me, but I won't come out
Since Hanna moved away.
----Judith Viorst
The sky is grouchy gray.
At least it sure feels like that
Since Hanna moved away.
Chocolate ice cream tastes like prunes.
December's come to stay.
They've taken back the Mays and Junes
Since Hanna moved away.
Flowers smell like halibut.
Velvet feels like hay.
Every handsome dog's a mutt
Since Hanna moved away.
Nothing's fun to laugh about.
Nothing's fun to play.
They call me, but I won't come out
Since Hanna moved away.
----Judith Viorst
To be continued....
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Victory for the Hornets!!!
My family was in the stands last night when the Hancock County Hornets defeated Owensboro Catholic! It was a tremendous game....the players just would not be denied....the game was truly exciting with the score teetering back and forth several times. It was definitely worth it since the Bashams were wearing the high performance raingear. Woo hoo! Go Big Red!
Vocabulary QUIZ next Tuesday, October 13...the words are posted on the blog complete with definitions. So scroll down and you will find them. Notecards will be turned that day so they can be graded for the new nine weeks.
Field Trip on October 16! Don't forget you need to dress appropriately. Long pants, maybe more than one shirt especially if the weather is cooler and no flip flops are allowed. You will enjoy it and there is an opportunity to do some writing and earn some cold cash! Also bring along a great attitude because the following week (October 19-23) is our FALL BREAK!! YES!!
Vocabulary QUIZ next Tuesday, October 13...the words are posted on the blog complete with definitions. So scroll down and you will find them. Notecards will be turned that day so they can be graded for the new nine weeks.
Field Trip on October 16! Don't forget you need to dress appropriately. Long pants, maybe more than one shirt especially if the weather is cooler and no flip flops are allowed. You will enjoy it and there is an opportunity to do some writing and earn some cold cash! Also bring along a great attitude because the following week (October 19-23) is our FALL BREAK!! YES!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Why is storytelling an important part of any culture?
Fables-very brief story in prose of verse that teaches a moral, a practical lesson about how to succeed in life.
Folk Tale-a story with no known author, originally passed on from one generation to another by word of mouth.
p.371 "The Fox and the Crow" by Aesop
p.372 "The Wolf and the House Dog"by Aesop
Read "Meet the Writer" p. 373
ZORA NEALE HURSTON: Author's Study
(1891-1960) "I Kept on Probing to Know" p.387 - Text
Most famous for her lively retellings of African American FOLKTALES! The stories she collected were published in Mules and Men. (book on black culture/folklore)
Drawing Conclusions: How many of you have several books by the same author? Do you notice similarities/same conclusions about the writer's work? (similar plots-characters are underdogs)
Excerpt from Their Eyes Were Watching God/ Conclusions?
DIALECT:what is it?
"How the Snake got Poison" p.379
"How the Possum Lost the Hair on Its Tail" p.382
"Why the Gator is Black" p.384
Comparing an Author's Work (conclusions) p.386/Essay
She also wrote novels and her autobiography.
Monday, October 5, 2009
New Vocabulary for October 5-9, 2009
Vocabulary:
1) Alliteration-the repetition of the same or very similar consonant sounds in words that are close together. (She sells seashells by the seashore.)
2) Allusion-a reference to a statement, a person, a place or an event from literature. (cartoon from the book about Goldilocks/Three Bears)
3) Autobiography-The story of a person's life written or told by that person.
4) Biography-The story of a real person's life, written or told by another person.
5) Character-a person or an animal in a story, play or other literary work. (Aslan from Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe)
6) Conflict-a struggle/clash between opposing characters or opposing forces. (Hercules/Hydra)
7) Connotations-the feelings and associations that have come to be attached to a word. (Love-hearts and flowers)
8) Description-the kind of writing that creates a clear image of something, usually details that appeal to one or more senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.
9) Dialect-a way of speaking that characteristic of a particular region or group of people.
10) Dialogue-conversation between two or more characters. (Monologue-one character speaks)
11) Drama-a story written to be acted in front of an audience.
12) Essay-a short piece of nonfiction prose. (Remember nonfiction is true and prose is anything but poetry)
13) Fable-a very brief story in prose or verse that teaches a moral, a practical lesson about how to succeed in life.
14) Fantasy-imaginative writing that carries the reader into an invented world where the laws of nature as we know them do not exist. (The Emperor's New Clothes is an example of fantasy called a fairy tale)
15) Fiction-a prose account that is made up rather than true. (Prose is not poetry)
16) Figurative Language-language that describes on thing in terms of something else and is not literally true. (The road was a ribbon of moonlight)
17) Flashback-a scene that breaks the normal time order of the plot to show a past event. (Most of the play The Diary of Anne Frank is a flashback)
18) Folk Tale- a story with no known author passed from one generation to another by word of mouth.
19) Foreshadowing-the use of clues or hints to suggest events that will occur later in the plot.
20) Imagery-language that appeals to the senses--sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.
1) Alliteration-the repetition of the same or very similar consonant sounds in words that are close together. (She sells seashells by the seashore.)
2) Allusion-a reference to a statement, a person, a place or an event from literature. (cartoon from the book about Goldilocks/Three Bears)
3) Autobiography-The story of a person's life written or told by that person.
4) Biography-The story of a real person's life, written or told by another person.
5) Character-a person or an animal in a story, play or other literary work. (Aslan from Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe)
6) Conflict-a struggle/clash between opposing characters or opposing forces. (Hercules/Hydra)
7) Connotations-the feelings and associations that have come to be attached to a word. (Love-hearts and flowers)
8) Description-the kind of writing that creates a clear image of something, usually details that appeal to one or more senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.
9) Dialect-a way of speaking that characteristic of a particular region or group of people.
10) Dialogue-conversation between two or more characters. (Monologue-one character speaks)
11) Drama-a story written to be acted in front of an audience.
12) Essay-a short piece of nonfiction prose. (Remember nonfiction is true and prose is anything but poetry)
13) Fable-a very brief story in prose or verse that teaches a moral, a practical lesson about how to succeed in life.
14) Fantasy-imaginative writing that carries the reader into an invented world where the laws of nature as we know them do not exist. (The Emperor's New Clothes is an example of fantasy called a fairy tale)
15) Fiction-a prose account that is made up rather than true. (Prose is not poetry)
16) Figurative Language-language that describes on thing in terms of something else and is not literally true. (The road was a ribbon of moonlight)
17) Flashback-a scene that breaks the normal time order of the plot to show a past event. (Most of the play The Diary of Anne Frank is a flashback)
18) Folk Tale- a story with no known author passed from one generation to another by word of mouth.
19) Foreshadowing-the use of clues or hints to suggest events that will occur later in the plot.
20) Imagery-language that appeals to the senses--sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Hat Days in October!
Remember that every Friday is Hat Day in October. It costs fifty cents to wear a hat. We are supporting cancer awareness. You can also start bringing in those pink YOPLAIT lids to support cancer research.
By the way, Miss Sidebottom's birthday is this week....why don't you ask her when it is?!?
Hope everyone was able to do a little yard sale shopping this weekend......the high school band received second place with top honors for drumline and color guard! Keep the great work!
Don't forget your poems...."Double, Double...Toil and Trouble".
Also you have some dance, songs and skits coming up on Friday, October 9th!!
By the way, Miss Sidebottom's birthday is this week....why don't you ask her when it is?!?
Hope everyone was able to do a little yard sale shopping this weekend......the high school band received second place with top honors for drumline and color guard! Keep the great work!
Don't forget your poems...."Double, Double...Toil and Trouble".
Also you have some dance, songs and skits coming up on Friday, October 9th!!
AR Deadline is NOW! Needed NINE POINTS!!!
Just remember that this week is the last week to get those AR points. They will count on your Reading grade. We have read several books during the first nine weeks! Take those tests...remember that each student's goal will be individualized according to their score on the STAR test.
Personal Book Story: I recently finished reading The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. In this book, there was a thought-provoking quote that I want to share with you. At the beginning, the first statement is a metaphor. Read the quote and share your thoughts......
Personal Book Story: I recently finished reading The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. In this book, there was a thought-provoking quote that I want to share with you. At the beginning, the first statement is a metaphor. Read the quote and share your thoughts......
Time is a river...and books are boats. Many volumes start down that stream, only to be wrecked and lost beyond recall in its sands. Only a few, a very few, endure the testings of time and live to bless the ages following.
"There is a reason these volumes survived, while others vanished. The ancient spiritual texts-- the most studied books on earth--were, in fact, the least understood."
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Magazine Articles
I read a great article in the USA Weekend magazine that describes ten national parks that every American should see. This article is written by Ken Burns who is responsible for doing several documentaries. This documentary will be on PBS starting September 27.
The national parks are listed below:
Yosemite Yellowstone Grand Canyon Denali Glacier Acadia
Great Smoky Mountains Everglades Zion Shenandoah
Students-We will be studying these national parks to see if you know their locations and type of terrain each park possesses. Some of them are quite popular.
We will be reviewing the amount of AR points each student has this week. They should have NINE POINTS this first grading period.
The national parks are listed below:
Yosemite Yellowstone Grand Canyon Denali Glacier Acadia
Great Smoky Mountains Everglades Zion Shenandoah
Students-We will be studying these national parks to see if you know their locations and type of terrain each park possesses. Some of them are quite popular.
We will be reviewing the amount of AR points each student has this week. They should have NINE POINTS this first grading period.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Correction about Alice and Wonderland Movie
In the blog about the movie, I put the wrong date for release....it is March 5, 2010! Sorry...
Parent/Teacher Conferences were TONIGHT!
Thanks to all those parents who scheduled a conference and came to school this evening! The evening started with some goodies...soups and cookies from Paragon. These were samples from the company that will be handling our fundraiser in October.
A little update about each period:
First Period: We have finished the book, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. The students are in the process of taking AR tests to get their points. Each student needs NINE AR points for the first nine weeks.
Second Period: This class has finished the book, Freak the Mighty. Most of the students have taken the test for this book. Soon we will be beginning the book, Alice and Wonderland. We are excited about the movie starring Johnny Depp on March 5, 2009.
Third Period: We have been doing plays, "The Fog" and "The Hitchhiker" and then are comparing the two plays. These students are doing a great job showing emotion and getting into their parts.
Fifth Period: We read "The Bridegroom" which is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young woman who witnesses a horrible crime and then uses her wily ways to bring justice to the man who is responsible.
Sixth Period: We read "The Bridegroom" as well and repeated the lesson.....This class is reading
Maniac Magee. We will be taking the AR test soon.
Seventh Period: Wellness-we walked, played frisbee, four-square, football and other assorted games outside in the beautiful weather!
Eighth Period: We read Voyage of the Frog. Only twenty pages to go and we will be finishing this novel. We are pumped about being so close to finishing. The AR test for this book is on the horizon.
On a personal note, Mr. Basham, Ben and I took a little sailing expedition on the Ohio River this weekend. Just like the book, Voyage of the Frog...we almost ran aground when the unusual winds of the Ohio River pushed us to the Kentucky shoreline. The keel was almost stuck in the muddy sand. Luckily, we freed the boat due to the brute strength of Mr. Basham and Ben. Ha!
Winds were unpredictable that day and at times, were terrific.....however, at other times were
nonexistent....
A little update about each period:
First Period: We have finished the book, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. The students are in the process of taking AR tests to get their points. Each student needs NINE AR points for the first nine weeks.
Second Period: This class has finished the book, Freak the Mighty. Most of the students have taken the test for this book. Soon we will be beginning the book, Alice and Wonderland. We are excited about the movie starring Johnny Depp on March 5, 2009.
Third Period: We have been doing plays, "The Fog" and "The Hitchhiker" and then are comparing the two plays. These students are doing a great job showing emotion and getting into their parts.
Fifth Period: We read "The Bridegroom" which is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young woman who witnesses a horrible crime and then uses her wily ways to bring justice to the man who is responsible.
Sixth Period: We read "The Bridegroom" as well and repeated the lesson.....This class is reading
Maniac Magee. We will be taking the AR test soon.
Seventh Period: Wellness-we walked, played frisbee, four-square, football and other assorted games outside in the beautiful weather!
Eighth Period: We read Voyage of the Frog. Only twenty pages to go and we will be finishing this novel. We are pumped about being so close to finishing. The AR test for this book is on the horizon.
On a personal note, Mr. Basham, Ben and I took a little sailing expedition on the Ohio River this weekend. Just like the book, Voyage of the Frog...we almost ran aground when the unusual winds of the Ohio River pushed us to the Kentucky shoreline. The keel was almost stuck in the muddy sand. Luckily, we freed the boat due to the brute strength of Mr. Basham and Ben. Ha!
Winds were unpredictable that day and at times, were terrific.....however, at other times were
nonexistent....
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Outlining Microscope Article
Every week, we are using the newspaper in our classroom. This week, we read an article about tools (hand tools) and the discovery of microscopes. The students in third period read the book entitled, The Starry Messenger. They enjoyed the facts about Galileo and his popularity with the telescope.
Picture Day is September 18th. Don't forget to look your best on that day.
Planners are checked on Fridays. Each student needs to fill out each subject area to help the communication between school and home. We at HCMS, are trying to help your child do their best. We need your assistance.
On a personal note, in the woods below our house, two fawns with spots have started grazing. They are gorgeous! Our dog, Champ, doesn't see very well and gets startled easily.
He barks to let them know that he is in charge! HA!
Picture Day is September 18th. Don't forget to look your best on that day.
Planners are checked on Fridays. Each student needs to fill out each subject area to help the communication between school and home. We at HCMS, are trying to help your child do their best. We need your assistance.
On a personal note, in the woods below our house, two fawns with spots have started grazing. They are gorgeous! Our dog, Champ, doesn't see very well and gets startled easily.
He barks to let them know that he is in charge! HA!
Midterms tomorrow! (9/10/09)
Students need to make sure they have all work turned in to me. They are missing notecards and this is very easily corrected. However, each student must do the work....some students are having trouble keeping up with their belongings--planner, paper, pencils.....use those lovely trapper keepers and folders please....
Some students need to wear tennis shoes or at least bring them to wear during wellness. I don't want anyone injuring themselves when we play any games outside. We walked on the track today.
Speeches are almost completely wrapped up....the students did well but relied heavily on their notecards. Their voices suddenly became softer when it was their moment to shine. Don't worry! We will be doing some impromptu speeches during the coming month.
Poems are to be recited on September 18th. Don't forget to study!!!!! It is worth fifteen points.
Some students need to wear tennis shoes or at least bring them to wear during wellness. I don't want anyone injuring themselves when we play any games outside. We walked on the track today.
Speeches are almost completely wrapped up....the students did well but relied heavily on their notecards. Their voices suddenly became softer when it was their moment to shine. Don't worry! We will be doing some impromptu speeches during the coming month.
Poems are to be recited on September 18th. Don't forget to study!!!!! It is worth fifteen points.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September 8th (2009) Tuesday after Labor Day Weekend
The students took a vocabulary test. They used their notecards with words and definitions to write sentences with detailed explanations of the word.
Several classes are reading Maniac Magee, Freak the Mighty and Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Students need NINE AR points for the first nine weeks. This goal will be individualized during the second, third and fourth nine weeks.
Has your child taken any tests?
On September 18th, students will be having their pictures made and also be reciting their second poem of the year. They were given a copy of their poems last week. (August 31-September 4)
Also I hope everyone was able to have time to rest and relax. It was a wonderful weekend....
Several classes are reading Maniac Magee, Freak the Mighty and Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Students need NINE AR points for the first nine weeks. This goal will be individualized during the second, third and fourth nine weeks.
Has your child taken any tests?
On September 18th, students will be having their pictures made and also be reciting their second poem of the year. They were given a copy of their poems last week. (August 31-September 4)
Also I hope everyone was able to have time to rest and relax. It was a wonderful weekend....
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Good morning, September!
Worksheets with ant, anti, contra, counter and ob are missing in action from some students. Need to get those into me as quickly as possible..thanks for your help!
Read the story, "The White Umbrella" on pages 34-41 and answered questions relating to the story. The students started learning how to use PEER FACILITATION CIRCLES when they are reading a selection, in this case--a short story.
Discussion centered on the differences in families and their cultural expectations. Also the main character lied or embellished the truth to appear more confident.
On another note, it is important for students to have the proper tennis shoes during wellness. It is tough to run in some flip flops or sandals. In my wellness, we have been playing freeze tag and it gives them great joy to tag their teacher repeatedly because she is old and slow......
Read the story, "The White Umbrella" on pages 34-41 and answered questions relating to the story. The students started learning how to use PEER FACILITATION CIRCLES when they are reading a selection, in this case--a short story.
Discussion centered on the differences in families and their cultural expectations. Also the main character lied or embellished the truth to appear more confident.
On another note, it is important for students to have the proper tennis shoes during wellness. It is tough to run in some flip flops or sandals. In my wellness, we have been playing freeze tag and it gives them great joy to tag their teacher repeatedly because she is old and slow......
Monday, August 31, 2009
Speeches on Greek Gods and Goddesses
Make sure you have your notecards ready and your speech is practiced with plenty of eye contact!
You need an extra shot of confidence......fifth period's speeches were awesome!!! I can tell that they were prepared....Yippee!
Students are taking the MAP test today...well, really all this week! Math and Reading are the areas of testing.
Glad students are feeling better from being absent...remember to wash hands often...get a good night's sleep and eat properly. Also students need to drink fluids so they will stay hydrated....
On a personal note, Mrs. Basham paddled a kayak from the Hawesville boat dock to the bend ...I could see the dam and watched my boys as they rode the jet ski.....my arms were rubbery when I paddled back to the boat ramp.....
You need an extra shot of confidence......fifth period's speeches were awesome!!! I can tell that they were prepared....Yippee!
Students are taking the MAP test today...well, really all this week! Math and Reading are the areas of testing.
Glad students are feeling better from being absent...remember to wash hands often...get a good night's sleep and eat properly. Also students need to drink fluids so they will stay hydrated....
On a personal note, Mrs. Basham paddled a kayak from the Hawesville boat dock to the bend ...I could see the dam and watched my boys as they rode the jet ski.....my arms were rubbery when I paddled back to the boat ramp.....
First Period Reading
I am so proud of Jenny Head who gave her speech. She did very well and knew many additional facts about her Greek god.
Mrs. Basham
Accelerated Reading Points will be set soon. The first nine weeks' goal for all students will be nine.
That is correct! Only nine points .....however, the second nine weeks will be individualized for each student.
Mrs. Basham
Accelerated Reading Points will be set soon. The first nine weeks' goal for all students will be nine.
That is correct! Only nine points .....however, the second nine weeks will be individualized for each student.
Vocabulary Quiz #2
The following words will be on the second test of the nine weeks....
1)Anemia
2)Ambiguous
3)Ambivalent
4)Ambidextrous
5)Anarchy
6)Antecede
7)Antiseptic
8)Antislavery
9)Archeology
10)Archenemy
11)Catastrophe
12)Catapult
13)Polyglot
14)Multifarious
Prefixes:
an-without
ante-before
arch-chief; against
cata-down
ambi-both
The quiz is September 8th. We are currently doing speeches in class and reading novels during Monday and Tuesday. Study these words listed above because I want you to do well.
1)Anemia
2)Ambiguous
3)Ambivalent
4)Ambidextrous
5)Anarchy
6)Antecede
7)Antiseptic
8)Antislavery
9)Archeology
10)Archenemy
11)Catastrophe
12)Catapult
13)Polyglot
14)Multifarious
Prefixes:
an-without
ante-before
arch-chief; against
cata-down
ambi-both
The quiz is September 8th. We are currently doing speeches in class and reading novels during Monday and Tuesday. Study these words listed above because I want you to do well.
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