New Vocabulary!!!!

Prefixes to Learn: co, col---with, together cooperate, collect
com, con----with, together combine, connect
syn, sym---with, together synonym, sympathy

1) coexist (v) to exist at the same time or in the same place
2) coherent (adj) sticking together; connected, related in some way
3) collaborate (v) to labor together
4) collide (v) to come together with great force; to clash
5) composite (adj) made of separate parts or elements
6) compund (v) bring together; (n) a mixture
7) concordance (n) an agreement or harmony
8) congregate (v) to gather together
9) symmetry (n) elements on both sides of a line that have the same shape, size and arrangement
10) synthesize (v) to form a new thing by combining parts from other things; to unite or merge

Upcoming Field Trip

Yippee! The sixth grade has an upcoming field trip to Louisville, Kentucky. We are going to see Tuck Everlasting at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. The students are currently reading or have read this book. We will be using this performance to compare and contrast the book/novel and the 'live' performance. We were fortunate to participating in the 'Play It Forward' program which students to make donations toward ticket prices to lower the cost for each individual.

On-Demand Writing is ongoing! Students are reading and responding to these prompts. They are working to write the best introductions, body paragraphs complete with details and closings that will inspire their peers and community to reach out to each other.

Good luck to the Cougars! The sixth grade teams are playing hard! Go Cougars!

Rules, Freak the Mighty, Lawn Boy, The Outsiders and Across Five Aprils

Skills- Currently this class is reading Rules by Cynthia Lord. The plan is to finish this book by January 12...we have had some interruptions from the weather unfortunately. This book is priceless because it deals with sibling rivalry, puberty and learning to accept who we are as individuals.

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen is a book that deals with economics and the changes that can happen in a twelve year-old's life when he is presented with a riding lawn mower. Unexpected opportunities fall into this young man's lap...he becomes an entrepreneur overnight. He learns how to become a capitalist who must diversify labor and distribute wealth.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton proves to be a timeless book with lessons to be learned concerning relationships, social class and the importance of connections within our families/communities.

Freak the Mighty pairs two uncommon young men who depend on each other for survival.

Welcome Back to School! Hope your vacation was fabulous!

Dear Students,
I hope you have had plenty of time to rest your mind during Christmas break. I have been sledding, watching ESPN/movies/TV and reading a very good book. I am excited about seeing your faces again.
We have plenty of reading and writing to do before we finish this school year. I have traveled to central Kentucky to watch my son play basketball. I visited a cool dairy farm while I was there as well. I also traveled to two college campuses: Lindsey Wilson and Campbellsville University. My husband and I hiked one very cold winter day to Green River Lake.
At home, I have been playing games with my family. One of the games I especially like is Catch Phrase. Many of you have played this game. I am going to try and modify this game so we play it in class. Scrabble is another one of my favorites...using the dictionary and laptop seems to slow this game down at my house. We have to time some members of my family because they take FOREVER!
I have enjoyed walking around Vastwood Park. Today, I was walking along and was greeted by a dog that had two different colored eyes! At first, I was startled but after the dog did not growl...I realized that it was simply a playful pup.
See you soon at school!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Basham

January Vocabulary (January 3-7, 2011)

Prefixes: dia-through, across diameter, dialogue
per-through, across perceive

1) diagram (n)- a picture drawn to explain an idea
2)diagnose (v)-to identify a disease through symptoms
3)diagonal (n)-a straight line through a figure from one corner to another corner
4)diaphanous (adj) -transparent, capable of being seen through
5)diaphragm (n) - a membrane that separates one thing from another, such as the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity
6)perambulate (v) -to walk through, over or around
7)percolate (v) - to drip through a small opening to filter a liquid
8)perforate (v) - to make holes in something
9)persistence (n) - continuing stubbornly without giving up; determination
10)pervasive (adj) - having the power to be spread or to pass through

Vocabulary (Friday, November 19th---Quiz)

Here's a list of vocabulary words that will be on the upcoming test...

1) adapt-(verb) to change to be suitable or fit
2) adhere-(verb) to stick to something; conform to; obey
3) adjacent-(adjective) close to, bordering on
4) recurrent-(adjective) happening again and again, returning periodically
5) reimburse-(verb) pay back, refund
6) reiterate-(verb) repeat many times
7) secession-(noun) the act of withdrawing from an alliance or association
8) seclude-(verb) to withdraw or set apart from social contact
9) segregate-(verb) to separate from the rest of the group
10) sequester-(verb) to separate or withdraw; to choose solitude or retirement

Extra! Extra! New Vocabulary----Read all about it!!!

Prefixes:
Cir, Circum- around circumference
Peri- around, surrounding near perimeter

Circuit-(n) a revolving; a journey around; a route

The delivery man's circuit took him to all parts of the city.

Circulatory-(adj) going in a circuit, circular

The circulatory system includes the heart, veins, arteries and capillaries.

Circumnavigate-(v) to sail around

His attempt to circumnavigate the world in his small boat was ended by the large storm.

Circumstance-(n) the condition surrounding or related to an event

He asked for a careful explanation of the circumstances of the accident.

Circumvent-(v) to go around or bypass

It is better to face your problem straight on than try to circumvent it be blaming other people.

Period-(n) the interval between certain happenings

The period between lunch and wellness is two hours.

Periodic-(adj) happening at regular intervals; happening from time to time

Her periodic trips to the dentist kept their teeth healthy and clean.

Perigee-(n) the point in the moon's or a satellite's orbit that is closest to the earth or body it is orbiting

When the moon is at its perigee, does it appear longer than usual?

Periphery-(n) the outer boundary of something

The perphery of a the garden is surrounded by a fence.

Periscope-(n) an instrument for seeing around things

Using a periscope, he was able to spy on the animals on the other side of the fence.