Tuesday, June 16, 2009

FROM KIDJITSU

Read this comic and tell me what you think.


Wednesday, March 18, 2009

CONCRETE POEM: AN 8-MINUTE MINI-LESSON

What is a concrete poem? How do you write one? What does it look like? Check this out:

  1. A concrete poem is written in the shape of the subject.
  2. Every line in the poem is about the chosen topic.
  3. The poem is written so that the words create the shape of the subject.

Concrete Poems from Armstrong Elementary
Trumball Elementary School Poetry

Go.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

LADY EAGLES WIN STATE

In case you don't know, the Nixa Ladies Basketball team won the Class 5 state championship this weekend. You can read the News-Leader story here. Also watch this YouTube video about the girls. Based on this story, who would you name as the year's Most Valuable Player (MVP)? Why?

Write a 3 paragraph persuasive letter to Dr. K, the Superintendent of Nixa Schools asking him to name your player as MVP.

Paragraph 1 = Introduction (3 points)
  • Who you are.
  • Why you are writing
  • Who you would name as MVP

Paragraph 2 = Supporting Details (3 points)
  • 1st Supporting Detail
  • 2nd Supporting Detail
  • 3rd Supporting Detail

Paragraph 3 = Conclusion (3 points)
  • Restate who you think should be MVP
  • Request for Dr. K to name that person MVP
  • Thank him for his consideration

Each paragraph must contain at least 3 complete sentences with proper spelling and grammar (1 point).

Saturday, February 21, 2009

WHAT'S GOING ON: WEEK 7

THIS WEEK
Spelling
As always, students will need to know the words for this week and the last three weeks, giving us a total of 20 spelling words. Our spelling words for the week are as follows:
  • almost
  • also
  • with
  • semifinal
  • supermarket

Science
This week we started a science lesson on technology. Jeremiah Johnson, a mountain man from 1821, visited our classroom and brought many of his technological advances for the time with him. We learned how people in pioneer days communicated, ate, enjoyed entertainment, and documented their lives. It was very different from how we do those things. 

Math
We worked hard on 2x2 multiplication (i.e. 62 x 12). The students can choose to use the traditional algorithm that we all grew up with or the lattice approach, which many students find easier. 

Communication Arts
We wrote friendly letters, read a lot and presented book reports. That will continue next week, too. Many of the students are enjoying the comic literature provided. 


NEXT WEEK
We will begin a two-week economics (social studies) unit. The students will create their own businesses and offer a real service or a real product. They will need help from home coming up with their business idea and the good/service. Students will be able to purchase that good/service from other students in our classroom or in Ms. Ward's classroom. 

Spelling
Next weeks words are as follows:
  • probably
  • we're
  • you're
  • underweight
  • alternative