Hope you all had a restful vacation and a happy holiday! See you next year!
PS - check out "Kid's Corner"! There's a little note in there!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Love
Friday,
a horrific shooting happened in Connecticut at an elementary school
killing multiple students and teachers. The gunman, a 20 year-old with
no clear affiliation to the school, was “troubled” and “not well” as the
media reported. Why he elected to promote his rage and power in the
elementary school is still unclear; we only know what has been revealed
at this point, creating more questions than answers.
In any situation like this we ask ourselves about the sanctity of life, about precious moments, about safety, and we tailspin into the “what ifs” and “whys” and the “hows”, most of which never get answered in the now no matter how hard we search. But amongst our questions, our pain, and our tears, we find heros that emerge through the rough.
The teacher who hid her students, and jumped in front of the gunman so that she could protect them from harm’s way. The teacher who took her students into a bathroom and tried to keep them calm, telling them she loved them so that they knew someone loved them, even if it was the last thing they heard. The principal who ran toward the gunman to protect the students. And of course all of the beautiful souls that lost their lives in the process.
These are the acts that make us remember humanity, not forget it.
Upon hearing the news of this tragedy on Friday, one of my students asked me who I would “hide behind” if this happened to us. I looked at her, knowing that this is just how sixth graders think, and said, “No one. I would take the bullet for you...” She said I was a “nice teacher”, but the truth is that I never said it to be “nice”, nor did I say it because it’s my “job”. Nowhere does it say in my job description, “Willing to take bullet for students”, but it is in my beliefs, it is in my DNA as a human being, and it is part of my duty to serve and love.
Most teachers don’t get into education thinking of it as a dangerous profession. We do it to better our children, to help those in our future, and because we love what we do. And if any of that means putting our students’ needs and safety first, then we do it. It’s not because we are “nice”, but because we know that you are the most important people we see during the day, and most importantly, because we love you.
In any situation like this we ask ourselves about the sanctity of life, about precious moments, about safety, and we tailspin into the “what ifs” and “whys” and the “hows”, most of which never get answered in the now no matter how hard we search. But amongst our questions, our pain, and our tears, we find heros that emerge through the rough.
The teacher who hid her students, and jumped in front of the gunman so that she could protect them from harm’s way. The teacher who took her students into a bathroom and tried to keep them calm, telling them she loved them so that they knew someone loved them, even if it was the last thing they heard. The principal who ran toward the gunman to protect the students. And of course all of the beautiful souls that lost their lives in the process.
These are the acts that make us remember humanity, not forget it.
Upon hearing the news of this tragedy on Friday, one of my students asked me who I would “hide behind” if this happened to us. I looked at her, knowing that this is just how sixth graders think, and said, “No one. I would take the bullet for you...” She said I was a “nice teacher”, but the truth is that I never said it to be “nice”, nor did I say it because it’s my “job”. Nowhere does it say in my job description, “Willing to take bullet for students”, but it is in my beliefs, it is in my DNA as a human being, and it is part of my duty to serve and love.
Most teachers don’t get into education thinking of it as a dangerous profession. We do it to better our children, to help those in our future, and because we love what we do. And if any of that means putting our students’ needs and safety first, then we do it. It’s not because we are “nice”, but because we know that you are the most important people we see during the day, and most importantly, because we love you.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Holiday 6-Word Essays
"Christmas is about giving, not getting."
-Mr. Snuggles Cat
-Mr. Snuggles Cat
"So sad. Five days till vacation."
-Love2Sing
"Christmas when the lights come on."
-Mr. Mystery
Monday, December 10, 2012
Homework
Homework for this week and next week will be a little different than normal. We will be doing summaries based on Social Studies readings. Students will get all of the materials they need to complete this work in school and will be taking them home throughout the week.
Please check the "Homework" tab to see details for what is expected each day.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Pssst... Check Out Kids Corner
I think you all will want to check out the newest comment in "Kid's Corner". Just a little treat for you all!!! :)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Writing Machines
Four months into school and already our students are more confident and engaged writers. In fact, they are producing thoughtful and thorough response pieces each week when we do our "Writing About Reading", or "WAR" responses, where they write about an article or a section of a book they read. The structure is similar to that of a MCAS open response, so I am fully confident that all of the 6th grade will be ready to rock when it's time to take that lofty test!
You could say that our students are becoming quite the "experts" in writing these days, especially since they have been working diligently on our latest writing piece, expert books. We have experts on everything from the necessities of playing soccer to how to throw a great baby shower, and from being a "gamer" to making accessories with duct tape!
Who knew that our kids were not only super talented but have so much knowledge about the world around them?
We will be finished with our books just before vacation, and we are hoping to have a literature celebration, so stay tuned for more details on that!
You could say that our students are becoming quite the "experts" in writing these days, especially since they have been working diligently on our latest writing piece, expert books. We have experts on everything from the necessities of playing soccer to how to throw a great baby shower, and from being a "gamer" to making accessories with duct tape!
Who knew that our kids were not only super talented but have so much knowledge about the world around them?
We will be finished with our books just before vacation, and we are hoping to have a literature celebration, so stay tuned for more details on that!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
A Sad Goodbye
One of our students is moving to another country, and we will sadly miss him. But before he left, each one of our students said something nice to him, either a memory they shared with him, or something they loved about him.
Most of the friends in our class said they are going to miss his sense of humor and his great friendship. We are all going to miss his gentle nature, his goofy dancing and his positive attitude for learning. Tears were shed, laughs were had and hugs were abundant.
We hope that he visits us frequently on this blog and we wish him all of the luck in his new home!
Most of the friends in our class said they are going to miss his sense of humor and his great friendship. We are all going to miss his gentle nature, his goofy dancing and his positive attitude for learning. Tears were shed, laughs were had and hugs were abundant.
We hope that he visits us frequently on this blog and we wish him all of the luck in his new home!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Another Field Trip
Just a reminder that we have yet another field trip coming up and the money and permission slips are due on MONDAY, December 3rd.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
A Lesson in Responding
One of our devoted bloggers last night wrote a comment wondering where everyone is, since few have been showing up on our blog lately. So today I'm posting a question to which I'd LOVE our students to respond!
I can't wait to see what you have to say about this!
Question:
I can't wait to see what you have to say about this!
Question:
If you could help, either by volunteering or by donating money, any charity/non-profit in the world, what would it be and why do you want to help them?Happy blogging!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Turkey for me, turkey for you
We want to wish the sixth grade families and students a very happy, healthy and safe holiday weekend!
See you on Monday!
Ms. Grodberg
See you on Monday!
Ms. Grodberg
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thankful
This is the month of thankfulness, and every day I have challenged the students to think of one thing for which they are thankful. Here are some of their answers from today:
"I am thankful for the country I live in."
-Mask of Truth
"I am thankful for being alive."
-Mr. Snuggles Cat
"I am thankful that Obama won."
-Love 2 Sing
"I am thankful that Obama is president again."
-Black Ops
"I am thankful for the country I live in."
-Mask of Truth
"I am thankful for being alive."
-Mr. Snuggles Cat
"I am thankful that Obama won."
-Love 2 Sing
"I am thankful that Obama is president again."
-Black Ops
Friday, November 2, 2012
And the Debate Is On!
Are you a democrat? Are you a republican? Do you even follow politics? I think it's near impossible to not to pay attention to the upcoming presidential election since every other commercial on TV and on the radio is comprised of candidates bashing each other. Fun.
But what is fun is our student class representatives went around to all classrooms this week teaching the Pyne Arts students about the way the president is elected, and how the political system is set up in the United States.
Each representative had a flipbook, that was put together by Mr. Neagle who spearheaded this school-wide project, that they used to teach small groups of students about the election.
The kids discussed everything from what the president of the United States does in his position to the current candidates, to how the electoral college works. Many students had questions about the electoral college, which is best explained in the link below. Because our representatives were chosen by their peers, the popular vote makes the most sense, but the kids soon learned that the state electors really do the voting in the end. Unfortunately our students were not around yet to remember the very controversial 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, but for those of us who paid any attention to that election probably remember that the popular vote was quickly negated after the electoral vote was counted. It was a close one, though.
http://blog.cgpgrey.com/the-electoral-college/
For the next few days, the halls will be decorated with pictures and information about both Mitt Romney and Barak Obama, and the kids are excited to vote in our mock election that is taking place on Monday, November 5th.
We can't wait to see who will win!
But what is fun is our student class representatives went around to all classrooms this week teaching the Pyne Arts students about the way the president is elected, and how the political system is set up in the United States.
Each representative had a flipbook, that was put together by Mr. Neagle who spearheaded this school-wide project, that they used to teach small groups of students about the election.
The kids discussed everything from what the president of the United States does in his position to the current candidates, to how the electoral college works. Many students had questions about the electoral college, which is best explained in the link below. Because our representatives were chosen by their peers, the popular vote makes the most sense, but the kids soon learned that the state electors really do the voting in the end. Unfortunately our students were not around yet to remember the very controversial 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, but for those of us who paid any attention to that election probably remember that the popular vote was quickly negated after the electoral vote was counted. It was a close one, though.
http://blog.cgpgrey.com/the-electoral-college/
For the next few days, the halls will be decorated with pictures and information about both Mitt Romney and Barak Obama, and the kids are excited to vote in our mock election that is taking place on Monday, November 5th.
We can't wait to see who will win!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Virtually Me
I'd say that it's kismet (fate) that the sixth grade got an invitation to see a play called "Virtually Me" based on virtual socializing and how it affects friendships, our current writing unit topic.
The play was appropriately interactive for our technologically-clad students, especially the beginning where a large computer screen typed questions for the audience to answer. Students all around us yelled their answers out loud, and the auditorium was teeming with chatter and giggles.
I knew we were in the place.
Throughout the show, it was clear that the kids felt connected to the content, especially since our writing focus has been on our position we'd take if we had to debate the effects of virtual socializing on friendships. We got to see it first-hand, acted out, all of the positive and negative affects it can and does have on our youth.
A major point the play makes is that of cyber-bullying, an ever-growing issue in the U.S.
As an educator, and someone who grew up on the edge of the technological boom, I understand the pressures our students feel to interact with one another virtually. In so many ways, the benefits from being able to be in touch instantly with one another is unparalleled, especially when it comes to safety, but so much of our technology is abused, and having "instant" connections has proven to be harmful.
Over the past few years, stories have graced the news of those who were unfortunately beaten by the virtual system, and who took their own lives as a way to escape their peers and the pressures around them. My heart breaks knowing there are so many out there being bullied to the point where they felt they had no choice but to face death. As a teacher, I ask myself after hearing these stories, "How did this slip past all of the adults?" But kids are sneaky, and technology is stealthy; sometimes by the time the bullying has been caught, the damage has been done.
But what I love about this writing unit and the play, Virtually Me is that our students are truly examining their feelings toward virtual socializing. I'm proud to know that there seems to be a balance between understanding its benefits, and also the harm that can ensue if used in the wrong way. It is unfortunate that so many have taken their own lives because of reckless individuals, but the best thing we can do as adults is educate our youth on the appropriateness of virtual socializing, and hope that they follow our lead.
We have had some really great conversations in the classroom about ways people use various forms of virtual socializing, and we've opened up the forum enough so that all of our students feel comfortable sharing and expressing their feelings about the trials and tribulations is this ever-changing world of technology.
I hope you all take a look at the website Virtually Me and talk with your student about how they can help their friends and peers use the internet and virtual socializing safely and respectfully.
The play was appropriately interactive for our technologically-clad students, especially the beginning where a large computer screen typed questions for the audience to answer. Students all around us yelled their answers out loud, and the auditorium was teeming with chatter and giggles.
I knew we were in the place.
Throughout the show, it was clear that the kids felt connected to the content, especially since our writing focus has been on our position we'd take if we had to debate the effects of virtual socializing on friendships. We got to see it first-hand, acted out, all of the positive and negative affects it can and does have on our youth.
A major point the play makes is that of cyber-bullying, an ever-growing issue in the U.S.
As an educator, and someone who grew up on the edge of the technological boom, I understand the pressures our students feel to interact with one another virtually. In so many ways, the benefits from being able to be in touch instantly with one another is unparalleled, especially when it comes to safety, but so much of our technology is abused, and having "instant" connections has proven to be harmful.
Over the past few years, stories have graced the news of those who were unfortunately beaten by the virtual system, and who took their own lives as a way to escape their peers and the pressures around them. My heart breaks knowing there are so many out there being bullied to the point where they felt they had no choice but to face death. As a teacher, I ask myself after hearing these stories, "How did this slip past all of the adults?" But kids are sneaky, and technology is stealthy; sometimes by the time the bullying has been caught, the damage has been done.
But what I love about this writing unit and the play, Virtually Me is that our students are truly examining their feelings toward virtual socializing. I'm proud to know that there seems to be a balance between understanding its benefits, and also the harm that can ensue if used in the wrong way. It is unfortunate that so many have taken their own lives because of reckless individuals, but the best thing we can do as adults is educate our youth on the appropriateness of virtual socializing, and hope that they follow our lead.
We have had some really great conversations in the classroom about ways people use various forms of virtual socializing, and we've opened up the forum enough so that all of our students feel comfortable sharing and expressing their feelings about the trials and tribulations is this ever-changing world of technology.
I hope you all take a look at the website Virtually Me and talk with your student about how they can help their friends and peers use the internet and virtual socializing safely and respectfully.
Friday, October 26, 2012
My Learning Curve
You might think that I'm doing most of the teaching in the classroom due to my title as "teacher", but it's not really the case all of the time. In fact, throughout our Argument Writing Unit, I have learned a few things about technology and the students!
If you were to ask me before this school year if all of my students thought that virtual socializing was an important part of their lives, I would have undoubtedly said, "Yes!", but now that we are developing our arguments on the basis that we think virtual socializing benefits or hurts friendships, I'm finding that my original assumptions were starkly invalid!
As it turns out, some of our sixth grade friends don't feel that virtual socializing is important and is actually detrimental to friendships. Cyber bullying has come up often in their evidence and I can see their point, that it's just another way to hurt someone.
When I was growing up, bullying was tangible where one kid could verbally or physically harm another, usually in person or over the phone. Email didn't exist, the internet didn't exist, so fights were handled face-to-face. Now many students are dealing with a whole other element to bullying, and many are finding that the internet provides easier access to this side of growing up.
However, many of our students love technology, and I have found it to be rather handy this year using the blog to communicate with students, especially after school hours. It has been a great addition to our learning and the kids enjoy expressing themselves electronically.
Despite my efforts to put together this blog for our literacy community, my biggest learning curve is with the plethora of websites out there in cyberland that are strictly for virtual socializing!
Here are just a few that I've recently discovered, thanks to my knowledgable students:
1. www.oovoo.com - a video and instant messaging chat site
2. www.panfu.com - a great site for kids to learn languages and play games
3. www.fantage.com - another kid site where they can create avatars, play games and chat with friends
I'm sure the list could go on, and on, and on, but the truth is that I don't think there is enough time in the day to keep up with all of the virtual socializing out there!
Whether we believe that virtual socializing is for better or for worse, I know that I have a lot to learn about where my students are "hanging out" online.
If you were to ask me before this school year if all of my students thought that virtual socializing was an important part of their lives, I would have undoubtedly said, "Yes!", but now that we are developing our arguments on the basis that we think virtual socializing benefits or hurts friendships, I'm finding that my original assumptions were starkly invalid!
As it turns out, some of our sixth grade friends don't feel that virtual socializing is important and is actually detrimental to friendships. Cyber bullying has come up often in their evidence and I can see their point, that it's just another way to hurt someone.
When I was growing up, bullying was tangible where one kid could verbally or physically harm another, usually in person or over the phone. Email didn't exist, the internet didn't exist, so fights were handled face-to-face. Now many students are dealing with a whole other element to bullying, and many are finding that the internet provides easier access to this side of growing up.
However, many of our students love technology, and I have found it to be rather handy this year using the blog to communicate with students, especially after school hours. It has been a great addition to our learning and the kids enjoy expressing themselves electronically.
Despite my efforts to put together this blog for our literacy community, my biggest learning curve is with the plethora of websites out there in cyberland that are strictly for virtual socializing!
Here are just a few that I've recently discovered, thanks to my knowledgable students:
1. www.oovoo.com - a video and instant messaging chat site
2. www.panfu.com - a great site for kids to learn languages and play games
3. www.fantage.com - another kid site where they can create avatars, play games and chat with friends
I'm sure the list could go on, and on, and on, but the truth is that I don't think there is enough time in the day to keep up with all of the virtual socializing out there!
Whether we believe that virtual socializing is for better or for worse, I know that I have a lot to learn about where my students are "hanging out" online.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Calling On the Community
Now through the end of the month, the Pyne Arts School will be taking part in a food drive that will support Hunger and Homeless Week here in Lowell.
The fifth and sixth grades are collecting canned vegetables (check for expiration dates), paper towels, and laundry detergent.
Donations can be made to our classroom and we can tally how much has been donated as a class. If we have the most donations, we will win a party, but the truth is that the more we do to help others is a reward in itself.
I hope to see some great donations come in this week!! I will be certain to bring some in to help out the project.
To read more, click on the link below.
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/projects/awareness/index.html
The fifth and sixth grades are collecting canned vegetables (check for expiration dates), paper towels, and laundry detergent.
Donations can be made to our classroom and we can tally how much has been donated as a class. If we have the most donations, we will win a party, but the truth is that the more we do to help others is a reward in itself.
I hope to see some great donations come in this week!! I will be certain to bring some in to help out the project.
To read more, click on the link below.
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/projects/awareness/index.html
Monday, October 15, 2012
All I Wanna Do is READ!!!
Our stellar PTO has helped put together a Scholastic Book Fair here at the Pyne for this week! The fair will be open to students throughout the school day, but I have set up a time for the sixth grade to go, browse, and buy!
Both sixth grade classes will have the opportunity to spend some time perusing on Thursday, October 18th during their reading block for the first 15 minutes of class.
The book fair will also be open after school on Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 if any parents want to and are able to come at that time.
There are also donation bags for every teacher in the library with a "wish list" attached, if parents would like to buy a book for a classroom their student(s) is in. As teachers, we greatly appreciate any and all support we can get!
We hope to see you here, and don't forget to send in your student with some money on Thursday!
Happy Shopping!
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/jgpyneartsmagnetschool
Both sixth grade classes will have the opportunity to spend some time perusing on Thursday, October 18th during their reading block for the first 15 minutes of class.
The book fair will also be open after school on Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 if any parents want to and are able to come at that time.
There are also donation bags for every teacher in the library with a "wish list" attached, if parents would like to buy a book for a classroom their student(s) is in. As teachers, we greatly appreciate any and all support we can get!
We hope to see you here, and don't forget to send in your student with some money on Thursday!
Happy Shopping!
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/jgpyneartsmagnetschool
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Arguing Our Point
If your students seems to be arguing a little more at home, it might be because we are developing our argument writing and analyzing skills.
For the past week, we've discovered times when we've needed to state a claim in order to to get what we desired or needed. We are beginning to understand why it is important to gear an argument toward a specific audience, because if we wanted a new bike, chances are, we wouldn't try to convince our little brother or sister to buy one for us since they may not have the funds to do such things!
But we know that arguments don't always come in the form of words, either. We discovered that arguments can show up in pictures, in song lyrics and of course any advertisement!
Now that we have honed in on who arguments are geared towards, and why people need to state their claims or opinions in an argument, we will be moving on soon to develop our own claims and opinions about issues that face sixth graders every day!
For the past week, we've discovered times when we've needed to state a claim in order to to get what we desired or needed. We are beginning to understand why it is important to gear an argument toward a specific audience, because if we wanted a new bike, chances are, we wouldn't try to convince our little brother or sister to buy one for us since they may not have the funds to do such things!
But we know that arguments don't always come in the form of words, either. We discovered that arguments can show up in pictures, in song lyrics and of course any advertisement!
Now that we have honed in on who arguments are geared towards, and why people need to state their claims or opinions in an argument, we will be moving on soon to develop our own claims and opinions about issues that face sixth graders every day!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
School House Rocks!
The Pyne Arts is going to ROCK in November with the upcoming Pyne Arts Performance Group's play, School House Rock Live Jr.!
The kids have been working extra hard to make sure their vocal chords and acting and dancing skills are top notch, and why wouldn't they be, especially with the guidance of songbird Ms. Cowart, dramatic Mr. Rose and movin'-and-groovin' Miss Silva?
The whole school is looking forward to seeing our elder middle school students up on stage, telling us a thing or two about commas, nouns, magic numbers, and adjectives!
Dates are November 13 and 14 at 6:00 pm in our lovely cafeteria. Check out the blog below to keep updated on the kids performance!
See you there!
http://pyneartsshrljr.blogspot.com/
The kids have been working extra hard to make sure their vocal chords and acting and dancing skills are top notch, and why wouldn't they be, especially with the guidance of songbird Ms. Cowart, dramatic Mr. Rose and movin'-and-groovin' Miss Silva?
The whole school is looking forward to seeing our elder middle school students up on stage, telling us a thing or two about commas, nouns, magic numbers, and adjectives!
Dates are November 13 and 14 at 6:00 pm in our lovely cafeteria. Check out the blog below to keep updated on the kids performance!
See you there!
http://pyneartsshrljr.blogspot.com/
Monday, October 1, 2012
Testing... 1, 2, 3
I know how much students LOVE tests, so that's why our first Social Studies test will be this Friday, October 5th!
We have been studying South America for the past month, so expect to see a study guide at home later on this week. I am also trying to figure out how to upload documents to the site so that families can view some of what we do here in class.
The tests for Social Studies are comprised of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 vocabulary matching questions and 3 open response questions, which usually the students create. However because it is the beginning of school, these will be teacher-generated, but after this test, the students will provide the questions for each test.
The students will be allowed to use their books for the open response piece of the test, however the first ten questions will be on their own without support.
Students will have part of their study guide with them tomorrow after school, so be on the lookout!
Happy studying!
We have been studying South America for the past month, so expect to see a study guide at home later on this week. I am also trying to figure out how to upload documents to the site so that families can view some of what we do here in class.
The tests for Social Studies are comprised of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 vocabulary matching questions and 3 open response questions, which usually the students create. However because it is the beginning of school, these will be teacher-generated, but after this test, the students will provide the questions for each test.
The students will be allowed to use their books for the open response piece of the test, however the first ten questions will be on their own without support.
Students will have part of their study guide with them tomorrow after school, so be on the lookout!
Happy studying!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Let the Reading Begin!
Monday is our first day of actively participating in literature circles, which are student-led reading groups.
Each student will have a different job, such as discussion director, querying questioner, language lookout, character chaser, and predictor/connector, that will allow them to explore various elements of literature.
Every two weeks students will be switching jobs, so throughout the year, each student will have the opportunity to experience each job multiple times, giving them a richer, more developed understanding of how to approach literature. Through this process, students will organically improve their discussion skills, reading and writing techniques, and manner in which they interact with a text.
The students were informed that starting Monday, they will need either a one-subject notebook or 3-hole lined paper to use for their literature circle groups, so make sure they have that in the upcoming week.
We can't wait to let the reading begin!
Each student will have a different job, such as discussion director, querying questioner, language lookout, character chaser, and predictor/connector, that will allow them to explore various elements of literature.
Every two weeks students will be switching jobs, so throughout the year, each student will have the opportunity to experience each job multiple times, giving them a richer, more developed understanding of how to approach literature. Through this process, students will organically improve their discussion skills, reading and writing techniques, and manner in which they interact with a text.
The students were informed that starting Monday, they will need either a one-subject notebook or 3-hole lined paper to use for their literature circle groups, so make sure they have that in the upcoming week.
We can't wait to let the reading begin!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Today's Strategy: Summarizing
Summarizing can be a difficult task, especially when we are used to retelling a story from beginning to end with LOTS of detail! Today we learned how to summarize a text using main idea and sequence of events as the important components of the skill.
If you aren't sure if what you wrote is a minor detail or is a main event, use the following example to help guide you:
- First I read a couple of pages out loud to the students.
- I stopped and asked them to write down on a sticky note one or two main events that happened in that part of the story we read.
- Then we read a little further in the chapter.
- When we stopped, we jotted down again, a couple more main events that occurred during that part of the reading.
- We then took the 4 main ideas from the section we read and used them as a guideline to write a summary that included the following:
- Transition words (First, then, while, next, in the end)
Make sure that you read your summary out loud so that you can see if it makes sense and if what you included are in fact main events and not minor details.
- Some detail, but not so much to bog down the summary turning into a retell
If you aren't sure if what you wrote is a minor detail or is a main event, use the following example to help guide you:
- The horse got spooked and sped through the forest. (Main event)
- The sky was cloudy, and it rained all afternoon. Everything was wet for the entire day and the kids couldn't play outside. (Minor details)
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Prolific Poets
Some of our outstanding poems from our truly prolific poets!
The warmness of a blanket means to me-Puppies2
It is filled with joy and a touch of cotton
Can't you see what the blanket means to me?
It's fluffy with warmness
Can't you see what my blanket means to me?
With a touch of color and joy
Can't you see what the blanket means to me?
I can sleep under the blanket
I feel like I'm on a really big cloud
Can't you see what it means to me?
Where Poetry Hides
Poetry hides in the small sense of places,
Maybe even the most unique of tastes,
Even in the tropical places
Of the ocean,
Or maybe in the slightest bit of motion.
When poetry comes,
You'll know when you see it,
And the way to make a poem,
You'll be able to unlock it.
So if you find where poetry hides,
In the smallest of places,
Or even in the biggest of temptation.
And remember if you can't even see it,-GreekGuy
Then just try to feel it.
Autumn
Back to school,-SmartyPants
Seeing friends,
Teachers, projects, assignments.
September ends, October begins,
Pumpkins, leaves, CANDY!
Candy door to door,
What more could a kid want?
Time rolls on,
New chances, different routines,
Colder weather,
Preparing for winter.
Thanksgiving a time for a feast,
Seeing family,
Stuff yourself silly,
Winter's just around the corner,
But for now it's still autumn.
Friday, September 21, 2012
It's a BLACKOUT!
Over the summer, I stumbled upon some really fun, engaging writing activities that I knew I had to try with the students this year. One of them was Blackout Poetry where the students take a newspaper and cross out the words they don't want to use for their writing. They keep the ones the like and write short, but usually profound, verses and lines of poems. Seems simple, right?
Well, the excitement was overwhelming! The kids rushed into groups with elements of the local paper, eagerly circling and crossing out words. Feverishly, they wrote line after line, some funny, some thought-provoking, some beautifully crafted. I loved watching each student create colorful writing from simple black and white print. And their finished products were nothing short of spectacular!
"Expose yourself to a large crowd who could easily be close friends right now."
-Purple Panda
"Someone could light a fire under you and ignite a brilliant new idea."
-NekoJihyo
"Picture a thousand words that take your breath away."
-LAXKid101
After we shared, I quickly surveyed the response of the students regarding this new way of writing. One student, when asked if he liked the project, responded with, "I didn't like it, I LOVED it!"
Who knew the local newspaper was hiding so much poetry??
For more information, check out this writer's Blackout Poetry blog!
http://www.austinkleon.com/category/newspaper-blackout-poems/
Well, the excitement was overwhelming! The kids rushed into groups with elements of the local paper, eagerly circling and crossing out words. Feverishly, they wrote line after line, some funny, some thought-provoking, some beautifully crafted. I loved watching each student create colorful writing from simple black and white print. And their finished products were nothing short of spectacular!
"Expose yourself to a large crowd who could easily be close friends right now."
-Purple Panda
"Someone could light a fire under you and ignite a brilliant new idea."
-NekoJihyo
"Picture a thousand words that take your breath away."
-LAXKid101
After we shared, I quickly surveyed the response of the students regarding this new way of writing. One student, when asked if he liked the project, responded with, "I didn't like it, I LOVED it!"
Who knew the local newspaper was hiding so much poetry??
For more information, check out this writer's Blackout Poetry blog!
http://www.austinkleon.com/category/newspaper-blackout-poems/
Thursday, September 20, 2012
It's a hit!
With our first night as online bloggers, we have started making waves with our 6 word essays, book reviews and comments! The students are actively interacting with this new modality of communication beyond the classroom, and I'm enjoying watching their creativity soar!
What a great way to explore literacy, as it is part of every moment of our day - the words we speak, the signs we read, the thoughts we think - and now our students can express any and all of it here in this forum.
Keep posting, and I can't wait to see what pops up next!
What a great way to explore literacy, as it is part of every moment of our day - the words we speak, the signs we read, the thoughts we think - and now our students can express any and all of it here in this forum.
Keep posting, and I can't wait to see what pops up next!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Usernames
Today we had a quick tutorial on how to incorporate our usernames. I know that the students are under 18, and therefore cannot create accounts. That is okay because they can still post comments with a name, so just follow the directions below and you will be ready to post!
1. Create a username that does NOT include your actual first or last name (i.e. SpongyB)
2. Then find a page on which you'd like to comment.
3. Click on the blue link that says "comments".
4. Write your comment in the box provided.
5. See the pull-down box under the comment box that says "Post as..." and scroll down to where it says "Name/URL" and click on it.
6. You will see a spot for a name and a URL. Ignore the URL box, but in the name section the new username you created.
7. Hit "Continue" and then "Publish".
8. All comments will come to me and then once I see them, will be moderated and added.
Enjoy!
1. Create a username that does NOT include your actual first or last name (i.e. SpongyB)
2. Then find a page on which you'd like to comment.
3. Click on the blue link that says "comments".
4. Write your comment in the box provided.
5. See the pull-down box under the comment box that says "Post as..." and scroll down to where it says "Name/URL" and click on it.
6. You will see a spot for a name and a URL. Ignore the URL box, but in the name section the new username you created.
7. Hit "Continue" and then "Publish".
8. All comments will come to me and then once I see them, will be moderated and added.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Hello Families!
If you are reading this, then that means your student brought home the link to this site and you are looking at it! Thanks for checking in! I hope you have some time to check out each tab at the top, and that your student shows you around the site a bit. I'm looking forward to growing this blog daily with the students, so keep checking back with us when you can!
Today we started using our SMART board, and of course this is going to be a learning process for all of us, but so far, we got the hang of some of the ways of the board! We love how we can erase with our fist and write in all sorts of color. There is so much to explore with the board, but I'm sure that over the course of the year we will become much more accustomed to this amazing new technology!
One thing I asked each student to do tonight is to create a username for this blog so that their real names and identities will be kept private, since it's technically a public blog. The example I gave in class is that if a student loved Sponge Bob, they could have the username be: SBob, or SpongyB. Something cute that represents them and maybe something they love. I will keep a list of their user names so that I know who is posting comments and writing on our blog. All comments are to be moderated by me, so not just anyone will be able to add to it unless I deem it 1) appropriate and 2) relevant. Have fun with it and happy commenting!
Today we started using our SMART board, and of course this is going to be a learning process for all of us, but so far, we got the hang of some of the ways of the board! We love how we can erase with our fist and write in all sorts of color. There is so much to explore with the board, but I'm sure that over the course of the year we will become much more accustomed to this amazing new technology!
One thing I asked each student to do tonight is to create a username for this blog so that their real names and identities will be kept private, since it's technically a public blog. The example I gave in class is that if a student loved Sponge Bob, they could have the username be: SBob, or SpongyB. Something cute that represents them and maybe something they love. I will keep a list of their user names so that I know who is posting comments and writing on our blog. All comments are to be moderated by me, so not just anyone will be able to add to it unless I deem it 1) appropriate and 2) relevant. Have fun with it and happy commenting!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Welcome to 6th Grade!
Welcome back to yet another amazing school year! This year we will have a lot of fun with reading, writing and traveling around the world (a personal passion!) with our geography curriculum.
One of the new additions to our school is that we are slowly, but surely, adding blogs to classrooms so that parents and students can stay informed of what is happening within and beyond the classroom. We hope that you'll be an active member of our online community as we will open it up to everyone for weekly happenings, class assignments, and homework!
Please feel free to contact me through this blog and comment on any of the posts. Our students will also have an opportunity to add posts through this forum and discuss books and the work they are doing in class!
Stay tuned for much more to come! We are so excited to be back!
-Ms. Grodberg
One of the new additions to our school is that we are slowly, but surely, adding blogs to classrooms so that parents and students can stay informed of what is happening within and beyond the classroom. We hope that you'll be an active member of our online community as we will open it up to everyone for weekly happenings, class assignments, and homework!
Please feel free to contact me through this blog and comment on any of the posts. Our students will also have an opportunity to add posts through this forum and discuss books and the work they are doing in class!
Stay tuned for much more to come! We are so excited to be back!
-Ms. Grodberg
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