Okay folks, this is my last blog for a while. I may update it at some point next week just to let you all know how my recovery is going. The class and I discussed expectations and the like for while I am away, and I am crossing my fingers that things run smoothly.
The students are responsible for the following work tonight:
-Reading Log (due 3/23)
-Math lesson 94 (10-25)
-Compare & Contrast essay for "Number the Stars" (due in final form Friday 3/16)
-Library books are due tomorrow. Please ensure that bring all books to school, even if you are simply renewing.
Students are responsible for the following work on Thursday night (3/15)
-Math 18A
-Finish Compare & Contrast essay
-Study vocabulary for Friday's quiz
Respectfully, Mr. B
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Tuesday & Wednesday
Today was pretty groovy for a Tuesday. We had our third visit from our SPECTRA artist and worked with vegetables. The kids are really enjoying her time with the class. Next tuesday the kids will be illustrating posters that demonstrate the various uses of a single vegetable.
We concluded our work with "The People of Sparks" today by reading the last chapter, discussing the merits of the book, quizzi ng on the last few chapters and then taking the Accelerated Reader comprehension quiz on-line as well. The book receieved an overwhelmingly positive review from the class. The class will be reading "Patty Reed's Doll" in my absence. The book chronicles the adventures of a family that traveled with the Donner Party. They will not be quizzed on the Patty Reed material, but will have access to the Accelerated Reader once the book is completed. I will be reading "The Prophet of Yonwood" with the class upon my return. It is the final installment of the Ember story.
Our discussions with the "Number the Stars" material is getting heavy as we discuss the aspects of the Nazi treatment of Jews during WW2. I realize that not everyone is happy with the choice of material and the realities that accompany a literature study that centers on the lives of people during war, but the messages and discussions that are inspired by these readings are powerful and life-affirming. I fully expect conversations and questions to arise at home, hopefully sparked from discussions that we have in class. Please treat these discussions as honestly as possible, especially in light of our present involvement in the Middle East. (Sorry for the soapbox moment.) We began a compare and contrast piece today that focusses on the two main characters of the story, Annemarie and Ellen.
Tomorrow brings us a Spirit Day where the students are asked to go green, literally. We will be treated to some Irish music from Mr. Kitch's and Mr. Sweet's band. So dress green. Eat green eggs. Have green hair or wear a green hat. Wear green shoes. You know...just be green. And no matter what Kermit the Frog says, it really is quite easy.
Respectfully, Mr. B
We concluded our work with "The People of Sparks" today by reading the last chapter, discussing the merits of the book, quizzi ng on the last few chapters and then taking the Accelerated Reader comprehension quiz on-line as well. The book receieved an overwhelmingly positive review from the class. The class will be reading "Patty Reed's Doll" in my absence. The book chronicles the adventures of a family that traveled with the Donner Party. They will not be quizzed on the Patty Reed material, but will have access to the Accelerated Reader once the book is completed. I will be reading "The Prophet of Yonwood" with the class upon my return. It is the final installment of the Ember story.
Our discussions with the "Number the Stars" material is getting heavy as we discuss the aspects of the Nazi treatment of Jews during WW2. I realize that not everyone is happy with the choice of material and the realities that accompany a literature study that centers on the lives of people during war, but the messages and discussions that are inspired by these readings are powerful and life-affirming. I fully expect conversations and questions to arise at home, hopefully sparked from discussions that we have in class. Please treat these discussions as honestly as possible, especially in light of our present involvement in the Middle East. (Sorry for the soapbox moment.) We began a compare and contrast piece today that focusses on the two main characters of the story, Annemarie and Ellen.
Tomorrow brings us a Spirit Day where the students are asked to go green, literally. We will be treated to some Irish music from Mr. Kitch's and Mr. Sweet's band. So dress green. Eat green eggs. Have green hair or wear a green hat. Wear green shoes. You know...just be green. And no matter what Kermit the Frog says, it really is quite easy.
Respectfully, Mr. B
Monday, March 12, 2007
Monday's HW & lots o' notes
Howdy all and welcome to a new, sunny week. This weather is amazing and I just want to take the class on a hike to the beach. But since there are these State Standards to cover, I guess it will have to wait.
I sent home Red Folders today that explain the classroom situation for the remainder of this week and next week while I am out. I have high hopes that things run smoothly.
The school is having another Spirit Day this Wednesday, March 14. The theme is GREEN in honor of St. Paddy's Day. The kids will be treated to some Irish music as well at a morning assembly.
We are finishing "The People of Sparks" on Tuesday. Kids will have the opportunity to take an Accelerated Reader quiz during our computer lab. We will be reading "Patty Reed's Doll" next. It is the tale of the Reed family and their experiences with the Donner Party (which we covered in class today...cannibalism included...lots o' fun). We'll be watching a funny Disney film later this week that chronicles the Donner experience (sans cannibalism).
Reading Logs did not get off to a great start this last week, as only 2/3 of the class submitted one. These are due every second Friday. Stay on top of this folks, these grading points add up quickly.
Students are responsible for the following work tonight:
-Reading Log
-Math lesson 92 (1-15)
-"Stars" packet page 13 (started in class)
-California practice book page 50 (also started and reviewed in class)
Respectfully, Mr. B
I sent home Red Folders today that explain the classroom situation for the remainder of this week and next week while I am out. I have high hopes that things run smoothly.
The school is having another Spirit Day this Wednesday, March 14. The theme is GREEN in honor of St. Paddy's Day. The kids will be treated to some Irish music as well at a morning assembly.
We are finishing "The People of Sparks" on Tuesday. Kids will have the opportunity to take an Accelerated Reader quiz during our computer lab. We will be reading "Patty Reed's Doll" next. It is the tale of the Reed family and their experiences with the Donner Party (which we covered in class today...cannibalism included...lots o' fun). We'll be watching a funny Disney film later this week that chronicles the Donner experience (sans cannibalism).
Reading Logs did not get off to a great start this last week, as only 2/3 of the class submitted one. These are due every second Friday. Stay on top of this folks, these grading points add up quickly.
Students are responsible for the following work tonight:
-Reading Log
-Math lesson 92 (1-15)
-"Stars" packet page 13 (started in class)
-California practice book page 50 (also started and reviewed in class)
Respectfully, Mr. B
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