Comma-ments on a Monday

Our focus today (though focus is always difficult after a three-day weekend) in Language Arts was on turning fragments into complete sentences and putting commas in their proper places. In order to communicate clearly, it is always helpful to write clearly, though - as we have been learning in drama - writing is but just one form of communication.

Earlier this morning, in drama, students paired off and practiced communicating in gibberish. Students took turns trying to explain how to do something, through facial expressions, actions and gibberish, while their partners tried to "get" what they were being shown. Being able to communicate as clearly as possible is a wonderful way to develop critical thinking, as well as problem-solving skills.

This afternoon we voted to give our time and energy this year to two different animal organizations: one that helps sustain the life of our polar bears and one that helps the endangered manatees. This evening students will do research on organizations to help us get a jump start on our way with our group project. This will serve as part of our O.T.O. (Other Than Ourselves) work as a class.

I hope that all of you had a safe and restful long weekend!

Cheers,
Ms.Pitman