*So sorry for the delay!
Language Arts:
STUDY for Vocab. Test
Next Wednesday, February 4
Math:
P. 40-41 (1-6)
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 30
Science:
Continue working on Science Fair project
Due: March 3
Bring in an old pair of blue jeans
By Friday, February 6
Social Studies:
Continue working on Greek Mythology project
Due: February 17
O.T.O.:
Do something nice for someone (and don't get found out)
By tomorrow, 8:25 AM
Drama:
Complete any reading/note-taking you didn't finish in class
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 30
Extra Milers: Write a one-page (at least) essay, comparing the the similarities and differences of the four great Greek playwrights: Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes.
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 30
Vocal Warm-Ups:
Review Oedipus chorus
*(Especially those who did not know it completely today)
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 30
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
HOMEWORK, Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Language Arts:
Vocabulary/Spelling Test: STUDY!
Wednesday, February 4
Vocal Warm-Ups:
Memorize the rest of the Oedipus piece
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 29
O.T.O.:
Do something nice for someone else (and don't get found out about it).
By Friday, January 30
Math:
Make quiz corrections *(on separate sheet of paper)
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 29
Science:
Bring in a pair of old blue jeans (do not need to fit student)
By Friday, February 6
Continue to work on Science Project daily
Science Fair: March 3
Social Studies:
Work on Mythology Project daily
Due Tuesday, February 17
Vocabulary/Spelling Test: STUDY!
Wednesday, February 4
Vocal Warm-Ups:
Memorize the rest of the Oedipus piece
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 29
O.T.O.:
Do something nice for someone else (and don't get found out about it).
By Friday, January 30
Math:
Make quiz corrections *(on separate sheet of paper)
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 29
Science:
Bring in a pair of old blue jeans (do not need to fit student)
By Friday, February 6
Continue to work on Science Project daily
Science Fair: March 3
Social Studies:
Work on Mythology Project daily
Due Tuesday, February 17
No (Trojan) Horsing Around!
Today the students in Room 503 were given Part III - the final part - of their Greek Mythology Project directions. The project is fairly in-depth and requires a great deal of thought, creativity and roll-up-your-sleeves, get-down-to-it kind of work...in just two and a half weeks.
In case your student doesn't the show you the requirements for the project, I am posting them here for your reference:
REQUIREMENTS:
“Scrapbook”
In case your student doesn't the show you the requirements for the project, I am posting them here for your reference:
REQUIREMENTS:
“Scrapbook”
*(Details can be found on your student's hard copy of the requirements)
~ Cover Illustration
~ Dedication Page
~ Table of Contents
~ Genealogical tree page
~ One written mythological story, where your character has a “starring” role.
~ A write up of why this story may have been important to the ancient Greeks
~ Story illustration
~ A list of three to ten references to your character in later forms of literature.
~ A (at least) one-page write up about your thoughts/feelings regarding your character, his/her experiences, and Greek mythology in general. Also include what your experience was like researching and learning more about Greek mythology: what you like about the stories, the characters, etc.
~ Bibliography
~ Back Cover
~ All written work MUST be typed:
· 12 point font
· Times New Roman or Georgia font style
· Double-spaced
· Indented paragraphs
~ Pages in “scrapbook” must be numbered (this will make for a clear Table of Contents) at bottom of page (centered or in right corner).
~ You may “decorate” and get as creative with the “scrapbook” as you like, as long as you use the above structure to do it in.
Oral Story
Use the story you (re)wrote in your “scrapbook” as the base for your oral story. You will be required to tell the story, out loud to the class. You will be graded on clarity, vocal work, presentation skills (including how you use your body and your voice to “color” your words). *(Ms. Pitman will show you an example next week)
*EXTRA MILERS: See Ms. Pitman, individually, to discuss how you will go the Extra Mile on this project.
FINAL DUE DATE: (For both the Scrapbook & Oral Story) Tuesday, February 17
Parents: If you have any questions regarding the project, please email me.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
HOMEWORK, Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Language Arts:
Look up definitions of three new vocabulary words;
Write out the definitions (in your own words) in complete sentences.
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Math:
P. 31 (1 & 2)
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Vocal Warm-Ups:
Memorize Oedipus, up through "Healer of Delos, hear!"
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Science:
Begin/continue work on Science Project
*This will be an on-going, daily assignment
Due: March 3
Social Studies:
Read Ch. 4 Text Hand-Out, "Social Customs & Entertainment"
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Extra Milers:
Write 2-3 paragraphs about female roles in Ancient Greek society compared to women's roles in our society, today. In which society do you think women were better off? Why?
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Look up definitions of three new vocabulary words;
Write out the definitions (in your own words) in complete sentences.
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Math:
P. 31 (1 & 2)
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Vocal Warm-Ups:
Memorize Oedipus, up through "Healer of Delos, hear!"
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Science:
Begin/continue work on Science Project
*This will be an on-going, daily assignment
Due: March 3
Social Studies:
Read Ch. 4 Text Hand-Out, "Social Customs & Entertainment"
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Extra Milers:
Write 2-3 paragraphs about female roles in Ancient Greek society compared to women's roles in our society, today. In which society do you think women were better off? Why?
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28
Cathartic Chaos
...might be a good way to describe Room 503 at any given moment on any given day. However, I'm really just using it as the title of today's blog as it incorporates two of our newest vocabulary words (well, one of them is just a "bonus" word) and the use of alliteration, a literary element that the students are currently learning how to use in their writing.
As usual, the Sixth Graders are a busy brood (I'm employing some alliteration, myself, here). Science projects are now underway for our upcoming, first annual TPJA Science Fair (March 3); The students will begin the task of putting together their individual mythology projects starting tomorrow (due February 17), and lots of attention is being paid to writing work and our studies of Ancient Greece.
I'm excitedly exhausted just thinking about it all!
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
As usual, the Sixth Graders are a busy brood (I'm employing some alliteration, myself, here). Science projects are now underway for our upcoming, first annual TPJA Science Fair (March 3); The students will begin the task of putting together their individual mythology projects starting tomorrow (due February 17), and lots of attention is being paid to writing work and our studies of Ancient Greece.
I'm excitedly exhausted just thinking about it all!
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Monday, January 26, 2009
HOMEWORK, Monday, January 26, 2009
Language Arts:
Revise "Anything's Possible" stories
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Math:
Complete worksheet (began in class)
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Drama:
Skim/Review Oedipus story
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Science:
Skim/review "Cells" Text book, p. 4-20
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Social Studies:
Find two more images of your character (print out or photo copy)
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Warm-Ups:
Memorize Oedipus chorus up through "...divine."
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Revise "Anything's Possible" stories
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Math:
Complete worksheet (began in class)
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Drama:
Skim/Review Oedipus story
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Science:
Skim/review "Cells" Text book, p. 4-20
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Social Studies:
Find two more images of your character (print out or photo copy)
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Warm-Ups:
Memorize Oedipus chorus up through "...divine."
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27
Doric and Ionica and Corinthian - O, My!
If you'd like a suggestion for a conversation starter this evening, ask your student what the difference is between the three styles of columns we learned about in class today.
The students read about each style of column - how they are similar, how they are different and what the specific characteristics are of each. They looked at photographs of two famous structures: The Parthenon and The Lincoln Memorial. They then made observations of the monuments' similarities and what style columns were used in both (and explaining how they came to their conclusions).
Finally, the students all drew renderings of each column style, so that they could get a "feel" of each columns similarities and differences.
Later this week, the students will be constructing 3-D columns as well.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
The students read about each style of column - how they are similar, how they are different and what the specific characteristics are of each. They looked at photographs of two famous structures: The Parthenon and The Lincoln Memorial. They then made observations of the monuments' similarities and what style columns were used in both (and explaining how they came to their conclusions).
Finally, the students all drew renderings of each column style, so that they could get a "feel" of each columns similarities and differences.
Later this week, the students will be constructing 3-D columns as well.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Friday, January 23, 2009
HOMEWORK, Friday, January 23, 2009
NO HOMEWORK (unless you're making up work you haven't turned in) - it's an R & R Weekend.
Enjoy!!!
Enjoy!!!
Putting Our Best Foot Forward
...on paper.
Did you know that today is National Measure Your Feet Day? Yup - you read that correctly. It's amazing what kind of celebrations can become registered observances these days!
At any rate, I took it as an opportunity for creativity and - of course - reflection.
I jumped on the opportunity to use this "National Holiday" because it tied in well with the phrase we use in class "look down at your feet" (our reminder to stay present) as well as with our Extra Mile and Best Foot Forward Clubs. We've also talked about the incorporation of small steps as a way to move forward in our learning process.
I offered the students two specific quotes today:
It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward. – Chinese Proverb
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. - Lao-tzu, Chinese philosopher
And then we began our activity...
First, we each took off a shoe and a sock and measured our foot (length and width). Then we traced the outline of our foot on a folded piece of paper (so the paper opened like a card). Then we began decorating our feet (the ones on the paper, not the one attched to our ankles).
Next I asked the students to put down what they were doing and to take a few minutes to complete the following phrases:
JUST FOR TODAY:
I will put my best foot forward by…
I will put my best foot forward by…
I will put my best foot forward by…
I will put my best foot forward by…
I will put my best foot forward by…
JUST FOR TODAY.
I will put my best foot forward by…
I will put my best foot forward by…
I will put my best foot forward by…
I will put my best foot forward by…
I will put my best foot forward by…
JUST FOR TODAY.
The students glued their "best foot forward" phrases into the inside of their card, and so it was: All of the students put their best foot forward...and we had a good day!
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Thursday, January 22, 2009
HOMEWORK, Thursday, January 22, 2009
Language Arts:
Vocabulary: example sentences incorporating literary elements
(see hand-out)
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Revise/Edit "Anything's Possible" story:
Incorporate one (1) of each new literary element
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Math:
Finish 2.1 A-F, p. 18-19
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Science:
LAST CHANCE to turn in Sci. Fair Project Proposal
*Signed by parent
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Drama:
Read Ch. 4 & 5 "Greek Theatre"
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Extra Milers:
"Anything's Possible" story - MUST BE TYPED!
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Write at least one (1) paragraph comparing and contrasting
the three theatre festivals discussed in Ch. 4 "Greek Theatre"
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Looking for...
Kleenex Tissue
Sani-Wipes
Markers
Crayons
We are OUT! Any donations will be much appreciated!
Vocabulary: example sentences incorporating literary elements
(see hand-out)
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Revise/Edit "Anything's Possible" story:
Incorporate one (1) of each new literary element
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Math:
Finish 2.1 A-F, p. 18-19
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Science:
LAST CHANCE to turn in Sci. Fair Project Proposal
*Signed by parent
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Drama:
Read Ch. 4 & 5 "Greek Theatre"
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Extra Milers:
"Anything's Possible" story - MUST BE TYPED!
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Write at least one (1) paragraph comparing and contrasting
the three theatre festivals discussed in Ch. 4 "Greek Theatre"
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 23
Looking for...
Kleenex Tissue
Sani-Wipes
Markers
Crayons
We are OUT! Any donations will be much appreciated!
We Dot That Right!
This morning the students in Room 503 painted dots. Well, one dot - at first - to be specific. And, more specifically, a red dot.
Though it was just one dot of paint, and could be placed anywhere on the paper each student wanted to place it, the students' repsonses to this exercise were very interesting:
"It was kind of wierd. I thought if we did a red dot that we would turn it into something."
"It was just a red dot. There was no importance to it - like it wasn't supposed to exist."
"I thought that it was fun and it was cool to paint one little smidge of paint..."
"Calm, happy and curious thoughts came to me."
"I was thinking when I put the red dot on my paper that this was going to be one of Ms. Pitman's reflection activities, not painting for nothing."
"...I also thought: 'will mine be the most terrible in the class/will mine be worse than others?'"
"...It seemed peaceful."
"I thought why would we just do one dot when there is so much more paper? I wanted to move my brush to make it bigger, but I wouldn't have followed [Ms. Pitman's] directions."
On a second piece of paper, the students were asked to put down another dot. But this time they were asked to keep the brush on the paper and paint until the paint ran out (without taking their brush off of the paper).
The artist Paul Klee once said: "A line is a dot that went for a walk." And, as one of the students aptly thought: "...this was going to be one of Ms. Pitman's reflection activities, not painting for nothing." And reflect they did.
Many expressed their desire to get the dot "right" and wondered how their dot compared to the other students'. That's a lot of pressure caused by a measly little red dab of paint. Some of the students also didn't like being confined to one dot, or to not being able to lift up their brush.
When presented with a third piece of paper, the students were encouraged to paint however they liked: within the structure of using only lines and dots. What a myriad of line-dot pictures we had: each unique unto itself.
Dot's the truth!
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Though it was just one dot of paint, and could be placed anywhere on the paper each student wanted to place it, the students' repsonses to this exercise were very interesting:
"It was kind of wierd. I thought if we did a red dot that we would turn it into something."
"It was just a red dot. There was no importance to it - like it wasn't supposed to exist."
"I thought that it was fun and it was cool to paint one little smidge of paint..."
"Calm, happy and curious thoughts came to me."
"I was thinking when I put the red dot on my paper that this was going to be one of Ms. Pitman's reflection activities, not painting for nothing."
"...I also thought: 'will mine be the most terrible in the class/will mine be worse than others?'"
"...It seemed peaceful."
"I thought why would we just do one dot when there is so much more paper? I wanted to move my brush to make it bigger, but I wouldn't have followed [Ms. Pitman's] directions."
On a second piece of paper, the students were asked to put down another dot. But this time they were asked to keep the brush on the paper and paint until the paint ran out (without taking their brush off of the paper).
The artist Paul Klee once said: "A line is a dot that went for a walk." And, as one of the students aptly thought: "...this was going to be one of Ms. Pitman's reflection activities, not painting for nothing." And reflect they did.
Many expressed their desire to get the dot "right" and wondered how their dot compared to the other students'. That's a lot of pressure caused by a measly little red dab of paint. Some of the students also didn't like being confined to one dot, or to not being able to lift up their brush.
When presented with a third piece of paper, the students were encouraged to paint however they liked: within the structure of using only lines and dots. What a myriad of line-dot pictures we had: each unique unto itself.
Dot's the truth!
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
HOMEWORK, Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Language Arts:
Look up definitions for new vocabulary words
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 22
Math:
P. 11-13 (28-30; 37-40)
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 22
Science:
If you did not get your Science Project Proposal signed by a parent...
Get that done tonight and bring to school tomorrow:
NO EXCEPTIONS!
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 22
Extra Milers:
Five Extra Vocabulary Words: to look up and write down.
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 22
Special Thanks:
To Kathryn Kyle (Dane's mom) for coming in and leading a science activity yesterday: the students loved it!
Reminder:
This coming weekend is an R & R weekend: NO HOMEWORK!
Look up definitions for new vocabulary words
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 22
Math:
P. 11-13 (28-30; 37-40)
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 22
Science:
If you did not get your Science Project Proposal signed by a parent...
Get that done tonight and bring to school tomorrow:
NO EXCEPTIONS!
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 22
Extra Milers:
Five Extra Vocabulary Words: to look up and write down.
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 22
Special Thanks:
To Kathryn Kyle (Dane's mom) for coming in and leading a science activity yesterday: the students loved it!
Reminder:
This coming weekend is an R & R weekend: NO HOMEWORK!
The Possible Dreams
Last week's exploration of all things possible - hopes, dreams, Martin Luther King, Jr....creativity and completely out of the box thinking (our Possibili-TEA)...the P.F. Chang's Marathon and Half-Marathon this past weekend (for some of us)...and yesterday's inauguration of our country's first African-American president - has brought us to this week where anything's possible...
In our writing.
Yesterday, the Sixth Graders began writing creative stories based on the questions and pictures they began creating during our Possibili-TEA. Though the stories could be silly, whimsical, fantastical - or whatever style each student wanted to take - every story needed to follow the structure of a clear beginning, middle and end and had to include all the characteristics of a "good sandwich" (based on our "Aesop's Tables" menu).
Tomorrow the students are going to begin interspersing other writing elements (see Vocabulary homework tonight) such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, and imagery, thus, they will be building on their current stories.
My apologies for neglecting to post on Friday and Tuesday: I went home and promptly went to bed on Friday, as I wasn't feeling well. I first thought it was all those cookies and chocolates I ate at the TEA, but apparently, I was coming down with a cold, which also prevented me from posting yesterday.
I did manage to get to - and make it through - the Half-Marathon on Sunday, thanks to my walking buddy, Dana Desonie. And I want to send a big shout-out of a thank you and congratulations to all of our Sixth Grade parents who walked or ran the Half or Full Marathon as well - what an accomplishment! - and what a great way to raise money for TPA!!! Ya-hoo!
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
In our writing.
Yesterday, the Sixth Graders began writing creative stories based on the questions and pictures they began creating during our Possibili-TEA. Though the stories could be silly, whimsical, fantastical - or whatever style each student wanted to take - every story needed to follow the structure of a clear beginning, middle and end and had to include all the characteristics of a "good sandwich" (based on our "Aesop's Tables" menu).
Tomorrow the students are going to begin interspersing other writing elements (see Vocabulary homework tonight) such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, and imagery, thus, they will be building on their current stories.
My apologies for neglecting to post on Friday and Tuesday: I went home and promptly went to bed on Friday, as I wasn't feeling well. I first thought it was all those cookies and chocolates I ate at the TEA, but apparently, I was coming down with a cold, which also prevented me from posting yesterday.
I did manage to get to - and make it through - the Half-Marathon on Sunday, thanks to my walking buddy, Dana Desonie. And I want to send a big shout-out of a thank you and congratulations to all of our Sixth Grade parents who walked or ran the Half or Full Marathon as well - what an accomplishment! - and what a great way to raise money for TPA!!! Ya-hoo!
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Thursday, January 15, 2009
HOMEWORK, Thursday, January 15, 2009
Language Arts:
Complete any outstanding homework or assignments you were asked to re-do
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Math:
20 minutes of free choice work
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Drama:
Read Ch. 3 Hand-out: Dionysus
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Social Studies:
Complete any outstanding homework or assignments you were asked to re-do
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Extra Milers:
"Harmony" assignment
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Misc:
*Read over Possibili-TEA reminder note!
Bring in everything you are supposed to bring in tomorrow
and remember to make up creative name and signage for food/beverage
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
*Bring in a pair of tennis/athletic shoes tomorrow (Friday).
(Keep them in your locker until I tell you to get them).
Complete any outstanding homework or assignments you were asked to re-do
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Math:
20 minutes of free choice work
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Drama:
Read Ch. 3 Hand-out: Dionysus
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Social Studies:
Complete any outstanding homework or assignments you were asked to re-do
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Extra Milers:
"Harmony" assignment
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
Misc:
*Read over Possibili-TEA reminder note!
Bring in everything you are supposed to bring in tomorrow
and remember to make up creative name and signage for food/beverage
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 16
*Bring in a pair of tennis/athletic shoes tomorrow (Friday).
(Keep them in your locker until I tell you to get them).
Some Inspiration from Martin Luther King, Jr.
The following are three examples of the speeches poems and essays that were written this past week, by the students in Room 503, using some of the repetitive phrases from Dr. King's I Have a Dream speech:
Now is the time to change the world. Now is the time to right the wrongs. Now is the time to fix the economy. Now is the time to make tomorrow better.
I have a dream for better educations and jobs. I have a dream that the poor will get food and money. I have a dream for global health care.
We refuse to believe that peace is impossibe. We refuse to believe crimes can't be stopped. We refuse to believe global warming is unstoppable. We refuse to believe wrongs can't be righted.
- Anonymous
Now is the time to raise money
For the poor of the world.
We cannot be satisfied when we see people cry for food.
I have a dream today.
Now is the time to stop wars and
Send soldiers home.
We cannot be satisfied when children
Are dying in places all over the world.
I have a dream today.
Now is the time to donate to hospitals
Where people need our help.
We cannot be satisfied when sick people
Die alone.
I have a dream today.
- Meghan Menendez
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous "I have a dream" speech. Now 45 years later, the African-American is free at last. Now, 45 years later, an African-American ran for president of the United States of America and won the election. This shows that African-Americans and other minorities are free at last. We are all free at last to be our best. Let freedom ring!
Now is the time for all Americans to realize that they can be free from segregation. Now is the time for all Americans to realize they are free from the affects of slavery. Yet, not all people are free from poverty. Yet, now is the time when we can work to free all people from poverty. Let freedom ring!
Let freedom ring from every church bell. Let freedom ring from every school bell. Let freedom ring over the country. Let freedom ring for every child to be able to live a great life in the future. Let freedom ring so everyone can change the world to make it right.
- Alana Hughes
Let freedom ring,
Ms. Pitman
Now is the time to change the world. Now is the time to right the wrongs. Now is the time to fix the economy. Now is the time to make tomorrow better.
I have a dream for better educations and jobs. I have a dream that the poor will get food and money. I have a dream for global health care.
We refuse to believe that peace is impossibe. We refuse to believe crimes can't be stopped. We refuse to believe global warming is unstoppable. We refuse to believe wrongs can't be righted.
- Anonymous
Now is the time to raise money
For the poor of the world.
We cannot be satisfied when we see people cry for food.
I have a dream today.
Now is the time to stop wars and
Send soldiers home.
We cannot be satisfied when children
Are dying in places all over the world.
I have a dream today.
Now is the time to donate to hospitals
Where people need our help.
We cannot be satisfied when sick people
Die alone.
I have a dream today.
- Meghan Menendez
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous "I have a dream" speech. Now 45 years later, the African-American is free at last. Now, 45 years later, an African-American ran for president of the United States of America and won the election. This shows that African-Americans and other minorities are free at last. We are all free at last to be our best. Let freedom ring!
Now is the time for all Americans to realize that they can be free from segregation. Now is the time for all Americans to realize they are free from the affects of slavery. Yet, not all people are free from poverty. Yet, now is the time when we can work to free all people from poverty. Let freedom ring!
Let freedom ring from every church bell. Let freedom ring from every school bell. Let freedom ring over the country. Let freedom ring for every child to be able to live a great life in the future. Let freedom ring so everyone can change the world to make it right.
- Alana Hughes
Let freedom ring,
Ms. Pitman
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
HOMEWORK, Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Language Arts:
-Complete "sandwich" if you did not finish it in class.
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
-Using your five (5) vocabulary words, write five sentences on the back of the definitions hand-out.
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
-Read the Prometheus story (hand-out)
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
Math:
-P. 10 (1-15; 20-25)
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
Social Studies:
*If you haven't completed Part II of your mythology research, please do so!
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
Science:
Finish reading the Science Fair packet.
Bring in 2-3 questions that could be posed for an experiment.
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
Misc:
*If you haven't already, fill out your R.S.V.P. form for the Possibili-TEA (make sure you discuss with your parents what treat you are bringing in on Friday).
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
-Complete "sandwich" if you did not finish it in class.
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
-Using your five (5) vocabulary words, write five sentences on the back of the definitions hand-out.
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
-Read the Prometheus story (hand-out)
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
Math:
-P. 10 (1-15; 20-25)
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
Social Studies:
*If you haven't completed Part II of your mythology research, please do so!
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
Science:
Finish reading the Science Fair packet.
Bring in 2-3 questions that could be posed for an experiment.
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
Misc:
*If you haven't already, fill out your R.S.V.P. form for the Possibili-TEA (make sure you discuss with your parents what treat you are bringing in on Friday).
Due: Tomorrow, January 15
Aesop's Tables
A brand new restaurant opened up this morning in Room 503, with a menu offering sandwich fare.
Sandwich fare.
Yes, you got that right...
I mean, you got that write...or, what I really should say is: the Sixth Graders got that write.
The restaurant, the menu and the sandwich fare were really just a mixture of word play, metaphors and similes to help the students better understand the structure of writing stories, essays and research papers.
The students had the opportunity to create parts of a sandwich out of construction paper, adapt one of Aesop's fables, and then clearly connect which parts of their newly-created story went with which "sandwich fixing" (i.e. the top piece of bread represented the introduction, the tomato represented "juicy" descriptions).
Those who didn't finish making their sandwich in class will be completing it at home tonight for homework.
Bon appetit!
Ms. Pitman
Sandwich fare.
Yes, you got that right...
I mean, you got that write...or, what I really should say is: the Sixth Graders got that write.
The restaurant, the menu and the sandwich fare were really just a mixture of word play, metaphors and similes to help the students better understand the structure of writing stories, essays and research papers.
The students had the opportunity to create parts of a sandwich out of construction paper, adapt one of Aesop's fables, and then clearly connect which parts of their newly-created story went with which "sandwich fixing" (i.e. the top piece of bread represented the introduction, the tomato represented "juicy" descriptions).
Those who didn't finish making their sandwich in class will be completing it at home tonight for homework.
Bon appetit!
Ms. Pitman
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
HOMEWORK, Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Language Arts:
Read the two new Aesop's fables handed out today in class.
Go over ALL FIVE (5) fables and mark:
~The Topic (beginning)
~ Details (and see where you could add richer, jucier and more colorful descriptors)
~ The Conclusion
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14
Math:
15 Minutes of Free Choice
Social Studies:
Complete Part II of Mythology Character Research
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14
Read "Country v. City" hand-out
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14
Science:
Read through Science Fair packet
Brainstorm some questions and bring them into share
Due: Thursday, January 15
Science Fair Proposal
Due: Wednesday, January 21
Misc.:
Possibili-TEA R.S.V.P.
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14
Read the two new Aesop's fables handed out today in class.
Go over ALL FIVE (5) fables and mark:
~The Topic (beginning)
~ Details (and see where you could add richer, jucier and more colorful descriptors)
~ The Conclusion
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14
Math:
15 Minutes of Free Choice
Social Studies:
Complete Part II of Mythology Character Research
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14
Read "Country v. City" hand-out
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14
Science:
Read through Science Fair packet
Brainstorm some questions and bring them into share
Due: Thursday, January 15
Science Fair Proposal
Due: Wednesday, January 21
Misc.:
Possibili-TEA R.S.V.P.
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14
I'm Late, I'm Late for a Very Important Date...
No time to say "hello"/"goodbye" - just time to post homework! Have an appointment in Scottsdale. Will post later.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Monday, January 12, 2009
HOMEWORK, Monday, January 12, 2009
Language Arts:
MLK/Thoughts on Hope:
Using three (3) of the retition phrases from MLK's I Have a Dream speech, combine them with the "Thoughts on Hope" you wrote down. Use each phrase at least three times to write a poem, speech or essay expressing your thoughts and feelings about our world and your hope for its future.
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Look up 5 Vocab Words and write down the definitions in YOUR OWN WORDS and in COMPLETE SENTENCES (clear?!)
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Read the three (3) Aesop’s Fables given to you today
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Math:
If you haven't already, complete your quiz tonight and go over it.
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Drama:
Read excerpt from GREEK THEATRE answer ques. on back of hand-out.
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Social Studies:
Part II Mythology Research
Due: Wednesday, January 14
*Extra Milers/BFFs (if you so choose):
Research the contemporary businesses: Midas & FTD and what they do. Write down what character from Greek mythology is used in the name or logo of the business and infer why the company chose to use this character in their product marketing.
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
MLK/Thoughts on Hope:
Using three (3) of the retition phrases from MLK's I Have a Dream speech, combine them with the "Thoughts on Hope" you wrote down. Use each phrase at least three times to write a poem, speech or essay expressing your thoughts and feelings about our world and your hope for its future.
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Look up 5 Vocab Words and write down the definitions in YOUR OWN WORDS and in COMPLETE SENTENCES (clear?!)
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Read the three (3) Aesop’s Fables given to you today
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Math:
If you haven't already, complete your quiz tonight and go over it.
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Drama:
Read excerpt from GREEK THEATRE answer ques. on back of hand-out.
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
Social Studies:
Part II Mythology Research
Due: Wednesday, January 14
*Extra Milers/BFFs (if you so choose):
Research the contemporary businesses: Midas & FTD and what they do. Write down what character from Greek mythology is used in the name or logo of the business and infer why the company chose to use this character in their product marketing.
Due: Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13
It's (Almost) All Greek to Me (and the Students in Room 503)
If you notice the homework in the up and coming days, you may observe that a great deal of it revolves around Ancient Greece - in Drama, Language Arts, Social Studies and Science...there's a whole lotta Greek information going on!
Ancient Greece - one of the most influential cultures of Western Civilization (and part of TPA/TPJA's philosophical foundation) - is a wonderful area of study when it comes to interdisciplinary learning. Connections between literature, history, theatre, mathematics and science can be made seamlessly and the connections between the past and the present unravel with ease.
In addition to Ancient Greece the students are continuing to work on other things, including a piece of personal writing directly connected to Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech. We've upped the ante on Independent Reading Projects and the three presentations we saw/heard today are paving the way.
The class party yesterday was a terrific success. Kudos to all the parents who put the party together, many thanks to the Walterscheids for providing their home and to all the families who attended.
On a personal note, thank you to Dana Desonie and all the parents who pitched in to support my walking (possibly limping) in next week's PF Chang's Half-Marathon fund-raiser for TPA. I know many of you are walking the walk/running the run as well. Your support of me and of TPA means a lot!
OPA! (It's all Greek to me!),
Ms. Pitman
Ancient Greece - one of the most influential cultures of Western Civilization (and part of TPA/TPJA's philosophical foundation) - is a wonderful area of study when it comes to interdisciplinary learning. Connections between literature, history, theatre, mathematics and science can be made seamlessly and the connections between the past and the present unravel with ease.
In addition to Ancient Greece the students are continuing to work on other things, including a piece of personal writing directly connected to Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech. We've upped the ante on Independent Reading Projects and the three presentations we saw/heard today are paving the way.
The class party yesterday was a terrific success. Kudos to all the parents who put the party together, many thanks to the Walterscheids for providing their home and to all the families who attended.
On a personal note, thank you to Dana Desonie and all the parents who pitched in to support my walking (possibly limping) in next week's PF Chang's Half-Marathon fund-raiser for TPA. I know many of you are walking the walk/running the run as well. Your support of me and of TPA means a lot!
OPA! (It's all Greek to me!),
Ms. Pitman
Friday, January 9, 2009
HOMEWORK, Friday, January 9, 2009
Language Arts:
Read Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Highlight or underline the repetition in the speech (each time he repeats a phrase, i.e. "I have a dream.").
Due: Monday, January 12
Social Studies:
Read Ch. 8/Section 3, History Text, p. 242-249
Answer the assessment questions 1-3, p. 249
*(EXTRA MILERS: also answer ques. 4)
Due: Monday, January 12
Begin Part I of researching Ancient Greece mythological character:
Research at least three (3) websites (NOT Wikipedia) and find
at least one (1) image.
Type up (or write down neatly) the websites you found, and print out your image (if you use more than one page, please make sure to staple the pages together before turning in your information.
Due: Monday, January 12
Math:
ACE 4 (21, 24, 25, 32)
Due: Monday, January 12
Vocal Warm-Ups:
Go over Ozymadias - completely memorize!
Due: Monday, January 12
Read Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Highlight or underline the repetition in the speech (each time he repeats a phrase, i.e. "I have a dream.").
Due: Monday, January 12
Social Studies:
Read Ch. 8/Section 3, History Text, p. 242-249
Answer the assessment questions 1-3, p. 249
*(EXTRA MILERS: also answer ques. 4)
Due: Monday, January 12
Begin Part I of researching Ancient Greece mythological character:
Research at least three (3) websites (NOT Wikipedia) and find
at least one (1) image.
Type up (or write down neatly) the websites you found, and print out your image (if you use more than one page, please make sure to staple the pages together before turning in your information.
Due: Monday, January 12
Math:
ACE 4 (21, 24, 25, 32)
Due: Monday, January 12
Vocal Warm-Ups:
Go over Ozymadias - completely memorize!
Due: Monday, January 12
Not Just a Day Off
A week from Monday TPA, like all other schools in the United States, will be closed. All of us students, teachers and administrators will have the opportunity to enjoy a three-day weekend.
But why?
Since 1986, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday has been observed as a national holiday on the third Monday in January (signed into law in 1983). A Baptist minister and a revered leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. King was assasinated on April 4, 1968. He was thirty-nine years old.
Most of us have a tendency to think little about why we have a day off on that the third Monday in January every year - we're just grateful to have one. But our gratitude should really be paid to the man who had a dream, and whose dream was kept alive even after his death.
This morning the students in Room 503 had the opportunity to watch and hear Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech along with one of the Eighth Grade sections. This weekend they are reading the speech.
Hopefully this month, when we have the third Monday off from school, one or two, or maybe twenty Sixth Grade students will take a moment to appreciate where we have come from as a country and how we still have quite a ways to go. And maybe they'll take a moment to think about Martin Luther King, Jr., and his dream, and how each of us is responsible for keeping that dream alive.
I have a hope...
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
But why?
Since 1986, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday has been observed as a national holiday on the third Monday in January (signed into law in 1983). A Baptist minister and a revered leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. King was assasinated on April 4, 1968. He was thirty-nine years old.
Most of us have a tendency to think little about why we have a day off on that the third Monday in January every year - we're just grateful to have one. But our gratitude should really be paid to the man who had a dream, and whose dream was kept alive even after his death.
This morning the students in Room 503 had the opportunity to watch and hear Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech along with one of the Eighth Grade sections. This weekend they are reading the speech.
Hopefully this month, when we have the third Monday off from school, one or two, or maybe twenty Sixth Grade students will take a moment to appreciate where we have come from as a country and how we still have quite a ways to go. And maybe they'll take a moment to think about Martin Luther King, Jr., and his dream, and how each of us is responsible for keeping that dream alive.
I have a hope...
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Thursday, January 8, 2009
HOMEWORK, Thursday, January 8, 2009
Language Arts:
Read "Hermes & Apollo", Ch. 2
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
*If you received a letter grade of 'C' or below on today's spelling test, have your parent sign your test and return it to Ms. Pitman tomorrow, Friday, January 9.
Warm-Ups:
Memorize the rest of Ozymandias
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
Math:
Problem 4.4 (A & D), p.60
Worksheet, p.30 #13 (Crossword)
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
Science:
Read hand-out "Science & Medicine"
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
Extra Mile Club:
Have parents sign application form
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
Read "Hermes & Apollo", Ch. 2
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
*If you received a letter grade of 'C' or below on today's spelling test, have your parent sign your test and return it to Ms. Pitman tomorrow, Friday, January 9.
Warm-Ups:
Memorize the rest of Ozymandias
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
Math:
Problem 4.4 (A & D), p.60
Worksheet, p.30 #13 (Crossword)
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
Science:
Read hand-out "Science & Medicine"
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
Extra Mile Club:
Have parents sign application form
Due: Tomorrow, Friday, January 9
Spell Check
This morning the students of Room 503 took a spelling test of a (almost completely) different variety. Though there were five words (commonly misspelled words from our Social Studies work last semester) that might [more] typically be found on a spelling test, the other twenty were all names. As a matter of fact, they were the names of the twenty students who occupy Room 503.
Why are these names so important that they should appear on a spelling test you may ask (as several of the Sixth Grade students did this week)?! Well, for one thing: I don't think too many people enjoy seeing their name misspelled (I, for one, certainly don't. Often, I find my last name spelled with two "t's" when the correct spelling is "Pitman" - with just one. It irks me. It feels like the person writing it doesn't care enough about me and my name).
Last semester during our final Drama presentations, each student in the class had the opportunity to play the role of critic. They had to fill out a critique form every time a student went up to present and they needed to write each student's name on the top of the form. I saw all kinds of creative and interpretive spellings - but, alas, they were far from correct. It was then I decided that making sure everyone knew how to spell everyone else's name should be important. After all, these students are spending the school year together, and they may, very well, be spending six more. It would be beneficial (as well as thoughtful and courteous) to know how to spell their fellow classmates' names.
Several people received 'A+' grades - spelling every student's name correctly. Mostly the scores hovered in the 'A/B' range. It was obvious from a couple of the tests that some students simply didn't take the time to study. My hope is that they will take note of this morning's test and hop-to. I was very specific about how important it is to put your best foot forward regardless if the assignment (or in this case, test) seems "important" or not.
The same with homework. Sometimes I simply check homework to make sure it is complete. Other times, I grade homework assignments with a letter grade. I do not tell students ahead of time if homework will be graded or not. I do this simply because I believe each and every assignment should be given time, care and attention because it's an opportunity to learn, not because it's an opportunity to get a grade.
Big kudos to those students who have already chosen to go the Extra Mile and took it upon themselves to do some extra homework last night, researching Thales and static electricity.
The Extra Mile and Best Foot Forward Clubs begin next week. Students who made the decision to join the Extra Mile Club this month are bringing home forms for parent signatures this evening. I'm looking forward to watching our students go the distance.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Why are these names so important that they should appear on a spelling test you may ask (as several of the Sixth Grade students did this week)?! Well, for one thing: I don't think too many people enjoy seeing their name misspelled (I, for one, certainly don't. Often, I find my last name spelled with two "t's" when the correct spelling is "Pitman" - with just one. It irks me. It feels like the person writing it doesn't care enough about me and my name).
Last semester during our final Drama presentations, each student in the class had the opportunity to play the role of critic. They had to fill out a critique form every time a student went up to present and they needed to write each student's name on the top of the form. I saw all kinds of creative and interpretive spellings - but, alas, they were far from correct. It was then I decided that making sure everyone knew how to spell everyone else's name should be important. After all, these students are spending the school year together, and they may, very well, be spending six more. It would be beneficial (as well as thoughtful and courteous) to know how to spell their fellow classmates' names.
Several people received 'A+' grades - spelling every student's name correctly. Mostly the scores hovered in the 'A/B' range. It was obvious from a couple of the tests that some students simply didn't take the time to study. My hope is that they will take note of this morning's test and hop-to. I was very specific about how important it is to put your best foot forward regardless if the assignment (or in this case, test) seems "important" or not.
The same with homework. Sometimes I simply check homework to make sure it is complete. Other times, I grade homework assignments with a letter grade. I do not tell students ahead of time if homework will be graded or not. I do this simply because I believe each and every assignment should be given time, care and attention because it's an opportunity to learn, not because it's an opportunity to get a grade.
Big kudos to those students who have already chosen to go the Extra Mile and took it upon themselves to do some extra homework last night, researching Thales and static electricity.
The Extra Mile and Best Foot Forward Clubs begin next week. Students who made the decision to join the Extra Mile Club this month are bringing home forms for parent signatures this evening. I'm looking forward to watching our students go the distance.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
HOMEWORK, Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Language Arts:
Study for Spelling Test
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
Warm-Ups:
Memorize Ozymandias up through "...Nothing beside remains."
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
Math:
Worksheet, p. 63 (16, 17, 20)
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
Social Studies:
Research Socrates. Find out as much information as you can. Then write up (or type up) a paragraph IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
Also, look up the "Socratic Method." Write (or type) up what it is IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
Both due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
Pre-Extra Mile Science Assignment:
*Research the cause of attraction between a balloon (rubbed on a sweater) and Rice Krispies...in other words: look up static electricity - what it is and what it does.
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
Study for Spelling Test
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
Warm-Ups:
Memorize Ozymandias up through "...Nothing beside remains."
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
Math:
Worksheet, p. 63 (16, 17, 20)
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
Social Studies:
Research Socrates. Find out as much information as you can. Then write up (or type up) a paragraph IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
Also, look up the "Socratic Method." Write (or type) up what it is IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
Both due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
Pre-Extra Mile Science Assignment:
*Research the cause of attraction between a balloon (rubbed on a sweater) and Rice Krispies...in other words: look up static electricity - what it is and what it does.
Due: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 8
One Step at a Time
The Extra Mile & Putting Your Best Foot Forward Clubs
*Extra Miler’s must have had marks of “B’s” or higher in all subjects last semester.
*EVERYONE can BFF (put their best foot forward)!
The Extra Mile Club is for those who want to step up to the plate and challenge themselves over and above the given classroom assignments. Striving for their own personal bests, Extra Milers will be given additional requirements on three assignments per week (more if they want to up the ante), additional test questions (per request), and five extra vocabulary words per month (bank). Additionally, extra components of choice can be added to project assignments.
For each Extra Mile assignment, students will be given an Extra Mile Ticket. For each Extra Mile test, project or monthly vocabulary bank the student completes, he/she will receive an Elite Miler ticket. When a student accrues 9 Extra Mile assignment tickets and three Elite Miler tickets, he/ she will receive a “Went the Distance” certificate and will be treated to a special lunch with all the other “Went the Distance” awardees.
~In order to become an Extra Miler, you must fill out a form and have it approved by Ms. Pitman~
BFF’s (Best Foot Forwarders) can also go the distance, by designating specific assignments they want to go the Extra Mile on (these assignments are pre-designated Extra Mile assignments). If they meet the Extra Mile requirement upon completion of the designated assignment, they will receive a TOE-KNEE Award. Eight TOE-KNEES will render a special treat and a TOE-KNEE certificate. If eight TOE-KNEES are collected by the 3rd Quarter reports, and the student has received grades of “B” or higher in all subjects, he/she may choose to become an Extra Miler.
~In order to be eligible to put your Best Foot Forward, you must fill out a request form at the beginning of the week; You may not exceed more than two (2) Extra Mile assignments per week)~
The Clubs begin next week, January 12. For those who want to participate in the Extra Mile Club, application forms must be filled out by Thursday afternoon (January 8).
Membership has its privileges.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
*Extra Miler’s must have had marks of “B’s” or higher in all subjects last semester.
*EVERYONE can BFF (put their best foot forward)!
The Extra Mile Club is for those who want to step up to the plate and challenge themselves over and above the given classroom assignments. Striving for their own personal bests, Extra Milers will be given additional requirements on three assignments per week (more if they want to up the ante), additional test questions (per request), and five extra vocabulary words per month (bank). Additionally, extra components of choice can be added to project assignments.
For each Extra Mile assignment, students will be given an Extra Mile Ticket. For each Extra Mile test, project or monthly vocabulary bank the student completes, he/she will receive an Elite Miler ticket. When a student accrues 9 Extra Mile assignment tickets and three Elite Miler tickets, he/ she will receive a “Went the Distance” certificate and will be treated to a special lunch with all the other “Went the Distance” awardees.
~In order to become an Extra Miler, you must fill out a form and have it approved by Ms. Pitman~
BFF’s (Best Foot Forwarders) can also go the distance, by designating specific assignments they want to go the Extra Mile on (these assignments are pre-designated Extra Mile assignments). If they meet the Extra Mile requirement upon completion of the designated assignment, they will receive a TOE-KNEE Award. Eight TOE-KNEES will render a special treat and a TOE-KNEE certificate. If eight TOE-KNEES are collected by the 3rd Quarter reports, and the student has received grades of “B” or higher in all subjects, he/she may choose to become an Extra Miler.
~In order to be eligible to put your Best Foot Forward, you must fill out a request form at the beginning of the week; You may not exceed more than two (2) Extra Mile assignments per week)~
The Clubs begin next week, January 12. For those who want to participate in the Extra Mile Club, application forms must be filled out by Thursday afternoon (January 8).
Membership has its privileges.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
HOMEWORK, Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Language Arts:
Vocabulary: Write five complete sentences using each of the five new vocabulary words.
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
Study for Spelling Test, Thursday
Vocal Warm Ups:
Memorize Ozymandias, up through "...King of kings."
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
Math:
1. Worksheet
2. ACE Ch. 4, 2-4, 26-31
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
Social Studies:
Read Text Book, p. 236-241; Answer Assessment Ques. 1-3, p. 241
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
Science:
Bring in Five (5) pennies
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
***If you didn't bring in a composition book for a new journal today, bring one in tomorrow.
Misc:
Give food sign up sheet to parent, return with $ to school no later than Thursday, January 8.
Vocabulary: Write five complete sentences using each of the five new vocabulary words.
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
Study for Spelling Test, Thursday
Vocal Warm Ups:
Memorize Ozymandias, up through "...King of kings."
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
Math:
1. Worksheet
2. ACE Ch. 4, 2-4, 26-31
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
Social Studies:
Read Text Book, p. 236-241; Answer Assessment Ques. 1-3, p. 241
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
Science:
Bring in Five (5) pennies
Due: Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7
***If you didn't bring in a composition book for a new journal today, bring one in tomorrow.
Misc:
Give food sign up sheet to parent, return with $ to school no later than Thursday, January 8.
Facing January
January - named for Janus (Ianuarius), god of the doorway, has its roots in Roman mythology. Coming from the latin word for door (ianua), January is the door to the year.
Janus is depicted with two faces: one looking into the past, one looking into the future. And this image was the basis for our first art project this year: Two Faces/Two Perspectives - a project done individually and in pairs.
Each student was given a sheet of paper and asked to fold it in half width-wise. Next they were asked to draw, in pencil, a profile of a face, beginning from the fold. The face was to depict their idea of Janus looking towards the past.
Next, the students were asked to exchange their paper with the person they were sitting next to. Each student then had the opportunity to draw Janus' profile, looking towards the future - but on the flip side of their neighbor's paper.
Back and forth the papers went, with detail added each time with different colored utensils, until finally, there was a completed picture - of the two-faced Janus (in various forms and details).
The project was not only an exercise in creativity and a connection to history/mythology, but one of flexibility and O.T.O. Upon completing the project some students expressed how much more effort they put into their work because they knew they had to step up to the plate for the person they were working with.
Yesterday's post promised information about our Extra Mile/Putting Your Best Foot Forward Clubs (beginning next week). I will post this tomorrow as I ran out of time to give the students the information on it today.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Janus is depicted with two faces: one looking into the past, one looking into the future. And this image was the basis for our first art project this year: Two Faces/Two Perspectives - a project done individually and in pairs.
Each student was given a sheet of paper and asked to fold it in half width-wise. Next they were asked to draw, in pencil, a profile of a face, beginning from the fold. The face was to depict their idea of Janus looking towards the past.
Next, the students were asked to exchange their paper with the person they were sitting next to. Each student then had the opportunity to draw Janus' profile, looking towards the future - but on the flip side of their neighbor's paper.
Back and forth the papers went, with detail added each time with different colored utensils, until finally, there was a completed picture - of the two-faced Janus (in various forms and details).
The project was not only an exercise in creativity and a connection to history/mythology, but one of flexibility and O.T.O. Upon completing the project some students expressed how much more effort they put into their work because they knew they had to step up to the plate for the person they were working with.
Yesterday's post promised information about our Extra Mile/Putting Your Best Foot Forward Clubs (beginning next week). I will post this tomorrow as I ran out of time to give the students the information on it today.
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
Monday, January 5, 2009
HOMEWORK, Monday, January 5, 2009
Vocal Warm-Ups:
Memorize Ozymadias up to "...and the heart that fed."
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Language Arts:
Study for spelling test Thursday, January 8
Bring in NEW composition book (for spring journal)
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Math:
Go over folder w/parents and get signature
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Get binder, pencil and red pen ready
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Social Studies:
Look up vocabulary words/Reflect on "noble actions" - hand-out
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Memorize Ozymadias up to "...and the heart that fed."
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Language Arts:
Study for spelling test Thursday, January 8
Bring in NEW composition book (for spring journal)
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Math:
Go over folder w/parents and get signature
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Get binder, pencil and red pen ready
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Social Studies:
Look up vocabulary words/Reflect on "noble actions" - hand-out
By tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6
Kiss & Toast
Today was a day of "goodbyes" and "hellos." It was a day of wrap-ups and possibilities...
This morning we kissed the fall semester goodbye (with Hershey's Kisses and gift wrapping up our fall journals), and this afternoon we made a toast to change for the spring semester (complete with plastic champagne glasses and Martinelli's sparkling cider).
We began moving forward in our exploration of Ancient Greece and also worked on winding up our Thera action/disaster movie posters.
We went over the changes taking place in our class:
1) Homework assignments must be written down every class period instead of waiting until the end of the day (usually they are kept up on the board all day, now they are erased after each subject).
2) Every day an assignment is late, five (5) points will be deducted from the assignment; Late assignments will not be accepted after five (5) days.
3) Independent Reading Projects will now be given letter grades and have much more stringent requirements (please ask your student to show you their guidelines sheet if you would like to see what the requirements entail).
4) Finally it's Friday grouping will be changed and Finally it's Fridays will take place once a month.
5) We will be beginning "The Extra Mile" Club next week (more info. will be on tomorrow's blog post)
And we talked (well - I sort of lectured and the student's listened) about getting quieter quicker and giving all of our focus to our classwork while in class - more so than last semester.
I think we are off to a really good start.
Happy 2009!
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
This morning we kissed the fall semester goodbye (with Hershey's Kisses and gift wrapping up our fall journals), and this afternoon we made a toast to change for the spring semester (complete with plastic champagne glasses and Martinelli's sparkling cider).
We began moving forward in our exploration of Ancient Greece and also worked on winding up our Thera action/disaster movie posters.
We went over the changes taking place in our class:
1) Homework assignments must be written down every class period instead of waiting until the end of the day (usually they are kept up on the board all day, now they are erased after each subject).
2) Every day an assignment is late, five (5) points will be deducted from the assignment; Late assignments will not be accepted after five (5) days.
3) Independent Reading Projects will now be given letter grades and have much more stringent requirements (please ask your student to show you their guidelines sheet if you would like to see what the requirements entail).
4) Finally it's Friday grouping will be changed and Finally it's Fridays will take place once a month.
5) We will be beginning "The Extra Mile" Club next week (more info. will be on tomorrow's blog post)
And we talked (well - I sort of lectured and the student's listened) about getting quieter quicker and giving all of our focus to our classwork while in class - more so than last semester.
I think we are off to a really good start.
Happy 2009!
Cheers,
Ms. Pitman
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