Miss Kitterman blog

2010-06-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

June 14-16, 2010

Monday: In the morning, we will have Mrs. Wellings continue to present Japan and origami cranes. We will continue any remaining country board presentations. Any boards remaining in the room after today will be taken to the trash bin. In science we will continue to present their "discovered planet". Yearbooks out and locker clean out at 1:15 PM. Lockers will be washed down, all stickers removed, and padlocks collected. They will no longer be able to use their lockers after today.

Tuesday: In the classrooms for the first two hours. Then field day, BBQ lunch outside, and an assembly for awards 12:30 to 1:30 (approximately) and then finish field day. If it rains, I have no idea what will happen!

Wednesday: Go to first period for about 20 minutes, then to block classes for parties and final cleanup, and to last period class for about 20 minutes. Leave at 11:40. HAVE AN AWESOME SUMMER EVERYONE!

2010-06-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

Week of June 7-11, 2010

Block: Silent reading, reading logs #8-11 for reading. For language: Packets on pronouns (quiz), adjective packet, and quiz on adjectives and adverbs. Begin presenting geography reports and boards on Wednesday. After they have been presented, they may take boards home.

Science: Videos on the planets of the solar system other than earth, with note-taking. Toward the end of the week they will be working on a partner project to "discover" a new planet. They will need to name it, describe the atmosphere, it's location in the solar system, describe the size and gravity. They will plan to colonize it, and will need to describe what will be needed for survival.
We will be also be doing one more packet on the Outer Planets, to be included in their "solar system" folders. These folders will be collected and graded on Friday. The other science notebooks have been graded and sent home.

History: Some parents will be coming in this week to discuss countries they have visited or lived in. On other days, we will continue with the country report presentations and watch two short videos on China.

Cartooning: Each cartoon strip that narration is typed and glued onto the pictures will receive up to 50 points. We will be working in the computer labs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. On the other days we will watch a video on collage.

2010-06-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Week of 6/1-6/4

BIG DEADLINES FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS:
1. All country reports are due no later than the end of the day, Wednesday, June 2. If they are turned in later than that, no boards will be issued, and the reports will not be given credit unless special extenuating circumstances are ok per teacher.

2. All boards of my block students are due by the end of the day on Thursday - you may take them home on Thursday if necessary, BUT they must be in my classroom completed by Friday at 8:20. If you are absent - it is too late to turn them in on Monday!!!!!

3. We made graphs in class today for those who didn't already have them completed - during both science classes, for their country report boards. Those who were done worked on other assignments or did extra credit science packets.

4. All science notebooks are due by this Friday. All items need to be completed and the Table of Contents up to date. We will do any assignments on the solar system in separate packets to be kept in a separate folder. They will be graded separately from the science notebooks. If the science notebooks were missing and then found, they still need to be updated. Any assignments completed while notebooks were lost are to be stapled or taped into their notebooks. Any missing assignments need to be copied from another science notebook. Notebooks are worth 100 points of their science grade.

5. The cut off for all missing work, correcting of tests, and raising low scores is next Tuesday, June 8th, by the end of the day. Only new assignments will be accepted after that date.

Due to testing, there are no block classes Tuesday through Thursday this week. Friday will be used for catch up during block.

Science: Tuesday we watched a movie, Wednesday we worked on graphs for country reports, Thursday we will do a solar system packet, and Friday we will watch a video on some of the planets.

History: Work on boards for geography reports through Thursday. Friday - watch video on Beyond the Yellow River: China.

Cartooning: Tuesday - video and drawing of caricature of a partner. Finish on Wednesday. Thursday watch video on collage. Begin collage project.

2010-05-26T08:55:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Block: SSR and then work on boards or reports if they are not yet complete.

Science: Bill Nye video on "The Sun". Take notes.

History: Pass out progress notes. Catch up time. Work on any missing work, save pictures to shared file for printing on the color printer, etc.

Cartooning: Drawing practice.

2010-05-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 24, 2010

Block: Complete and turn in verb packet. If these are lost, they forfeit the grade. Silent reading or work on unfinished geography reports. Take last week's spelling/usage test. Get list of new words for this week. Orally review definitions. (approximate, diameter, percent, ratio, event, pi, circumference, probability, prism, solution.)

Science: Review quiz on seasons. They read a one page summary of the seasons and then answered questions based on the reading. Answers were required to be in complete sentences or they will not receive credit unless corrected. Then they were asked to write everything they either knew, thought they knew, or wanted to know about the solar system. We orally shared this information.

History: Worked on boards or if reports are not done, they worked on those instead.

Cartooning: Work on strip #5 or continue scanning completed cartoons.

2010-05-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday and Friday May 20, 21, 2010

Block: We silently read and completed reading logs. So far this quarter, since the last correcting of reading logs, we completed #2-7 and #24-27. They are worth 90 points. Many students did not hand them in when requested. We continue to work on our reports. Remember, they do not receive their geography boards until their reports are completed. For writing, we also worked on a packet reviewing verbs. We will complete this on Monday.

Science: We read a packet called "Scientific and Historical Background" about the space race. Questions were copied from the board into their science notebooks. The questions were answered and orally reviewed on Friday.

History: Those finished with their reports worked on their World's Fair Boards. Others worked on maps or their reports.

Cartooning: All of the Hawaiian paintings (surfboards, palm trees) must be completely painted by today for use in the assembly next Thursday.

2010-05-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

May 19, 2010

Block: SSR, log entry #5 (Name 3 people in the room who would like your book and explain why you would recommend it to them.) We corrected the last page of the pronoun worksheets from Monday. They were to be turned in. If they lost them, they are out of luck, I'm not giving second copies unless they were absent. DOL and then got spelling words for this week. We discussed them in class and wrote definitions for the words. (transportation, trade, movement, location, border, government, art, recreation, region and vegetation.)

Science: We finished the "For All Mankind video" and then watched a video on Bill Nye: Volcanoes and took notes on the different types of volcanoes.

History: Went to the computer lab to work on our reports and items for the boards.

Cartooning: Students left a mess after painting yesterday, so no painting today. Reminder that part of their grade is based on cleanup.

2010-05-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Block: SSR and log entry unless you were working with Miss Kitterman to get your paragraphs completed. REMINDER: All paragraphs and sections for the geography reports are now due! If you have time to proofread them that would be great. If not, I need to see them BEFORE they are typed. I will start handing out boards tomorrow for those who have completed their entire reports (introduction, region, movement, human-environmental interaction, place, location, and the last section is to persuade everyone that their country is the coolest one to study. If you are done with your report, use the remainder of the period to catch up on any missing work or raise grades.

Science: We continued taking notes on unmanned US probes today. (Ranger, and lunar orbiter.)
Some students are not making much effort on this. They will be graded on what they have written.

History: Catch up on paragraphs, maps, etc.

Cartooning: Continue painting.

2010-05-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

May 17, 2010

Block: SSR, reading log entry #4, complete spelling test that was interrupted on Friday, DOL and assn. worksheet on pronouns to be completed in class.

Science: Read and discuss scientific and historical information about moon exploration. Use FOSS website to show Space Exploration, Moon Before Apollo folder. Discuss the use of probes to investigate the moon.

History: Begin packet 13 on "Geography and Early Settlement of India". Students may have 15 minute slots to use computer to locate 5 interesting things a tourist might like to do or see in their country. PLEASE ASK YOUR STUDENT HOW THEY ARE COMING ON THEIR REPORTS! THEY SHOULD BE COMPLETED EXCEPT FOR THE LAST PARAGRAPH!

Art: Continue painting decorations. If I am selected for jury duty later in the week we will not be painting, but will work on drawing instead.

2010-05-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday and Friday, May 13-14, 2010

Block: SSR and log entries both days. Study for vocab and spelling test which will be on Friday. Continue to work on paragraphs for geography report. THESE ARE OVERDUE! Work on persuasive paragraphs by locating tourist information and discovering some exciting things to do or see in your country. The final paragraph's goal is to convince the reader that YOUR country is the BEST of all to study! Parents, feel free to help with this one, as well as the other sections.

No science due to MSP testing. Thursday will be the math portion of the test. The kids are working very hard on this, you should be proud of them! Friday we will watch a movie for a little comic relief/reward for their hard work on testing.

History: Demo of how to cut and paste URL addresses for their bibliographies, and students will be assigned to 15 minute computer slots to locate tourist information on their countries. They need to locate at least 5 cool places or things to do in their country. This doesn't have to be a "fun" activity if they have an extremely poor country. It can be in the form of - I would like to visit this country to help the Aids victims, or when I become a doctor I would like to join "Doctors Without Borders" to help, etc.

Cartooning: Those people who have not completed comic strip #4 have until Monday to complete it and turn it in. After that time, the grade will remain a zero and they may not make it up. Everyone not working on strip 4 will be decorating life sized surf boards and making palm trees for the 8th grade graduation dance. This is an assignment and they will receive a participation grade and a grade on the final product. Those students who refuse to participate will receive a "0" grade for both parts.

2010-05-11T16:50:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Block: SSR, spelling and vocabulary test on last week's words. Practice on MSP vocabulary for testing today.

MSP TESTING FROM 10:45 TO 12:45.

History: Continue working on writing paragraphs (Which should ALL be done by now!!!)
and working on maps, etc. for display boards. Work on writing your summary persuasive paragraphs today.l

Cartooning: Work on surfboard designs for 8th grade graduation party or finish strip #4.

2010-05-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Block: Spelling test and vocab from last week. Then do some test prep practice for tomorrow's MSP test. To lab for geography reports. They should have every paragraph written and typed by today except for the conclusion paragraph. Donuts on Wednesday if all typed.

Science: Watch video of first moon landing "For All Mankind". Compare what they learn to the question list they generated yesterday. What did they not consider? What is your conclusion about the ease of going to the moon?

History: Begin draft of your board layout. What extra credit things will you want to put on it?
If a computer is available, type list of 10 facts for your board.

Cartooning: Surfboard decoration. Teams will receive grades for participation and for finished product.

2010-05-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 10, 2010

Block: SSR or finish science or language tests from last week. To computer lab to do MSP tutorial so they don't have to waste time on figuring out how to use all of the test icons during the test on Wednesday.

Science: Finish tests from last week. Discuss in groups and make a list of all of the questions you think scientists would have had to answer in order to send a man to the moon and back.

History: Finish flags and maps of capital and five cities of your country. Also work on next map of either vegetation or climate zone for your country. When that is done, be sure you have printed off 2 recipes for your country's food. If time, locate and save a picture of your national costume to the shared file so it can be printed off by Miss Kitterman.

Cartooning: Strip #4 was due today. Grade now drops one full grade for one week at which point it becomes a "0" with no opportunity to make it up. We are starting to design and decorate surfboards for the 8th grade graduation party. We will be doing decorating projects for the next few weeks.

2010-05-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 7, 2010

Block: Read "Pompeii" in their lit books. Test: Make a compare/contrast venn diagram to compare the two pieces of literature ("The Dog of Pompeii"and"Pompeii".) They need 3 items in each of the 3 sections of the diagram. Each item must be accompanied by a page number, and in the middle section they must have a page number from EACH of the stories. They may take this home if not finished during class.

Science: Fun video reward for hard work on test this week. Next week we are hoping to finish the moon studies and will then be switching to the entire solar system.

History: Receive handouts to be taken home and parents need to sign. They include information about the World's Fair and accompanying reports. Students must complete reports to pass writing, and must complete boards to pass history.

Cartooning: Comic strip #4 is due by Monday.

2010-05-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Block: SSR and log entry #26. Worksheet on adjectives and nouns. Due today. Work on geography paragraphs. Five paragraphs should be completed and typed by now. Six should be completed by Monday. We will write the conclusion paragraph together - it will include why their country is the best to study - what would people like to do and see if they went there?

Science: We are continuing the persuasive essay on whether or not they believe that the craters on the moon could have been made by meteorites. They must include page numbers and support from their science experiments. This is in place of a test for this unit. It will be worth 50 points and can be corrected.

History: Today anyone not finished with their flag needs to work on that. People who have completed their flags will be working on maps showing their capital and 5 cities.

Cartooning: Comic Strip #4 is due by Monday. Next week we will be working on art projects if their comic strips are completed.

2010-05-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
LATE START at 10:20 am

Block: SSR, reading log #26. Computer lab to continue on geography reports. They are due by next Wednesday.

Science: Write a persuasive paragraph using 3 pieces of proof from their science notebooks indicating whether or not they feel that craters on the moon could have resulted from impact of meteroids.

History: Use one of your traced country maps to indicate capital and 5 major cities, as well as labeling large bodies of water in or near your country.

Cartooning: All completed cartoons are to be scanned by Friday or before. Continue working on strip #4. If completed comic strip #3 is not in by today, you will receive a "0" and you will not have an opportunity to make the grade up. (Exceptions are new students.)

2010-05-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Block: SSR, reading log #25 (Use a quote from your book to indicate the point of view of the selection - i.e. who is doing the talking.) Pass out progress notes. Give time to work on missing work, get missing worksheets, etc.

Science: Complete yesterday's chart comparing meteroid crater size to meteroid weight. Then update table of contents. Finish "The Moon" video. Notes to be turned in for grading.

History: Our video on Vesuvius did not work. Passed out spelling words for the week. Completed definitions of spelling words on study guide. Test will be Friday. (capital, capitol, aloud, allowed, threw, through, weather, whether, dear, deer.)

Cartooning: Cartoon Strip #4 and continue scanning completed cartoons and cover sheets.

2010-05-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 3, 2010

Block: SSR and reading log #24, identifying adjectives - assignment: Write ten nouns and then ten adjectives that describe them. If time, begin reading "Pompeii" in lit book. Go to computer lab to continue typing geography report. They should be typing the fourth paragraph.

Science: Students will be weighing their "meteroids" using a triple balance beam. Then they will be completing the graph of their experiment results demonstrating the relationship between meteroid size and the size of the crater they create on impact.

History: Test.

Cartooning: Continue scanning finished comic strips into the computer. Continue to work on comic strips if not scanning.

2010-04-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 30, 2010

Today is career day! Students will be attending 4 sessions with various presenters having different careers. In the afternoon, they will be in the gym for an all school presentation from a person starring on "Deadliest Catch" and then will have an assembly.

2010-04-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Block: Spelling and vocabulary test on second set of homonyms. Then take test on literary devices. Use remainder of period to continue working on notes and geography paragraphs for their report.

Science: Perform the experiment you designed. Complete chart with your data. Draw your line of learning and explain whether or not you left out any materials. Copy your hypothesis below the line of learning and explain whether it was correct or not. You MUST include data for the chart to PROVE your opinion.

History: Study for Monday's test. Then continue to work on geography notes and paragraphs. Does everyone have an intro paragraph completed and paragraphs including all of the information on two of the themes of geography that have a teacher ok?

Cartooning: Comic strip #3 is now past due. Grade will be dropped one letter grade. If not turned in within one week, it will receive a "0" and may not be made up. If done with strip #3, work on #4. If done with that, see Miss K for alternative activities.

2010-04-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Block: SSR, review of literary devices, write next geography paragraph and get teacher approval. To library third period to type any completed paragraphs on your reports.

Science: Complete plan for science experiment. Get teacher approval of list of materials and steps for your experiment. Lab will be tomorrow.

History: Study for Monday's test. If making flash cards to study, complete them today.

Cartooning: Strip #3 is due today. If done, begin work on strip #4.

2010-04-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Block: SSR, receive new list of spelling/vocabulary words for Thursday test. (One, won, meet, meat, whose, who's, write, right, your, you're) Students write definitions for each word on study guide. Review literary devices for Thursday test. Assn: Write third paragraph for geography report to be typed in computer lab tomorrow. (They should now have a short introductory paragraph and two of the five themes of geography in paragraph forms for their country.) Progress notes were given out.

Science:Period 4 Progress notes were given out. Watch first part of "The Moon" from National Geographic Society. Assn: Take 12 notes on what they see. Extra credit for additional notes. Period 5 set up science notebooks for next experiment. Then get into assigned groups and plan an experiment to determine whether size of meteroid effects sizes of craters on impact. To be finished on Wednesday.

History: Continue orally reviewing answers to yesterday's study guide for next Monday's test. See yesterday's blog for questions. Remainder of period was given to make flash cards to study for the test.

Cartooning: Continue scanning completed comic strips. Work on comic strip #3 due tomorrow.

2010-04-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 26

Block: SSR, spelling and vocabulary test on last week's words. Review of literary devices for test on Thursday. (Simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration, personification, onomatopoeia.) To computer lab to type first two paragraphs for the geography report. The introductory paragraph and either "place" or "region".

Science: Period 4 prepare science notebooks for a new lab. In groups design a plan to discover whether the size of meteroids effects the size of craters. Make a list of materials as well as the steps to your experiment.

History: Work in teams to locate as many answers to the study guide on how Christianity effected Roman rule. Then orally review answers to front page of study guide. (Complete this on Tuesday). The test will be a big one - Next Monday.

Study Guide for History Summative II -
How Christianity Changed Roman Rule

Rome fell in which century?
It is the religion based on the teachings of Jesus.
He was a Roman emperor who converted to Christianity.
It is another word for savior.
This was an area conquered by Caesar that is currently France.
It is a person willing to die for a cause.
Rome hired this tribe near the Danube River as mercenaries.
It is a term used for goods taken in war.
They sacked and vandalized the city of Rome.
It is a term for the first four books of the New Testament.
It is a form of art using colored pieces of tile.
It was used to discourage Christianity.
It is a Roman form of execution.
They spread the teachings of Jesus through the empire.
He was the church father who taught that the aim of life was to fulfill God's will.
He appointed a co-ruler and moved the court to Asia Minor.
He was King of the Huns who threatened the West Roman Empire.
He was the Roman governor who ordered the execution of Jesus.
He was the first Christian emperor who built the new capital at Constantinople.
He was the missionary who brought Jesus teachings throughout the empire.
Explain how population was a factor in the fall of Rome?
Explain the how the changes in perception of a family contributed to the fall of Rome.
How did the Christian movement change Rome and the world
How did the Latin language and Roman law change the world?

Cartooning: Present power points. Then continue working on comic strip #3 which is due Wednesday. If not turned in on Wednesday, it will drop one grade and must be completed within one week or will receive a 0 - no chance to make-up. Continue scanning completed comic strips into shared folder.

2010-04-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 22, 2010

Block: SSR, spelling and vocabulary test on homonyms. Write ten sentences comprised of only simple subjects and simple predicates. (Examples: Sally ran. Bill sang. etc.) Complete the second paragraph for their geography reports. Due today.

Science: 1. Examine carefully the data you gathered on your marble drop charts. Identify any patterns that you see. Then get into your groups and discuss any patterns. Write the patterns you identify in complete sentences in your science notebooks. 2. Glue the 2 graphs given to you into your science notebooks. Then, in your groups, complete the graphs.

History: Orally read the next few pages of your history packet #36. If there is extra time, students may work on their geography notes or their paragraphs.

Cartooning: Present any remaining power points. Continue working on cartoon strip #3. It is due by next Wednesday.

2010-04-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 21, 2010
Block: SSR, progress notes out today, did subject/predicate worksheet - due today. Assigned the second paragraph on their geography reports. They will continue this tomorrow. It is due Friday. The introductory paragraph is overdue if not yet completed.

Science: Made vocabulary flip pages in science notebook to study for the next science test. It is still several weeks in the future. A study guide will be handed to them as well to study before the test.

Study Guide for Vocabulary

Science Investigation #5

Comet: large icy fuzzy balls with long tails (sometimes several miles long,) from the outer reaches of the solar system

Asteroid: large chunks of rocky material in space. These make up the rings around Saturn.

Regolith: The surface of the moon.

Meteoroid: medium to small solid objects floating around the solar system.

Meteorite: When meteoroids hit another object (like the moon or the earth) they are called meteorites.

Crater: Impact site of meteorites.

Ejecta: Material thrown up by impact. (Remember the outer ring of white flour when you dropped the marbles. . . )

Rays: Material thrown out of craters in lines. It looks like a starburst or a sun with lines coming out in all directions.)

History: Students received packets of questions for unit 36. They were assigned completion of the first page of the packet. It is due Friday.

Cartooning: Power point presentations.

2010-04-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

April 21, 2010

Reading: SSR, dividing sentences into subject and predicate, complete introductory paragraphs for geography reports and turn in for scoring.

Writing: Advisory - plan door decoration to show school spirit. Students may only work on this during advisory or before/after school.

Science: Continue lab to create craters by dropping marbles from specified heights and completing charts with their results.

History: Work on maps for vegetation and climate zones in their countries. Those who finish may work on other geography/history work including the VERY LATE worksheets p. 236-239.

Cartooning: Continue presentation and scoring of power points on famous cartoonists.

2010-04-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

April 19, 2010

Reading: SSR, review spelling words and have them write definitions for each word. Test will be on Friday. (to, two, too, their, there, they're, its, it's, know, no.) We reviewed the following literary devices for the test at the end of the month. Hyperbole: exaggeration - If I told you once, I told you a thousand times . . . Personification: describing a non-human thing with human characteristics - The wind whispered through the trees. Simile: Comparing 2 things using the words "like" or "as" - Her smile was like the sun. Metaphor: Comparing two things by saying they are the same - Her smile is the sunshine in my day. Onomatapoeia: words that make their sound when the word is pronounced: buzz, quack, etc. Alliteration: sentences that have repeating sounds - Sally sells seashells by the seashore.

Writing: Assignment: Complete there/they're/their worksheet. Corrected in class today. Also assigned introductory paragraph for their geography reports. These are to be shown to Miss K for scoring before continuing on their reports. NOTE: Any students who have not completed all of their notes for the geography reports need to either finish them at home or before/after school! They are OVERDUE.

Science: We began a crater lab today, dropping marbles into tubs of flour. Students are measuring craters and rays and are completing charts for each drop. We will continue this tomorrow.

History: Students were asked to read section 36.1 and 36.2 on The Effect of Christianity on Rome. Their assignment was to answer a question from the board based on the reading. These answers were to be in complete sentences and were due today by the end of class.

Cartooning: Orally present power points on famous cartoonists.

2010-04-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 19, 2010

Reading: In literature book continue reading "A Dog in Pompeii". Complete career day ballots.

Writing: Assignment: Use know, no, meat, and meet, in 3 complete sentences each. Then discuss report format for the geography reports. Write introductory paragraph using several of your interesting facts.

Science: Complete April phases of the moon chart. Discuss charts to be complete in tomorrow's lab. Each student's crater must be measured as well as the height from which it is dropped.
Each "drop" must indicate the position of the marble at rest - is it level with the surface, below the surface, or above the level of the flour surface?

Cartooning: Begin scanning cartoons into the computer. Two power point presentations, students must do a critique of each power point presented.

2010-04-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 16

Reading: SSR, spelling and vocab test. Pass out book orders.

Writing: Last day in lab to take notes for country reports.

Science: Watched video of volcanic eruptions, and related what we watched to possible volcanic eruptions on the moon.

History: Packet 35 questions are due. We drew outlines of our countries to be used for maps for World's Fair boards.

Cartooning: Few students were here, so we just continued to work on power points/comic strip #3.

2010-04-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

April 15, 2010
Due to the fact that only a couple of kids are wanting to go skating tomorrow, we will have regular classes.

Reading: SSR, then orally begin reading p. 399 in Lit book "A Dog in Pompeii". Discuss bond between dog and blind boy, characteristics of historical fiction, and generalization.

Writing: To computer lab to continue notes on country reports.

Science: Finish reading "Crater Controversy". Update notes on support for volcanic craters on moon theory, and on meteroid impact craters on the moon. These will be used for a persuasive essay on their next test, which will not be for several more weeks.

History: Finish packets for unit 35 (pages 236-239) Answer first 2 questions on each sheet. Due Friday.

Cartooning: Power points are due tomorrow. Work on cartoon strip #3.

2010-04-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

April 14, 2010

Reading: Silent reading. Present microscope power point. Advisory - plan door decoration for contest.

Writing: To computer lab for geography notes. All notes due by Friday!

Science: Review Shoemaker and Green's dialogue from yesterday. Update notes as to the evidence to support each of their views on how the craters on the moon may have been formed. Continue dialogue and notes from Science Lab Notebooks.

History: Work in groups on worksheets on Roman Life. These are due by Friday.

Cartooning: Power Points are due by Friday.

2010-04-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

April 13, 2010

Reading: SSR. Use through, threw, it's, and its correctly in 3 sentences each - due tomorrow. Note: Persuasive essay was due yesterday. It is worth 50 points. Many students have not yet turned it in!

Writing: To computer lab for geography country report notes.

Science: Continue oral reading of "The Moon Crater Controversy" regarding whether the craters on the moon were caused by volcanic action or by meteoroids hitting the surface. Accompanying illustrations shown by CD-ROM. Take notes in science notebook on page 65.

History: Finish reading packet 35. Begin on worksheets.

Cartooning: Power Points are due by Friday.

2010-04-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

April 12, 2010

Reading: SSR, spelling pretest. There will be a test on 10 spelling words on Friday, as well as their definitions. Students were given a study guide with the words and definitions. Assn: use weather, whether, who's and whose correctly in two sentences (each). Due tomorrow.

Writing: To computer lab to continue taking notes on their country's five themes. These are all due by Friday. If students can work on them at home, that would be very beneficial!

Science: To computer lab. Today we discussed the moon crater controversy. Are the moon craters caused by volcanic action or by meteoroid strikes? In the computer lab on the Foss web site, we examined various crater pictures as we read an article on the controversy.

History: We read section 35.8 and 35.9 on Roman education and recreation.

Cartooning: Power points are due by Friday. If done, work on comic strip #3.

2010-04-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 9, 2010

Block: continue Geo notes. Persuasive paragraphs are due (they were homework.) End of qtr. video.

Science: Finish Wednesday's Science tests. Video.

History: Continue from block. Finish flags from your country.

Cartooning: Work on power points in computer lab.

2010-04-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Block: SSR, homonyms (your, you're, won, one). Assignment: Homework if not finished - write 3 sentences using each of the homonyms correctly. Persuasive writing: Using the notes we took on Tuesday, write a persuasive essay. It needs to be 5 paragraphs: introduction, reason and 3 supports, reason 2 and 3 supports, reason 3 and 3 supports, and a conclusion. The prompt was: Persuade people in this room that it is important to be well behaved for a guest teacher.

Science: Begin new page of Table of Contents. Put date to left and page # to the right and title of activities in the center. Update for the 3 fourth quarter activities to date. Then take two handouts on Model Impact Craters, cut into pieces as directed, and tape or glue into your science notebooks on page 63 and 64. These will be used in our next lab.

History: Read section 35.6 and 35.7 on Roman Life: Where they lived, and what they ate.

Cartooning: Last day to turn in strip #1 and 2. All notes for cartooning power points are to be completed before Monday. We need to have all power points done by next Friday.

2010-04-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Tuesday/Wednesday April 7-8, 2010

Late Start on Wednesday. Progress notes came out Tuesday. It is too late to change grades - everything was due before spring break, unless prior arrangements were made.

Block: SSR and work on geography report notes. Review similes and metaphors. Learn when to use to, two, too and die, dye. Assn: Write two complete sentences using each of the words correctly.

Science: Test #4 over moon vocabulary on Wednesday. Study for test on Tuesday: Rilles, rays, craters, mare, maria, highlands. This test may NOT be retaken.

History: Continue reading packet 35 about Roman daily life. No homework.

Cartooning: Work on cartoon strips or on notes for power points.

2010-04-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 5, 2010

Reading: SSR, review of simile and metaphor, and use of there, they're, and their. Assignment: Write 4 sentences using each type of "there" correctly.

Writing: To computers for notes on countries. All notes need to be completed by Friday.

Science: Science notebooks have been graded if turned in by Friday. After discussing scores, areas needing improvement, we will be reviewing for Wednesday's test and will be using science notebooks to make study-guides/practice activity.

History: Give out packet 35 to be stapled into history notebooks. Begin reading/discussion of "Daily Life in the Roman Empire."

Cartooning: Continue working on power points in the library. At this point, all notes should be completed and shown to Miss Kitterman for an ok before starting on power point. If notes are not given an ok, they may NOT start on power points.

2010-03-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Week of 3/22-3/25

Block: Use War of the Worlds video to write a compare/contrast essay without assistance. This is an assessment. Continue to take notes on country for World's Fair reports.

History: Watch video on Ancient Rome. Choose a famous Roman structure and illustrate to the best of your ability. Label it and on the back explain briefly how the Roman's used that structure.

Science: Orally read moon myths with a partner. Come up with a moon myth of your own to explain what you see when you look at the moon. The next test in science will be on the Wednesday after spring break ends. Please see the study guide below.

Mid Summative Exam #4 Study Guide

Planetary Science

NO RETAKES ON THIS TEST. TOO MANY STUDENTS ARE RELYING ON BEING ABLE TO RETAKE TESTS AND ARE NOT STUDYING!

This test is basically on the vocabulary. The test will be in true/false form. If the answer is false, they need to be able to correct the statement to make it true.
1. Structures that look like ditches, channels, canyons and streams are called RILLES.
2. White lines that extend out in all directions from a crater are called RAYS.
3. Round holes or circles you see on the surface of the moon are called CRATERS.
4. Light colored areas on the Moon with lots of rough mountains are called HIGHLANDS.
5. There are more craters on the moon in the HIGHLANDS than in the MARIA.
6. MARE means ocean but does NOT refer to water on the moon.

Cartooning: Work on notes for famous cartoonist power points. Notes must be approved by the teacher before beginning on power point.

2010-03-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 19, 2010

Reading: Finished watching War of the Worlds and take notes to use for compare/contrast essay.

Writing: Continue working on country notes on the computer. We are using Culturegrams or CIA Factbook.

Science: Compare categories questions were put into on Thursday. Copy results into science notebooks.

History: Completed maps on Roman occupation and completed worksheet on occupation questions.

Cartooning: Work on computers for cartoonist power points.

2010-03-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Reading: SSR, take notes on geography countries.

Writing: To computer lab to continue to get notes on geography country. By Friday all notes are due on Movement category. Monday, notes are due on Location category.

Science: Today kids worked in groups to organize their questions about the moon into categories and glue them onto large sheets of paper with labeled categories.

History: Finished reading packet 34 on the Roman occupation.

Cartooning: Worked on strip #2. This strip is due by Friday (tomorrow.)

2010-03-17T08:28:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Reading/Writing: Advisory - practice giving portfolio presentations to the whole class. Then to computer lab to gather notes on their country for their research paper. (*See yesterday's blog for information about the World's Fair.)

Science: Vocabulary words for this unit: Craters: round structures of various sizes with various details. Marie or mare: large dark gray or black areas on the moon that are fairly smooth.
Highlands: light colored areas of the moon with lots of rough mountains and craters. Rays: The white lines that extend in all directions from some craters (looks like an explosion.) Rilles: Structures that look like canyons or stream courses. Today we read the myth "Rona and the Moon" and will do a practice activity categorizing items on a shopping list, as preparation for organizing student generated questions about the moon.

History: Finish video on a Roman City. Students will be asked to illustrate one of the Roman structures in the video. (Colliseum, amphitheater, Roman baths, aqueduct, forum.)

Cartooning: To computers to continue taking handwritten notes on a famous cartoonist. Students may not begin power points until teacher has approved notes.

2010-03-16T15:52:00.001-07:00

Beginning soon, your sixth grader will begin working on his/her World’s Fair project. This is an interdisciplinary project involving your student’s Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies classes. All sixth graders participate in these activities, with different parts assessed in the aforementioned subjects. To begin the research, he/she will be assigned a foreign country, will check out a non-fiction book on that country, and will read that book. Next, using the book as well as other reference sources, your child will take notes on his/her country using the Five Themes of Geography. During Language Arts, he/she will use the notes to generate a written report (expository essay). Based upon that information, your sixth grader will then build a cardboard display for the World’s Fair night, which will be held on June 8^th. This fair will be open to the public; so many people will be able to enjoy the fruits of the students’ labor. Finally, in his/her Language Arts class, an oral presentation will be given on what your child has learned about that country. As you can see, this will be a huge undertaking, so you may want to begin discussing it with your child sometime soon.

This month the sixth graders will be learning about figurative speech. Students will be learning about:

1. Similes (comparing two things using like or as) She is as pretty as a picture.

2. Metaphors (saying one thing is or is not another unlike thing). The daisy was sunshine in the field.

3. Personification (giving human characteristics to non-human things). The wind whispered through the trees.

4. Alliteration (using repetitive sounds like "Sally sells seashells by the seashore")

5. Hyperbole (ridiculous exaggeration) - If I've told you once, I've told you 1000 times. "

6. Onomatopoeia (words that make the sound they are describing: buzz, shhhh, quack, etc.)

At the end of the month they will be taking a test requiring them to know the definition of each of the types of figurative speech, and be required to give an example of each.

2010-03-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Reading/writing: If most kids are back today, we will finish the video and note taking on War of the Worlds movie. Then they will do a compare/contrast paper as a test. During SSR they will be taking notes on their history packets using their library books on their countries.

Science: Discuss homework/moon logs. In resources workbooks study moon photos. Complete side one of worksheets. Read moon myths if time.

History: Continue with packet 34 notes and map. If time, begin video on "Roman City".

Cartooning: Continue on cartoon strip #2. Warning: Many students have not handed in strip #1 yet!!!!!

2010-03-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 15, 2010

Reading/Writing: SSR. Assemble new packets for history reports to be part of their World's Fair presentations. Choose countries for reports and discuss note taking. Go to library to check out
books on their countries.

Science: Pass out and discuss moon charts. Homework every day for next 30 days - go outside and look at the moon if not overclouded. Draw what you see on your moon chart the next day.
Discuss what kids know about the moon already. Read myths about the moon.

History: Continue packet 34. Read 34.4 and complete worksheet with columns for section 34.4. Complete next colored section of map showing Roman expansion.

Cartooning: Prepare paper for notetaking on six areas: Early history including pre-college education/family life, formal education - including college or technical school, names of any cartoon strips which will include a picture of their strip or character(s), Awards they have received for cartooning, a miscellaneous category (required) for interesting facts about their author, and a bibliography for all information used (must use at least 2-3 sources.)

2010-03-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 12, 2010

Reading/writing: SSR . Prepare papers for notetaking on video "War of the Worlds" (1954 version.) Students will practice notetaking on comparing the humans and the aliens. They will then write an expository essay based on their notes. This will an evaluation as to whether they understand the concept of compare/contrast, as well as whether they are able to write this type of essay without assistance.

Science: Note taking on science video - "Seasons". If time permits, we will go over yesterday's test results.

History: Reward party this period for work completion and good behavior.

Cartooning: Everyone needs to be signed up for their famous cartoonist by the end of the period today. We will be working on power points next week.

2010-03-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Reading: SSR, complete compare/contrast chart to be used for an essay.

Writing: Write compare/contrast (expository) essay.

Science: Quiz on Mid-Summative Assessment 3, covering earth shadow, time zones, revolution, and the sun.

History: Color in first part of map assignment. Continue reading next sections in packet 34.

Cartooning: Present any student comic strips if ready. Begin selection of famous cartoonists for power points.

2010-03-10T15:58:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Reading/Writing: SSR, then work on advisory portfolios. Everyone must present their portfolio to a group of students. Catch up work - progress notes out yesterday, be sure to ask for them.

Science: Study guides handed out for Thursday's quiz. We reviewed in class and they had a chance to study with a partner. Study guides were to go home for practice and study.

History: Handed out packet 34 and a packet of worksheets. These were to be stapled into the history notebooks. We began reading about the Roman occupation of lands.

Cartooning: We continued to watch student presentations of their first comic strips. Students completed a critique assignment for each student presentation.

2010-03-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Reading: SSR, read "War of the Worlds" in lit book p. 835-840.

Writing: DOL, if time, discuss and begin compare/contrast assignment.

Science: Use booklets p. 36-37 to complete worksheet p. 19 on time zones from yesterday. Discuss concept of "local noon" and practice finding it, given sunrise/sunset times.

History: Begin new packet on Rome. Begin oral reading and discussion.

Cartooning: Present completed cartoons. Students will be required to complete evaluation form for each cartoon presented. Practice giving positive feedback to cartoonists.

2010-03-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 8 2010

Reading: SSR, log #2, video on book fair coming up during conference week.

Writing: Friendly letter assignment. (Note: State testing always includes one letter writing assignment.)

Science: Worksheet 15 - figuring work hours and payment. Introduce time zones concept. Begin worksheet p. 19. Both worksheets to be completed in class. Tape worksheets into science notebooks.

History: Watched video and took notes on history from Greece to Macedonia (Etruscans) to Rome. Main concepts covered: Why was Greece overcome by Macedonia? Why was Macedonia overcome by Romans? What remnants did Rome keep from Greece? What do we have today as a result of Greek and Roman populations?

Cartooning: Last day to work on strip #1. If not in by today it will drop one grade.

2010-03-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 5, 2010

Reading: SSR, review of Concha and Southpaw stories and chart made yesterday. Make Venn diagrams to compare the stories.

Writing: Begin compare/contrast essay.

Science: Do "Focus Questions" in groups. Give 3 minutes to discuss each question, then a 2 minute silent write on each into their science notebooks. Present oral review of moon/earth relationship.

History: Continue yesterday's assignment.

Cartooning: Discuss progress on cartoon strip #1. Due date moved to Monday at the end of class. Student presentation of completed strip. Discussion of strip evaluation forms.

2010-03-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Reading: SSR, orally read Concha and complete comparison chart between Concha and Southpaw stories.

Writing: Continued the above as preparation for writing a compare/contrast essay.

Science: To computer lab to do earth/moon, and sun/earth/moon simulations on the FOSSWEB site. Take notes on observations in science notebook.

History: Assign worksheets on previously read packet #33 on the shift in the balance of power for the Patricians and Plebians of Rome.

Cartooning: Discussion of cartoon strip #1 requirements (again) and reminder that due date is tentatively Friday.

2010-03-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Reading: Read "Concha" p. 82-86. Complete chart on the two stories we have read this week.

Writing: Write compare/contrast essay based on the two reading selections from this week.

Science: Globe Lab. In groups experience day and night with small globes. Demonstrate: Noon, midnight, day, night, sunrise., sunset. Complete day/night focus questions. Due today.

History. Continue discussion on Rome.

Cartooning. Continue working on cartoon strip #1.

2010-03-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Reading/Writing: Phone home to make student led conference appointments. Complete conference letters. Book orders out. SSR and DOL if time.

Science: Review of day/night. Word Bank: Revolution and Axis. Use multi-media presentation to demonstrate relationship between earth, moon, sun, day/night.

History: Finish time line for chapter 33.

Cartooning: Continue on strip #1. We are shooting for having the first strip done on Friday, but will see how everyone is progressing.

2010-03-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 2010

Reading: SSR, pass out progress reports. Catch up on work time.

Writing: Read lit book p. 74-78. Orally discuss elements of the story. This is preparation for writing to compare/contrast two reading selections.

Science: Pass out progress notes. Pass back and review Mid-Summative Exam II. Students may take this test home to study and retake before/after school in the future. Update Table of Contents. Demonstrate day and night cycles with light source.

History: Finish reading packet 33 on Romans. In groups, begin a time-line. To be completed in class tomorrow.

Cartooning: Pass out progress notes and all graded work. Students doing catch-up work and continuing to work on first comic strip (6 frames).

2010-03-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 1, 2010

Reading: SSR, log #23, discuss points from log entries 19-22.

Writing: DOL, discuss nouns and action verbs. Assignment: Write list of nouns and of action verbs.

Science: Free write - What are day and night? Write as much information as you can on what causes day and night on the earth. Next, take notes on p. 48-49 on Bill Nye: Moon.

History: Begin packet 33 The Rise of the Roman Republic. Read and discuss. No worksheet today.

Cartooning: Discuss handout on different types of narrative balloons. Assignment: Use each type of balloon with appropriate narrative for your cartoon strip. Due Tuesday.

2010-02-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 26, 2010

Reading: SSR, reading log #22, turn in logs for grading. Read and discuss p. 180-182 in lit book on author analysis.

Writing: DOL, directions for glass etching final due.

Science: Bill Nye on solar system. Notes to be taken in science notebook. Update Table of Contents if time.

History: Finish packet 30 and all worksheets.

Cartooning: Catch up day. By the end of class - these are due: Colored pics of main characters, cover page, description of main characters - physical and personality, 1-2 paragraphs about plot of your cartoons.

2010-02-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Reading: SSR, , read and discuss p. 178-179 (analyzing and critical thinking about text).
Those still working on 3 paragraph direction essay will continue those - due Friday. Those who have completed those will be given a topic for a free-write.

Science: Investigation 2 quiz. (We did test prep for this on Wednesday during class.)

History: Continue packet 30 on Alexander the Great. We completed both sides of worksheet from yesterday (p. 199/201) and completed page 203 on a new worksheet today.

Cartooning: One or two paragraph description of what will be happening overall in your strips. Please look back at the packet you were given yesterday for a sample of what you need to write. Due Friday.

2010-02-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Reading/Writing: SSR, advisory - practice presenting portfolios. DOL.

Science: Define 1. Horizon and 2. Line of sight. Discuss questions similar to Mid summative exam 2 questions as test prep. Test will be on Thursday.

History: Continue reading packet 30 and work on worksheet p. 203 in teams.

Cartooning: Read and discuss packets to be handed out re: example of comic book story line, characters, setting, etc. Begin working on a similar story line for your cartoon.

2010-02-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Reading: SSR, discuss p. 132-137 in lit book on plot and setting.

Writing: Pass out progress reports, catch up on missing work.

Science: Quiz on Investigation 1.

History: Begin packet #30 and do first worksheet p. 194.

Cartooning: Discuss setting, secondary characters, villains and adversaries. Examine sample comic book proposal. List of 10 ideas for cartoon strips due. Make description of main characters - personality, quirks, what they like, what they say, etc.

2010-02-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 22, 2010

Reading: SSR Read lit book p. 130-132

Writing: DOL, noun and verb practice. Copy from board, outline in appropriate colors, and write your own sentence then swap with neighbor and identify their nouns/verb.

Science: Continue word bank and lab from Friday. Complete Shadow Evidence worksheet and attach to science notebook p. 43 and 44.

Ancient History: Complete worksheet p. 191 and attach to history notebook. Receive and attach packet #30 to history notebook.

Cartooning: Discuss superhero comics and action adventure comics. Assn: Make a list of 10 ideas for weekly strips and turn in today.

2010-02-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 19, 2010

Reading: Plot and Setting. Read blue book p. 128-130. Orally review questions p. 131.

Writing: Directions due for glass etching project. Use transition words. Due today.

Science: Word Bank definitions for: longitude, latitude, equator, prime meridian, International Date Line, map, altitude, planetary system, point of view, and location. If time do shadow demonstration and complete shadow evidence worksheet.

History: Complete reading of worksheet 29 and assign worksheet p. 191

Cartooning: Cover sheet for comic/cartoon due today.

2010-02-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Reading: SSR, catch up on missing work, some kids at mass band practice.

Writing: Directions for glass etching project rough draft - due Friday.

Science: Continue presenting Columbus diaries.

History: Finish worksheet p. 190. Continue reading packet #29.

Cartooning: Continue on cover page - due Friday!

2010-02-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Reading: SSR, literary devices quiz.

Writing: Advisory and continue direction writing if time.

Science: If the internet is working today, we will take notes on the sailing ships perspective media presentation. If time allows, we will begin presenting their Christopher Columbus diaries describing perspectives.

History: Get packet #29, and begin discussing the Golden Age of Athens.

Cartooning: Continue work on cover page. Due Friday.

2010-02-16T09:02:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 16, 2010

Reading: SSR, study for literary devices test on simile, metaphor, alliteration, hyperbole, personification, onomatapoeia.

Writing: DOL, continue directions for glass etching.

Science: The internet was not working today, so we wrote a seven day diary of Christopher Columbus's voyage to claim new lands. Graded on their use of description of perspective when boat sailed away from land, and description of approaching/leaving other landforms. Homework of not done.

History: Continue reading about the Persian Wars.

Cartooning: On overhead, discuss Cartooning p. 19-23. Comic Strip cover due by Friday.

2010-02-10T16:09:00.001-08:00

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Remember: No school Friday of this week and Monday of next week.

Reading: SSR, log entry # 19. Turn in Personification assignments for grades. Review for test on literary devices.

Writing: DOL, continue on first draft of direction writing of glass etching project.

Science: Finish video on human body/microscopes.

History: Continue reading and discussion of Fighting the Persian Wars packet.

Dance for all students who did not receive any F on their report cards. Others will be in a study hall.

2010-02-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Progress Reports out today for 6th graders in my block class. Other classes will receive theirs tomorrow. Remember, they receive one EVERY week.

Reading/Writing: SSR, completion of advisory portfolios. Insert 2 handouts into portfolio on how to do presentation, and one to complete on what you will present for each section.

Science: Hands on sailing ship lab. Questions: 1. How do you know that the earth is round?
2. How did people 2000 years ago figure out the world was round? Students needed to complete drawings on their "ship on a straw" voyages on both round and flat maps. These were to be glued onto page 38 of their science notebooks, along with the questions above and their responses.

History: Pass out progress reports. Complete "Team Evaluation Chart" and then begin reading new packet "Fighting the Persian Wars."

Cartooning: Remember that a large colored sample of all your main comic strip characters is due by Thursday afternoon. We continued to use "drawingcoach.com" and today did a "skeleton" breakdown drawing.

2010-02-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Reading: SSR, log entry #18, correct hyperboles (exaggerations) from yesterday. Introduce literary device "Personification" using human characteristics to describe non-human things (i.e. the rain danced across the parking lot.) Assign personifications (10) in complete sentences, due tomorrow.

Writing: DOL, discuss "Using Transitions" handout. Work on first draft of glass etching directions using appropriate transition words.

Science: Assign response sheet "Where Am I" which asks students to explain how a person can be in both a city and in the USA at the same time. If they don't do well, they can retake it. After all of the response sheets are completed, students will look at a variety of maps and be able to discuss the amount of land covered, the scale of the map, and compare the map types.

History: Turn in venn diagrams comparing Athens and Sparta in areas of economy, government, treatment of slaves and women, and education. Hand out new packets on Fighting the Persian Wars. These should be stapled into student notebooks so they can't be lost. Begin reading and discussion of packets.

Cartooning: To computer lab in the library to use Drawingcoach.com drawing program. One drawing will be assigned, the other is their choice. Don't forget that a colored large drawing of each of your main characters for your comic strip is due by Friday.

2010-02-05T15:47:00.001-08:00

Monday, February 8, 2010

Parents: Please note: Every student in writing needs 2 notebooks and every student in history needs one notebook. These are to be separate notebooks! If you cannot afford them, please let the office know and we will supply them.

Reading: SSR, grade onomatapoeia worksheet from Friday. Discuss Hyperbole (exaggeration - I was so happy I could have jumped the Grand Canyon) and give worksheet - assn. due tomorrow.

Writing: DOL, discuss transition words for direction writing. Work on double-spaced rough draft of "How to do a Glass Etching Project". We are working on a logical sequence, including appropriate transition words (but not number words) and thorough explanation of how to do each step.

Science: Use resource books to examine and compare/contrast photos from different elevations. Discuss color, resolution, differences in what you can see from each different elevation from neighborhood to outer space.

History: Complete venn diagram to compare and contrast Athens and Sparta. This assn. is to be completed in class and turned in today. They need to use their packets and notes to complete this assignment.

Cartooning: Illustrate and color one character that you want to use in your comic strip. If you have not yet identified your partner (or of working alone), identified theme of your strip, and what type of characters (animals, people, superheroes, etc.) please let Miss K. know today.

2010-02-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 5, 2010

Reading: SSR, Onomatopoeic word list and worksheet. Worksheet due tomorrow, but work on in class today.

Writing: Assn. list of materials needed for glass etching. If completed today, begin direction writing in double-space rough draft form. Use transition words, but not number order words.

Science: Examine maps of Tenino area. Compare maps of neighborhood and community. What differences are there? What landmarks can be noted.

History: Continue with comparison of Sparta and Athens in areas of government, economy, education, and society.

Cartooning: Identify if working alone or with partner on strips, type of character, theme of strip for this semester. If finished, continue How to Draw activities.

2010-02-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Reading/Writing: SSR, get scores from alliteration worksheet. DOL - in class work. Test student written directions to get to another student's desk.

Science: Complete drawing of TES/TMS. After teacher approval, tape onto p. 35 of science notebook and label top of page with title. Update Table of Contents. Due in class today.

History: Continue discussion and notes on Athens/Sparta economy and education.

Cartooning: Continue history of comic books p. 16 - 18. Assign first practice drawing.

2010-02-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Reading: SSR, correct yesterday's alliteration assn. Assign 2 alliteration/rhyming couplets - due Thursday.

Writing: Test directions to a neighbor's desk to see if everything was written precisely.

Science: At this time, your science notebook should have a blank p. 32, p. 33 should have "Planetary Science" written at the top, and should have a drawing (colored) of the earth seen from space as a title page for our new Foss Kit section. On page 34 their"birds-eye view of TMS" drawing should be taped and the top of the page labeled. For today, a trip outside to get a quick sketch of the TMS/TES campus as seen from a bird's eye view. We will continue this tomorrow.

History: Continue reading and discussion of Athens vs. Sparta. Continue to complete note-taking section of the worksheets in your history notebooks. If you don't have a history notebook - GET ONE, PLEASE!

Cartooning: Continue reading and discussion of comic books - history, from p. 15.

2010-02-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Reading: SSR, correct metaphor sheet from Monday. Discuss the literary device called alliteration. Assn. worksheet - to be done in class.

Writing: DOL, begin glass etching pre-write, and direction writing review.

Science: Continue map drawing of "Where are you now?" - TMS inside the building, a birds-eye view. Due tomorrow. Homework if not finished in class today.

Cartooning: Begin discussion of cartoon/comic book elements. Friday - have an idea of the genre and type of characters you want to use in your comic strip/comic book. Decide if you want to work with a partner or alone.

2010-01-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

February 1, 2010

Reading: SSR and review of similes and metaphors. Review and correct quiz on metaphor and simile identification.. Assign last metaphor worksheet, due tomorrow.

Writing: DOL: reminder of procedures. Orally correct in class.

Science: Beginning of Planetary Science FOSS kit. Investigation 1: Draw a birds-eye view diagram of the middle school. Indicate where you can be found each period of the day, including lunch. Continue tomorrow if not finished today.

History: Greek ancient history. Establish what students already know, and begin discussion on Sparta/Athens.

Cartooning: Introduction to class. Discuss classroom rules. Complete questionnaire about cartoon interests. If extra time, pass out and discuss funnies sections from the newspaper.

2010-01-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 29, 2010

Block: Video

Art: Origami or drawing. Party - last day of art for the year.

Science: Continue yesterday's video and notes.

Cartooning: Last day to complete work for quarter and scan cartoons.

2010-01-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Block: SSR, correct metaphor worksheet from Monday. Do quiz on Simile and Metaphor identification.

Art: Present completed book covers to class.

Science: Video and notes on cellular structure/human body systems.

Cartooning: See Tuesday - still completing work and scanning.

2010-01-27T13:10:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Block: SSR and advisory. Teacher will initial all samples of exemplary work in advisory portfolios. Goal is to have a sample for every class along with completed cover sheets.

Art: Continue on yesterday's book covers. Present tomorrow to class.

Science: Attach "wet mount " and "Staining Specimen" worksheets into notebooks. Complete labeling on them. Update Table of Contents. Turn in science notebooks.

Cartooning: See Tuesday.

2010-01-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Block: SSR, Reading log #16. Reading logs due today #9-16.

Art: Design a fantastic book cover for your favorite book of all time. Be ready to present to the class when you are done.

Science: Staining Specimen lab. Students illustrate and label a wet mount onion skin, then stain and illustrate again. Reminder test tomorrow and science notebooks to be turned in tomorrow.

Cartooning: Goal for week is to get comic strips #4-6 completed along with cover sheet. Also they need to get everything they have scanned into the computer.

2010-01-25T07:59:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 25, 2010

Tuesday is the last day to make up tests, and turn in work for the quarter for 6th graders.
Progress notes handed out today to all students.

Block: SSR, reading log #16. correct metaphor sheet from last week and do new metaphor assn. Due tomorrow.

Art: Using a book from the shelf, draw in detail the cover of the book.

Science: Pond water microscope lab.

Cartooning: Continue scanning cartoons and cover sheet into the computer. Those who have already scanned theirs, work on computers to add narrative and narrative bubbles.

2010-01-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 22, 2010

Block: SSR and reading log entry #13. Correct yesterday's metaphor sheet. Catch up work. Review definitions of simile and metaphor. Test on these next week.

Art: Pass back all drawings and put into art folders. Finish all color wheels. Do free drawing if all caught up.

Science: Pass back and attach 3 sets of science worksheets into notebooks. Update table of contents. Science notebooks due Tuesday. Wednesday will be an end of unit test on microscopes - label parts of a microscope, steps in order to focus on a slide, identify proper labeling of slide drawings.

Cartooning: Continue scanning cartoon cover sheets and at least 3 strips. Work on narrative and bubbles with computers.

2010-01-21T16:55:00.001-08:00

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Block: SSR, collate simile papers and put into purple folders. Do catch up work. Discuss and assign metaphor worksheets. Due tomorrow.

Art: Work on finishing color wheels and any missing drawing assns. Update art folders - pass back papers. Check in art books.

Science: Update science notebooks and table of contents. Due Friday for grading (maybe Monday?) Pass back papers to be added to notebooks.

Cartooning: Scan into computer the cover sheets and at least 3 cartoon strips. Extra credit for any over 3 strips. Begin adding typed narration and narrative boxes.

2010-01-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

I'm sorry for the long delay between blogs! I am finally well enough to be back at school. I gave progress notes out today for 6th graders, so ask to see them. They have until Tuesday to get any make-up work done.

Block: SSR, and advisory. We watched a student led conference video and discussed the conferences they will be doing in March

Art: Watched a video on depth. They drew one picture of their choice showing depth. Color wheels need to be finished and turned in (30 points).

Science: Watched Bill Nye video on blood. They needed 10 factual notes in their science notebooks. Science notebooks will be graded at end of the week - it is their responsibility to see that they are complete.

Cartooning: Scan in cartoons and cover pages with scanner. If they don't have 3 cartoon strips to be scanned, then they need to do more.

2010-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Block: SSR and literary term test.

Enrichment: Make patterns and cut out colors to make color wheels. Graded on neatness, and proper order of colors.

Science: Test on microscope labels and being able to explain use of each part of a microscope.

Cartooning: Continue working on cover page of comics - due Friday. Continue working on strip #5.

2010-01-05T08:55:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Block: SSR, reading log #11. Review and oral practice test for literary terms. Test tomorrow - worth 100 points.

Enrichment: Paint complementary colors - review primary and complementary colors: Roy G. Biv. If time, begin practice circles with protractors for color wheels.

Science: Demonstrate care and carrying for microscopes. Students do microscope word search and study for tomorrow's test while individuals are tested on care/carrying microscopes.

Cartooning: Continue working on title page for cartoons. When those are completed and are colored, work on comic strip #5.

2010-01-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 4, 2010

Welcome back, everyone! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable holiday!

Block: SSR, study for Wednesday's lit terms test with a partner. Check out and review new books. This test is worth 100 points. They may take their notes home, but MUST return with them the next day.

Enrichment: Divide paper into 7 strips. Color first one red, the third one yellow, and the fifth one blue (primary colors) using watercolors. Discuss color wheel.

Science: Pull out the cards we made before vacation and study for two tests. The first one will require students to correctly label the parts of a microscope. The second will require them to identify the purpose of each of the parts of a microscope. These are worth 30 points each test. Both tests will be Wednesday.

Cartooning: Continue with rough draft of cover for their cartoon strips/comic books. When approved they need to do a large colored version. Lettering must be perfect - they may use stencils.

2009-12-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 18, 2009

Block: Video and party.

Enrichment and science: Watch video.

Cartooning: Video or worksheets.

Assembly in afternoon.

2009-12-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Block: SSR or work on suspense stories. Finals due Friday. Play vocab. bingo with literary terms as test preparation. Test will be after winter break.

Enrichment: Anyone not through etching and wrapping glass finishes today. Others will be coloring and assembling ornaments.

Science: Students will be playing bingo with microscope labels and definitions as test prep. Tests will be after winter break.

Cartooning: Holiday cards from cartoon characters are due today. If done, work on rough draft of comic strip title page.

2009-12-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Block: SSR, lit terms vocabulary, final suspense story due Friday.

Enrichment: Wrap glass pieces in newspaper. If they bring wrapping paper they can wrap them in that too.

Science: Flash cards for parts of a microscope. Study for test on microscope parts.

Cartooning: Begin draft of title page for comic strip.

2009-12-14T13:05:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Block: SSR, lit terms vocabulary, work on suspense stories or homework/ssr

Enrichment: Glass etching and cleaning.

Science: To computer lab to locate articles where people are using microscopes.

Cartooning: Holiday cards from your cartoon characters.

2009-12-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 14, 2009

Block: SSR, lit terms definitions, begin typing final suspense stories - due Friday.

Enrichment: Finish cutting out glass patterns/play science-nature trivia if done. Etching will be done Tuesday - wear old clothes!

Science: Microscope videos and notes.

Cartooning: Greeting card from your cartoon strip characters or cover for title page of your cartoon strip. Look at comic books for cover page concept/content.

2009-12-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 11, 2009

Block: SSR, literary elements vocab. (factual, fiction, hero, historical fiction) and correcting LA packet pages 15-17. Reminder: Draft 2 of suspense story (handwritten), plus self edit, peer edit and then parent edit is due by Monday.

Enrichment: Finish cutting out glass patterns. Etching next week.

Science: Study for microscope test - next week, Monday or Tuesday. Must be able to label and identify purpose for parts of a microscope.

Cartooning: Final holiday poster due today.

2009-12-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Block: SSR or catch up on missing work. Second hand written draft is due, along with self and peer editing. Parent edit is due by Monday. Students will be given in-class time next week to type their finals. Finals will be due Friday, Dec. 18 - any late papers will have their grades dropped according to their lateness.

Enrichment: Continue on glass etching. We will be doing the actual etching next week. If your poster is not completed, you will not be allowed to work on the glass until it is finished.

Science: Finish first magnifying activity - complete the second page of your worksheet. Attach to science notebook. Discuss the identity of the 10 slides from Wednesday.

Cartooning: Rough draft of your holiday (choice of which holiday)

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2009-12-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Block: SSR, lit elements notes (chronological order, story climax, dialogue, episode), Advisory: find examples of exemplary work and insert them along with completed analysis form into your advisory portfolio.

Enrichment: Continue with glass etching project. Poster to be completed by now.

Science: Microscope lab - in your science notebooks draw what you see and guess what you are looking at for each station.

Cartooning: Continue on posters.

2009-12-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Block: SSR, pass out editing checklist and demo editing. Self edit due today.

Enrichment: Begin glass etching. Clean glass, put on contact paper, trace design.

Science: Do table of contents, finish yesterday's illustration. Number pages. Discuss differences between old science notebook and these.

Cartooning: Discuss rules for new posters and begin rough drafts.

2009-12-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 7, 2009

Block: SSR, then we began taking notes on literature terms. Today we worked on Author, Cause and Effect, Character (physical description,) and Character Development (personality). We corrected page 14 of the language arts packets from last week and the week before. They have 5 days to make up any missing, then will not be able to fix their grades after that point. Lots of kids did not have theirs done!

Enrichment: We tried to finish all of the holiday posters today. Tomorrow we will begin the glass etching projects. Remember to bring your $2.00 if you haven't done that yet.

Science: We used part of the science period to complete painting. We received new science notebooks to be used just for the microscope unit. Label first page and draw/color large microscope on page one.

Cartooning: Presented power point. Decided on next project - a poster.

2009-12-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 3, 2009 and Friday, December 4, 2009

Remember: Food Drive is going on now.

Block: SSR and language worksheets p. 18-19 done in class today (use of semi-colons and colons)
Homework if not finished. On Friday, complete p. 20-21. The entire packet will be corrected on Monday so homework if any pages are not done.

Enrichment: On page 1 write list of 15 vocabulary words for unit one in art and their definitions. This was assigned as homework if not completed in class. These will be used on Friday in vocabulary bingo. Continue painting on winter posters.

Science: Thursday and Friday will be devoted to their End of Module test on the entire Mixtures and Solutions kit. They are encouraged to use their science notebooks for this activity. Students who received low grades on the Fizz Quizz will have an opportunity to retake that quiz next week, after we review scoring and reasons for low grades.

Cartooning: Thursday and Friday present any power points that are ready. Grades will drop one grade level if not ready until Monday. Comic strip #4 is due on Friday.

2009-12-01T16:45:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Two hour late start today!

Block: SSR and do language editing worksheets p. 18-19. Due today.

Enrichment: Art vocabulary and definitions for unit one, chapter one.

Science: Finish any work from yesterday and then read the last article in our booklets, "The History of Rubber" and answer the 3 board questions in your science notebooks.

Cartooning: Present any power points that are ready. Be sure to turn in notes if you haven't done so already. Use remaining time to work on cartoon strip #4.

2009-12-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

REMEMBER: TOMORROW IS A TWO HOUR LATE START! ALSO, REMEMBER THE FOOD DRIVE!

Block: SSR and work on suspense stories. The first draft is past due. Today self-revision is due.
Enrichment: Work on winter art posters painting.
Science: Complete yesterdays reading on "The Periodic Table" and answer assigned questions on p. 29 of your science notebooks. Then read "The Metals" and answers the assigned questions, also on p. 29.
Cartooning: Present Power Points. If extra time, work on comic strip #4 which is due on Friday.

2009-11-30T15:44:00.001-08:00

Monday, November 30, 2009

Block: SSR, and log #9. Then we worked on worksheet #17 on editing skills in language arts.

Enrichment: We are tracing large winter posters to be painted later this week.

Science: We did a "Fizz" Quiz to be graded as a quiz. Then we read "The Periodic Table" and answered the questions on p. 36.

Cartooning: Cartoon strip #4 is due by this Friday.

2009-11-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Block: SSR and make list of words that can be made from Thanksgiving. Or can work on suspense story if not done with D1.

Enrichment: Class continue to trace designs to be painted for holidays. Others do fun activity sheets.

Science: Catch up day - update science notebooks and Table of Contents. Play science/nature trivia.

Cartooning: Continue to present power point strips and crtique them.

2009-11-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Progress notes sent home today

Block: SSR, . Continue on language worksheets from last week - do pages 16 and 17 on punctuation. Due today.

Enrichment: Painting - change color values by adding a brush full of white paint to each new strip of color.

Science: Continue lab from yesterday by adding vinegar to calcium carbonate in the filters and making notes of what happened in the demonstration bag where calcium carbonate, citric acid, and baking soda were combined with water. Test the particulate with vinegar. Is it calcium carbonate?

Cartooning: Continue presenting Power Points and having class give critique of them.