Dear students,
Last week we passed the 100 day mark in our school year. It is a good time to “take stock” of the past and look ahead to the future.
(Note: This week’s assignment will not be submitted on the blog. Instead, you can turn it in on paper or send it to me via email at powellclass@gmail.com.)
Write a letter to me, Mme Powell. In the first paragraph, share your thoughts about your accomplishments so far this year in English. How do you feel you have grown as a reader and writer? What, in particular, are you especially proud of accomplishing? Is there something you have really enjoyed (or really not enjoyed!) this year in English class?
Then write a second paragraph stating one way you would like to improve. Do you feel that you need to spend more time reading aloud to practice your reading fluency? Do you need to branch out in the types of books you read or choose more challenging titles? Would you like to expand your writing skills by working hard at choosing specific words or becoming more daring when revising? Perhaps you need to make a commitment to always capitalize beginning words, names and the word “I”. Or maybe, you know that you really need to put more effort into focusing in class and doing your best work. Choose one good goal for you. State what it is that you want to achieve. Then write a sentence or two that explains specifically what you will do to accomplish that goal. If there is a way I can help you achieve your goal, please include that as well!
Be sure to use the format of a friendly letter as we have practiced in class (heading, greeting, indented paragraphs, closing and signature). Also, be sure to read your letter aloud to yourself and make any corrections necessary before turning it in.
Your letter is due on Monday, March 3. Go fourth graders!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Week 20 Choice Week!
Students,
This week you may write about any subject that interests you. Take us on an adventure to a far away place, real or imaginary, by using strong verbs and vivid adjectives. Or, describe a scene or a person in lively language to bring us up close to the setting or character. It’s up to you!
Use at least 75 words to write your story, poem, letter or description.
Happy writing!
Mme Powell
In my entry for this week, I wrote about a topic that doesn't seem very exciting, yet I found lots of interesting things to write about anyway. I could write about it with strong details because it is something I "know". As you read it, look for details that appeal to your senses. Do you feel like you are taking a walk with my dog and me?
Brrr. I slipped my hand into my mitten as quickly as I could after closing the car door. Elsa was already a speeding mass of legs and fur racing to the edge of the woods. There wasn’t much question which of us would win the contest. She just couldn’t wait to catch up on all the new smells since yesterday.
My boots squeaked on the snow as I followed her at my more leisurely pace. I didn’t want to move too slowly this morning though. It was COLD. My woolen-sock covered feet stayed toasty in my snow boots, but my legs were not so lucky. The frosty wind pierced through my sweatpants and the cold crept up under the cuffs. I needed to keep moving. I pulled my hood up over my hatted head to block the frigid air from my cheeks. Almost instantly my breath created icy crystals on the furry trim, but the small relief from the wind was welcome.
I squinted ahead to see how far Elsa had gone. She looked back at me with perked ears and a “come-on-what’s-takin’- ya” expression. Her head cocked to one side and her black nose bore a white patch of snow on its tip. Pretty cute, that rascal.
Laughing, I lifted my heavy boots high and joined the race.
This week you may write about any subject that interests you. Take us on an adventure to a far away place, real or imaginary, by using strong verbs and vivid adjectives. Or, describe a scene or a person in lively language to bring us up close to the setting or character. It’s up to you!
Use at least 75 words to write your story, poem, letter or description.
- As always, do your work in a word processing program first.
- Revise and edit your work before copying and pasting it into the comment area of the blog.
- Don’t forget to include your first name and code.
You may post your writing on your own blog this week if you prefer. Note: This assignment is due Monday, February 25, at 8:00 AM.
Challenge: Remember Mary Casanova's tips? One of them was, "Use your 5 senses." This week, try to include details that appeal to at least three of your senses! Help us to hear your brother hopping up the stairs. Let us smell the sweet flavor of morning cinnamon rolls at grandma's. Show us the pink and purple streaks of clouds crisscrossing the blues of the sky just after sunset. See my entry below for other examples.Happy writing!
Mme Powell
In my entry for this week, I wrote about a topic that doesn't seem very exciting, yet I found lots of interesting things to write about anyway. I could write about it with strong details because it is something I "know". As you read it, look for details that appeal to your senses. Do you feel like you are taking a walk with my dog and me?
Brrr. I slipped my hand into my mitten as quickly as I could after closing the car door. Elsa was already a speeding mass of legs and fur racing to the edge of the woods. There wasn’t much question which of us would win the contest. She just couldn’t wait to catch up on all the new smells since yesterday.
My boots squeaked on the snow as I followed her at my more leisurely pace. I didn’t want to move too slowly this morning though. It was COLD. My woolen-sock covered feet stayed toasty in my snow boots, but my legs were not so lucky. The frosty wind pierced through my sweatpants and the cold crept up under the cuffs. I needed to keep moving. I pulled my hood up over my hatted head to block the frigid air from my cheeks. Almost instantly my breath created icy crystals on the furry trim, but the small relief from the wind was welcome.
I squinted ahead to see how far Elsa had gone. She looked back at me with perked ears and a “come-on-what’s-takin’- ya” expression. Her head cocked to one side and her black nose bore a white patch of snow on its tip. Pretty cute, that rascal.
Laughing, I lifted my heavy boots high and joined the race.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Week 19 Wanted...one terrific friend!
This week features a "Want Ad" for a big brother for Mme Miller's son, Ben. Be sure to note the great details she includes in her humorous advertisement!
Wanted: An Older Brother for Ben
An exciting part time opportunity in Edina, Minnesota! Adventure and giggles await the right candidate. Do you plot and scheme about the perfect move for your chess queen? Are you a Wii aficionado with a zest for Star Wars the Complete Saga? Could you merrily munch and sloppily slurp Davanni’s cheese bread, leftover non-nut Halloween candy, and gallons of chocolate milk for weeks on end? Does figuring out 2648 piece Lego creations make you grin? Then, consider applying for this very special, much appreciated, challenging position!!!
You must be very energetic—a typical day for this enthusiastic almost-seven-year-old could include a sweaty soccer game, a competitive game of Blokus, a trip with his mom to Hub Hobby to get some weights for a Pinewood Derby car, an hour in the kitchen creating homemade popovers with chocolate chips, 20 minutes of practicing “Soaring” on the piano, 15 minutes of chores (including emptying grimy garbage and picking up stained sweat pants) an hour devouring the newest Merlin Magic novel, a hour or two throwing a football or arguing about whose turn it is to use the swing with some nice neighbors and as much snuggling, huggling and ruggling with his mom as he will allow!
Although it would not be required, it would be helpful if you shared Ben’s passion for patterns with numbers and all things to do with math. Don’t know your times tables yet? Not to worry, Ben can teach you! Sudoku makes you squirm? Ben’s your boy to get you going!
You would not have to be entirely responsible for this little wild warrior (although his mother would appreciate a few hours to herself!) , just be there to play, to support and to laugh with this very lovable, very clever first grader.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, February 14, let’s celebrate friendship! Please write a want ad for what you consider a great friend. Include specific requirements that reflect your own interests and passions. Adore skating at Cornelia Park? Can’t get enough of Harry Potter? Make them “requirements” in your “job” description. Have fun! (Please write at least 75 words.)
Challenge: Use proper nouns when possible (i.e. Limited Too instead of "store", Hannah Montana’s hit instead of “music.”)
• As always, write and save your story in a word processing program first.
• Be sure to check it over for capitalization, punctuation and spelling.
• Don’t forget to include your first name and code (eg. Ben S1) so that you will receive credit for your work!
Wanted: An Older Brother for Ben
An exciting part time opportunity in Edina, Minnesota! Adventure and giggles await the right candidate. Do you plot and scheme about the perfect move for your chess queen? Are you a Wii aficionado with a zest for Star Wars the Complete Saga? Could you merrily munch and sloppily slurp Davanni’s cheese bread, leftover non-nut Halloween candy, and gallons of chocolate milk for weeks on end? Does figuring out 2648 piece Lego creations make you grin? Then, consider applying for this very special, much appreciated, challenging position!!!
You must be very energetic—a typical day for this enthusiastic almost-seven-year-old could include a sweaty soccer game, a competitive game of Blokus, a trip with his mom to Hub Hobby to get some weights for a Pinewood Derby car, an hour in the kitchen creating homemade popovers with chocolate chips, 20 minutes of practicing “Soaring” on the piano, 15 minutes of chores (including emptying grimy garbage and picking up stained sweat pants) an hour devouring the newest Merlin Magic novel, a hour or two throwing a football or arguing about whose turn it is to use the swing with some nice neighbors and as much snuggling, huggling and ruggling with his mom as he will allow!
Although it would not be required, it would be helpful if you shared Ben’s passion for patterns with numbers and all things to do with math. Don’t know your times tables yet? Not to worry, Ben can teach you! Sudoku makes you squirm? Ben’s your boy to get you going!
You would not have to be entirely responsible for this little wild warrior (although his mother would appreciate a few hours to herself!) , just be there to play, to support and to laugh with this very lovable, very clever first grader.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, February 14, let’s celebrate friendship! Please write a want ad for what you consider a great friend. Include specific requirements that reflect your own interests and passions. Adore skating at Cornelia Park? Can’t get enough of Harry Potter? Make them “requirements” in your “job” description. Have fun! (Please write at least 75 words.)
Challenge: Use proper nouns when possible (i.e. Limited Too instead of "store", Hannah Montana’s hit instead of “music.”)
• As always, write and save your story in a word processing program first.
• Be sure to check it over for capitalization, punctuation and spelling.
• Don’t forget to include your first name and code (eg. Ben S1) so that you will receive credit for your work!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Week 18 Poetry Week!
Instead of a blog assignment this week, choose a poem that you like that is eight or more lines long (to count as a line it must have at least four words). Memorize it, including the title and author. Practice reciting it expressively. Be prepared to share your poem with your class during the week of February 4-8. Please pick a poem that you don’t already know!
If you would like to post your poem, please feel free to do so. Don’t forget to include the author and title.
Note: This might be a good week to catch up on any missing blog assignments!
If you would like to post your poem, please feel free to do so. Don’t forget to include the author and title.
Note: This might be a good week to catch up on any missing blog assignments!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Week 17 I Have a Dream...
Monday was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. So, who was this man we honor each year with a special day?
Years ago, when your parents were small, our country was experiencing some important events. Slavery had been outlawed many years before, but life was still very difficult for many African Americans. Their rights were not being protected and many of the laws at the time even made things worse. In the 1950s and 60s, after centuries of unfair treatment, many people began protesting, saying it was time for change. The Civil Rights Movement, as it is called, was led by a minister from Alabama, named Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King believed in the power of peaceful protest. Inspired by his message, people gathered for marches in various places around the country. They walked long distances, singing and carrying signs declaring the need for fair treatment and opportunities for all people regardless of the color of their skin. Many people opposed them. Sometimes the government did too. And sometimes the opposition was violent. Dr. King was shot and killed in 1968. But the movement continued, and change did come.
In 1963, Dr. King delivered a speech during the March on Washington. It is now famously known as his "I have a dream" speech. Watch the video clip below. Pay careful attention to what Dr. King tells us his dream is...
Think about your world today. What problems concern you? I don't mean whether your parents make you go to bed earlier than you'd like, or whether your family can afford to go to Disney World every year. I mean, what concerns you about our country (or even the world)? The environment? Homelessness? Crime? Hunger? Terrorism?
More importantly, what dream do you have for how it can be better?
Write a paragraph about one concern and your hope for the future. Start with a topic sentence explaining the problem. Then write 3 or more sentences explaining how you dream of it being better. (Don't worry, you don't have to have the solution figured out. Just explain how you'd like it to be different than it is now.) Finish with a concluding sentence that sums up your dream for the future. Feel free to listen to Dr. King again for inspiration.
As always...
Years ago, when your parents were small, our country was experiencing some important events. Slavery had been outlawed many years before, but life was still very difficult for many African Americans. Their rights were not being protected and many of the laws at the time even made things worse. In the 1950s and 60s, after centuries of unfair treatment, many people began protesting, saying it was time for change. The Civil Rights Movement, as it is called, was led by a minister from Alabama, named Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King believed in the power of peaceful protest. Inspired by his message, people gathered for marches in various places around the country. They walked long distances, singing and carrying signs declaring the need for fair treatment and opportunities for all people regardless of the color of their skin. Many people opposed them. Sometimes the government did too. And sometimes the opposition was violent. Dr. King was shot and killed in 1968. But the movement continued, and change did come.
In 1963, Dr. King delivered a speech during the March on Washington. It is now famously known as his "I have a dream" speech. Watch the video clip below. Pay careful attention to what Dr. King tells us his dream is...
Think about your world today. What problems concern you? I don't mean whether your parents make you go to bed earlier than you'd like, or whether your family can afford to go to Disney World every year. I mean, what concerns you about our country (or even the world)? The environment? Homelessness? Crime? Hunger? Terrorism?
More importantly, what dream do you have for how it can be better?
Write a paragraph about one concern and your hope for the future. Start with a topic sentence explaining the problem. Then write 3 or more sentences explaining how you dream of it being better. (Don't worry, you don't have to have the solution figured out. Just explain how you'd like it to be different than it is now.) Finish with a concluding sentence that sums up your dream for the future. Feel free to listen to Dr. King again for inspiration.
As always...
- do your writing in MSWord or another word processing program first
- revise it to include strong verbs and descriptive details
- proofread your work and make corrections in spelling, capitalization and punctuation
- copy and paste your writing into the comments section of the blog or into your own blog
- add your first name and code before publishing
Monday, January 14, 2008
Week 16 Inventions!
Last week we read about John Stetson, who invented the famous Stetson hat that became known as "The Boss of the Plains." John's unique hat was useful to many people who had discovered that other hats just didn't meet the demands of the work and the climate in the West.
Watch this video about Mother Necessity (who is said to be responsible for all inventions!).
Now, imagine an invention that would solve a problem you have experienced or seen other people experience. What do you wish someone would invent?
Write an advertisement for this imaginary product. Be sure to explain what your product does, how it works, and why people do not want to be without it!
Watch this video about Mother Necessity (who is said to be responsible for all inventions!).
Now, imagine an invention that would solve a problem you have experienced or seen other people experience. What do you wish someone would invent?
Write an advertisement for this imaginary product. Be sure to explain what your product does, how it works, and why people do not want to be without it!
For example, if you were writing an advertisement for The Boss of the Plains, it might sound something like this:
Are you tired of blistering sunburns on your neck and nose? Or perhaps you have seen one too many headcoverings turn from brand-spanking-new to "old hat" in just one week of work on the prairie. Maybe you long for a hat that can stand up to all the wind, rain, sun and sweat that a hard working Westerner can provide. If so, then we've got the right hat for you. Our hat is so superior to others, folks call it "The Boss."
Though it costs a bit more than other caps, once you own it, it will become your most valued possession. Its wide brim will protect both your face and neck from the sweltering sun. No longer will rain funnel down your back while you're movin' those dogies in a downpour. Instead, you'll be wearing your very own hands-free umbrella to keep you dry.
Need a spare bucket to water your horse or gather sun-kissed summer berries? The Boss can help you carry your load for work or pleasure. Need a pillow for your head as you snooze alongside your herd under the starry heavens? Again, The Boss is at your service. And, perhaps most importantly, in the light of day you'll look as handsome as a golden-maned mustang in your Boss of the Plains hat. No self-respecting cowboy or girl should be without one!
As always...
- do your writing in MSWord or another word processing program first
- revise it to include strong verbs and descriptive details to help us imagine your invention
- proofread your work and make corrections in spelling, capitalization and punctuation
- copy and paste your writing into the comments section of the blog or into your own blog
- add your first name and code before publishing
Monday, January 7, 2008
Week 15 Winter Break
My heart fluttered as I swung there, high above the treetops. The chair lift had stopped again. Rats. I hated that. I avoided looking down. Out was better.
The late rays of sun licked the snowy mountaintops with an orangey glow. This would be my last run of the day. Good thing, since my gloves were a bit damp and my fingers were becoming numb. The lengthening shadows brought a chill to the Rockies. Not long ago I had been skiing with my jacket wide open and my hair blowing freely – no hat. Now I inched my zipper higher toward my chin with my free hand. The other one was looped around the center post of the chair, clutching both of my ski poles. The snow below me took on a bluish tone in the dimming light.
I was going to do it this time. It was my last chance. The last run of the day on my last day in New Mexico. Tomorrow I would be on a plane back to the flatter lands of Minnesota. I had seen many skiers tumble, some hard, but others seemed to take “The Face” in stride, carving controlled Ss across the steep slope. I wanted to do it too. No bombing, just a comfortable curving line back and forth with a tiny tinge of racing heart as my skis would point downward again momentarily at each turn. If I could just avoid picking up too much speed during those moments, I could ski The Face without bodily harm. Right. Easier said than done.
Just three nights before, we had watched as a tight line of skiers waving bright orange torches snaked their way down that very run. Fireworks burst in the air from the summit above them. The line crawled along as slowly as a group of beginners on the bunny hill. That is, until one set of torches broke away from the zigzag and somersaulted to the side. The unfortunate tumbler wasn’t seriously hurt, but if the experts had trouble, who was I to think I could manage it even in the fleeting daylight.
My brain kept debating itself, as I took in a last breathtaking view from the top of the mountain. I skied several familiar runs on my way back down, so preoccupied with my thoughts I was barely aware of them. Finally, I stood at the top of The Face, overlooking the roof of the chalet. It appeared to be just a few feet forward and yet miles down, that’s how steep it was. I watched a few skiers, more confident than I, go by. Even they paused to take a deep breath before descending. I needed about twenty.
At last I inched forward. I could hear my pulse pounding in my ears. My skis slid along with a light shushing sound gaining momentum. I concentrated hard on my form, realizing I would have to either turn soon or ski off the edge. I took another deep breath and held it as I shifted my weight and allowed the tips of my skis to angle downward. Then as quickly as I could, I pressed the backs of them down and to the side. The sharp edges dug into the icy snow with a whoosh, but miraculously the tips were now pointed back across the slope moving only a tiny bit faster than I liked. I swished toward the far side of the hill and gritted my teeth in anticipation of another steep turn. A young skier suddenly zipped by, startling me. I fought to keep my balance. Thankfully, though shaken, I recovered in time to make the turn.
As I continued to work my way down, I started to grin. I was doing it. Maybe not like the pros, but not out of control either. “Not bad for a middle-aged, rusty skier like me,” I thought.
A few long minutes later, I reached the bottom. My daughter was there to congratulate me with a big hug. “Mom,” she said. “I am so proud of you! You conquered your first Rocky Mountain black diamond!”
Now it’s your turn. Write a story about a memorable experience you had over break. It might be a cookie baking event, a concert, a special time with your grandpa…whatever you did that felt important or worth remembering. Try to write about the way things sounded, felt, looked, smelled and tasted to help us experience it along with you. Use strong verbs. (At least 75 words.)
Challenge: After you write your story, reread what you have written. Look for sentences that start the same way. See if you can come up with ways to vary the beginnings. For example, if you have several sentences that start with “I” or “Then I”, try moving parts of the sentence around like this: “I didn’t really want to take a walk with Grandpa, but I didn’t want to listen to my aunts anymore either.” could be changed to “My aunts chattered nonstop, making a walk with Grandpa seem more appealing than usual.”
- As always, write and save your story in a word processing program first.
- Be sure to check it over for capitalization, punctuation and spelling.
- Don’t forget to include your first name and code (eg. Peter Sw#29).
The late rays of sun licked the snowy mountaintops with an orangey glow. This would be my last run of the day. Good thing, since my gloves were a bit damp and my fingers were becoming numb. The lengthening shadows brought a chill to the Rockies. Not long ago I had been skiing with my jacket wide open and my hair blowing freely – no hat. Now I inched my zipper higher toward my chin with my free hand. The other one was looped around the center post of the chair, clutching both of my ski poles. The snow below me took on a bluish tone in the dimming light.
I was going to do it this time. It was my last chance. The last run of the day on my last day in New Mexico. Tomorrow I would be on a plane back to the flatter lands of Minnesota. I had seen many skiers tumble, some hard, but others seemed to take “The Face” in stride, carving controlled Ss across the steep slope. I wanted to do it too. No bombing, just a comfortable curving line back and forth with a tiny tinge of racing heart as my skis would point downward again momentarily at each turn. If I could just avoid picking up too much speed during those moments, I could ski The Face without bodily harm. Right. Easier said than done.
Just three nights before, we had watched as a tight line of skiers waving bright orange torches snaked their way down that very run. Fireworks burst in the air from the summit above them. The line crawled along as slowly as a group of beginners on the bunny hill. That is, until one set of torches broke away from the zigzag and somersaulted to the side. The unfortunate tumbler wasn’t seriously hurt, but if the experts had trouble, who was I to think I could manage it even in the fleeting daylight.
My brain kept debating itself, as I took in a last breathtaking view from the top of the mountain. I skied several familiar runs on my way back down, so preoccupied with my thoughts I was barely aware of them. Finally, I stood at the top of The Face, overlooking the roof of the chalet. It appeared to be just a few feet forward and yet miles down, that’s how steep it was. I watched a few skiers, more confident than I, go by. Even they paused to take a deep breath before descending. I needed about twenty.
At last I inched forward. I could hear my pulse pounding in my ears. My skis slid along with a light shushing sound gaining momentum. I concentrated hard on my form, realizing I would have to either turn soon or ski off the edge. I took another deep breath and held it as I shifted my weight and allowed the tips of my skis to angle downward. Then as quickly as I could, I pressed the backs of them down and to the side. The sharp edges dug into the icy snow with a whoosh, but miraculously the tips were now pointed back across the slope moving only a tiny bit faster than I liked. I swished toward the far side of the hill and gritted my teeth in anticipation of another steep turn. A young skier suddenly zipped by, startling me. I fought to keep my balance. Thankfully, though shaken, I recovered in time to make the turn.
As I continued to work my way down, I started to grin. I was doing it. Maybe not like the pros, but not out of control either. “Not bad for a middle-aged, rusty skier like me,” I thought.
A few long minutes later, I reached the bottom. My daughter was there to congratulate me with a big hug. “Mom,” she said. “I am so proud of you! You conquered your first Rocky Mountain black diamond!”
Now it’s your turn. Write a story about a memorable experience you had over break. It might be a cookie baking event, a concert, a special time with your grandpa…whatever you did that felt important or worth remembering. Try to write about the way things sounded, felt, looked, smelled and tasted to help us experience it along with you. Use strong verbs. (At least 75 words.)
Challenge: After you write your story, reread what you have written. Look for sentences that start the same way. See if you can come up with ways to vary the beginnings. For example, if you have several sentences that start with “I” or “Then I”, try moving parts of the sentence around like this: “I didn’t really want to take a walk with Grandpa, but I didn’t want to listen to my aunts anymore either.” could be changed to “My aunts chattered nonstop, making a walk with Grandpa seem more appealing than usual.”
- As always, write and save your story in a word processing program first.
- Be sure to check it over for capitalization, punctuation and spelling.
- Don’t forget to include your first name and code (eg. Peter Sw#29).
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