Past Tenses- Past, Present and Future Tenses Review
- Propaganda Techniques review and Test
- Ch. 10 Social Studies - Forming the New Nation
- From...Articles of Confederation to the U.S.Constitution and Bill of Rights
- Watching the movie - 'Amazing Grace'
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." Maya Angelou
Monday, April 12, 2010
Coming Next Week
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Future Tenses - Review
Future - GOING TO
The future verb tense "going to" is used in the following situation:
Planned Events - When a future event that has been planned before the time of speaking.
■I am going to visit Mexico in a few days.
■We are not going to work next week.
■They are going to attend university next year.
Future - WILL.
We use the future- WILL tense when there is no plan or decision to do something before we speak. We make the decision spontaneously at the time of speaking. Look at these examples:
•Hold on. I'll get a pen.
•We will see what we can do to help you.
•Maybe we'll stay in and watch television tonight.
In these examples, we had no firm plan before speaking. The decision is made at the time of speaking.
Future PERFECT (needs 1,2,3 things) will/won't +have+participle
The future perfect tense designates action that will have been completed at a specified time in the future.
see the difference???
Saturday I will finish my housework. (simple future)By Saturday noon, I will have finished my housework. (future perfect)
Further Examples - Look how all these events will have finished by a time in the future... BY is normally used with the future perfect
3. She'll have read the book by the time you arrive.
4. I'm afraid we won't have finished by the end of tomorrow afternoon.
5. What will you have studied by the time you finish college?
Use blog to ask any questions about these tenses. What do you think about the 'future' now !!!
These videos recap my lesson almost exactly!!!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Coming Next Week
- Social Studies Chapter 9 Review and Test (Fri)
- Visual Association Study Skill
- Tenses (Future and Past)
- Creating Porpaganda Ads
- Chains -Directed Personal Reading 'Historical Non-fiction'
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Omniscient-NARRATIVE...
The smell of herbs and old boxes wafted through the musty air of The Old Wells General Store. The cobbled stone streets were alive with afternoon activity, the summer sun warming the faces of pedestrians. Unusual warm weather on the fall day drew children out to play among the multi colored leaves. A tinkling of bells echoed outside as a bay horse pulled up in front of a shiny wooden carriage, disposing a rosy cheeked child and her drawn-up mother. With the rustling of skirts and lavender perfume, mother and daughter tottered into the General Store. Mrs. Smith gaily picked out parchment and letter stationary for her child’s party, swatting down grubby hands with her gloved one. As she hurried to the counter, she wondered if her apple pie was burning on the coal stove. But all thoughts of apple pie left her mind when she was reminded by the clerk of the extra fee. Her face aghast, her green eyes wide as a gloved hand shook, a vein seemed to pop out of her powdered face. Placing a dainty hand upon its pair, she gave him an icy nod. “I see.” Was all she could muster. Her mouth clamped together like a clam, she dropped the materials and hurried her protesting child out, her mind turning like the worn wheels on the cobbled road.
With another sigh, James Andrews was forced out another wooden door, another bag of coins in his chapped hands. Pulling up his collar, a beautiful red leave flew into his face. Sputtering, he took in the strange warm weather. Maybe it’s a good sign… or not, he thought to himself as his deer hide boots quickened when the mob of shouting Patriot protesters came into view. Swallowing as beads of sweat appeared on his brow, the hated tax collector sprinted for his brick home. The lock clicked as a sigh of relief escaped him, the creases on his pale forehead disappearing. Thoughts of resigning filled his troubled mind as the cry of “No taxation without representation!” paraded in front of his sturdy house. A trembling hand parted the curtain as James looked out. The English flag his heart beat for so dearly wavered above his head. Thoughts of England filled his head, thoughts of the Boston before all this trouble started… “They won a war for them!” he told his tabby. “Why is it suc.h a big deal to pay a mite of pocket money for our King George III, may he reign forever.” His face a drawn out scowl, he lifted his chin and closed the curtain
For many of you, I told you that you didn't effectively describe a scene. Read Caroline's M. first paragraph that perfectly sets the scene. She used the picture to help her. - Hint! Use pictures to help you in future.
A blanket of snow lies over the cobblestone streets of Boston. Inside the chocolate brown house sits Mercy Otis Watson and Abigail Adams. The milky tablecloth covered the wooden table topped with crumpets and tea. Hanging on the wall are paintings of British scenery. Mercy dressed in a lovely pale blue ruffled sat chatting about the taxes with Abigail. In a light pink and white, Abigail Adams fanned herself with her ivory fan listening to Mercy chatter on about the king.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Examples of Students' Work - Brag Sheet
The Boston Massacre
Mary Goldman, a patriotic resident of Boston, was appalled by the Townshend Acts along with numerous others. Being just a child, she did not fully understand the situation. The thing she did understand though, was that her father was not bringing home any more money. Mary participated in every protest with her father that she could. She wanted the British gone.
On the other hand, James Howard was a loyalist and actually in the British army. He hated the way people called him names like bloody back and ran away from him in the street. One of his neighbors even moved away because James was a loyalist. He lived alone and desperately needed a friend, someone to talk to, to complain to.
What started out as a beautiful day for Mary Goldman, would soon turn into the worst nightmare of her life. A narrow road with many inhabitants, Glare Drive, sat in the center of Boston. A small townhouse with a worn wooden door on rusty hinges was at the very end of this road. Mary sat on her front steps, her foot started to tap and a loud sigh exhaled from her lungs, “when will father arrive home?” she thought. On any other day she wouldn’t have waited this long, but today her father promised to take her to a protest on the Townshend Acts. How could she resist such an offer? On the other side of town James was finishing up his lunch and grabbing his gear. Dread and regret filled him as he pondered on the thought of struggling with the patriots yet again. All he wanted was the chance to return to England. Little did he know that that chance might just happen later in the day.
“Father!” Mary’s high-pitched squeal echoed through the alley with excitement as her father rounded the last block to her house. He picked her up and swung her around in circles while the laughter of a child filled the air. Once down on the ground she said, “ Remember that you promised to take me to a protest today.” He replied, “ How could I not?” Hand in hand they walked down the road to where the protest would be held. A few blocks away James marched with his troop. Light filtered through the cracks in the alleyway. Muck sat on the edges of the dark road. Not a whisper was heard. Bam, bam, bam, the sound of boots hit the cobblestone road. “Attention, single file line behind me,” projected the commander of James Howard’s troop. Peering off in the distance James could already see a large group of protesters forming where they were about to arrive. A glare spread across his face as he thought of their leader, Crispus Attucks. The one thought raced through his mind, “Not another protest.”
As Mary and her father approached the scene, people swarmed around each other. Mary could not see over the numerous tall men, so her father put her up onto his shoulders to be taller than the rest. People shouted and held signs that read, “NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION!” The soldiers were approaching fast. In about a minute’s time they would be straight in front of the crowd. About a half-mile ahead, the soldiers marched on. Eventually they reached to the crowd. People shouted and screamed. A churning rose from deep inside James’s gut. Dirty snowballs whizzed through the air as far as the eye could see. A scream ringed through the air and James saw a man beating one of the soldiers with a club. More people advanced, gunshots fired. James’s finger brought the brown musket trigger back, but right before he did, his eyes caught the face of a terrified little girl on her father’s shoulders in the back of the crowd. Mary heard the gunshots and instinctively her head shot down with her hands over it in a defensive position. When she lifted her head, all the smoke had cleared and five figures lay on the ground lifeless and not moving. Mary screamed and nearly fainted. Being an agile man, her father turned and caught her. Running away with Mary in his arms, he looked back to see the soldiers marching away.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Propaganda - Revisited
This movie recaps what we discussed on propaganda this week. It also introduces a 6th form of propaganda that is also very common in the media 'FRAMING'
F- BOTT Revisited
Faulty Cause and Effect: This technique suggests that because B follows A, A must cause B. Remember, just because two events or two sets of data are related does not necessarily mean that one caused the other to happen. It is important to evaluate data carefully before jumping to a wrong conclusion.
Bandwagon: The "bandwagon" approach encourages you to think that because everyone else is doing something, you should do it too, or you'll be left out. The technique embodies a "keeping up with the Joneses" philosophy.
Over Generalizations: This technique uses important-sounding "glad words" that have little or no real meaning. These words are used in general statements that cannot be proved or disproved. Words like "good," "honest," "fair," and "best" are examples of "glad" words.
Testimonial: This technique is easy to understand. It is when "big name" personalities are used to endorse a product. Whenever you see someone famous endorsing a product, ask yourself how much that person knows about the product, and what he or she stands to gain by promoting it.
Transfer: In this technique, an attempt is made to transfer the prestige of a positive symbol to a person or an idea. For example, using the American flag as a backdrop for a political event makes the implication that the event is patriotic in the best interest of the U.S.
F- BOTT Revisited
Faulty Cause and Effect: This technique suggests that because B follows A, A must cause B. Remember, just because two events or two sets of data are related does not necessarily mean that one caused the other to happen. It is important to evaluate data carefully before jumping to a wrong conclusion.
Bandwagon: The "bandwagon" approach encourages you to think that because everyone else is doing something, you should do it too, or you'll be left out. The technique embodies a "keeping up with the Joneses" philosophy.
Over Generalizations: This technique uses important-sounding "glad words" that have little or no real meaning. These words are used in general statements that cannot be proved or disproved. Words like "good," "honest," "fair," and "best" are examples of "glad" words.
Testimonial: This technique is easy to understand. It is when "big name" personalities are used to endorse a product. Whenever you see someone famous endorsing a product, ask yourself how much that person knows about the product, and what he or she stands to gain by promoting it.
Transfer: In this technique, an attempt is made to transfer the prestige of a positive symbol to a person or an idea. For example, using the American flag as a backdrop for a political event makes the implication that the event is patriotic in the best interest of the U.S.
Narratives
Excellent work on the narratives...I'm enjoying reading them... Kudos to all! I will post some next week to share.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Patrick Henry Speech
Not the best, but this at least gives an idea of what the speech delivery might sound like...
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Omniscient-v-Limited The differences?
Read these two passages. Can you tell which narrative is omniscient –v- limited. What words/phrases create the omniscient voice?
She noticed them immediately. Old habits died hard, and her eyes tracked the movement on the road even before her mind registered approaching danger five men striding with the swagger of warriors. The only outward sign of her alarm was the tightening of her grip on the knife as she stripped a dead twig from the branch of the olive tree. There was no point in running. The men had seen her, and if she was their target they would catch her sooner or later. Sooner, she thought ruefully, remembering that her legs were not so limber as they once had been. Drawing a deep breath, she spoke as calmly as she could.
"Lyceus, I want you to take those olives to your mother, now." The young boy at her side looked down at the basket he carried and hefted its weight. He could tell it was more than half empty. "But Aunt Gabrielle, we've barely begun."
"It's enough," she said, more curtly than she had intended. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the warriors step off the road and enter the far edge of the orchard. Softening her tone of voice, she spoke again, "I'm too tired to do any more work today. Run along now, before I change my mind."
With a grin of delight, Lyceus turned to dash away, then froze.
"Auntie...those men..." He was young, but no fool, and his instincts were sharp, if less experienced than hers.
"Lyceus," she commanded softly. "Do as I say. Don't look back at them. Run."
As you can see, the reader is privy to the opnions/feelings of both Gabrielle and her nephew. As the cast of characters grows, the omniscient viewpoint allows the reader some glimpses into their thoughts as well. Anything that happens in this world can be described because the narrator is all-knowing, all-seeing. The disadvantage to this point of view is that the reader may feel emotionally removed from the storyline — the narrator reveals a little about every character, so it becomes harder to strongly identify with any one person. In fact, if the writer isn't careful, the shifts in viewpoint from one character to another can leave the reader dizzy.
Xena drove the head of the shovel deep into the loose dirt, then heaved the load up and over, dropping it into the pit by her feet. She steeled herself for the soft thudding sounds the dirt and clumps of grass made when they fell on the heaps below. Another stab with the shovel and she could feel sweat break out on her brow. That was a bad sign. The morning air was cool and she hadn't been digging that long.
"I wish you'd let me help," came a voice from over her shoulder.
"Gabrielle, I told you to stay back." She couldn't spare enough breath to adequately convey her anger. Another bad sign. She wiped her brow with the back of her hand, then went back to her task. The next load of dirt seemed a lot heavier than the others.
Time passed, marked only by the steady rise and fall of her shovel.
"Xena..." Gabrielle's voice sounded closer than it had before. "It's got to be safe for me by now. These are the last of the dead and they're nearly buried."
"Stay away!" snapped the warrior, careful to keep her back turned to her friend. A sudden wave of heat swept through Xena's limbs. Its passage robbed her of the strength to hold the shovel. She could feel her body sway, as if buffeted by the fire that raged inside her.
"Xena!"
"Stay...back," she cried out, but her voice was parched to a dry whisper.
The reader is aware of everything Xena is thinking and feeling, but Gabrielle's actions remain a mystery because Xena is not even looking at her. Using this perspective allows a writer to keep their own prose style, and to interpret and comment on the character's behavior, while still offering depth of emotion. The same restricted perspective should be used consistently throughout a scene, but new scenes or chapters can start with a different character's restricted viewpoint.
She noticed them immediately. Old habits died hard, and her eyes tracked the movement on the road even before her mind registered approaching danger five men striding with the swagger of warriors. The only outward sign of her alarm was the tightening of her grip on the knife as she stripped a dead twig from the branch of the olive tree. There was no point in running. The men had seen her, and if she was their target they would catch her sooner or later. Sooner, she thought ruefully, remembering that her legs were not so limber as they once had been. Drawing a deep breath, she spoke as calmly as she could.
"Lyceus, I want you to take those olives to your mother, now." The young boy at her side looked down at the basket he carried and hefted its weight. He could tell it was more than half empty. "But Aunt Gabrielle, we've barely begun."
"It's enough," she said, more curtly than she had intended. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the warriors step off the road and enter the far edge of the orchard. Softening her tone of voice, she spoke again, "I'm too tired to do any more work today. Run along now, before I change my mind."
With a grin of delight, Lyceus turned to dash away, then froze.
"Auntie...those men..." He was young, but no fool, and his instincts were sharp, if less experienced than hers.
"Lyceus," she commanded softly. "Do as I say. Don't look back at them. Run."
As you can see, the reader is privy to the opnions/feelings of both Gabrielle and her nephew. As the cast of characters grows, the omniscient viewpoint allows the reader some glimpses into their thoughts as well. Anything that happens in this world can be described because the narrator is all-knowing, all-seeing. The disadvantage to this point of view is that the reader may feel emotionally removed from the storyline — the narrator reveals a little about every character, so it becomes harder to strongly identify with any one person. In fact, if the writer isn't careful, the shifts in viewpoint from one character to another can leave the reader dizzy.
Xena drove the head of the shovel deep into the loose dirt, then heaved the load up and over, dropping it into the pit by her feet. She steeled herself for the soft thudding sounds the dirt and clumps of grass made when they fell on the heaps below. Another stab with the shovel and she could feel sweat break out on her brow. That was a bad sign. The morning air was cool and she hadn't been digging that long.
"I wish you'd let me help," came a voice from over her shoulder.
"Gabrielle, I told you to stay back." She couldn't spare enough breath to adequately convey her anger. Another bad sign. She wiped her brow with the back of her hand, then went back to her task. The next load of dirt seemed a lot heavier than the others.
Time passed, marked only by the steady rise and fall of her shovel.
"Xena..." Gabrielle's voice sounded closer than it had before. "It's got to be safe for me by now. These are the last of the dead and they're nearly buried."
"Stay away!" snapped the warrior, careful to keep her back turned to her friend. A sudden wave of heat swept through Xena's limbs. Its passage robbed her of the strength to hold the shovel. She could feel her body sway, as if buffeted by the fire that raged inside her.
"Xena!"
"Stay...back," she cried out, but her voice was parched to a dry whisper.
The reader is aware of everything Xena is thinking and feeling, but Gabrielle's actions remain a mystery because Xena is not even looking at her. Using this perspective allows a writer to keep their own prose style, and to interpret and comment on the character's behavior, while still offering depth of emotion. The same restricted perspective should be used consistently throughout a scene, but new scenes or chapters can start with a different character's restricted viewpoint.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Coming Next Week
- Ch.8 Social Studies book Test - Causes of the Revolution (PS Two BBIC)
- Historical Fiction Narrative Writing - 3rd person omniscient e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-person_omniscient_narrative
- Patrick Henry Spech (vocabulary and recitation)
- Chapter 9 Social Studies Readings 'At War'
- Tenses
Monday, March 8, 2010
MI - Background Info.
Watch and learn a little more about MI theory and how it is applied in the classroom. Don't ever accept that anybody is 'smarter' than you ever again!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Application of Verbs
These are examples of how students applied their natural intellegence last year. How will you do yours?
There are 1000's of possibilities. Choose one that best fits your natural intelligence
There are 1000's of possibilities. Choose one that best fits your natural intelligence
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Gang of Brain Freeze Verbs!!!
I hope the antidote is still working! Don't ever let yourselves be inflitrated by these devious linking verbs again!
Lesson Recap... Can you remember/Do you understand:
- The 5 ways to remember the different types of linking verbs?
- The 'test' to decide whether a verb is linking or action?
- How to caluclate a verb ratio?
- How to use a verb ratio to measure the quality of your writing?
- Why we are learning about linking verbs?
If you can answerthese questions then you are doing well.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Six Perspectives
Watch this video to review today's lesson. It shows the link between English and Spanish also. Soon you will be able to manipulate 'voice' to suit your writing
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Living Wax Museum Presentations
Living Wax Museum Presentations
Friday 26th Feb - Gra Class (8.15am)
Monday March 1st - Bux Class (8.15am)
Guidelines will be given out tomorrow or Friday, depending on when you hand in your state report
BBC Theatre Presentations
The week of March 8th-12th
(We'll do more practice on these next week.)
Friday 26th Feb - Gra Class (8.15am)
Monday March 1st - Bux Class (8.15am)
Guidelines will be given out tomorrow or Friday, depending on when you hand in your state report
BBC Theatre Presentations
The week of March 8th-12th
(We'll do more practice on these next week.)
Monday, February 15, 2010
State Report - The Finish Line
State Reports - Written components are due ...THIS FRIDAY -19th
(Whether you are finished or not, you must hand in your report Friday.)
Use this week to do your very best work. You are not being graded on what you did a month ago. You are being graded on your finished product. Don't rush through components this week just to get it finished. Make sure you are giving your very best effort over these last few days and truly thinking about how to make EVERY sentence the best possible. People who finish ahead of time may want to take a second look at their cover pages. The most important stage of the Report is the proof reading and editing. Make sure one component smoothly transitions to the next. You will probably have to add a few additional sentences at the start of your second and third components to achieve this. DO NOT inset pictures until the work is completely edited and corrected. This will avoid wasting ink. You have all worked very hard on this project. Make sure your final copy is something that you are truly proud to submit.
Coming Tuesday - Living Wax Museum Guidelines
Congratulations on the '50 States and Capitals' Test- A record number of 100% were recorded this year.
(Whether you are finished or not, you must hand in your report Friday.)
Coming Tuesday - Living Wax Museum Guidelines
Congratulations on the '50 States and Capitals' Test- A record number of 100% were recorded this year.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Due Dates
Prioritize your work so you are focusing on what needs to be done first.
50 States and Capitals Test- Thu 11th Feb
(both classes)
State Report - Written Component (e.g. intro/three components/conclusion/fun facts/work cited)
Fri Feb 19th
3D Model and State Report Living Wax Museum Speech
Feb 25th (Bux. class) Feb 26th (Gra. class)
You will be give additional guidelines on what to do for the Living Wax Museum speech once you finish the written component of the State Report or on Feb. 16th (whichever happens first)- DO NOT BRING YOUR 3D Model into school before this date. THERE IS NOWHERE TO STORE 50 MODELS
BBC Theatre Presentations
Dates still to be decided
Friday, February 5, 2010
BBC Theatre
How will you make sure your performace in the BBC sitcom presentations is the best possible?Thursday, February 4, 2010
Fifty States Test Practice
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm
This website has made interactive games that you can use to test your 'Fifty States' Knowledge.
Enjoy the video below
This website has made interactive games that you can use to test your 'Fifty States' Knowledge.
Enjoy the video below
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Next Week
- State Report Information
Make sure you are able to group your Research into P2s. Examples of possible P2s for the different components are below:
e.g. Tourist attractions
(Examples below- don't just copy these. Devise your own based on your state)
-Historical Importance, Family Actvities, Recreational Opportunities, Outdoor destinations etc...
eg. Commerce and Indusry
-Service Industries, Manufacturing Industries, Major Companies, Industrial Regions, Tourism, Major Products etc...
e.g.Natural Resources+ Crops
Mined Resources, Renewable or Nonrenewable Resources, Scenery, Agriculture Resources, Major Crops etc...
Target Stickers: Between 8-9
You must have all your information collected and written down in order to type out the following:
Next Computing Class: Paraphrased notes for Fun Facts (Fri 5th Feb)
Next Library Class: Gra. Group (This Fri) Bux. Group (Mon 8th Feb)
- Fifty States and Capitals Test
This will take place on Feb 11th. Use links on the blog to help you with your 50 States Studying. You will need to know each state and capital, its location, the three major bodies of water that border the U.S., and the two major mountain ranges in the U.S. Spelling is not counted; however, you will be expected to spell as accurately as possible.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Mentor Text - Geographical Features
Enjoy this example of A+ writing. Look at the variety of advanced sentences technqiues used and the succint way the hook is linked to the topic sentence. Count the number of proper nouns in the text as an example of how to integrate precise facts. Can you apply these elements into your own writing?
The flapping wings of the brown pelican, Louisiana’s state bird, fill the air as it soars over the ravishing, earthy scented marshland looking for a place to land. Imagine a boot-shaped fertile land of damp, breath-taking marshes, and the ground is partly underwater. The state of Louisiana is truly that place. Louisiana’s unique setting causes a number of this beautiful, marshy wonderland’s terrain features. Because Louisiana sits in one of the closest areas to the equator, it receives ample sunlight. The three states that border Louisiana are Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi. Additionally, this spectacular haven is located in the Southeast region and in the East South Central sub-region. Louisiana overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, so this paradise receives an abundance of dreadful storms during hurricane season.
One simply could not speak of Louisiana without mentioning its bustling cities. Not only is Louisiana home to numerous thriving metropolises, but nearly 75% of Louisiana’s population lives in urban or suburban areas. New Orleans, the most densely populated city in this beautiful state, is the 38th largest town in the United States. Baton Rouge, the second most populous boomtown in Louisiana, has reigned as the state capital since 1882. The third significant city is Shreveport; furthermore, it is the cultural center of the Ark-La-Tex, the area where Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana meet.
Because of all its marshes, lakes, and rivers, the state of Louisiana is often thought of as sodden wetland. In fact, Louisiana is one-third water. The rustling Mississippi River depositing into the Gulf of Mexico impacts both the geography and industries of Louisiana. The mouth of the river has changed the shape of the land in the south of Louisiana and improved the fishing industry. For example, New Orleans sits on land created by silt that the Mississippi carries. This beautiful state has countless lakes, including the rippling, 600 square mile Lake Pontchartain. The Louisiana coastline stretches 397 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico ranks as planet Earth’s 5th largest body of water.
Louisiana cannot boast of the lofty mountains of Alaska, but soggy textured bayous, a common feature in Louisiana, are unique in the nation. A bayou is a slow moving body of water connected to a river, ocean, or lake. Either saltwater, freshwater, or brackish water, a mixture between the earlier two, can be found in a typical bayou. Historian Harnett Kane described bayous as, “A place that seems often unable to make up its mind whether to be earth or water, and so it compromises.”¹ Few people live in bayous, but they remain a beautiful part of the state.
The low land is another factor that renders Louisiana’s geography unique. Although Driskill Mountain, the highest elevation in Louisiana, is just a hill at 935 feet above sea level, the peak stands as sky scraping to Louisiana as Mt. Everest is to Nepal. Additionally, Louisiana’s low point, New Orleans, is actually nine feet below sea level. This statistic explains why hurricane waves are a quandary in the city. Sadly, citizens are forced to make levees, walls made to regulate a body of water. The average elevation in the Pelican State is a lowly 90 feet. Wetland to the south, flat plains in the middle and a few lush forests to the north combine to give Louisiana very little altitude. The brown pelican flies down into a bayou, and lands on a bald cypress, Louisiana’s state tree. The only noise is the buzz of a honeybee, the state insect.
¹Louisiana by Suzanne LeVert
by Robert
The flapping wings of the brown pelican, Louisiana’s state bird, fill the air as it soars over the ravishing, earthy scented marshland looking for a place to land. Imagine a boot-shaped fertile land of damp, breath-taking marshes, and the ground is partly underwater. The state of Louisiana is truly that place. Louisiana’s unique setting causes a number of this beautiful, marshy wonderland’s terrain features. Because Louisiana sits in one of the closest areas to the equator, it receives ample sunlight. The three states that border Louisiana are Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi. Additionally, this spectacular haven is located in the Southeast region and in the East South Central sub-region. Louisiana overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, so this paradise receives an abundance of dreadful storms during hurricane season.
One simply could not speak of Louisiana without mentioning its bustling cities. Not only is Louisiana home to numerous thriving metropolises, but nearly 75% of Louisiana’s population lives in urban or suburban areas. New Orleans, the most densely populated city in this beautiful state, is the 38th largest town in the United States. Baton Rouge, the second most populous boomtown in Louisiana, has reigned as the state capital since 1882. The third significant city is Shreveport; furthermore, it is the cultural center of the Ark-La-Tex, the area where Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana meet.
Because of all its marshes, lakes, and rivers, the state of Louisiana is often thought of as sodden wetland. In fact, Louisiana is one-third water. The rustling Mississippi River depositing into the Gulf of Mexico impacts both the geography and industries of Louisiana. The mouth of the river has changed the shape of the land in the south of Louisiana and improved the fishing industry. For example, New Orleans sits on land created by silt that the Mississippi carries. This beautiful state has countless lakes, including the rippling, 600 square mile Lake Pontchartain. The Louisiana coastline stretches 397 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico ranks as planet Earth’s 5th largest body of water.
Louisiana cannot boast of the lofty mountains of Alaska, but soggy textured bayous, a common feature in Louisiana, are unique in the nation. A bayou is a slow moving body of water connected to a river, ocean, or lake. Either saltwater, freshwater, or brackish water, a mixture between the earlier two, can be found in a typical bayou. Historian Harnett Kane described bayous as, “A place that seems often unable to make up its mind whether to be earth or water, and so it compromises.”¹ Few people live in bayous, but they remain a beautiful part of the state.
The low land is another factor that renders Louisiana’s geography unique. Although Driskill Mountain, the highest elevation in Louisiana, is just a hill at 935 feet above sea level, the peak stands as sky scraping to Louisiana as Mt. Everest is to Nepal. Additionally, Louisiana’s low point, New Orleans, is actually nine feet below sea level. This statistic explains why hurricane waves are a quandary in the city. Sadly, citizens are forced to make levees, walls made to regulate a body of water. The average elevation in the Pelican State is a lowly 90 feet. Wetland to the south, flat plains in the middle and a few lush forests to the north combine to give Louisiana very little altitude. The brown pelican flies down into a bayou, and lands on a bald cypress, Louisiana’s state tree. The only noise is the buzz of a honeybee, the state insect.
¹Louisiana by Suzanne LeVert
by Robert
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
State Report - Geographical Features
2010 Mentor Texts coming soon...
Will yours be published as an example to your classmates?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
State Report - This Week
Focus: Geographical FeaturesHow is your note taking going?
Target Stickers by EOD Fri: Between 3-5 stickers
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Poetry Parties
Congratulations on your wonderful presentations in each of the poetry parties.
Feel free to give 'kudos' to your fellow classmates through 'comments' complimenting them on some of the poems you enjoyed the most. Of course, only polite responses at all times!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
State Report Websites
State Report Websites
Use 'only' these sites below to do your State Report online research. If you find a site on your own that you think is better, share it with me first, and I might add it to the list. There is advice under each website to save you a little time.
State Report Websites
1. Encyclopedia Britannica Online School Edition: http://school.eb.com/elementary [ID=latin, PASSWORD=hawks] You may copy a picture or map from this site. Type the name of your state in the Search box and click Go.
2. NETSTATE.com
http://www.netstate.com/states/index.html Click on your state.
Advice: (Only good for basic facts about the states)
3. IPL Kidspace: Stately Knowledge: http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/stateknow/ provides basic facts and links to other sources about each state
Advice: (Use the links at the bottom of each state page for detailed information on specific topics)
4. Infoplease: The Fifty States: http://www.infoplease.com/states.html Choose state from the list below the map.
(Advice: Good for links to famous people for the character sketch)
5. http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/us.htm.
(Advice – Good for geographical features and commerce and industry)
Use 'only' these sites below to do your State Report online research. If you find a site on your own that you think is better, share it with me first, and I might add it to the list. There is advice under each website to save you a little time.State Report Websites
1. Encyclopedia Britannica Online School Edition: http://school.eb.com/elementary [ID=latin, PASSWORD=hawks] You may copy a picture or map from this site. Type the name of your state in the Search box and click Go.
2. NETSTATE.com
http://www.netstate.com/states/index.html Click on your state.
Advice: (Only good for basic facts about the states)
3. IPL Kidspace: Stately Knowledge: http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/stateknow/ provides basic facts and links to other sources about each state
Advice: (Use the links at the bottom of each state page for detailed information on specific topics)
4. Infoplease: The Fifty States: http://www.infoplease.com/states.html Choose state from the list below the map.
(Advice: Good for links to famous people for the character sketch)
5. http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/us.htm.
(Advice – Good for geographical features and commerce and industry)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Coming Next Week
- Writing and Performing Tall Tales
- Punctuating Dialogue
- Synthesizing and Paraphrasing Practice
- West Region Activities
- State Report Guidelines
- Poetry Parties
Friday, January 15, 2010
Tall Tales
Our next writing topic will be 'tall tales'. Enjoy reading about Tales Tales by browsing through this website attached to this link.Sunday, January 10, 2010
Coming Next Week
- Poetry Recitals (Mon-Fri)
- Northeast Region Test
- West Region - Video and Notes
- Grammar Powerpoint Presentations + Test
- Reading Skills Practice - Main Idea +Details, Synthesizing, Paraphrasing
- Writing and Performing Tall Tales
Friday, January 8, 2010
Grammar Powerpoint Presentations
How will your group make your powerpoint presentation unique, engaging, enticing?Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Question
How did the exercise on the Beatles' songs help you with understanding figuarative language?How good is your poem? Read it out loud 'slowly' to somebody. If he/she can guess the topic with no hints...your poem is probably very strong
Monday, December 14, 2009
Poetry - Showing not Telling
You next poem will be a figurative/sensory narrative poem that retells a major world event in 'showing not telling' language. Monday's H/W will be to select that event.
Use your social studies textbook to select a major event of the 19th, 20th or 21st Century. More adventurous students can choose to select a topic from the links below.
http://www.awesomestories.com/featured-stories
http://history1900s.about.com/od/famouscrimesscandals/u/events.htm
All you need for Tuesday's class is the name of the event and a print out of the text you will use for your poem. see below
e.g.The Titanic Sinks!
The RMS Titanic, also known as the Unsinkable Ship, set sail on her maiden voyage on April 10, 1912. It was leaving Southampton, England to reach New York. This ship was the biggest ship ever and was created by White Star Lines and was constructed by Harland & Wolff. On April 14 a terrible disaster happened. The Titanic hit an iceburg. It was 11:40pm when she grazed the side of the iceburg. Three hours later it sank. Over 1,500 people died on that fatal night. The captain, Edward J. Smith ignored warnings from other ships about iceburg sightings. They tried to turn the ship so it would not hit the iceburg. They turned but not enough. The ship started to sink at bow, making the passangers move to the stern. She split in two and sank bringing everyone in the water down too. Many froze in the -28 degrees Fahrenheit water. About 706 people survived, living to tell this tragic tale.
Remember
The easiest way to do this is to just select a story from your Social Studies Textbook
Use your social studies textbook to select a major event of the 19th, 20th or 21st Century. More adventurous students can choose to select a topic from the links below.
http://www.awesomestories.com/featured-stories
http://history1900s.about.com/od/famouscrimesscandals/u/events.htm
All you need for Tuesday's class is the name of the event and a print out of the text you will use for your poem. see below
e.g.The Titanic Sinks!
The RMS Titanic, also known as the Unsinkable Ship, set sail on her maiden voyage on April 10, 1912. It was leaving Southampton, England to reach New York. This ship was the biggest ship ever and was created by White Star Lines and was constructed by Harland & Wolff. On April 14 a terrible disaster happened. The Titanic hit an iceburg. It was 11:40pm when she grazed the side of the iceburg. Three hours later it sank. Over 1,500 people died on that fatal night. The captain, Edward J. Smith ignored warnings from other ships about iceburg sightings. They tried to turn the ship so it would not hit the iceburg. They turned but not enough. The ship started to sink at bow, making the passangers move to the stern. She split in two and sank bringing everyone in the water down too. Many froze in the -28 degrees Fahrenheit water. About 706 people survived, living to tell this tragic tale.
Remember
The easiest way to do this is to just select a story from your Social Studies Textbook
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Brag Sheet - Sensory Narrative
This piece of writing truly touched me. Can you understand why?
As he held tightly to his mother's hand, tears welted in his eyes and trickled down his cheeks. Everybody wore black suits and dresses, but nobody cried as much as he did. Seven year old John knelt by the wooden casket every waking moment of the never ending funeral. His mother lay inside clutching a white beaded rosary. She dressed in a lacy, black dress and black shoes. Everybody did everything they could to cheer John up, but it seemed impossible. How could he ever live on without a mother? Know he would have to be passed back and forth with relatives and foster homes. He would be forced to change schools, and leave his friends behind. There was no way out of this terrible, unfair fairy tale that seemed to end now. There were no good endings, it was the end of the book. He pressed his clammy hand upon the smooth, wooden casket as the priest closed it forever. His mother already had a grave stone placed where the grave was to be, and it was beside his dad's grave. John carefully placed the red roses on the grave, sniffled, and wiped his nose with the back of his hand. His pale white face stared at the finished wood casket as his aunt generously rubbed his shoulder and whispered kindly in his ear that " Everything is going to be okay." Each and every friend and relative was at his side ready to face the challenges that lay ahead for him. " Maybe change is for the best" thought John as if to convince himself that everything really was going to be okay. "This unfortunate event could have happened to anyone, and out of all people it had to be me?" thought John. The cold stormy sky's rain pored down on John's neatly combed, brown hair. Each time he stepped, mud splashed up from the grass and dirtied John's black fancy pants. John wouldn't have missed this ceremony for his life. It seemed like the end of the road for him, but somehow he knew he would make it through. He knew that this was what his parents would have wanted for him. by Maddie
As he held tightly to his mother's hand, tears welted in his eyes and trickled down his cheeks. Everybody wore black suits and dresses, but nobody cried as much as he did. Seven year old John knelt by the wooden casket every waking moment of the never ending funeral. His mother lay inside clutching a white beaded rosary. She dressed in a lacy, black dress and black shoes. Everybody did everything they could to cheer John up, but it seemed impossible. How could he ever live on without a mother? Know he would have to be passed back and forth with relatives and foster homes. He would be forced to change schools, and leave his friends behind. There was no way out of this terrible, unfair fairy tale that seemed to end now. There were no good endings, it was the end of the book. He pressed his clammy hand upon the smooth, wooden casket as the priest closed it forever. His mother already had a grave stone placed where the grave was to be, and it was beside his dad's grave. John carefully placed the red roses on the grave, sniffled, and wiped his nose with the back of his hand. His pale white face stared at the finished wood casket as his aunt generously rubbed his shoulder and whispered kindly in his ear that " Everything is going to be okay." Each and every friend and relative was at his side ready to face the challenges that lay ahead for him. " Maybe change is for the best" thought John as if to convince himself that everything really was going to be okay. "This unfortunate event could have happened to anyone, and out of all people it had to be me?" thought John. The cold stormy sky's rain pored down on John's neatly combed, brown hair. Each time he stepped, mud splashed up from the grass and dirtied John's black fancy pants. John wouldn't have missed this ceremony for his life. It seemed like the end of the road for him, but somehow he knew he would make it through. He knew that this was what his parents would have wanted for him. by Maddie
Monday, December 7, 2009
Brag Sheet - Midwest Region Essay
Below is one of the few essays that scored the highest grade in the recent class writing assignment. Read this essay 'very' carefully and look how effectively it introduced a variety of 'unique' facts about the Midwest in an engaging and interesting way. Also note the use of GRAAB and SSS. I did make a few changes in red as examples of how you can all avoid repeating the name of the region continually through your essays and the word 'many'.(Hint Hint nudge Nudge...This is an excellent example of the type of answer that will be required for Thursday's Midwest Test essay!)Explain why the Midwest is referred to the "Unique region" in the US
By Ryan Ensor
As the glaciers melt away, in time the hairy buffalo slowly trot onto the plains with Nomad Indians close behind onto what will soon become one of the most distintive regions of a new country. There are a variety of reasons why the Midwest is referred to as the “Unique Region” of the US. Impressive historical monuments can be found nestled across this part of the nation. The Midwest may not be home to New York’s Statue of Liberty, or Arizona’s Grand Canyon, but Mount Rushmore is known throughout the world and has become South Dakota’s claim to fame. Mount Rushmore portrays George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt. It attracts a plethora of tourists everyday to stare at the carved faces in the side of the Mountain. The Crazy Horse Memorial is as important to Indian heritage as Kitty Hawk in the Southeast is to the Wright Brothers. The Crazy Horse Memorial is a huge statue of a horse and rider, although this marvel is not yet complete. The Sand Hills, located in Nebraska, are three hundred feet tall. These monuments are just some of the many marvels in the Midwest.
Sports teams, hot air ballooning, and winter sports are all popular hobbies in the Midwest. The Minnesota Twins are as important to Minnesota as the Red Sox are to Boston. The Ohio State Buckeyes and Wisconsin Badgers are popular college teams from Ohio and Wisconsin respectively. Alternatively, multi colored hot air balloons filled the sky as they soar during a typical midwestern summer festival. Hot air ballooning is a popular pastime for residents and visitors to the area alike and is also enjoyed nation wide! In most places, hot air ballooning is scarce, and this is one of the reasons the Midwest is so unique. Additionally, ice fishing, ice hockey, and ice skating are very fun for winters in across the land areras bordering the Great Lakes. In fact, ice fishing is as uncommon for other regions as a blizzard hitting the Florida coastline would be.
The history of the Midwest is as interesting as the history of the whole country. Glaciers, huge frozen blocks of ice, once covered the entire Interior Plains flattening mountains and trees. When the glaciers cleared away, buffaloes and Indians came on to the now settle in the Plains. Soon the French came into the Midwest exploring and looking for land to take for their own. In 1803, The US concluded the Louisiana Purchase.
To conclude, the Midwest is unique in many ways. Mount Rushmore, Minnesota Twins, and hot air ballooning are just a few resons. As the red, white, and navy blue Minnesota Twins compete in the World Series foreign tourists gape at the granite faces of Mount Rushmore. The crowd roars in triumph when the Twins win the World Series making their mark on history, and the tourists realized what a unique region the Midwest truly is.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Coming Next Week
- Midwest Region Test - Thur
Northeast Region -Research Skills Project- Reading, Writng, and Interpreting Poetry
Friday, December 4, 2009
Brag Sheet- Narrative
The way Thomas integrated the description of the scenery with his action narrative was very impressive.
A Camping Trip to Remember
By Thomas Williams
When the fading sunlight prickled through the trees onto my fellow campers walking on the forest trail, we looked almost like ants marching in a line to get back to their anthill. The trail was weathered into the woods and clear over the dense, overgrown jungle of forks in the dirt trail. The smell of the cool Appalachian summer air put me at ease. My conversation was interrupted and stopped as cheers erupted from the crowd of traveling boys. We had reached our campsite; it was green river pasture.
Surprisingly, even though it was just a two-mile trip, all of the campers seemed as tired as dogs. The sound of panting hit at my eardrums. Chris and Patrick, two boys in my cabin, toiled with tarps for a blue tent. While they were at work, I put on my Crocs and plunged into icy Green River. I felt energetic as I paddled in the stream. I found a place where the current was not very strong and picked up a rock. I pulled my arm back and let loose a hard sidearm. The rock skipped once, twice, three times. The smell of enchiladas on the cook stove made my mouth water. The yellow sun from earlier had become a golden ball above the horizon struggling to stay where it was. The ominous cloud cover soon crept over it. David, my camp counselor, called for us to come and eat. I had been ready a long time ago!
Dinner was happiness for my taste buds, but no one had enough of it. Everyone took any chance they could of getting more food even if it meant stealing off other people's plates. Five or six people only got a half serving! Five counselors can only carry so much!
When the final ray of sunlight disappeared from view, few of us had flashlights. David set to work building a campfire. It took a while before the the taste of s'more finally reached my mouth. When it did, the smell of smoke was almost better than the smell of s'mores.
It was midnight before sleep came. Sleep was what everyone needed, but no one was able to get more than an hour of it. My dreams were brought to reality by the pitter-patter of rain on the foot of my sleeping bag. The bag was taking on water rapidly while lightning flashed in the sky above. The rain stopped as fast as it had begun. All 40 campers stumbled out of the makeshift tent and onto the soft, drying, ground. I listened to the sound of shuffling cards from the pack Martin had brought along. As the sun began to peek through the clouds hours later, David and the other counselors helped us pack our backpacks, sleeping bags, and tarps. After that, I vowed never to go camping again. That promise won't last very long!
A Camping Trip to Remember
By Thomas Williams
When the fading sunlight prickled through the trees onto my fellow campers walking on the forest trail, we looked almost like ants marching in a line to get back to their anthill. The trail was weathered into the woods and clear over the dense, overgrown jungle of forks in the dirt trail. The smell of the cool Appalachian summer air put me at ease. My conversation was interrupted and stopped as cheers erupted from the crowd of traveling boys. We had reached our campsite; it was green river pasture.
Surprisingly, even though it was just a two-mile trip, all of the campers seemed as tired as dogs. The sound of panting hit at my eardrums. Chris and Patrick, two boys in my cabin, toiled with tarps for a blue tent. While they were at work, I put on my Crocs and plunged into icy Green River. I felt energetic as I paddled in the stream. I found a place where the current was not very strong and picked up a rock. I pulled my arm back and let loose a hard sidearm. The rock skipped once, twice, three times. The smell of enchiladas on the cook stove made my mouth water. The yellow sun from earlier had become a golden ball above the horizon struggling to stay where it was. The ominous cloud cover soon crept over it. David, my camp counselor, called for us to come and eat. I had been ready a long time ago!
Dinner was happiness for my taste buds, but no one had enough of it. Everyone took any chance they could of getting more food even if it meant stealing off other people's plates. Five or six people only got a half serving! Five counselors can only carry so much!
When the final ray of sunlight disappeared from view, few of us had flashlights. David set to work building a campfire. It took a while before the the taste of s'more finally reached my mouth. When it did, the smell of smoke was almost better than the smell of s'mores.
It was midnight before sleep came. Sleep was what everyone needed, but no one was able to get more than an hour of it. My dreams were brought to reality by the pitter-patter of rain on the foot of my sleeping bag. The bag was taking on water rapidly while lightning flashed in the sky above. The rain stopped as fast as it had begun. All 40 campers stumbled out of the makeshift tent and onto the soft, drying, ground. I listened to the sound of shuffling cards from the pack Martin had brought along. As the sun began to peek through the clouds hours later, David and the other counselors helped us pack our backpacks, sleeping bags, and tarps. After that, I vowed never to go camping again. That promise won't last very long!
Brag Sheet - Narrative
Read Forrester's narrative. See the impressive integration of proper nouns in his work ?
Baseball Tryouts
“One who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
As I step into my dad’s navy Suburban car, I am struck with nervousness. I put on my Adidas baseball cleats after hearing my dad give me advice on pop- flies and grounders. Trepidation filled the March air when I stepped onto the Myers Park Trinity soil. I had never even touched a real baseball bat in my life, yet I was trying out for the best team in the league. I squeezed my Spalding baseball mitt and slowly approached Founder’s Field.
The coach told us to warm up by throwing the Adidas baseball back and forth to each other. A couple of the more experienced players gave me a few tips on how to throw the ball more accurately after I had whiffed the ball a litany of times. For example, to receive a better grip on the ball, put on finger on each side of the ball; put one on top of the ball.
Finally, the tryouts began. Firstly, the coach instructed us to individually run a lap around the diamond, the bases, so that they could obtain our average time. I had become extremely jittery by the time it was my turn, but when the coach stated go, I went. Dust flew up towards the Carolina Blue sky. I sprinted towards home plate after rounding first, second, and third. Even though I had an average Little League score, I still strived for more.
Secondly, the coach instructed us to vie pitching. On my first try, I bounced the ball off the plate and gave the catcher a bloody nose. I stopped and apologized, but that didn’t stop the red, gushing blood from coming out of his nose. I threw balls for the other two. One bounced before it reached home, and the other nearly took the head off of a man walking by. My talent in pitching pretty much states my fielding skills also. I caught zero out of five pop- flies, stopped two out of three grounders, and didn’t make a single accurate throw to first.
At this point, my outcome was obvious, yet I still had to suffer through batting. I swung at and missed all the balls with my Easton baseball bat except for one that went about five inches. Stepping back into my squeaky, leather seat of the Suburban car, I tell my dad how horrible I did. My dad tried to cheer me up, but that didn’t matter. By this point, I had realized that I probably shouldn’t have tried out for the best Myers Park team first, but I should have tried out for a smaller team and worked my way up. As they say, “One who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
~Forrester Welch
Baseball Tryouts
“One who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
~Anonymous
As I step into my dad’s navy Suburban car, I am struck with nervousness. I put on my Adidas baseball cleats after hearing my dad give me advice on pop- flies and grounders. Trepidation filled the March air when I stepped onto the Myers Park Trinity soil. I had never even touched a real baseball bat in my life, yet I was trying out for the best team in the league. I squeezed my Spalding baseball mitt and slowly approached Founder’s Field.
The coach told us to warm up by throwing the Adidas baseball back and forth to each other. A couple of the more experienced players gave me a few tips on how to throw the ball more accurately after I had whiffed the ball a litany of times. For example, to receive a better grip on the ball, put on finger on each side of the ball; put one on top of the ball.
Finally, the tryouts began. Firstly, the coach instructed us to individually run a lap around the diamond, the bases, so that they could obtain our average time. I had become extremely jittery by the time it was my turn, but when the coach stated go, I went. Dust flew up towards the Carolina Blue sky. I sprinted towards home plate after rounding first, second, and third. Even though I had an average Little League score, I still strived for more.
Secondly, the coach instructed us to vie pitching. On my first try, I bounced the ball off the plate and gave the catcher a bloody nose. I stopped and apologized, but that didn’t stop the red, gushing blood from coming out of his nose. I threw balls for the other two. One bounced before it reached home, and the other nearly took the head off of a man walking by. My talent in pitching pretty much states my fielding skills also. I caught zero out of five pop- flies, stopped two out of three grounders, and didn’t make a single accurate throw to first.
At this point, my outcome was obvious, yet I still had to suffer through batting. I swung at and missed all the balls with my Easton baseball bat except for one that went about five inches. Stepping back into my squeaky, leather seat of the Suburban car, I tell my dad how horrible I did. My dad tried to cheer me up, but that didn’t matter. By this point, I had realized that I probably shouldn’t have tried out for the best Myers Park team first, but I should have tried out for a smaller team and worked my way up. As they say, “One who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
~Forrester Welch
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Brag Sheet
Personal Narrative
By: Kate Mace
As the sound of my mom’s voice echoed through my brain, I caught a glimpse of the New York, yellow taxicab racing toward my family. The hotel we were staying at towered over the streets of the city. While I was waiting for the cab to pull up in front of the hotel’s massive doors for us to climb in, I made a mental plan for our day in the city. First, we had gotten out of bed, eaten breakfast, and made our way to the front steps to sit down while my mom called a cab. After we stepped into the scented cab, my mom told Larry, the cab driver, that we were going to FAO Schwartz. Usually, my mom told us where my family was going for the day, but today, she surprised us by telling the cab driver we were going to one of the greatest and biggest toy stores on the planet! The bland, drab seats of the cab gave me no further excitement when I rested my head on the back of the seat. The bleeping of the horns and the squealing of brakes called me to my senses.
The cab was stopped in front of the enormous building with an even more humongous sign welcoming you into FAO Schwartz. As the aromatic scent drifted p into my nostrils, my jaw dropped. Even the windows were stuffed to the gills with cute stuffed bears and Lego sets. The mellow colors of the plush toys made my little brother squeal with joy. Matthew, my little brother, pointed out that there was a giant pile of stuffed animals in the middle of the room, and kids were jumping and playing in it. Without asking, I ran up to the heap of toys and did a giant cannonball into it. The cushy, plush animals engulfed me like a volcano engulfs the chunks of rock that plop into its burning mass. As soon as I stuck my head out of the pile, it was pushed back under again when my brother decided it was his turn to jump into the animal pile. Luckily, my mom saw this whole scene unfold so I didn’t have to waste my breath yelling at my brother to get off of me. The pitter-patter of my little little brother’s feet abruptly stopped as my mom scooped him off the ceramic floor before he too could jump on the pile. I felt relieved as we ran up the stairs to the giant piano.
Even though there were a lot of kids at FAO, I still had a lot of fun. The gentle sound of Lucas’s snoring put me in a peaceful mood. The pitter-patter of rain, not feet, filled my ears up to it’s uppermost level, so that I could hear nothing else. I was tired and happy when the cab reached the hotel yet again. Walking through the doors of the Duke Frabresan, I took a deep breath of the perfumy smell. As my mom ushered us to the door of our room, I saw the delicate flowers sitting on the stool next to the table. Because the door was shut, the music became muffled. Jumping on a bed covered in soft, fluffy pillows never felt so good.
By: Kate Mace
As the sound of my mom’s voice echoed through my brain, I caught a glimpse of the New York, yellow taxicab racing toward my family. The hotel we were staying at towered over the streets of the city. While I was waiting for the cab to pull up in front of the hotel’s massive doors for us to climb in, I made a mental plan for our day in the city. First, we had gotten out of bed, eaten breakfast, and made our way to the front steps to sit down while my mom called a cab. After we stepped into the scented cab, my mom told Larry, the cab driver, that we were going to FAO Schwartz. Usually, my mom told us where my family was going for the day, but today, she surprised us by telling the cab driver we were going to one of the greatest and biggest toy stores on the planet! The bland, drab seats of the cab gave me no further excitement when I rested my head on the back of the seat. The bleeping of the horns and the squealing of brakes called me to my senses.
The cab was stopped in front of the enormous building with an even more humongous sign welcoming you into FAO Schwartz. As the aromatic scent drifted p into my nostrils, my jaw dropped. Even the windows were stuffed to the gills with cute stuffed bears and Lego sets. The mellow colors of the plush toys made my little brother squeal with joy. Matthew, my little brother, pointed out that there was a giant pile of stuffed animals in the middle of the room, and kids were jumping and playing in it. Without asking, I ran up to the heap of toys and did a giant cannonball into it. The cushy, plush animals engulfed me like a volcano engulfs the chunks of rock that plop into its burning mass. As soon as I stuck my head out of the pile, it was pushed back under again when my brother decided it was his turn to jump into the animal pile. Luckily, my mom saw this whole scene unfold so I didn’t have to waste my breath yelling at my brother to get off of me. The pitter-patter of my little little brother’s feet abruptly stopped as my mom scooped him off the ceramic floor before he too could jump on the pile. I felt relieved as we ran up the stairs to the giant piano.
Even though there were a lot of kids at FAO, I still had a lot of fun. The gentle sound of Lucas’s snoring put me in a peaceful mood. The pitter-patter of rain, not feet, filled my ears up to it’s uppermost level, so that I could hear nothing else. I was tired and happy when the cab reached the hotel yet again. Walking through the doors of the Duke Frabresan, I took a deep breath of the perfumy smell. As my mom ushered us to the door of our room, I saw the delicate flowers sitting on the stool next to the table. Because the door was shut, the music became muffled. Jumping on a bed covered in soft, fluffy pillows never felt so good.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Brag Sheet -Descriptive Narratives
Read these narratives below. They were chosen to be displayed because they contained clear sensory descriptions of places in the story. Can you replicate this writng in Friday's assignment? Feel free to comment.
Walker Mountain
By Ansley
The comforting songs of the bluebirds and the vicious howling of nearby dogs filled my ears when I first stepped foot on Walker Mountain in Valle Crucis. A shimmering pond lay obediently at my feet like a king’s cocker spaniel. Fanned out bundles of oak leaves violently swayed above my head as if in a hurricane. The dazzling mountains glowed under the leader of the universe’s gaze. Crackling pine needles crunched softly under my warm bare feet. Walker Mountain felt like my new home, safe and cozy.
Once I was inside the rectangular, little house a bubbly feeling crawled up my spine that made me feel like I was on top of the world. The smooth, waxy maple floor slid under my feet like Michelle Kwan’s Olympic skates on the slippery ice. A delightful scent of pine wood drifted up my nostrils. The bright, glaring sun shone down onto the peaceful house releasing a forcefield to protect my family and my friends from any danger that might knock on our door. When we finally put our tired minds at rest after the last embers of the campfire had died down, the glowing moon and the twinkling stars watched over us like angels looking after their loved ones. As soon as I had strolled into the well-kept house, I knew it would be hard to leave it behind.
Sailing down the everlasting mound of lime grass, my chocolate hair whipped in my face covering up my bright blue eyes. The brilliant, red sled turned the corner and soared down the hill. My New Balance shoes screeched to a halt, and I flipped off the sled, tumbling the rest of the way down the grass. Tall trees were hurt after I had accidentally slammed into them. Never ending laughter, from my friends, echoed in my ears, for they had injured trees as well. Bogey, Mary and Kate’s yellow lab, continued...
Petit Saint Vincent Boat Ride
by Maddie
Walker Mountain
By Ansley
The comforting songs of the bluebirds and the vicious howling of nearby dogs filled my ears when I first stepped foot on Walker Mountain in Valle Crucis. A shimmering pond lay obediently at my feet like a king’s cocker spaniel. Fanned out bundles of oak leaves violently swayed above my head as if in a hurricane. The dazzling mountains glowed under the leader of the universe’s gaze. Crackling pine needles crunched softly under my warm bare feet. Walker Mountain felt like my new home, safe and cozy.
Once I was inside the rectangular, little house a bubbly feeling crawled up my spine that made me feel like I was on top of the world. The smooth, waxy maple floor slid under my feet like Michelle Kwan’s Olympic skates on the slippery ice. A delightful scent of pine wood drifted up my nostrils. The bright, glaring sun shone down onto the peaceful house releasing a forcefield to protect my family and my friends from any danger that might knock on our door. When we finally put our tired minds at rest after the last embers of the campfire had died down, the glowing moon and the twinkling stars watched over us like angels looking after their loved ones. As soon as I had strolled into the well-kept house, I knew it would be hard to leave it behind.
Sailing down the everlasting mound of lime grass, my chocolate hair whipped in my face covering up my bright blue eyes. The brilliant, red sled turned the corner and soared down the hill. My New Balance shoes screeched to a halt, and I flipped off the sled, tumbling the rest of the way down the grass. Tall trees were hurt after I had accidentally slammed into them. Never ending laughter, from my friends, echoed in my ears, for they had injured trees as well. Bogey, Mary and Kate’s yellow lab, continued...
The Time I Went To Ben And Jerry’s
by Hannah
As I trudged in, I could smell a scent of sweet vanilla ice cream traveling up my nostrils. People were cluttered throughout the parlor. A soft breeze blew in my face as the glass door slammed shut. Marshall, my older brother, was chatting with my mom about the first day of 10th grade. After hearing the blabbering of Marshall and my mom for five minutes, we finally swayed up to the sparkling counter. The generous lady at the front counter had a tie-die shirt on that said Ben + Jerry’s in big, bold letters. The walls around her had cows on them everywhere I turned. I thought as if I were at a farm. I excitedly ordered my favorite ice cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and plopped myself down at a shining table. As I dropped down, I glimpsed at my mom and Marshall paying for her ice cream, his ice cream, and my ice cream. When I scooped ice cream into my mouth, I suddenly felt like I was in heaven. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough melted on my tongue as if it were a snowflake that had fallen from the sky. I took another bite, and it danced in my mouth as I swallowed the tasty treat. A massive smile came upon my face when the creamy, sweet goodness shot down my throat. Strutting the out glass door, I still could taste that outstanding taste of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. To feel that magnificent taste was like going to NYC for the first time. The scent of the sweet Vanilla Ice Cream and the tasty Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough faded away as I pranced out of the building.
by Hannah
As I trudged in, I could smell a scent of sweet vanilla ice cream traveling up my nostrils. People were cluttered throughout the parlor. A soft breeze blew in my face as the glass door slammed shut. Marshall, my older brother, was chatting with my mom about the first day of 10th grade. After hearing the blabbering of Marshall and my mom for five minutes, we finally swayed up to the sparkling counter. The generous lady at the front counter had a tie-die shirt on that said Ben + Jerry’s in big, bold letters. The walls around her had cows on them everywhere I turned. I thought as if I were at a farm. I excitedly ordered my favorite ice cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and plopped myself down at a shining table. As I dropped down, I glimpsed at my mom and Marshall paying for her ice cream, his ice cream, and my ice cream. When I scooped ice cream into my mouth, I suddenly felt like I was in heaven. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough melted on my tongue as if it were a snowflake that had fallen from the sky. I took another bite, and it danced in my mouth as I swallowed the tasty treat. A massive smile came upon my face when the creamy, sweet goodness shot down my throat. Strutting the out glass door, I still could taste that outstanding taste of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. To feel that magnificent taste was like going to NYC for the first time. The scent of the sweet Vanilla Ice Cream and the tasty Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough faded away as I pranced out of the building.
by Maddie
As the cool summer wind whipped my tangled, wet hair, and the salty Caribbean water splashed my face, I knew this was a time to remember. The inner-tube swung back and forth as the small boat tugged Tyler, me, and my friend, Anabell through the rapid waves. White wave trails followed the boat through the open waters as we had yelled, “Faster! Faster!”. A shiver declined down my back as the cold breeze howled in my ear. Suddenly, the inner- tube’s stiff, braided rope crossed with another boat’s anchor, and the ride took a turn for the worst. My clammy hands clung tightly to the rubber handle; however, my brother, Tyler,had let his hands slipped off. My eyes closed tightly in fright of what might happen next as Tyler crashed into the stern of another boat. I gasped for air, because I had been enclosed underneath the inner-tube after it had flipped. From Tyler hitting is back on a boat, to me running out of breath, I would remember that moment for a lifetime.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Coming Next Week
- Midwest Region Facts
- GRAAB Non-fiction WritingTechniques
- Poetry Writing- Poetic Devices (simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteriation, personification, onomatopoeia, sensory language)
- Nouns Test - CLOSED NOTES (Make sure you have tackled all the exercises on the blog on Nouns)
- Figurative and Sensory Writing (in class writing assessment on an abstract noun of your choice)
- Spelling Test (Fri)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Southeast Region - Essay Question
See how Robert was able to incorporate so many precise facts that we had learned about the Southeast region in his essay test answer. This is an exact example of HOTS in practice. You will have three more regions tests and similar questions. Set this as a standard for your own essay writing.
Question
Explain how the regional specialties served at a traditional Southeast meal might be different to food served in restaurants in other areas of the country.
Time limit: 30minutes
The warm gumbo bowl steams heavily. Its captivating scent gestures diners to dig in. The Southeast has a litany of enchanting food. Fortunately, several cultures have heavily influenced Southeastern cuisine. A long time ago, the French sailed to Louisiana to settle; therefore, giving the Gulf Coast delightful eating. The Spanish journeyed to Florida, while bringing a cornucopia of Spanish recipes. Slaves from Africa brought their own cooking styles. Coincidentally, the Southeast grows a multitude of crops. From pecans, to peanuts, and peaches, the 180-day growing season helps grow copious foods. In Florida, the citrus capital of the world, one can always find a tasty tangerine. Rice is very popular in the Southeast, so it might be on the menu. Luckily, numerous Southeast animals will be on this plate. There is an assortment of farms in the Southeast, and they provide steak, pork, and chicken. The Mississippi River, Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of México combine to always have a fresh catch. Fish, shrimp, and crab make seafood an enormous possibility. To reiterate, the recipes of early settlers, plentiful cash crops, and several Southeast animals to make the Southeast a popular eating region. As the customer leaves the restaurant, he is satisfied, for the unique Southeastern cuisine fills his stomach.
Question
Explain how the regional specialties served at a traditional Southeast meal might be different to food served in restaurants in other areas of the country.
Time limit: 30minutes
Showing not Telling Sensory Writing Examples
Congratulations to Ryan S and Ansley, (Graham class) and Robert (Buxton class) for your triumph in the '5-Day 10 minute writing' competition. We will have another writing competition next April with different partners. Enjoy some notable pieces of writing from your classmates last week. Let these be the 'standard' by which you judge the quality of your own personal narratives this evening. Feel free to leave a comment about the writing.Day 1
Gazing at the crowd of young school kids glazed eyes, I begin to feel what it is really like to be ignored. The itchy lace surrounding my neck urges me to scratch all ober my body, buy I stay as still as possible. Mild dewey oders of my husband's pitchfork slowly waft towards my smooth, straight nose. A wrinkly face belonging to my husband shimmered like a ray of sunglight on a lakeunder the light. His narrow, wiry glasses bob up and down on his nose as he slightly turns his head to peer at the kids tired faces. As the noisy students trudge to the museum's lunchroom, my husband and I sign with relief. by Ansley and Ryan S.Day 2
Up on the mountain, the Grinch glared down at the mountain he used to love. The stars and the moon were the only hasppiness in the Grinch's life of despair. As the cold December rain whislted, the quiet town of Whoville slept in a shower of peace. A sinister grin spread across his face while he tailored his Santa suit. He seemed older than the hills that rolled over the quiet, sleepy town. As the clock struck 11pm, the Grinch mopped his sweat-filled brow and cut the pine wood for hiss sleigh. Not a soul paced the old,rocky streets at his hour. He smelled freshly wrapped candy canes whafting out of every chimney. The Grinch knew Christmas would never come to Whoville again. by Kate and Will.
Day 4 The Music 'O Fortuna'
I could hear the awful, fear instilling band as I stumbled past. If only I had thought before commiting that awful crime. Had I stopped and considered before stealing, I would not be here walking to my death, like a pig to slaughter. Trepidation was everywhere. The joys and regrets of my short, pitful life flashed before me like a movie. It was not my fault that I was desparate,stole, and was sentenced here before this rookery waiting calmly for the end. The evil drumming stopped, a voice rang out, and I knew no more. I had chosen the wrong path, and paid the price like a sorry gambler. by Robert
Day 5 the word... 'BEAUTY'
I hld back as I walk into the kitchen trying to resist the untouched chocolate truffle. I feel as if I want to marry the sweet chocolate sensation. I hear my conscience calling out, 'don't do it, don't do it' ! I wipe a drop of sweat off my forehead. The dark chocolate powedered covered dessert is just too much for me. I cannot take it anymore; I have to have one. I reach nito the bagm get one, and plop it into my mouth. I know it now. Beauty is not a sight but a taste.
These were just some of the outstanding pieces you all created. Fine efforts for just 10mins of writing. Watch out for 'showing not telling' competition number 2 in the spring!
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