Coming 'After' Thanksgiving and before Holidays

• Midwest Region
• GRAAB Non-fiction WritingTechniques
• Poetry Unit-Introduction
• Nouns Test (Make sure you have tackled all the exercises on the blog on Nouns)
• Figurative and Sensory Writing (in class writing assessment)
• Figurative and Sensory Reading Test (simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteriation, personification, onomatopoeia, sensory language)
• Selection of States for State Report

Personal Narratives

Feel free to share some of your best sentence (s) that you create in your narratives on the blog.  State what type of sentence your are sharing e.g. sensory, figurative, action,  emotion, use of proper nouns, quotes etc... Other students are encouraged to give  polite, respectful constructive feedback where possible.

Narrative Writing - Time Shift (Past Perfect)Sentences

Use these exercises to practice creating 'time shift' sentences in narrative writing.
Who said 'time travel' was impossible?

http://www.english-zone.com/verbs/pstperf1.html
http://odl.vwv.at/english/odlres/res8/Grammar/grammar_exercises/tenses/past_perfect/pastperf3.htm
http://odl.vwv.at/english/odlres/res8/Grammar/grammar_exercises/tenses/past_perfect/pastperf1.htm
http://www.learnenglish.de/Games/Tenses/PastPerfectTest.htm
http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/grammar/tense/3.1.xml
http://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/140.html

This is a 'challenge' exercise that only a few of you will understand. +2 if you can do these questions!!!
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs11.htm

Enjoy these videos to see the 'time shift' sentences, more commonly known as past perfect sentences, used in real context.

H/W Clarification

For tonight's h/w activity... you only need to get 'sensory' words from one of the following five topics that appear on the video (video choice number 2):

• The lagoon
• Helicopter landing
• Snowboarder falling
• Pizza eating
• Ocean waves

You should have sensory words/phrases under the five sense categories (between 12-20) for just one of the above topics.

If you have already done this H/W differently, that don't worry...that is fine.

Figurative language Practice Exercises

SENSORY LANGUAGE WORD BANK

Use this link to get ideas for your ‘sensory language’ sentence constructions

http://www.yoakumisd.net/junior_high/bartosh/bartosh2.html  

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE EXERCISES AND PRACTICE

Simile

http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112392/similepractice.html

http://www.worsleyschool.net/socialarts/simile/page2.html

Personification Practice

http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112392/personificationpractice.html

Metaphor

http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112392/metaphorpractice.html

http://www.quia.com/quiz/234882.html

Examples of Figurative Language

http://www.beavton.k12.or.us/jacob_wismer/leahy/2006/flb/flb.htm

Research the word ‘hyperbole’. What type of figurative language is it?

http://www.quia.com/rr/397508.html

This activity contains questions on content we haven’t covered yet, but it is a fun game to play.

http://www.newton.k12.ks.us/tech/fling3.html

Coming Next Week

• Reading Selection -Climb or Die
• Advanced Narrative Writing (Chronological, Simulatenous, Time Shift)
• Figurative and Sensory Language
• Southeast Region Test
• Nouns (Types, Plurals, Possessives)

Brag Sheet - Character Sketch

Irena Sandler

by Mary Grace

‘I was brought up to believe that a person must be rescued when drowning, regardless of religion and nationality.’ –    
                                             Irena Sendler

From her forged papers clutched in her hand, eyes full of faith and crisp nurse uniform, everything about Irena Sendler seemed business-like as she entered the Warsaw Ghetto. The more she saw, the angrier she became. Irena Sendler was a remarkable woman who showed courage, loyalty and faith in the face of danger.

Irena Sendler was a Polish Catholic social worker and grew up around Jews from childhood. Irena was born on February 15, 1910. She was raised by her Catholic parents to respect, love and help people regardless of their religion or ethnicity. Her father, a physician, was the only doctor who would treat the poor, mostly Jewish patients that had typhus. Her father may not have been held highly in the eyes of others, but he was very loyal to his belief.

Surprisingly, he died when Irena was just seven from the very sickness he cured. Irena was comfortable around Jewish people as a young child. Not only did she oppose the Ghetto Bench System that existed at the Warsaw University, but she was suspended from the University for three years for doing so. She had courage to do so because she was following her heart, which is a most admirable thing. When she grew up, Irena became a Polish Catholic social worker. From Otwock, to Tarczyn, Irena Sendler worked for Urban Social Welfare.

She moved into Warsaw just as World War Two began. Almost immediately, Irena Sendler joined the Zegota and began aiding Jews. Irena Sendler knew she had to help people in the Warsaw Ghetto because she had been brought up as a little girl to know that everyone should be helped. The Warsaw Ghetto was an area that Jews were forced to live in Warsaw, Poland. She didn’t like the way they were treated just because they had a different religion. She joined the Zegota, which was a code name for the Polish Council to Aid Jews (also known as Konrad Żegota Committee). Irena Sendler and two dozen others started to smuggle the children out. To smuggle them out past German guards took tremendous courage. In boxes, suitcases and strollers, the children were taken out of the Ghetto and away from the train that led to the concentration camps. The children were placed with Polish families, orphanages and convent. The families who gave up their children were probably feeling like their hearts were being torn out of their chests. Most of the families would never see their children again. I can only imagine what they were feeling and I admire them for that. Irena Sendler disguised herself as a nurse and forged papers. Before she knew it, she had saved 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto. As she saved the children, she kept track of their names in jars. Their new identities and their old ones were buried in jars beside a tree. Irena Sendler had the hope that after the war she could return the children to their parents.


Irena Sandler continued her life-saving work until she was arrested. In 1943, she was arrested by the Nazis. When they came to her home, she was working with another member of the Zegota on writing down the children’s names in a jar. Irena knew she couldn’t risk them finding the jars. They both showed tremendous courage to keep calm with the soldiers at their door. Tactfully, she stuffed the jar into her underwear. Not only did the Gestapo torture her, but they sentenced her to death. But still, she did not give away anything. This was incredibly devoted of her and courageous. On the way to her death sentence, the Zegota bribed her guard into letting her go. With shattered, broken arms and legs, Irena Sandler was left in the woods. She lived in hiding for the rest of the war and continued to help the Jewish children. At the end of the war, she tried to return the children to their families. Sadly, most of the parents had been killed or gone missing. Some say she was a hero. She disagrees, "heroes do extraordinary things. What I did was not an extraordinary thing. It was normal." With all things considered, this was an extremely modest thing for her to say. Some Christians did nothing to help the Jews. Irena Sendler died on May 12, 2008. She showed the world that in times of danger, you must follow your heart and do what you know is right.

To conclude, Irena Sendler showed courage, loyalty and faith in times of horror. She didn’t save just 2,500 children. She saved their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so on. She did believe that people should be rescued. The Jews were drowning and Irena Sendler saved them. Stumbling out of the Ghetto, Irena Sendler holds a box in her hands. Her face twisted with emotion. Her hands shake a bit as she walks through the streets of Warsaw. Arriving home, she pulls the baby out of the box – and smiles.

Brag Sheet - Character Sketch

Mother Teresa
                                            by Caroline Mackey

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”   Mother Teresa

As the frail, old woman looks at the children suffering; tear droplets well up in her eyes, and gently and slowly roll down her wrinkled, old face. Mother Teresa, a missioner and humanitarian, ministered and saved the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying people in Calcutta, India.

Out of five children, Mother Teresa, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was one child. Sadly, only three of her born siblings survived. She was the youngest out of the surviving children with an older brother and sister. Mother Teresa and her siblings had a father who devoted most of his time to politics and the Albanian cause. After one of his meetings, he fell ill and died. Having her father die made 8 year old Mother Teresa want to help ill and dying people.

In other words, Mother Teresa’s warm, tender nature led her to help the dying, ill, poor, and orphaned. She vowed to give her life to these people the care they need. Speaking out about divorce, protecting people, and caring for other human beings is what makes up a wonderful woman like Mother Teresa. Not only did Mother Teresa care for children, but also spoke out against problems throughout the world. Although Mother Teresa did sublime things she did take pity for God. A famous quote Mother Teresa once said, “If you can dream it you can do it,” really wings me. When I have a dream to be someone or do something, I remember her words and realize that I shouldn’t give up; I should go out and grab the chance. Abandoned, ill and dying people combine to make up the humans Mother Teresa helped throughout her loving life.

Mother Teresa was a good woman who inspired the world and the people with her unselfish acts of love and dedication; thus she took a vow of poverty, and she spent most of her life helping others and serving God. Above all Mother Teresa did what God expects from each of us and that is to do the best that we can, with what we have. She used her position in life to the best of her abilities. She taught the world and people that love will open doors that hate has closed. She taught us that the greatest way to show God's love is to meet the needs of others. She helped those that were in need. She helped the poor, the dying, and abandoned children. She showed them love, compassion, and kindness. She gave them shelter, food and hope. Truly, she was an inspiration. When Mother Teresa said, “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person,” she meant to tell people to get up and do things for other people and to lead your own life the way you want it to go.

Sister Teresa was a kindhearted and affectionate woman; therefore, she helped save many lives, provide for others, and make other people feel good about God and life. She experienced things that none of us could ever experience. As Mother Teresa slowly walks away from the Albanian children she helped, they all run as fast as they can up to her and thank her from the goodness of their hearts for what she had done.

Mother Teresa

By Robert Fuller

“We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”

-Mother Teresa

An old, frail woman picks up a small child. She washes him, feeds him, and blesses him. They are in the slums of Calcutta, India; however, this little boy is considered “untouchable”. Who is this person who so willingly, lovingly serves those in need? Mother Teresa is this nun’s name. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was a joyous, generous, and loving woman who served God with and people in poverty with all her heart.
When she was born on August 26, 1910, her name was Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. Nicola Bojaxhiu, her father, was a pharmacist. Upon his death when Agnesë was 9, Drone, her mother, became a saleswoman. Even as a child, Agnesë was very devout, and she went with her mother to work with kids in poverty.
During her 18th year, Mother Teresa left her home of Skopje, Albania and traveled to Ireland to become a nun with the Sisters of Loreto. She then took the name Sister Mary Teresa after St. Theresé of Lisieux. Six months later, she went to India and taught geography at St. Mary’s High School for Girls in Darjeeling, India. Next, she received a call from God, so she went out to serve in the slums of Calcutta. Determined, wise Mother Teresa started the Missionaries of Charity and made shelters in more than 120 different countries.
At the time that she passed in 1997, sweet Mother Teresa and her kind organization had more than 4,000 nuns helping. Although others criticized her beliefs and actions, she made the world a much better place. Righteously, Pope John Paul II sped up the process to make her a saint. Mother Teresa won countless humanitarian awards, including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. From making shelters, to blessing children, and feeding the hungry, Mother Teresa has impacted millions with her love, generosity, and inspiring deeds.
I think Mother Teresa was faithful, hardworking, and wise. She was very faithful because she listened and followed the call of God. Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity intensely comforted and healed. To become one in poverty in order to help them is so generous. Caring for others and comforting the suffering, Mother Teresa helped thousands. She was wise because of all the guidance she gave to the dying, the poor, and those who feel unloved. As Mother Teresa once said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
To conclude, her faith, wisdom, love, and generosity pushed her to do the magnificent things she did and light up lives like no one else. As Mother Teresa feeds the homeless man, he is happy, for he knows he is in excellent hands.

Mother Teresa

by Abbie Wedding

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

                                                                         -Mother Teresa


As an old, natural, and caring lady is getting out of a rustic bed, she’s ready to help India. Mother Teresa is a warm, loving person who puts others first.


She has a valuable background. Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born on August 26th, 1910 in Macedonia, Skopje. Mother Teresa was the youngest of five children; however, only three survived. Nikola, her mother, devoted all her time to politics and Albanian cause. Mother Teresa’s father died in 1918. Mother Teresa was almost eight years old. Her pictures were all she had to remember him. Then later in her life she decided to help the sick and poor. Mother Teresa gave to others and was known as sentimental, wise, and fair.


Mother Teresa had many accomplishments. As Mother Teresa said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” She accomplished so many things that she won the Noble Peace Prize for working to bring help to suffering humanity in 1979. In 1946, Sister Teresa had an experience called a “call within a call” which made her want to care for the sick and poor. She was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity. Roman Catholic women helped the poor, especially the poor of India. She created Nirmal Hriday (“Place for the Pure of Heart”), a place where people who were dying could go and be taken care of. To advocate for the blind, old, and people who are disable, she decided to open a center for them. Amazingly Mother Teresa didn’t judge others, and was always giving to others.


Surprisingly, Mother Teresa has changed the world in various ways. She helped people be aware of poverty in other countries. If Americans really want to make a change in the world, and be like Mother Teresa, they must work hard at it. I f Americans were brave and compassionate, they too can be successful. Americans and Indians are still trying to emulate her actions, even 12 years since her death. This shows how Americans and Indians are good and believe in doing the right thing. September 5th, 1997 in Calcutta, India at 87 Mother Teresa died of a heart attack. Although, she has not been forgotten.

To conclude, from caring for older people, to winning the Noble Peace Prize, and changing the world, Mother Teresa was a life changing, selfless woman. “If you judge people, you have no time to love them” means that people shouldn’t judge people if you haven’t had time to get to know them. The little, old lady lays down in her antique bed, she’s ready to start the next day.

Character Sketch

Can you 'draw' your hooks

Have you multiple 'judgment' phrases?

Did you use at least two SSS techniques?

Can you give a reason for EVERY comma in your writing?

Can you highlight  at least 12 specific and precise facts about your person?

Did you use an effective Power 0 that you explained in your writing?

Is it clear your overall opinion of this person and their accomplishments from your writing?

Have you learned anything through doing this assignment?

Fragments and Run-ons Test Practice

Fragments and Run-ons Explanation

Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4rN48QVyFQ

www.edzone.net/~wohltjen/StAIR_Fragments_Runons.ppt
http://www.uvu.edu/owl/infor/test_n_games/practice_tests/fragments.htm
http://www.shsu.edu/~txcae/Powerpoints/prepostest/fragrunonpostest.html
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/writerschoice/gp/hslessons/grade9/lesson8/exercises.shtml

http://www.quia.com/rr/450895.html
http://www.quia.com/rr/450936.html?AP_rand=1888308509

Comma Splice
http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/exercises/comma_splices_ex1.htm
do exercise 2 also

http://faculty.valleycollege.net/apal/run-on_quiz.htm
http://www.writing.eng.vt.edu/exercises/grammar1.html
Exercise 1+2 only (exercise 3 only for experts!)

Only for experts...
http://www.chompchomp.com/csfs01/csfs01.01.htm
(Hard but fun to do!)

Enjoy the song from today's class

The lyrics are catchy, but they portray a strong message.

Coming Next Week

-Overcoming Adversity - The Life of Nelson Mandela

-Comma Rules (C.O.M.M.A.S.)
-Fragments and Run Ons (Fused and Comma Splices
-Writing a Character Sketch
-Regions Study - The Southeast


You will be tested on your knowledge of fragments, run-ons, and comma rules at the end of the week, so use the blog effectively to watch the videos and do the practice  exercises before Friday.

 

(+1... Which comma rule did I use  in that last sentence?)

 

 

ERBs start week beginning Nov 9th. No H/W in any subject at all that week.

Next Week

Next week is a 'No-Homework week' in Humanities classes apart from studying for tests.

Reminder:

Subjects and Predicates Test - Open book/Open notes (Tuesday Morning)

• Make sure you have already practiced the online exercises. This is the best way to study for this test.
• Make sure you can both identify and write examples of the four different types of subjects and the four different types of predicates.  REMEMBER ...You can use any notes like these in the test.
• During the test, make sure you pay careful attention to instructions  e.g. circle simple subject  or underline complete predicate. 
• What strategies for proof reading will you use in the test to make sure you have followed the test questions specifically?

Spelling Lesson 7 (Tuesday afternoon)

Brag Sheet - Pete's Essay

Enjoy reading Pete Chaconas's very well written answer from the test yesterday. The essay was written under test conditions in about 25mins. Notice the sturcutre and clear use of specific examples to support each P2 category

Question
Charlotte Latin School has decided to become more environmentally conscious and do a better job of conservation across the school. By making reference to what you have learned explain how the school can achieve this goal.

The students struggle and debate on ways to make Charlotte Latin School a more conserving campus. Charlotte Latin School has various ways of achieving this goal to be more of a conserving place. The school should recycle as many things they can. In the cafeteria, students using plastic bottles should recycle them separate from trash. Any extra paper should be recycled in bins instead of being thrown away. Recycle any cans like soda on campus once people are done with them. Charlotte Latin should reuse different materials in order to save money and landfills. Every year in every grade, students should reuse markers, glue sticks, and other supplies. People should reuse cups and plates if they are glass or plastic. Reusing textbooks is a good way for Charlotte Latin to save money and trees. Charlotte Latin should reduce pollution and waste on campus. In order to reduce pollution, people that live close to school should ride bikes or carpool with others. To reduce trash, people should only throw away things that aren’t recyclable. Reducing the golf cart use on campus will help the environment grow green. To conclude, (Those -examples needed here) are possible reasons to help Charlotte Latin achieve the goal of becoming a more conserving place. The students now have wonderful ideas on how to protect Charlotte Latin’s campus, and will present them to their
teachers.

Tranisitional words and effective restate sentences are two things  we will consider on our next essay question.

Descriptive Sentences - Brag Sheet

Enjoy these impressive descriptive writing pieces rom your classmates. Notice how there is limited action taking place in the writing. It is as if 'time froze' and just a 'moment in time'  is being  described.

Fishing with Dad
Miles W.

As I listened to the hypnotic sound of the beach volleyball being bounced back and forth on the sandy court, all was peaceful. The half-bare trees had their own special way of beauty by shaking slowly (as if in a dream) their artistically designed red/yellow leaves. Faint footsteps in the distance awoke my senses, and I started to think in a clearer state of mind. Being able to think more clearly, I realized that there was an assortment of knobby twigs that must have fallen from the tree branch hovering above me. Red/yellow leaves in the grass and cold, crispy air also surrounded me. Suddenly something on my lap moved! A fishing rod! I then remembered that I was fishing with my dad, and he had gone to the car to get more bait.

Descriptive Paragraph: A Moment In Time

By: Kate Mace
The shiny galas and crisp mackintosh were just begging me to pluck them off

the branches. Somewhere else out in the orchard, a small child shouted out in frustration. Clover and trees in the area created an earthy, inciting aroma that made me want to stand there under that tree and breathe it in all day. Suddenly, a loud rumble that came from under my shoulders interrupted my peaceful daydream in paradise. I could understand the grumbling from my stomach. It was saying, “Feed me Kate, I’m famished. I could hear the apple treats being set out on the table for just my family and I to enjoy. As I sat down on the table, the mouth watering smells wafted up into my nostrils from the outdoor kitchen. The apple pie and apple cider were for dessert of course, but I thought we should eat them now. For they would be cold if we waited any longer, and nobody wants cold apple pie or warm cider. Apple juice is what we would drink instead of cider. Apple tarts and apple donuts were just now being set out on the table. I put away a second or two to soak it all in and take a mental note of it. Sprinkled with powder sugar, the petite donuts seemed extremely delicious. They were arranged on a platter decoratively, and they made you want to grab the giant platter and start wolfing them down. As for the apple tarts, lets just say that they tasted better when they were in your mouth, not on yourshirt. When I could get them in my mouth, they were the best donuts I had ever tasted. Even though we had to go home right after lunch, I had a great time at the orchard on the mountain.

A Perfect Day of Winter
by Maddie

Branches and leaves of all colors crinkle as I step on the ground in the wooded area. Pine needles on the evergreens brushed against my coat and boots. Although the snow and air was cold, it had a welcoming feeling. The frosted leaves and weak branches fell as the wind howled throughout the trees. My fingers and toes were numb, and my breath made white clouds in the air. Small and large, icicles hung upon the dormant trees sparkling like crystals because of the afternoon sun above. Snowflakes fell from the sky dancing in the wind, each twirling like how dancers skip across the floor. There were no flowers anymore, and all the plants were drooping as if they knew there had been a winter’s frost. The trees shook as the wind attacked them, and the branches rattled as if they were mad. Animal prints decorated the snow in patterns in the same way a stamp would decorate a piece of paper. Winter is beautiful, but I always miss the animals that are hibernating for the season. Snow falling from branches way high in the trees fell and made me think my friends and I were in a snow fight. Sitting in a branch high in my favorite tree made me feel so small to the big woods around me. The wind up my spine made me shiver all over and reminded me what it would be like to be on the streets without a coat. Snow drifts were all over like little hills of snow to make snow forts out of them. The beautiful white snow reminded me of how perfect the world really was. All my worries drifted out of my head as I thought of how good I had it. The nature of the woods reminded me that life was more than the newest ipod or the biggest house. The woods was a place were life thrived, and it felt as if you were on top of the world. Dad’s voice echoed through the trees “ Time for hot chocolate!” for that was our favorite drink after a day in the snow. Tripping over stumps and roots, I darted toward the cozy house.

TEDDY BEAR SKIT DATES

These dates have now been finalized

Buxton Class: Thur 2.30pm
Graham Class: Fri 11.30am

Make sure your group is ready to receive the first grade audience. Plan for plenty of choral repetition and sound effects during the play

Social Studies Test- Practie Essay Questions

Practice your essay writing techniques (hook,topic,support,elaborations,restate,hook)by doing one of the questions below.

Planet Venucian is very similar to Earth but it is running out of its natural resources. Based on what you have learned in S. Studies, advise Venu and his relatives on how they can best conserve the natural resources on the planet.

or

Circuit City, an electronics firm, recently went into bankruptcy. Based on what you have learned about the Free Enterprise system, explain why this might have happened.

or

Johnny and his family believe that the southwest is the best region to move to in the U.S. Give reasons to persuade Johnny to move his family to a different reason of your choice.

Review of Today's Lesson - Making Judgments

Enjoy a more detailed explanation of the Sugihara story. How would you judge this man?

Descriptive Sentences - Brag Sheet

Enjoy Alex's descritpive writing. Can you spot th advanced ubjets?

A Day at McDonalds



King size Hershey bars and fatty French Fries light up like beacons, calling my brother to them. Some of the burgers at the front of the store smelled like chemicals and looked like they had just been sat on. A fat, bald man in front of him turned around to sling a silver bugger wrapper into the trash can. Blotched red ketchup and yellow smeared mustard stains lined the front of his shirt. As the man hurled the wrapper, Jacob disappeared out of my view. The wrapper flashed through the air, and I got a glimpse Jacob about 10 feet away. The dirty construction workers next to us continued to noisily eat their meals while I lunged forward through the bustling crowd, grabbed his arm, and hoisted him back toward my parents. Turning toward our parents, we soon realized we didn’t know where they had sat down.


As we frantically looked for our parents, I realized that they were right behind us and there was no need to worry. The worker decided just then to call our name. Our parents went up to get our burgers, yet we lost sight of them again. We sat down at the table and about five seconds later our mom and dad came back with our food. The food looked okay. I have not been there since.

Coming Next Week

• Advanced Predicates
• Making Judgments about people and situations
• Social Studies Lesson 3-5 Test
• Teddy Bear narrative stories
• Writing a character sketch

Updates and Changes to H/W sheet

As we haven't had time to practice the teddy bear performances yet, we will postpone the presentations until next week.

Well done on Prep. Phrases test today.

Just to confirm. Writing assignments due date has been pushed back until Monday. Feel free to bring yours in tomorrow if it is finished.

Spend tonight studying for Science and vocabulary (just my class). For vocabulary, you could try and create some  of your own multiple choice questions. if you can create questions for those vocabulary words, it means you probably tuly understand all of their uses

Descritpive Writing Assignment - Student Work

My Bedroom  by Sabrina Brewer

Enjoy Sabrina’s descriptive writing. Which lines are ‘your’ favorite? Which lines show emotion? Which lines use advanced subject techniques?

At bedtime, walking silently in the room the smell of stuffed animals fill the air. I come to the cozy warmth of the bedroom when I have the terrible feeling to be mad and angry. That comfortable room eases me. That room is my favorite room in the house. The blue and green quilt lies softly on the bed. The untidy desk sits there on the floor reminding me of my grandpa working in his office late at night helping sick patients in need of help. A mirror sways gently high upon the wall. The dresser is below with pictures that make tears well up in my sad brown eyes wanting to go back to my childhood so I wouldn’t have anything to worry about. A desert tan wooden bookshelf sits there holding books I’ve read before. One of the books might be about the American Revolution and the men who gave up there life to save our beloved country. That makes me realize that we are the bravest country, we have citizens who would volunteer to save our country still knowing that it could cost them their life. Soccer cleats and dresses hang on the hangers of my closet shelf. A cream shelf piled high with stuffed animals and a few trophies. The carpet squishes beneath my feet as I walk in the room. That room satisfies me when I go to bed sometimes making me feel relieved that the long tiring day has finished. In the tidy bedroom laying my head on the pillow I feel safe.

A Moment in Time - Mentor Text

This was written by Molly Brice last year. Notice how all the actions takes place over a few seconds. Notice how her  emotions are felt through her words, especially  at the end of the piece. Notice the variety of advanced subjects she integrated  into her work.  Notice how her title closes her piece at the end...

Life by the Sea

By: Molly

The old wooden boats laid across the Neuse River as if to say, “I’m ready, please sail me.” I felt alone staring at these wonderful treasures. Walking across Seafarer’s wooden paved dock, I pushed off the ground and landed in the white benches of the sunfish. My eyes looked up at the crowded boat with all my friends in it, and I absorbed the dazzling clear water that lay all around the white sailboat. The sun beat down on my face as we began to prepare the timeless sail for our journey. A vivid orange life protector hugged my chest as I gazed out of the worn down face of the boat. I looked up and before my eyes was the never endless, stunning river that felt almost too exquisite to be real. I was awakened by the sound of roaring engines as the motorboats took off; the relaxed, calm feeling I had once felt was being vanished by the thunderous noises.

Our sailboat began to move slowly past the wondrous waters as I felt anxious about the journey ahead. Moving in the old white sunfish, I was mesmerized. Each time the boat took another step forward, I felt like I was drifting away to the heavens on a white and fluffy cloud. As the boat pushed past all of the waves and the wind in my face, I began to feel more at home. The things I missed about my parents faded away with the calmness of the Lake Neuse. The missing piece of the puzzle at Camp Seafarer was closed and now the adventure had truly started. I soon retrieved the soothing vibe I had before I had climbed on the sunfish. My fellow campers and I touched the beauteous waters as we glided past the camp and into the breathtaking river.


The staggering waters were contagious, and I was a girl caught with the disease. Gliding back to the camp site, I began to think more about the Neuse river. To some it was no more fascinating then a math lesson, but to me it was one of the Earth’s true beauties. Drifting away in the sunfish, fascination over came me. The beautiful river made me realize life is not what is coming next, but to enjoy the present timing’s little treasures. Why doesn’t everyone live in the soothing and adventurous way I do? When I think back to that long sail ride, a smile spreads across my face and know that I know how to live. I flow with the tide and enjoy life by the sea!

TEST PRACTICE Thursday 15th Oct

Review of PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES. Enjoy the video link on the American Revolution


These are the ‘types of question’ that you will have in the test.

The sentences below all contain prepositional phrases. A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends (usually) with a noun or a pronoun.

The noun or pronoun that ends the phrase is called the object of the preposition; the object of the preposition answers the question what? (or whom?) after the preposition and shows the end of the phrase.

A) Find the prep. phrases in these sentences

1. During hot summer weather, I like swimming at the beach near my house.

2. The beach is surrounded by many trees with leafy branches giving plenty of shade.

3. The lake is very deep in the centre, but it is quite shallow near shore.

4. In the middle of the lake, there are several small islands; some people swim out to them, but going by boat is safer.

5. On the bushes along the shore, I can hang my wet towel.

B) CAN YOU FIND ALL THE PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES IN THIS TEXT?

Although my room in residence is small, it is very cozy. On the single bed under the window is a spread quilted by my grandmother in winter. It is my most treasured possession. Beside the bed is a small bookcase filled with my books and papers. The bookcase is painted white, and the top and sides have a pattern of vines running over them, stencilled in green. Next to the bookcase is a small antique armchair from my grandmother's house. The chair is upholstered in a rich cream brocade material, sprinkled with tiny pink roses.
C) Writing Component

YOU WILL ALSO BE EXPECTED TO DESCRIBE ‘A BUILDING YOU KNOW WELL’ USING PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

(hint hint! nudge nudge! Bob’s your uncle!)

D) Make sure you tackled the multiple choice questions on prep. phrases posted on the blog last week.

e.g.http://www.eduplace.com/cgi-bin/hme-quiz-start.cgi?Grade=6&Unit=7&Topic=Prepositional+Phrases&x=25&y=9

E)_Divide the words in this box into the three categories

Prepositions       Not Prepositions      Prepositional Phrases

below
or
under
above the flower pot
a green animal
will she come?
in Madrid
in
around the house
with Mary
back
making a mistake

Descriptive Sentences - Brag Sheet

Feel free to 'brag' by copy/paste  into a comment window a small selection from your  descritpive writing piece. If people like what they read, feel free to comment on other people's  writing.

Tyes of Subjects - Review

Can you manipulate the different openings to your sentences. Remember, a strong piece of writing uses a variety of these techniques combined with prepositional phrases, proper noun and emotion sttements

Simple Subject

The garden/

Complete Subjects
A long colorful carpet/

Compound Subjects
Parcels and packages/

Complete Compound Subjects
A mountain of dirty clothes or a pile of  spent books/

Integrating a prepositional phrase
In my mind, this disheveled cornor of  our family house/...


JUST WRITE FIRST...THEN GO BACK AND ADAPT THE GRAMMAR

THEN READ IT TO SOMEBODY. Can they see the place?  Can they tell how  YOU feel about the place from you writing?

Prepositional Phrase Story - Axle the Freeway Cat

http://www.childrenslibrary.org/icdl/SimpleSearchCategory?ids=84&pnum=1&cnum=1&text=&lang=English&ilang=English&langid=11

Look at theway prepositional phrases were used in this story. Click the link above to finish the story we started reading in class.

Prepositional Phrase Practice -Videos and Games

You have one week to watch these videos and practice with these exercises and games before next week's prepositional phrase test.  Enjoy !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqDRn3CskAo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIfM7IGKNSQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4jIC5HLBdM&feature=related

Use of the comma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePVa3IZiISY&feature=fvsr

Test Type Questions– Prepositional Phrases

http://www.quia.com/quiz/298373.html?AP_rand=810582058

http://www.eduplace.com/cgi-bin/hme-quiz-play.cgi

Prepositional Phrases - Test Practice
http://www.eduplace.com/cgi-bin/hme-quiz-start.cgi Grade=6&Unit=7&Topic=Prepositional+Phrases&x=25&y=9

http://eslus.com/LESSONS/GRAMMAR/POS/pos7.htm#Pop%20Quiz%201
http://www.toytowntreasures.com/Prepositional_Phrases_story.pdf
(print out this exercise and bring it to the class to be graded)
http://www.quia.com/quiz/298373.html?AP_rand=159214296
(drag and drop answers for speed)
http://aliscot.com/bigdog/prep_exercise.htm

Prepositions
http://www.manythings.org/vocabulary/games/k/words.php?f=prepositions

http://www.tcet.com/eaonline/FlashedESL/CatsMX.swf - fun with prepositions

http://www.quia.com/cc/73781.html

Online Discussion Forum - Reflection Question 1

Every so often, i will pose a question on the blog that encourages all of you to both reflect on your learning  and also certain events that are going on in the classroom. You are invited to add comments as normal.  In addition, you are also encouraged to respond directly to the comments other students add to the blog.

Warning: When adding comments or responding to comments, use CIVILITY at all times!  Never write anything on the blog or about a student that you would not say directly to an adult's face. Likewise, when responding to people's comments, focus on the positive by  'validating others'.

Discussion Question 1
What important lessons have you learned from the most recent 'Sentence Fluency' grammar assignment?

Evaluating Newspaper Article - Mentor Texts

Enjoy these 'unedited' examples of  your most recent  assignment on evaluting a newspaper article. Will  your evaluation of  President Obama's speech contain clear examples of your opinion? Notice this time i have highlighted just opinion statements.

Filled with tater tots, cheese curls, and trail mix, Mr. Smith’s tractor slowly moves to the pig pen. Pigs Switch to Trail Mix is an unusual, but interesting article from the Wall Street Journal. Surprisingly, farmers are switching to fatty foods for their pigs! Oddly enough farmers, like Mr. Smith are now feeding there pigs tater tots. Cheese Curls are another strange food you can find on a farm. People food is now on a weird feed for animals like trail mix. Sadly, farmers are really hard time feeding their animals. Unfortunately, the whole reason pigs are switching to fatty foods is because of how high priced corn is these days. To feed the animals only fatty foods is a disaster because it depresses them. Farmers have figured out that pigs are really picky eaters, so they have to them sugary foods. Some of the vocabulary that was in my article was very difficult to understand. Mitigate, to make something less harsh, was one of the words I thought was difficult. Also, byproducts, something produced as a secondary result by manufacturers, was another word I did not know. Ethanol, a colorless liquid with a pleasant smell, also was new to me. The engaging and sad article Pig Switch Trail Mix is most unusual article that I have ever read. As Mr. Smith puts the tater tots, trail mix, and cheese curls into the squirming pigs troth, he is glad the pigs like their food.    by Paige

Finally, Seay feels a tug on his line, and as he reels in he sees that hard, scaly snout and treacherous pointed teeth. The Charlotte Observer’s story on four fishermen catching an alligator, written by Andrew Dys, is both breathtaking and amazing. The characters in this story, Seay, Fields, Honeycutt, and Martin, are astonishing. These people have numerous character traits. One of the character traits that these people possess is adventurousness because most people would never go hunting for alligators. Also, they are very persistent, because they never gave up on conquering that alligator. I am very impressed by them. I believe the action in this article could have been better, but they did use some very descriptive details in quite a few places. For example, they could have used more descriptive writing on how they got the alligator into the boat. Although, they did use some decent descriptive words and quotes when they narrated how the fishermen never gave up. One of the quotes was “No way we were going to give up once we got him hooked.” I believe that the information in this article is well chosen and informative. A very valid piece of information is that alligators are indigenous to South Carolina and have been around this state much longer than humans. Another important piece of information is that in 2009 more than 3700 people applied for the 1000 hunting tags. To conclude, this story needs a bit more descriptive writing but gives some impressive information. At last Martin got a noose around the gators jaws and Honeycutt ended the fight with a shot to the head.   by Handy

Evaluating a Speech - President Obama speaks to School Children

http://www.youtube.com/whitehouse#play/search/0/8ZZ6GrzWkw0

What criteria (categories) would 'you' choose to evaluate this speech.  Some possible choices might be:

• Message
• Stance (agree with/disagree with)
• Delivery of Speech
• Memorable moments
• Surprising moments
• Relevance to audience
• Quotes used
• Humor
• Setting
• Surprising Facts
• Language and vocabulary
• etc etc...

Make sure that whichever criteria (Power 2s) you choose to evaluate this speech, you can find at least three pieces of evidence (Power3s) to support the opinion you made

Compound and complex Sentences Practice

Explanation of  Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTfgqZmmG2Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO4CBvS_i8g
Ignore use of colon (:) and dash (-) explanations

text
http://www2.ivcc.edu/rambo/eng1001/sentences.htm

Complex and Compound Practice
http://eslbee.com/cgi-bin/quiztest.cgi?helenkeller
http://www.ainop.com/users/classroom/compoundsentences.html
http://itech.pjc.edu/writinglab/senpat.htm
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/complex_sentence/index.html
http://www.quia.com/rr/126726.html
http://eslbee.com/cgi-bin/quiztest.cgi?shadrach

Optional Writing Activity to Practice
http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/sixtrait/sentencefluency/sentencebeginnings.html

Coming Next Week

Sentence Fluency Test
Can you write advanced simple, compound, and complex sentences?
Do you know the characteristics of compound and complex sentences?
Can you punctuate compound and complex sentences effectively?
Do the practice exercises on this blog to help you prepare for the test

Prepositions and Prepostional Phrases
What is a preposition?
Why do we use prepositional phrases?

Social Studies Textbook - Lesson 4
Land and Regions

Evaluating Text - Speeches
What criteria would you use to evaluate President Obama's speech to school children?

Evaluating - Mentor Text Example

Make sure the evaluation of your newspaper article resembles the paragraph below. Your opinion of what you read should be very evident. Follow effective paragrpah struture. Have you used sentence fluency?

Two adventurous fifth grade school girls search out more than they bargained for while attending a class outing at the Natural History Museum. A Mummy Mystery is an exciting story that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. The main characters, Molly and Lena, are very mischievous throughout the story. Even though they should be with their class, they wander off on their own almost immediately on their arrival at the museum. Lena is probably the most disobedient of the two. Molly seems be the type of person who worries about what other people think, “Mr. Gardiner will be furious with us!” she exclaimed at one stage in the story. Alternatively, Lena’s fascination with ancient Egypt and complete disregard for her class was demonstrated when she almost ran toward the larger banner over the entrance to the Great Hall. The author, Andrew Clements, tries to use humor to break down some of the tension that builds in the story. It was amusing when Officer Johnson thought he was on T.V. when he first saw the Mummy’s hand move or when Molly whispered to Lena about the Mummy, “…it looks more like a squirrel that’s been hit by a car.” The author does not seem to pay meticulous attention to all of the fine details, leaving some of the events of the story a little confusing. How would a mouse be able to burrow under the Mummy’s wrappings without causing damage? Moreover, the mouse would have died of suffocation if it had been stuck in the glass case all that time. Any “…ancient pieces of corn or wheat”, would surely be rotten after thousands of years and could not have provided food for the mouse. Despite some over exaggerated facts, the daring exploits of Molly and Lena and a few light hearted jokes make the tale, A Mummy Mystery both memorable and enjoyable. On your next field trip, I’d watch the exhibits really closely if I were you. Just in case.

Social Studies Test- Essay Question

Today's social Studies test required you to use your Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) to apply what you learned in Lessons 1&2 to a specific question. Read an 'adapted' copy of Will Gardner's essay below for a fine example of how to do this.

Venu has returned now to his native planet of Venutian. He was very impressed by what he learned on his Social Studies course. Based specifically on your studies on Lesson 1+2, advise Venu on policies he could implement in his own planet.
(notice key words in question that you should have highligted)

As Venu steps out of his spacecraft, his family cheers,"Venu's home". Venu begins to speak to his nation based on what he learned on his travels. Venu is tired of his country being a communist nation, so he plans to change his governement in some ways. Becoming a Republic with unique rights and responsibilities for its citizens, will be a goal for Venu's new governemnt. In a Republic, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on the citizen's behalf. Unfortunately, theese representatives sometimes vote in their own interests and not the ctizens. Venu will ensure that the citizen's representatives will vote fairly. Even though Venu does not want Venutian to be a 'direct demoncracy', he should inform his leaders about this alternative form of government. In a direct demoncrcy, everybody takes part in every decision. Direct demoncracy works well for small groups like clubs and neighborhoods. It would be took much hassle in Venutian to bring everybody together to vote on every decision. Venu should take the time to make sure his new system of government contains certain rights and responsibilities for its citizens. Some rights he learned about inthe U.S. include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freddom to live and work where a citizen pleases. Venutian citizens will have certain responsibilites like voting, going to school, and obeying martain laws. All of these would be written in the Venutian constitution, or a plan of government. By implementing all these new policies, Venu will have success in changing his government from communism to a successful Republic. Venu finishes his speech and sits down drenched in sweat. The chief of Venutian rises and says to the natio,"It's time Venutian implements a real change to its government."

Capitalism

Hope you all enjoyed the overview and video on 'Capitalism' today. Watch it again below if you are interested.

What is your opinion on government intervention into the Free Market?

Great contributions to our class discussions today Mary Grace, Hayden, and Jack. Well done!

Coming Next Week

• Complex Sentences (What's the difference between a dependent and independent clause?)
• Evaluating Newspaper Articles and Speeches (What criteria will you use to evaluate?)
• Descritpive Writing
• SSS Sentence Techniques
• Social Studies Lesson 3 - System of Free Enterprise in the U.S.

Changes to H/W Tasks

These H/W tasks are POSTPONED until next week
Bringing Newspaer Article
Researching 8-10 facts on an American Entrepenuer/Businessman

Tonight - Finish your Essay question.
WILF
Sentence Fluency
Hook,Topic, Power 2 and 3
Approx120-140 words

See exampe of model essays below

Explain why Chuz Zia and his family plan to immigrant to the U.S.

The Chuz Zia family have packed their worldly belongings in suitcases and will begin an epic adventure to the other side of the world. Over the last century, millions of families have immigrated to the U.S. in search of a better life. Families like the Zias are attratced to the U.S. for the variety of freedoms this country offers. Once Chuz Zia arrives inthe U.S., he will have the freedom to choose where to work and where to live. He can begin his own business, or he can work for a company like Microsoft or Coca Cola if he has the qualifications. His children have the right to a free education to gain the qualifications they would need to find suitable work in thier future. Additionally, Chuz Zia can also vote in local and government elections and help select the leaders of the nation once he obtains citizenship. The freedom to practice whichever religion a person chooses is an important right all immigrations receive in the U.S. As a new citizen to this country, Chuz Zia families will also have certain responsibilities. His children must go to school or is parents could face fines. Moreover, all immigrants and citizens alike must obey the law or face being arrested. Speeding tickets and local laws are applied to all people fairly. Recieving a fair trial is another right of all citizens should he need arise. Being involves in their new society is also expected of all U.S. citizens in terms of voting in elections or contributing in a postive way to make society better. To reiterate,  rights  like working for a specific company or responsiblities like following local and state laws, atttract new immigrants like Chuz Zia to the U.S. every year. Whether the Chuiza family are greeted by the Statue of Liberty on the east coast or the Golden Gate Bridge on the west coast, they will quickly come to appreciate what a great nation they have enetered.

Sentence Fluency: Compound Sentences

Do you remember the key characteristics of Compound Sentences?

Four Key Rules to make an effective COMPOUND SENTENCE
1) The two halves could stand alone as individual sentences.
e.g. Peter likes tennis, but Mark likes pizza.
2) Two halves are joined by a comma and conjunction
e.g. Claire and Mary enjoy watching television, but their children prefer the internet.
3) Information in two halves of sentences must be linked in some way
e.g. Bolognaise is made of tomatoes and pasta, and it contains shredded meat.
4) A semi colon can replace the comma and conjunction
e.g. Peter likes tennis; Mark likes pizza.
Make sure from now on your writing contains a mixture of both simple(don't start with banned words!) and compound senteces!

ESSAY QUESTION ON H/W SHEET IS POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Change to H/W Routine Tue&Wed

Do not do the essay tonight on the H/W sheet. Work on choosing effective categories for the topics on the RC RaCS Evaluating sheet. You only need to write 3 categories per topic. Make sure you prioritize the categories. The essay is postponed until Wednesday night. It will need to be finished for this Friday.

e.g. Evaluting the Dining Room
Categories - 1) Choice of Food 2) Service 3) Facilities

Social Studies Test is postponed until next Tue. You still need to make sure you can answer the questions on the back of the H/W sheet by Thursday.

Sentence Fluency

This week we will begin our first grammar unit titled, 'Sentence Fluency'.

What does it mean to have a piece of writing that shows fluency?

Win +points for adding your comments

'Showing' not Telling Poetry

Enjoy these examples of Where I'm From...poetry written by your classmates. Notice the use of vivd descriptive 'showing' language.

I am made of the colors red and gold
Huge celebrations with dragons so bold
I’m from secret escapes from an island
and I’m a swordplayer in demand
I’m a lover of water, sunlight, and sand.
I’m from saddling up and falling right off
and little beany critters going aloft
A melody of any is a joy to me
It’s like I have gills some may say
and I like dreaming even during the day
I’m always showing my teeth,
and with my stomach, I’m likely to be green
I was given the gift of song
and I hark from the land of the gong
I’m ham-handed as can be
But I am exuberant, so I hope that you will like me.
by Katherine Lim

I am from sun blocking banks, law firms, and construction sites
From juicy, crunchy, delicious fried chicken and birthday foie gras

I am from 5 o’clock rush hour on Providence road
From the close calls of Bobcats games and the roar of the crowd as the Panthers play

I am from fireworks and cookouts on the Forth of July and that truly great Oreo pie
From the smell of gooey cookies right out of the oven

I am from the screams and laughs at Carrowinds and the costumes of characters as they greet the fans
From the smell of fried Twinkies and funnel cakes and the crowded but still very fun speed street
I am who I am and that can’t ever be changed

Makaela Sides




When you write descriptively...will you attempt to 'show' your readers like these examples below?

The pizza was delicious.

Steam rising up off the melted cheese made my mouth water. The first bite, my teeth sinking into the cheese through the tomato sauce and into the moist crust, made me chew and swallow rapidly. Even the cheese and tomato sauce, sticking to my fingertips, begged to be licked.

He is angry.

Sitting at his desk, his jaw tightened. His eyes flashed heat waves at me. The words erupted from his mouth, "I want to talk to you after class." The final hiss in his voice warned me about his feelings.

The morning was beautiful.

Behind the mountains, the sun peaked brightly, ready to start a new day. The blue sky remained silent yet showed signs of sadness. The wind whispered through the trees as the cheerful sun rose. The birds sang gently by my window as if they wanted to wake me up.

The coffee was enjoyable.

She cradled the mug in both hands and leaned her head over it in the rising steam. Pursing her lips, she blew softly over the clouded surface and let her eyelids drop. Her shoulders rose slightly as she breathed in, and she hummed with her head low. I lifted the tiny porcelain pitcher and poured a brief rotating arch of white into the black depths of my own cup. She opened her eyes, and we looked at each other across the table without speaking.

Watch these Videos for Tenses Practice

Descriptive Writing - Charlotte Doyle

Enjoy these descriptive writing pieces by your classmates. Look at Avery's very simple but powerfully descriptive ending that shows the mood of her character. Notice 'showing' phrase like " canvas hammock", "...wood moans", or "droopy sails kick into life" in Griffin's work.

The View

By: Avery Riescher

The sun was starting to rise and the sea was as clear as crystal. A calm sea was still and smooth like glass. Bleach-white sales were high in the sky and puffy like a giant marshmallow. The sun was to trying peak through the fluffy clouds. All of the rest of the sky looked like a marvelous water color painting. The deck’s floor boards were decrepit and squeaked when pressure was put on them. Even though they were wood the polish made them sparkle. The sun was half way in the sky and there was an ominous feeling in the air. Dark clouds started to fill the air as the wind was kicking up. A loud roar filled the sky as a bolt of light struck the sky. In a blink of the eye it started to pour down large droplets of water. The rat lines were swaying furiously in the strong wind. Lightning was lighting up the dense, dark sky. Thunder was roaring louder than I have ever heard in my life. I sprinted back to my tiny, dark cabin. Back in England, when there was a storm at night I curled up in my bed and listened to the pitter-patter of the rain. That is what I decided to do.

A Nation of It’s Own
by Griffin Walsh

Sails are down as the Seahawk glides through the splashing waves of the sea. I wake up to the sound of men running about. As I turn in my canvas hammock, the ship is jolted to one side. Falling down, I remember I am aboard a ship and I try to keep my balance. I pull on my torn sailor’s vest and jog outside onto deck.
Stepping onto the decrepit, sea beaten deck of the Seahawk, the wood moans. Looking up, men scurry about in the sails and riggings like scared monkeys running from a vicious predator. I climb up the thick ropes to the very top lookout point and my stomach lurches. The men below me look like small, tin soldiers. The mast seems as if it is a giant, four hundred year old Redwood growing up through the deck. A thousand whips crack around me as I climb even higher. Although the day has just begun, the sun, a huge flaming giant, soars in the sky burning whoever gets in its way. I set to work pulling the long, snakelike ropes that hold up the white sails. The wind blows and the droopy sails kick into life. Bells sound loudly as Mr. Hollybrass yells for everyone to come on deck on deck. I scamper down from the treacherous riggings. The eminent Captain Jaggery steps briskly out from his cabin. A long, unimportant speech follows. After resuming our stations and heading back to our laborious work, thoughts about Captain Jaggery fill my head.
What was it? Suddenly, I recall why the crew and I had come and what we were to do.

Tenses = Practice Exercises

Make sure you tackle all these exercises below

You will need to know Construction and Usage of nine tenses we studied. You should be able to write a sentence in any of the nine tenses we have studied. You should be able to use inference to decide how a sentence should end based on its tense. (Hint Hint! – Helping Verbs can sometimes be called ‘auxiliary verbs’) – Open Book.

Practice Present Perfect and Simple Past
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/ppvpast1.htm

All Tenses - Practice
http://www.english-4u.de/tenses_ex1.htm
http://www.english-4u.de/tenses_ex2.htm


Practice Present Perfect and Simple Past
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/ppvpast1.htm


Hard
Simple Past/Present Perfect/Past Perfect
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs12.htm

Charlotte Doyle Practice - Enjoy

Can you write sentences using multiple vocabulary words?
Matching www.quia.com/jg/91953.html

Millionaire www.quia.com/rr/36492.html

Inference- I dreamed a dream

Thoughts on today's lesson...Add your comments and enjoy the video link again below.

I believe that Susan Boyle chose to sing the song becasue she can relate to the lyrics." The dream that I dreamed" was being killed by all, but Susan wouldn't give up. People had shown little faith in her all her life, and she wanted to prove them wrong. Susan kept dreaming no matter what. Her performance demonstrates that hse is not what you would think but the complete opposite. When I hear the song, I will always remember that you can do anything if you try.

by Azeem

Today in Humanities, it really touched my heart and taught me a huge lesson. Susan Boyle had the courage to audition not really knowing or caring what people thought about her. At first, people doubted her because of her appearance. When you carefully listen to the lyrics, they are very ure and tell about Susan Boyle's life. " I dreamed a dream in time gone by...". The lesson taught me to be myself no matter what anybody says. To belief in myself and to think about others. Thank you Mr. Buxton.

By Elisa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU

Essay Question II

Have you written an A+ essay?

W.I.L.F. Proof read for the following

• Effective hooks
• A topic sentence that introduces the question
• Paragraph structure
• Using different words to start sentences
• A restate sentence
• Use of proper nouns and quotes
• Sentence fluency

Now read just the essay to somebdy at home. Can they guess the question from what you wrote?

George Washington's Portrait

Review today's lesson on inference and read again about the symbolism and inferred meanings shown in this historic portrait. Any comments?

http://www.georgewashington.si.edu/portrait/index.html

MDPD Announcement

Calling Talented Hawks of all ages! If you have a talent to share, please auditon for the talent show at May Day Play Day on the mainstage. Auditions will be April 15th and 16th from 3:15 until 4:15 pm; you only need to attend one day of auditions. If you are interested, please meet Mrs. Sword in the Lower School "hot-box" at 3:10 pm on the day you plan to audition and she will escort everyone to the multi-purpose room/dance studio. After the audition, you may meet your parents in the Media Center carpool line. Soloists, Dancers, Magicians, Jugglers, Gymnasts, and Group Acts are welcome! Please bring your props, music, and all supplies for your act with you that day to school. You may contact Mrs. Sword at lsword@charlottelatin.org for more information.