Monday MEME! Assignment Dec. 11-18

OK Kids, here it is a Holiday MEME. What is a ME...ME...? Well in the blog world it is a group of questions that is talking about every ones favorite subject ME! In other words it is all about the "author" writing the post. It is fun to share and get others in on the MEME post. In the blog world, it is one way that authors share about themselves and "tag" other writers to share about them too. Are you all ready? I am tagging the WHOLE school.

Here is what you do. You copy and paste the questions. You then change the responses to be all about you, then post it to your page.

Ready? ~waits and looks around~

HERE we gooooooooooooooo
1. What is your favorite Holiday? Christmas

2.What is your favorite holiday song? HMMM toss up. Santa Baby or Man with the Bag....NO wait. "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas". Yes final answer!

3. What is your favorite subject? I bet you all thought I would say Language arts, but you would be very wrong. In school my favorite subject was Science. Chemistry was my best subject. Despite what they might have said about "almost" blowing the school up! ~shakes head~

4. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? OHHHHH, I haven't met a candy or cookie I didn't like, but the no bake cookie is really hard to beat.

5. What is your favorite animal? Fish. I, don't have to feed it everyday and I don't have to worry about a babysitter for it when I travel.

6. Who do you like best, Snow Miser or Heat Miser? Neither. I am a huge fan of Mother Nature. She is a wise lady and keeps the whole bunch of us in line.

7. Gold or silver? Both. Come now, kids, I can't start playing favorites...truth be told though, I prefer Platinum.

8. Presents or gift cards? OHHH I like to see people's faces when they open a gift I picked out special just for them, but I really like that a gift card NEVER goes out of style and it always fits!

9. Santa or Frosty? See I like them both. NO FAVORITES remember? I collect Santa's, so you will see more of a collection of the "old man winter" and Santa's in my house.

10. What is your favorite Holiday memory? For me, I have been blessed with so many. Last year was one of the most memorable. My Grandma and Uncle who live in Spokane, had the hardest time getting here to Phoenix. Spokane set record snow falls on ALL the day that they were scheduled to travel. One of my mothers wishes after she passed on was to be sure that the family would be all together for Christmas. It was the first Christmas without her, so of course it it was the most important that Grandma and my Uncle arrived for the festivities. Christmas Eve arrived and so did they! PHEW! Finally they made it. Christmas 2008 was complete.

Hope you all have a wonderful winter holiday! I can't wait to read all about you and TAG you are all "it".
Ms. Lines

December 7-11th Assignments

The holiday season is here! I can not believe just how fast the year really goes! It is the time of year to reflect on the good and not so good choices in our lives. This is the time of year when people start making goals for their future. I have a goal for each and everyone of you. I want to be there when you are handed your college diploma. We have a brand new year, an opportunity to "wipe the slate clean" and start fresh.

This weeks prompts will be graded on your ability to completely respond to the question, use a good lead, transition words, solid closing, express your voice, sentence fluency, and convection's. There is ZERO reason for spelling errors as there is a spell checker built into the program for you to use. You must also demonstrate your use of our vocabulary from Unit 13, by using 5 (five) words.

Complete TWO (2) of the following: (USE 5 Spelling words in EACH).
1. Write a "how to" expository piece explaining "How to decorate a Christmas Tree".
2. Write a narrative about your favorite holiday memory. Be sure to tell the story, using hyperbole and colorful adjectives.
3. Write about a "Christmas Miracle" you once witnessed. This may be something you heard from another person. Be sure to use the correct narrative (1st person or 3rd).
4. Write a letter to Santa. Be sure to use the following story starter: "You are not going to believe this." Said the elf as he or she stumbled into the toy factory.

Ok Bloggers, have a happy and fun week! Be sure to leave me a message when you are done and ready for me to grade your work.
Ms. Lines

November 30-December 4 Assignmnets

Welcome back students! I hope that your Thanksgiving holiday was restful.

We have three weeks until the end of the semester and we need to be focused on our writing abilities. This season is a time for reflection of the past eleven months and a dawn for the coming year.
In the last fourteen weeks, we have covered out six traits of writing. We have practiced out leads, used transition words and focused on the endings or conclusions of our writing. Next we worked on the making our stories better by re-writing them.
There is a saying (idiom) that "practice makes perfect". Well, that is not completely true. We should all be saying, "PERFECT practice makes perfect!" Most of the time it is in our failures that we improve the most.
Think of Thomas Edison. How many times did it take him to create a filament for the light bulb? Thank goodness, he never gave up, or our world would be much darker now.

This weeks prompts are:
1. Imagine you found a strange bottle in your backyard. When you uncorked the bottle, a Christmas fairy popped out. What happens next? (Use 5 Five spelling words from all year)
2. Ms. Lines has been called to a meeting and she needs you to fill in. What would you teach in class? Remember she teaches both Language Arts and Social studies. What would the students be graded on? (Use 5 five spelling words)
3. Imagine you believe in Christmas and you get three wishes that would effect the WHOLE world. What would your wishes be and why? (Use 5 spelling words from all year)
4. Finish the story: "How terrifying!" said the inventor as he or she climbed the creaky staircase, in the snow. (Use 5 spelling words from all year)

Remember that you need to complete 2 (two) of the 4 (four) writing prompts by Friday. Be sure to leave me a comment so that I know you are ready to have me correct and log your grade in my grade book!
have a great week bloggers!
Ms. Lines

November 23-27 Assignments

Dear Students,

We need the students to take a short quiz. This quiz is part of our Future. We would like our students to graduate with a better attitude toward life, themselves, and learning. We consider this creating hope. We need your opinions to move toward these goals and objectives. Please click on the link below to start your study:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1nmscQeZ3xH9sy28_2f_2fdj6w_3d_3d

It will take about 30-40 min. Completing this will count for one blog assignment.

This weeks assignments are:

1. " Has anyone seen my wedding ring" said the pirate as he/she took the turkey out of the oven.

(Use any 5 spelling words from units 1-11) Remember I will be grading on your use of the 6 traits of writing.

2. Imagine you have a time machine, and you have landed yourself at the very first Thanksgiving dinner. What foods are they serving? Why is everyone speaking a strange language? Write a dialogue of the conversations that you would have with all the Pilgrims. How would you explain your strange language. Be sure to use a play format or quotes. (Spelling words from Unit 1-11 and 2 Thanksgiving day related vocabulary words.)

I hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend!

Ms. Lines

P.S. I am thankful for each and everyone of you!

Assignmnets for November 16-20

Happy Monday Students!
This week we are focusing on Conventions. NO, it is not where you dress up in crazy costumes and meet at a convention center. We are talking about the ones on our six traits of writing. Conventions are the simple little things, such as spelling, punctuation, and spacing issues with words. Did you forget to title your work? If a stranger read my post, would he or she know what I am talking about?!?!?!

This week we will have two prompts. You may choose these two or pick one or two posts from earlier this year and correct the conventions. Either way you should have TWO (2) posts by Friday.

1. Write a letter to a friend, relative, or teacher about the following: "What are you thankful for and why?" Be sure to use the "friendly letter style" when writing your letter.
2. Finish the following story: "I can explain" said the student as he or she tripped on the box that stuck out of the closet.

Happy Blogging!
Ms. Lines

November 9-13th Assignments

Hey there my super excellent writers! Since we have a short week, I would like us to continue on our focus of sentence fluency. This week, I need you to re-write ONE post from earlier in the year. You are going to cut and paste into a "new post". Then you need to bring it to life. Revision is a part of the writing process. Remember that everyone, even famous writers have editors. Here is your chance to make a story, narrative, expository or persuasive writing piece better!

Here is what you will be graded on:
1. Use the previous spelling words and try to ADD this weeks words. (FIVE from Unit 10).
2. Creating a complex sentence. (using a conjunction to combine two smaller or like sentences together.)
3. A strong introduction (LEAD)
4. Variety of transition words
5. One or more Idioms
6. A strong conclusion

Happy Blogging everyone!
Ms. Lines

November 2-6 Assignments

OK my eager beaver students, here is this weeks assignments.

This week we will be focusing on Sentence Fluency. Just like learning a new language, using words, connecting them the correct way is important too.

Why?
~looks around~
Well, I am glad you asked!

Sometimes ya just gotta go with the flow...at least that's the situation most readers find themselves in.

When we write, sentences it is important to start the beginning with a capital letter. Then we wind our way over words and phrases until we’ve expressed a complete thought, and then finally, we mark the endpoint with a period, question mark, or exclamation mark.When we read out loud we practice the shape of each sentence.
The writer starts with a topic sentence and then from beginning to end, takes the reader to understand what the author/writer is expressing.

In order to move phrase to phrase, word, to word and sentence to sentence, we practice what is called "sentence fluency". This means that the writing flows smoothly. A picture should begin to form in your mind.

Some examples are from our fiction novels. We read out loud about a painting. The sentences then goes on to describe it. Some readers jump to favorite painting in art class while another is thinking of a Van Gogh exhibit at the fair.
This week, you are going to practice your grammar and sentence fluency. We have the following prompts. You pick TWO of the four. Be sure to leave me a message when you are ready for me to grade it!
1. Imagine that you are Principal for the day. Ms. Gaitens had an important meeting and needs you to fill in. What three(3) school rules do you think are important to enforce? Why? What consequences would there be for the students who broke those rules? (USE FIVE SPELLING WORDS)
2. Pretend that a producer for a famous TV show is coming to our school! The producer is looking for script ideas for the show. Sadly there is a buzz in Hollywood to end the popular show "The O.C." Create and write a drama/reality based dialogue (script) that could get picked for the replacement show. Remember you might be the next reality TV show. What would you want all of America to watch? (USE FIVE SPELLING WORDS)
3. Finish this story: "Run for your lives" said the store owner as he or she stood in the store aisle. (USE FIVE SPELLING WORDS)
4. Write a MEME about yourself and then "tag" some of your friends in the post. You should have 10-20 questions about you. These questions should help us to get to know you better. IF you are the person being named in the post. You need to cut and paste the questions, change the response to be about you, then tag others. REMEMBER this is part of your school project and should be school appropriate. (USE 5 SPELLING WORDS)

Let's have a great week blogging and having fun learning!
~waves hands~
Ms. Lines

October 26-30 Assignments

Word Choice. We are continuing to work on our very important "Word Choice". Some students have been very quick to point out, that this part of the six traits is very similar to "Voice". Yes! ~nods head and smiles~

Now, this week and next I would like you to look up idioms. For example: "A picture is worth a thousand words". This idiom in the literal meaning might look like the picture I chose above. However, idioms are the "secret ingredient" to making the blue ribbon winning essay.

Remember, voice adds the spices, and YOU the author make it the winning essay. It will be your assignment to look up a few that you like, and use them in your writing posts.

You need to write 2 posts from the following prompts:

1. People get along better when they follow rules and laws. Imagine a place without rules or laws. What could go wrong in such a place? (Use 5 spelling words).

2. Finish this story: "How terrifying!" Said the kangaroo, as he or she pushed the red button. (Use 5 Spelling Words)

3. Write a tongue-twister Poem) about a Greek God/Goddess that should express excitement. (Use 5 Spelling words)

4. Imagine that our school could have a pet. What pet would you choose? Why? Who would be responsible to care for it? (feed, keep it clean, pick up after it, walk it so forth.)**(Use 5 Spelling Words)

If you can not find any idioms to use, you may see me for a list of some of my favorites. Each post needs to have at least ONE idiom in it!

Happy Blogging

Ms. Lines

Assignment October 18-23

Welcome back students from our fall break! We are so blessed to live in such a wonderfully warm part of the United States. This week we have a choice of four prompts. It is your job to pick your favorite two and write about them. They are as follows:

1. Were you ever asked to keep a secret you DIDN'T want to keep? How did it make you feel? Did you tell someone? Try to use five (5) vocab words.
2. Do you think that states should have the death penalty? Why or why not? Would you consider that a form of murder? Why or why not? (5 vocab words)
3. "Oh no." said the clown as he or she saw the plane fly into a barn. Remember those five (5) vocab words.
4. Imagine you created a recipe to save the world. Write out what ingredients you need and the directions to make it. (Use 5 vocab words)

I am grading you on your lead, type of conclusion, transition words, spelling(USE the SPELLCHECKER!!), and this weeks focus WORD CHOICE. I will be passing out reminder handouts about "Word Choice". Read your post out loud to a friend or have them read it to you. I often find my "oopses" that way.

When you complete your assignment leave me a message so I know you are ready to have me grade your work. Happy blogging!
~waves hands~
Ms. Lines

October 5-9 Assignment

Yeah! We made it nine weeks and here we are at our very first Quarter together. *sigh* OK, so this week, it is your job to get caught up on getting your blog complete. You can write about anything you want. You get to pick your own prompt. You may see me for idea's. You may choose not to post anything. Keep in mind that, if you are missing any work...I am offering some "make-up" work here!



Now, I will share with you one of the prompts that I asked you to write about: A time when I was really sad.



Title: Two Hours and twenty minuets.



The flight was two hours and twenty minuets. TWO hours and TWENTY minuets. *sigh* It might as well have been two days, as far as my sister and I were concerned. Didn't they know? Why couldn't this plane travel faster? Hurry, I pressed in my mind. Hurry! i squeezed my sisters hand, as the plane began its ascent into the sky.


I kept trying to tell myself that, this was the time that we all had been preparing for. I couldn't cry anymore. I had to be strong. The tears continued to pour out of my eyes, like a water fountain. There is no magic wand in this fairy-tail. I had to prepare for the worst. Sadly, I don't think any amount of preparation is ever enough. Death knows no boundary.


Two hours and twenty minuets. The*tick*tick*tick* sound echoed in my mind. I looked at my watch again.

The seconds were ticking away, like a stop watch at a track meet. * tick* *tick* tick*

Finally, as if we were transported by a time traveler, we sat, one on each side of her. It was so surreal. My sister held her hand on one side. I held the other. I could only, look on, as if it was some made for TV moment. I really just wanted to run away, cry, leave this space, with all these people gathered around her. How could I be so selfish.
*gasps*
*gasps*
*gasps*
Is this her last breath?
How will I know?
Why is THIS her time?
My heart felt as if it would explode.
My breathing matched my sobbing. OH god, this is really it.
*gasps*
*gasps*
*gasps*
I can't ever get that image out of my mind. Death wasn't a thief in the night. The grim reaper just stepped right up and took her. "HOW RUDE", I thought. Death has no right. Why this young and wonderful Mother and Grandmother? Why am I being so selfish? Maybe Death will bargain? Maybe I could offer Death something else instead, perhaps my soul?

*Gasps*

With that last gasp, her soul was free and her weak, frail body finally stopped fighting. Death, was the only victor today. Death, you cruel and horrible thing. I am left to grieve. I am left to mourn the loss of my dear Mother, so young. I am left sad, because I will have had two hours and twenty minuets less.

Assignments for Sept. 28-Oct..2

In honor of moving to our new site I would like you to pick TWO of your favorite writing pieces and RE-WRITE them.

Try using the skills you have learned so far with organization and voice. What would have made your story, or entry better? Look at the beginning, did it start off strong? Would the story take on a different flavor if you used a different lead?

Revising and rewriting is something that even professionals do. This is why newspaper and book editors have jobs. Take it in stride and know that your next attempt will be better, and you might even like it more than your first draft.

Use spelling words from the last 5 weeks, and don't forget about those challenge words. I think, they should get a bonus. In fact, I will be giving one point per challenge word used in each rewrite.

Have fun class and happy blogging!

~waves hands~

Ms. Lines

September 21-25 Assignments

This week I would like us to focus on "finding our voice". This is our 3rd stop on the 6 traits of writing train, and it is just as important, as any of the traits that we will focus on. Let me paint the picture for you. Imagine you are watching a movie in black and white. Then along comes, Technicolor and POW! Wham! The picture comes to life, and you can see the beautiful red ruby slippers in the "Wizard of Oz". You could also think of "voice" as the spices that make the food taste better. Imagine toast without the butter and jam. How much better was the movie in color? We call these "spices" (literary terms) idioms, hyperbole, and colorful adjectives.

This week You will be graded on the quality of the lead that you use, the ability to use your "voice" and a great conclusion. Don't forget to use those transition words! Remember you are working with homophones, you will be challenged to bring the color to the stories. Because, I want you to have some fun, you may use the spelling word from the last 4 weeks too!

Below are the prompts to choose from. You must complete TWO of the four options:

1. Image that you have been selected to paint the walls at our new school. What theme would you choose? Describe what you would want to be put on the wall.

2. Your hairstyle won "most unusual" in a local paper. Describe why your hair won. What color or colors did you hair have in it? Was it long or short?

3. What would food say if it could talk? What would it say? Write a conversation you might have at dinnertime.

4. Describe how you will someday become famous.

ALL assignments need to have at least (5) FIVE spelling words. When you complete the assignment, leave me a message, so that I know you are ready to get your grade!

Happy Blogging Students!

Ms. Lines

Assignments for September 14-18

Thank you to all the students that have completed all their assignments. I have been asking you to complete the writing prompts in any format you chose. This week I want us to focus on the Organization portion of our pieces. You need to have a solid lead and a strong conclusion. Examples of the types of leads are
1. Dialogue or a Question.
2. Voice or Anecdote
3. Tension or powerful statement.
4. Description or sound

Examples of types of endings or conclusions are:
1. The circular conclusion (typically echoes the lead)
2. Summary/Reflection
3. The emotional conclusion
4. Unfinished business.

OK, now let's try this out on our prompts, remember that you need to complete TWO of the four prompts listed below. All work is due by Friday and should be ready for me to grade.

1. "I must be dreaming", said the teacher, as he or she stepped onto the stage. (use a lead other than the dialogue provided.)

2. (This a narrative) Write about a time when you were really sad.

3. You and your friends have decided to start a band. The only instruments you have are items found in your home. Describe what you would use as instruments. How might they sound? What type of music might you play?

4. If a sunny, spring day was like someone you know, who would it be and why?

Your story will be graded heavily on the organization. If the lead is weak, if you do not have an ending...points will be taken off. You all have done great so far, let's keep it up and as a reminder "YOU MUST USE AT LEAST FIVE (5) spelling words from this weeks unit in your piece.

Happy Blogging everyone!
Ms. Lines

September 7-11 Assignments

Welcome back from the long weekend. I sure hope that everyone feels rested and ready to work! This week we have 4 writing prompts to choose from:

1. Write a "roses are Red" poem about a cowboy. The emotion your poem should express is regret. Use 5 spelling words from unit 3.

2. "This is just awful" said the inventor as he or she tumbled over the waterfall. Remember to use 5 spelling words in your story.

3. Write your favorite recipe. Make sure you include the directions to mix the ingredients together. Use 5 spelling words as you describe the even you would prepare our recipe for.

4. Write a persuasive essay: Topic: Recycling. Do you think that we should recycle? If so why? If not, Why? Convince me either way as to the importance of this topic. Use 5 spelling words.

I am very proud of those of you who are getting all your work done. Remember that you should use the spell checker to make sure that your work is correct. I will be getting to all of your pages to see the work you have done. If you have not published any work, I will not be able to leave you a message.

Happy blogging this week!

Ms Lines

Homework August 31-Sept 4

Welcome to blogging! I am so excited about our live journal and looking forward to reading your inspired posts. Remember writing is a process and it may take a couple of times to write your entry.





This weeks blog assignment is to Write about Two of the following choices:


1. Finish the story starter: "How long have I been asleep?" said the pilot, as the storm moved closer.... Use at least 5 spelling words.



2. Write a shape poem (*A shape poem is written in the shape of the object it describes.) The object you will write about is: A balloon, and the emotion your poem should express is patience.



3. Write about a vacation that you went on, was it your favorite? Was it a disaster? Be sure to tell the whole story about what made it so memorable. Use at least five (5) Spelling words.



4. Make a "Top Ten" list of your favorite foods. Try to show pictures and describe why it is your favorite. Remember to use at least 5 spelling words.

On Friday after our field trip we will need to document on our blog and post a picture about a plant, animal or physical feature indigenous to AZ. We will have plenty of time to up load and get our nature journal's started.

~claps hands together~ I am so excited to read your posts. **Remember that all posts should be gramatically correct and PLEASE use the spell checker.***
Happy Blogging,
Ms. Lines

Back to school!

Hey there everyone! Welcome to the 2009-2010 School Year!!!

~waves hand~

It's back to school time! I am so pleased to welcome my new classes and school to the world of blogging!

I am so excited to introduce the new students to an online journal and writing prompts! (If you are a previous student feel free to join us! Remember you can never have too many references!

Lets start this weeks assignment with the following:

1. Create your blog.

2. Leave me a comment with your first name only, so I can learn your handle.

3. Post an entry about your experience in creating your "space". What challenges did you have? What new things did you learn. Give me details! Would you recommend to a friend to do something like this?

4. Click on the "follow" button, so that I can see anytime you update a post.

Remeber that this is part of your grade, a school project and needs to follow the school rules for appropriate materials.

I am so excited to get to know you and see your creative spark!

~waves hand~

I'm off to work!

Ms. Lines

My 10 things...

10. I can sleep through alarms, loud music, earthquakes and random noises, but, turn on a light and *snaps fingers* ~I'm WIDE awake!

9. I play several musical instruments. The piano, clarinet, flute, drums, xylophone, chimes, cymbals, and guitar.

8. I hate canned vegetables, but will eat almost any raw ones. ~sticks out tongue~ EXCEPT BEETS! I HATE those.

7. I graduated from college, only three months after I turned 21.

6. I am a sympathy puker...if I even SMELL a hint of it...I am yakking too!

5. I have only owned five cars in my life. That is including my current car.

4. I have survived an airplane "crash" *ahem* I mean incident.

3, I like to have fresh plants and flowers, but I don't like to water plants all the time.

2. I have to save money on things I buy, or I will go somewhere else...

And.....my number one thing you may have not known about me....


1. I have had 9 career jobs and teaching is by far my favorite one. Thanks to you all, for the best year!!!!

Have a great summer and keep blogging!
~Waves and blows kisses~

May 11-15 Assignments

Sadly this will be our last week blogging! *sigh* The school year is drawing to a close, and I am pensive about all you have learned in History, Language art, Science and Math. I think back to the beginning of the school year and chuckle.

This week your assignments are as follow:
1. Create a top ten list of things about yourself that we don't know about you. Try to use 5-10 spelling words you have learned all year!

2. Finish the story: "Oh no! I fogot my key", said the teacher as he or she stopped suddenly...Try to use 5-10 spelling words you have learned all year!

3. Re-write one of your favorite posts or pick a prompt that you did not post, but like better than this weeks choices. Try to use 5-10 spelling words you have learned all year!

4. Write about what you want to do with your summer break. Try to use 5-10 spelling words you have learned all year!

5. Write a letter to yourself. Imagine that you can travel in time, going back to the beginning of this year. What would you tell yourself? Do you think it would change the outcome? If so how? If not, describe what "could" have happened. Try to use 5-10 spelling words you have learned all year!

You will pick TWO of the prompts and write about them. Use your time wisely, as we have limited time in the computer lab!
7 more days MAKE THEM THE BEST!!!
~snaps fingers~

May 4-8 Writing assignments

Hey guys! ~waves~ I am really sad after reviewing your spelling tests! This week is a review and plan on seeing many of the words that you missed this last week!

This weeks assignments need to have at least 10 words in them! I know this is a challenge, but I am confident that you can do it. Use your spelling dictionaries and look back at your previous units!

You must pick two of the following five choices:

1. Last week we went to the Science Center on a field trip. Write about what you saw and did. What was your favorite part? What would you tell the kids that go next year to make sure and look for? Are there any exhibits that you would like to see replaced with something new? Did you visit the "extreme weather" exhibit? Lot's of vocabulary words there!!!

2. If you could perform a miracle, What miracle would you like to perform? Why did you pick that one? How would it help others?

3. Finish the story: "This is just awful", Said the Doctor as He or she took a deep breath.

4. Write a free verse about: A crackling fire. Your poem should express LOVE. *Free verse has no pattern or rhyme scheme, but expresses the poet's thoughts and feelings on the subject.*

5. Create a top 10 list of your favorite animals. Write about why they are your top ten favorites. You may include pictures, but remember that I am grading you on your written words.


I can't wait to hear some of your creations! If I haven't left you a message from last week just leave me a new comment, reminding me.
Let's make our last two weeks the best!
~waves~

April 27-May1 Writing Assignments

Okay everyone, I am really proud of your posts and the rewrites that I asked you to do. We have a field trip this week, and will STILL have time to get all our work done in the computer lab. It is crucial to our project that we do our writing assignment and rewrites in the lab. In order to have future classes do something like this, again, we need to be working. (Go to U-tube and crazy video feeds at home or when we EARN free time!)

This weeks writing assignments are:
1. Create a top 10 list of places that you would like to visit. (ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD). Describe them. You may use pictures, like a travel brochure, but remember that you need to use your OWN words not someone Else's.

2. Describe a time that you or someone you know was caught in "bad" weather. Rain? Snow? Describe the trials and tribulations that they endured. Tell me what you would have done differently, if you could have "planned" such an event.

3. Finish the story: "How could you do this to me?", said the librarian, as the storm moved closer...

4. Write a rhyming *any scheme you wish* poem about a cloud. Your poem should express patience.

5. Imagine your life in five years. What will it be like? Where do you live? What are you doing? Now go ten years into the future. Imagine that you are visiting Sage Elementary. What would you tell those kids? Do you think the school will be here? If not, what is here instead? Be descriptive about yourself, you future and what you think about our schools future.

Pick any TWO and post them. This week the WHOLE packet is due. NO EXCEPTIONS. OK everyone, get started. Remember writing is a process an NO one writes something perfectly in the first draft. *Even professionals have a boss that edits their work* That is why we always need to go back and edit! Every post should have at least five spelling words in them. Have fun!
P.S. We will have something special the following week, if everyone does the work! *no peeking*

Our assignment April 20-24

I am so proud of y'all getting your blogs created and doing your first two posts. OK, so most of you anyway. Let's make this the week we complete our assignment early and have free time for the lab! I am really enjoying each and everyone of your music selections too!

This weeks prompts are:

1. Write a "Roses are Red" poem about an old photograph. Your poem should express jealousy.

*Roses are Red, Violets are blue...

2. Finish the following story starter: "I'd rather be anywhere but here, " said the detective as everyone clapped. *Be sure to set up your setting, plot and climax to the story*

3. Find an online article about the Middle East. Cut and Paste it into your post. Then write your opinion about the article. Why did you agree or disagree? What based on the information we have learned in class about that region, made you have those feelings?

4. Imagine that you have been put in charge of the school lunch for one week. Create a menu that is for the whole week. Write the recipe for a dessert, from scratch. *For example, if Chocolate Chip Cookies are your favorite, then what would we need to bake them here.*

5. Imagine that you are the Principal of Sage *Mr. P needs a vacation*. What rules would you change and why? Make a list and provide a detailed description of the "new" rules. Be sure to tell us which rules your rules replace and how they will be enforced. Make sure that they are rules that all kids can follow.

Your assignment is: You have to complete TWO of the writing prompts above. As a reward, those who finish both prompts do not have to do the writing prompt on page 177 of our Unit 28 handout. You must use at least five words from your basic, review and Challenge listed on the handout.

Now that you have read this, it's time to get to writing. Remember the lab is for the writing and your side bar is for home or during designated "free time". Do NOT ruin it for the rest. OK Off you go! ~claps hands~

April 13-17 assignments

Congratulations 7th and 8th graders! You are all doing really well with the creation of your blogs. I see most of you have even picked some great music videos too! Remember to do the assignment first, THEN play with the add on's.

This weeks writing prompts are as follows:
1. Write about a time you were really sad. What happened? How did you get over being sad? Use at least 5 spelling words from your spelling dictionary.

2. Finish the story: "Get out of the way!" said the pirate, as he or she tumbled over the waterfall.

3. Write a tongue-twister*(A poem that is made up of words that are very hard to to say quickly) about: a homework assignment. The emotion (tone) should express regret.

4. Write directions to iron a dress shirt. (Remember step by step instructions)* You may use pictures, but you have to write captions.

5. Write about TOTUS (Barack Obama's Teleprompter). The link to this blog is on my sidebar. Visit his blog and write about what you read. Describe how the personification of a TelePrompTer is considered political humor.

You must pick TWO of the five prompts and write them in your blog. Be sure not to publish until you have edited your thoughts. How you will be graded. Completion of the assignment, Spelling, * Be sure to use at least 5 words in each posting from this weeks vocabulary*, Sentence fluency, tone and overall presentation. For those students who read this entire blog, completed both posts by Friday, you will not be required to do the writing exercises on p. 171

Ok y'all off to blog! ~snaps fingers~ I can't wait to hear some of your tongue-twisters! ~claps hands together~ *Be sure to leave me a comment when you post!*

First assignment

Hi Class!

Our first week with a blog! Our assignment is as follows:

1. Create your own blog.

2. Write a short summary of your experience making a blog as your first post.

3. Visit my site and leave me a comment, letting me know who you are. First name and last initial only.

4. Remember that you will be graded on creativity as well as the quality of your writing.

5. Use your time wisely, and don't forget that this is a school project. ANY inappropriate information or postings will be subject to school rules and concequences.

I am so excited to see what you all will create!

AIMS testing

This week we are in AIMS testing. This means that all students will not have any homework, nor will I have to assign any homework. YEAH ME!!!! ~waves hands~

On Monday, students will be creating thier own blogs and the fun of writing can begin. ~claps hands~

Until Next week Class, Go ROCK those AIMS test scores!!!!

WHOOO HOOO!!!!
~waves and smiles~

Welcome!

Welcome to OUR blog, personal journal!
Ms Lines