Limericks

Here is a Limerick we wrote today in Mrs. Crews's and Mrs. Mesker's 2nd period Reading class:

Lautner's Life
There once was a bad actor named Taylor
Who had slimy skin like alligators
He was in the movie Twilight
And always stole the limelight
When his career crashes he'll live in a trailer

I guess are students are not big fans of the Twilight series. We all laughed during the creation of this poem. I hope you did too! Can't wait to hear what they come up with on their own.

Rebecca Caudill Books!

We introduced a new reading project right before Thanksgiving. The students will be choosing a book to read that is a Rebecca Caudill nominee. There are 20 books on the list. Students are asked to read three books by the end of the unit. The first book is due on December 17th. After completing a book, the students are asked to take and accelerated reader test for a grade in Reading class. Many students are enjoying the books to much they have completed three books already. The more books your child reads, the accelerated reader points he/she can earn. They will also be able to recommend the books to other students.

I have already read Shark Girl, Kimchi and Calamari, Home of the Brave, and A Crooked Kind of Perfect. I truly loved them all but Home of the Brave is my favorite so far! Enjoy the reading!!!

Poetry Unit

During the month of December, we will be focusing on reading and writing different styles of poetry. Everyday your child will be introduced to a different type of poem. We will review the rules and definition of each type together and practice writing them as a class. Independently, your child will write at least one poem for each type we study. Daily, your child will be asked to share his/her poems. Everyone is expected to share at least one poem. At the end of the unit, your child will type out each poem and construct a book of poetry.

Verb Test Friday

Mrs. Crews's and Mrs. Mesker's classes will have the second part of the Verbs' test on Friday. Below are the sections we are covering. Students should use their notes or workbook to help in studying. Students are also encouraged to use a notecard on the test that can be filled with anything helpful hints.

Simple Verb tenses- past, present, and future
Irregular Verbs
Subject Verb Agreement- Including the use of conjunctions
Contractions
Confusing Verbs- (sit, set, lie, lay, rise, raise, lend, borrow, let, leave, teach, learn)

Character Counts Field Trips

This week and the week of Thanksgiving, the Character Counts Club and the Leadership Teams will be traveling to PV and IDE.

Our first trip will be to PV on 11/12. We will be traveling to all the classes to work with the students in small groups. While in their groups, the students will create and perform short skits about bullying in elementary schools. After each skit is complete, the Character Counts Club will have a short discussion about the appropriate steps to deal with the each situation.

At IDE, the students will again be working in small groups in each classroom. The IDE students will be playing an IDE Character Counts game. Similar to Candy Land, the IDE students will choose a card with a situation on it. If the card shows good choices, the student will move forward.

I am looking forward to traveling to the schools and seeing the Junior High students interact with the different grades. It should be loads of fun for all involved.

Ancient Times

The week the sixth grade students read a nonfiction selection on Mt. Vesuvius and the city of Pompeii. Tomorrow we will be reading a historical nonfiction selection about a blind boy and his dog as they try to flee the city during the eruption.

The students will be focusing on the elements of the story that reinforce the nonfiction genre. Historical fiction includes all the elements of fiction: character, setting, plot, and theme. Writers of historical fiction include historical facts, actual events, and imaginary details into stories. Its purpose is to entertain and inform.

6th Grade Field Trip Thursday

On Thursday, October 29, the 6th grade will be taking a field trip to a performance called MatheMagic! Here, a magician will use magic, comedy, and storytelling to engage us in problem solving and exploration of ancient civilizations.

After the performance, we will be eating lunch at a fast-food restaurant. Therefore, students will also need to bring their own money to cover the cost of their lunch.