Winter Traditions

Every family has special traditions and many of them happen this time of year.  For some, it may be enjoying a special movie snow falls or serving meals at a shelter.  For others, it could be a trip to the mountains or giving and receiving gifts for Christmas or Hanukkah. 

Think about a few of your family traditions, especially those that happen this time of year. Describe the tradition and what you enjoy most about it.

Please remember to check your spelling and punctuation before submitting your comment.

Target and Ellen Deserving Schools Grants

Fifty of the most incredible and deserving schools in the nation will be receiving $100,000 in the Target and Ellen DeGerenes Deserving Schools Contest.  Write a 2500 word essay on why the school is incredible and what you would do with Target's help and assistance.
 If you think our school should receive a grant, check out Ellen's site.  You can have your family or friends help you write an essay and enter our school to win.  (As always, you will need your parent's permission to enter.)

Should Students Be Required to Learn a Foreign Language?

Should students have to learn a foreign language?

Many cash-strapped schools across the United States are cutting out foreign language classes. Some people say students should spend more time mastering reading and writing in English, instead of other languages. Others argue that knowing a language other than English is now more important than ever. They say that having foreign-language skills may give kids an advantage when they look for jobs in the future.  What do you think?

Volunteer

"Many schools in the U.S. require students to take part in community-service programs, especially close to the holidays.  Some people say volunteering is good for kids because it teaches them the value of helping in their community.  Others say volunteering, by definition, is a choice and shouldn't be forced on kids.  What do you think?"

From Scholastic News, Vol. 80 No 9

Saving a Language

We know that computers and other technologies are often quite helpful.  For example, technology is helping to save the Cherokee language. 

• Do you think it is important to try to preserve the language?  Why or why not? 
• Do you have any other suggestions about how the language can be saved?

Is it an AR book?

If you're not sure whether you can take an AR test on a book that you're interested in, be sure to check out AR Book Finder.  You can't take the AR test at home but you can research your book's level and point value from anywhere you can access the Internet. 

Homework Test...

This was last night's homework.  Try to download it then add a comment letting me know whether or not it worked. 

The Most Thankful Thing

Next week we get to take two days off from school/work.  But... why??  While the history of Thanksgiving is filled with tragedy (think: Native Americans losing life, land, liberty), there is still a deep tradition here that we should remember: being thankful. 

For what are you thankful?  Make a list of a few things for which you are thankful but end it as author Lisa McCourt did, share your most thankful thing.

Geography: Map Games

Looking for a fun way to practice for your next map quiz?  Check out these map games!

Literary Elements

As we begin our first book clubs and grow as readers, it will be important for you to understand what the different literary elements and devices are.  Here are some links to help get you started:

Kim's Korner: Literary Elements and Devices - Click each element/device for more information. 

Middle School Reading Literary Terms

Goal Setting

We have all set academic goals for the year. 

• Which goal do you think will be the most difficult for you to achieve?  Are there people who you are hoping will help you to achieve your goals? 
• What is a goal that you have accomplished in the past?  What led to your success?

Book Recommends

This is your chance to weigh in on some of the best and worst books.  Imagine that you are reviewing a book for a local bookstore.  What would you say about the book to make readers interested in reading the book or to stay away from it?

Write your book recommendations (or stay-away-froms) here!