Practice Makes Progress in Writing

We have discussed the differences between an opinion essay and an explanatory essay.  Today, I want you to write an introduction for the task we are working on in writing.  Be sure to include all the necessary parts of an introduction.  I expect you to be creative with your hook: get my attention.  Remember, the only way to get better at writing is to write.  Happy writing.

Child Labor: Then and Now

Child Labor in 1911 Slideshow

 
I want you to view the slide show about child labor in 1911.  We've learned the American Federation of Labor worked to stop child labor in America.  Around the world there are 200 million child laborers. There are arguments for and against child labor.  Next week we will close read two articles from different view points on the issue and complete our culminating writing task.  Before we do, I want you to think about this: what are some arguments for and against child labor in the world today?  Then, discuss why Samuel Gompers and others felt child labor had no place in America.

Choose Kind

 

Most of us are reading Wonder by  R.J. Palacio in RTI class.  This book will make you laugh.  It will make you cry.  Wonder is about a boy named August Pullman who has a face that doesn't look like everyone else.  As a result, people act differently around him.  Some people are even mean.  We all have things about us that make us feel different.  We might even have times when we treat other people unkindly because they are different.  It is time that we treat everyone the way we want to be treated.  It is time we are kind.  Our actions show people who we are.  What are some things we can do as kids to show kindness?  How can we let people know how great we are by our actions?  It is time we stand up and tell the world we will not accept unkind because we "Choose Kind."  

Making Inferences

We've learned that you need to look at the evidence to make an accurate inference.  What inference can you make from this Norman Rockwell picture?  What details did you use to determine your inference?  Explain.

Turkey Point of View

It's close to Thanksgiving.  We have a lot to be thankful for in our lives. Turkeys, on the other hand, do not.  Point of view is looking at something from a particular viewpoint.  We have talked about this in different ways in class.  This time of year, many families have the tradition of going hunting for their Thanksgiving turkey.  Today, I want you to write me a story.  I don't want the story written from the perspective of the hunter, but rather the hunted.  Write a fantastical story from the perspective of the turkey. Be creative and have fun.  I can't wait to read them!

Read This!

Reading is a huge part of becoming a better learner.  It is important that we are always reading something.  What is a book you've read this year that you absolutely loved?  Write a review of the book.  Be sure not to give any spoilers.  Just give enough to make us want to read your book.

Welcome to the Blogging World

Hello Super Bloggers!  We will be using this blog as a way to communicate through technology, access links, complete assignments, and much more.  Technology is a wonderful tool and we are going to use it.  Now, that we have completed the first quarter of your 5th grade year, I want you to reflect on the past 10 weeks.  Answer at least two of the following questions:

1. What has been your favorite activity of 5th grade so far?  
2. What is something that you are struggling with this year?
3. What is something you feel you've already improved on this year?
4. What do you hope to see happen this year?

As always, be sure to write in complete sentences while paying attention to grammar, mechanics, and spelling.