Fascinating Video on Globalization & Technology- Check it OUT!

Teachers Dance at the Talent Show :)

Many students have requested this. Enjoy :)

Student Blog Assignment

Here is an opportunity for students to add to our blog here. We have been learning about figurative language and incorporating it in our poetry. Figurative language is the creative use of words author's use in order to put an image in our head to help us better understand a text. We have learned that metaphors are a comparison between two things, which does not use the words like or as. An example would be, My brother is a pig. A simile is a comparison between two things, which DOES use the words like or as. An example would be, Her eyes were as blue as the ocean, or, He jumps high like a frog. Another type of figurative language the students have learned is personification. Personification is giving something human-like qualities. An example would be, The mountain stands proud against the rising sun, or, The raindrops danced across the window pane. The students have written fabulous examples in class! I would love to have students share poems and examples of their own figurative language on our blog as a comment response to this post. I can't wait to read all of the fantastic creative writing!!

Websites for Extra Practice at Home!

Parents are always asking me what their students can do at home to extend their learning at school. First and foremost, your student should be reading 20-30 minutes each night. Ask your students questions about their reading. Go beyond yes or know questions (do you like it, etc). Ask your student about their favorite character, the setting, the main problem in the story, and which character they most identify with. Lastly, always ask WHY! This question deepens their thinking and understanding and therefore saturates their comprehension.

Also, there are many many many educational websites students can get on for extra practice at home. These are fun and educational all in one experience. If the website requires a log in, I have provided it to the student in class. If your child does not have theirs please email me directly.

Here are the websites:

www.fcatexplorer.com
www.studyisland.com
www.starfall.com
www.jumpstart.com
www.pbskids.org
www.funbrain.com

If they get bored with these, simply Google search "kids educational online games" and TONS will pop up for you!!

Enjoy :)

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Reading Contest

Students are now working toward a school wide reading contest. The 5th graders should read 1,000 pages or more in the next month. As they finish each book they will need to get a slip signed by a parent or guardian with a summary of the book written on it. Once the reading challenge ends, ALL students who have met the challenge will be rewarded with a popsicle party with the principal. Please encourage your student to read 30 minutes or more each night at home. Happy Reading :)

This Month's Important Dates