For the last question of the first semester, I'd thought we'd do something fun. You are going to write about what you are doing over winter break....in a poem. That's right, I want to see your awesome poems on display for the whole class!
Also, I am going to post all the recipes from "PIE" by Sarah Weeks. Hopefully you and a loved one will spend some time together this holiday, enjoying a fresh baked pie!
Have a wonderful break. I am proud of all of you.
love,
Mr. Dickson
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Discussion Question # 10
Apologies to all about the trouble with this discussion question. I think we have officially fixed all the issues and should be good to go!
The discussion question this week is just like discussion question # 8. Please read the poem below and share your thoughts about what you think it means. Explain your reasons and discuss what kinds of emotions you think the author was trying to get you to feel when he wrote it. When you have finished writing about what the poem means to you, I want you to pick your favorite verse from the poem and write about why it stood out.
This poem is one of my personal favorites, so read carefully and enjoy!
Also, I want you to take your time with spelling, and make sure you analyze the poem one stanza at a time. A stanza is a group of lines that are separated from the others, like a paragraph or verse in a song.
We will be sharing these in class, and together we will decide on who had the best response of the week. They will win the title of Golden Blogger until the next discussion question.
Progress not perfection,
Mr. D
DON’T GIVE UP
by Phoebe Gary
If you’ve tried and have not won,
Never stop for crying;
All that’s good and great is done
Just by patient trying.
Though young birds, in flying, fall,
Still their wings grow stronger,
And the next time they can keep
Up a little longer.
Though the sturdy oak has known
Many a wind that bowed her,
She has ris’n again and grown
Loftier and prouder.
If by easy work you beat,
Who the more will prize you?
Gaining victory from defeat,
That’s the test that tries you.
The discussion question this week is just like discussion question # 8. Please read the poem below and share your thoughts about what you think it means. Explain your reasons and discuss what kinds of emotions you think the author was trying to get you to feel when he wrote it. When you have finished writing about what the poem means to you, I want you to pick your favorite verse from the poem and write about why it stood out.
This poem is one of my personal favorites, so read carefully and enjoy!
Also, I want you to take your time with spelling, and make sure you analyze the poem one stanza at a time. A stanza is a group of lines that are separated from the others, like a paragraph or verse in a song.
We will be sharing these in class, and together we will decide on who had the best response of the week. They will win the title of Golden Blogger until the next discussion question.
Progress not perfection,
Mr. D
DON’T GIVE UP
by Phoebe Gary
If you’ve tried and have not won,
Never stop for crying;
All that’s good and great is done
Just by patient trying.
Though young birds, in flying, fall,
Still their wings grow stronger,
And the next time they can keep
Up a little longer.
Though the sturdy oak has known
Many a wind that bowed her,
She has ris’n again and grown
Loftier and prouder.
If by easy work you beat,
Who the more will prize you?
Gaining victory from defeat,
That’s the test that tries you.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Discussion question # 9
We just wrapped up our Twits projects and I'm very proud of all of you. Your performance in the videos shows that you cared about your work and you put a good amount of time and effort into them. What is more important however, is how YOU feel you did on the project. Was it your best effort? What would you do differently?
After watching your projects I have some thoughts I'd like to share.
1) When you talk you need to be louder and more clear.
2) It helps to have the entire script written out and planned before you start to film.
3) Being silly doesn't work as well as you think it will. Take your time and produce more thoughtful work.
4) Ask yourself this question before you begin the project: What is it I’m trying to show my audience? What am I trying to teach them?
5) Practice, practice, practice... the more comfortable you are with the script, the better it will sound.
Your assignment this week is to tell me what you would do differently if we filmed them again. How would you make it better and more informational.
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION,
Mr. Dickson
After watching your projects I have some thoughts I'd like to share.
1) When you talk you need to be louder and more clear.
2) It helps to have the entire script written out and planned before you start to film.
3) Being silly doesn't work as well as you think it will. Take your time and produce more thoughtful work.
4) Ask yourself this question before you begin the project: What is it I’m trying to show my audience? What am I trying to teach them?
5) Practice, practice, practice... the more comfortable you are with the script, the better it will sound.
Your assignment this week is to tell me what you would do differently if we filmed them again. How would you make it better and more informational.
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION,
Mr. Dickson
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Discussion Question # 8
Poetry is a part of writing and reading that we don't always spend as much time on as we should. Poets are excellent writers who find creative ways to share their feelings and thoughts. Your assignment this week is a fun one. Please read the poem below and share your thoughts about what you think it means. Explain your reasons and discuss what kinds of emotions you think the author was trying to get you to feel when he wrote it. When you have finished writing about what the poem means to you, I want you to pick your favorite verse from the poem and write about why it stood out.
We are going to use this discussion as a way to start reading, reciting, and learning the wonderful skill of poetry.
Progress not perfection,
Mr. D
Where the Sidewalk Ends
from the book "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (1974) by Shel Silverstein
There is a place where the sidewalk ends
and before the street begins,
and there the grass grows soft and white,
and there the sun burns crimson bright,
and there the moon-bird rests from his flight
to cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
and the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
we shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow
and watch where the chalk-white arrows go
to the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
and we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
for the children, they mark, and the children, they know,
the place where the sidewalk ends.
We are going to use this discussion as a way to start reading, reciting, and learning the wonderful skill of poetry.
Progress not perfection,
Mr. D
Where the Sidewalk Ends
from the book "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (1974) by Shel Silverstein
There is a place where the sidewalk ends
and before the street begins,
and there the grass grows soft and white,
and there the sun burns crimson bright,
and there the moon-bird rests from his flight
to cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
and the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
we shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow
and watch where the chalk-white arrows go
to the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
and we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
for the children, they mark, and the children, they know,
the place where the sidewalk ends.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Disgusting...I mean.....Discussion question # 7
You guys have been doing an unbelievable job on this blog and in class. Your ideas and arguments are becoming more clear, and your use of details improves daily. In the spirit of Halloween, I thought it might be fun to take a break from our usual discussion and try something a little stranger...
This weeks assignment travels into your scary and fascinating minds...If you are celebrating Halloween, what is your costume? I WANT DETAILS. You are NOT allowed to write, for example, “I am going to dress up like a doctor, the end”. What you SHOULD do is write, “For Halloween I am going to be a doctor. My smock is white, but covered in blood from a nasty surgery gone horribly wrong. I am not wearing a mask, but instead my Mom is going to do my makeup. I want to have jet black hair and scary eyes. I will carry around a fake scalpel and call myself Dr. Death. My plan for Halloween is to go trick or treating with my brothers and sister. Dad is going to walk with us and wait on the sidewalk. He always tells us to say “thank you” to each person who's door we ring. I have a lucky pillow case that I usually carry to get all my candy, but this year I am going to have a bright orange, creepy pumpkin bucket”.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN,
Mr. D
This weeks assignment travels into your scary and fascinating minds...If you are celebrating Halloween, what is your costume? I WANT DETAILS. You are NOT allowed to write, for example, “I am going to dress up like a doctor, the end”. What you SHOULD do is write, “For Halloween I am going to be a doctor. My smock is white, but covered in blood from a nasty surgery gone horribly wrong. I am not wearing a mask, but instead my Mom is going to do my makeup. I want to have jet black hair and scary eyes. I will carry around a fake scalpel and call myself Dr. Death. My plan for Halloween is to go trick or treating with my brothers and sister. Dad is going to walk with us and wait on the sidewalk. He always tells us to say “thank you” to each person who's door we ring. I have a lucky pillow case that I usually carry to get all my candy, but this year I am going to have a bright orange, creepy pumpkin bucket”.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN,
Mr. D
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Discussion Question # 6
I thought for this weeks discussion we would continue talking about our Twits project. You have been making some excellent progress, and it is almost time to begin filming. Your projects all sound very interesting, and I can't wait to see the final results when we all sit down and eat some spaghetti and watch your films.
Your assignment this week is to write about the part of your movie you are most looking forward to filming, and the part of your movie you think will be the most challenging to film. Please include your reasons as to why it is your favorite part and why it is your most challenging. Finally, write about what you hope the rest of the class learns from watching your film. Are you going to persuade, entertain, or inform? Maybe you will do a combination of those? Let us know on the blog.
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION (Rome was not built in a day...look up the reference)
Mr. D
Your assignment this week is to write about the part of your movie you are most looking forward to filming, and the part of your movie you think will be the most challenging to film. Please include your reasons as to why it is your favorite part and why it is your most challenging. Finally, write about what you hope the rest of the class learns from watching your film. Are you going to persuade, entertain, or inform? Maybe you will do a combination of those? Let us know on the blog.
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION (Rome was not built in a day...look up the reference)
Mr. D
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Discussion Question # 5
This week we have been talking about your Twits project and what it's going to look like. Your blog post this week should talk about what you and your partner have planned for the project. Our goal for this week's blog is to have you post, not only your comment, but also I want you to comment on another student's post. For example:
“My partner (Ima Kidd) and I are going to film a rap battle between Mr. and Mrs. Twit. We are going to focus on the different ways in which Mr. and Mrs. Twit were cruel to each other. I (Mr. D) will also have a speaking part as the narrator to explain what is about to happen in the scene, and Ima Kidd will be responsible for the summary. By the end of the film, everyone should have a better understanding of the book, The Twits, and also how to rap a little better.”
When I am through with writing my own post. I will now go and comment on another kid's post from my class so that I can tell them what I liked about it, as well as what I would change or add. The more we have a discussion with each other about our own work, the better the whole project will be.
As always...PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!
Mr. D
“My partner (Ima Kidd) and I are going to film a rap battle between Mr. and Mrs. Twit. We are going to focus on the different ways in which Mr. and Mrs. Twit were cruel to each other. I (Mr. D) will also have a speaking part as the narrator to explain what is about to happen in the scene, and Ima Kidd will be responsible for the summary. By the end of the film, everyone should have a better understanding of the book, The Twits, and also how to rap a little better.”
When I am through with writing my own post. I will now go and comment on another kid's post from my class so that I can tell them what I liked about it, as well as what I would change or add. The more we have a discussion with each other about our own work, the better the whole project will be.
As always...PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!
Mr. D
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Discussion Question # 4
In class this week we talked about adding detail to our writing. After watching the Lion Kings opening scene, we practiced adding detail to it that described what was happening. Now you are going to get that opportunity again with a different movie. Remember that the hardest part about writing is just getting started. Once you put something on paper, it is much easier to go back and edit (fix) it.
Your assignment this week is to watch the below clip and write a description of the scene. Remember, the more detail you provide, the more clear a picture you paint in the readers mind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhHwnrlZRus&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL586E3C7470FE0D1B
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!
Mr. D
Your assignment this week is to watch the below clip and write a description of the scene. Remember, the more detail you provide, the more clear a picture you paint in the readers mind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhHwnrlZRus&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL586E3C7470FE0D1B
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!
Mr. D
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Discussion Question # 3
Once again I am impressed with the amount of improvement many of you are making. Last week you showed that you can really share your thoughts and put forth a great effort when doing so. I am pleased with your hard work and look forward to reading your responses this week!
The question this week is about making predictions. Good readers are always making predictions about what they think will happen next in the story they are reading. When you make a prediction, you are challenging your brain to try and tell the future. Even though none of us have the ability to magically tell what is going to happen in the future, when you use all the information the story has already given you, often times you can correctly predict what will happen next. It is always fun to try, and there is no penalty if you are wrong. One of my favorite moments any time I read is when I predict something that is going to happen and i get it right!!
Your mission this week is to make a prediction about the story you are currently reading. As always, write the author and the book title. After you make a prediction, share 2-3 sentences from the book that helped you make your prediction.
example: I am currently reading "Sluggers: Magic in the Outfield" by Phil Bildner (who is also the visiting author at BHE this week!). It is a story about a traveling baseball team and the struggles they go through to make money and survive on the road. My prediction after reading the first chapter is that Uncle Owen (the main characters great uncle) will be murdered soon and force Griffith (his oldest nephew) to take run away with his brothers and sisters. The reason I made this prediction is because of a conversation Uncle Owen has with one of his nephews named Griffith. "Uncle Owen lifted his hand and placed it on Griffith's cheek. "Griff, great danger lies ahead." What kind of danger?" Griffith's eyes met his uncle's. "An unspeakable kind". Uncle Owen choked on his words."
Remember: Try your very best in everything you do.
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION,
Mr. Dickson
The question this week is about making predictions. Good readers are always making predictions about what they think will happen next in the story they are reading. When you make a prediction, you are challenging your brain to try and tell the future. Even though none of us have the ability to magically tell what is going to happen in the future, when you use all the information the story has already given you, often times you can correctly predict what will happen next. It is always fun to try, and there is no penalty if you are wrong. One of my favorite moments any time I read is when I predict something that is going to happen and i get it right!!
Your mission this week is to make a prediction about the story you are currently reading. As always, write the author and the book title. After you make a prediction, share 2-3 sentences from the book that helped you make your prediction.
example: I am currently reading "Sluggers: Magic in the Outfield" by Phil Bildner (who is also the visiting author at BHE this week!). It is a story about a traveling baseball team and the struggles they go through to make money and survive on the road. My prediction after reading the first chapter is that Uncle Owen (the main characters great uncle) will be murdered soon and force Griffith (his oldest nephew) to take run away with his brothers and sisters. The reason I made this prediction is because of a conversation Uncle Owen has with one of his nephews named Griffith. "Uncle Owen lifted his hand and placed it on Griffith's cheek. "Griff, great danger lies ahead." What kind of danger?" Griffith's eyes met his uncle's. "An unspeakable kind". Uncle Owen choked on his words."
Remember: Try your very best in everything you do.
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION,
Mr. Dickson
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Discussion question #2 - summarizing
Let me just say first and foremost how PROUD I am of you for last weeks responses! I thought the majority of you did a wonderful job of following the example and really sharing your thoughts. I know your responses will continue to improve and I can't wait to see what you'll write next!
This week we've been working on summarizing. Summarizing is the art of taking A LOT of information from a story or article and shrinking it down to point of the most important facts. We use summarizing all the time to give information to people quickly. Your assignment due Thursday is to write a one paragraph summary of the book you are currently reading at home. For the purpose of this assignment, your paragraph should consist of 5-7 sentences. Remember, focus on the "need to know" instead of the "nice to know" information.
Example (as always, include the book you are reading and the author's name):
I am reading Lone Survivor: The eyewitness account of Operation Redwing and the lost heroes of SEAL team 10. It is a true story, that like many books about the Navy SEALs, starts out right in the middle of the action. There is a bit of a lead up to this and it starts with Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor, going through his tough, country style upbringing in Texas. At a very young age Luttrell decides he wants to become a Navy Seal, seeking out help and training from a former Green Beret named Billy Shelton. The difficult challenges that he faces while training to become a SEAL are shown in a lot of detail from the physical, mental, and emotional point of view.
I'm looking forward to your responses. Remember, we just began learning how to summarize, so don't get upset if you don't get it exactly right the first time. PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!!
Mr. Dickson
This week we've been working on summarizing. Summarizing is the art of taking A LOT of information from a story or article and shrinking it down to point of the most important facts. We use summarizing all the time to give information to people quickly. Your assignment due Thursday is to write a one paragraph summary of the book you are currently reading at home. For the purpose of this assignment, your paragraph should consist of 5-7 sentences. Remember, focus on the "need to know" instead of the "nice to know" information.
Example (as always, include the book you are reading and the author's name):
I am reading Lone Survivor: The eyewitness account of Operation Redwing and the lost heroes of SEAL team 10. It is a true story, that like many books about the Navy SEALs, starts out right in the middle of the action. There is a bit of a lead up to this and it starts with Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor, going through his tough, country style upbringing in Texas. At a very young age Luttrell decides he wants to become a Navy Seal, seeking out help and training from a former Green Beret named Billy Shelton. The difficult challenges that he faces while training to become a SEAL are shown in a lot of detail from the physical, mental, and emotional point of view.
I'm looking forward to your responses. Remember, we just began learning how to summarize, so don't get upset if you don't get it exactly right the first time. PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!!
Mr. Dickson
Monday, September 12, 2011
Discussion Question # 1
In class we have been discussing the importance of descriptive writing. When an author uses a good desription to paint a picture in your mind, it really helps you enjoy the book. In the book that we are currently reading in class, "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George, the author uses wonderful descriptions of the wilderness and the mountains to make the reader feel like you are surving in the wild along with the main character, Sam Gribley.
Here is an example from the book, where Sam is describing his tree house, "My bed is on the right as you enter, and is made of ash slats and covered with deerskin. On the left is a small fireplace about knee high. It is made of clay and stones. It has a chimney that leads the smoke through a knothole. I chipped out three other knotholes to let fresh air in. The air coming in is bitter cold. It must be below zero outside, and yet I can sit here inside my tree and write with bare hands. The fire is small too. It doesn't take much fire to warm this tree room."
Your assignment this week is to find a description from the book you are currently reading, and post it on this blog. Explain in several sentences why you chose the description. Be sure to include the title of the book and the author.
Have fun!!
Mr. Dickson
Here is an example from the book, where Sam is describing his tree house, "My bed is on the right as you enter, and is made of ash slats and covered with deerskin. On the left is a small fireplace about knee high. It is made of clay and stones. It has a chimney that leads the smoke through a knothole. I chipped out three other knotholes to let fresh air in. The air coming in is bitter cold. It must be below zero outside, and yet I can sit here inside my tree and write with bare hands. The fire is small too. It doesn't take much fire to warm this tree room."
Your assignment this week is to find a description from the book you are currently reading, and post it on this blog. Explain in several sentences why you chose the description. Be sure to include the title of the book and the author.
Have fun!!
Mr. Dickson
Welcome back to another great year 2011-12
Dear parents and students,
Welcome to our classroom blog! The purpose of this blog is to share what we have been working on in class with friends and family at home. Your students will post on here once a week for a reading discussion question. When we have big classroom projects or video presentations, we will be posting those as well. There is also a challenge club that poses 100 seperate challenges for the students. Their progress will be monitored in class. It is optional, but I always encourage your kids to really go for it and challenge themselves, even outside of the classroom!
I look forward to an amazing year, and can't wait to see all that your children accomplish!
enthusiastically,
Mr. Dickson
Welcome to our classroom blog! The purpose of this blog is to share what we have been working on in class with friends and family at home. Your students will post on here once a week for a reading discussion question. When we have big classroom projects or video presentations, we will be posting those as well. There is also a challenge club that poses 100 seperate challenges for the students. Their progress will be monitored in class. It is optional, but I always encourage your kids to really go for it and challenge themselves, even outside of the classroom!
I look forward to an amazing year, and can't wait to see all that your children accomplish!
enthusiastically,
Mr. Dickson
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Reading log discussion question #4
We have been talking about persuasive writing in class recently and what it means to try and persuade someone to believe your side of a particular debate or argument. For example, if I make the statement, "All 4th graders should have to go to summer school before they can move to 5th grade", you might disagree with me. However, just like we talked about in class, just disagreeing with someone won't change their mind. You need to be able to make strong arguments that clearly explain why you feel a certain way. Your assignment today is to make a good argument either supporting or disagreeing with the following statement: "Students should be required to eat a green vegetable at lunch everyday when they are in school".
Remember, just saying "NO, I don't think that is right" does not make a good argument. Tell me why you agree or disagree.
Remember, just saying "NO, I don't think that is right" does not make a good argument. Tell me why you agree or disagree.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Reading Log discussion question # 3
Welcome back students. Sorry for the delay, but all technical issues have been handled!
Here is your question for the week of April 11-15th: What is the most memorable book you have read since Christmas break? If it is memorable, you'll want to tinclude two examples from the text and give me detailed descriptions of your feelings and thoughts.
example: Since the Christmas break, the most memorable book I have read is "The Book of Basketball" by Bill Simmons. It is a non-fiction book written about the greatest NBA players and how they measure up against one another. The author uses opinions from many sources, as well as statistics to back up his arguments about who the best players of all-time are. The book is memorable because I love the style in which the author writes (very funny guy), and even when I disagree with some of his picks about who the greatest players of all time are, I still like the arguments he makes for each one of them. It is a great source of information for any basketball fan, and I know I can always go back and read parts of it again just for a good laugh or some information.
Here is your question for the week of April 11-15th: What is the most memorable book you have read since Christmas break? If it is memorable, you'll want to tinclude two examples from the text and give me detailed descriptions of your feelings and thoughts.
example: Since the Christmas break, the most memorable book I have read is "The Book of Basketball" by Bill Simmons. It is a non-fiction book written about the greatest NBA players and how they measure up against one another. The author uses opinions from many sources, as well as statistics to back up his arguments about who the best players of all-time are. The book is memorable because I love the style in which the author writes (very funny guy), and even when I disagree with some of his picks about who the greatest players of all time are, I still like the arguments he makes for each one of them. It is a great source of information for any basketball fan, and I know I can always go back and read parts of it again just for a good laugh or some information.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Reading Log discussion question # 2
This week you'll write your response to the following: Who is your favorite character in the story so far? Why do you like this character? Who do they remind you of in real life? Choose one quote or passage from the book that describes why you like your character and include it in your answer.
example: I am currently reading Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. I love the character of Julius Caesar because he is strong and when I read his lines I always feel like he is in total control. It's easy for me to picture Caesar ruling over the vast empire that was the Roman empire. My favortie quote from this passage is, "Danger knows full well that Caesar is more dangerous than he; We are two lions littered in one day, and I the elder and more terrible. (Julius Caesar, Act II, Scene II)
Keep on truckin,
Mr. Dickson
example: I am currently reading Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. I love the character of Julius Caesar because he is strong and when I read his lines I always feel like he is in total control. It's easy for me to picture Caesar ruling over the vast empire that was the Roman empire. My favortie quote from this passage is, "Danger knows full well that Caesar is more dangerous than he; We are two lions littered in one day, and I the elder and more terrible. (Julius Caesar, Act II, Scene II)
Keep on truckin,
Mr. Dickson
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Reading response
This is where you post your reading logs. Instead of writing in your reading log, you are going to post your response on this website instead. Remember, I want a paragraph (5-6 sentences) of quality work. The question you will answer today is...Describe in detail the setting of your book and how it fits into the story.
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