Thursday, December 17, 2009

Thursday


After finishing the second essay project, "How I Spend My Free Time," the kids are showing marked improvement in the organization of their Writing. They really stepped up to the plate when told the second essay needed to be "ten times" better than the first (which itself was pretty good for a start.) Most of the kids have become the "boss" of double-digit multiplication after weeks of practice, and they learned how to do an interview for their Familiy History Report project which isn't due until the end of January. I give the assignment before the break so some can choose to interview relatives they might see over the holidays. Some might want to take digital pictures for use in the project, and you might want to take a look at Voicethread.com on your home computer because the kids are learning to use it as a possible component of their Familiy History. I hope all of you have a terrific holiday season. Carry on!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Wednesday


No, those aren't former students doing their fifteen minutes of silent reading homework, but it sure looks like a great way to spend some free time even if the current weather forbids the swimsuits.

Speaking of "free time," that is exactly the topic for our latest Writing assignment. The kids are writing an essay on how they prefer to spend their free time. Today we finished up the prewrite part of the process where the focus is narrowed, a strong opening paragraph is started, and supporting paragraphs are outlined, and tomorrow we'll write the rough draft of the essay. We will work on adding details and examples that support their main idea.

For example, if my main idea is that I like to spend my free time reading at the beach, then I need a paragraph supporting that idea that includes what kinds or books or magazines I take with me to the beach. Maybe a second paragraph talks about or describes a particular beach that is well-suited to reading a favorite book.

Give a listen to "Grammar Girl" over in the right margin. She has an entertaining way of explaining writing tips with a new offering each week.