Have you seen any good movies lately?

The holiday season is a time when lots of new movies come to the theaters.  Over the Thanksgiving holiday, did you watch any movies?  Share some of your thoughts about the movies you've seen recently.  Be sure to include important details like the title, what the story was about, who the actors were, and why you liked (or disliked) the movie. 

This is a picture of a cornucopia---a horn of plenty.  This symbol  is associated with Thanksgiving, but originated in Greek Mythology, and we'll talk about that after the break.  We all have plenty to be thankful for.  I am thankful for the love of my family and friends, my good health, and also for having the opportunity to work with so many wonderful students!  Take some time to think about what you are thankful for.  Make a list.  You might be surprised to see how rich you really are! 

Do you have triskaidekaphobia?

Hello Everyone!
It's Friday the 13th, and, for some people, this means bad luck. Mathematicians say there is no logical explanation for this fear of the number 13. Some experts say to think good thoughts, have a good attitude, and chances are that you will have a good day.
So what do you think? Is triskaidekaphobia a reasonable fear? Please explain your thoughts on this topic and add any personal experiences you may have had with the number 13.

How about a little brain massage?

Try to solve these short riddles. Go ahead! Give your brain a little massage.

What are the answers to these riddles?

1.You can't keep this until you have given it.  

2.You answer me, although I never ask you questions. What am I?

3.What grows when it eats, but dies when it drinks? 

4.What goes up and down without moving?
5.Your mother’s brother’s only brother-in-law is asleep on your couch. Who is asleep on your couch?

Now, before you search the internet for the answers and cheat your brain from getting the massage it so desperately needs, give yourself a chance to figure these out!




 

"Freedom isn't Free" Why is freedom worth fighting for?

November 9, 2009 was the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall.  We learned about the sacrifices and the risks some Germans took to attain freedom.
The USA is a nation of immigrants. Most of us are here because our ancestors came to this country seeking a better life. 
What if you couldn't: speak, read, write, practice spiritual beliefs, associate with certain people, the way that you wanted to?  (I'm not talking about parents/teachers helping you to do the right thing.)  I'm talking about the government taking away these rights.
Think about the video "Escape from Berlin" or click on the link to watch it again.  What would you do to fight for freedom?     "Escape to Berlin"

Discovery Education: English & Language Arts Homework Help

Discovery Education: English & Language Arts Homework Help

Hello Everyone!  This is a great link for practicing grammar and writing skills.  Check out a few videos and let us know which ones were helpful.  

Assignment for November 5, 2009

http://www.biography.com  Click on the link to the left.  It will take you to biography.com.  Check out the site and read a few biographies.  Write a paragraph about a person who you find really interesting.  Who is the person?  What does she/he do for a living?  When and where was she/he born?  Is she/he married? Does she/he have children?  What are his/her achievements?  Answer these questions and add some more information.  For example, why do you think this person is interesting?  The more information you provide, the better your paragraph will be.

Blog Prompt for Thursday, November 5, 2009

Graffiti is a controversial.  (If you don't know what controversial means, look it up in a dictionary, please.)  Some people believe that murals such as the one to the left is art, and others believe it is defacement.  Defacement is when you destroy property that doesn't belong to you.  But, what if someone wanted their walls spray-painted and hired a graffiti artist to do it, would that be art?  Is graffiti ever art?  If you think it is, explain why and when graffiti is art.  If you think no, do you think graffiti is always defacement?  Please explain your thoughts as clearly as possible.

Yummy rice dishes...

Jambalaya (picture on left) is a typical rice dish native to South Louisiana.  It is made with onions, peppers, tomatoes, rice, and either meat and/or seafood.  Many cultures have a dish like Jambalaya. For example, the Spaniards make Paella which is very similar.  What about your culture?  Does your country have a rice dish that combines a mixture of simple vegetables and maybe meat, chicken, pork, or seafood?  If yes, please share.  Tell us some of the ingredients and if there are special occasions when it is made.  Jambalaya is a word of the day.  So make sure you read the definition and copy it into your notebooks.  Happy blogging!

Fun Fact Monster Activity!!!

http://www.factmonster.com/analogies  Click on the link to the left.