The Fox and the Crow

"The Fox and the Crow" is a traditional version of the fable by Aesop. Although very little is actually known about the true origins of Aesop's fables, he has been credited with over 600 of these instructional tales. Subjects of his morals include gratitude, the deceptiveness of appearances, and the necessity of thrift.

A Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree. "That's for me, as I am a Fox," said Master Reynard (the fox), and he walked up to the foot of the tree.

"Good day, Mistress Crow," he cried. "How well you are looking today: how glossy your feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of other birds, just as your figure does; let me hear but one song from you that I may greet you as the Queen of the Birds."

The Crow lifted up her head and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Master Fox. "That will do," said he. "That was all I wanted. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future ---

MORAL: DO NOT TRUST FLATTERERS."

Do you agree with the moral of the fable? Why or why not?

EXPLAIN in 8 or more sentences.

Ha Ha

As part of our oral tradition unit, let's continue with some more storytelling! Tell me a funny, appropriate story. It can be true, or completely made up.

  (8 or more sentences!)

Oral Tradition

Recall one of your favorite fables, fairy tales, or legends from your childhood. What was it about? Do you remember when you first heard it? Do you think its still popular today?

Complete your post in 8 or more sentences by Friday at 5pm.

Current Events

Read the article "Trouble in North Korea" by clicking  here. Summarize what you read in 8-10 sentences. 

Some things you may want to include in your summary...

• Who is the leader of North Korea right now?
• What is the United States and other countries saying about North Korea?
• How did North Korea get where it is today?
• How is North Korea's relationship with South Korea?
• Is there anything going on with nuclear weapons?

Complete your post here as a comment. It is due no later than Friday at 5pm.

Symbolism of Me

We will be taking a closer look at symbolism this week to better understand it. This week on your kid's blog, find three symbols that help to represent you. Write 2-3 sentences about why you chose each symbol. Find a picture of each and include it in your post.

For example, I might choose a carton of Brighams mocha chip icecream, a soccer ball, and an apple.  

The icecream represents me because it is my favorite icecream. I am absolutely obsessed with it! All my friends and family tell me how they  think of me whenever they see that icecream in the grocery store! The soccer ball is also another symbol because I have played soccer all my life and it has helped shaped me into the strong person I am today! I learned about teamwork and perseverance! The skills and qualities I gained from playing the sport are a huge part of me today. Lastly, I chose an apple. This is representative of the fact that I am a teacher. A teacher is a huge part of who I am as well--- it is not just a job for me. It's my life!

First Memory

 

We have been studying poetry on and off for quite some time now. Much of poetry deals with self reflection and self expression. I want you to dig deep into your memory bank and try to recall your earliest memory. Describe what occurred. Discuss (about) how old you were and what was going on at the time. Incorporate sensory language to clue your readers in on what you were feeling, seeing, tasting, touching and hearing at the time.

Your post must be NO LESS than 10 sentences this week! If you choose, you may write it as a poem (no less than 10 lines). It is due Friday 4/12 by 5pm!

The Road Not Taken

 

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 

In 8 or more sentences, describe why you think the poem is titled, "The Road Not Taken."

Explain what road you would have taken if you were the speaker.

Your post is due no later than Saturday at 5pm.

 

Successful in 7th Grade

What advice would you give to a sixth grader in order to help them be successful in seventh grade?

Give at least three pieces of advice!

Your post should be at least 8 sentences. It is due no later than Friday by 5pm!

PROOFREAD BEFORE POSTING.

Chronological Writing

In our conversations with others, we present our ideas in a logical order. This way, we make sense to our listeners. Typically, we relate events in the order they occurred, so our listeners don't become confused as they follow our ideas. 

In writing, the pattern we present our ideas in is called organization. Writers need to know about organizational patterns because readers expect what they read to make sense logically.

 

 The most common way to organize writing is called chronological order. Chronological order is the order in which the events occurred, from first to last.This type of organization is especially effective if you are describing a process, relaying a series of actions, or telling a story.

This week you must write a paragraph (between 5-10 sentences)  in chronological order. You may choose from the following topics:

1. Two people met, fell in love, and got married

2. A young person discovered a particular sport, practiced/played it throughout their life and now plays professionally

3. The weather change from January to July

4. The first day of 7th grade

5. Summarizing the plot of your favorite movie or book.

6. Your morning routine to get ready for school

Your post is due no later than Friday by 5pm.

PROOFREAD BEFORE POSTING!

Pick a Poem

We have been spending a significant amount of time on poetry. This week, I want you to find a poem that you admire. Whether it's a classic childhood poem, a newly discovered poem, or a poem that we have read in class, choose one and copy and paste it into your post.

 BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE NAME AND THE POET! 

 

Then, in at least 8 sentences, explain why you like the poem. Talk about the figurative language, the rhythm or rhyming, or the overall meaning of the poem. What makes it so great? Is it powerful? Is it cheerful? Do you like the mood or tone it conveys?

 

Your post is due no later than Friday at 5pm!

Def Poetry

The video below is an example of "Def Poetry." The poet performing, "Shihan" is  most commonly known from HBO's Def Poetry. For the past 15 years, Shihan has been co-hosting Da' Poetry Lounge, the nation's largest open mic night held in Hollywood, CA. A native of New York’s Lower East Side and a current resident and local legend of Los Angeles, Shihan is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic spoken word artists of our generation.

What is Def Poetry?

"Def poetry is a form of poetry typically based on urban culture and themes, often with an expressed focus on the African American experience. While not defined purely by racial themes or poets, and anyone of any race or cultural background may compose such works, there is certainly a precedent for African American poets in this art form. This type of poetry typically serves to illustrate the experiences and lifestyle of those who grow up in urban environments. Def poetry can take a number of different forms, depending on the poet, though it typically expresses personal opinions and life stories." Source

This week take a look again at the video we viewed in class and react to it. What is your opinion of this example of Def Poetry? Do you like it or dislike it? Why? Give reasons to support your opinion. In your response also be sure to explain one example of a poetic device (metaphor, simile, alliteration, personification etc.) that Shihan uses. 

Your post is due no later than Friday at 5pm and must be at least 8 sentences.

Which Song?

This week you are finishing your post on Kid Blog. Find an image to help represent your song meaning. Create the "multiple choice" question for your classmates that asks them "Which Song?" You must have three choices. Try to interpret at least one other classmate's image/song post and comment on theirs. Be sure to briefly explain your choice.

This is due no later than Friday at 5pm.

http://www.kidblog.org/bestblock

Looking at Lyrics

As we continue to learn about powerful writing I want you to consider what makes a piece of writing so interesting. How will you truly capture your audience's attention? I think it may be helpful if we think about music first. What makes a song so catchy or engaging? 

This week I want you to think about one of your favorite (appropriate) songs. Look up the lyrics. (AZ Lyrics is usually a good site to do so). Examine the lyrics. 

Are they powerful? Are they catchy? Why do you think so? Is there figurative language in it? (Metaphors, Similes, Personification etc...)  What does the song mean?

Write at least 8 sentences that answer some of these questions and ultimately express why this is one of your favorite songs. Your post is due no later than Friday at 5pm. PROOFREAD YOUR WORK!

"The Only Thing to Fear is Fear Itself"

This week we will be starting to read the screenplay,  The Monsters are Due on Maple Street, by Rod Serling. In the play we will discuss just how powerful fear, prejudice and suspicion can be!

For your blog post this week, I would like you to answer the following question:

Think about what you are afraid of. How does fear affect the decisions you make?

Your response must be at least 8 sentences. PROOFREAD! It is due no later than Friday, January, 11 at 5pm!

Snowmagination

This week I want you to get more creative! Next week is vacation. Flash forward to and it and let's pretend there is a huge snow storm! What are you going to do? Who are you going to be with? What is the best and worst part about a snowstorm? Fill me in on your blizzard adventure! Be sure to have your writing come alive and include great detail. Do not forget to proofread!

Your post is due no later than Friday, December 21, 2012 at 5pm.

It must be at least 8 sentences long!

Changing Completely

After both viewing the play at the North Shore Music Theater and finishing up Act 2, we see a huge character change in Scrooge. Describe his character change. Do you believe that people can change completely, as Scrooge does? Explain your response and feel free to include any examples from your life.

Your response must be AT LEAST 8 sentences. Your post is due no later than Friday at 5pm.

Letter to Scrooge

With Act 1 complete, we have a pretty good idea of who Scrooge is. This week let's see how creative you can get! 
Write a letter to Scrooge. 

Your letter should be roughly 4 paragraphs. 

1. State your main point: Scrooge is missing out in life by being cranky and negative with the people around him.
2. State a specific thing that Scrooge is missing out on. To support your point, include a detail from the play or from your experience.
3. State another specific thing that Scrooge is missing out on. To support your point, include a detail from the play or from your experience.
4. Conclude with a summary or a request that Scrooge change his behavior.

DO NOT FORGET YOUR SALUTATION AND CLOSING SIGNATURE.

POST YOUR LETTER AS A COMMENT TO THIS POST. 

Be sure to proofread!

Your letter is due no later than Friday at 5pm!

The Power We Have

"This is a lesson to us all. A reminder that it doesn’t matter who you are – the way we interact with each other every day is important. We affect each other. In big ways and in small.
Whether it’s a cashier at the local shop or the new boss from regional head office, we are all people first. We all have the power to fill others with joy or ruin their day."


Reflect upon the above quotation. Do you agree with it? Why or why not? Support your response. Think of the many people you have come across in your life and describe how some have affected you.

TYPE YOUR RESPONSE AS A COMMENT TO THIS POST. REMEMBER TO ONLY USE YOUR FIRST NAME AND INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME.


(Respond in atleast 8 sentences. Be sure to include proper punctuation and capitalization. PROOFREAD.)

Taking on Term Two... But First

Congratulations, you have survived your first term as a 7th grader! Let's talk about it! In your next blog post I would you to reflect upon this past term. (8 or more sentences)
Some questions to think about/answer in your post might be:


Did you enjoy the term overall? What did or didn't you like about it? Why?(Be appropriate. Utilize constructive criticism!)

What is/was your favorite part about 7th grade so far? A particular class? Meeting new friends? The Day of Service? A certain lesson in one of your classes? A project?

Do you feel older or more mature? How have you changed?

What are you looking forward to as the year progresses? New specialist class? The Christmas Carol field trip? Other field trips? The winter season?

Post your responses on your Kidblog.

www.kidblog.org/bestblock

 Be sure to include at least one photo that reflects a certain aspect of your post! Proofread!

Feel free to comment on your classmates' posts as well!

Strechin' Sentences

This week will be fun. We will do stuff. I am happy. I can't wait. Learning is cool. 

---- How annoying/boring was that?!

SPICE UP YOUR SENTENCES BY STRETCHING THEM! That is what we will be working on throughout this week. It is time to focus more on our descriptive writing. You will begin to understand how your writing should SHOW not tell.

Your task this week is to choose three of the following sentences
and   s  t  r  e  t  c  h    t  h  e  m  !

1. The dog ran.
2. The weekend was fun.
3. My mom is happy.
4. The boy laughed.
5. I ate fast.
6. She got a lot of candy.



FOR EXAMPLE:
 "These chips are good."

Opening the bag, a crinkling sound filled the air as my mouth began to water in anticipation of the sweet barbeque taste of the perfectly crisp potato chips.


Please post your sentences as comments and feel free to praise your classmates' responses!

New Blog

This week we are trying out the new blog. Most of you started your posts during class and some of you may have even finished. You are responsible for two posts.
1. The first is your "I Am" poem. 
2. The second is your recap/response to Hurricane Sandy detailing your experience of seeing it all unfold and what you may have done on your day off from school (at least 8 sentences).

You must include a picture in each post.

You can access the blog by clicking on this link:

http://kidblog.org/BestBlock/

Your posts are due no later than Saturday at 5pm.

Happy Blogging! :-)

Symbolically Speaking...

This week we will spend sometime discussing symbolism and talking about our summer reading, Tangerine. First, it is important to understand symbolism and why it is used in literature.

Symbolism is the practice or art of using an object or a word to represent an abstract idea. An action, person, place, word, or object can all have a symbolic meaning. When an author wants to suggest a certain mood or emotion, he can also use symbolism to hint at it, rather than just blatantly saying it.

Symbolism is often used by writers to enhance their writing. Symbolism can give a literary work more richness and color and can make the meaning of the work deeper. 
In literature, symbolism can take many forms including:

• A figure of speech where an object, person, or situation has another meaning other than its literal meaning. 
• The actions of a character, word, action, or event that have a deeper meaning in the context of the whole story. 
  
  
  

"Symbols are everywhere in our lives. Traffic signs, advertising logos and religious images all provide visual information that transcends the physical world. Think of the Apple logo--It's really very simple, silhouette of an apple with a single leaf at the stem and a small bite taken out of the top. Show that logo to nearly anyone in the world, and they will immediately recognize it. The Apple logo represents a whole network of products, images and emotions. Amazing doesn't begin to describe what our mind is capable of doing in terms of converting a simple image into something utterly profound. "

As you are going about your everyday life this week, take time to observe all the symbolism around you. Take note of sounds, images, or the written word. For your blog post, choose two symbols that one may come across in everyday life. Briefly describe each symbol and what it represents (2-3 sentences for each).

Becoming the Teacher

This week I want you to put yourself in the shoes of a teacher! You are going to evaluate a student's written response to the following MCAS question:

Based on the excerpt, explain why it took many years for hamburgers to become popular in the United States. Support your answer with important and specific information from the excerpt.

(The excerpt was handed out on Monday: "The Pioneers" by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson.)

Think about what we have discussed in class, and utilize the rubric below to help evaluate the student's response. You must state whether the student should receive a 1, 2, 3, or 4 and explain why. Your evaluation must be at least 5 sentences long. You may respond to another classmate's post and tell whether or not you agree with their scoring and why or why not. 
Your post is due no later than Friday at 5 pm.

The Student's Response

Scoring Guide and Sample

Score	Description
(4)	The response is a clear, complete, and accurate explanation of why it took many years for hamburgers to become popular in the United States. The response includes important and specific information from the excerpt
(3)	The response is a mostly clear, complete, and accurate explanation of why it took many years for hamburgers to become popular in the United States. The response includes important but often general information from the excerpt.
(2)	The response is a partial explanation of why it took many years for hamburgers to become popular in the United States. The response includes limited information from the excerpt and may include misinterpretations.
(1)	The response is a minimal explanation of why it took many years for hamburgers to become popular in the United States. The response includes little or no information from the excerpt and may include misinterpretations. OR The response relates minimally to the task.
(0)	The response is totally incorrect or irrelevant, or contains insufficient evidence to demonstrate comprehension.

The Hook

During class this week, a majority of our time will be spent focusing on writing and understanding how important it is to captivate our audience. People are rarely going to want to read something if they find it boring! 

We will discuss hooks and how they are designed to grasp and pull something--- and in this case it is the reader's attention. Hooks are so vital to writing because they arouse curiosity and interest in readers and give them that I can't put it down feeling. 

This week I want you to read the following writing prompt and draft a catchy introductory paragraph. Think of all the various hooks we have discussed and choose one to best grasp the attention of your reader (quotation, anecdote, startling fact, analogy, question). Your paragraph must be at least 8 sentences long and contain a thesis statement or claim, which is the main idea that the rest of your essay will explain in more detail. Feel free to comment on each others' and advise or encourage your classmates!

BE ADVISED: YOU ARE NOT WRITING A WHOLE ESSAY. You are just responsible for 8 sentences that will HOOK the reader and state your thesis/claim.

WRITING PROMPT

Imagine that for one day you could trade places with anyone you choose. The person could be real or imaginary, from the past or from the present.

In a well-developed composition, identify the person you would want to trade places with, explain why you would like to trade places with this person, and describe how your day would be different as this person.

YOUR POST IS DUE NO LATER THAN SATURDAY OCTOBER 13, 2012 at 5pm.

For the Purpose of Persuading...

Flashing back to last week, we discussed Anna Quindlen’s “Melting Pot.” We talked a lot about prejudice and cultural differences. I raised the question, “What is more important, our similarities or our differences?” This is the question I want you to think about for this week’s blog post!

But first, consider this:

It seems that much of what we do in life has a purpose. Think about it! You go to school to learn, you brush your teeth to prevent cavities, and you eat to fulfill hunger…  Well authors also WRITE with a purpose too!

In fact, you have a PURPOSE for writing this week’s blogpost; and the purpose isn’t just to get your homework assignment done!  (HA) Your purpose for writing this blogpost is to PERSUADE your audience.

With a blog post of at least 8 sentences or more, I want you to PERSUADE or convince readers that our similarities are more important than our differences OR our differences are more important than our similarities (whichever you choose to argue).

Support your argument. Why do YOU think similarities more important? Or why do YOU think differences are more important? Why should readers agree with YOU? Give an example or two. Write so that others will understand your point of view and be persuaded by it! 

Your post is due no later than Friday, October 5th at 5pm!