For the week of Dec. 1-5

It was so great to have the chance to meet and/or catch up with so many of you last week at conferences. Thank you for taking the time to come in and talk. I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed a nice long weekend!

Here's a look at this week:


Social Studies

Monday: Students completed a worksheet called “How Much do you Know About Africa?” and then as a class we discussed misconceptions and stereotypes that we might have about this huge, diverse continent. Then we went over the Map of Africa assignment. (Students should have instruction sheet in their notebooks.)

Tuesday: Work time on maps of Africa. Also, culture "puzzle pieces" were due today.

Wednesday: Discussion of colonization and independence of African nations. Students will have a worksheet to finish up at home.

Thursday: Ms. Cockle will be sharing her photos and stories of living and teaching in Ghana last year.

Friday: Maps of Africa are due. We’ll be watching a video about families in Ghana; students will have a note-taking worksheet to complete.

Language Arts

Monday: Our first vocabulary unit was assigned. (Students now have a vocabulary book that they should keep in their notebook.) For the 20 words in unit 1, students need to do the following: write each word three times to practice spelling, use each word correctly in a sentence, and the “completing the sentence” and “choosing the right word” exercises from the book. This work is all due on Thursday. There will be a test on Friday. (See below.)

Tuesday: Begin notes on the essentials of persuasive writing. Complete an in class activity about clear position statements.

Wednesday: Continue notes on essentials of persuasive writing. Students will do a group activity on audience awareness.

Thursday: Continue notes on essentials of persuasive writing. Complete a worksheet on persuasive language. Vocabulary work for unit one is due.

Friday: Vocabulary test. Students need to know how to spell each word, as well as its definition.

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