Friday, May 23, 2014

Thank You!!

Parents and Students,

I just wanted to express my thanks for the teaching supplies and the sweet letters the students wrote to me. I was completed blown away by your thoughtfulness and generosity! Also, I cannot believe over 100 6th graders were able to keep a secret!! That alone is amazing! I had absolutely no idea and I was so touched when the surprise was revealed. I feel so incredibly blessed to have completed my student teaching while being their long term substitute. I have loved getting to know these students and they will forever be my first group of "kids" ever. I enjoyed reading their sweet letters, good wishes, and congratulations. I want to wish them well with their next adventure in 7th grade! Thank you again for the supplies and most of all your consideration!!
 
Sincerely,
Mrs. Oliveira
 
This is my reading class after the surprise Graduation/Popsicle Party. Only 1/4 of my 6th grade students!

The students donated so many school supplies for my future classroom. When I organized them at home they filled two large boxes!!


The most precious book of letters from my students. I will always treasure it!
 
 
One of my favorite dedications was written to "Super Ollie" the superhero turned teacher!
 
We had to do a silly face picture!




 Those school supplies will be put to good use next year because I graduated Saturday!
I now hold a Master of Education in Secondary English degree and I am alumni of
Samford University!
 



Monday, May 19, 2014

Figurative Language

Jabberwocky


Lewis Carroll, 1832 - 1898
 

‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves 
   Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
   And the mome raths outgrabe.

“Beware the Jabberwock, my son 
   The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun 
   The frumious Bandersnatch!”

He took his vorpal sword in hand; 
   Long time the manxome foe he sought—
So rested he by the Tumtum tree, 
   And stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood, 
   The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, 
   And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through 
   The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head 
   He went galumphing back.

“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock? 
   Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!” 
   He chortled in his joy.

‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves 
   Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
   And the mome raths outgrabe.
 
Retrieved from: http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/jabberwocky



Discussion
 How does Lewis Carroll use specific (even though nonsense) language to convey the story?
Do you think the story would be the same if he had used “regular” words?
How do you think the story changed when someone read it with inflection?
How can a speaker influence the listener’s understanding?

Lewis Carroll-JABBERWOCKY


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

I Am Somebody Presentations

There were so many great essays and presentations for the "I Am Somebody" Project! I was really blown away at the student's work and their commitment to the cause. Several groups have already put their plan into action. I am so proud of the work they have done for this project!

Students presenting on the Oasisiah organization which helps orphanages in Haiti. 

Students presented on the dangers that Narwhals face. They gave information on how to adopt a whale and save the Narwhals from extinction.
 

Friday, May 2, 2014

End of year Writing Portfolio


DUE DATE:   Friday, May 16


Directions: Students will pick 4 different genres of writing and write 4 well-developed stories, poems, or essays. REMEMBER the plot must be well thought-through for stories that require it! You will also need to color code your assignments based on the colors listed below (just put a check mark at the top right corner in that color).

Genre Options: you can only choose two poems to write

Personal Narrative (blue)
·         a story about something that happened to you
·         teaches some sort of lesson
·         must have a very good plot-anything a page or less is not considered a good plot
Narrative (red)
·         a story that teaches some sort of lesson
·         must have a very good plot-anything a page or less is not considered a good plot
Limerick Poem (yellow)
·         a 5-line poem written with the AABBA rhyme
·         meant to be funny
Ode Poem (green)
·         a celebration of something
·         must be at least 15 lines long
Narrative Poem (orange)
·         a poem that tells a story about something
·         must be at least 20 lines and have a good plot
Epic Poem (brown)
·         a poem that tells a story of a hero
·         must be at least 20 lines and have a good plot
Expository (purple)
·         a non-fiction (true and real) essay about a science or social studies topic
·         at least a page in length
Persuasive (pink)
·         at least a page in length
·         it should have (at least) 3 valid reasons to support your opinion

 

Once you have completed four writing assignments, you will need to make a portfolio of your writing. Requirements for the portfolio:

·         Cover page with creative title, name, and period.
·         Each piece of writing must have an illustration that demonstrates a part of the story/poem.
·         Portfolio should be bound together (tape, staples, holes/ribbon, etc.)
·         Every piece of writing in the portfolio must be free of all errors (capitalization, punctuation, and spelling), neatly written, and organized.
·         Each piece of writing needs a creative title.
·         You will need to pick one piece of writing to present to the class.