Class Wishlist Added September 23, 2008

Some students have asked that I post our class wishlist on the blog. You can now find the class wishlist as a tab on the upper right hand corner of the blog page.

Please do not feel in any way obligated to purchase something from the wishlist. This is completely optional, but please know that any donations to the classroom are greatly appreciated.

As always, thank you for your support!

Tips for Success! September 22, 2008

We have survived the first three weeks of school! It has gone by so fast. I’m very impressed with all of my classes so far. I’ve already seen so much growth in you all as writers and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year will bring. I’ve come up with a list of tips to help you succeed throughout the remainder of the year. REmember, your success in this class depends on your willingness to take ownership of your own learning. Have you ever heard the saying, “You can do it if you put your mind to it”? That should be the motto of our class this year. If you own up and follow these tips, you will soar this year in Mrs. Hopkins’ Language Arts class!

• Bring all of your materials to class everyday.This includes your REading and Writing Handbook, a writing utensil, your book you are currently reading, Reading Dialogue Journal and your most current piece of writing.
• Write your homework in your planner every day.
• Get your planner signed by a parent every day.
• Read 30 mins a day.
• Work on your writing piece at least 10-15 minutes a day.
• Use your notes from class when drafting a piece of writing. The writing lessons are taught for a reason and I expect you to apply what you’ve learned in class to your own writing.
• Dress in layers. Our school’s temps can vary greatly from one class to another. Dressing in layers will ensure that you can focus on class, not on how hot or cold you are feeling.
• Have an adult proof-read your writing and give suggestions when necessary.
• Check the blog every night for updates.
• If you have questions, ASK! The only stupid question is the one not asked.

Once again, I am so excited about our start to the school year! If you have any other tips you would like to share with your classmates, please post them here. We are all in this together!

 

Respectfully,

Mrs. Hopkins

There, They’re and Their QUIZ TOMORROW 9/17!!! September 16, 2008

You have your first official quiz tomorrow in Language Arts! The quiz will revolve around our discussion today on “They’re, There, and Their”.

Remember:

They’re- is a contraction for the two words “They are”. If you can’t substitute “They are” and the sentence still make perfect sense, then don’t use this form of the word! Ex- “They’re my favorite students.” You could substitute in this sentence and it would read, “They are my favorite students”. Same thing? Yep!

Their- is the possessive form. This word is used to show ownership of someone or something. If someone or something is not claiming anything or owning anything, then you don’t use this form. Ex: The students did very well on their quizzes. The students “own” the quizzes. 

There- is the form to use when referring to a location, place or conditions. For instance, you would use this when saying, “My car is over there” or “There are 40 people in the gym”.

**Ask Yourself: Is this showing possession? Does anyone have ownership of anything?

                            Could I substitute “They are” into this sentence and it mean the same thing?

                            If the answer is “no” to both of these questions, use “There”.

Good luck to all of you! Post any questions you have here.

Mrs. Hopkins

Scholastic Book Orders September 9, 2008

Wow! It has been a BUSY start to the school year but we’re off and running with our Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop! Remember that every week, you should be working on two things:

1. Reading Dialogue Journal

2. 1 Hr Writing (or Re-write)

I have ordered the Scholastic Book Orders from last month and we are waiting on them to arrive. The shipping takes anywhere from 1-2 weeks.

I am excited to inform you that you can now place Scholastic Book Orders online at any time. Every time a new catalog comes out, i will set it up online and you may go to the website and order books. You can choose to send in a check or pay online with a credit card. There is no need to bring in a paper order form so it’s less hassle for all parties involved. To order:

1. Go to the following website: www.scholastic.com/parentordering     

2. Type in the Class User Name:   seaturtlesla

3. Type in the class password:   mcms 

Ordering Online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. And this month, our class can earn additional FREE books, just for trying this online ordering service.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Hopkins