Mr. McGrath’s Class

Psst! Don’t tell anyone, but there is a new mystery person up.

Look to the right and click on the link. There, you will get three clues about a famous American. You will have to find out who it is, and then write a short paragraph about the person. You will get one or two pieces of paper for the raffle jar, depending on the quality of your work.

Will you solve the mystery?

[I know Michaela will, but will anyone else?]

Good luck!

Practice Spelling Test Podcast

paul-revere.mp3 

You guys know what to do. This week let’s be sure our sentences make sense.

Same as before. Click on the comments link below this. After you do that, type in your name, your email address, and the anti-spam word. Then type your sentences. Once you have checked to make sure they are correct, hit submit comments. They might not show up right away because they are sent to me before they are published. I will publish them for everyone else to see a couple times during the night.

So, give me your best sentences. You will get your name in the jar if you write your sentences here. Then I will pull a winner to pick from the prize box!

Tuesday afternoon a bunch of wild turkeys were let loose in our class thanks to Geanna Schmidt and her daughter, Sophia. It was crazy. Thankfully we were able to document the event with our microphone and bring you the gobbles of these wonderful creatures.  Take a listen.

wild-turkeys.mp3

For more information on these extraordinary (and tasty) birds, go here. Enjoy!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Turkey

This poem made me laugh. I know that you kids don’t feel this way at all. 

A Child’s Thanksgiving Thanks

I’m thankful for the many things
That help us live as well as kings,
For all the food that makes us drool,
And another holiday from school.

By Karl Fuchs

Our class is learning the Landlord’s Tale: Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wordsworth Longfellow. Each student is working with a partner to read a different stanza of the poem. We will read it together on November 29, and make a podcast of it. Here is a reading of the poem that I found to help you practice.

11-paul-reveres-ride.mp3

Here is also a link of a short movie on Paul Revere that Arlyn’s Family sent us. It is real cool. Thanks! Check it out.

http://www.earlyamerica.com/paul_revere.htm

As you all know, we have been using the Reading Counts Program here at school and the kids are really enjoying it. Ocean Knoll recently ordered 500 new quiz titles for the kids based on their suggestions. Unfortunately, we were not able to purchase all of the corresponding books for these titles.  If you are interested in helping us out, we would greatly appreciate a donation of any of these titles. The list of new titles is below.

Thank you for all of your help and support.

Have a happy Thanksgiving Day!

Barin McGrath

new-titles-list.xls

Hey Class-

I just wanted to remind you that your book report instructions are located on the right. I have also finally (sorry Madison) put the rubric and extension project directions up. They are located on the same page. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click one of the links. Don’t forget that your Historical Fiction Book Report is due Wednesday, December 5.

Hooray! Here is a new one for you guys. Look to the right and click on the link. There, you will get three clues about a famous American. You will have to find out who it is, and then write a short paragraph about the person. You will get one or two pieces of paper for the raffle jar, depending on the quality of your work. Can you solve the mystery?Good luck!

Creating a Poem 

 Write a poem that you will share with your classmates on Tuesday, November 20, 2007.  You can read your poem or choose to memorize it and recite it.  The poem doesn’t have to be very long.  This is an exercise that should be enjoyable and not a struggle to complete.  Write a poem that begins with the words “I wish” or “I see” or “I remember.” Repeat the opening phrase on every line or on alternating lines.  Be as free and imaginative as you like.  You do not have to make the poem rhyme, or you can. 

Variation:  Choose another phrase of your own to begin the poem. *You can choose to not use a phrase but your very own original start. 

Tips 

• If you need help getting started, work with your mom, dad or sibling.
• Try adding a color, a place name, or an animal to each line of the poem.   
• Wait to correct your spelling and punctuation until after the poem is finished. 

Finally, you must write your poem on nice paper and do a neat job. These poems will be displayed in our classroom. Click the link for a presentation rubric to follow. Practice, practice,  practice…………. 

poetry-presentation-rubric.doc

Mae Jemison Practice Spelling Test

Same as before. Click on the comments link below this. After you do that, type in your name, your email address, and the anti-spam word. Then type your sentences. Once you have checked to make sure they are correct, hit submit comments. They might not show up right away because they are sent to me before they are published. I will publish them for everyone else to see a couple times during the night.

So, give me your best sentences. You will get your name in the jar if you write your sentences here. Then I will pull a winner to pick from the prize box!