Religion: Bible Study on Biblical Character....What it means to have Strong Character
Math: Math Art on Monday (Finishing up our project) and then TEST on Friday
English: End of Year Newspaper Cover Project and Presidential Grammar: Clauses and Punctuation
Literature: Upper Group is working on Fallen Angels while the Lower Group is working on their Loser/Master of Disaster Board Game
Science: TEST ON WEDNESDAY!!!!
History: The Rise of Napoleon!!!!
Memory Work: Hymn 332 verses 1 and 4
THE V BLOG. . .An Education Blog for Mr. V's Upper Grade Class
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Time to Play the CAPTION GAME!!!
Alright, you know the drill. Think of a short and funny comment to add to the picture. The winner will be displayed on the blog! Remember to write your caption in ALL CAPS!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
PToI Weekend Edition: Andrew Jackson V. Thomas Jefferson
Now this is a truly interesting first round matchup. I could see this one going either way...
Weekly Newsletter
News and Notes for the upcoming week of May 6th,
Religion: The Conclusion to the 10 Commandments
Math: TEST on Friday
Grammar: Presidential and Caught 'Ya Grammar. Also, writing journals and creative writing on Friday
***Student Reminder: Your three-part Episodic Story is DUE FRIDAY!
Literature: The Giver Final Project on Symbolism found in The Giver. They will be completing their clay sculptures.
***Student Reminder: Final Draft of The Giver Literary Essay is DUE WEDNESDAY!
Science: Review our Rock Identification LAB from last week and begin learning about rare and unique rocks.
History: Top 10 Battles of the Crusades!
Memory Work: Hymn 571 verses 1 and 3
Religion: The Conclusion to the 10 Commandments
Math: TEST on Friday
Grammar: Presidential and Caught 'Ya Grammar. Also, writing journals and creative writing on Friday
***Student Reminder: Your three-part Episodic Story is DUE FRIDAY!
Literature: The Giver Final Project on Symbolism found in The Giver. They will be completing their clay sculptures.
***Student Reminder: Final Draft of The Giver Literary Essay is DUE WEDNESDAY!
Science: Review our Rock Identification LAB from last week and begin learning about rare and unique rocks.
History: Top 10 Battles of the Crusades!
Memory Work: Hymn 571 verses 1 and 3
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Painting with Chocolate in Art Today!!!
A big shout out to Mrs. Harris for coming up with this very cool project today. The kids really enjoyed it....and perhaps had a little sugar along the way :)
This is a pretty good rendition of JFK if I must say so myself.
STAAR Testing Update
This is an update from the Texas Education Agency on the voting that happened in Austin regarding STAAR Testing.
The House on a voice vote approved HB 2836, which eliminates the 4th and 7th grade STAAR writing tests, eliminates the current 4 hour timed-limit per test in grades 3-8 and limited the number of local benchmark tests to no more than 2 per state test. Lawmakers, on a 76-69 vote, tabled a plan that would have replaced STAAR with the Iowa Test of Basic Skills
THOUGHTS?
Engrade Updates
Parents,
If you have not been on Engrade this week, please take a look. I updated several grades this week. More updates will be coming later this week/weekend, particularly in Math and Science.
If you have not been on Engrade this week, please take a look. I updated several grades this week. More updates will be coming later this week/weekend, particularly in Math and Science.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
THE CAPTION GAME! #2...The Baby
Comment on your own caption. The winner will get special recognition on the blog. As always, be nice!
Monday, April 29, 2013
WHO DOES THIS REMIND YOU OF???
Welcome to our new game on the V Class Blog! To play this game, I will post a picture and you will comment on who it mostly reminds you of. Remember, be nice!
Updated Bracketing for the Presidential Tournament of Interesting
Current Round Two Matchups:
TAFT
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
GARFIELD
HW BUSH
FDR
JIMMY CARTER
IKE
LBJ
WASHINGTON (WE WILL CALL THIS THE BRADLEY MATCHUP)
OBAMA
WOODY
TEDDY
FORD
Who will reign supreme????
TAFT
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
GARFIELD
HW BUSH
FDR
JIMMY CARTER
IKE
LBJ
WASHINGTON (WE WILL CALL THIS THE BRADLEY MATCHUP)
OBAMA
WOODY
TEDDY
FORD
Who will reign supreme????
Sunday, April 28, 2013
PARENT & STUDENT DISCUSSION: The Positives and Negatives of Team Sports
Parents,
Perhaps one of your least favorite just is hustling from one sports practice to the next. However, one of your greatest joys may also being watching that son or daughter of your succeed in something they have a great passion.
There can be many positives and negatives of team sports. I am hoping this topic will spark discussion with parents and students.
What do you feel are the biggest positives of team sports?
What do you feel are the biggest drawbacks of team sports?
Voice your opinion in the comment section!
The following, brief article from education.com got me started on this discussion: http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Ed_Benefits_Team_Sports/
Parent & Student Resource: Weekly Newsletter
Upcoming topics for the week of April 29:
Religion: Final week on the Conclusion to the 10 Commandments. This will finish our multi-month study of the commandments.
Math: TEST on Friday!
Grammar: Presidential and Caught 'Ya Grammar!
Literature: Upper Group: The Giver Sculpting Project
Lower Group: Finish up their Project
begin reading their next new novel!
***Special Note: The first draft of The Giver Literary Essay is due on FRIDAY!*** Rubric was handed out last week as well as put on the blog. Look under parent resources if you have not seen in.
Science: Sedimentary Rock LAB
Rock Identification LAB
History: Major battles of the Crusades
BUSY, BUSY WEEK! Hope you have a good one!
V.
Religion: Final week on the Conclusion to the 10 Commandments. This will finish our multi-month study of the commandments.
Math: TEST on Friday!
Grammar: Presidential and Caught 'Ya Grammar!
Literature: Upper Group: The Giver Sculpting Project
Lower Group: Finish up their Project
begin reading their next new novel!
***Special Note: The first draft of The Giver Literary Essay is due on FRIDAY!*** Rubric was handed out last week as well as put on the blog. Look under parent resources if you have not seen in.
Science: Sedimentary Rock LAB
Rock Identification LAB
History: Major battles of the Crusades
BUSY, BUSY WEEK! Hope you have a good one!
V.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
THE CAPTION GAME: The Puppy Edition
It is time for a new game on the "V BLOG." The game is called The Caption Game!
I will display a picture, and you must come up with a funny caption. The person with the best caption will receive recognition on the blog this weekend!
So without any further ado, comment away!
I will display a picture, and you must come up with a funny caption. The person with the best caption will receive recognition on the blog this weekend!
So without any further ado, comment away!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
PARENT RESOURCES: The Changing World of Math
If you have cracked open one of our school's Saxon Math textbooks lately, I am sure you have noticed that Math sure has changed a lot since you were in school. The teaching of Mathematics has undergone some hugely fundamental changes over the past decades and it continues evolving.
The link is an article from "Education News" regarding the ever changing landscape that is Mathematics. It is an interesting read, and it shows where Mathematics is headed in the next few years.
http://www.educationnews.org/education-policy-and-politics/the-pedagogical-agenda-of-common-core-math-standards/
DISCUSSION: The Ending of The Giver
What is your take on the ending of The Giver? Do you feel it was intended to be a happy ending or sad ending?
Join the discussion, give your opinion, and give us your reasoning why!
Parent & Student Resource: The Rubric for The Giver Literary Essay
Paents,
This was handed out in class today. It includes all the specificcs, due dates, and expectations. Comment if you have any questions.
Purpose: A literary essay is a vital component of any true literature class. It helps the student understand the complexities that authors write with, the various literary elements of the story, and hopefully fosters a further appreciation of the author's work. For this purpose, I choose one novel a year in which we complete a literary essay.
This essay should be completely done BY THE STUDENT! They can write, type, and proofread for themselves! A little parental guidance may be given on the proofreading, but that is all! Please.
The following is a list of the specifics that need to be followed in order to achieve an "A" grade on the essay. I cannot stress enough to read and follow CAREFULLY!
The Format
*Final draft must be typed
*double-spaced
*Times New Roman (or something similar for Mac users)
*12pt Font
*Write with specificity, no generalities!
The Specifics
Quotations: There should be a minimum of 10 quotes from the novel spread out threw your entire paper
Introduction (Half to 3/4 pg)
Body
*Plot Overview (One page)
*Character Analysis (3/4 page)
Choose from: The Giver, Jonas, or Gabriel
*Theme (One Page)
Possible Themes to choose from:
Control
The Cost of a Utopian Society
The Blessings of Freedom
The Importance of Memories
The Importance of Individuality
The Individual vs. Society
Coming of Age
The Power of Feeling and Emotion
*Symbolism Found in the Giver (3/4 page)
Must be the symbol you chose for your sculpture
*Critical Analysis of the Conclusion (3/4 page)
*What did it meant you: Was it a happy or sad ending?
*Analysis of why you loved or hated the ending
Conclusion (Half page)
TOTAL: 5.5 - 6 pages typed
The Grading
25% of the grade on following the rubric
25% of the grade on grammar and formatting
50% of the grade on the quality or writing and specificity of thought
The Due Dates
Monday, April 29th: Outline Due
Friday, May 3rd: Rough Draft Due
Wednesday, May 8th: Final Draft Due
*A students overall grade will drop one full grade for each day any one of those assignments are late
This was handed out in class today. It includes all the specificcs, due dates, and expectations. Comment if you have any questions.
Purpose: A literary essay is a vital component of any true literature class. It helps the student understand the complexities that authors write with, the various literary elements of the story, and hopefully fosters a further appreciation of the author's work. For this purpose, I choose one novel a year in which we complete a literary essay.
This essay should be completely done BY THE STUDENT! They can write, type, and proofread for themselves! A little parental guidance may be given on the proofreading, but that is all! Please.
The following is a list of the specifics that need to be followed in order to achieve an "A" grade on the essay. I cannot stress enough to read and follow CAREFULLY!
The Format
*Final draft must be typed
*double-spaced
*Times New Roman (or something similar for Mac users)
*12pt Font
*Write with specificity, no generalities!
The Specifics
Quotations: There should be a minimum of 10 quotes from the novel spread out threw your entire paper
Introduction (Half to 3/4 pg)
Body
*Plot Overview (One page)
*Character Analysis (3/4 page)
Choose from: The Giver, Jonas, or Gabriel
*Theme (One Page)
Possible Themes to choose from:
Control
The Cost of a Utopian Society
The Blessings of Freedom
The Importance of Memories
The Importance of Individuality
The Individual vs. Society
Coming of Age
The Power of Feeling and Emotion
*Symbolism Found in the Giver (3/4 page)
Must be the symbol you chose for your sculpture
*Critical Analysis of the Conclusion (3/4 page)
*What did it meant you: Was it a happy or sad ending?
*Analysis of why you loved or hated the ending
Conclusion (Half page)
TOTAL: 5.5 - 6 pages typed
The Grading
25% of the grade on following the rubric
25% of the grade on grammar and formatting
50% of the grade on the quality or writing and specificity of thought
The Due Dates
Monday, April 29th: Outline Due
Friday, May 3rd: Rough Draft Due
Wednesday, May 8th: Final Draft Due
*A students overall grade will drop one full grade for each day any one of those assignments are late
Monday, April 22, 2013
PToI: Obama V. Truman
Which president do you feel is more interesting? Cast your vote by commenting with an interesting fact!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Parent Resources: All They do is Play Video Games!!!!
Ran across this short article on weaning teenagers off screen time.
http://www.parenting.org/article/tips-weaning-teenagers-online-games
Current Studies Show School Choice is Overwhelmingly Beneficial for Students...
Hmmm, who is education supposed to be all about? Many groups claim they have only the best interests of the children in mind, but why isn't school choice overwhelmingly popular among teachers' unions then?
See the article on the latest studies here:
http://www.educationnews.org/education-policy-and-politics/evidence-continues-to-mount-on-school-choice-gains/
Uhm, A Little Late...
I got this in my email today from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. and no I am not kidding...
Jurassic Park 3D Opens Tomorrow!
What blends nostalgia with cutting-edge
technology and is coming to HMNS? Jurassic Park 3-D, of
course! See the classic film that launched a million fascinations with fossils
like you’ve never seen it before — in 3D and on Houston’s largest
screen. See this cult classic at HMNS as you won’t anywhere else.
Guided tours of our Hall of Paleontology are also available before and after the
show for just $5. Click here for showtimes and tickets!
Current Bracketing for Presidential Tournament of Interesting
Current Round Two Matchups:
TAFT
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
GARFIELD
HW BUSH
FDR
JIMMY CARTER
IKE
LBJ
Oh will the second round be fun!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
PToI: Lyndon Johnson V Andrew Johnson
Battle of the Johnsons!!!!! Comment on who you think should come out on top!
STUDENT ASSIGNMENT: Mrs. Buchik
In at least four sentences, write about how you enjoyed having Mrs Buchik as a teacher today or as your teacher in past years :)
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Parent Resources: How to Improve Bad Memory
Have any of you ever been accused of having bad memory? Are you one who is always forgetting where you put your keys?
I know, at times, I can be one who is very forgetful. I recently read this article by Psychology Today that explains one way to improve that bad memory.
According to research, this works for young and old alike. According to the study, test taking is one way to improve our memory. So, all those tests students take across the country have a very positive result.
Take a look at the whole article at: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/c-is-cognition/201304/get-testy-better-memory
Monday, April 15, 2013
Photo of the Day: Boston Marathon Tragedy
Our prayers go out to the families affected by the Boston Marathon bombing this afternoon.
I was on the high school and college golf team with one of the runners participating in the event today, he is all okay.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends who were not so fortunate. It is times like this when we remember we have a God who is always with us, guiding us home to Him.
Student Response: Today's Science Class
Students,
Please respond to today's science lesson on the formation of minerals. Please include at least two complete sentences on something specific you found interesting or learned from today's class.
PToI: Round One - Carter V. Hoover
The Battle of the Unpopular Presidents. Two presidents who had shockingly low approval ratings driven largely by their failures on the economy.
Comment on who you feel is more interesting.
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