Ancient Greek Architecture

Today we watched a short video on Greek Architecture (standard 6.4.8) and took notes into our Ancient Civilization power point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hhPEdr1ax0&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

Then we read a few pages in the social studies text to reinforce the concepts, ideas and images from the video and added to the notes.

Next students researched images of buildings from Ancient Greece and went to googlesketchup and designed a replica of one of the famous structures. Finally students downloaded the image into the PowerPoint with a brief description of what they created and why.

Want to learn more? Here is an enrichment link:
http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Art/

The next step (and the next day) had students researching a famous Ancient Greek building and making a model of it using construction paper, sissors and tape. Then students took a picture of it and uploaded the picture into their power point with a description of what they made and why.

Great job Champion Students!

Is the School Year Half Way Over, ALREADY?

Friday is the last day of quarter two, which means students get to show what they know and shine like the all star Champs they are. Monday is the benchmark writing, Response to Literature, something we have been practicing for two months. I know the students will do an amazing job. The score is based on a four point rubric, so when you check your score in zangle, take note that the students score is out of 40 points.
Tuesday we will be taking a ELA 38 point multiple choice test. I will scan scores and have them in Zangle by Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday we went over the results. The students did an amazing job with over 97% of the students reaching proficiency or advanced levels.
Each student to their results back and we went through the missed questions to figure out what went wrong. Students then recorded and reflected on how they did and set a new goal for Quarter 3.

Ancient Greece, Play-Doh, and Music

Today we blended art, music and symbolism. Students watched a video with music about Spartan and Athens, and while watching it created a symbol they thought represented something Ancient Greece from the images.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e90cubV6dEY&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
After making their symbol, students walked around the room and looked at each others. Then they took a picture of their "art" using pizap.com and uploaded the image into a slide titled: Ancient Greece Symbol. Then they wrote a brief description of what they made and why.

Great job champion students!

Ancient Greece...

This week we learned about Greek Mythology, and the start of Citizenship and Democracy. Activities included students reading and choosing an Aesop fable that they illustrated into their own words  in comic book form including figurative language. After they created their comic strip, they shared with the class and uploaded a picture of it into their Ancient Civilization PowerPoint.

Here is the website they choose the fables from:
http://www.aesopfables.com/aesop2.html

We also read about the beginings of democracy and citizienship as well as watched a short video on it. Studnets then took their new knowledge and made an Acrostic Poem usign the word "Citizenship". Students shared their poems with the class and uploaded it into the PowerPoint as well.

Twins Day!

Students and staff had fun dressing the same!
Check us out:)

Good times DATA!

Ancient Greece!

We have begun our studies of Ancient Greece!
Yesterday we studied the map and time line and got a feel for the place (standard 6.4.1).
Today we delved into Greek Mythology (standard 6.4.4). We read Medusa's Head out of our literature book and practiced our quarter 2 standards focus. Then we wrote a response to Literature.
Here is an example of one students amazing essay:

• Courtney C
           Do you like learning about women who have snakes for hair? Well I’ve been reading Medusa’s Head, Perseus, and the Gorgon’s Head by Olive Coolidge. The theme of the story is “Never give up on a person who depends on you”, this theme is depicted by Perseus who follows the request of the evil Polydectes who is madly in love with Perseus’s mother Danae, but Danae loves Polydectes’s brother Dictys.
           The main character in my point of view is Perseus. One word to describe him would be devoted, for example, he follows the insane request from Polydectes and he vows to return to his mother Danae. This show that he is devoted to doing anything that will help him make his mother happy and safe. Another word to describe Perseus is brave, for example, he slays one of the Gorgon’s Medusa. This shows that he is willingly risking his life. Yet another word to describe Perseus is caring, for example, he stops to help Andromeda, the poor unfortunate daughter of the king and queen of Ethiopia. This shows that he is very caring for those who aren’t very fortunate.
            Another main character in the story is Danae. One word to describe Danae is torn, for example, she is on an island ruled by Polydectes and she is in love with Dictys, but she does not want to upset Polydectes for it is his kingdom. This shows that she is very confused on who to choose. Another word to describe her is sad, for example, first she is locked in a chamber by her father, than she is cast adrift in the ocean. This shows that she lives a sad life. Another word to describe her is disgusted, for example, she doesn’t like it when Polydectes is constantly nagging her to marry him, so she is basically annoyed or disgusted with him. This shows that she wishes Polydectes wasn’t there.
           In conclusion this story was a very good read for those people who like Greek Mythology. I would recommend this book to a friend because most of my friends are into reek mythology like me. It sort of gives you a more in depth understanding of the whole Medusa thing.

Tomorrow students are going to research and choose a cool short myth to draw out a story panel, then take a photo of it and post into their Ancient Civilization PowerPoint. Check back to see some wonderful work.

Ancient Israelites Board Games!

Today we played our board games in the theme of Ancient Israelites as a review for our end of the Unit Assessment. The Board Game Rubric included points for:
*15 or more questions from our studies in the form higher order thinking questions
*The game had to be in the theme of Ancient Israelites from something we studied in class
*Creative and Colorful
*directions of how to play on the back

The games turned out great and today we played!
Students had fun while learning.
After we played, students reflected on the lesson by posting a message in Thinkquest.
board game reflection
Dr. Lynch-Thorpe  
Page: Quarter 2 Assignments

How did it go? Did you have fun? Who did you play with and what games did you play? What would make your game better? Do you want to do this activity again?

Post a Message

• Sarah Y
  Playing the board games went great. I had lots of fun. I played with Julia, Chloe, and Kathryn. We played Kathryn’s game and Julia’s game. I liked Kathryn’s game because it was colorful and it was like sorry. I liked Julia’s game because you had to act like the character you were playing as. I think my game would be better if I made more characters so more people could play. I only made three characters and I was doing it with four friends so if we tried to play it there wouldn’t be enough characters for us all to play. I would love to do this activity again because it’s lots of fun to get together with your friends and play the games. Also because it is a very creative, artsy way to review everything you have learned. I love to do art.
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• chloe h
  I had of tons, and loads, play board games with my group! I had so much fun that I would of loved to have more time so we could finish and play more of our incredible games! Something that was really fun was Julia’s twist on her game; depending on what piece you had determined how you answered the question. For example, there was a singer piece and you had to answer your question in a song, there was an actor piece and you had to answer very dramatically, there was director piece and you had to answer with words like “cut” or “action”, and there was a paparazzi piece and you had to answer like you were an excited fan! My group was Kathryn, Sarah, Julia, and myself. We play Kathryn’s game and part of Julia’s game. If I remembered to finish my game last night, I wouldn’t have rushed this morning, so that would of made my game much better. I would love to do this again!!
  
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• Philip R
  I thought the board game playing went well, but my group was a little crazy. I had fun and I played with Jacob and Joshua.ut i bet it was good Joshua forgot his, but I bet it was good. Jacob's and mine both had to do with the Israelites leaving Egypt so I thought that was cool.
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The last step of this assignment is for students to take the games home and play it with a family member(s).

Champion Students Compose!

Today students are writing their own Fables. After reading several fables this week, we created a chart showing what makes a good one.

Then we used the chart as the rubric of how to make our own.
Here are a few examples from some outstanding writing champions!

Ingrid N
The Dog and the Chicken

Narrator: Once there was a dog that lived on the streets. He always passed by a farm and saw some chickens that were always eating. The dog thought the chickens looked delicious, so he went over to them.

Dog: Hey Chicken! You seem to be having lots of fun, and look very tasty. Could I eat along with you?

Chicken: I’m sorry but this is a barn for animals only, and you seem to be wild.

Narrator: The dog felt offended when the chicken told him that. Though he pretended just to want to eat along, and he told her why he looked that way.

Dog: Oh no! I’m not wild at all; I just wander in the street that’s all. I look this way because I haven’t taken a shower in so long.

Chicken: No wonder something smells funny around here. Well listen the farmer is coming so you have to go.

Dog: Ok! I’ll leave once I get to eat some of that meat; I meant that wheat.

Narrator: The dog tried to convince the chicken, but the chicken would not allow the dog to get near her, because of how bad he smelled. The dog tried over and over again until then the chicken agreed.

Dog: Well if I get some wheat I’ll leave you alone.

Chicken: Fine have some wheat, but you have to take a shower because you might stink up my food.

Narrator: So the dog took a shower and the chicken let him have some wheat, but the dog also wanted some meat. When the chicken wasn’t looking the dog grasped and bit down on the chicken.

Dog: Ha-ha! I got you in my mouth. I knew I could do it.

Chicken: Let me go! Leave me alone!

Dog: I needed something else besides to eat wheat, like I said all I wanted was meat!

Narrator: So the dog ate the chicken and felt really happy. He had even left some extra meat for his friends. After they ate the dog went back to where he lived which was out in the streets.

All Together: If you really want something don’t be afraid to go ahead and try to get it.


Today

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Joshua H
The Camel and the Lizard
Narrator: Once there was a young camel in the Sahara desert wandering around looking for some water. Since there isn’t really much water in the Sahara desert, his journey would be long.

Camel: Wow, I’m really thirsty. I wish that there would be more water in this dry, lonely place that people call a desert. I really need some water.

Narrator: The poor camel had been separated from his family many months ago. Where he wanted to go was a town just overflowing with water. But this was the Sahara desert, so he would have to wait.

Camel: I also wish I had someone to be with right now, a dung beetle, a snake, anything really.

Narrator: A few hours later, the camel thought he had found something extraordinary. But all he found were a pile of dead palm trees. At first he just wanted to walk away, but then he noticed something moving in it.

Camel: Hey, is anyone in there?

Narrator: He waited a few more seconds but there was no reply. As he was walking away, there was a rustle in some of the dead pine tree leaves.

Camel: who’s in there?

Lizard: Wait, hold on!

Camel: what are you?

Narrator: The camel didn’t know what was under those dead leaves. Then, the lizard came out of the dead leaves.

Camel: You’re a lizard? I thought you would be a dung beetle or a snake! Well, I guess I should get going, I really need to find some water or I’m going to get dehydrated.

Lizard: Well, I sure need some water shortly.

Camel: Well, I was heading into a local town to get some; do you want to come with me?

Lizard: I certainly will!

Today

Fables with Quarter 2 Standards Focus

Students have been doing a lot of writing this week! We have read several Fables, then for each one we have written a Response to Literature focusing in on character traits. It is so wonderful watching the students grow as writers. All essays were uploaded into Thinkquest for classmates to read as well.
Here are a few examples.
It is hard to believe these students are only 11 years old, I often times feel I am working with High School level students.

The Fox and the Crow

Dr. Lynch-Thorpe  
Page: Quarter Two work

Post a Message

• Kathryn B
  Response to Lit on the Fox and the Crow
          Do you like cheeses? In the story The Fox and the Crow by Aesop, we learn about a tricky fox and an oblivious crow. The theme of the story is to not let flattery fool you if you don’t want to pay the price. The story is a good life lesson because it teaches you that you need to be careful in case someone is trying to trick you.
           The main character in the story is the Fox. A word to describe him is sneaky! For example, the fox says, “good morning you fabulous bird!” the Fox says this because; he is trying to fool the fox by telling him how wonderful he is. Another word for Fox is hungry. “I could use some breakfast right about now”, Fox says this because he sees Crow’s cheese and wants it! One more word to describe Fox is tricky! “A bird with your good looks must have a voice to match” Fox is trying to trick her into singing so that Crow would drop the cheese. Overall, I think Fox is a sneaky creature. I think he is a little bit mean to Crow but I understand because he is really hungry and he “can’t live on sunshine and fresh air.”
          Another character in the story is crow. Crow is forgetful. “Listening to all the flattery, the crow forgot all her suspicion of the fox.” This shows that he forgets things easily. Crow is also not a very good singer. Fox says, “I hope I never have to hear it again.” This says that crow is not a very good singer. Overall I think that Crow isn’t the smartest bird around. I think he could be a little bit more careful.
          In conclusion, the fable, The Fox and the Crow by Aesop is interesting because it tells you who is speaking next to the words they are saying. I think it is interesting because it tells such a good lesson in such a small story. I think it is funny how persistent fox is. He must really want that cheese! I think that Aesop did a great job with this short story.
  
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• Sarah Y
  Response to Literature: The Fox and the Crow
          Do you have a favorite food? In the funny story The Fox and the Crow, by Aesop, there’s a fox that really likes cheese. When he spots a crow perched on the branch of a tree gobbling down some delicious looking cheese, his mouth begins to water and so he devises a clever plan to steal the cheese. In the end, you learn the theme of the story: “If you let flattery go to your head, you’ll pay the price”. The story was a fable because it thought an important life lesson.
  The main character was the fox. Throughout the story he expressed the characteristics tricky, sly, hungry, and persistent. At the beginning of the story the fox showed that he was hungry when he thought, “cheese. Mmm. A nice big yellow chunk of cheese. I would love that cheese. I deserve that cheese.” This showed how much the fox really loved cheese.
•         After that the fox decided he needed to get the cheese. He was tricky and sly when he said, “A bird with your good looks must have a voice to match. Oh, if only I could hear you sing just one song. Then I would know you were truly the greatest bird on Earth.” The bird sang and the cheese fell out of his mouth so the fox could grab it. This showed that the fox was able to trick the crow with his clever ways. Last but not least the fox expressed that he was persistent throughout his whole plan trying to get the cheese. This was when he said, “Good morning you fabulous bird.” He was trying to trick the crow into saying something, but the crow only ignored him, so he tried again with, “What beautiful beady eyes you have. And you certainly look great in black feathers. I’ve seen a lot of birds in my time, but you outbird them all. A bird with your good looks must have a voice to match. Oh if only I could hear you sing just one song. Then I would know you were truly the greatest bird on Earth.
  
  Jan. 03, 2012
  
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• Alejandro L
  Response to Literature: The Fox and the Crow
          Are you a fan of crows, foxes, or even cheese? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you will love the fable The Fox and the Crow. In this story, you learn about a fox that tries to trick a crow into giving his cheese to the fox. The theme of this wonderful story is to not believe all complement that you are given. This story is funny because you have a fox trying to trick a crow that is on a tree.
          One of the main characters (animals) is fox. I would describe him as a trickster because, “I have seen a lot of birds in my time, but you out bird them all.” The second character trait I would use is persistent because he would not give up. To back up my last statement, the evidence I would use to describe this is, “The Crow looked at him suspiciously… said nothing.” Besides those character traits, final character trait I would use is clever. To back it up, the fox did this, “Good morning… A bird with good looks should have a voice to match.” Those are the character traits the fox has.
         To conclude this amazing essay, The Fox and the Crow is a hilarious story about a fox, a crow, and a piece of cheese. I would recommend this story to anybody who likes reading.