Category Archives: Reading

Snow Day #12 – March 6, 2015

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It’s been another short week! Two days of school this week…crazy!

Since Wayde called with the big snow day announcement, I wonder what you’ve got planned for today. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll check this blog. If you do, take a minute and answer the poll. After that, help me prepare our All About Me page for the 2015 Edublogs Student Blogging Challenge. I need your input…and you know how much I love a little Padlet in my life.

Besides reading–which of course you’ll be doing tomorrow–I invite you to visit a few student bloggers I discovered today. When you visit another blogger, be sure to leave a positive comment (as well as your blog URL), so they can return the visit.

Enjoy your four-day weekend and be ready to rock and roll when we return to class on Monday. I am excited for you to share your research presentation with me and your classmates. Be prepared to shine as you show us what you’ve learned about your social issue.

What’s on your agenda for Snow Day #12?

What is the best snow day activity?

Family time–could be cleaning my room or cleaning up at Monopoly.
Curling up on the sofa and watching movies/Netflix all day.
Playing in the snow…sledding, snowmen, snowboarding, etc.
I’ll be social…YouTube, Instagram, Vine, or texting gets my vote.
Book me a flight to another world…I’m reading all day.

Poll Maker

 Ten student blogs worth visiting:

1. Leave a comment for Shane and while you’re there, notice the poll widget he added to his sidebar using www.poll-maker.com.

2. Niall, another student in Mr. Jewell’s class, left comments on many of your blogs. Return the favor by visiting his blog, The Genius Center.

3. Stop by Irene’s blog. You’ll learn a little more about growing up in Taipei, Taiwan (and how similar we all are!).

4. Are you a fan of Disney shows? Or wonder what it’s like to live in Vermont? Check out Marilynn’s Fantastic Blog. 

5. Sports fan should flock to Aidan’s Sports Blog for updates on all things sports — from baseball teams to deflated footballs.

6.  Interested in connecting with a colorful Australian blogger? Visit Chloe’s Creative Classroom and leave her ideas for future blog posts.

7. Here’s another blog from Down Under…Eden’s Extraordinary Existence. Click on her page of drawings…and be inspired to create your own gallery of artwork.

8. Do luxury vehicles make your heart race? Compare your list of fast-lane favorites on Ian’s Blog of Cars and Education.

9. Mia’s Motivated Blog shares an avatar maker you might want to try. In addition, check out more avatar makers on Mrs. Rombach’s Beyond the Post  – Blog Building Resources page.

10. Closer to home, I’d like to showcase two ERMS student bloggers — Aidan and Namitha. These blogs–like all great blogs–show initiative, creativity, and attention to detail.

 

What should other classes know about our class–and about our school?

When I’m Gone…

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quote-there-is-no-substitute-for-hard-work-thomas-edison-55882

It’s true. As Mr. Edison once said, “There is no substitute for hard work.” However, there is a hard-working substitute in our class today and Tuesday. Please be on your very best behavior while I’m in North Carolina visiting my Mom in the hospital.

 

Here’s the agenda for Monday, March 2.

 

(1) Collection of the February Reading Response Choice Boards. Confirm your name is at the top of your packet before turning in. The March choice board will be handed out today–and you’ll also find it shared with you on Google classroom.

 

(2) Add this week’s four vocabulary words to the Vocabulary section of your spiral notebook. Test on Week 15 & 16 words on Friday. Prepare by studying on Quizlet.com.

Untitled presentation

(2) Independent Reading & Reflection

(3) Problem & Solution Video and Quick Write

(4) Vocabulary Posters – Table Group Work

(5) I’m going to miss you when I’m gone! See you all on Wednesday.

 

March Book Madness Begins March 1st!

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March Book Madness Starts Here…#2015MBM

credit: http://marchbookmadness.weebly.com/blog

credit: http://marchbookmadness.weebly.com/blog

Mrs. Rombach loves a little hoop action. Who doesn’t stare wide-eyed when a player swishes that silent, sinking, nothing-but-net ball?

Well, March Madness is in full gear–on and off the basketball court.  Fifth grade teacher Mark Jones, from Columbus, Ohio, started March Book Madness last year–and it’s spread across the globe in just 12 months. Wondering who besides Eagle Ridge’s awesome sixth graders might be participating? Click here to see Mr. Jones’s map.

In true March Madness fashion, it’s all about the brackets. Every week, we’ll be voting on which Middle Grade books to move forward. We’ll take part in crowning the champion! I’ve inserted the bracket so you can scout out the competition. Whether you’ve read the competing books or not, we need your vote! Scroll down to see my “collage players”. Then, beginning March 4, take the poll to determine which books move on. Come back every week–the competition is bound to heat up. This could be one for the history books (or the romance books, or the mystery books, or the dystopian books, or the adventure books, or the…you get the idea!). Now head to the library and practice your mad reading skills. 🙂

Presenting The Sweet Sixteen

March Book Madness Sweet 16 pizap.com14249691835611
piZap on piZap.com

Here are two book trailers to check out. Want to see more? You know your way to YouTube! 🙂

Vote for your favorite books! Scroll to click done.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

How Will You Make a Difference?

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credit: theselfemployed.com

credit: theselfemployed.com

 

Hello, my favorite sixth graders!

Next Monday, you’ll start your two-week research projects. You’ll work alongside a small group of classmates to find out more information on a social issue that matters to everyone on the research team. Then, you’ll take the facts you’ve collected and turn it into your own individual project — from an animated slide show to a skit to a public service announcement. You’ll hear more about all of your options next week. For now, think about the local, national, and world issues you care about most. On the Padlet below, add your name and a social issue or two that you feel strongly about. Here are a few ideas…but you may add any issue that’s important to you!

Do you want to know more about a life-threatening disease like childhood cancer, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis and what’s being done to find a cure?

Do you worry about homeless families who lack a roof over their heads or food in their pantries?

Does animal cruelty break your heart?

Want to bring help clean water, electricity, or education to poverty-stricken countries?

Are you concerned about shrinking habitats, animal poaching, or endangered species?

Do you want to educate people about physical, emotional, or cyber bullying?

Is ocean pollution or climate change boggling your mind?

Share the causes you’re passionate about below:

A Flurry of Three Frosty Books

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credit: etsystatic.com

credit: etsystatic.com

credit: momtastic.com

credit: momtastic.com

 Glitter Text Generator

I was sledding through snowman photos tonight and came across a whopper. The town of Bethel, Maine, is credited with building the largest snowman on record. This frosty behemoth, constructed with 13 million pounds of snow, soared 114 feet skyward.

While flipping through Google images and belting out my own pathetic version of Frosty the Snowman, I landed on the idea for tonight’s #3 Countdown Post. You see, some of my best friends are flakes. That’s why I’m pleased to present my tribute to a trio of snowman-packed picture books. There’s a strong likelihood that you’ll be hearing one of these favorites this week.

Let it snow, man. The cold never bothered me anyway!

Mrs. Rombach

 

credit: http://kidoinfo.com/

credit: http://kidoinfo.com/

 

credit: petersons-pad.blogspot.com

credit: petersons-pad.blogspot.com

credit: http://kerronicle.com/

credit: http://kerronicle.com/

 

 

 

Want Comments? Leave Quality Comments! Here’s How…

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This weekend, sneak off to the computer or tablet and spend a little time building your blog. Write a book review and post it. Share a favorite family  cookie recipe. Deliver game highlights. Draft a short story.
Above all, get out in the blogosphere and leave comments. Visit classrooms on my blogroll, from those within our own hallways to classrooms across the continents. Before you do, take 8-10 minutes and read this post–and then watch the video. Some students are still leaving posts that are carelessly misspelled or short on content. Always do your very best…whether it’s commenting on another student’s blog or giving your Nobel Peace prize acceptance speech.”
Today we will focus on quality comments!

Content is key!

In our class, we evaluate our blog comments. Are you leaving two-point comments?
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A one-point comment is a general comment that doesn’t add very much to the post. Example: I like your blog. Please visit mine!
A two-point comment adds something to the comment conversation. Your comment might compliment the writer in a specific way or add new information. Another idea is to make a connection. Maybe the post reminds you of an experience that you’ve had. Share that connection!  Try to end your comment with a relevant question. That way, an interesting conversation can develop.
Always add your URL (your blog’s web address) to ensure that the blogger you’ve visited can click your link and easily find your blog.Here is a video Mrs. Yollis’s class made with tips to help you take your comments to the next level!
See you Monday…only five more school days before winter break!
-Mrs. Rombach

 

Ten Quotes on Writing – from the Experts

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credit: http://www.rickcalcutt.com/

credit: http://www.rickcalcutt.com/

My school days countdown to winter break continues with my list of Ten Quotes on Writing. As a writer, word collector, and sixth grade teacher, I am forever inspired by the words of other writers. Today, for my classroom of young authors, I present a collection of 10 inspirational quotes from some of the world’s master wordsmiths. Perhaps this week you, too, will draft a post containing your favorite quotes. Two great sources for quotes include: www.brainyquote.com and www.goodreads.com. Here now, words of wisdom on writing…

1

“Reading and writing, like everything else, improve with practice. And, of course, if there are no young readers and writers, there will shortly be no older ones. Literacy will be dead, and democracy–which many believe goes hand in hand with it–will be dead as well.”

-Margaret Atwood

2

“The most difficult and complicated part of the writing process is the beginning.”

A.B. Yehoshua

3

“The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”
Gustave Flaubert
4
“Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.”
William Strunk, Jr.
5
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
Anton Chekhov
6
“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”
Anne Frank
7
“Write the kind of story you would like to read. People will give you all sorts of advice about writing, but if you are not writing something you like, no one else will like it either.”
Meg Cabot

8
“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”
William Wordsworth
9

“I really think that reading is just as important as writing when you’re trying to be a writer because it’s the only apprenticeship we have, it’s the only way of learning how to write a story.”

John Green

10

“All the writing elements are the same. You need to tell a good story….You’ve got good characters….People think there’s some dramatic difference between writing ‘Little Bear’ and ‘The Hunger Games,’ and as a writer, for me, there isn’t.”

Suzanne Collins 

 

 

In your final 10 school days before holiday break, imagine all the writing you can do…

See you in class,

Mrs. Rombach 

 

credit: /cecileswriters.files.wordpress.com/

credit: /cecileswriters.files.wordpress.com/

 

 

Who Inspires You?

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photo credit: www.goodreads.com

photo credit: www.goodreads.com

As we finish reading A Long Walk to Water, Linda Sue Park’s riveting story about former Lost Boy Salva Dut, I know many of us have been profoundly affected by Salva’s treacherous journey to freedom. This young man, who at age 11 left his South Sudanese village amidst brutal civil war, came to lead 1200 boys and and young men to safety.

Salva Dut’s courage astounds his. His determination, not only to survive but to change his part of the world, leaves us awestruck. We marvel at his unrelenting determination. If you ever doubt your ability to singlehandedly make a difference in this vast universe, remember Salva Dut. One hope-filled person with a mission…that’s where change begins.

Speaking of Salva Dut, check out his response to my tweet. Pretty cool. 🙂 Now, tell me who inspires you and why. I can’t wait to read your replies.! Leave a comment with your blog URL. When you click on the title of this post, you’ll be able to see my example. 🙂

 

Salva Dut TWEET

 

Pajama Day Tomorrow!

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keep-calm-it-s-pajama-day

Tuesday, the last day before our Thanksgiving break, is sixth grade pajama day! Be sure to wear your coziest sleepwear. Slippers are fine…once you’re in the classroom. Getting to school, however, you’ll need those handy-dandy shoes of yours. Bring a book and your thinking cap. We’ll be reading and blogging together.

See you soon, my pajama-clad, superstar students!

Mrs. Rombach

Who Let the Blogs Out?

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Who’s ready to rock the blogosphere?

Between Friday and Tuesday, we’ll be working together to bedazzle our blogs by adding posts, pages, widgets, and a your choice of interactive media. Before I launch into the NINE (9) items your blog should include by December 5, let me introduce a few more tools that are sure to make you blog crazy!

Be sure to leave your comments and questions. As you do, decide which of these three tools you’d like to embed in one of your future blog posts.

What is the best book you’ve read so far in 6th grade?… at AnswerGarden.ch.

By December 5, you should have the following items on your blog:

(1) An All About Me PAGE. Note this should be a PAGE. If you’d like to also make it your first post, that’s fine. However, you need to have an All About Me PAGE. This page is always visible on the front page of your blog. You’ve already written your All About Me PAGE in Google Docs. Simply copy and paste into a new PAGE. To do so, highlight the entire text of your Google Docs. Hold Control/C to copy. Click the mouse in the text section of the Edublogs PAGE. Hold Control/V to paste. Graphics and fonts may not transfer exactly as they appear in Google Docs.

(2) Your first assigned POST. In the dashboard, open All Posts, Add New. Using the school-themed prompts provided, write your post. Be sure to carefully proofread. Click on Save Draft as you’re working to safeguard your writing. After you’ve thoroughly checked over, made revisions to improve your writing, and changed fonts if desired, click on Review and Submit. It may take Mrs. Rombach 1-3 days to approve and publish. Please be patient. 🙂

(3) Activate ClustrMaps widget. Add to blog sidebar.

(4) Activate Google Supreme Fonts (Dashboard>Plugins>Google Supreme Fonts>Activate).

(5) Create a virtual pet and insert Text widget/embed code to side bar. (see classmate or Mrs. Rombach for help if you missed this in-class project).

(6) Activate Compfight Plugin (Dashboard>Plugins>Compfight>Activate)

(7) Add Categories: Classroom Blogging Assignments, Reading, Writing, Book Reviews, Middle School, and any others you wish.

(8) Add one of the following interactive widgets:  AnswerGarden, Voki, or Padlet. (click to on each title to connect)

(9) Leave a complimentary comment on three (3) other classmates’ blogs (any block).