Reflections on Hearts of Service Day

Dear students,

I had a wonderful time volunteering with you and your families at the Nashville Women's Rescue Mission. I learned a lot about myself as well as the importance of giving back to the community. Volunteering takes more than showing up for a few hours. It takes preparation, planning, action, and, now, reflecting. I want you to reflect on your time spent at the Nashville Rescue Mission. Please answer the following questions:

• What was your role(s) at the Nashville Women's Rescue Mission? How did you contribute?
• What was your favorite part(s) of our service project and WHY?
• Name some connections you made during your time at the Nashville Women's Rescue Mission.
• What is something new you learned from this experience? Be specific! Also, were you surprised by anything you saw or heard?

Please make sure you answered each bullet point before you publish your comment. Double check your comment for punctuation/spelling mistakes. Your comment must be at least 5 sentences.

I cannot wait to hear about your day.

You teacher,

Mrs. Eads

Show Me The Money!

Dear Writers,
In writing, we learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Today, I will give you a thesis statement for which you must write a counter argument paragraph. Remember a counter argument has the following structure:

          Although (thesis statement), some may argue that (counter argument). For example,(evidence for counter argument). However, (evidence for your thesis). Closing sentencerestating your thesis.

         Although I love ice cream, some may argue that cake is better. For example, cake is used for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. However, one can have ice cream cake or cake batter ice cream for any occasion. I love ice cream because it is the most wonderful, versatile treat!

Now, it is your turn. Write a counter argument paragraph for the following thesis statement: 

Kids should be paid for making good grades.

I look forward to reading your responses.

Your teacher,
Mrs. Eads

Counter Argument: TV

Dear Writers,

In writing, we learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Today, I will give you a thesis statement for which you must write a counter argument paragraph. Remember a counter argument has the following structure:

          Although (thesis statement), some may argue that (counter argument). For example,(evidence for counter argument). However, (evidence for your thesis). Closing sentencerestating your thesis.

         Although I love ice cream, some may argue that cake is better. For example, cake is used for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. However, one can have ice cream cake or cake batter ice cream for any occasion. I love ice cream because it is the most wonderful, versatile treat!

Now, it is your turn. Write a counter argument paragraph for the following  thesis statement: 

Children should be able to have a T.V. in their room.

I look forward to reading your responses.

Your teacher,
Mrs. Eads

One Little Word

Dear students,

Each new year, two of my cyber-mentors challenge teachers to find their One Little Word (OLW). The OLW is one word that will represent, or symbolize, the year ahead. The word should be personal and thoughtful. My mentors spend weeks thinking about their OLW, making sure they select a word that will really guide them.

I have thought a great deal about my OLW. For 2014, I selected "trust" as my One Little Word. I selected "trust" because I don't always trust God's plan and try to make my own way. I need this word to remind me to trust not only His plan for me, but also to trust in the strengths and talents He has blessed me with, rather than worry about the future. Trust can apply to my life in so many ways - through friends, work, my students, my family, myself, and ultimately, God's plan for me. I will use this word to guide me through the days of 2014.

What is your One Little Word? How does this word apply to your life? How can you use your OLW to guide your year? Comment to this post with your OLW, and examples of how you can use your OLW this year. Here is a list of possible words to help you. Copy and paste this link if you need suggestions for a word.

http://aliedwards.com/2012/01/one-little-word-2012-the-words.html

I cannot wait to read your posts,
Mrs. Eads

Apples and Oranges

Dear Readers,

You have learned how to compare and contrast different topics like nonfiction and fiction; boas and pythons; TV or no TV (gasp!). Next, I would like you to take it a step further and compare and contrast your reading. You may choose two storybook characters and tell me how they are similar and different. Be sure to include text evidence in your response as well as signal words (which I have bolded below). Please read my example below. I look forward to your comments!

Your teacher, 
Mrs. Eads 

Harry Potter from the Harry Potter Series and Percy Jackson from the Percy Jackson  Series, are two very well-know storybook characters. Harry and Percy are similar because they are both young boys who face great dangers, and demonstrate courage. They both battle forces greater than themselves, but triumph in the end. Also, they are both characters from popular book series. In addition, Harry and Percy  have the help of their friends like, Hermione and Annabeth to help them along the way.Although Harry and Percy are alike, they also have some significant differences. For example, Harry is an orphan, but Percy's mother is still alive. Harry deals with the world of wizards and Percy lives in a world of Greeks Gods and myths. I find both characters to be interesting and unique. I enjoy reading about their adventures.

What do YOU think?

Readers,

As we read our fiction books, we have learned how to get to know a character in a deep way. We have studied:

• character traits (appearance, actions, dialogue, and thoughts)
• a character's relationship with other characters
• how a character changes in the story

At this point, you should have a well-rounded view of the character in your book. Now, I want to know what you think about your character -- your OPINION.

Your post must state your opinion, and your opinion MUST be supported by the text (text evidence) and what you know about the world. Be sure to edit.

Here is my example:

I think Ida B is trying to be tough because she doesn't know how to handle all of the heartache from her mother's illness and the changes in her life. In the story, her mother cries on her shoulder and apologizes to Ida B for the pain she is causing her, and Ida B has to give her best effort to not cry and be kind to her mother. Instead, she shows no emotion toward her mother. Also, when Ms. Washington puts her hand on Ida B, she feels it for some time after, which means Ida B still cares. I predict Ida B will come around because she cannot continue to live with such a hateful attitude. It will eventually get to her.

Happy posting,
Mrs. Eads

Concise, Precise Summaries!

Readers,

As a voracious reader, I love discussing books with other lovers of literature. I have joined book clubs, emailed with friends, and sat down over many meals where the conversation turned to what everyone was reading. Books are a part of my life.

However, I have noticed I have certain friends who never fail to disappoint me with their EXCELLENT recommendations. I finally figured out why they are so great at this life skill ...

When recommending a book to me, they give a concise, precise summary of the book. Their summary consist of the main characters, the setting, and the problem and solution, otherwise known as, the plot. They use LITERARY ELEMENTS to explain what the book is about!

I would like for you to write a short summary about the fiction book you are reading, includingcharacters, setting, and the plot (problem/solution). Assume I have not read the book and be sure to edit your work.

Here is an example from Matilda.Matilda is a funny story about a young, brilliant girl living with her mean, ignorant family. Matilda puts up with her family by reading many books and forming a special bond with her teacher, Miss. Honey. Matilda helps her teacher and school against the evil headmistress Ms.Trunchbull by putting her special talents to use.

I cannot wait to see your understanding of what you are reading!

Love, 

Mrs. Eads