October 30 Journal

Welcome to the Writing Lab! My name is Mrs. Machota and I will be your guide for the next 21 class meetings.

Every day that you are here you will begin your day by answering one of the two journal questions listed below. You are graded on answering the question and writing in full complete sentences. By the end of the quarter, you should have earned 21 points by journaling.

In order to get to the journal, you need to click on "comment" located under these directions. When you are posting, you can click on "show original post" on the left to see the prompt again. You will then type in the box on the right under the phrase LEAVE YOUR COMMENT. When you are ready to "publish" your post, scroll down to "chose your identity", click on "other" and then type your first name, last initial, and grade level and day in the first box where it says "name". Never type your last name. It is for your safety. Do not type anything in "your web page." Then click "publish your comment" which is orange. When you are done, read your scholastic reading book.

Here are today's two topics:

1. Imagine you are in a costume shop and one of the costumes suddenly comes to life! Write about what happens next.
2. Describe a meal or a snack that hits the spot after a long, tiring day at school.
   

October 29 Journal

Welcome to the Writing Lab! My name is Mrs. Machota and I will be your guide for the next 21 class meetings.
Every day that you are here you will begin your day by answering one of the two journal questions listed below. You are graded on answering the question and writing in full complete sentences. By the end of the quarter, you should have earned 21 points by journaling.
In order to get to the journal, you need to click on "comment" located under these directions. When you are posting, you can click on "show original post" on the left to see the prompt again. You will then type in the box on the right under the phrase LEAVE YOUR COMMENT. When you are ready to "publish" your post, scroll down to "chose your identity", click on "other" and then type your first name, last initial, and grade level and day in the first box where it says "name". Never type your last name. It is for your safety. Do not type anything in "your web page." Then click "publish your comment" which is orange. When you are done, read your scholastic reading book.

Here are today's two topics:

1. October is National Popcorn Poppin' Month. Imagine being the only kernel of popcorn that does not pop in a package. Describe how you feel about it.
2. If you could have a candy product named after you, what would it be? Describe the treat and why it should be named after you.

October 25 Journal

If you are wearing a sports shirt today, you will earn 1 extra credit point in class.



When you are done with today's journal, you may work in Study Island or on extra credit.

Since this is our last "official" day I wanted to thank each of you for allowing into your life. I am very blessed that I have gotten to work with each of you over this quarter. Each of your writing "voices" is developing beautifully and I am proud to have gone on this journey with you. I ask one thing, please keep writing! Just like sports, we only get better with practice.

Remember my motto, "Good. Better. Best. Never let them rest. Until your Good is Better and your Better- Best!" I know you will be the Best for the rest of the year.

Happy Flamingo-ing,

Mrs. Machota

And now to the journal...

RESPECT — Respect means showing genuine regard for the worth of people, including yourself. It doesn’t mean that we hold everyone in high esteem or admire them. It means that everyone’s safety and well-being matters, and that all people have value. We show respect by honoring a person’s dignity and privacy, by acting courteously, by accepting and tolerating different cultures, styles of dress, traditions and opinions, and by acknowledging that everyone has the right to make up his own mind. In other words, we live by the Golden Rule: we treat others the way we want to be treated. It means we never treat others simply as a means to our own gratification or gain. Drug abuse works against respect for others and for ourselves.

1. How does drug abuse cause people to be disrespectful toward others?


2. How does it show a lack of respect for oneself?


3. Consider the crimes often associated with drug abuse. List the violent crimes in one column and non-violent crimes in another.

October 24 Journal

Remember that today (midnight) is the last day to submit a missing essay to My Access.

When you are done with this journal, move to Study Island or work on Extra Credit.

Since this is our last day together, I just wanted to let you know that I have been blessed to work with you all over the last 8 weeks and I will miss not seeing you regularly, but I hope you all continue to write. You are all developing your voice and your writing is progressing beautifully. I have been proud to be your teacher and writing partner this quarter.
Remember my motto, "Good. Better. Best. Never let them rest. Until your Good is Better and your Better- Best." I know you will be the Best in everything you do! -Mrs. Machota

And now today's journal...

CITIZENSHIP — Citizenship refers to the duties, rights, conduct and responsibilities of the citizens of a state. To be a good citizen means that we seek the common good for everyone: our family, friends and loved ones; our neighborhood; our community; our city, state, country — even the whole planet. Good citizens participate in the democratic process (voting, jury duty, paying taxes, etc.), obey laws and help take care of the environment.


Answer all three questions today.

1. How does drug abuse interfere with practicing good citizenship?


2. What negative effects does drug abuse have on society?


3. Why do you think drug abuse is illegal?

October 23 Journals

In honor of Red Ribbon Week those of you wearing Black and Gold today will earn 1 extra credit point in class.

After today's journal, come and see me for the Bridges survey (for Red Ribbon Week). When you are done with the survey you may move into Study Island.

I am also going to be telling you your grade thus far and if extra credit is beneficial to you. If you have an outstanding essay missing it is due by Wednesday, Oct 22 at midnight, or it will be a zero.

TRUSTWORTHINESS — When someone is trustworthy you can have confidence in him. Trustworthiness shows itself in at least four different ways. First, there is integrity. That’s when your thoughts, words and actions all agree with each other. Second, there is honesty. That’s when you tell the truth, sometimes volunteering information because it is essential or important for another person to know. Thirdly, you show trustworthiness by keeping your promises, meaning you do what you say you will do. And fourthly, you are trustworthy if you are loyal. That means you support your friends, family, commitments and your country.
It is impossible to have meaningful relationships without trust. And that’s one of the problems with using illegal drugs: it undermines trust.

Answer all three questions today.

1. Can you trust someone who abuses or is addicted to drugs? Why?
2. Can you trust someone who is high?
3. Where is the drug addict’s loyalty: to his drugs or to people who care about him?
   

October 22 Journal

Happy Red Ribbon Week. Those of you who are wearing red will be earing 1 extra credit point today!

When you are done, come and see me for a survey you need to take.

Once you are done with the survey, work in Study Island. This is your last week to get rid of red triangles.

1. October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month. Write a conversation between a stray dog and a dog inside a fenced yard.


2. Image that a giant has just knocked on your door and demanded to be fed. Write directions for preparing a feast fit for a 50-foot giant.

October 19 Journal

Happy Friday.

Today things are due. Be sure you are working hard and I mean quiet.

When you are done here move into Study Island. Work hard on removing all of your red triangles. After that, go to My Access to work on your essays. Remember you only have to the end of the week to get your work done.

1. October is Vegetarian Month. Create a new recipe that does not contain meat. List the ingredients and explain how to prepare it.


2. Many popular books have been made into movies. What book have you recently read that would make a good movie? Explain.

October 18 Journal

Happy Thursday.

Sorry I am not here, but in the office covering for Mrs. Baldwin. If you get in trouble I will know immediately so please work on your tasks quietly.

When you are done here move into Study Island. Work hard on removing all of your red triangles. After that, go to My Access to work on your essays. Remember you only have until midnight on Friday to get your essays submitted.

Mr. K has extra credit that you can work on. Study Island is having a "holiday" card contest. Get the information from Mr. K and the card stock (it has to be cut 5x8). This card is due by Next Friday and is worth 20 points.

1. Thomas Edison died on this day in 1931. He was a famous inventor who invented the lightbulb, phonograph, and many other things. If you could ask Thomas Edison three questions what would they be? Why?


2. Today is Zac Efron's birthday. As you know Zac was the lead in High School Musical. If you could ask Zac give Zac a birthday present what would it be? Explain.

October 17 Jouranl

Happy Wednesday. When you are done here move into Study Island. Work hard on removing all of your red triangles. After that, go to My Access to work on your essays. Remember you only have to the end of the week to get your work done.

1. October is National Stamp Collecting Month. Imagine that 50 years from now, a stamp will be created that honors you and your contributions to the world. Write a press release that tells the stamp's cost, describes the stamp's image, and outlines your accomplishments.



2. If you could permanently trade places with someone, whom would you choose? Explain.

October 16 Journal

Happy Tuesday. When you get done with your journal move into Study Island. Work hard at getting rid of the red triangles. You have until Friday to clean things up there. If you are finished with Study Island, you may go directly to your essays in My Access.

1. Today is Dictionary Day in honor of Noah Webster's birthday. Name four words that describe you and explain why you chose each word.
2. If you were asked to judge a pumpkin carving contest, what guidelines would you use to select a winner?

October 15 Journal

1. October 15 is National Grouch Day. Make a list of animals that would like to celebrate this day. Explain why you selected each.
2. Write a paragraph that starts with the sentence, "The craziest things happened to me at the library today."

When you are done g into Study Island.

October 12 Journal

Hi! When you are done with your journal move into Study Island for 30 minutes and then go to My Access. Remember your essays are due at the end of next week.

1. In honor of Computer Learning Month, write directions explaining how to win at your favorite computer game.


2. October is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month. Write 5 tips to help a person select the prefect canine (dog) companion.

October 11 Journal

Hi. When you are done with your journal move into Study Island for 30 minutes. From there go into My Access and finish working on your essays. Remember you only have one more week before both essays are due.

1. Columbus Day was celebrated last Monday. Do you think it will still be celebrated 200 years from now? Explain.


2. Today is Eleanor Roosevelt's birthday. Mrs. Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Describe a dream that you have for the future.

October 10 Journal

Hi! After you are done with your post you have 30 minutes in Study Island and then we will transition into My Access. Remember to get your reading done on Mars before you begin writing the letter to President Bush.

1. National School Lunch Week starts on the second Sunday in October. Describe your favorite school lunch.


2. Pretend you are a leaf changing colors. Write a paragraph describing how you feel.

October 9 Journal

Good morning. When you are done with your journal you will have 30 minutes in Study Island and then I want you to move into My Access for the remainder of class. Remember you need to read the Mars article and do the graphic organizer before you begin writing the letter to the President.

1. Fire Prevention Week is celebrated in October. Write a paragraph convincing someone to install fire detectors and to check them regularly.
2. October is National Roller Skating Month. Imagine that you find a card tucked in a pair of skates that says "To scale (climb) the sides of buildings, touch your nose. To fly, tug your ear." Write about what happens next.

Octobr 4 Journal

Happy Thursday. Remember you do not have school on Friday :-) When you are done go to Study Island. You'll have 30 minutes there and then I am going to talk about Narrative Essays again today.

1. Sputnik, the world's first man-made satellite, was launched on October 4, 1957. What spacer travel first do you think will happen in your lifetime? Describe how it will affect life on Earth.


2. World Smile Day is tomorrow. Describe three or more things you have done recently that made someone smile.

October 3 Journal

Happy Wednesday. Go to Study Island when you are done. You'll have 30 minutes there. I am going to talk about Narrative writing some more today.

1. The first full week in October is National Newspaper Week. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, The Joliet Herald, stating whether or not kids should have an assigned bedtime. Support your opinion with reasons.


2. Compare this year's school experiences to last year's. How are they alike? How are they different?

October 2 Journal

Hi. After you post today, go directly to Study Island. You will only have 30 minutes there because I want to talk with you about Narrative Essays today.

1. October is National Cookie Month. What is your favorite kind of cookie? Explain.



2. Pretend you are a scarecrow and you are about to retire from your post. Write some advise for a rookie (a new scarecrow) taking your place.

October 1 Journal

When you are done with your journal, go directly to Study Island. You will have only 30 minutes there today. After the 30 minutes I want to talk to you about Narrative Essays today.

1. The CD player was introduced on this day in 1982. Name a CD that you plan to have in your collection for years to come. Explain.
2. The first Monday in October is Child Health Day. Pretend you are a newborn baby. Write a letter to your parents explaining what they should do to keep you healthy and safe as you grow up. Remember this is pretend, so yes, you as a baby can write a letter :-)