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 2016, 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 2016.

In your comment, answer the following questions in complete sentences:

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. 

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence

I cannot wait to read your posts,
Ms. Blackmon

Grounded!

Dear students,

Imagine that your family has made plans to visit relatives for the holidays. Write about what happens when flights are cancelled because of a blizzard, and you find yourselves stuck in the airport on Christmas Eve. Can your family make the best of a difficult situation?

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence
• three of your spelling words

Happy blogging,
Ms. Blackmon

How to Build a Snowman!

Dear students,

Your pen pal in Hawaii has never seen snow. Write a letter to her explaining the steps to making a snowman.

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence

Happy blogging,
Ms. Blackmon

Extreme Makeover, Christmas Style!

Dear students,

Your elderly neighbor’s holiday decorations always attract crowds. This year, unfortunately, she broke her leg and can’t decorate her house for Christmas. She has asked you to do it for her and has given you the cash you need to buy any supplies.

Decide on a theme, and describe what you will do to decorate her house.

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence
• three of your spelling words

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon

Snow Day!

Dear students,

Suppose you woke up tomorrow morning, and to your surprise, everything outside was covered in fluffy white snow.  Write at least a 5 sentence paragraph describing your snow day and your snow-filled adventures.

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence
• three of your spelling words

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon

Elf Life

Dear students,

You are an elf who works at the North Pole. Write at least a 5 sentence paragraph describing a typical workday. 

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence
• three of your spelling words

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon

It's Traditional!

Dear students,

Most families have special Christmas traditions. Write about one tradition your family enjoys. Does your mom bake a certain kind of cookie each year? Do you assemble shoe boxes filled with gifts for needy children? Chop down your own Christmas tree? Sing Christmas carols at a retirement home?Describe this tradition in at least a 5 sentence paragraph. 

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence

• three of your spelling words

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon

A Doggone Exciting Christmas!

Dear students,

Pretend that you are a wriggly, wiggly, roly-poly puppy, and you have been chosen as a Christmas present for a boy or girl.

• First, tell how you feel saying good-bye to your family.
• Then, describe being placed in a box under the tree.
• Finally, write about what it’s like to meet your new friend and owner.

Your paragraph must be at least 5 sentences long and include the following:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence
• three of your spelling words

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon :-)

Counter Argument: One More Month of Freedom!

Dear Writers,

In writing, we have learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Given the following thesis statement, please write a "counter argument" paragraph utilizing the writing skills we have practiced in class.

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

Thesis statement:

Kids should have an extra month of summer vacation. 

I look forward to reading your responses.

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Counter Argument: 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,
Ms. Blackmon

Counter Argument: T.V.

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,
Ms. Blackmon

Naughty or Nice?

Dear students,

It's that time of year again! Have you been naughty or nice this year? You must write  a 5 sentence paragraph describing which list you belong on. You must provide text evidence to support your claim!

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence
• three of your spelling words

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon

Giving Thanks!

Dear students,

Thanksgiving is a holiday where we show how grateful and thankful we are for the gifts in our lives. Can you think of something or someone YOU are thankful for?

Decide on one thing you are most thankful for and write a 5 sentences paragraph describing that person, place, or thing.

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon

Turkey Traditions!

Dear students,

Holidays are usually incorporated with traditions. The Peanuts gang started a tradition of eating around their ping pong table.

Does your family have any special traditions for Thanksgiving? If so, describe your traditions. If not, what traditions would you like to start up this year?

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon

Food Frenzy!

Dear students,

Food is a big part of Thanksgiving. While traditional Thanksgiving feasts include turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, the holiday could use some new and exciting additions to the menu. Snoopy tries some creative options for his Thanksgiving dinner. Now it's your turn.

Create a new dish that you think would commemorate the holiday. Describe what it is made of and why you think Thanksgiving would be better with your dish on the table.

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon

My Planet!

Dear students,

Write at least a 5 sentence paragraph answering the following prompt:

You’re a scientist who has just discovered a new planet. In one year, people will be coming to live on it. What will your planet be like? What will you name your planet? Write a paragraph describing your new planet.

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.

• a closing sentence

Here is an example of an advanced/proficient post:
If I discovered a new planet, I would call it Awesomya! It would be made of sand, water, and gushers. You could swim and play all day, and then you could go to Gushers Island and eat. Also, they would serve normal water and healthy food too, so you could survive.There would be animals on the planet, and they would be really fuzzy and cute. There would be no mosquitos or chiggers. People would come to Awesomeya and live there. They would develop the planet just like Earth. I would love to travel to the new planet, Awesomeya.

Happy blogging,
Ms. Blackmon 

When I Grow Up!

Dear students,

Write at least a 5 sentence paragraph answering the following question:

If you could have any job in the world, what would you do and why?

Be sure to include:

• a topic sentence

• supporting details

• complete sentences

• correct spelling, capitalization (M.I.N.T.S.), and end punctuation.
• a closing sentence

Here is an example of an advanced/proficient post:

My dream job is to be a dolphin trainer. I would be able to spend all my time with my favorite animal dolphins, and I would get to spend a lot of time in the water. I would be in shows with the dolphins, and I might also get to train other animals such as, an orca whale or a beluga whale. I could also live near the beach and go there whenever I wanted to. Every morning I would wake up and go to my job. Then I would get to spend the whole day there with the other trainers. Then late at night I would go home. It would be the best job ever!

I cannot wait to read your responses!

Your teacher,
Ms. B :)

All You Can Eat!

Dear students,

Please write at least a 5 sentence paragraph about the following:

Imagine you opened your own restaurant. What would the name of your restaurant be? What kind of food would you serve? What does your restaurant look like? Where is your restaurant located? Have fun and be creative.

Remember, students, to watch out for run-ons, and to write in complete sentences. I look forward to reading your comments!

Your paragraph must…

• be at least 5 sentences long

• written in complete sentences

• use M.I.N.T.S.

• have a topic sentence and supporting details

• have a closing sentence

Here is an example of an advanced/proficient comment:

If I could open up a restaurant, its name would be Rene's. This restaurant would have all the Italian food you could ever imagine! Every person would get an appetizer, entree, and a very good desert. The walls in this restaurant would have pictures of Italy all over it. You would sit in booths, a table, or upstairs in a high top. We would serve lasagna, pizza, any type of pasta, and much more Italian food. If I could open up this restaurant, I would do it because of my dad's side of the family is Italian! All of my employees would come straight from the best restaurants in Italy! We would have Italian people come to our restaurant just because our food is so good. My restaurant would always be playing Italian music or have a famous Italian singer there. If I had this restaurant, it would mean so much to my guests, employees, my family and friends. 

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon

Monkey Business

Dear students,

Imagine that for one day only you could have a pet monkey! What would you do with your pet? What would you name him/her? What adventures would you two have? Please describe your day with your new friend.

Remember, students, to watch out for run-ons, and to write in complete sentences. I look forward to reading your comments!

Your paragraph must…

• be at least 5 sentences long
• written in complete sentences
• use M.I.N.T.S.
• have a topic sentence and supporting details
• have a closing sentence

Here is an example of an advanced/proficient comment:
If I had a pet monkey, I would name it Bailey. If I could do anything with Bailey, I would go to the park to let her play. Of course, I would have to play too. We would mostly play at the monkey bars. Our hearts would start to pump in excitement. After that, we would go to California Pizza Kitchen. Bailey would get a big pepperoni pizza, and I would get mac and cheese. We would mainly just stay there and talk with each other. After that, we would go to the candy store and get lots of candy. Bailey would get all banana flavored candy. Finally, we would go home and snuggle up on the couch. I would read Curious George to her, and she would fall asleep in my arms.  That would be my day with Bailey.

Happy blogging,
Ms. Blackmon

Teacher for a Day!

Dear students,

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to the teacher for one day? Well, now is your chance! In your comment below, please write a paragraph describing what you would do as the teacher for one day. For example, what would you teach? What kind of activities would you plan? What would your students call you? Think about what would happen in class if you were in charge for a day and leave your comment below.
Your paragraph must…

• be at least 5 sentences long
• written in complete sentences
• use M.I.N.T.S.
• have a topic sentence and supporting details
• have a closing sentence

Here are two examples of advanced/proficient comments:
If I was a teacher for a day, all of my students would call me Miss Welborn. I would read aloud to them. The book would be Smile. After that, we would play lots of board games. We would play Clue, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, and Candy Land. Next, we would go outside on the playground and play a lot of fun games while drinking Coke and Sprite. Then, we would go on a field trip to Snowmass, CO and ski and snowboard. I would ski! Finally, we would come back to school and watch the new movie, Minions. While we are watching the movie, we would eat bags of candy and drink all the soft drinks we would like. I would love to be teacher for a day!

If I were a teacher for a day, I would make sure I got everything perfect from the start. First, I would wake up in my own house in a warm bed. I would go downstairs and eat a warm bagel from Bruggers Bagels, specifically the cinnamon flavoring (YUM)! I would get dressed in a long skirt with a long-sleeved shirt red t-shirt. I would head to school with two batches of cookies, one for each class. I would start off the day with a warm greeting and a smile on my face. When we sat down at the carpet, I would make sure we would play the best game, along with a funny greeting. I would make sure everyone used proper grammar and everyone was included. I would also teach chemistry and do a bunch of experiments. During lunch, I would get into a conversation with my students and learn more about them. For recess, I would give them two hours instead of twenty minutes. Finally, I would end the day with another fun greeting and some cookies. I think it would be very fun to have my own classroom and be teacher for a day.

Happy blogging,
Ms. Blackmon :)