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