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 2015, 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 2015.

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. 

I cannot wait to read your posts,
Ms. Blackmon

What Exactly is a Blog?

Dear students,

What exactly is a blog, and why are we using it in 4th grade? We will use the blog to communicate about different things we discuss in class. Our online posts will extend our conversations from class, and allow us to see what other classmates are thinking as well.

We will use the blog for many different things. Often I will write a post, and you will be asked to respond to it for homework. For example, we might post about different reading strategies, or use it to respond to poetry in the spring. However, this year I would also love to have students write a blog post, and classmates can respond to their post.

Today, I am interested in your thoughts about the blog. Please answer the following questions:

1. What excites you about the blog?

2. What questions do you have about the blog?

3. What ideas do you have for future blog posts or using the blog?


I look forward to reading your first blog response!

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Would You Rather Part 7

Dear students,

For your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• One counter argument
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Would you rather have the ability to read or the ability to read minds (but you wouldn't be able to read)?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

P.S.-Here is my example:

        If I had the choice to have a 3-day weekend every week or have an extra month of summer vacation, I would rather have a 3-day weekend every week. If I had a 3-day weekend instead of 2 days, I would get a lot more done! In addition, I would not have to work as much, and I could spend more time working out, shopping, reading, relaxing, and hanging out with my friends. Plus, I would not feel so rushed on my weekends. I could even go out of town for long weekends and visit family and friends! However, some may prefer an extra month of summer vacation because they could take longer trips. I think the benefits of longer weekends out weigh the benefits of an extra month of summer. I prefer having a 3-day weekend  rather than having another month of summer vacation.

Would You Rather Part 6

Dear students,

For your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• One counter argument
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Would you rather always have to say everything on your mind or never speak again?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

P.S.-Here is my example:

        If I had the choice to have a 3-day weekend every week or have an extra month of summer vacation, I would rather have a 3-day weekend every week. If I had a 3-day weekend instead of 2 days, I would get a lot more done! In addition, I would not have to work as much, and I could spend more time working out, shopping, reading, relaxing, and hanging out with my friends. Plus, I would not feel so rushed on my weekends. I could even go out of town for long weekends and visit family and friends! However, some may prefer an extra month of summer vacation because they could take longer trips. I think the benefits of longer weekends out weigh the benefits of an extra month of summer. I prefer having a 3-day weekend  rather than having another month of summer vacation.

Would You Rather Part 5

 Dear students,

For your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• One counter argument
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Imagine your favorite food in the entire world. Now, imagine how yummy it tastes! MMMMMMMMM. Got it? Good! 

Would you rather eat your favorite food everyday for the rest of your life or never eat your favorite food again?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

P.S.-Here is my example:

        If I had the choice to have a 3-day weekend every week or have an extra month of summer vacation, I would rather have a 3-day weekend every week. If I had a 3-day weekend instead of 2 days, I would get a lot more done! In addition, I would not have to work as much, and I could spend more time working out, shopping, reading, relaxing, and hanging out with my friends. Plus, I would not feel so rushed on my weekends. I could even go out of town for long weekends and visit family and friends! However, some may prefer an extra month of summer vacation because they could take longer trips. I think the benefits of longer weekends out weigh the benefits of an extra month of summer. I prefer having a 3-day weekend  rather than having another month of summer vacation.

Would You Rather Part 4

Dear students,


For your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• One counter argument
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Would you rather be a giant hamster or a tiny rhino?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

P.S.-Here is my example:

        If I had the choice to have a 3-day weekend every week or have an extra month of summer vacation, I would rather have a 3-day weekend every week. If I had a 3-day weekend instead of 2 days, I would get a lot more done! In addition, I would not have to work as much, and I could spend more time working out, shopping, reading, relaxing, and hanging out with my friends. Plus, I would not feel so rushed on my weekends. I could even go out of town for long weekends and visit family and friends! However, some may prefer an extra month of summer vacation because they could take longer trips. I think the benefits of longer weekends out weigh the benefits of an extra month of summer. I prefer having a 3-day weekend  rather than having another month of summer vacation.

Would You Rather Part 3

Dear students,


For your final blog posts, you will write a persuasive paragraph in a series called "Would You Rather." In each post, I will give you a scenario, and you will have to defend your answer using the following criteria:

• A topic sentence stating your opinion
• At least 3 supporting sentences defending your opinion
• One counter argument
• A concluding sentence summarizing your writing

Here is your "Would You Rather" for today:

Would you rather have the ability to see 10 years into your own future or one year into the future of the world?

Please remember to check for mistakes by reading aloud your post to yourself before you publish it. I cannot wait to see what you write!

Your teacher,

Ms. B :)

P.S.-Here is my example:

        If I had the choice to have a 3-day weekend every week or have an extra month of summer vacation, I would rather have a 3-day weekend every week. If I had a 3-day weekend instead of 2 days, I would get a lot more done! In addition, I would not have to work as much, and I could spend more time working out, shopping, reading, relaxing, and hanging out with my friends. Plus, I would not feel so rushed on my weekends. I could even go out of town for long weekends and visit family and friends! However, some may prefer an extra month of summer vacation because they could take longer trips. I think the benefits of longer weekends out weigh the benefits of an extra month of summer. I prefer having a 3-day weekend  rather than having another month of summer vacation.