Burying Dead Words

It was the perfect day to teach word choice and have a little seasonal fun in the process. Students mourned the loss of the word "said" plus several of his buddies. They learned word choice is the difference between writing that is alive and writing that is dead on the page. 

After the burial of several lifeless words, students began to study revision, the third stage in the writing process. Students are replacing vague, lifeless words with words that are clear and specific.  

Students learned revision produces words that are much more alive and powerful. Flip through the presentation and enjoy a few samples of student work. 

What a character!

Norfolk Middle School honors students each month who have exhibited great strength in a set of identified character traits also known as pillars of character. These pillars include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. At the end of each month, one student from each team is recognized as an outstanding role model of the traits. This student receives a Student of the Month certificate. 

October's Character Ed Assembly honored Paige from Team 1A. Paige was among several middle school students honored today for the character quality of TRUST.

Congratulations, Paige! 

Week's Activities

Red Ribbon Week is October 26 through October 30.  Red Ribbon Week is a week to raise awareness about the importance of being drug free. In 1988 President Reagan proclaimed the last full week in October as National Red Ribbon Week. It is estimated that more than 80 million participate in Red Ribbon Events every year.

Norfolk Middle School students will participate in activities and projects to support the anti-drug message of our school. 

• Monday, Oct. 26th - Sock It To Drugs! Wear crazy socks.  
• Tuesday, Oct. 27th- Team Up Against Drugs. Wear team shirts.
• Wednesday, Oct. 28th- Don't Get Tied Up in Drugs. Wear neck ties, hair ties, tie dye shirts.
• Thursday, Oct. 29th- Put a lid on Drugs. Wear a hat.
• Friday, Oct. 30- Be Drug Free! Wear red.

It is a week of fun themes and serious messages.    

E-Portfolios

Enclosed in this post is information on a year-long project for my language arts students.  They are creating e-portfolios. 

What is an e-portfolio?

In its basic definition, an e-portfolio is a digital collection of student work. It is an online space for holding materials such as writing samples, photographs, or drawings that are representative of student work and progress. An e-portfolio emphasizes creativity and allows a student to take an active role in learning.

How will this be adapted to fit our needs?

Students will create e-portfolios using Google Sites.  This blogging tool is user friendly and students will add writing assignments, photos, videos, artwork, and projects. 

Who is the audience for the e-Portfolio?

A digital portfolio offers each student the ability to have online conversations with peers and teachers about themselves as learners. A major goal is to attract readers allowing students to understand that the world is an audience, not just their teacher. Parents can go online and read their students e-portfolio. 

When will we do this project?

We have already started! This project takes the place of several paper and pencil tasks. No academic content standards will be missing. This project and other technology will be integrated to replace older teaching methods.

Please view your student’s e-portfolio. Explore the site, ask questions, and join the fun as your student showcases a wonderful collection of writing.

Ghost Print Poetry

When Room 100 brought out the paint and rollers, the fun arrived - plus lots of giggles. It tickles when you apply paint! Footprint art is as unique to a child as a fingerprint, and the end result is priceless. 

Fall is such a fun time of year! The season inspired some creative Halloween poems. Our ghost prints added to the fun.

With this introduction to poetry, students focused on several elements of poetry, and the lesson dealt specifically with end rhyme, internal rhyme, partial rhyme, verse, and stanza. 

 Poetry and art now transform our hall bulletin board and serve as a wall-to-wall portfolio of student work - just in time for the seasonal fun.