Twin Falls

It has been a very busy summer, working on the house. We remodeled our kitchen and did some other pretty big jobs around the house. However, my summer is coming to an end. I know, you feel for me. With MWE getting out so late due to the floods and crazy snow and school over here starting on the 27th of August, the summer just disappeared. I hope you are all getting freaked out about MS. It won't seem so bad in a few months. Hah! Miss you! Take care.

What a surprise!

So here's a funny story. The Monday after school got out I was coming home from dropping the kids off at VBS and thought for sure I saw someone I knew from Granite Falls here in Twin Falls (12 hours away!). I quickly dismissed it because the night before I swore that I saw a teacher that teaches at MCE, also.

As my eyes were diverting off the car, back to the road, the driver began to laugh at me. Next thing I know the back seat window goes down and Lorraina was sitting in the back. I hit the breaks, clearly showing a look of bewilderment!

After having a good laugh, Diana explained that they were on their way back from a trip to Utah and thought they would try to find me. They used the address I gave in the report cards and a map they picked up. They went for a trip to the gas station then came back for a looksie around the house. What a fun time and a great surprise.

Anyone else planning on dropping in soon?

D.J. and Jo Jo

First me and Jo Jo got on the bus. He wanted to breathe out the window so I let him and I almost got in trouble for it. When we got off Jo Jo checked the mail. He got a ride in my brother’s backpack instead of walking. Then my baby brother wanted to hold him. He really loved my Westie Terrier. He wanted to play football in our room. He tried to take some spaghetti noodles. I told him not to steal my cheesecake pie. Then we went to bed . When we woke up he wanted to take another picture so we did. He told me we had a good time.

Tuck Everlasting

Who is your favorite character in Tuck Everlasting? Give me two reasons why. (Bubble gum to the most complete, original and well thought through answer).

JoJo’s Time at the Assembly

Greg Reporting:

JoJo had a great time at the assembly. Jojo really liked the polar bear’s pajamas. He said that his feet were getting numb from sitting there on the floor. JoJo also said that he was thirsty and that he wishes that he had the hot chocolate in the story to drink. He told me that he wants to write a book about how annoying cats are (but I do not think that cats are annoying because they are loving and friendly). Finally, he said that he wants to go in the snow with the polar bears.

Syd and JoJo

When JoJo and I got home from the boring bus I had to do my boring homework before we could play. JoJo got very bored watching me do all my homework so I turned on the T.V. He strolled through the channels and finally found one that he liked. That only kept him busy for a little bit until he got tired of it. He told me to hurry up. I finished shortly after that.
Then we went outside to play. JoJo met my crazy little puppy Gizmo and my hyper dog Zsa-Zsa. They both got along with JoJo very well. We all ran and played in the yard for a while enjoying the lovely day. Then we went to the hammock to catch our breath and take a break. JoJo liked the hammock like Gizmo does. Zsa-Zsa is too big for it so she just laid next to us. It was very peaceful except hearing the dogs panting.
We were starving and thirsty so we asked my mom if she would start dinner. She said she would in a minute so we got something to drink. Finally the moment came when dinner was ready and we could eat. I was so happy! I thought I might die from starvation. JoJo didn’t want any tacos because he wanted to be a true dog and eat dog food like my dogs. So I got him some and fed my dogs too.
After dinner we were fat and happy and then my whole family watched a movie. We watched Ice Age 2 The Meltdown. JoJo thought it was really funny like my whole family did. We were pretty pooped by the end of the movie and were ready for bed.

Anabel with JoJo

First we got home. JoJo was happy. Then JoJo was hungry so I gave him food. My dog loves JoJo, like his other toys. He followed me where ever I went with JoJo. Then JoJo helped me clean my room. My dog came in my room and started to play with JoJo. I was like, “No Chico!” Chico is my dog and I love him like a brother.
JoJo liked having cube 93 but I told him that they say bad words in their songs. Later in the day, me, JoJo, my sister, Chico, and another dog, Hanna walked around the loop. Then JoJo was getting wet. We had some Go-gurt and went to bed. I hope you guys liked my day with JoJo!

Coby and JoJo

We got home from school and looked at my fish. JoJo and I had my cousin and sisters friend stay the night. We had fun. I dressed JoJo up in leather. He even got good at the electric guitar. We stayed up playing video games. JoJo really likes the trampoline.

Jo Jo’s stay with Lorraina

First, Jo Jo and I went to Delaney’s house. We did our homework and some AM. Then we all ate a pizza. Jo Jo couldn’t finish his whole pizza, so I helped him.

Next, we went to my house, and had some fun on the trampoline. It started to rain, so we wrapped him in my warm coat. Suddenly it got too rainy, so we ran inside. Then, we were a little bored, so we went on the computer to make a music video to bellybutton. Right when the music started, Jo Jo started dancing. It was so hilarious; we were cracking up. But soon after Delaney had to go home.

After that we were bored. We took our boredom to my room, and just hung out there. After that Jo Jo was pretty hungry, so we went to look for something to eat. Finally, we decided to eat some honey bunches of oats, and anything else we found. When we were completely full, we watched Night at the Museum. Finally we were so tired after such a long day, so we dozed off.

JoJo and Warren

JoJo And I
When Jojo and I got home from school, he met my bunny, PhooPhoo and my dog, Rocco. Then we went to my friend Kylie’s house. We jumped on her trampoline. After awhile we headed home. Jojo did a handstand when he saw my big yellow truck and drove it to dinner. He had dog food and said he liked it better than spaghetti.

We set up his tent, started a fire and watched a movie called Open Season. We also played a board game, then we went to bed. In the morning we packed his bag, ate cereal then went to school. We had a lot of fun while he was visiting.

Zena and JoJo

Today when Jojo and I got home, I looked at my frog and Jojo would not stop looking at the frog. I did my homework and Jojo was still looking at my frog. My cousin got home and sat with Jojo. She liked Jojo. She played with him forever. Jojo sat with my cat Muzzle. She smelled Jojo and then Jojo sat with my dog Kuzco, who did not want to do anything with Jojo.
Then me and Jojo and Kari sat on my bed and watched Fantastic 4. I love that show. I think Jojo did too. I started to get hungry and so did Jojo. Me, Jojo and Kari ate some Red Vines. We had pizza for dinner. I'm not sure if Jojo liked it or not. Jojo got hungry again and had dog food.
We played outside for awhile than it was time for bed. Jojo slept on the floor.
In the morning we had breakfast. We had waffles. I gave Jojo more dog food so during class time he would not get hungry.

Main Events of James Pease

Think back on our story so far. What are some main things that have happened in the story? Please write down 3 main events. For each main event include two details that explain what you remember from that event.


Here's an example from our last book:

1. Sarah Nita's village was captured by the blue soldiers. Her sister and her were tending the sheep when the soldiers came. Their dog kept them away from the village until it was safe.


(In my first sentence you can see the key idea: the capture of the village. The next two sentences were details explaining what else I remember about that event.)


That is just one example of one main event. I would like you to do that for 3 main events from our current story about Sgt. James Pease.

Jordan and JoJo

First JoJo met the cat. Then he saw my dirtbikes. He just had to sit on them. He watched me do my homework. Then we ate dinner and hung out with my family. Lastly, we watched T.V.

Nick’s Days with Jo-Jo

On Thursday when I got home with Jo-Jo I was going to do something with him, but I got bored so I left him on the counter for a half hour. When I did my homework at the counter Jo-Jo was there and wanted to do it as well. Jo-Jo didn’t want to do my homework as much as I did. After that he wanted to play video games. When I was going through the channels Jo-Jo stopped me to watch his favorite show the snow channel. (static) He had watched it for about an hour before he got to eat dinner. He ate food but it was dog food.

Around 9:00 we ate snickers from my brother's party that he had the day before. We ate so much candy that I got sick and threw up. Jo-Jo slept at my feet because he didn’t want to get sick. He wondered if I wanted to play or if I was asleep. The next day Jo-Jo and I didn’t get up tell 1:00pm. Jo-Jo saw a beast outside and I told him it was Taz my dog. He was so eager to go see him that he wanted to go through a wall to see him. I put Jo-Jo on top of Taz’s head!!!

He wanted to go outside and play anything. He was going to play basketball and soccer. He figured out that he could play both. When he played basketball he got stuck in the net trying to dunk the ball and during soccer he saved every goal that was shot.

On Sunday his dream came true!!! He was able to get though a wall to get to the dog. My dad popped a hole in the wall that morning. He was so excited that he went through it and said hi to Taz all day. I didn’t have to do anything all day with him because of the hole. Taz and him became friends and played tug a war.

James Edmond Pease

1. What are two ways that James is like you? Include information from the story and your life to prove your answer.

2. What are two ways that James is different than you? Include information from the story and your life to prove your answer.

This assignment is worth 4 pts. You need to explain each answer, giving examples.

JoJo's Stay with Kelsey

When JoJo and I got home he was tired from the walk that he had to go in my massage chair (see picture). After that I got bored so JoJo and I went to go jump on the trampoline. JoJo saw my dog Reese. He got scared so JoJo crawled in my dog’s old toy house. And then my dog Reese and JoJo became friends and started to play.
After that we had to eat dinner. JoJo did not like the salmon though but I did. Then the clock said 6 and that is when I do my homework so he had fun watching. But I did not have fun trying to do my homework.
Then JoJo and I watched TV until 8:00 then we had to go to bed so he slept in the other side of the room and I slept in my bed. Then my mom came in and woke us up at 6:30 -7:00 then we had to get ready for school.

JoJo Potato's Time with Shayde

JoJo Potatoe's time with Shayde was like Disney Land, only better!
The first part was a bad start because every body was grabbing him on the bus. Then we finally got to my stop. We had a snack then feed and watered the animals. After that we got to my room and did some homework.
Later we had some tasty cold leftovers which was chicken and sticky rice. JoJo got furious when I told him he could not eat my chicken bones because they where deadly to dogs.
After that we played with my cat Grendle. He also found my Easter candy and hugged a chocolate bunny. It was so cute that I had to take a picture! After I did that he found my dog's clothes. They where way too big, but he found a bed that he really liked so I put it in my room on a pillow.

By,
Shayde

Padilla Bay Field Trip: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly?

So what did you think of the field trip? Did you like it? What did you like the most? Were there any parts you would have changed? How about boring parts? Talk about your experience in 6-7 sentences. I would like to see a paragraph with an introductory sentence, some key ideas and details, and a closing sentence. Get to it!

Daniel's day with JoJo

Jo-Jo and I played lots of times. Jo -jo rode in my blue mustang he had fun! Then he met one of my best friends. They both posed in the picture; it was funny. Jo- jo liked watching TV too much but I did not really mind. Jo-jo also liked watching me do my homework but I did not like doing it. Jo- jo thought the fire place was too warm so I got him outta there. Jo- jo got really really tired of all rides poses watching so he decided to do one other pose, so we did.

JoJo Visits Riley's Home

Today after I got home, Jo-Jo met my dogs, Taz and Goober. Jo-Jo wanted to ride Goober. I put him in his back pack and strapped him in and he had a blast. Some times he got scared but he still had fun.

Then we went out and played basketball. Jo-Jo made one basket. He then got hit by the ball and had to sit out a while. He was back in again and made a slam dunk! He probably jumped up about 5 feet!

After we played basketball, he played in the dog house. Taz and Jo-Jo lay down and fell asleep for awhile. I had to wake him up because he was asleep.

After he took a nap, we did some football practice. Jo-Jo made a couple of touch downs. He was so happy! He was so small that I couldn’t touch him, so he won 20 to 12. We played some catch. He couldn’t catch very well for some reason. Then we went in and ate some tuna casserole. Jo-Jo was starving, so he ate like a pig. He ate 4 scoops of it!

That is my day with Jo-Jo. I hope you liked it!

Conclusion to Sarah Nita

WASL practice questions using our SS book (2.4.1)

1. What do you think would be the worst parts (2) of Sarah Nita's long walk and time in Fort Sumner? (Include information from the story in your answer)

For SS extra credit:

2. How might this story be useful to someone who wants to study US History? (include details from the story in your answer)

Dreaming of a Sunny Break!

What are your plans over Spring Break?

Shiloh Movie

Please write one sentence for EACH of these story elements:

Describe the setting

Tell the problem of the story

Tell the solution of the story

Describe the main character

If you did not watch Shiloh, please answer these for the book that you read with your partner. Make sure you tell me which book.

Jo Jo Potato and Anna

When Jo Jo Potato and I were on the bus coming home, everybody thought he was a cute little dog. Katie said that he was a cute little munchkin and she liked his little tongue sticking out.

When we got home, we watched my brother Isaac play cool video games. Jo Jo liked them. After watching my brother play games, we decided to get ready for swim practice.

When we got to swim practice, Jo Jo wanted to sit in the lifeguard chair and he felt like the king of the pool. After swimming lessons, Jo Jo and I did homework. He thought it was confusing, but we got through it.

After home work, we got to do anything we wanted. So then we had a dress up party with funky clothes. He was embarrassed, but he still had fun.

Then we had some fun with my dog Buster. They were friends at first sight. So we got some pictures of them sitting together. They even had a long conversation of barks.

At the end of the day, it was already 9:00. So we brushed our teeth and went to bed.

Good night Jo Jo Potato.

Delaney's Day With Jo-Jo

On Friday I had a good time with Jo-Jo. First we met with my friends Tiana, Shayde and Lorraina. Then we went to my house and practiced some double dutch. Jo-Jo wanted to jump but she couldn’t, she just got tangled up in the ropes! When our practice was over Jo-Jo and I went outside in the backyard and played with my dog Cocoa. All my dog did was sniff Jo-Jo. It wasn’t that fun. Later we went to the school and played basketball. She was too short to make a basket so she watched me for a little bit.

Soon it was almost time for dinner so I had to come home and feed the dog. Cocoa didn’t even come running to her food like she used too. She sat on the stairs and sniffed Jo-Jo. Once I came back onto the deck and took Jo-Jo, she ran to her food. Then we went on the computer and played on cool math.com. Our eyes started to hurt so we went into my room and danced. Jo-Jo didn’t stop moving when the music ended! Later that night we had dinner. For dinner we had a hot dog and an apple. The apple was to big for her to eat so she just had a hot dog. Then I went to bed around ten and Jo-Jo, well, she went to bed right after dinner.
I had an awesome time with my new good friend Jo-Jo!

Jo Jo’s Stay with Lindsay

JoJo and I played with my dog Brandi when we got home. Jo Jo said it was like riding a horse but it was a dog like he is. He loved it but he fell off once. Luckily he is okay. He said it kind of hurt though. He also said it was the best thing he had ever done.
After that he helped me pick a color for my room. He said that he liked the color’s spacious sky (blue) & garden spot (green). It took us a long time to pick a color. But we finally picked two colors. He said that he couldn’t wait to get the answer yes or no from my nana. He was very excited when she said yes.
Then we had dinner. He wanted spaghetti so that’s what he got. He couldn’t eat it all so I had to help him. He said that it was his very best meal ever. He also wanted more for a snack twenty minutes later. Of course I said no because he just ate dinner.
After dinner we watched TV. We watched the fairly odd parents. He sure laughed a lot. He laughed about everything. He loved to watch TV we sat and watched TV for hours and hours.
Then he went to sleep with my dog.

Kids of Character! (Thursday's Writing)

Using the Step Up to Writing Format, please list three character traits you have or would like to have. Please give these key ideas (yellow) some details to show examples of the traits you chose (red). When writing, don't forget to start with telling your reader your three traits (green).

Please see my example in the comments and use the froggy board for some important traits (ideas). Good luck.

Maniac Magee

Thinking back on Maniac (that rhymes!):


What do you think would be the worst part of Maniac Magee's homelessness? When answering, include two details you remember from the story in your answer.

0r

Chose a word that best describes a character from Maniac Magee. After telling the character's name and the describing word you chose, use two details from the story to explain why this word best describes that character.

Archie Smith, Boy Wonder

Title: Archie Smith, Boy Wonder

Subtitle: A tiny voice asked, "Is he the one?"

Today you are to write a beginning for this story. Beginnings have some elements to them. They are to hook the reader in a new and interesting way. Then the beginning reels in the reader by introducing characters and their backgrounds. Try to think of an exciting way to make your story different than the other kids' in the class. A common mistake for kids’ stories is they give away the whole story in the beginning. Be sure you know where the story is headed (what the end will be), but try to keep the mystery secret. Encourage the reader to want more.

Now you are ready to write the first chapter! I am expecting multiple paragraphs (hit the enter key when you change topics). Good luck.

If you finish early, search Google for “Archie Smith, Boy Wonder” to read some other great stories kids have written for this picture. Or read and comment on your classmates’ stories. Remember, be specific if you comment.

Feelings on Sarah Nita

The author of Sarah Nita chooses events that stir up feelings in the readers. Describe an event and how it caused you to feel. First name the feeling and event, then list two details from the event that explain why you feel this way.

When I Look Around Me...

What do I see?

This morning we are going to work on descriptive words (word choice). In case we get visitors to our blog that haven't seen our room or surroundings, let's lay it out for them. What does it look like around here? Obviously clean and organized, because we all know Mrs. Hartney has got serious issues with that. But what else?

Look at something and try to describe it. Every object needs a good adjective before it can be used. For your assignment, please describe three different objects or areas in our classroom surroundings (3pts). Feel free to go above and beyond, trying for a 4!

If you finish early, read other student's comments. Praise any great describing words that you read.