Since I created my class blog several years ago, it has been interesting to view my Clustr Map and see that we have visitors from all around the world.  Each day I list the locations of recent visitors and it has definitely been a learning experience!  I love when I see a new location and realize that “Wow, someone in that country came to my blog!”  I dont’ know how people  in countries on the other side of the world find my classroom blog, but I am certainly glad that they did and they leave a “dot” on my map!

There are several countries listed on my Clustr Map that I really don’t know a lot about.  Well, to be honest, MORE than several!  I came to the conclusion my students probably didn’t know about these countries, either.  Lately, we have been working on summarizing in Language Arts class, so I decided that the students would do a little project. 

Each student chose a different country from the Clustr Map to research.  They are going to summarize the information and present it in a powerpoint to the class.  Not only will the students learn more about several countries, but I will also!  They are going to teach me-I love it!   

Finally…we are beginning to see some snow fall!  A little late for a white Christmas, but it’s still pretty.

We finished the read aloud book Double Identity today.  Please share your thoughts regarding the book.  Some questions to consider:  What did you think of the book?  Were you surprised about the ending?  Where you satisfied with how the problem in the story was resolved at the end?  What was your favorite part of the book?  How would you feel if you were Bethany?  If you could talk to Margaret Peterson Haddix right now, what would you say?

Image from http://www.haddixbooks.com/books/doubleid.html

Several students have been busy working on their blogs outside of the the classroom!  Please be sure to check out these “Gold Star” blogs!

Chelsey and Kendall have written about some good books that they have been reading.  Megan has been sharing poetry on her blog and Abby and her family are preparing for their busy Christmas on the tree farm!  Want to know about the world of sports?  Then be sure to check out Drake’s blog-he will keep you up to date!  Lauren has also been busy getting her blog caught up and has written some excellent posts on her blog. Brant has written a nice post about snow (although I really don’t want to hear that word yet! ) and has several science -related ideas for posts for his blog!

When you check out their blogs, be sure to leave a comment!

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already!  This year is flying by.  Each of the students wrote a post about what they are thankful for and  I encourage you to read those posts on each of their blogs.

  I give thanks each day for my blessings, but since my students shared,  I thought I’d also share some of the things that I am thankful for.

*I am thankful for my husband and best friend, Chris.  He is a super father and an all-around good guy.

*I am thankful for my daughters, Hannah and Molly.  They are awesome girls- beautiful inside and out and I am very thankful that I was chosen to be their mother.

*I am thankful for my family  and friends-people I know that I can trust and count on.

*I am thankful that I have never experienced true hunger or suffering.

*I am thankful that I can get up every day to go to a job that I love-many people don’t.

*I am thankful that I am now teaching at McDowell- moving to McDowell was definitely one of those “blessings in disguise”.

*And last, but NOT least, I am thankful for each of my students who make me laugh every day and make my day interesting. 

Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your time spent with family and friends!

Image Provided by Classroom Clipart

Double Identity.  Margaret Peterson Haddix.  Wow!!!  I want to hear what you think.   Share your thoughts,  predictions, or advice for Bethany!

Image from:   http://www.haddixbooks.com/books/doubleid.html

OK, I am going to do a little bit of bragging here…..

My youngest daughter, Molly, has her own blog as a part of Mr. McGuire’s 6th Grade Language Arts class at Laurelville.  She has been working very hard on it and I often find her at the computer at home working on a blog post.  Her posts are well thought-out and well-written.  If you’d like to see an awesome blog, check hers out… Molly’s Mystery Journal.

Mr. McGuire has had his 6th graders blogging for several years now.  My oldest daughter, Hannah, also had the privilege of having Mr. McGuire as her 6th grade Language Arts teacher.  She did very well with her blog, also, and still continues to write on it occasionally.  I don’t want her to feel left out, so please check her blog out, as well….Hannah’s Hideout.

Both girls love reading and have read many books.  If you are looking for a good book to read, you can check out their blogs for a list of books they have read.

Use the set of flashcards on Quizlet to review your vocabulary words.  You will be having a quiz on Friday!

Choose a Study Mode Scatter Learn Flashcards

Study these flash cards | Study arts flash cards

It is here!  The five-day weekend that we all have been eagerly anticipating!  Whether you are looking forward to attending “The Greatest Free Show on Earth”, sleeping in, going out of town, or just plain being lazy, I hope you enjoy your break! Maybe I will see you at The Pumpkin Show (I will be the one eating something, I am sure!)

Image from:  http://www.pumpkinshow.com/pumpkin.asp