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Monday, December 17, 2012

6th Grade Teddy Roosevelt Questions

Directions:  Answer each question using complete sentences.  You must restate the question in your answer.  **If you completed this in class, then you do not have to do it for homework.

1. How did Roosevelt get the nickname of the “trustbuster”?
2. What was a muckracker?
3. According to Roosevelt, what was the obligation of civilized nations?  What does it mean?  What do you think of this idea?
4. What was the purpose of Theodore Roosevelt’s Square Deal?
5. Why is Roosevelt called the conservation president?
6. What do you think it means to speak softly and carry a big stick?

Friday, December 14, 2012

5th Grade Island of the Blue Dolphins Comprehension Questions


Chapter 19:

1.       Why does Karana want to spear the devilfish?  Why do you think she later decides never to hunt one again?

Chapter 20:

2.       As Karana explores Black Cave, what does she discover there?  How does it make her feel?  If you were Karana, would you ever return to Black Cave?  Why or why not?


3.       When the Aleuts come, what does Karana do to hide from them?
 

Chapter 21:

4.       Do you think Karana is more afraid of the Aleut girl or the hunters?  Why?


5.       Do you think that the Aleut girl is afraid of Karana?  Why or why not?
 
Chapter 22:

6.       How do we know that Karana has come to trust Tutok?


7.       Why do you think Karana cooks food for Tutok even though she knows Tutok is gone?

 

 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Between Shades of Gray Literary Information (Important for 6th grade parents)


Parents,

    A few of the children purchased a particular book, Between Shades of Gray, from the book fair.  It is a New York Time’s Best Seller and has received a great deal of literary praise.  The summary on the back cover of the book is interesting, but upon further inspection I have noted some mature themes within the story.  Due to the fact that this novel is based on true historical occurrences several parts of the story can be deemed as emotionally disturbing.  If your child purchased this book or is considering reading it, I urge you to carefully review it first.  I have included the synopsis from the back cover below, as well as the address of the author’s website.

 
Thank you,


Mrs. Hill


“In 1941, fifteen-year-old Lina is preparing for art school, first dates, and all that summer has to offer. But one night, the Soviet secret police barge violently into her home, deporting her along with her mother and younger brother. They are being sent to Siberia. Lina's father has been separated from the family and sentenced to death in a prison camp. All is lost.

Lina fights for her life, fearless, vowing that if she survives she will honor her family, and the thousands like hers, by documenting their experience in her art and writing. She risks everything to use her art as messages, hoping they will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive.

It is a long and harrowing journey, and it is only their incredible strength, love, and hope that pull Lina and her family through each day. But will love be enough to keep them alive?

Between Shades of Gray is a riveting novel that steals your breath, captures your heart, and reveals the miraculous nature of the human spirit.”

 

 

 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

5th Grade Reading Homework 12/11

Read chapters 15 and 16 of Island of the Blue Dolphins and answer the following questions in your reading journal.  You must use complete sentences and restate the question in your answer just like we do in class.  We will check this together first thing in the morning.

Chapter 15:
Why does Karana decide she must kill the leader of the dog pack?  What changes her mind?

Why do you think the leader of the dog pack begins to trust her, rather than want to harm her?

Chapter 16:
Karana’s life changes after she befriends
Rontu.  Have you ever had a pet or human friend who has changed your life?  If so, can you describe how?

Monday, December 10, 2012

6th Grade Social Studies Week 11 Test

The next social studies test is scheduled for Friday, December 14th.  Study guides will be sent home on Wednesday. 

5th Grade Spelling Words 12/10-12/14

1. sandspit
2. utensils
3. forbade
4. stalking
5. ancestor
6. herbs
7. labored
8. devilfish
9. brackish
10. legend
11. rival
12. scatter
13. fetch
14. basin
15. gnawed
16. crevice
17. wary
18. favorable
19. numerous
20. abandoned

Assignments:  same as 6th grade, please see below

6th Grade Spelling Words 12/10-12/14

1. sheepishly
2. coincidences
3. sumptuous
4. sweeten
5. phase
6. mufflers
7. hobbled
8. prospered
9. numb
10. unfortunately
11. daughter
12. gentleman
13. lullaby
14. greedy
15. greedier
16. crocodile
17. carriage
18. goblet
19. hyperbole
20. disappeared

Assignments:  Definitions and part(s) of speech, synonyms/antonyms, syllables, sentences