Blog #27: Reflections on 2013

First thing... if you have not already turned in your parent permission form for War Games give it to the sub today. If you do not have parent permission by Friday, you will not be allowed to watch the movie... this is a district rule! There are extras on my desk in room 207 if anyone needs another. (Steven can get them)

With 2013 coming to a close think back on everything that has happened and tell your favorite event/happening. It could be a trip, movie, party, family gathering, sporting event, birthday, anything that was memorable to you. Please include a blog title and number, 5 sentences, 1 picture, and five comments on other blogs. When you are finished please take a (Final) Typing Test--This is the last one for the year! In order to earn an A for a typing grade, you must have all of the lessons completed through "The Californians Tale."  Please go back and check to make sure your lessons are complete.  After you are done with Typing Web, go to your sample website.  Try to add a Calendar Gadget to your website.  Also, see if you can figure out how to add a link to a page.  Make a link for your blog and your Gamestar Mechanic game on one of the pages.

I am so sorry that I am not there today.  My mother is in the hospital and I am here with her to help out.  I should be there on Friday and am looking forward to our movie/hot chocolate day.  

See you soon! 
Mrs. Hodge

Blog #26: What would you tell an 8-year-old?

During the holiday season the topic of Santa Claus always comes up.  If an 8-year-old came to you and asked, "Is Santa Claus real?"  What would you tell them?  Give reasons for your explanation.  Back up your explanation with examples.  Don't forget at least 5 sentences, and comment on 5 other blogs when you are finished.

Once you are done with your blog, go to typing web and complete the lesson titled "The Child's Story."  If you finish the lesson, you can continue to explore your sample website.

Be sure to turn in the parent permission form for the movie on Friday.

Blog #25: Favorite Holiday Tradition

Hello Class,  I am sorry I am not here today.  I am at home with my sick son:(
The great thing about this class is that you are all self sufficient on the computers and you should be able to complete the assignments without instructions or redirection from the sub.

Today's Blog:
Since it is the holiday season, tell me about your favorite holiday tradition.  What is your favorite activity this time of year?  Do you walk down Christmas Tree Lane?  Do you drink hot cocoa and decorate the tree?  What is your favorite thing to do this time of year and why do you enjoy it?  Don't forget 5 sentences, and post comments on 5 other blogs when you are done.

My favorite movie during the holiday season. It's a Wonderful Life

When you finish with your blog go to typing web and take a Typing Test.  Everyone should be finished with all the lessons through "The Californians Tale."  I will be monitoring your progress from home!!!! Stay on task!  When you are done with Typing Web, go out to your sample website and embed a picture (image) on Page 1 and Page 2.  Next add a "Gadget" to your webpage.  Click on the pencil button at the top of the page, then click on "insert" then go to "more gadgets." There are tons of gadgets available on Google.  Choose one and add it to your website.

When you are done with EVERYTHING you may have free time.

Blog #24: Your Favorite Cookie

Many of you may not know this, but I am an expert baker!  One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to bake cookies.  In today's blog tell me about your favorite cookie and why it is your favorite.  Tell me about your favorite brand of cookie, the bakery you get it from, or who makes it (Is it one of your mom's home-made cookies?).  Post a picture of your cookie and post 4 comments on other blogs.  Those of you who are finished through "Advanced Wrap Up" may continue on to "The Californians Tale" in Typing Web.  At 1:45 I will demonstrate for the class how to add pages, a horizontal tool bar, add images to a page and how to embed a link or video.

No Blog Today!!! Catch-Up on Typing Web

Today I am giving you time to catch-up on all of you typing lessons.  Congratulations to the following students:

• Austin Sporsic
• Chase Bibler
• Isiah Rios
• Jordan Urabe
• Madilyn Hernandez
• Ryan Schneider
• Raquel Tadlock
• Tara Swann

The students listed above have completed ALL of the assigned  typing lessons and they have FREE TIME today. If you do not see your name listed above you have an incomplete lesson (or multiple incomplete lessons). Log into Typing Web and check to make sure all of your lessons are complete.  Remember you will receive a grade for finishing your typing lessons. I want everyone to earn 100% you cannot if you haven't finished all the lesson.  Get to work and use your time wisely!!!!

Blog #23: Commercial You Can't Stand

What commercial on TV do you dislike beyond all others?  What about it is particularly annoying to you?  Five sentences minimum!!! When you are done, go to five other blogs and comment on them.  Today you need to take a typing test.  THIS TEST WILL GO IN THE GRADEBOOK!!!!! Do your very best!  After the test we will continue to explore Google Sites.  If everyone stays on task today, we will have some FREE TIME at the end of the period.

Blog #22: If and when I raise children, I'll never...

Today I want you to finish this thought, "If and when I raise children, I'll never... " Tell me what you will never do as a parent and why.  Is it something that your parents do now?  How does it make you feel?  Remember five sentences minimum and include a picture.  After you are done go to five other blogs and make a comment.  When you are finished blogging you will need to finish Monday's Typing Web lesson "Advanced Wrap Up."  When you are done with that lesson begin, "The Californians Tale."  Around 1:45 we will begin creating our websites. I will take you through the basics and then allow you some time to explore.

Blog #21: What Did You Do Over Thanksgiving Break?

Welcome back!  I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing week off.  Last time we were together I had you write about what your IDEAL Thanksgiving would be like.  Today, I would like you to tell me what you actually did during break.  Did you do anything new or exciting?  Did you spend time with family?  How did you fill those nine days off?  Don't forget a minimum of 5 sentences. After you have finished your blog, go out to 5 other blogs, read them, and make a comment on each.  When you have commented on 5 other blogs, go out to Typing Web and complete the lesson called "Advanced Wrap-Up"  WARNING... this is a long lesson.  Use your time wisely!

Blog #20: My Ideal Thanksgiving

Today I want you to describe your idea of a perfect Thanksgiving.  Where would you spend it? Who would be with you?  What would you do?  Would you eat traditional Thanksgiving food or something more modern? Describe for me your perfect Thanksgiving day.  When you are done, go to Typing Web and complete the lesson titled "The Numeric Keypad." When you are finished with that go to Gamestar Mechanic and complete your quest.

Blog #19: Favorite Disney Movie

Growing up we have all watched a Disney movie at one point or another. Please tell me about one of your favorite Disney movies and discuss why it was your favorite. Tell me a little about the movie, who were the characters, what was the plot, where did you first see it, who did you first see it with and anything else you can tell us.  When you are finished commenting, please begin on Typing Lesson titled "Accuracy Drills".  .  Lastly, continue your Gamestar mechanic quests.

Blog #18: Machine or Technology I Cannot Live Without

Is there a machine or form of technology you feel you could not live without?  What is it? Why do you feel you cannot live without it? What would you do if it were no longer available to you?  Remember to put the blog number in your title, write 5 sentence, add a picture and comment on 5 other blogs.  Once you are done please take a typing test on Typing Web.  Today you will begin your journey into Gamestar Mechanic where, eventually, you will create your own online game. Click HERE to register and begin.

Blog #17: The Worst Thing I Ever Bought

Did you ever send away for something or purchase something (or order something over the Internet)  that turned out to be a disappointment?  What was it?  Why did you purchase it? Where did you purchase it? What were your expectations? Why was it disappointing? Remember 5 sentences, and comment on 5 other blogs and be sure to include a photo. When you are done go to Typing Web and complete lesson titled "Symbols and Advanced Punctuation."  When you are finished with the typing lesson go to http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/ and play 3 of the 10 educational games on this website.  These games are not easy!

Blog #16: Movie You Wish You Never Saw

Today you will tell me about a movie you watched that afterwards you wished you never wasted your time watching it. Tell me if you were the one who wanted to go see it, if not tell me who convinced you to watch it. Tell me what the movie was about and the reason it was such a bad movie. Remember title and number your blog, 5 sentences, 1 picture, and 5 comments. When you are finished please log into Typing Web and take a typing test. When you are finished with the typing test log into Animoto and finish your video from Wednesday.  Make sure you have WORDS and MUSIC on your video.  When it is complete, upload it to your Blog.

Instructions for uploading your video to your blog:

1. Open your finished Animoto video (you must be logged in)
2. On the right-hand side of the screen there are options for sharing the video
3. Click on the "more" button
4. You will see a new menu appear.  On that menu will be a Blogger button.
5. Click on the Blogger button and you will be able to post your video to your blog.

Blog #15: Your Life in 10 and 20 Years

Today you will describe for me what you think your life will be like in 10 AND 20 years from now.  What will you be doing in 10 years? You will be in your early twenties. Where will you live?  What will your life be like?  What will your life be like in 20 years?  You will be in your thirties... describe what you think your life will be like.  Will you be married?  Will you have a job?  Do you plan to have children?  How many? After you are finished go to Typing Web and complete the lesson titled "Skill Builder Drills."  If you did not finish the "Keyboard Quadrants' lesson on Monday, please finish it up first.  After you are finished we will be creating a video on Animoto an online video creator.  Check out their website if you finish everything else early.

Blog #14: The Newest Restaurant

What is the newest restaurant you have tried. What was its name? What was the type of food they served? Was it good or was it bad? Was it fast food or was it a sit down place? Were you waited on by a server? If so were they good or too slow? Who did you go with? Was it for a special occasion or just because your family was hungry? Please don't forget to number and name your blog. When you are finished, please begin your Typing Web Lesson "Keyboard Quadrants."  If you get done early go to yelp.com and find out what others think about restaurants near you.

Blog #13: Funniest Story or Joke

For today's Blog you will tell the class the funniest story you have ever heard or the funniest joke you have ever heard. Please let the class know where you heard the story/joke or who told you the story/joke. Also tell the class another joke they have probably never heard before. Please keep the story/joke school appropriate. Remember to name and number your blog, 5 sentences, 1 picture and 5 comments.  When you are finished please go to  Typing Web and take a Test.  If you get done with that before the class period is over please click HERE to visit an animation website called abc animate.  Explore this website an make an animation of your own.Once you are done save your animation and add it to today's blog. Then click HERE to visit a movie making website called Zimmer Twins.  Explore the website and begin creating your very own movie.

Blog #12: Favorite Ice Cream

Today you will tell the world what is your favorite ice cream. With all the flavors in the world what is the ultimate ice cream you would choose to eat if you had the chance? What Ice cream flavor would you invent if you had the chance? Have fun, be inventive, anything goes. Remember to have number and title your blog, at least 1 picture, and 5 comments. As soon as you are done please finish your typing lessons from Wednesday and take a Typing Test.  If you get done early you may play any of the typing games.

 

Blog #11: Hardest Rule to Follow

In your life you have many rules. At home, at school, at church, and many other places. What is the hardest rule you have come across during your life that is extremely hard to follow. Is it a rule you always break and get in trouble for? Is it a rule that you follow but wish was not a rule? Pleas tell me about the rule, why you don't like the rule, why the rule is hard to follow, why you think the rule is in place, and anything else you can say about the rule. Remember to title and number your blog, 5 sentences, 1 picture, and 5 comments. Continue working on Typing Lesson "Speed Drills" and begin "Intermediate Wrap Up".

Blog #10: Cereal Box Surprise

Cereal companies try to entice customers by placing all kinds of prizes in their boxes; toys, gadgets, and games are just a few examples.  If you could find any prize, what surprise would you like to find in a cereal box?  Why?  Remember it has to fit in a cereal box. Use your imagination and have fun with this one. Don't forget your 5 & 5: Five sentences minimum and comment on five other blogs when you are done.  After you have finished go to Typing Web and complete the lesson titled "Speed Drills."

Blog #9: What's for Dinner?

If you could have anything for dinner what would it be? Steak? Pizza? Lobster? Pretend that you have to cook dinner for your family and you have to plan the menu, tell me "What's for Dinner?" Tell me the main dish, side dish, dessert, beverages that you would serve at tonight's meal. You may also include how you would make your food, or what you would have to do to get ready to bring it to your table. Remember, 5 sentences, title, picture, and 5 comments on other students blogs. Have fun with this one, anything is possible.

When you are done with your blog complete typing lesson "Numbers Letters Numbers" then TAKE A TYPING TEST!!!  Later we will work on Pixlr... We will learn how to remove a background and how to put hair on a bald guy :)

Blog #8 Why is the Government Shut Down?

Hello class, as you may have heard from one source or another, the Federal Government has shut down. There are many sides to this story, so for today's blog I would like you to do the following:

1. Tell me as of right now what you have heard and what you think of the situation.
2. After you have told me your thoughts, please do a Google search on "Why the government is shut down". Read a few of stories and then tell me what your thoughts are now.
3. Tell me who you think are most affected by this shutdown.

Remember to # and title your blog, at least 5 sentences, 1 picture, and 5 comments. 

AFTER YOUR BLOG MAKE SURE YOU COMPLETE YOUR TYPING WEB LESSON "Most Common English Words."  YOU WILL HAVE UNTIL 1:45 TO FINISH EVERYTHING.  At 1:45 we will begin a lesson on photo editing using Pixlr.  

Just an FYI... on Friday you will be presenting your Google Presentation in class.

Blog #7 My Elementary School

Today's Blog is about your elementary school. What elementary school did you go to? Did you like it? What was your mascot? What was your favorite grade? Favorite memory there? Who was your Principal? Who is the teacher you most remember? Remember the blog # in your title, 5 sentences, picture, and 5 comments. When you are done please begin on typingweb.com/tutor lesson titled "Basic Punctuation." Some of you have not made up missed typing lesson... please check to make sure you are caught-up.

Blog #6: Dream Pet

Today you will tell me about your dream pet. It can be anything real or fictional, alive or dead. It can be a shark, a bigfoot, a liger. Tell me where you got him, why you got him, what you will do together, how other people would feel about him, or anything else you can possibly think of. Have fun, be creative, anything is possible. Remember to number and title your blog, 5 sentences, 1 picture, 5 comments.  When you are finished please go to typingweb.com/tutor, log in, and take a Typing Test--DO NOT COMPLETE THE NEXT LESSON.  Once you are done with the test then you may work on your Mystery Presentation.  IT IS DUE TODAY.

If you are behind in anything because of absences, use today to catch-up.  You should have plenty of time to write your blog, take a typing test, and finish your Mystery Presentation. If you are behind on any typing lessons, today is the day to make them up!!!!  I will be grading typing and presentations over the weekend.  If you are done with everything, you may play a game, but it must remain quiet for others in the classroom who are trying to make-up work.

Blog #5: Do You Believe?

Blog #5: Do You Believe?

What are your thoughts on Cryptozoology?  Don't know what that is?  Google it, then write your post on what you think about it and if you could choose one example as your favorite, what would it be.  Remember 5 sentences, title your blog post, add a picture, and finally comment on 5 other students blogs. 

After you are finished with your blog, please begin on the next lesson on typingweb.com/tutor titled "Learn to Bust a Capital Word"

Blog #4: Favorite Theme Park

Everyone loves theme parks: Disneyland,  Magic Mountain, Great America. What is your favorite theme park? Why? What do you love about it? What is your best memory at a theme park? If you have never been, which one would you like to go to and why?  Remember 5 sentences, title, picture, and 5 comments on other students blogs. Do not forget to complete the blog comment form on our website.

Blog #3: What Are You Watching?

It’s a New school year which means a start to a new TV season. What Returning TV show are you most excited about starting up again. Why are you excited about this show? Or What New TV show are you most excited to see? Why are you excited to see it? Remember 5 sentences, a picture, a title, and commenting on the blog posts of three other class members.

Blog #2: The Gridiron

College football started recently and the NFL is t underway.  Tell me about your favorite team or teams, why you like them, and who you watch the games with.  If you are not that into football, tell me about another sport that you and your family enjoy watching together.  Make sure to include an image. Don't forget to capitalize, punctuate, and reread your post before you publish it for any errors.  After you are done, please comment on the other posts from students in your row.  If there is still time left over, you can read and comment on other students' posts in the class.  Happy blogging!  Don't judge!

Blog #1: Cali Is Where It's At

Please write a paragraph about your favorite place in the state of California. Find an image to show that place, and comment on each other's blogs about if you've been to that place or not, and what you might like or enjoy about going to that place.

Many call Disneyland "The Happiest Place on Earth" and our family is no exception.  Every time we venture down to the magic kingdom we always have a great time!