Monday, December 17, 2012

My Brilliant Students

Last week, eight hard-working students handed in their research papers and gave presentations about their topics.




"The Hunger Games:  Fact or Fiction?"  by Alayna















"Gun Control"  by Daniel 














"Birth Order"  by Drew














"The Brain"  by Noah







 







"A Proactive Look into Natural Nutrition"  by Elise



















"Wolves"  by Ruth Ann 









 





"Airpower in World War Two"  by Luke


Thursday, December 13, 2012

Writing 3 Class Notes -- December 12


CONGRATULATIONS!!  YOU DID IT!!!

I am so very proud of this group of students.  They worked hard all semester researching, writing, and thinking.  Their hard work showed as they gave their presentations yesterday.  They spoke with confidence about the subjects with which they've spent countless hours.  It was obvious that they'd become experts and "owned" their material. 

Yesterday we had the following presentations:
Daniel -- The Second Amendment and Gun Control
Luke -- Air Power in World War 2, focusing on Pearl Harbor
Noah -- The Structure and Functions of the Brain
Amanda -- Ballet and Inspiration
Alayna -- The Hunger Games and Dystopian Societies
Elise -- Auto Immune Diseases, esp. Celiac, and Healing with Food
Ruth Ann -- The Gray Wolf, Ecosystems, and the Endangered Species Act
Drew -- Birth Order

As you can see, we covered a lot of information.  It was really wonderful to sit and learn from them.  

I will read their final drafts and get them back in the next couple of weeks.  Because we've gone through two rounds of rough drafts, these last versions of the papers will probably read quite smoothly with few, if any, errors.  

Thank you for being such a wonderful class.  Have a blessed Christmas! 
Mrs. Prichard


PS.  My other two writing classes did Christmas Jokes as their Quick Writes.  If you need a little chuckle, I add a post to the Writing 3 blog with the jokes.  Happy Holidays!!

Christmas Jokes



Below is the list of jokes from our Quick Write.  Enjoy!



What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?
It's Christmas, Eve!

Who is never hungry at Christmas?
The turkey - he's always stuffed!

How do you know when there is a snowman in your bed?
You wake up wet!

What would a reindeer do if it lost its tail?
She’d go to a “re-tail” shop for a new one!

Q: Why was Santa's little helper depressed?
A: Because he had low elf esteem.

Q: What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
A: Snowflakes.

Last year's Christmas pudding was so awful I threw it in the ocean.
That's probably why the ocean's full of currants!

What's the first thing elves learn in school?
The "elf"-abet!

What do the elves call it when Father Christmas claps his hands at the end of a play?
Santapplause!

What do you call people who are scared of Santa Claus?
Claustrophobic!

What do you call Santa when he has no money?
Saint "Nickel"-less!

What do you call someone who doesn't believe in Father Christmas?
A rebel without a Claus!

What do you get if you cross Santa with a flying saucer?
A UF ho, ho, ho

What do you get if you cross Santa with a gardener?
Someone who likes to hoe, hoe, hoe!

And what goes oh! oh! oh?
Father Christmas walking backwards.

What nationality is Santa Claus?
North Polish!

What's red & white and red & white and red & white?
Santa rolling down a hill!

Where does Santa stay when he's on holidays?
At a Ho-ho-tel

What do snowmen eat for lunch?
Icebergers !

How do snowmen travel around?
By iceicle!

How do snowmen greet each other?
Ice to meet you!

What do you call a snowman in the summer?
A puddle

What's a snowman's favorite Mexican food?
Brrrrrr-itos!

Q: What do you get if you cross Father Christmas with a detective?
A: Santa Clues!

Sherlock's favorite Christmas song:
"I'll be Holmes for Christmas"

How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?
Fleece Navidad!

What is green, covered with tinsel and goes "ribbet ribbet"?
A mistle-"toad"!

What did the grape say to the peanut butter?
"'Tis the season to be jelly!"

Why did the gingerbread man go to the doctor?
Because he was feeling crummy!

What kind of money do they use at the North Pole?
Cold cash!

What kind of music do elves like best?
"Wrap" music!

Who sings "Blue Christmas" and makes toy guitars?
Elfis!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Writing 3 Class Notes -- December 5

Greetings!

We are quickly approaching the finish line for our Research Papers and Presentations. I'm confident in the work and process for each of the students and am excited to read their final products.  We only briefly talked about the papers; I think we've covered all of the material so much that there's nothing left to say.  However, be sure to contact me if you have any questions.  Until Sunday, I'll be glad to read and go over any sections from their papers.

We took the bulk of yesterday's class to talk about writing the College Entrance Essay.  Most colleges require a short essay to accompany the applications.  These are especially important as home school students.  We didn't give our children grades, so we had to supplement our applications with extra samples of their work.  I had the students brainstorm about what makes them special and would help them stand out.  Areas to think about are particular passions, interests, hobbies, jobs, travels, and experiences.  Some helpful links include About.com's site, Quintessential Careers, and the College Board site.

Next week the class will begin at 12:15 (fifteen minutes earlier than usual).  Not everyone will make that time, but I don't think we'll get through all of the presentations if we don't start a little earlier.  Luke may possibly bring a projector for those who are planning PowerPoint presentations.  I'll bring treats to class, and the students may also contribute any goodies they'd like to have.  Let's celebrate all of the hard work they've done!

Drew Miller came to class with his arm in a sling due to a dislocated shoulder.  Remember to pray for a speedy recovery!

Next Week:
-- Bring your final copy of your Research Paper
-- Be prepared to give your presentation

Have a great week!
Mrs. Prichard