SNOW DAY? Check in here for what you missed.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Christmas Trivia Quiz

©Jane Logan, 2003 www.loganstrategy.ca

Music and entertainment

1. How many las in a line of “Deck the Halls”?
2. Who made “White Christmas” famous?
3. How many swans a’swimming? Seven
4. How many lords a leaping?
5. Who played Santa in The Santa Clause?

The Christmas story

6. In what town was Jesus born? Do you know a second name for it, after the king?
7. What gifts did the three kings offer to Jesus?
8. Bonus point: spell the gift that starts with “M”
9. Who appeared to the shepherds?

Christmas around the world

10. What are other names for Santa Claus?
11. What is the country of origin of the poinsettia?
12. How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Spanish?
a. Oye Como Va
b. Adeste Fideles
c. Feliz Navidad

True or false

13. In Holland people believe Santa Claus is accompanied by Black Peter, who punishes bad children.
14. Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria the first Christmas tree in England in 1841
15. Italians traditionally leave pizza, spaghetti and a bottle of chianti for Santa’s reindeer.
16. In Quebec, many French Canadians attend midnight mass and hold a “referendum” afterwards, during which they eat a meat pie known as tourtiere.
17. In Guatemala, a special feast is prepared for mice on Christmas Eve, since they are the humblest of God’s creatures. It features mozzarella.
18. Wassail is a medieval drink made of gin and tonic associated with Christmas caroling.
19. In Germany, many people hang a pickle in their Christmas tree. The first person to find it gets an extra gift.

The Grinch who Stole Christmas

20. Who is the author of this book?
21. Which actor plays the Grinch in the movie?
22. What town does it take place in?

A Christmas Carol

23. Who wrote this story?
24. What was Mr. Scrooge’s first name?
25. What expression regarding Christmas is Scrooge known for?
26. Name the Crachits Bob, Mrs., Peter and Tiny Tim, Martha
27. Who says “Give like Santa, save like Scrooge?”

The Night Before Christmas

28. What did the author and his wife wear on their heads?
29. What are the names of Santa’s reindeer?
30. What is the last line of this memorable poem?

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

Done and can't wait to check your answers? Click here.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Essay Conclusion

  1. Sum up your argument being made in the essay.  
  2. Draw a thoughtful conclusion from the points made in the essay.  
  3. Restate the thesis. This is usually done in the first or second sentence of the conclusion. Make sure it is reworded from the introduction of the essay.  
  4. Make an amusing, light-hearted or insightful observation. 
  5. Avoid making the conclusion too long. 
  6. Do not begin with "In conclusion" or use the word "conclusion" in any form.

 

Thesis Statement Example

AGTT Example
In Yann Martel’s novel, “Life of Pi”, a young boy quickly learns what it takes to survive in an unforgiving world.

Your Turn...
In Roald Dahl’s short story, “Lamb to the Slaughter,” _______________________________.
OR
The short story, “Lamb to the Slaughter,” by Roald Dahl explores the idea that ________.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Lamb to the Slaughter Essay - Body Paragraph Outline

Body Paragraph 1: Describe the important event(s) in the text that show the presence of your chosen theme in the story. Describe how each one illustrates your theme.


Body Paragraph 2: Explain what the author is trying to teach you through this particular event. What is his message? What can ALL people learn from reading this story? HINT: theme.

Body Paragraph 3: Make a personal connection to the event from your text (describe a time when you, or someone you know, has experienced a similar struggle or triumph). Describe how this personal connection relates to the STORY AND TO THE AUTHOR’S MESSAGE (hint: relate to body paragraphs 1 and 2)

Monday, December 14, 2009

Lamb to the Slaughter - Theme Essay Introduction

Please carefully write your introduction paragraph for your essay based on the short story, "Lamb to the Slaughter" (Sightlines 9, page 10). Follow this format:

Intro Sentence 1: Thesis Statement (Author, Genre, Title, Theme)
In Roald Dahl’s short story, “Lamb to the Slaughter,” ___________________________.
OR
The short story, “Lamb to the Slaughter,” by Roald Dahl explores the idea that ________.


Intro Sentence 2: Mention one or more important events in the text that show a connection to your chosen theme

Intro Sentence 3: Explain what the author/artist is trying to teach you through this particular event (what is his/her message? HINT: theme).

Intro Sentence 4: Make a personal connection to the event from your text (mention a time when you, or someone you know, has experienced a similar struggle or triumph).

Intro Sentence 5: Transition into Body Paragraph #1 (Hint: remind your reader of your thesis statement)

Monday, December 7, 2009

Top 10 Things to Do on a Snow Day

Is today a snow day? Are you home sick, or simply missed the bus? Here is a list of things you should be sure to do while at home:

1. Make a steaming mug of cocoa or coffee; be ready to refill as necessary throughout the day.
2. Remind yourself of overdue and upcoming assignments. Tuck them out of the way first to hand in when you return to school.
3. Crank up the music and dance in your pajamas.
4. Learn one new grammar or punctuation trick at Grammar Girl (trust me, this will impress a friend in need of proof reading; plus 1 popularity point).
5. Learn how to make those origami cranes from Heroes (season 1), or maybe a jumping frog if that's too complicated for a first try.
6. Proofread the assignment you thought was finished and ready to hand in. Chances are, you made at least one "stupid" mistake that is easily fixed. Use this checklist if you need some guidance.
7. Quote every line possible while watching your childhood favorite Disney cartoon. Mute the TV and see if you can still say all the lines.
8. Read a book on the Canada Reads List. Many of these great reads can be found online at Google Books.
9. Try on and photograph every possible outfit from your clothes closet; figure out what new combinations actually would work for school. Save yourself the stress of trying to figure this out in the morning by making a photo album of possibilities to pick from on short notice.
10. Do a touch typing speed test. Try to increase your speed and accuracy.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Book Sharing Tips (from Miss Brown)

1. Be enthusiastic and have fun- if you aren’t excited about your book- why will your partner be?
2. Encourage discussion about the book using open questions. Instead of asking “did you like the book?” try asking “What did you like about the book?” or “How did make you feel?”
3. Book Sharing Basics:
a. Hold the book so your partner can see it- obvious, but you would be surprised….
b. Involve your partner in the reading- point to the pictures and ask questions, if there is an opportunity for your partner to “join” in the reading (repetition, etc.) encourage him/her to do so
c. Is there a big or rare word in your text? Discuss what the word means, encourage your partner to look for “clues” in the text)
d. Know your book! If you know the text, you have the opportunity to use lots of expression