December 13, 2010
Dear Parent/ Guardian:
As a culminating activity to our bowling unit in our Physical Education classes, we will be traveling to Sartell Great River Bowling Lanes to bowl from 10:45 - 12:05 on Wednesday, December 22nd. The cost of this event is $5.00 and parents are welcome to stop by and watch us hone our skills. Please complete this permission slip and return it to your child’s teacher on or before December 16th, so we can have an accurate count of our attendance. There will be no refunds.
Sincerely,
The Fourth Grade Staff
I grant, ____________________________________, permission to attend the Sartell Great River Bowling event on December 22nd and have included $5.00 along with this permission slip for my child to attend.
Parent / Guardian SIgnature_____________________________________
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Health Notice
Pertussis (also called whooping cough) has been reported among students in our schools and in our community.
Pertussis can be a serious bacterial illness. Pertussis may begin with a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and possibly a low grade fever. After 1 or 2 weeks, the cough worsens and begins to occur in sudden, uncontrollable bursts. These coughing attacks can end in vomiting and/or in a high-pitched whooping noise. Coughing attacks often happen at night. Older children and adults may have a less typical cough. The cough can continue for up to 3 months.
Persons with pertussis should not go to school, work, or any activities until they have finished 5 days of antibiotic treatment, unless the person has already been coughing for 3 or more weeks. Although the cough can last longer than 3 weeks, a person is no longer contagious after the third week.
The disease can be less severe in adults and older children and when not recognized and treated, can be easily passed on to infants, who may become very ill. However, deaths from pertussis are rare.
Most children have been vaccinated for pertussis, however, protection decreases over time. Studies have shown that the immunity from the vaccine decreases after 3-5 years from the last vaccination, which is usually given before kindergarten. Therefore, most adolescents and adults are at risk for pertussis. A pertussis booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is now available and is given with the tetanus-diphtheria booster. Parents of children 10 years and older and adults (especially those with infants less than 12 months of age in their home) should talk to their healthcare provider about Tdap.
If you or your child has a cough and has had contact with someone with pertussis or has been coughing for 7 days or longer, discuss pertussis with your healthcare provider. Questions from you or your healthcare provider can be directed to LoAnn DeGagne', RN/LSN, ISD #47 District Nurse at 258-1731.
Pertussis can be a serious bacterial illness. Pertussis may begin with a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and possibly a low grade fever. After 1 or 2 weeks, the cough worsens and begins to occur in sudden, uncontrollable bursts. These coughing attacks can end in vomiting and/or in a high-pitched whooping noise. Coughing attacks often happen at night. Older children and adults may have a less typical cough. The cough can continue for up to 3 months.
Persons with pertussis should not go to school, work, or any activities until they have finished 5 days of antibiotic treatment, unless the person has already been coughing for 3 or more weeks. Although the cough can last longer than 3 weeks, a person is no longer contagious after the third week.
The disease can be less severe in adults and older children and when not recognized and treated, can be easily passed on to infants, who may become very ill. However, deaths from pertussis are rare.
Most children have been vaccinated for pertussis, however, protection decreases over time. Studies have shown that the immunity from the vaccine decreases after 3-5 years from the last vaccination, which is usually given before kindergarten. Therefore, most adolescents and adults are at risk for pertussis. A pertussis booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is now available and is given with the tetanus-diphtheria booster. Parents of children 10 years and older and adults (especially those with infants less than 12 months of age in their home) should talk to their healthcare provider about Tdap.
If you or your child has a cough and has had contact with someone with pertussis or has been coughing for 7 days or longer, discuss pertussis with your healthcare provider. Questions from you or your healthcare provider can be directed to LoAnn DeGagne', RN/LSN, ISD #47 District Nurse at 258-1731.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Swimming on Friday, December 17th - Dress warm and bring a hat!
My daughter had four teeth three previous days. Things seem to be working now!!! Here is some information about our upcoming swimming event. Have fun!
Enter the High School at door #7
-Boys take a left into the locker rooms take the far Varsity locker room on the right
-Girls go down to the end of the hall turn left and 2nd left into the Varsity locker room
-Change, shower and go through the showers into the pool area. No changing in the bathrooms.
-All students must start in the shallow end. If they would like to go in the deep end they should test at the beginning there will be no testing later.
-Test -
To swim in the deep end you must be able to swim the width of the pool in the shallow end and have your face in the water for part of the time without touching the pool bottom.
Swim Rules
-Shower before entering the pool
-No running on the pool deck
-No sitting on others shoulders
-No diving in the shallow end
-No dunking or splashing at the face of others.
-All equipment used should be returned to the pool deck when done
-No toys in the deep end please
- no jumping over people from the pool deck
- do not hold on to the rope divider in the pool
Diving Rules
-One person on the board at a time no running
-Wait until others in the pool are clear of the diving board before you jump in
-One bounce on the board and enter the pool
-Do not play under the board
Teachers: Help with swim evaluation, Watch kids on the deck and in the pool
Enter the High School at door #7
-Boys take a left into the locker rooms take the far Varsity locker room on the right
-Girls go down to the end of the hall turn left and 2nd left into the Varsity locker room
-Change, shower and go through the showers into the pool area. No changing in the bathrooms.
-All students must start in the shallow end. If they would like to go in the deep end they should test at the beginning there will be no testing later.
-Test -
To swim in the deep end you must be able to swim the width of the pool in the shallow end and have your face in the water for part of the time without touching the pool bottom.
Swim Rules
-Shower before entering the pool
-No running on the pool deck
-No sitting on others shoulders
-No diving in the shallow end
-No dunking or splashing at the face of others.
-All equipment used should be returned to the pool deck when done
-No toys in the deep end please
- no jumping over people from the pool deck
- do not hold on to the rope divider in the pool
Diving Rules
-One person on the board at a time no running
-Wait until others in the pool are clear of the diving board before you jump in
-One bounce on the board and enter the pool
-Do not play under the board
Teachers: Help with swim evaluation, Watch kids on the deck and in the pool
Monday, December 6, 2010
Good questions to ask your child...
When does your December Reading Contract need to be returned, so Mr. Krupa can photocopy it? (Tuesday)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Important Deadlines and Reminders for Thursday
Milk and Juice forms are due on Thursday. Last day to AR test for the first trimester is Thursday. MAP's Math test on Thursday at 8:00 AM... you are ready!!! No school on Friday... Teacher Inservice Date. If you're attending Tanner Fuls funeral, please have your child wear a jersey and you are asked to wear your Tanner T-Shirt.
December Reading Contract - Some contracts are modified - Check your individual contract- Please return it by Dec. 7th
Reading Contract
for December 2010
I, ______________________________ will read at home everyday and will keep a log of my daily reading minutes in my agenda. My goal is to read ___________minutes (minimum 280 minutes) for the month of December.
My parent(s) will check my reading minutes and sign my agenda at the end of every day (recommended), week, or month. I will return my agenda to school daily so my teacher can check it. My reading minutes must be validated and verified, by the end of the contract date, with a parent signature to qualify as a completed contract.
I will need to attempt to earn at least two and a half Accelerated Reading (AR) points by 8 AM on December 21st. For the points to count toward a student’s AR accumulated total, the AR accuracy score on the AR test must be at least _______(minimum 60%, suggesting 70%). The AR goal for the second trimester is 12 points.
I will complete a minimum of nine of the twelve items listed within the grid on the back of this contract. The eight items printed in bold text are required activities. Also, I will need to memorize and share one winter poem with the class. This presentation may be done individually or with a partner. All the tasks written in this contract are to be completed by 8 AM on December 21st.
Finally, I understand that to be eligible for an end of the month White Elephant Sale on December 21st, I must read, sign, and comply with the terms of this contract. Again, all tasks need to be completed by 8 AM on December 21st.
_______________________________
Student Signature
_______________________________
Parent Signature
______________________________
Teacher Signature
Title of your first AR book_______________________________________________
Point Value_________ Book Level (must be within your reading range)_________
Title of your poem__________________________________________________
(to be chosen at a later date)
Note: Signed contracts are due back in school on or before December 7th, so Mr. Krupa can photocopy them and give the originals back to each of you.
Reading Contract
for December 2010
I, ______________________________ will read at home everyday and will keep a log of my daily reading minutes in my agenda. My goal is to read __________minutes (minimum 280 minutes) for the month of December.
My parent(s) will check my reading minutes and sign my agenda at the end of every day (recommended), week, or month. I will return my agenda to school daily so my teacher can check it. My reading minutes must be validated and verified, by the end of the contract date, with a parent signature to qualify as a completed contract.
I will need to attempt to earn at least two and a half Accelerated Reading (AR) points by 8 AM on December 21st. For the points to count toward a student’s AR accumulated total, the AR accuracy score on the AR test must be at least 60%. The AR goal for the second trimester is 12 points.
I will complete a minimum of nine of the twelve items listed within the grid on the back of this contract. The eight items printed in bold text are required activities. Also, I will need to memorize and share one winter poem with the class. This presentation may be done individually or with a partner. All the tasks written in this contract are to be completed by 8 AM on December 21st.
Finally, I understand that to be eligible for an end of the month White Elephant Sale on December 21st, I must read, sign, and comply with the terms of this contract. Again, all tasks need to be completed by 8 AM on December 21st.
_______________________________
Student Signature
_______________________________
Parent Signature
______________________________
Teacher Signature
Title of your first AR book_______________________________________________
Point Value_________ Book Level (must be within your reading range)_________
Title of your poem__________________________________________________
(to be chosen at a later date)
Note: Signed contracts are due back in school on or before December 7th, so Mr. Krupa can photocopy them and give the originals back to each of you.
December is the month for riddles and brain teasers. Create or find several brain teasers to share with our class. This website will assist you http://www.theteacherscorner.net/printable-worksheets/make-your-own/brain-teasers/ Read each riddle:-) PS The first game of "Basket Ball" was played in December. What year was Basketball invented? Who invented the game of Basketball? Write two paragraphs about the game and the man. This may help http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Naismith PS _____
Write a winter related Haiku. Draw a picture to help the reader visualize your thoughts and words. These websites may assist you in writing http://www.ehow.com/how_3336_write-haiku.html and http://www.international.ucla.edu/shenzhen/2002ncta
2nd Week of Dec.-Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Math Rounding Numbers objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______
2nd Week of Dec.- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Math Real World Problems objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete five more questions with your best effort. PS_ 2nd Week of Dec.- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Math Number Sentences objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______
2nd Week of December- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Point of View objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______ 2nd Week of December- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Word Structure objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______
2nd Week of December- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Summarization objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______
Return your signed Invention Proposal/Plan sheet, which proves that you have determined and established what you are going to create for your Inventors unit. This activity is required and due on Dec. 18th. PS_______
Create a Math Crossword Puzzle using math vocabulary or math equations. On one side of the paper have the answer key and on the other side create the crossword puzzle with the answers. PS_____
Research an inventor and write a short report about the inventor and his or her invention. Mr. Krupa will provide you with a booklet and a piece of paper for your entry to be displayed. Include a small picture of the inventor or invention. In class_____
for December 2010
I, ______________________________ will read at home everyday and will keep a log of my daily reading minutes in my agenda. My goal is to read ___________minutes (minimum 280 minutes) for the month of December.
My parent(s) will check my reading minutes and sign my agenda at the end of every day (recommended), week, or month. I will return my agenda to school daily so my teacher can check it. My reading minutes must be validated and verified, by the end of the contract date, with a parent signature to qualify as a completed contract.
I will need to attempt to earn at least two and a half Accelerated Reading (AR) points by 8 AM on December 21st. For the points to count toward a student’s AR accumulated total, the AR accuracy score on the AR test must be at least _______(minimum 60%, suggesting 70%). The AR goal for the second trimester is 12 points.
I will complete a minimum of nine of the twelve items listed within the grid on the back of this contract. The eight items printed in bold text are required activities. Also, I will need to memorize and share one winter poem with the class. This presentation may be done individually or with a partner. All the tasks written in this contract are to be completed by 8 AM on December 21st.
Finally, I understand that to be eligible for an end of the month White Elephant Sale on December 21st, I must read, sign, and comply with the terms of this contract. Again, all tasks need to be completed by 8 AM on December 21st.
_______________________________
Student Signature
_______________________________
Parent Signature
______________________________
Teacher Signature
Title of your first AR book_______________________________________________
Point Value_________ Book Level (must be within your reading range)_________
Title of your poem__________________________________________________
(to be chosen at a later date)
Note: Signed contracts are due back in school on or before December 7th, so Mr. Krupa can photocopy them and give the originals back to each of you.
Reading Contract
for December 2010
I, ______________________________ will read at home everyday and will keep a log of my daily reading minutes in my agenda. My goal is to read __________minutes (minimum 280 minutes) for the month of December.
My parent(s) will check my reading minutes and sign my agenda at the end of every day (recommended), week, or month. I will return my agenda to school daily so my teacher can check it. My reading minutes must be validated and verified, by the end of the contract date, with a parent signature to qualify as a completed contract.
I will need to attempt to earn at least two and a half Accelerated Reading (AR) points by 8 AM on December 21st. For the points to count toward a student’s AR accumulated total, the AR accuracy score on the AR test must be at least 60%. The AR goal for the second trimester is 12 points.
I will complete a minimum of nine of the twelve items listed within the grid on the back of this contract. The eight items printed in bold text are required activities. Also, I will need to memorize and share one winter poem with the class. This presentation may be done individually or with a partner. All the tasks written in this contract are to be completed by 8 AM on December 21st.
Finally, I understand that to be eligible for an end of the month White Elephant Sale on December 21st, I must read, sign, and comply with the terms of this contract. Again, all tasks need to be completed by 8 AM on December 21st.
_______________________________
Student Signature
_______________________________
Parent Signature
______________________________
Teacher Signature
Title of your first AR book_______________________________________________
Point Value_________ Book Level (must be within your reading range)_________
Title of your poem__________________________________________________
(to be chosen at a later date)
Note: Signed contracts are due back in school on or before December 7th, so Mr. Krupa can photocopy them and give the originals back to each of you.
December is the month for riddles and brain teasers. Create or find several brain teasers to share with our class. This website will assist you http://www.theteacherscorner.net/printable-worksheets/make-your-own/brain-teasers/ Read each riddle:-) PS The first game of "Basket Ball" was played in December. What year was Basketball invented? Who invented the game of Basketball? Write two paragraphs about the game and the man. This may help http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Naismith PS _____
Write a winter related Haiku. Draw a picture to help the reader visualize your thoughts and words. These websites may assist you in writing http://www.ehow.com/how_3336_write-haiku.html and http://www.international.ucla.edu/shenzhen/2002ncta
2nd Week of Dec.-Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Math Rounding Numbers objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______
2nd Week of Dec.- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Math Real World Problems objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete five more questions with your best effort. PS_ 2nd Week of Dec.- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Math Number Sentences objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______
2nd Week of December- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Point of View objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______ 2nd Week of December- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Word Structure objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______
2nd Week of December- Enter studyisland.com and complete 20 questions under the Summarization objective. Earn at least 80% accuracy. If you do not make the accuracy rate, play two games and complete ten more questions with your best effort. PS_______
Return your signed Invention Proposal/Plan sheet, which proves that you have determined and established what you are going to create for your Inventors unit. This activity is required and due on Dec. 18th. PS_______
Create a Math Crossword Puzzle using math vocabulary or math equations. On one side of the paper have the answer key and on the other side create the crossword puzzle with the answers. PS_____
Research an inventor and write a short report about the inventor and his or her invention. Mr. Krupa will provide you with a booklet and a piece of paper for your entry to be displayed. Include a small picture of the inventor or invention. In class_____
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Here are the Current Books That We Are Enjoying for AR
Abby - Just Grace Goes Green
Austin - A book Can Be Many Things
RaeAnn - Deep, Dark, And Dangerous
Brianna - Get One Soon
Braden- How To Save Your Tail
Connor - Johnny Long Legs
Ashley- Florida
Cecilia - How To Save Your Tail
Aubree-Double Fudge
Madeline - Twister On Tuesday
Andrea- Chickens and Peafowl - What They Have In Common
Riley- Rules
Anthony - Get On Soon
Joel- Reading Group
Noah- Katie Kazoo
Cullen -Key Lardo
Caleb - Revolutionary War on Wednesday
Lauryn -Missing Magic
Taylor - B.B. Two The Doctor
Tyler - Clifford's Class Trip
Reece- Chester the Out of Work Dog
Reid- Signal
Brandon- Absent
Kathryn- Katie Kazoo
Marissa -Absent
Bryson- The Thing About Georgie
Jaden- Here Comes Zelda Claus
Bailey- 39 Clues Sword Thief Book 3
Logan- Bear Named Trouble
Ryan- My Brother Made Me Do It
Jordan-Judy Moody Declares Independence
Austin - A book Can Be Many Things
RaeAnn - Deep, Dark, And Dangerous
Brianna - Get One Soon
Braden- How To Save Your Tail
Connor - Johnny Long Legs
Ashley- Florida
Cecilia - How To Save Your Tail
Aubree-Double Fudge
Madeline - Twister On Tuesday
Andrea- Chickens and Peafowl - What They Have In Common
Riley- Rules
Anthony - Get On Soon
Joel- Reading Group
Noah- Katie Kazoo
Cullen -Key Lardo
Caleb - Revolutionary War on Wednesday
Lauryn -Missing Magic
Taylor - B.B. Two The Doctor
Tyler - Clifford's Class Trip
Reece- Chester the Out of Work Dog
Reid- Signal
Brandon- Absent
Kathryn- Katie Kazoo
Marissa -Absent
Bryson- The Thing About Georgie
Jaden- Here Comes Zelda Claus
Bailey- 39 Clues Sword Thief Book 3
Logan- Bear Named Trouble
Ryan- My Brother Made Me Do It
Jordan-Judy Moody Declares Independence
Monday, November 29, 2010
Dates to Remember
Friday December 3rd - No School Teacher Inservice
December 2nd - End of the Trimester - 11 AR points needed. Snack and Juice forms due
November 30th - End of the Month Notebook Quiz
December 17th - Swimming
December 2nd - End of the Trimester - 11 AR points needed. Snack and Juice forms due
November 30th - End of the Month Notebook Quiz
December 17th - Swimming
Persuasive Writing - Information to Consider
1 You want an Xbox, a computer, a raise in your allowance, or permission to attend a concert with your friends. What do you do? You might try whining, wheedling, or begging, but that conduct rarely does more than annoy people. You might employ tantrums, threats, or sarcasm, but that sorry behavior won't win you any awards either. If you use the art of persuasion, you stand the best chance of being heard, respected, and perhaps rewarded with the desired response. Surely by this stage of life you have already picked up on the persuasive argument.
2 Let's take what you know about the art of persuasion and apply it to the written word. Your assignment is to write a persuasive essay. We'll take it step-by-step.
3 First you need to choose a topic. It must be something debatable. It can't be a fact. If you were to choose as your topic, "Vipers are dangerous," you wouldn't have to persuade anyone of that. However, if your topic was, "Vipers should be eliminated from the animal kingdom," then you would have presented an opinion that could be debated. That's not to say that your argument would win, but you could give it your best effort!
4 Your persuasive essay will focus on only one side–your chosen side–of the argument. This will not be a pros-and-cons essay. Also, it won't be a personal opinion essay. You must be prepared to back up your logic with evidence collected in research that supports your position.
5 Students often choose topics such as school uniforms, the legal driving age, or saving endangered animals. I'd like you to move past those topics to something new and creative. Try one of these three topics: Christmas trees, Survivor, or our national bird. You need to decide your position on the chosen topic. Your argument regarding Christmas trees may be to persuade others to buy artificial trees, or persuade them that live trees are best, or perhaps you feel that the tradition of Christmas trees has no place in the 21st century! Your argument regarding the TV program, Survivor, would be about whether teens should or should not participate. If you choose our national bird as your topic, you should try to persuade your readers that a bird other than the Bald Eagle deserves to be the United States' bird of honor. Choose one of those topics listed, or come up with an argument that excites you.
6 Once you have a topic and have researched it thoroughly, you will write your introduction. Capture the reader's attention with a quotation or story related to the topic, or ask a leading question. If I were writing about eliminating vipers, I might begin with the sad tale of a villager whom an eyelash viper hidden in a bunch of bananas killed, and how his death affected his family.
7 After the attention-commanding ploy, you move directly to your argument. In the viper argument, I'd probably give a statistic about deaths per year caused by vipers, and my next sentence would clearly announce my opinion that vipers serve no useful purpose and should be exterminated. Follow your statement of persuasion with three main points that support your position on your topic. You will elaborate on those points in the following paragraphs.
8 The body of your essay will be made up of three paragraphs. Each paragraph will present one argument–or point–for your position, based on the three points you gave in your introduction. Now is the time to expand your argument with facts, quotes, statistics, examples, or other evidence that supports your cause. Choose only the most powerful items that will convince the reader that your idea is the right one.
9 To continue the viper essay, my reasons for reducing the viper population might be that vipers are poisonous, too-well-camouflaged, and serve no useful purpose to humanity. I would present evidence about their toxic nature and ability to hide themselves. The teacher would probably deduct points for that third argument, because I couldn't find evidence to support that opinion. On the contrary, with very little trouble I could have found evidence that shows a very useful purpose for vipers, such as controlling the prey and predator populations and controlling the population of destructive rodents and other pests. These rodents not only destroy crops and food stores but also spread disease that could result in plagues and other health threats to humans. If I were still determined to persuade readers that vipers need to be wiped off the face of the earth, I'd need to come up with a new argument. I'd also try to disprove the opposing argument that states that vipers help control the pest population, since I know that someone might raise that issue. Just as I need to be prepared to defend my position, you'll need to be prepared to defend yours!
10 Completing the essay is simple. In the closing paragraph, you restate your position and summarize your best evidence. At this point, you cannot slip in any new information. This paragraph mainly reviews what you've already written. Don't use the exact same words as in your first paragraph; that shows laziness. This is your last chance to persuade the reader to agree with you! Choose your words carefully! You may add an emotional appeal to your otherwise logical arguments.
11 My viper viewpoint is weak, so my closing would probably include an emotional appeal. "We must protect future generations from the dangers of vipers! We must make this land safe for our children and grandchildren!"
12 It's time for you to begin your persuasive essay. Here is a brief summary to guide you. Once you are finished, you may find that your powers of persuasion have blossomed!
I. Introduction - capture the reader's attention; state your purpose; list three points/arguments supporting your position.
II. Body
A. First paragraph, first point, supporting evidence
B. Second paragraph, second point, supporting evidence
C. Third paragraph, third point, supporting evidence
III. (Optional) Address opposing viewpoints
IV. Conclusion - restate your position and the three points in a different way; insert an emotional appeal if possible; urge the reader to agree with your opinion.
2 Let's take what you know about the art of persuasion and apply it to the written word. Your assignment is to write a persuasive essay. We'll take it step-by-step.
3 First you need to choose a topic. It must be something debatable. It can't be a fact. If you were to choose as your topic, "Vipers are dangerous," you wouldn't have to persuade anyone of that. However, if your topic was, "Vipers should be eliminated from the animal kingdom," then you would have presented an opinion that could be debated. That's not to say that your argument would win, but you could give it your best effort!
4 Your persuasive essay will focus on only one side–your chosen side–of the argument. This will not be a pros-and-cons essay. Also, it won't be a personal opinion essay. You must be prepared to back up your logic with evidence collected in research that supports your position.
5 Students often choose topics such as school uniforms, the legal driving age, or saving endangered animals. I'd like you to move past those topics to something new and creative. Try one of these three topics: Christmas trees, Survivor, or our national bird. You need to decide your position on the chosen topic. Your argument regarding Christmas trees may be to persuade others to buy artificial trees, or persuade them that live trees are best, or perhaps you feel that the tradition of Christmas trees has no place in the 21st century! Your argument regarding the TV program, Survivor, would be about whether teens should or should not participate. If you choose our national bird as your topic, you should try to persuade your readers that a bird other than the Bald Eagle deserves to be the United States' bird of honor. Choose one of those topics listed, or come up with an argument that excites you.
6 Once you have a topic and have researched it thoroughly, you will write your introduction. Capture the reader's attention with a quotation or story related to the topic, or ask a leading question. If I were writing about eliminating vipers, I might begin with the sad tale of a villager whom an eyelash viper hidden in a bunch of bananas killed, and how his death affected his family.
7 After the attention-commanding ploy, you move directly to your argument. In the viper argument, I'd probably give a statistic about deaths per year caused by vipers, and my next sentence would clearly announce my opinion that vipers serve no useful purpose and should be exterminated. Follow your statement of persuasion with three main points that support your position on your topic. You will elaborate on those points in the following paragraphs.
8 The body of your essay will be made up of three paragraphs. Each paragraph will present one argument–or point–for your position, based on the three points you gave in your introduction. Now is the time to expand your argument with facts, quotes, statistics, examples, or other evidence that supports your cause. Choose only the most powerful items that will convince the reader that your idea is the right one.
9 To continue the viper essay, my reasons for reducing the viper population might be that vipers are poisonous, too-well-camouflaged, and serve no useful purpose to humanity. I would present evidence about their toxic nature and ability to hide themselves. The teacher would probably deduct points for that third argument, because I couldn't find evidence to support that opinion. On the contrary, with very little trouble I could have found evidence that shows a very useful purpose for vipers, such as controlling the prey and predator populations and controlling the population of destructive rodents and other pests. These rodents not only destroy crops and food stores but also spread disease that could result in plagues and other health threats to humans. If I were still determined to persuade readers that vipers need to be wiped off the face of the earth, I'd need to come up with a new argument. I'd also try to disprove the opposing argument that states that vipers help control the pest population, since I know that someone might raise that issue. Just as I need to be prepared to defend my position, you'll need to be prepared to defend yours!
10 Completing the essay is simple. In the closing paragraph, you restate your position and summarize your best evidence. At this point, you cannot slip in any new information. This paragraph mainly reviews what you've already written. Don't use the exact same words as in your first paragraph; that shows laziness. This is your last chance to persuade the reader to agree with you! Choose your words carefully! You may add an emotional appeal to your otherwise logical arguments.
11 My viper viewpoint is weak, so my closing would probably include an emotional appeal. "We must protect future generations from the dangers of vipers! We must make this land safe for our children and grandchildren!"
12 It's time for you to begin your persuasive essay. Here is a brief summary to guide you. Once you are finished, you may find that your powers of persuasion have blossomed!
I. Introduction - capture the reader's attention; state your purpose; list three points/arguments supporting your position.
II. Body
A. First paragraph, first point, supporting evidence
B. Second paragraph, second point, supporting evidence
C. Third paragraph, third point, supporting evidence
III. (Optional) Address opposing viewpoints
IV. Conclusion - restate your position and the three points in a different way; insert an emotional appeal if possible; urge the reader to agree with your opinion.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Enjoy your child's Thanksgiving Day artwork! The kids did a great job and they look fantastic!!!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR PLEASANTVIEW'S BOOK FAIR AT BARNES & NOBLE
We will have our annual book fair at Barnes & Noble on Thursday, Dec. 2nd. Watch for vouchers to be sent home next week! If you shop anytime during the day on December 2nd and present a voucher to the cashier, a portion of the profit goes back to Pleasantvew so that we can purchase more books and Accelerated Reader quizzes. We will have some PV staff members reading Jonathon London's Froggy stories from 4:00-7:30 . Other staff members will be stationed at a gift wrapping table in case you want any of your purchases wrapped for Christmas (gift wrapping is free of charge and any donations go directly to PV).
We "hop" to see you on December 2nd!
We "hop" to see you on December 2nd!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Homework for Tonight
Last evening to complete your November Reading Contract. Silent Auction on Wednesday.
AR Reward / Swimming or Dancing / December 17th / 11 points / End of the Trimester December 2nd / Good Luck!
AR Reward / Swimming or Dancing / December 17th / 11 points / End of the Trimester December 2nd / Good Luck!
Juice and Snack Forms - Due December 2nd
Please return your Juice and Snack forms if you intent to participate. Thanks!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Homework for tonight....
put the finishing touches on your Study Island objectives and your On My Honor booklet.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
This Week's MIM
We are working on our Thanksgiving Day Art Project for MIM this week! Remember our Silent Auction is next Wednesday, so keep working on your November Reading Contract. Thank you for keeping Tanner Fuls in your thoughts and prayers... this Friday wear your Tanner Fuls apparel!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Homework Tonight
Your creative story ending and illustrations to the book,' And the Big One Got Away' are due on Thursday. I'm looking forward to seeing them!
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