Past Writing Assignments
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 5/25/16
This week you'll be preparing your scary stories to share around the campfire at Carolyn's farm. We will work on them at home and in class so they are ready by the end of school on Wednesday. They will hopefully be frightening not particularly gruesome.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 5/20/16
Do you ever dream? I think we all do... When we dream our brain is creating an entire world for us to live in while we sleep. We have been doing a lot with visualization recently, and our dreams are a great example of just how powerful of a tool visualization can be.
This week you're going to recall a dream that you had. I know we don't remember them all, but I'm sure you can recall at least one good one to share with your classmates. What did you see, hear, feel, and experience in your dream? Be creative, descriptive, and make us feel like we are experiencing it as you did.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 5/13/16
Your assignment for this week should be a quick one. I know I'm a little late getting it posted... It has to do with the visualization exercises we have been doing in the mornings with Carolyn. I'd like you to find and image, and in a few sentences, describe it so that your classmates can visualize whatever you had picked. Be sure to include the image on the second page of your document so we can scroll down and see if your classmates mental images are similar to your actual image. It can be anything you'd like so long as it's school appropriate. Keep in mind some of the keywords we have been focusing on such as what, color, size, number, shape, movement, perspective, mood, where, background, perspective, sound, and when.
Try to do this assignment all in one sitting. This shouldn't be a hard one and with a little focus, you can get it done in less than a half hour.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 4/29/16
For this week's assignment, you are going to "wow" your classmates with an incredible fact that they hopefully do not already know. This fact could be about anything. It could be about science, nature, math, history, biology... Pretty much anything that you find astounding. If you can't think of anything you know, look something up!
For example, this morning I learned that absolute zero does not exist anywhere in the universe. Absolute zero is the temperature where all molecular motion stops, or when electrons no longer move while orbiting the nucleus of an atom. The reason it does't exist, even in the coldest parts of space, it because there is still some "warmth" left over from the big bang. 13.8 billion years later and there is still a little energy left over! Pretty amazing stuff....... to me.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 4/22/16
This week's assignment is the one Nicole gave you in Social Studies class.
We have looked at and discussed various texts from around the world that have the theme, the importance of family. As your final assignment for this unit, you will write a 5, 6, or 7 paragraph essay comparing 2, 3, or 4 of the texts we have studied.
*Update: Lucky you! Considering that the demands of this assignment are high and that you're super-buy with PSSAs, Nichole has decided to give you an extra week to get it all done. It's now due on 4/22/16 Woohoo!!!
Also, no math homework is being sent home this week due to PSSA testing. Unless you are one of Mary's students...
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 4/08/16
This week you'll be sharing a little bit about yourself. You're going to share with everyone something that we may not know about you. It doesn't have to be some big secret, but hopefully it's something not everyone was aware of. We all know Wyatt likes WWE, Chris likes to Run, Ruth writes a lot, Laura is tall, Keller has a lot of siblings... Don't write obvious things like that. It could be a bit of trivia, it could be your stance on the current political climate, it could be that your ancestors were once natives of an island that has since been swallowed by the sea. Dig deep and come up with something cool.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 4/01/16
This week's assignment is brought to you by our very own Wyatt Padisak. You know he loves gaming, so guess what? It's about gaming. There will be two options this week. Pick the one that best suits you.
1. If you could create a video game, board game, or sport what would it be like? Design and describe your game in words. How would it be unique or differ from the games that already exist? What would the your game be called? What are the rules of your game?
2. Describe your favorite game of all time. Why is this game your favorite? What are the rules of the game? What makes this game special for you as a player?
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 3/25/16
I know, I know... the writing assignment was posted late! Thanks to all of you who noticed. That means you were trying to get a head start and write something awesome! I'll make this week's assignment pretty simple. Since we have been focusing on math vocabulary and putting extra practice into our math skills, your assignment this week is to write a math word problem. Tell a short story of your choice that involves some math. Hopefully we will be able to solve it when you share. Make it challenging by including different operations, fractions, money etc... Just be sure you are able to solve your own problem!
Here are some examples that you can practice on ------> Click!
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 3/18/16
This week's assignment is to describe a single memory of your spring break. I'm not looking for a rundown of each and every thing you did. Not a schedule or itinerary. Not even a story or a list of all the fun and exciting things you did. Just one memory to sum it all up. Be sure that your writing is clear and careful. Please be descriptive and paint a vivid picture of your memory with your words.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 2/26/16
This week's winner was Laura! Her suggested assignment was Valentines day related. You're to tell us all about why you like your friends. She says it should have more than one paragraph and be descriptive. She was very careful to add that you should proofread and edit your work for any mistakes.
For some bonus credit, Laura suggested that you could also put your friend into a story that showcases all of the reasons you like him/her.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 2/19/16
...and the winner is....... Bailey! She won last week's contest to come up with a good idea for this week's assignment. We got so many good responses that I think we can have another drawing next week as well. Here is what she had to say:
This week we should do "if we ruled the world." We should include what we would change, how the world would be, and how you would rule. What would you be called? Where would you live? What if you could time travel, when and where would you rule?
She has many interesting questions for you so feel free to elaborate and impress with your vivid and vibrant imaginations!
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 2/12/16
You all did a great job of coming up with a perfect paragraph. If you learned anything, it's that proofreading your work is extremely important. I hope you all keep that in mind this week.
This week's assignment is to tell me what next week's assignment should be. In a few short paragraphs, you should lay out your idea and convince me that it is worthwhile. Persuade me to agree with you. Be sure to include at least three good points to support your thoughts. Only well written, thoughtful ideas will be considered.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 2/5/16
This week, your assignment is to write the perfect paragraph. The topic of the paragraph is completely up to you. You'll need to be careful with your spelling, punctuation, and grammar. To spice it up a bit you could add in some of your idioms and literary devices (simile, hyperbole etc...) we have learned this year. Make it interesting and precise. Check it, proofread it, have someone else proofread it, and then do it all over again. Then you'll be ready to share your masterpiece.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 1/29/16
Hey! Let's pretend it's your lucky day. A letter came in the mail with your name on it! Sadly, your long lost aunt Helga that you've never met has passed away. She has decided to leave a large sum of money to the smartest child in her family. Her only request is that he or she uses the money to start a business. Now it's your job to decide what sort of business you'd like to run. What sort of business would you start if you just got $500,000 in the mail? What would you sell or offer? Were would you build it? Would you invent something new? Be creative with this one, as always, and make your plan believable.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 1/22/16
Earlier in the year you had an assignment based on your daily idioms. This one is going to be very similar, but now you have so many more to choose from! Tell a story about someone who got caught red handed and was forced to eat crow. Or maybe one about leaving no stone unturned while looking for a needle in a haystack. Perhaps even a story about having to cool your heels, bite the bullet, and bury the hatchet with the fat cat who liked to blow his own horn. Take your time and be creative. Be sure to use the list of idioms linked right above this post! This is not an assignment to be rushed through on Thursday night or thrown together Friday morning. Have fun!
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 1/15/15
Welcome back to homework land! I'm going to make this an easy one for you so you can ease back into the routine. This week I'd like you to write one example of simile, an example of metaphor, an example of hyperbole and also alliteration. Hey, why don't we also throw in one Haiku just to mix it up a bit? Since I'm only asking for one of each, be sure to do you best work. Let's see what you can do! Click the red words for a reminder of each literary device.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 12/18/15
This week's writing should be fun! It's also your last assignment of the year! You're going to choose one of the pictures below and write about it. Use the image to spur your creative side into writing an awesome piece of work. Don't just describe the scene, build a story around it that will impress your teachers and your classmates!
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 12/11/15
I hope you all had a nice little break from writing! Now it's time to get back to it...
In social studies you have been discussing communication and how people communicate has changed over the years. Nowadays almost everyone has a phone in their pocket. They can email, text, or call anyone around the world as they please. This certainly was not always the case. For this week's writing assignment, you need to imagine what would happen if all forms of electronic communication simply quit working. How would we communicate once again? How would the world as we know it be effected by such a major event? You may write this as a creative story-telling piece or simply state your thoughts about what would happen. Have fun!
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 11/20/15
Thursday's idiom was "Labor of Love". The definition is: something you do for the love of it. Something you do not because you were asked to, assigned to, or paid to do, but instead you do it because you enjoy it.
So with that in mind I'm not assigning you any writing homework. You may choose not to do anything. You may also choose to write something because you want to. A labor of love.
We will still share next week. I'll be excited to see how it goes!
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 11/13/15
This week we are going to work on your descriptive writing skills. Describe a place, in detail, so that it feels like we are right there with you. Feel free to take us places we have never been like inside a volcano, or through the mess underneath your bed. Be sure to clearly describe this place in detail but be sure to not let your classmates know exactly where it is. If you've done a good job, we should be able to guess.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 11/6/15
This week you have a choice of two different writing assignments with the same theme. The theme is a word we learned this past week in science class: symbiosis.
1. Tell us about the symbiotic relationship that creates lichen. Be sure to define the word symbiosis and explain how lichen is the product of a symbiotic relationship. Include the 3 types of lichen and how to identify them.
2. Write a creative story about how Algae and Fungus met and eventually became Lichen. Maybe include a little about their children: Foliose, Crustose, and Fruticose. What is Algae's job? What does Fungus do for a living? How can they tell their kids apart?
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 10/30/15
Wasn't it nice to have a week off from writing homework? To continue the fun I'm going to make this week's assignment an easy one. Write a scary story in honor of Halloween! Use your imagination and see if you can freak your classmates out. Just make sure your story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Just like all good stories do.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 10/16/15
Congratulations! You did such a great job with the idioms writing assignment that we decided give an assignment centered on your vocab words! Here are your options this week.
1. Write a story that uses your vocabulary words, or other words that share the same Greek/Latin roots. This may take some research on your part but the results will be much more interesting. Make it silly, funny, or totally amazing.
2. Write 10 sentences correctly using one of your vocabulary words/roots in each.
Use the link above to get the up-to-date list of words and roots we have covered so far this year. As always, be mindful of your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 10/9/15
This week you've got a choice! You'll pick between one of these two very different writing prompts. Choose the one you're most comfortable with.
1. Describe the process of photosynthesis in detail. What are the necessary elements needed for photosynthesis to take place? What does photosynthesis provide for plant-life?
2. Describe someone you know in vivid detail but do not tell us who it is. It will be up to your audience to figure out who the mystery person is. Tell us about their characteristics and personality but don't give too much away! It would be helpful if it was someone everyone in class knows, but it isn't absolutely necessary.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 10/2/15
You've been learning an idiom a day since the beginning of school and it's about time we put them to use! Since you did a great job on your idioms quiz, this assignment should be a walk in the park. I guess I should let the cat out of the bag and tell you what you should be writing!
Pick three of the idioms you've learned so far and write a short story for each. Each story should only be a few sentences long and explain the origin of the idiom. Your version of the origin. Invent a possible scenario that informs your audience as to how the idiom came to be. I want you to be creative, to be silly, and have fun with this assignment. Our list of idioms can be found on the idioms doc linked above.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 9/25/15
You all just got back from a wonderful trip down the Lincoln Highway. Some of you got the full experience as we stayed at the Lincoln Motor Court and visited the many landmarks nearby while others have been learning about it diligently in class.
Your assignment this week is to write about how a vacation 50, 60, or 70 years ago along the Lincoln highway would be different than a vacation you would take today. Where would you be going? Where would you stay and what form of transportation would you use to get there? Would it still be fun? What is better about vacations today versus vacations back then? What may have been better about a trip on the Lincoln Highway than on a trip you took this summer?
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 9/18/15
Okay, last week's writing assignment was a bit of a tough one to begin the year. Nonetheless, you all did a great job and gave it your best shot. This week should be much simpler. It goes right along with your "I yam what I yam" writings from class last week.
This week, tell us about something you're good at. Not just something you like or something you do from time to time. Tell us about something special, a unique trait or ability you possess, that maybe no one else you know does. What is it? What's it like? How does it help you through your days? It is something you've learned, or something you were born with? Can you describe what it's like so others can understand your point-of-view?
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 9/11/15
"Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind." -Henry James
Your weekly writing assignment for this coming week of school is to read the quote above and give it some thought. Do you agree with the writer Henry James' comment on the importance of kindness? Why would he feel so strongly about the topic? Do you feel the same? What are some ways you have been kind to others? What are some ways others have been kind to you?
Please give each question some thought and answer each of them in your writing at home this week. Please also use your google drive at home and share your work with matt@nvcs.org. If you need assistance with logging in, have a parent send me an email at the same address.
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 1/9/14
This week, we will continue to work on descriptive language. You will be writing similes.
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words "like" or "as". For
example, "He was as brave as a lion" or "homework is like torture." Can you write a list of
5 similes that compare this cold weather to something else? "It's as cold as..." It's so cold
I feel like..."
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 1/9/14
Paint a picture with your words. Use adjectives and descriptive phrases to
describe one time or event of your holiday. Help you audience experience
what you did at that exact moment.
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 12/19/14
Our holiday break will soon be here. It will be time to have fun and take a break from school. Everybody loves holidays, so what is your favorite one? Tell us why is it your favorite and how do you and your family celebrate. Do you have a story or a fond memory to tell about your favorite holiday?
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 12/12/14
What does the following statement mean to you?
Fair is not always equal.
Please use examples in your paragraph.
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 11/14/14
You all have written some mighty persuasive paragraphs and papers this
past week. Let's practice one more time. Read the writing prompt below and
write your best response.Remember to share it with Matt by Friday morning.
Almost everyone loves a soft, cuddly pet. Maybe you have a dog or cat or
even a hamster at home. Now it is your job to persuade your principal that
your school should have a dog or cat. Be sure to state your argument
clearly and support it with strong details.
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 11/7/14
This week you’ll be writing a persuasive paragraph. You’ll need to pick a side to argue on one of the question below. Your argument will need to be backed by some good facts and points. Your goal is to convince the audience to side with your opinion. Please try to use a few commas in your writing now that you’ve learned a few different ways to use them. Make sure your point of view is clearly stated. Also be sure to include 3 points to support your opinion.
Should kids have more or less homework?
Should students have to wear uniforms to school?
Can video games can be educational, or are they a waste of time?
Writing Homework Assignment Due October 31, 2014
Parents: Please help your student with this assignment.
American History Research Project: Topic Selection
There is so much we can learn from studying the history of our county! Your
assignment is to select one topic from history, one special area that you are
interested in, and then become an expert on that topic. We’ve talked about HOW
we know about history. Now it is up to you to teach the class WHAT, WHO,
WHEN, and WHERE.
Select a topic. It may be one you have been interested in for a long time, or you
may want to develop a new interest. You will be working with this topic for several
weeks, so be sure that it is one that you will really enjoy. Use the list below to get
you started thinking. You are not limited to topics on this list.
You will need to complete a variety of activities on this topic. You will be making a
timeline. You will be reading a related biography. You will be making a map. You will
be using books and the internet to research. You will be making a book to share
what you have learned. You will need to present a final project and presentation on
your topic.
So spend some time this week talking with your parent about your ideas. When you
make your decision, your writing assignment for this week is to write a paragraph
that tells what topic you have chosen and why it is of interest to you. You may
already have an idea of what your project will be. You could include that in your
paragraph.
Additional assignment: We will be accessing Schlow’s card catalog online
before we visit the library during the week of November 3-7. If your child
has a library card and PIN number, they can reserve the books they find.
Please help them find/get a card and PIN number. You can do this online at
schlowlibrary.org.
In addition, students will only be using preapproved internet sites for their
research. If you find sites that you feel are acceptable for your child to use,
please include them at the bottom of their writing assignment.
Suggested topics:
A period in US history-
• Colonial America (1492-1763)
• Revolutionary Period (1764-1789)
• New Nation (1790-1828)
• Western Expansion & Reform (1829-1859)
• Civil War (1860-1865)
• Reconstruction (1866-1877)
• Gilded Age (1878-1889)
• Great War & Jazz Age (1914-1928)
• Depression & World War II (1929-1945)
• Modern Era (1946 - present)
• Remembering September 11
A topic that extends over time or over a particular region:
• Immigration
• Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• War
• Government
• Fashion
• Foods by regions of the country
• Music by regions of the country
• Art
• Native Americans
• African Americans
• Women
• Ecology
• Presidents
• Entertainment
• Sports
• Inventions
• Approved topic of your choice
Writing Assignment due October 24
Halloween is just around the corner. That’s a time for costumes, trick or treating, and scary stories. Can you make up a scary story that’s not just about violence? Maybe it’s set in a cemetery. Maybe it takes place in a haunted house. Maybe the ghost is someone you used to know. Your scary story doesn’t have to have a sad ending. Maybe you’ll want to surprise us with a funny ending. Use lots of good descriptions and frightening words to make your story come to life. See if you can send chills down your reader’s spine.
You will have two weeks to work on your scary story. It will be due on October 24, just in time for Halloween.
This week you'll be preparing your scary stories to share around the campfire at Carolyn's farm. We will work on them at home and in class so they are ready by the end of school on Wednesday. They will hopefully be frightening not particularly gruesome.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 5/20/16
Do you ever dream? I think we all do... When we dream our brain is creating an entire world for us to live in while we sleep. We have been doing a lot with visualization recently, and our dreams are a great example of just how powerful of a tool visualization can be.
This week you're going to recall a dream that you had. I know we don't remember them all, but I'm sure you can recall at least one good one to share with your classmates. What did you see, hear, feel, and experience in your dream? Be creative, descriptive, and make us feel like we are experiencing it as you did.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 5/13/16
Your assignment for this week should be a quick one. I know I'm a little late getting it posted... It has to do with the visualization exercises we have been doing in the mornings with Carolyn. I'd like you to find and image, and in a few sentences, describe it so that your classmates can visualize whatever you had picked. Be sure to include the image on the second page of your document so we can scroll down and see if your classmates mental images are similar to your actual image. It can be anything you'd like so long as it's school appropriate. Keep in mind some of the keywords we have been focusing on such as what, color, size, number, shape, movement, perspective, mood, where, background, perspective, sound, and when.
Try to do this assignment all in one sitting. This shouldn't be a hard one and with a little focus, you can get it done in less than a half hour.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 4/29/16
For this week's assignment, you are going to "wow" your classmates with an incredible fact that they hopefully do not already know. This fact could be about anything. It could be about science, nature, math, history, biology... Pretty much anything that you find astounding. If you can't think of anything you know, look something up!
For example, this morning I learned that absolute zero does not exist anywhere in the universe. Absolute zero is the temperature where all molecular motion stops, or when electrons no longer move while orbiting the nucleus of an atom. The reason it does't exist, even in the coldest parts of space, it because there is still some "warmth" left over from the big bang. 13.8 billion years later and there is still a little energy left over! Pretty amazing stuff....... to me.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 4/22/16
This week's assignment is the one Nicole gave you in Social Studies class.
We have looked at and discussed various texts from around the world that have the theme, the importance of family. As your final assignment for this unit, you will write a 5, 6, or 7 paragraph essay comparing 2, 3, or 4 of the texts we have studied.
*Update: Lucky you! Considering that the demands of this assignment are high and that you're super-buy with PSSAs, Nichole has decided to give you an extra week to get it all done. It's now due on 4/22/16 Woohoo!!!
Also, no math homework is being sent home this week due to PSSA testing. Unless you are one of Mary's students...
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 4/08/16
This week you'll be sharing a little bit about yourself. You're going to share with everyone something that we may not know about you. It doesn't have to be some big secret, but hopefully it's something not everyone was aware of. We all know Wyatt likes WWE, Chris likes to Run, Ruth writes a lot, Laura is tall, Keller has a lot of siblings... Don't write obvious things like that. It could be a bit of trivia, it could be your stance on the current political climate, it could be that your ancestors were once natives of an island that has since been swallowed by the sea. Dig deep and come up with something cool.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 4/01/16
This week's assignment is brought to you by our very own Wyatt Padisak. You know he loves gaming, so guess what? It's about gaming. There will be two options this week. Pick the one that best suits you.
1. If you could create a video game, board game, or sport what would it be like? Design and describe your game in words. How would it be unique or differ from the games that already exist? What would the your game be called? What are the rules of your game?
2. Describe your favorite game of all time. Why is this game your favorite? What are the rules of the game? What makes this game special for you as a player?
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 3/25/16
I know, I know... the writing assignment was posted late! Thanks to all of you who noticed. That means you were trying to get a head start and write something awesome! I'll make this week's assignment pretty simple. Since we have been focusing on math vocabulary and putting extra practice into our math skills, your assignment this week is to write a math word problem. Tell a short story of your choice that involves some math. Hopefully we will be able to solve it when you share. Make it challenging by including different operations, fractions, money etc... Just be sure you are able to solve your own problem!
Here are some examples that you can practice on ------> Click!
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 3/18/16
This week's assignment is to describe a single memory of your spring break. I'm not looking for a rundown of each and every thing you did. Not a schedule or itinerary. Not even a story or a list of all the fun and exciting things you did. Just one memory to sum it all up. Be sure that your writing is clear and careful. Please be descriptive and paint a vivid picture of your memory with your words.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 2/26/16
This week's winner was Laura! Her suggested assignment was Valentines day related. You're to tell us all about why you like your friends. She says it should have more than one paragraph and be descriptive. She was very careful to add that you should proofread and edit your work for any mistakes.
For some bonus credit, Laura suggested that you could also put your friend into a story that showcases all of the reasons you like him/her.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 2/19/16
...and the winner is....... Bailey! She won last week's contest to come up with a good idea for this week's assignment. We got so many good responses that I think we can have another drawing next week as well. Here is what she had to say:
This week we should do "if we ruled the world." We should include what we would change, how the world would be, and how you would rule. What would you be called? Where would you live? What if you could time travel, when and where would you rule?
She has many interesting questions for you so feel free to elaborate and impress with your vivid and vibrant imaginations!
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 2/12/16
You all did a great job of coming up with a perfect paragraph. If you learned anything, it's that proofreading your work is extremely important. I hope you all keep that in mind this week.
This week's assignment is to tell me what next week's assignment should be. In a few short paragraphs, you should lay out your idea and convince me that it is worthwhile. Persuade me to agree with you. Be sure to include at least three good points to support your thoughts. Only well written, thoughtful ideas will be considered.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 2/5/16
This week, your assignment is to write the perfect paragraph. The topic of the paragraph is completely up to you. You'll need to be careful with your spelling, punctuation, and grammar. To spice it up a bit you could add in some of your idioms and literary devices (simile, hyperbole etc...) we have learned this year. Make it interesting and precise. Check it, proofread it, have someone else proofread it, and then do it all over again. Then you'll be ready to share your masterpiece.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 1/29/16
Hey! Let's pretend it's your lucky day. A letter came in the mail with your name on it! Sadly, your long lost aunt Helga that you've never met has passed away. She has decided to leave a large sum of money to the smartest child in her family. Her only request is that he or she uses the money to start a business. Now it's your job to decide what sort of business you'd like to run. What sort of business would you start if you just got $500,000 in the mail? What would you sell or offer? Were would you build it? Would you invent something new? Be creative with this one, as always, and make your plan believable.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 1/22/16
Earlier in the year you had an assignment based on your daily idioms. This one is going to be very similar, but now you have so many more to choose from! Tell a story about someone who got caught red handed and was forced to eat crow. Or maybe one about leaving no stone unturned while looking for a needle in a haystack. Perhaps even a story about having to cool your heels, bite the bullet, and bury the hatchet with the fat cat who liked to blow his own horn. Take your time and be creative. Be sure to use the list of idioms linked right above this post! This is not an assignment to be rushed through on Thursday night or thrown together Friday morning. Have fun!
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 1/15/15
Welcome back to homework land! I'm going to make this an easy one for you so you can ease back into the routine. This week I'd like you to write one example of simile, an example of metaphor, an example of hyperbole and also alliteration. Hey, why don't we also throw in one Haiku just to mix it up a bit? Since I'm only asking for one of each, be sure to do you best work. Let's see what you can do! Click the red words for a reminder of each literary device.
Weekly Writing Assignment - Due 12/18/15
This week's writing should be fun! It's also your last assignment of the year! You're going to choose one of the pictures below and write about it. Use the image to spur your creative side into writing an awesome piece of work. Don't just describe the scene, build a story around it that will impress your teachers and your classmates!
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 12/11/15
I hope you all had a nice little break from writing! Now it's time to get back to it...
In social studies you have been discussing communication and how people communicate has changed over the years. Nowadays almost everyone has a phone in their pocket. They can email, text, or call anyone around the world as they please. This certainly was not always the case. For this week's writing assignment, you need to imagine what would happen if all forms of electronic communication simply quit working. How would we communicate once again? How would the world as we know it be effected by such a major event? You may write this as a creative story-telling piece or simply state your thoughts about what would happen. Have fun!
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 11/20/15
Thursday's idiom was "Labor of Love". The definition is: something you do for the love of it. Something you do not because you were asked to, assigned to, or paid to do, but instead you do it because you enjoy it.
So with that in mind I'm not assigning you any writing homework. You may choose not to do anything. You may also choose to write something because you want to. A labor of love.
We will still share next week. I'll be excited to see how it goes!
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 11/13/15
This week we are going to work on your descriptive writing skills. Describe a place, in detail, so that it feels like we are right there with you. Feel free to take us places we have never been like inside a volcano, or through the mess underneath your bed. Be sure to clearly describe this place in detail but be sure to not let your classmates know exactly where it is. If you've done a good job, we should be able to guess.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 11/6/15
This week you have a choice of two different writing assignments with the same theme. The theme is a word we learned this past week in science class: symbiosis.
1. Tell us about the symbiotic relationship that creates lichen. Be sure to define the word symbiosis and explain how lichen is the product of a symbiotic relationship. Include the 3 types of lichen and how to identify them.
2. Write a creative story about how Algae and Fungus met and eventually became Lichen. Maybe include a little about their children: Foliose, Crustose, and Fruticose. What is Algae's job? What does Fungus do for a living? How can they tell their kids apart?
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 10/30/15
Wasn't it nice to have a week off from writing homework? To continue the fun I'm going to make this week's assignment an easy one. Write a scary story in honor of Halloween! Use your imagination and see if you can freak your classmates out. Just make sure your story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Just like all good stories do.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 10/16/15
Congratulations! You did such a great job with the idioms writing assignment that we decided give an assignment centered on your vocab words! Here are your options this week.
1. Write a story that uses your vocabulary words, or other words that share the same Greek/Latin roots. This may take some research on your part but the results will be much more interesting. Make it silly, funny, or totally amazing.
2. Write 10 sentences correctly using one of your vocabulary words/roots in each.
Use the link above to get the up-to-date list of words and roots we have covered so far this year. As always, be mindful of your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 10/9/15
This week you've got a choice! You'll pick between one of these two very different writing prompts. Choose the one you're most comfortable with.
1. Describe the process of photosynthesis in detail. What are the necessary elements needed for photosynthesis to take place? What does photosynthesis provide for plant-life?
2. Describe someone you know in vivid detail but do not tell us who it is. It will be up to your audience to figure out who the mystery person is. Tell us about their characteristics and personality but don't give too much away! It would be helpful if it was someone everyone in class knows, but it isn't absolutely necessary.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 10/2/15
You've been learning an idiom a day since the beginning of school and it's about time we put them to use! Since you did a great job on your idioms quiz, this assignment should be a walk in the park. I guess I should let the cat out of the bag and tell you what you should be writing!
Pick three of the idioms you've learned so far and write a short story for each. Each story should only be a few sentences long and explain the origin of the idiom. Your version of the origin. Invent a possible scenario that informs your audience as to how the idiom came to be. I want you to be creative, to be silly, and have fun with this assignment. Our list of idioms can be found on the idioms doc linked above.
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 9/25/15
You all just got back from a wonderful trip down the Lincoln Highway. Some of you got the full experience as we stayed at the Lincoln Motor Court and visited the many landmarks nearby while others have been learning about it diligently in class.
Your assignment this week is to write about how a vacation 50, 60, or 70 years ago along the Lincoln highway would be different than a vacation you would take today. Where would you be going? Where would you stay and what form of transportation would you use to get there? Would it still be fun? What is better about vacations today versus vacations back then? What may have been better about a trip on the Lincoln Highway than on a trip you took this summer?
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 9/18/15
Okay, last week's writing assignment was a bit of a tough one to begin the year. Nonetheless, you all did a great job and gave it your best shot. This week should be much simpler. It goes right along with your "I yam what I yam" writings from class last week.
This week, tell us about something you're good at. Not just something you like or something you do from time to time. Tell us about something special, a unique trait or ability you possess, that maybe no one else you know does. What is it? What's it like? How does it help you through your days? It is something you've learned, or something you were born with? Can you describe what it's like so others can understand your point-of-view?
Weekly Writing Assignment Due: 9/11/15
"Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind." -Henry James
Your weekly writing assignment for this coming week of school is to read the quote above and give it some thought. Do you agree with the writer Henry James' comment on the importance of kindness? Why would he feel so strongly about the topic? Do you feel the same? What are some ways you have been kind to others? What are some ways others have been kind to you?
Please give each question some thought and answer each of them in your writing at home this week. Please also use your google drive at home and share your work with matt@nvcs.org. If you need assistance with logging in, have a parent send me an email at the same address.
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 1/9/14
This week, we will continue to work on descriptive language. You will be writing similes.
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words "like" or "as". For
example, "He was as brave as a lion" or "homework is like torture." Can you write a list of
5 similes that compare this cold weather to something else? "It's as cold as..." It's so cold
I feel like..."
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 1/9/14
Paint a picture with your words. Use adjectives and descriptive phrases to
describe one time or event of your holiday. Help you audience experience
what you did at that exact moment.
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 12/19/14
Our holiday break will soon be here. It will be time to have fun and take a break from school. Everybody loves holidays, so what is your favorite one? Tell us why is it your favorite and how do you and your family celebrate. Do you have a story or a fond memory to tell about your favorite holiday?
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 12/12/14
What does the following statement mean to you?
Fair is not always equal.
Please use examples in your paragraph.
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 11/14/14
You all have written some mighty persuasive paragraphs and papers this
past week. Let's practice one more time. Read the writing prompt below and
write your best response.Remember to share it with Matt by Friday morning.
Almost everyone loves a soft, cuddly pet. Maybe you have a dog or cat or
even a hamster at home. Now it is your job to persuade your principal that
your school should have a dog or cat. Be sure to state your argument
clearly and support it with strong details.
Homework Writing Assignment Due: 11/7/14
This week you’ll be writing a persuasive paragraph. You’ll need to pick a side to argue on one of the question below. Your argument will need to be backed by some good facts and points. Your goal is to convince the audience to side with your opinion. Please try to use a few commas in your writing now that you’ve learned a few different ways to use them. Make sure your point of view is clearly stated. Also be sure to include 3 points to support your opinion.
Should kids have more or less homework?
Should students have to wear uniforms to school?
Can video games can be educational, or are they a waste of time?
Writing Homework Assignment Due October 31, 2014
Parents: Please help your student with this assignment.
American History Research Project: Topic Selection
There is so much we can learn from studying the history of our county! Your
assignment is to select one topic from history, one special area that you are
interested in, and then become an expert on that topic. We’ve talked about HOW
we know about history. Now it is up to you to teach the class WHAT, WHO,
WHEN, and WHERE.
Select a topic. It may be one you have been interested in for a long time, or you
may want to develop a new interest. You will be working with this topic for several
weeks, so be sure that it is one that you will really enjoy. Use the list below to get
you started thinking. You are not limited to topics on this list.
You will need to complete a variety of activities on this topic. You will be making a
timeline. You will be reading a related biography. You will be making a map. You will
be using books and the internet to research. You will be making a book to share
what you have learned. You will need to present a final project and presentation on
your topic.
So spend some time this week talking with your parent about your ideas. When you
make your decision, your writing assignment for this week is to write a paragraph
that tells what topic you have chosen and why it is of interest to you. You may
already have an idea of what your project will be. You could include that in your
paragraph.
Additional assignment: We will be accessing Schlow’s card catalog online
before we visit the library during the week of November 3-7. If your child
has a library card and PIN number, they can reserve the books they find.
Please help them find/get a card and PIN number. You can do this online at
schlowlibrary.org.
In addition, students will only be using preapproved internet sites for their
research. If you find sites that you feel are acceptable for your child to use,
please include them at the bottom of their writing assignment.
Suggested topics:
A period in US history-
• Colonial America (1492-1763)
• Revolutionary Period (1764-1789)
• New Nation (1790-1828)
• Western Expansion & Reform (1829-1859)
• Civil War (1860-1865)
• Reconstruction (1866-1877)
• Gilded Age (1878-1889)
• Great War & Jazz Age (1914-1928)
• Depression & World War II (1929-1945)
• Modern Era (1946 - present)
• Remembering September 11
A topic that extends over time or over a particular region:
• Immigration
• Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• War
• Government
• Fashion
• Foods by regions of the country
• Music by regions of the country
• Art
• Native Americans
• African Americans
• Women
• Ecology
• Presidents
• Entertainment
• Sports
• Inventions
• Approved topic of your choice
Writing Assignment due October 24
Halloween is just around the corner. That’s a time for costumes, trick or treating, and scary stories. Can you make up a scary story that’s not just about violence? Maybe it’s set in a cemetery. Maybe it takes place in a haunted house. Maybe the ghost is someone you used to know. Your scary story doesn’t have to have a sad ending. Maybe you’ll want to surprise us with a funny ending. Use lots of good descriptions and frightening words to make your story come to life. See if you can send chills down your reader’s spine.
You will have two weeks to work on your scary story. It will be due on October 24, just in time for Halloween.
