Mrs. Zana’s Class

A group of students created this last year.Mr Roboto

Last Thursday my period 6/7 class was visited by a reporter from the L.A. Times. He was VERY impressed with the lesson (see the Shake it Up video post and comments to see what we were doing). Today, there was a very positive article in the newspaper about our school and our class. Thanks also goes to my period 2/3 class, who did such a great job that Mr. Dale thought the reporter should see the lesson. As for my period 4/5 class: sorry guys. You would have been terrific too. Instead, we got to enjoy sitting in hurricane winds together for 1/2 an hour. Here is the link to the article. It’s now on the reporter’s blog, which means people can comment about it. If you would like to add a comment, you need to have an adult do it for you, as they do not allow kids under 13 to write.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/schoolme/2007/04/if_wired_right_.html#comments

Discussion (Answer these questions on the blog.):

1. What message is Dr. Seuss trying to get across about a person’s destiny? What do you think your destiny is? Why do you think you are destined to go down that path in life?

2. Do you believe that people have a choice where they end up in life? How do you know this? Give examples to support your response.

3. Even as a 6th grader, what difficulties have you faced in your life that you feel you need to overcome in order to be successful?

4. The poem talks about “strange birds” you will get mixed up with in life. Who are these strange birds and do you see any of them in your life right now? What are you going to do about those “birds?”

5. What “mountains” do you plan to move in the future?

Extension Activity (Do this by hand or in Microsoft Word; you can post it on the blog once it’s perfect):

Write a poem in which you describe how you plan to make a difference in this world. Be sure to mention the obstacles you may face along the way and those people whom you will need to help you get there. (For example, friends, special family members, teachers, neighbors, strangers, etc.)

Please answer these questions about our Olympics with your group members. Answer in complete sentences but do not recopy the questions.
1. Who were the members of your group?
2. What city-state did you represent?
3. Which events did you win?
4. Did you have a pledge?
5. What else did you prepare?
6. What did you learn about Ancient Greece by doing this activity?
7. Did you enjoy the activity?
8. Do you have any suggestions for improvement for next year?

Click on the link to the Shake it Up video (on the right side of the blog under the heading “blogging”) and watch the video.
Download:Shake it Up – Powered by TeacherTube.com
With your group, answer these questions. Use complete sentences and number your answers. Do not recopy the questions.
1. According to the video, how is the YOUR world today different than the world 50 years ago? List what you think are the three most important ways.
2. According to the video, how does YOUR education need to be different?
3. Do you agree or disagree with the video? Is there a time when sitting in rows and quietly listening to the teacher can benefit you?
4. Is our classroom the type of classroom the video believes you should be learning in? Is it sometimes, but not always? Explain.
5. Now, look at another group’s answers and respond to them. Do you agree or disagree with what they have to say?