An Animated Declaration

The Big Idea

Listen to the two video clips from The Voice (top 5) competition this week.  Pick the song you prefer and write about The Big Idea in the song.  Use examples from the lyrics and your own thoughts.

Google Doodle Contest

http://www.google.ca/doodle4google/rules.html
http://www.google.ca/doodle4google/start.html
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/12/09/google-doodle-honors-grace-hopper-early-computer-scientist/

This looks like an interesting contest.  The deadline for entry is December 31st. and I thought some of you might be interested.  Let me know if you would like to enter. Students create their doodles based off the theme “If I could invent anything, I would invent...” Above are links which will help you get started.

A Child's Garden - a story of HOPE

Watch the above video. Tell me why you think the book is called "a story of hope".

Open the following link to find out some interesting information about the author.
http://www.papertigers.org/interviews/archived_interviews/mforeman.html

Kinetic Sand

Watch the above video.  I would like to order some of this interesting sand.  Can you find out what it is composed of and if not, what do you think it might be made out of? (Including proportions)
Post your responses.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, 1918 – 2013

http://archive.nelsonmandela.org/exhibit/nelson-mandela-young-people/gRnQHV4-
Open the above link and read about Nobel Peace Prize winner - Nelson Mandela.

The world lost a hero last week – Nelson Mandela.  Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to people all over the world.  After spending 27 years in jail for fighting against Apartheid (the segregation of White versus Black people), he went on to become the first Black President of South Africa and won the Nobel Peace prize for bringing freedom to his country. 

Choose a character trait that you think Nelson Mandela possessed.  Write a paragraph explaining why you chose that specific trait and why it is an important characteristic to have.   Remember to justify your answer with proof from your own thinking.

Where in the world.....

Joy Day

http://www.akidsheart.com/holidays/christms/chgames.htm

Christmas Scavenger Hunt - For Joy Day (Do NOT open until Friday)....Santa's watching!

http://www.stjaneschool.org/Classrooms/Specials/Computers/ChristmasScavengerHunt-final-4-6.htm

See Mrs. O'Hara for Part Two of the Christmas Scavenger Hunt.

Hana's Suitcase - Final Activity



Do you know if anything was found inside Hana's suitcase?  If not, what do you think she would have taken with her when she had to escape?

Imagine you are able to place 6 items in Hana's suitcase (for her).  Not including clothing.  What would you put in her suitcase? Explain why.



Post your responses.

Where in The World...due Friday, Dec. 5th

A clip from the actual movie....Warning - Don't try this!

Advent - What does it mean to you?

What does Advent mean to you? (Post your response)

The Cats in Krasinski Square

We will be reading the book - The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse, in class.
"When Newbery Medalist Karen Hesse came upon a short article about cats out-foxing the Gestapo at the train station in Warsaw during WWII, she couldn't get the story out of her mind. The result is this stirring account of a Jewish girl's involvement in the Resistance. This fictional account, born of meticulous research, is a testament to history and to our passionate will to survive, as only Karen Hesse can write it."  - Scholastic.com

I have provided you with a written copy of the story and a video (to music) below.  Three of the main characters we have read about lately have been girls: Hana, Rose, and the main character in The Cats in Krasinski Square (Mira's sister).  What character traits do they all have in common? Explain.

http://www.childrensbook.co.za/sites/default/files/article-documents/cats-krasinski-square.pdf

I was very curious as to whether or not the cats were actually involved in "outfoxing the Gestapo" at the train station in Warsaw during WWll. I spent at least a half hour searching for the actual article that Hesse was referring to - no luck. I finally decided to check out the author's blog (which is great for aspiring writers, by the way) and I found this question from another curious reader and an answer (from Karen Hesse).