Konnichiwa!

...or "hello" in Japanese! Yes, we have begun our unit on Japan and I am offering extra credit homework. With the successful completion of this homework, you will receive a pass for having Mrs. Wadsworth complete one night of your homework! You can be assured an "E" on this assignment! See below for details...

1. Use a large sheet of construction paper or poster board.
2. Divide your paper into four equal squares.
3. In each square, write and illustrate a fact about Japanese culture. Some ideas may include a picture and description of the Japanese flag, special holidays, population, or geographic features.
4. You must also PRACTICE presenting the facts,then be prepared to present the information here at school.

Good Luck and Sayonara!

Mid-Week Update...

Hi Parents and Students,

Thanks for visiting our site today! This week, I will be discussing expectations for our "Response to Literature" expectations, which is our writing focus for this nine weeks. Below, I will give an example of an "S" writing sample and an "E" writing sample. This may help you help your child when you practice writing at home.

I really enjoyed the book Stellaluna. I thought the book was very funny. I also enjoyed the book because I liked the characters in the story. This book also helped me to see that it is okay to be yourself. In my opinion, the book Stellaluna is a great story.

(This is an example of writing that would earn an "S" for a grade. The topic sentence is clearly stated. There are three reasons that support the writers opinion. The closing sentence restates the topic sentence and the paper stays on topic. Read below to see what "goes above and beyond"!)

I really enjoyed reading the story Stellaluna. One reason I enjoyed reading this book is because it had some very funny parts. The main character, Stellaluna, joined a family of birds after he lost his mother. At one point in the story, Stellaluna convinces all the baby birds to hang upside down on a branch by their feet! Another reason I really enjoyed this book was because I liked the characters in this story. There is a mama bird who takes in Stellaluna after she loses her mother. There are also three baby birds who become wonderful friends to Stellaluna. Lastly, I liked this story because there was a valuable lesson that I learned from reading this story. I learned, just like Stellaluna, that it is okay to be yourself. In my opinion, the book Stellaluna is a wonderful story.

(The above story would earn an "E" for a grade. It has all the qualities of the "S" paper, but after each reason is stated, a supporting detail from the story is given. Transition phrases like "Another reason I liked this story..." are used throughout the paper.)

I hope you find this information helpful in working with your child at home. Writing skills are skills that need to be practiced often. Encourage your child to keep a journal at home. After reading, write a quick literature response. Your child's extra time and effort will pay off!

-Mrs. Wadsworth