What's the Story?

Read the play "First Step to Freedom" in your Scholastic Newspaper.  Respond to the following questions:

1.  What is the main theme of this play?

2.  Where and when did the play's events take place?

3.  Pick two characters.  How are they similar?  How are they different?

Should School Buses Have Advertisements?

Big advertisements on city buses are nothing new.  But lately, ads have been popping up on school buses too.  Nine states allow schools to put ads on the outside of their buses.  Several others may soon do the same.  Some districts also allow ads inside buses.  Businesses pay school districts to run the ads.  That extra money can help pay teachers, buy books, and help keep the buses running.  Many districts are careful to avoid using ads for things like junk food. Some people argue that it doesn't matter what the ads are selling - they don't belong on buses.  They say the school bus is one of the few places most kids get a break from advertising.  Other say it's a safety issue, because buses covered with ads could distract drivers.  What do YOU think?

~ Scholastic News

Christmas List

'Tis the season to give!  In our classroom tomorrow, we will be creating gifts for family members.  What other gifts will you be giving for Christmas?  What are you hoping you will get for Christmas this year?  (make a list!) If your family does not celebrate Christmas, what do you celebrate instead?  How do you celebrate?

Mystery of The Maya

Why do you think everyone is saying the world is going to end in 2012 (this month).  Do you think this is true, valid information?  What do you think is really going to happen?

~ Scholastic News 12.03.12 edition

2012 Year in Review

Read pages six through nine in your Scholastic Newspaper.  What do you remember about the past year?  What stands out to you?  Write your own Year In Review about what happened in your life.

Require Art and Music Classes?

The Mayor of Chicago, Illinois, thinks that more kids should be singing and dancing.  Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently announced that he wants students to have two hours of arts education each week.  The plan includes art, music, drama, and dance classes.  Supporters say classes in the arts help boost creativity and keep students more focused in school.  But critics of the plan say cash - strapped schools can't afford to add these classes.  In fact, many schools are cutting them.  Many people argue that subjects like math and English are more important than art and music, which kids can do after school.  What do YOU think?

~ Scholastic News 12.03.12 edition

Sticky Situation

Tina and Mark are assigned to work together on a report for class.  But Tina ends up doing most of the work while Mark mostly goofs off.  Their teacher gives the report a good grade and praises them in front of the class.  Tina is upset because Mark is getting equal credit even though he barely did any work.  If this happens to you this year, what can you do about it?

~ Scholastic News 11.19.12 edition

Holidays

My favorite time of year is finally here!  I love shopping for gifts my friends and family will love, and decorating the house with bright lights and a tall tree, baking yummy treats, and hopefully waiting for snow. What do you like about the holiday season?  What do you normally do during your Winter Break?  If you do not celebrate Christmas or New Year's, what do you do instead?

Vocabulary Search

Look through your Scholastic Newspaper to find the following words.  Then, write their definitions.

1. embedded:
2. altitude:
3. concede:
4. agenda:
5. panoramic:

Mini Dino

Tell about the Mini Dinosaur we read about on page 3 in your Scholastic Newspaper.  (looks creepy to me!)

Do Kids Still Need Homework?

Many kids dream of school without homework.  That dream is now a reality for students at Gaithersburg Elementary School in Maryland.  Instead of homework, students have to read a book for 30 minutes each night.  Supporters of the plan say kids need more free time after school so they can relax and spend more time with their families and friends.  Opponents of no-homework policies argue that it's important for kids to practice what they learn in class.  They also say homework helps teachers check whether students understand what's being taught.  What do you think?

~ Scholastic News

Lower the Voting Age?

Yesterday, on November 6th, millions of Americans ages 18 and older cast their votes for President.  The National Youth Rights Association wants to give even more people the right to vote by lowering the voting age to 16.  Supporters of the idea say people would be more likely to vote if they started at a younger age.  They argue that anyone who's old enough to drive and work should be allowed to vote too.  They also point out that some other nations, like Brazil, let 16-year-olds vote.  Opponents say that people under 18 aren't ready to vote.  They argue that 16-year-olds are too young to understand the issues or make informed decisions about politics.  What do YOU think?

~ Scholastic News

Five Things to Know About the Constitution

How old is the Constitution?  What are the five main things to know about our Constitution?  (use your newspaper to help you)

~ Scholastic News

Vocab Scramble

Look through this issue of Scholastic News.  Find the following words and write the definitions:

* delegates:
* sophisticated:
* exporter:
* ratified:

BONUS: use each word in a sentence, or find the sentences the words are used in somewhere in your newspaper.  Type them here.

Sticky Situation

Almost every day after school, Jesse bullies Zack through instant messaging.  He calls Zack names and makes fun of the way he looks and talks.  Zack blocks Jesse's user name from his list, but Jesse just creates new names so he can keep bothering Zack.  What should Zack do?

~ Scholastic News

Presidential Election 2012

Election Day is almost here!  Have you made your choice yet?  We will be casting votes for the new president in our classroom on November 6th.  What is important to YOU when choosing who to vote for?  Please do not tell us which man you are voting for.  Remember, this is a personal choice.

Should Kids Be on Facebook?

Facebook may soon gain a lot more friends.  The popular website is considering letting preteens create accounts linked to their parents' accounts.  Right now, only people 13 and older are allowed to set up Facebook accounts.  People who like the idea note that many young kids already use Facebook anyway.  More than 7.5 million kids have lied about their ages to join - often with their parents' help - according to one report.  Many parents say it's a safe site for kids to connect with friends.  Opponents of the idea argue that kids don't understand the possible dangers of sharing private information online.  What do you think?

~ 11/05/12 Edition Scholastic News

Sticky Situation

I see this happen all the time at Glenridge:

Joey and his friends are eating lunch in the cafeteria.  When the bell rings, all of Joey's friends get up and leave their trash on the table.  Joey sees there is only one woman working in the cafeteria.  He wants to tell his friends to clean up their mess, but he doesn't want them to make fun of him.  What should Joey do?
~ Scholastic News

Harvest Party

Touching The Sky

Read the article entitled "Touching The Sky" on page 4 of your Scholastic News.  Find the meaning of the words below:

recruited:

heritage:

What are the workers building in this article?

Age Limits on Trick-or-Treating?

Teens who trick-or-treat in some cities may get more than candy.  They could in trouble with the law!  Several cities in Virgina, Illinois, and other states, now ban kids older than 12 from trick-or-treating.  Violators face fines up to $100, though they are usually given a warning instead.  The ban in Belleville, Illinois, was put in to place because many residents were scared by tall teens in masks showing up at their doors.  Supporters of such laws say only young kids should trick-or-treat.  But many people say "Boo!" to setting age limits.  They say trick-or-treating is a fun, harmless activitiy for kids of all ages.  What do YOU think?

~ Scholastic News

A Hair-Raising Feat

On page 2 in your Scholastic Newspaper, it shows a picture of a man named Kazuhiro Watanabe.  What is he recognized for in the Guiness Book of World Records?  What would you choose to be in this book for? 

Sticky Situation

It's Erika's birthday and her parents want to take her out to dinner.  They tell Erika that she can invite a friend to join them.  But Erika has two best friends, Mary and Bridget.  Erika can't decide what to do.  She doesn't want to hurt the feelings of the friend she doesn't choose.  What should Erika do?
~ Scholastic News 10.22.12 edition

Ban Supersized Soft Drinks?

In this week's cover story, you read that New York City recently banned the sale of supersized soft drinks in restaurants, movie theaters, and sports arenas.  City health officials say that extra large drinks are a big reason more than half of New Yorkers are overweight.  They argue that the ban will raise awareness about making healthier food decisions.  Opponents of the ban say it's wrong to single out sugary soft drinks when many foods also contribute to weight gain.  They believe people should be able to make their own choices and that simply telling people what they can't have won't make them any healthier.  What do YOU think?

~ Scholastic News

Sticky Situation

Paul is playing a video game at his friend Jordan's house.  Jordan gets excited after finishing a difficult level and accidentally knocks over his glass of soda.  It spills all over the white carpet!  Jordan gets worried when he hears his mom coming up the stairs and begs Paul to take the blame.  What should Paul do?

~ 10.08.12 Scholastic News

Long Weekend

We (I mean you) have a three day weekend coming up!  What will all of you be doing over the weekend?    It's finally starting to feel like fall outside.  Will you be doing any fall-ish activities during your day off? (while your poor teacher is working all day)

Presidential Debate

During this election year, we will have our own mini election in our classroom.  In order to vote, you will need to be well informed on all of the issues both candidates are promising.  To start, what information do you already know about either of these candidates? Maybe you've heard this information at home, on the news, in the newspaper, or even at school.  Make a list of all the facts you already know. 

Make The School Day Longer?

The final school bell is ringing later for many kids this year.  Some schools in Washington DC, and other cities have extended their school day.  Supporters say more class time will help students learn more and improve their test scores.  They also claim that longer school days give students more time for things like lunch and recess.  Opponents argue that kids may lose focus, and that longer hours don't always mean better grades.  They add that schools may not have the money to pay staff to work longer hours.  What do you think?

~ Scholastic News

Welcome Back....sort of

We have already been in school for a month!  Time has flown by so far this year.  How does it feel to be in sixth grade?  What things have you enjoyed this past month?  What things have you not enjoyed?  What are you looking forward to this school year?