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