Senses of CHRISTmas

Write about the five senses as they relate to your CHRISTmas experiences:

• The smells of Christmas

• The sights of Christmas
  

• The sounds of Christmas
  

• The touches of Christmas
  

• The tastes of Christmas

Then find (and post) a picture to sum up all of these senses...or use a couple, if you can't find just one!!

And just for fun...click here for a countdown to Santa's arrival and to track him on CHRISTmas Eve!! And here for a fun interactive Nativity story. Then here for a "hype or history" documentary of the birth of Jesus.

Ok...enough links...but i want you to have this song to sing over the break:

The Five Senses of Christmas
(Sung to the tune of “Fr’ere Jacques”)

Looks like Christmas, looks like Christmas.
Blink, blink, blink. Blink, blink, blink.
I can see the lights. They’re such a pretty sight.
Blink, blink, blink. Blink, blink, blink.
(Movement: open and shut hands for blink, blink, blink)

Sounds like Christmas, sounds like Christmas.
Ding, ding, dong. Ding, ding, dong.
I can hear the singing. I can hear the ringing.
Ding, ding, dong. Ding, ding, dong.
(Movement: move hand like ringing a bell ding, ding, dong)

Feels like Christmas, feels like Christmas.
Hug, hug, hug. Hug, hug, hug.
I can feel the friendship. I can feel the love.
Hug, hug, hug. Hug, hug, hug.
(Movement: cross arms and hug self for hug, hug, hug)

Smells like Christmas, smells like Christmas.
Sniff, sniff, sniff. Sniff, sniff, sniff.
I can smell the pine tree.
I can smell the turkey.
Sniff, sniff, sniff. Sniff, sniff, sniff.
(Movement: put finger on nose for sniff, sniff, sniff)

Tastes like Christmas, tastes like Christmas.
Crunch, crunch, crunch. Crunch, crunch, crunch.
I can taste the cookies. I can taste the popcorn.
Crunch, crunch, crunch. Crunch, crunch, crunch.
(Movement: put finger on lips for crunch, crunch, crunch)

How much fun is that!?! ;) I wish you all a VERY Merry CHRISTmas!!! You only have one more semester of school!!!! Can you believe it?? Y'all have been so much fun this semester--can't wait to see what 2010 brings!!! Love y'all tons!!! --Coach K :)

Thanksgiving Haiku

There is so much for which we can be thankful...starting with a two-part blog post!!! :)

First, I want you to find a picture that to you exemplifies Thanksgiving.

Then, write a Thanksgiving haiku with the picture as your inspiration. In case you have slept since you last wrote a haiku, here is a little reminder.

Dictionary.com defines haiku as: "a major form of Japanese verse, written in 17 syllables divided into 3 lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, and employing highly evocative allusions and comparisons, often on the subject of nature or one of the seasons." Here are a few examples to get your creative juices flowing... ;)

Fall
Leaves have changed colors
The air is getting chilly
Fall has now arrived

Rain
Splashing through puddles
Running and jumping up high
I love rainy days

Turkey
Plump and quite juicy
It's time to carve the turkey
Can't wait to get a bite!

The title for your post will be "Thanksgiving Haiku." Make sure you title your poem in the post itself. Also, feel free to write more than one if the mood hits you!!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

Story Spinner

Story Spinner is a handheld creative writing wheel that generates millions of writing ideas, topics, and exercises so you never get stuck. It’s a low-tech item that produces high-caliber results, time after time, no matter where you are. It was invented in 1998 by Bonnie Neubauer.










I found an online version of this game...but just couldn't seem to find what I was looking for in the way of topics, etc. I decided to use this idea and come up with my own "story spinners." I have come up with three options from which you can choose. I will give you a setting, starting phrase and four words that must be used (correctly) in your story. I want the four words to be a different color than the rest of your story, so that I can find them easily! You will use my exact phrase for the opening of your story, but please notice it is just a phrase--not a complete sentence--so you must complete the thought and then begin your story from there!

These stories need to be AT LEAST three paragraphs with no less than five sentences per paragraph.

I also want you to find a picture for your story and place it at the beginning of your post. You may choose to use several pictures throughout your story, as well.


I KNOW you will have fun with this!! :)


Option 1

Setting: Your childhood neighborhood

Starting Phrase: As the old man approached my friends and me...

Four words that must be included in the story: barefoot, bicycle, flashlight, gibberish


Option 2

Setting: A bus stop in Paris

Starting Phrase: The long scar just below her left knee...

Four words that must be included in the story: immature, credentials, squint, roses


Option 3

Setting: A dark alley on a rainy night

Starting Phrase: As I regained conscientiousness, I remember asking...

Four words that must be included in the story: blame, headlights, stubborn, vestibule


Now...here's is an extra "spin" on this assignment! You may get with two others in your class and do this as a group assignment. You will still have your own story on your own blog, but only the first paragraph will be yours. Your friends will write the second and third one for you. You still have to follow the format above and use the required words! This means that you are still writing three paragraphs...just on three different stories! For those of you with ADHD, this should be perfect!! ;)


OK...enjoy!!

The Dresdon Dolls & French Toast

This post is unique...not much writing involved, which should make MOST of you happy! :) You have to follow these instructions, or this will not work!

1. Google "your name thinks"

ex: Amanda thinks (enter-web)

2. Find the answer on the results that pop up and that will be the title of your new hit song.

3. Now Google your new song title

ex: Milkshake (enter-web)

4. Find the name of your band from some of the results

5. Google your band name but this time find a picture

ex: The Dresdon Dolls (enter-images)

6. Now take the picture into a program where you can "create" an album cover (I just used Word) using the picture, name of your band, and name of song.

7. Save your cover as a picture, so that you can post it on your blog.

8. The title of your post needs to be the name of your new band! :)

Here are two that I did...

Have fun!! :)

One Time When I Was an Animal...

Scroll down through the pictures and choose one that you can "relate" to in some way.



























You are going to drag and drop the picture you choose onto your desktop, then insert it into a new post on your blog. You will then BECOME the animal in the picture--complete with a new name. Your new name will be the title of your post--make it unique and applicable to the new you!

Write a short story (in first person) explaining the events leading up to this particular time in "your life" and what was going on the moment the picture was taken.

Make them fun and creative....and worth reading...and, of course, full of details!!! :)

Dear Me,

Write a letter to yourself that you will not read until your 30th birthday. In your opening paragraph you need to tell yourself things that will prove that it is really you...things that only you would know.

Then, remind yourself of dreams and goals you have right now. Encourage yourself not to lose touch with what is really important--tell yourself what it is right now that seems really important. You can also ask about things that you are wondering about...how they turned out, etc.

These are the lyrics to a song by Brad Paisley called "Letter to Me" (that is the opposite of what I am telling you to do). He wrote it as an adult to his 17-year-old-self to reassure him that everything will be okay. Kinda cool...and touching--but still the opposite of what I am asking you to do! :)

Letter to Me

If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at 17
First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bed
There's a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid
And then I'd say I know its tough
When you break up after seven months
And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don't seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare

[1st Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
She wasn't right for you
And still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back
And you're wondering if you'll survive
You'll make it through this and you'll see
You're still around to write this letter to me

At the stop sign at Tomlinson and Eighth
Always stop completely don't just tap your brakes
And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full
On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool
Each and every time you have a fight
Just assume you're wrong and daddy is right
And you should really thank Mrs. Bringman
She spend so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine

[2nd Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
Tonight's the bonfire rally
But you're staying home instead because if you fail Algebra
Mom and dad will kill you dead
Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C
And you're still around to write this letter to me

You've got so much up ahead
You'll make new friends
You should see your kids and wife
And I'd end up saying have no fear
These are nowhere near the best years of your life

I guess I'll see you in the mirror
When you're a grown man
P.S. "go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can"

[3rd Chorus]
And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
I wish you'd study Spanish
I wish you'd take a typing class
I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be
I'd say have a little faith and you'll see

If I could write a letter to me
To me

Ok...now go write your letter...remember it is to the future you!! Have fun!!

Coach Rhodes

There are some people who have a way of touching lives. For some reason they just have a way of crawling right into your heart and finding a way to stay there forever!! Coach Rhodes is definitely one of those people!! Everyone has to have a great memory of Coach Rhodes...or as we called him in high school...Coich!! His birthday is today, so in honor of him, I want you to post your favorite Coach Rhodes story!!

I have tons but my very favorite is when I was having trouble clearing the bar when I was high jumping my freshman year. I had been pretty good in jr. high but for some reason just wasn't doing too good that year! He walked over to the pit to watch me and after seeing my knock the bar off several times, he finally crossed his arms and said, "Galligan, looks like you ate too many donuts over the summer!!!" Now if anyone else had said that, I probably would have been offended, but I knew that was coming straight from his heart!! :) I just love him--and am SSSSOOOOO glad I have had the privilege to have him as a coach...and now as co-worker!!! He is AWESOME!!!

Ok...now go to your blog and start digging in your memory bank...can't wait to read your stories!!!

The "CAT"erbury Tales

I know...I know...the title was way too cheesy, but what do expect from an old lady?? :)

I want to be entertained today, so.........go to YOUR blog and write a tale for me to read. It needs to make me shiver, sigh, shake my head, gasp, laugh or cry--actually I don't cry, so I would settle for goosebumps!!

I seriously want to FEEL something when I read your tale. I found the following advice here:

"Describe physical sensations so that your reader will feel it too. There are certain words, turns of phrase, cadences that trigger a similar physical reaction in your reader so they actually almost physically feel what the character feels.

I popped the lemon slice in my mouth, biting down hard on the soft fruit flesh, feeling the liquid squirt throughout my mouth, zapping my tongue.

Now confess, didn't your mouth pucker just a little? Didn't you start salivating a bit?
There were certain words in that sentence that triggered the physical reaction:
Lemon slice
Biting
Squirt
Zapping

I always start to salivate from just reading those words, because they're so powerful. They evoke a physical reaction from the reader because they trigger an emotional memory of biting into a lemon.

You want your physical descriptions of what the character feels to trigger emotional memory in the same way."

I also want to feel like I KNOW your character(s) by the end of the tale. I want a name(s) and LOTS of details about physical, emotional, psychological, and mental aspects of your character(s).

For those of you who insist on asking how long it has to be....it has to be long enough to do the things I have asked you to do...entertain, make me feel, and let me get to know!!

It can be about anything, but I want it to be completely fiction...not even BASED on a true story!!

Get busy!! :)

H1N1 Virus?? Swine Flu??

This is a topic that you cannot get away from right now. The media, schools, hospitals, etc. are a buzz over the issue.

What do you think about the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) issue?

You know I want details...not just one sentence! :) Google it before you blog if you don't feel like you know much about it--I want this to sound like you know what you are talking about....not just a bunch of things you have heard "them" say!!


Just so you know...this is NOT a good idea with all that is going on in the world right now!! ;)

Self-Description Poem

I know when you read the title of this post you got all tingly inside and couldn't resist the smile that came on your face! Actually I bet a lot of you immediately thought, "I can't write a poem!"

Well, don't worry...it's going to be easy...you hardly even have to think--which is a good thing for a senior on a Monday morning!! Basically, you need to be able to follow some directions and be somewhat creative...and your poem will just fall into place on its own!

Go to YOUR blog and start your poem. It will be 12 lines long and must follow these guidelines:

Line 1. your first name
Line 2. 5 words that describe you (in other words, 5 adjectives--there is your grammar lesson for the day) :)
Line 3. 3 things you really like
Line 4. 4 people you could not live without
Line 5. 2 things that really bother you
Line 6. 3 movies you have seen
Line 7. 2 things you fear
Line 8. 4 things you like most about school
Line 9. 3 places you have visited
Line 10. 5 places you would like to visit
Line 11. 4 things you hope to achieve in your lifetime
Line 12. your last name

That's it!! I told you it would not be bad!!

Please identify each line in some way (I am not requiring a complete sentence so calm down, but you need to put enough information in each line that a reader without the list would know what you are talking about).

Try to be unique!! Don't use adjectives like "nice" or "fun" to describe yourself! You have access to the internet, remember...use it to come up with some interesting words! Also, put some thought into this--it is not a race to see who can finish first!

By the way, if you need help with getting that first line, let me know...I know getting started on a poem is usually the hardest part!!! ;)

I can't wait to read them! I might even read some of the really creative ones out loud and see if everyone can guess whose they are!

Beowulf...the Techy??

Now that we have finished reading Beowulf (the oldest piece of British literature), let's continue our fun! :) I could tell by the way you slammed your books closed yesterday as soon as the last word of the story was read, that you were eager to see what was next in our adventures with this hero we have grown to love! ;) I didn't want to disappoint...so...let me get right to the assignment!

I know that some of you think it would be cool to live back during those times and fight monsters and dragons. You were probably hoping that I would let you put yourself in the place of one of the characters and tell what you would have done or how fast you would have killed the creatures!! Instead of going that direction, though, I thought it would be more fun to bring them into the 21st Century! Since I am the BOSS, we are going to do just that (and of course, by "we" I mean "you")! :)

You are going to rewrite the story (but an even shorter version) only you are going to add technology. Make sure you include each of the sections that were included in our literature books. Also, the setting, plot, etc. needs to remain basically the same....it can't just end in the first section by Grendal coming and killing everyone in the castle the first night after he uses Google to locate Herot Hall!

You are allowed to give each of the characters listed below one piece of technology, but you cannot give out more than one of each kind of technology. For example, if you give Beowulf an iPhone, then no one else is allowed to have an iPhone. The characters you will "hook up" with technology will be:

1. Beowulf
2. Higlac
3. Hrothgar
4. The Danish Watchman (the one who questions Beowulf and his men when they reach shore)
5. Grendel
6. One of the Whitebeards (Hrothgar's men who stood at the edge of the lake waiting for Beowulf to come up from his battle with Grendel's Mother)
7. Grendel's Mother
8. Wiglaf
9. One of the Soldiers who betrayed Beowulf when he was battling the Dragon
10. One of the Soldiers who rode a horse around "Beowulf Tower" during the funeral of Beowulf

Because there are 10 characters, you will have to come up with 10 different kinds of technology. You will need to make sure you explain how each of the characters uses his/her/its device and include examples of how it affected the outcome of the story. Keep in mind that if Beowulf has an iPhone, you will have to think of ways for him to use it that do not require someone else to also have an iPhone (in other words, he cannot text someone iPhone to iPhone--and...NO you cannot just hand out 10 different kinds of cell phones)!! I know you all have other ways to "talk"...and uses for technology other than just communication! Think, think, think!!

The only other stipulation on technology is that it has to be something that has been invented in YOUR lifetime--it can be an updated version of something that was invented before you, but the actual product must not have been around before you were born! Make sure you do some research if you are not sure--and stick to technological inventions, not just inventions in general!

You need to include at least one picture in this post. It can be of anything that pertains to your story. However, I do not want to see any movie posters or book covers. Find a picture/pictures that will add to your story but that have not been previously used to illustrate Beowulf (or "Beowulf").

Your new post needs to be published by the end of class tomorrow. This gives you plenty of time to equip the characters with their technology and rewrite a short version of this epic poem (you know, Beowulf - the first written piece of British literature!?!).

Now...go to YOUR blog and create a new post, so that you can get to updating those guys!! The more creative, the better!! There might even be some kind of reward to the one who comes up with the most creative "technologically-advanced" Beowulf!!

Look Into Your Crystal Ball...

I know that as seniors you get asked a lot what you want to do in the future. Well, I am asking you about your future, but I don't want cheesy responses about how you are going to graduate from high school, go to college, get a job, become a millionaire, blah, blah, blah...
I want you to sit back, clear your mind and really think about what you hope for in your future. I want realistic dreams. Tell me things like what kind of house you want to live in...and include details like will you have hard-wood floors, granite counter tops, a large king-sized sleigh bed??? Really think about it. What kind of car will you drive; will it have to be an SUV to haul around all your kids? What kind of person will you marry...looks, personality, values? Do you think you have even met that person yet? What town will you live in? Where will you work...will you be your own boss? What will your hobbies be...how will you spend your spare time and/or weekends? Where will you go to church? What kind of vacations will you take...weekend get-a-ways...weeks in foreign countries? Who will your friends be?
Please understand that I am not talking about 5 or even 10 years...I want to know about when you are my age (a little over 30 ;) ) or even older. After you have "sown your wild oats" and settled down, what will your life be like? Who will you be? Are these things similar to what your parents have? Or will you make a life completely different from theirs? How much of an influence will/do they (and other adults) have on your future?
Open YOUR blog and respond to this post. I am not going to say that it needs to be a certain length, but I will say that I am looking for more than 2 or 3 sentences! I really want you to put some thought into this and really try to put yourself in your future...then tell me about it!! Enjoy!!!

Who Packed Your Parachute?

Read the following story...(you can click on the next line to go to the website where I found it)...

An Inspirational Story with Wisdom
Who Packed Your Parachute
by Author Unknown

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason.

Charles Plumb, a US Naval Academy graduate, was a jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience.

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.

"I packed your parachute," the man replied.

Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man grabbed his hand and said, "I guess it worked!"

Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today."

Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb kept wondering what the man might have looked like in a Navy uniform. He wondered how many times he might have seen him and not even said good morning, how are you or anything, because you see, he was a fighter pilot and the man was just a sailor. Plumb thought of the many hours that sailor had spent in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he did not know.

Now Plumb asks his audience, "Who is packing your parachute?" Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. Plumb also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down. As you go through your week, month, and even New Year, recognize the people who have packed your parachute and enabled you to get where you are today!

Now go to your blog and list (at least ) six people who have "packed your parachute" at some point in your life. Out of those six, choose one to dedicate today's post to...tell me why they are so important to you and how they have "packed your parachute". I want details...and be sincere!!

The Wheels on the Bus...

Believe it or not....you are embarking on your last year at CHS!! I bet you can remember a time when you thought you would NEVER be a senior...your senior year seemed like it would never get here...like you would never make it to this point in your life!! Be careful!! It will be over before you know it!!!

The purpose of this class blog is, of course, educational!!! We will also use it as a way to log the days of your senior year of high school. I really hope this is something you enjoy doing and will take seriously enough to mean something to you at the end of this year--and in the future. The cool thing about a blog is that you can basically have access to this forever!! Your children and grandchildren may some day be reading things you posted on your blog...how cool would it be to have access to the thoughts and memories of your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. when they were your age!?!

Please always keep in mind that this HAS to be "school appropriate" and that the "www" in the URL stands for WORLD WIDE WEB...don't expect what you post to remain between me and you!! There are ways to make these private, and we will talk about that in a minute. The bottom line to all of this, though, is use your head...don't disrespect yourself, others or me--but mainly don't embarrass your MAMA!!! :)

With that said...I really hope you will get on board and make the most of your time as a blogger!!! Let's get started!!! Go here and wait for everyone else. Just like many other things this year we will walk through this together!! ;)