Article posted July 12, 2008 at 11:52 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 5493
It's funny. I'm in my hometown in the US now; in the distance, I hear the rumbling of thunder. I know that there will be a heavy storm soon. I rather like it.
(I'm trying out a new photo uploading program. PicVault Just click on an image below to see the larger version.)
At my home in Bloomington...
And at my home in Beirut...
Which would you prefer?
Article posted July 12, 2008 at 11:52 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 5493
Article posted June 26, 2008 at 04:42 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 1007
Dear ACS Students,
I hope you enjoy listening to this little known information about one of the US presidents. I really liked listening to this story, so I decided to share with you all.
Hope you're enjoying your summer vacation, so far. I think today will be my last day at school. Most of the teachers are already gone. Mrs. Branch, of course, is still there, too.
Article posted June 19, 2008 at 04:35 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 826
What a lovely celebration!
My photos didn't turn out well; what about yours?
For pictures made during today’s ceremony:
SuperColor (Aysah Bakkar - Verdun) has them. Their phone number is 01-736-910. Prices depend on the photo size, and they also have a video, but that one is available a week from now. Give them a call if you are interested.
Article posted June 19, 2008 at 04:35 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 826
Article posted June 15, 2008 at 01:11 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 581
During Multicultural Week, we all learn some new words. Would you like to contribute a Voki in French, Spanish, Urdu, Italian, Japanese, or other language?
Article posted June 15, 2008 at 01:11 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 581
Article posted June 14, 2008 at 10:33 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 634
I've been having a wonderful time with Multicultural Week. During the June 12th Circle Gatherings, I learned so many things! Some of what I learned made me realize I want to learn even more about that country. Here are just a few things that I learned on Thursday.
1) England: There are more than 230 different kinds of birds in England.
2) South Korea: The red shape on the flag is bigger than the blue, although to me it looks the same.
3) Thailand: If the owner is mean to his elephant, the elephant will be mean to the owner.
4) Ancient Mesopotamia: There was a festival for the new year in which the real king takes the day off and a person is chosen randomly to be the King for a Day.
5) Italy: Italy has two countries inside it -- Vatican City and San Marino.
6) Puerto Rico: I learned about a wedding tradition -- a doll is made and people give the doll wedding presents.
7) India: The women wear colorful dresses.
What did you learn walking about the ACS Elementary School? Remember, all the information is displayed on the bulletin boards!
A big thank you goes to the 5th grade students who have been walking the halls, stairways, and outside areas to capture on camera what's going on.
Article posted June 14, 2008 at 10:33 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 634
Article posted June 7, 2008 at 04:04 PM GMT0 •
comment (3) • Reads 501
With Mrs. Branch away, I think Coco might be getting into some trouble! When will Mrs. Branch be getting back?
Coco went to the Circus Carnival on Friday evening, but the noise was too much. He only stayed a short time and then went home with Miss Founouni. I wonder if he'll come back to school barking? You do know Miss Founouni has 4 dogs!
Article posted June 7, 2008 at 04:04 PM GMT0 •
comment (3) • Reads 501
On Thursday evening, while sitting on our balcony, my husband and I heard an airplane. We looked up and watched the first MEA flight return to Beirut. What a wonderful sight.
Article posted May 15, 2008 at 06:35 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 470
While walking to and from school the last few days, I was rather fascinated by all the different barricades we have in Beirut. I've taken some pictures of what I've seen. I did not include the tanks or army barricades.
Do you have any pictures of Beirut barricades you would like me to include?
Article posted May 14, 2008 at 07:38 PM GMT0 •
comment (3) • Reads 463
Today at school I asked Mrs. Branch if she would like to send a message to you all. I hope you don't have trouble opening the podcast. Just click on the little green arrow.
Article posted May 13, 2008 at 04:08 PM GMT0 •
comment (2) • Reads 486
Today on my walk to school, I decided to only take pictures of pleasant sights -- and there are so many in this lovely city!
I walked past army tanks, road blocks, full garbage bins, dented cars, open stores, closed stores, people (I even saw Mr. Easton.), children, and more. But, here are the pleasant sights!
I worked for a little while, visited with a few teachers, and then continued working again. The other teachers and I miss the students, but we get more work done this way!
And then I began my walk home.....
While walking home, through AUB, I bumped into a couple of ACS students just enjoying the beautiful day.
What was your day like?
Article posted May 13, 2008 at 04:08 PM GMT0 •
comment (2) • Reads 486
Article posted May 12, 2008 at 05:55 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 383
Today I walked down to school through AUB. It sure was beautiful! A much prettier view of Beirut than I've been seeing on the TV news.
This morning at 11:00 AM, ACS had a meeting for faculty and staff.
We know that it's hard for students to be advised on a day-to-day basis about school closures; it's also hard on the school--teachers included. So, at a board meeting today, ACS decided to set a target date of Monday, May 19, 2008 to reopen. We certainly hope to be able to get back to school then. It will still be a Day 3!
Mrs. Branch has asked teachers to make sure that we connect with our students. I think the blog is an excellent way to connect. So, if you're able to access the Internet, please let us hear from you. Your teachers are posting "homework" online -- make sure you check your teacher's class website.
Take care, be safe, and hope to see you on May 19th!
Mrs. B
~~~~~
Here is Dr. Damon's letter, posted on the ACS website.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Dear Community Members:
Due to the continuing political uncertainties, the school remains closed.
The target date for reopening the school is Monday, May 19, 2008.
IB exams are held as scheduled.
Starting Tuesday, May 13, 2008, all academic offices and some of the other administrative offices will be open from 10:00 to 2:00 pm.
Article posted May 11, 2008 at 08:28 AM GMT0 •
comment (3) • Reads 513
I was just watching ABC's Good Morning America Weekend (on MBC 4) and heard about an idea I liked.
Describe your week in three words. You can sing it, you can say it, you can write it, you can draw it. It can be funny or sad or poignant as long as it’s honest.
~~
Today, mine are:
emotional
tense
fearful
I'd love to hear Your 3 Words!
~~~
Article posted May 11, 2008 at 08:28 AM GMT0 •
comment (3) • Reads 513
Article posted May 11, 2008 at 05:15 AM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 369
It's Sunday morning, the sun is rising, and the birds are chirping. Everything in my neighborhood (Clemenceau) was quiet last night. I hope the same for you, as well!
Make sure you read Miss Noshie's blog (check the Related Links section). She has an assignment for 5A, but I think 5B and 5C students should try it, too!
Article posted May 11, 2008 at 05:15 AM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 369
Article posted May 8, 2008 at 09:29 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 424
It is now Saturday morning (May 10). The sounds of normalcy are around me. I hear birds chirping and the garbage truck working on a nearby street.
For me, in the Clemenceau area, it was a quiet night. I went to bed at 9:30 PM on Friday -- really tired because I didn't sleep much the night before.
My sons arrived in Paris on Friday, and since they were not able to continue to Beirut, they're enjoying springtime in Paris!
Today is a beautiful day in Beirut! I hope it stays that way.
How are things for you?
~
It is late Thursday night (May 8) and yet there are still sounds of gunfire and explosions. Part of my family and I are safe in our home. But, we have two sons who were to arrive in Beirut tomorrow. Their flight has been canceled. Now they are going to be spending a few days in Paris; we are thankful they will be safe.
What has the day been like for you? Share some of your thoughts, by adding a comment below.
By the way, are you ready for the MAP tests to continue? We should be able to be back at school on Monday, May 12th.
Take care,
Mrs.B
.
Article posted May 8, 2008 at 09:29 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 424
Article posted April 26, 2008 at 06:00 AM GMT0 •
comment (3) • Reads 316
I have added some book comments from Maryam and Serena. I'd love to add more! Let me know what you're reading over the vacation.
Just hold the mouse over the book to read my comments. If you click, you'll be taken to another page, possibly with more information and comments -- but it takes some time to download.
Article posted April 13, 2008 at 06:10 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 400
Earth Day is coming. April 22, 2008
What can you do to help with global warming?
Being aware of how you live making a difference is a good place to start.
Answer the series of questions from the Zerofootprint Kids Calculator (link below) to see how much of a "footprint" your lifestyle will leave on the earth.
Article posted April 5, 2008 at 06:42 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 350
The weather is much prettier than the following forecast shows. I have sun streaming into my house -- I haven't seen any of those scattered clouds, yet!
If you can't get out to enjoy the beautiful day, try creating your own flower garden.
Article posted April 1, 2008 at 05:56 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 371
I had posted a Project Help needed article a few days ago. Several teachers and one class of students came through for me. Check out the results of our rather last minute collaborative work.
Article posted March 26, 2008 at 06:09 PM GMT0 •
comment (4) • Reads 378
How often do you clean your keyboard?
The number below is the number of germs on my keyboard! Take the quiz yourself and let me know how many germs live on your keyboard. (Click on the number only; the image will not take you to the website.) 1,797,600How Many Germs Live On Your Keyboard?
Here's another quiz I took; it's the Blogger's Spelling Test. Let me know how well you do. I did quite well!
http://assets.justsayhi.com/badges/830/91/spelling.rzsqen4hz7.jpg') no-repeat; width: 265px; height: 182px;">I Scored a 100%!
Mrs. Noshie found these quizzes and shared them with me. I did really badly on the Internet Quiz; I'm not posting my score!
.
Article posted March 26, 2008 at 06:09 PM GMT0 •
comment (4) • Reads 378
Many years ago, I had a Persian cat that looked just like this one. Her name was Sherlock. I don't have a pet anymore, but I have a lot of wonderful memories. What about you? Do you have a pet? Maybe you should go to SK in the Student Entries and take the Pet Poll.
Article posted March 26, 2008 at 02:43 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 364
Article posted March 12, 2008 at 09:57 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 321
Dear Grade Five,
Would you help me a little bit?
I found some pretty good links for Folktales from Around the World. Please check them out. I hope all the links work; if they don't, please let me know.
Let me know what kind of stories you read online. I just might be asking your for your favorite, pretty soon.
Article posted March 8, 2008 at 02:39 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 327
Proofreading is something I have to do a lot of, since we started the Class Blogmeister blogs. You might enjoy trying some proofreading on your own. I even made a screen shot of my first try!
If you do well, try making a screen shot, save it as a jpg (not bmp) and sent it to me by email. I'll upload it to your blog. (Notes for how to make a screen shot are on my website in the Teacher Folder.)
Article posted March 6, 2008 at 11:49 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 328
Some of you may have received comments from students in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and just maybe those students are in Mr. Daunis' class. Have a look at what his students are reading! I think many of you might recognize One Grain of Rice.
I wonder if Mr. Daunis knows about FreeRice? Visit his site and share the information, if you'd like.
Article posted March 4, 2008 at 12:06 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 263
Catch the Reading Bug
I Love to Read Week – March 10 - 16
The Reading challenge:
Last year our reading goal for the Lower School was 150,000 minutes. We broke the record. This year’s goal is to read 155,000 minutes during the week. We are looking forward to another record breaking year.
The activities for the week are:
Monday, March 10: Assembly
During Assembly, we will all take our favorite reading and read together, silently. Grade 3A will sing the library song. Grade 3B will present a skit. The rest of the day will set the tone and energy level for the following week. So, let’s read, read, read! Let’s make sure that our televisions are off on Monday.
Tuesday, March 11:
Travel around the world folktale. World’s folktales will be the star of Tuesday. We will read as many folktales from as many countries as we can. Our challenge is to bring unknown or very little known folktale into the spotlight. We just might be surprised to know how Very much in common we all have.
Wednesday, March 12:
Pajama or slippers Day. Everyone in the Lower School, including teachers, will wear their pajamas or slippers to school and read or be read to.
Thursday, March 13:
Top it off with your favorite book (include author, illustrator or character) Students and teachers will wear hats or simple headbands related to their favorite book, author or illustrator. (Wouldn’t be fun to guess the book, author or illustrator.)
Friday, March 14:
Circle Around Reading Day. On this day, everyone will bring their favorite book to their circles and present it in a brief book talk.
Thank you. Your Lower School Librarians and The I Love To Read Week Committee
Article posted March 4, 2008 at 12:06 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 263
Article posted February 22, 2008 at 06:15 PM GMT0 •
comment (2) • Reads 414
Welcome back to Beirut, Grade 5.
We're all anxious to hear about your trip to Faqra!
See you on Monday!
Check out Mrs Noshie's blog. You'll love the photos!
(See Related Links or check the left hand margin for Student Entries-- Faqra-SN or click on this link: Ms. Noshie's Blog)
.
Article posted February 22, 2008 at 06:15 PM GMT0 •
comment (2) • Reads 414
Article posted February 16, 2008 at 06:32 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 298
You've heard many of us talking about the Iditarod Project. Now all grade 5 students can work on Week #3 assignment. Try it; it's fun! Just post your answers as a comment to this article.
First, you will need the compass directions of the map.
• The top center of the map is north.
• The bottom center of the map is south.
• The center of the left side of the map is west.
• The center of the right side of the map is east.
• The top left-hand corner is northwest.
• The bottom left-hand corner is southwest.
• The top right-hand corner is northeast.
• The bottom right-hand corner is southwest.
Make sense? Good.
Now answer these questions based on the map.
1. What direction is Nome from Anchorage "as the crow flies?" ("As the crow flies" is an expression that means in a straight line from point to point.)
2. The journey from Takotna to Cripple will take you through what checkpoint?
3. The journey from Kaltag to Unalakleet will take you in which direction?
4. Although the journey from Anchorage to Nome is mostly northwest, there are some parts of the trail that will take a musher northeast. Between which checkpoints on the trail will the mushers head northeast?
5. As you check in at Skwenta, Mt. McKinley is about 50 miles due north of where you are. You then travel the 45 miles to Finger Lake. As you check in at Finger Lake, Mt. McKinley will be in which direction?
6. According to the map, which checkpoint is farthest east?
7. Which consecutive checkpoints appear to be the farthest from each other?
8. Which consecutive checkpoints appear to be closest to each other?
Something to think about: How could a compass and a map save a life in the Alaskan wilderness?
Note: The above original lesson plan was prepared by New York Middle School teacher Terry Burton.
The Iditarod Collaborative Project has been organized by Kimberly Brown of Saskatchewan, Canada. (Haultain Hawks in Related Links)
Now, want to play a game? Try the link in Related Links - Be a Musher.
Article posted February 16, 2008 at 06:32 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 298
Article posted February 15, 2008 at 09:26 PM GMT0 •
comment (4) • Reads 267
Did you feel the earthquake (magnitude of 5.1) that occurred in Lebanon on Friday, February 15th? I didn't. I think being on a lower level of the building made some difference. Where were you?
I have felt earthquakes before. Once, many years ago, my family and I were driving across the US. We were planning to stop at Yellowstone National Park, but we never got to go in; the park was closed because of an earthquake. I felt that earthquake. We were spending the night at a hotel several hundred miles away, but I was still knocked out of my bed! That earthquake was one of the largest recorded in North America. It registered 7.8 on the Reichter scale.
Have a safe weekend.
Article posted February 15, 2008 at 09:26 PM GMT0 •
comment (4) • Reads 267
Article posted February 14, 2008 at 06:38 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 281
Your work is being read around the world.
I received an email from a teacher in Rhode Island, USA. She also had her students write I Am From poems. Interested in reading them? Click on Mrs. Casey's Class in Related Links and scroll down to December 17th.
Across the North American continent, another class we have connected with is actively involved in the Iditarod Collaborative project. You might enjoy learning more about it. I know I am.
Today, when doing my homework, I learned about The "30-30-30" Rule. This rule says that at a temperature of -30°F, with winds of 30 MPH, human flesh will freeze solid in 30 seconds! Can you believe mushers and dogs are racing for fun? Check out the Iditarod Project, a few of our students are participating, as well. The link is posted in Related Links (to the left).
A student from a school in Australia wrote a comment--he wants to know what a Voki is. I responded to his question by finding his teacher on Class Blogmeister and then posting a comment.
Keep up the postings! Your work is being read around the world.
Article posted February 14, 2008 at 06:38 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 281
Article posted January 18, 2008 at 05:58 AM GMT0 •
comment (23) • Reads 367
With MAP testing over, it's time to get back into more creative activities! The guidelines for posting comments are below.
Posting Comments
I want each of you to post five(5) comments.
Two (2) comments must be to two of your classmates (one comment to each).
One comment can be to a student in a different class or grade level, and two (2) comments need to be directed to me -- one of which MUST be regarding the MAP testing.
Why leave comments?
(1) To let other people know they have an audience.
(2) To encourage people to write.
(3) To make people think more deeply about an issue.
Starting your comments with something like the following will help you think about what to write and help the people you are writing to think more deeply.
~ This made me think about…….
~ I wonder why…….
~ Your writing made me form an opinion about…….
~ This post is relevant because…….
~ Your writing made me think that we should…….
~ I wish I understood why…….
~ This is important because…….
~ Another thing to consider is…….
~ I can relate to this…….
~ This makes me think of…….
~ I discovered…….
~ I don’t understand…….
~ I was reminded that…….
~ I found myself wondering…….
Credit Note:
These comment starters are credited to Anne Davis
Article posted January 10, 2008 at 11:14 AM GMT0 •
comment (14) • Reads 276
Thursday, January 10 begins our 2nd session of MAP tests. Mr. Easton and I would like to learn a little more about what you think of the whole process. Try to comment on these ideas:
I think the tests are .....
The scheduling is .....
The questions are .....
I like .....
I don't like .....
If you don't feel comfortable commenting on the blog, please complete the MAP TEST SURVEY that is on the ES Computer Lab Website.
Article posted December 12, 2007 at 08:59 AM GMT0 •
comment (2) • Reads 567
Dear Holiday Bloggers,
Over the holidays, I hope you will visit the blog sites often and contribute your ideas. I will be checking them daily! Please remember some of the basics.
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
Also, try to think about 6+1 Trait® Writing, as you’re working. What do I mean? Consider Ideas, Organization, Voice, Sentence Fluency,Word Choice, and Conventions. The +1 is Presentation(or in this case, publishing on your blog).
Please pay attention to all six traits; proper use of conventions makes your writing easier for others to understand. I will be watching out for proper Conventions: spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization and paragraphing.
Please reread your work and ask yourself these questions:
Title:
If I have a title, did I capitalize the words correctly?
Spacing
Did I leave one space between words and after
punctuation marks?
Punctuation
Did I use correct punctuation?
Capitalization
Did I use capital letters in the right places?
Did I capitalize all proper nouns?
Did I capitalize the pronoun “I”?
Did I capitalize the first word of a sentence?
Spelling and Grammar
Have I proofread for correct spelling and grammar?
Paragraphing
Have I indented all new paragraphs?
Anything you submit for the Grade 4 or Grade 5 blog comes to me for approval. As I have mentioned in class, I have been cleaning up some of the basics for you. I don’t change your words, but, for the time being, I do fix the capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and spacing. Your blog is read by students in Lebanon, Canada, the US, New Zealand and more.
If you have posted something, and you don’t see it online after a few days, you can come and see me or drop me an email (bbashour@acs.edu.lb); I am probably holding it for review. As I said, I don’t change your words, but if they don’t make
sense, I’m not going to publish your work.
Article posted December 12, 2007 at 08:59 AM GMT0 •
comment (2) • Reads 567
Article posted December 12, 2007 at 08:53 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 185
Posting Comments
I want each of you to post five(5) comments.
Three (3) comments must be to three of your classmates (one comment to each classmate).
One comment can be to a student in a different class or grade level, and one comment needs to be directed to me.
Why leave comments?
(1) To let other people know they have an audience.
(2) To encourage people to write.
(3) To make people think more deeply about an issue.
Starting your comments with something like the following will help you think about what to write and help the people you are writing to think more deeply.
~ This made me think about…….
~ I wonder why…….
~ Your writing made me form an opinion about…….
~ This post is relevant because…….
~ Your writing made me think that we should…….
~ I wish I understood why…….
~ This is important because…….
~ Another thing to consider is…….
~ I can relate to this…….
~ This makes me think of…….
~ I discovered…….
~ I don’t understand…….
~ I was reminded that…….
~ I found myself wondering…….
Article posted December 1, 2007 at 06:27 AM GMT0 •
comment (5) • Reads 303
On Monday, December 3, the Grade 5 students will visit the monastery of Deir el Qamar and plant the trees they have bought with the money they made from their bake sale of last week.
Make sure that plenty of photos are taken of the event! Your blogs should also be bubbling with details of the experience.
Looking forward to reading your postings, Grade 5!
Article posted December 1, 2007 at 06:27 AM GMT0 •
comment (5) • Reads 303
Article posted November 30, 2007 at 04:52 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 260
Grade 5 Students--
Now, you should all have your user name and password for your blog. If you don't have it yet, or if you are having trouble accessing your blog, please see me on Monday.
I would like you to think about the logo change. I made the change for a very specific reason. Why?
About the Blogger
I'm on vacation, now, and am looking forward to the lovely green trees of my hometown in Bloomington, Indiana. I am already enjoying the extra time for playing games -- my favorite thing to do. Have you tried Tantrix, Escape, or Garfield's Dream Racer, yet? Check out Related Links!
