Post #74: National Superhero Day

NATIONAL SUPERHERO DAY

National Superhero Day is observed annually on April 28.  This is a day to honor superheroes, both real and fictional.

Batman, Superman, Captain America, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, Hulk and Spiderman are just some of the superheroes whose names we recognize.  Even though they are fictional, these superheroes are great role models for our children.  They serve and protect while fighting evil.

Our real-life superheroes may not have super powers or wear capes, but they are also great role models who serve and protect while fighting evil.  Military personnel, police officers and firefighters are just a few of the heroes who protect us on a daily basis. 

Who is your superhero and why?

NO assignment today... You may have free time after you are done with your blog.

Post #73: Clovis Rodeo

Are you planning on going to the Clovis Rodeo this weekend? Have you ever been before? What is your favorite thing about it? If you haven't been before, do a little research about what goes on and tell me what you think you would enjoy about the rodeo. Give me a little history on the Clovis Rodeo like when it started, how many years, it has been in existence, and any other fun information about it. INCLUDE RELEVANT IMAGES. WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED PLEASE WATCH THE SMBX TUTORIALS I HAVE POSTED 

Remember you must write a minimum of 5 sentences and comment on only two people's blogs, but for each person you must comment with a one sentence response and a one sentence question, both related to their post. In order to entice people to comment on your post, you need to make each entry as interesting as possible, especially now that we do not have the ability to add images. 

Blog #72: Blogger's Choice

Today is your choice of blog to write about. Write about anything you would like but make sure you make it school appropriate. WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE SMBX LINK I HAVE POSTED ON CLASSROOM. Remember you must write a minimum of 5 sentences and comment on only two people's blogs, but for each person you must comment with a one sentence response and a one sentence question, both related to their post. In order to entice people to comment on your post, you need to make each entry as interesting as possible, especially now that we do not have the ability to add images. Lastly, you must respond to one of the questions that someone asked you on your own post. Below is the breakdown of points.

Blog #71: Book/movie adaptations

Last year at this time The Jungle Book movie came out, but many of you might not know that it was actually originally a novel by Rudyard Kipling and not an animated movie by Walt Disney. Today you will be writing about your favorite movie that was originally from a book or novel that YOU HAVE READ. Tell me a little about the story, why you enjoyed it, what were the parts from the book you were happy they either kept or took out, and some ways in which the movie was different than the book. Is there a movie coming out this year that is from a book you have read that you are looking forward to? Please include images of the book cover as well as the movie poster. Remember you must write a minimum of 5 sentences and comment on only two people's blogs, but for each person you must comment with a one sentence response and a one sentence question, both related to their post. In order to entice people to comment on your post, you need to make each entry as interesting as possible, especially now that we do not have the ability to add images. Lastly, you must respond to one of the questions that someone asked you on your own post. Below is the breakdown of points.

Blog #70: New Innovations

With so many innovations on the horizon I would like you to search the internet to find something you think is the coolest new technology coming out. Tell me why you think this is the next big thing. When you are finished please complete the BrainPop assignment, then the SMBX video and Response (Both are on Google Classroom). 

Remember you must write a minimum of 5 sentences and comment on only two people's blogs, but for each person you must comment with a one sentence response and a one sentence question, both related to their post. In order to entice people to comment on your post, you need to make each entry as interesting as possible. Lastly, you must respond to one of the questions that someone asked you on your own post. 
Below is the breakdown of points.

Blog post - 2 pts.
Comment/Question #1 - 1 pt.
Comment/Question #2 - 1 pt.
Response to question - 1 pt.
Total - 5 pts.

Join our BrainPop Class

Post #69: Manatee Appreciation Day

Having a lifespan of about 60 years, manatees are calm herbivores with no known natural enemies that spend most of their time eating, sleeping and traveling.  These spectacular mammals have their day of honor each year on the last Wednesday in March, as people across the country celebrate Manatee Appreciation Day.  

Manatees like slow rivers, canals, saltwater bays, estuaries and coastal areas.  As a migratory species, they inhabit the Florida waters during the winter and move as far north as Virginia and as far west as Texas in the summer months.

The most significant challenge manatees face today is the loss of habitat. Currently, there are approximately 3,200 manatees living in the United States.  

The life of a Manatee sounds pretty sweet... write a paragraph describing the day in the life of a manatee. When you are done with your blog go to Typing Agent and complete Unit 5.

Post #68: National Something on a Stick Day

Observed each year on March 28, National Something on a Stick Day is a food holiday that lets you use your creative talents.  Once you get started, the possibilities are endless.  Foods that comes on a stick are fun and easy to eat.

There isn’t much that can’t be put on a stick when talking about food. Soup might be that one exception, though if it were flavorful frozen, we might make an exception.

From cool summer treats like the Popsicle to frozen food staples like the corn dog, food on a stick is one of the world’s great inventions. Fresh fruit kabobs and skewers of grilled veggies and meat are both summer favorites.

Street fairs and food trucks have created a variety of recipes made to go on a stick that takes us from breakfast to after party hunger with flavor combinations that sometimes make us wonder why we haven’t tried that before!  Whether it is fresh and healthy or breaded and deep fried, menu choices are broad and plentiful for National Something on a Stick Day.

What is your favorite "Something on a Stick"? When you are finished go to Typing Agent and begin Unit 5... this is our last week of Typing Agent! The free trial is up on March 31st.

Post #67: National Goof Off Day

National Goof Off Day is observed annually on March 22.  Research indicates that this day is also known as International Goof Off Day.  It is a day to relax, enjoy and goof off.  Do something fun and leave the work until tomorrow.  Everybody needs to take a break from time to time.  It is often so easy to get so involved in the work and pressures in our lives. So stop, take a break, find something that you enjoy doing and do it!

There are many different things that a person could do.  Strictly speaking, goofing off is the avoidance of work. So whatever you do on National Goof Off Day, try not to look like you are working.  Use #NationalGoofOffDay to post on social media.

What do you plan to do for National Goof Off Day after you finish Unit 4 in Typing Agent?

Post #66: The First Day of Spring

Spring begins on the March or vernal equinox, which is when the amount of sunshine is approximately 12 hours long.  The amount of sunlight will incrementally increase until the first day of Summer.

The vernal equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator.  This is the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator, from south to north. This happens on March 19, 20 or 21 every year.  

The time the sun crosses the equator marking the Vernal Equinox is different for each time zone.  For those in the Pacific, Mountain and Central time zones, this will occur on March 19th.  For those in the Eastern time zone, spring begins on March 20th at 12:30 a.m.

Spring is one of my favorite seasons.  Is Spring your favorite season? If so why? If not, what is your favorite season and why?

When you are done go to Typing Agent and begin Unit 4. You are expected to finish it by Wednesday.

Post #65: St. Patrick's Day & Corned Beef & Cabbage Day

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions of people across the globe.  People wear the color green, drink green beverages and decorate houses and businesses in shamrocks.  In fact, the wearing of the green is a tradition that dates back to a story written about St. Patrick in 1726.  St. Patrick (c. AD 385–461) was known to use the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity and to have worn green clothing.

The Feast of St. Patrick started in the early 17 century.  The day marks the death of St. Patrick and was chosen as an official Christian feast day and is observed by the Catholic Church.  The day is also a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day is observed annually on March 17th.  This seems to be fitting for St. Patrick’s Day in the United States.

To “corn” something is simply to preserve it in a salty brine (the term corn refers to the coarse grains of salt used for curing).

Corned beef is a salt-cured beef product. In the traditional Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage recipes, salt pork or bacon joint was used instead of corned beef.  Sometime in the mid-1800s when the Irish immigrated to America, they found that Jewish corned beef was very similar in texture to bacon joint (pork).  It was then that corned beef was used as a replacement for the bacon when preparing corned beef and cabbage meals.   Soon after, Irish-Americans began having Corned Beef and Cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day.

Corned beef and cabbage remains a popular food in many areas of the United States.

How will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?  Will you eat any corned beef today?

When you finish go to Typing Agent and take the new typing test "Test 2: The Internet and the Web".

Post #64: National Everything You Think is Wrong Day

March 15th recognizes Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, a day where decision making should be avoided, as your thoughts are (according to the founder of this holiday) wrong.  It is also a day created for some people to realize that they are not always right.

While starting a conversation, one might want to avoid using the words “I think.” Everything You Think Is Wrong Day may be a time for all to contemplate our own lack of knowledge.  It is okay that one does not know everything, and if there is a need to feel as if you do, hold on. Tomorrow will be here soon, and then once again, you can think that you do!

Do you know anyone who thinks they are always right?  Who is it? Give me an example of them always thinking they are right.

When you are done complete Unit 3 in Typing Agent.

Post #63: National Jewel Day

National Jewel Day is observed March 13th of every year. While this day may be a day to give or receive jewelry, it could also be a day to recognize jewelers.   It may also be a day to wear those gems you may already have! 

Birthstones by Month

• January – Garnet
• February – Amethyst
• March – Aquamarine
• April – Diamond
• May – Emerald
• June – Pearl
• July – Ruby
• August – Peridot
• September – Sapphire
• October – Opal
• November – Yellow Topaz, Citrine
• December – Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz

What is your birthstone? Do you like it? Tell me (using a simile or metaphor) how you are like your birthstone. Place a picture of your birthstone in your blog.

When you are finished go to Typing Agent and begin Unit 3 (you will not be able to finish it today).

Post #62: National Mario Day

National Mario Day is observed each year on March 10th and honors Mario from the popular Nintendo game.

This gamer holiday is celebrated on March 10 because of the way the date appears, when abbreviated (Mar.10). It looks just like the name Mario.

• Mario, the Italian plumber, first appeared in Donkey Kong in 1981
•  In 1983 Mario got his own game with his brother Luigi
• Mario is known for being the most famous video game character ever created
• Over 210 million copies of the Mario game series have been sold

Mario Andretti (race car driver), Mario Batali (chef) and Mario Lopez (actor) are a few other famous Marios you might recognize.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Have some fun with friends playing this mario video game. 

http://www.mario-games-free.com/marioland.htm

When you are done go to Typing Agent and that the "Home Row Typing Test"

Post #61: National Peanut Cluster Day

March 8th is National Peanut Cluster Day!  Melted chocolate mixed with peanuts make a perfect combination for a sweet and salty deliciousness!

Two things had to happen for peanut clusters to even exist.  First, a method had to be invented for the cocoa bean to be processed and transformed into what we know as chocolate.  That process wasn’t widely used until about the late 1890s and just about the same time the second extraordinary thing happened; agriculture found a way to grow the peanut and bring it to the public with steal tools and steam power.  

It didn’t take long for confectioneries to add the now readily available peanuts to melted chocolate.  The sheer simplicity of the salty peanuts added to sweetened chocolate is a mouthwatering temptation few can resist, even today.

So what do you think? Do you like Peanut Clusters?  Why or why not?

When you are finished with your blog, go to Typing Agent and finish Unit 2.

The following people are finished with Unit 2

GURSHAAN GILL

Razmig Markarian

Jacob Marvin

Michael Sanchez

Ryan Seron

SOLOMON TESFAI

AHDA ZAHID

Everyone else needs to finish today.

Post #60: National Oreo Cookie Day

Be ready to observe by having your glass of milk handy as it is National Oreo Cookie Day.  This day is recognized across the nation each year on March 6th.

The Oreo sandwich cookie is made up of two chocolate disks containing a sweet cream filling and is loved by millions.  Since it’s introduction, the Oreo cookie has become the best-selling cookie in the United States.

Do you like Oreos? How do you eat your Oreos?

When you are finished with your blog, go to Typing Agent and begin Unit 2... You will need to finish this Unit by Wednesday.

Post #59: National Day of Unplugging

The first Friday in March of each year is National Day of Unplugging.  This holiday consists of a 24 hour period from sundown to sundown, to unplug, unwind, relax and do things other than using today’s technology, electronics and social media.

Do you think you could "unplug" for an entire day?  Why or why not?

When you are done go to Typing Agent and finish Unit 1 if you have not already!

Yes, we have an assignment today!

Post #58: National Peanut Butter Lover's Day

Ah, peanut butter. One day is not enough to recognize peanut butter. March 1st was made for National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, and the many ways the goober has been paired, blended and added with tasty results!

The creamy, nutty goodness that is peanut butter is so amazingly delicious that when we pair it with creamy and dreamy chocolate, we almost have bacon.

Do you like peanut butter?  Tell me why or why not. If you do, which do you prefer... creamy or crunchy?

We will start a new typing program today...  I will distribute usernames and passwords in class.

Post #57: National Strawberry Day

Not only are they delicious, but they are also fragrant. One of the more aromatic fruits, they belong to the rose family.

Strawberries are grown in nearly every corner of the Earth (if the Earth had corners) except for her most frozen southern and northern reaches. Along with all these possible locations, there are over 600 varieties of strawberries as well.

An excellent source of Vitamin C, strawberries are also a good source of folic acid, potassium and fiber. At 55 calories and zero fat in 1 cup, these sweet things hit the spot when a snack time is calling!

What is your favorite way to eat strawberries? When you are finished with your blog, go to typing.com and complete the lesson titled "The Keys are Falling"

Post #56: Presidential Qualities

On Monday we celebrated President's Day. 

Originally, it was George Washington’s Birthday, honoring the Father of Our Country.  Then Abraham Lincoln, another great American, was thrown in.

Once the holiday was moved to Monday, to give federal workers a three-day weekend, Presidents’ Day became completely unmoored from the date of Washington’s birthday.  Now we use the day to celebrate ALL presidents.

In your blog today tell me what qualities make a good president?

When you are finished with your blog, go to typing.com and complete "Paragraph Practice".

Post #55: Random Act of Kindness Day

Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.  It is celebrated by individuals, groups and organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness. It is a favorite day for many, as people everywhere are enjoying doing these acts of kindness.  Not only is it positive for the receiver, but for the giver, too! 

Did you receive or give a random act of kindness this week? If so tell me about it. If not, what could you do today to take part in National Random Act of Kindness Day?

When you are finished go to Typing.com and complete the lesson titled "Strange Laws"

Post #54: National Gumdrop Day

Gumdrops are a tasty, colorful, chewy candy that is made with gelatin and then coated with sugar.  They come in a variety of flavors and can either be fruity or spicy.  These little candy treats have been popular for decorations for decoration gingerbread houses for many years.

The classic board game, Candy Land, features both a Gumdrop Pass and a Gumdrop Mountain. 

Do you like gumdrops? Why or why not?

When you are finished go to Typing.com and complete the lesson titled "Interesting Facts".

Post #53: Cyber Humans

Good Morning Class,
Take a look at the picture above... this is a visual writing prompt. So what do you think? Will this be humanity's future? Every day science is becoming more and more advanced. Is this what the future looks like? If so, will it have a positive or negative affect on humanity? Science has helped thousands of people hear, walk and even keep hearts pumping. But on the other side, is too much science a bad influence on humans? Tell me what you think.

When you are finished with your blog go to Typing.com and take a typing test. You may have free time afterward UNLESS you still have typing lessons to make-up.

The sub is supposed to ask you if you want to watch Mulan.  It is up to you as a class.
Be good for the sub! Behave! I'll see you next Wednesday.

Post #52: National Kite Flying Day

Today is National Kite Flying Day. Early kites were constructed from bamboo or sturdy reeds for framing, leaves, silk or paper for the sail and vines or braided fibers for the line or tether. While they were initially used as tools, they were also ceremonial as well. Used to send messages into the heavens or to lift offerings up to the gods, kites had a symbolic place in the culture.

Today kites are popular both as hobbies and for outdoor fun. They range from a simple diamond kite to more complicated box kites and giant sled kites. Stunt kites, also known as sport kites, are designed so the operator can maneuver the kite into dips, twists and dives with dramatic effect.

Have you ever flown a kite? If so, when was the last time you flew a kite? Would you like to fly a kite?

When you are finished with your blog, go to Typing.com and complete the lesson titled "Keyboard Quadrants"

Post #51: National Frozen Yogurt Day

Happy National Frozen Yogurt Day!

ABC 30 News: National Frozen Yogurt Day Video

Please search the internet using the key words "national frozen yogurt day 2017 Clovis" to find the different ways frozen yogurt shops are celebrating today.  Find the shop with the best deal and tell me what it is. Also, tell me your favorite frozen yogurt flavor and where you buy it.

When you are finished with your blog, please go to Typing.com and take a 5 min. typing test.

Post #50: Blogger's Choice

Today you may write about anything that is on your mind. Tell me what's up.
When you are finished go to typing.com and complete the lesson titled "Advanced Wrap-Up"
There are MANY of you with missing assignment/typing lessons. Use the remainder of the period to get caught-up. Those of you with no missing assignments have free time.

Post #49: Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is Thursday, Feb. 2 and everyone wants to know: Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow at Gobbler's Knob? And what does it mean if he does?

According to folklore, a groundhog's behavior can predict the weather. A sunny day that allows the groundhog to see his shadow will send him scurrying back into his burrow, a sign of six more weeks of winter. A cloudy and therefore shadowless day is a sign of spring encouraging the groundhog to stay above ground.

The legend dates to early German settlers in Pennsylvania, who had a tradition that if the sun shone on Candlemas Day -celebrated on Feb. 2 in recognition of Christ's presentation at the Temple -   the snow would swirl in May. The early settlers adopted groundhogs, which were plentiful in the area, as harbingers of the tale.

The country's most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania.

According to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day Celebration on Feb. 2, 1887. The famous groundhog - there's been only one, according to club members, who credit secret "groundhog punch" for the creature's longevity - was originally named Br'er Groundhog but renamed Punxsutawney Phil after the British King Phillip.

So what do you think... Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow tomorrow? Are we in for another six weeks of winter?

When you are finished with your blog, go to typing.com and complete the lesson titled "Common Medical Terms"

Post #48: National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day is observed annually on the last Monday in January.  The primary purpose of bubble wrap is to protect fragile items either in shipping or storage.  People also get enjoyment from popping the bubbles in bubble wrap.

Some people say that popping the bubbles in bubble wrap is "satisfying".  What other activity do find satisfying?  Tell me about it.

When you are finished with your blog go to Typing.com and complete the lesson title "Advanced Symbols"

Post #47: National Chocolate Cake Day

National Chocolate Cake Day – January 27

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY

Do we need a birthday, wedding or anniversary to have chocolate cake? Not on January 27, because it’s National Chocolate Cake Day.

Tell me about the best chocolate cake you've had.  Where did you have it? Why was it the best?  If you don't like chocolate cake, then tell me why.

When you are done go to Typing.com and complete the lesson title "Nitro Type Content".

Yes, we have an assignment today!