Is it time for a change?

We read about the possibility of the U.S. government taking the penny out of circulation. From our reading we learned that for every penny that is made by the U.S. Mint the cost is 2 cents. Take a few moments and share your opinion about whether the penny should be taken out of circulation. Be sure the include several reasons to support your opinion.

Should Kids Play Contact Sports?

Sports are a huge part of kids lives today in America. Many of you play multiple sports and often spend more time practicing for your sport than doing homework. In the recent article in Time For Kids, we read both sides of a debate over whether kids under 14 should play contact sports. We are also learning about how to share opinions in writing.

Take some time to think about the question: Should kids under 14 play contact sports?

You will then write a short explanation of your opinion, using at least three reasons to support your opinion. Please be sure use strong word choice, punctuation and capitalization. Also, be sure to revise and edit your writing prior to posting.

Other Links to Articles:
Kids Health on Concussions

What five things are you thankful for?

With the holiday of Thanksgiving about a week away. Take some time to reflect on the things in your life that in which you are thankful. Use the organizer to help you shape your thoughts. Please write your response in the form of a short essay rather than a list. Once you have written a strong piece with proper punctuation and capitalization, submit it for Mr. Watanabe's approval. Happy Thanksgiving!

Do Kids Need Their Own Cell Phones?

After reading the Time For Kids article on the Cell Phone debate and watching this video from ABC news. Do you think that kids in elementary school should have cell phones?

Longer School Days?

In the recent Time For Kids article, we read a feature article about how many cities around the United States have extended the school day. It brings up an interesting question: Do you think it is a good idea to make school days longer? Why or Why not?

Should Schools Teach Cursive?

Today we read an article in Time For Kids that brought up an interesting question. Should schools teach cursive?

After reading the article and hearing both sides of the debate, come up with your own opinion about this question. Write a short paragraph explaining your opinion. Please use complete sentences with proper punctuation and capitalization.

Remembering 9/11

Today is the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America. It was a day that has changed American's lives forever and will continue to stir up emotions for those who lived through it. Today, we watched a video similar to the one posted here about the rebuilding of Ground Zero. None of you were alive eleven years ago on the day of the attack but you are reminded every year of the tragedy by your parents, teachers, TV, and many more avenues. While you were watching the film today about the rebuilding of Ground Zero, think about these questions and answer them with a well formulated response. Remember to use proper punctuation and capitalization.


Questions to think about:
1. What is the importance of rebuilding on the site where the towers fell?
2. Which piece of the Memorial would you most like to see? (Memorial  Waterfalls, Museum or Tower) Why?