Write yourself in. Figment

Write yourself in. Figment: 'via Blog this'  Well, the folks at Random Buzzers have merged with Figment - a new website where you can submit your writing for publication, read books of different genres online and enter monthly contests! Check it out!

Expository Writing

Expository Writing: samples and organizers

'via Blog this'

Lessons from Nelson Mandela

Lessons from Nelson Mandela: 'via Blog this'

Grammar Girl : First, Second, and Third Person :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™

Grammar Girl : First, Second, and Third Person :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™:

'via Blog this'

Salt March — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts

Salt March — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts: "Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is remembered for his nonviolent methods of effecting social and political change."  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated using the same tenets of pacifism and non-violence during the Civil Rights Movement.

'via Blog this'

Dr. King Preaches Nonviolence | How Rosa Parks Fought for Civil Rights | Scholastic.com

Dr. King Preaches Nonviolence | How Rosa Parks Fought for Civil Rights | Scholastic.com: " "We cannot solve this problem with retaliatory violence," King tells the crowd calmly. "We must meet violence with nonviolence."

'via Blog this'

Remembering Jim Crow : Presented by American RadioWorks

Remembering Jim Crow : Presented by American RadioWorks:

Read stories of people who were personally affected by the Jim Crow laws here.
'via Blog this'

The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow | PBS

The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow | PBS: "Jim Crow was not a person, yet affected the lives of millions of people. Named after a popular 19th-century minstrel song that stereotyped African Americans, "Jim Crow" came to personify the system of government-sanctioned racial oppression and segregation in the United States. "  Learn more about what the Jim Crow Laws were and how they affected African Americans.

'via Blog this'

Ku Klux Klan | Southern Poverty Law Center

Ku Klux Klan | Southern Poverty Law Center:  Many students asked what the KKK was / is. This short article gives a brief history of their organization.

'via Blog this'

American Anti-Slavery and Civil Rights Timeline

American Anti-Slavery and Civil Rights Timeline:  This timeline starts much earlier and covers the advent of slavery in the Americas up to about 1968.  There is a lot of information here, but it is worth taking the time to read through some of it.

'via Blog this'

CNN -The Civil Rights Movement

CNN -The Civil Rights Movement:  CNN's timeline doesn't have clickable links like the PBS website does (except for a few related stories at the very bottom), but it gives the information in an easy to read, condensed format.

'via Blog this'

African American World . Timeline | PBS

African American World . Timeline | PBS:  This website has a great timeline of events during this tumultuous time in our country's history.  There are many clickable links - including links to music during the years of 1954 and 1971.  This may give you a better understanding of the quote you will be writing about this week.

'via Blog this'

Martin Luther King - I Have a Dream on August 28, 1963 [Sous-titres & Su...

Random Buzzers

Check out the latest issue of Random Buzzers here to read excerpts of new books and to ask questions to some of your favorite new authors!

http://static.randombuzzers.com/newsletters/2013/RBnewsletter_MindGames2013.html

Teen Ink | A teen literary magazine and website

Teen Ink | A teen literary magazine and website: 'via Blog this'

Grammar Girl : When to Use a Comma with “Too” :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™

Grammar Girl : When to Use a Comma with “Too” :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™: 'via Blog this'  Commas are often the subject of your writing teacher's ire.  Too many commas make reading a painful chore - especially if they aren't needed.  However, the loss of breath and subsequent passing out from reading horrifically run-on sentences that have no commas are just as painful!  This short article answers that age old question of whether you need a comma with the word 'too' or not! Quite painlessly, too, I might add!

The Kid - Charlie Chaplin

Science by Email | Sharks, Acidic oceans

Science by Email | Sharks, Acidic oceans: "News: The science of sharks         Following a fatal attack off New South Wales, sharks are once again in the spotlight. As tragic as these events are, shark attacks are so rare, scientists aren’t sure why humans are bitten at all."

Read more about sharks and check out this week's at home activity to learn about pH and ocean environments! If you do try the at home activity, make sure you have an adult present!  I would recommend safety goggles and be aware that you don't want to get bromothymol blue in your mouth.
'via Blog this'

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter: " The Imaginative Man C.S. Lewis’s first love was poetry, and it enabled him to write the prose for which he is remembered. " 'via Blog this'

Holly Thompson & Pierce Brown Guest Post on our Blog Next Week!

Holly Thompson & Pierce Brown Guest Post on our Blog Next Week!: "Featured Book About The Language Inside: Emma Karas was raised in Japan; it's the country she calls home. But when her mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, Emma's family moves to a town outside Lowell, Massachusetts, to stay with Emma's grandmother while her mom undergoes treatment. Read the full summary here!" 'via Blog this'

Read sample excerpts from new books and submit your questions for featured authors Holly Thompson and Pierce Brown!

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group:  New Middle School and YA books - what looks good to you? 'via Blog this'

Showing v. Telling Sentences

Showing v. Telling Sentences: 'via Blog this'  Here are some great examples of showing vs. telling!

Purdue OWL: Essay Writing

Purdue OWL: Essay Writing: 'via Blog this'  Tips and help with writing a narrative essay.

As Many Exceptions As Rules

As Many Exceptions As Rules:  Zombies: They really do exist! Check this out!!

'via Blog this'

Babayaga

Babayaga: 'via Blog this'  Happy Halloween! Check out the Babayaga curse generator!  Will you be fated to belch and burp or will you be overheard telling all your friends' secrets?!!  Once you have your curse, try writing a short story that includes the curse!

Go to bed: Irregular bedtimes linked to behavioral problems in children

Go to bed: Irregular bedtimes linked to behavioral problems in children: "Oct. 14, 2013 — Researchers from UCL have found that children with irregular bedtimes are more likely to have behavioural difficulties."  Wow! Disrupted circadian rhythms can cause behavioral problems in children - get those zzzzz's!

'via Blog this'

Karen Foxlee visits Random Buzzers

Karen Foxlee visits Random Buzzers: Check out Author Karen Foxlee's bio, and read some excerpt from new books - Dashner's Eye of Minds, Lauren 'Kate's Teardrop, and Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson! You can read the first chapter and then decide if you want to buy the book or check it out from a library!

'via Blog this'

The Teen Brain: It's Just Not Grown Up Yet : NPR

The Teen Brain: It's Just Not Grown Up Yet : NPR: "The Teen Brain: It's Just Not Grown Up Yet"
You can read the article or listen to the podcast at the link above!
'via Blog this'

HowStuffWorks "Are teenage brains really different from adult brains?"

HowStuffWorks "Are teenage brains really different from adult brains?": "However, with the use of magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scientists have been able to look inside the brain, and it seems that changing voices, body hair and awkwardness around the opposite sex are not the only big changes occurring in the teenage years. The brain appears to undergo a growth spurt of its own, and this changing brain may in part explain why teenagers turn into a walking army of emotional loose cannons. On the next page, we'll take a look at just what's going on in the mysterious brain of a teenager."

'via Blog this'

Teenage Brains - Pictures, More From National Geographic Magazine

Teenage Brains - Pictures, More From National Geographic Magazine: A great article from National Geographic that explains what goes on in the mind of teens.

'via Blog this'

Inside The Teenage Brain | FRONTLINE | PBS

Inside The Teenage Brain | FRONTLINE | PBS: What's going on in there? How science may help explain the mysteries of the teen brain!

'via Blog this'

Normal Teenage Attitude and Behavior | A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain

Normal Teenage Attitude and Behavior | A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain:  Here is one of the websites that we will be using in class this week as we learn about how your brain functions.  Mrs. Tooch will be facilitating these lessons in order to help you understand why you do some of those impetuous, impulsive things that seem to just happen!

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Topic Sentences = Topic + Controlling Statement

Topic Sentences = Topic + Controlling Statement: 'via Blog this'  Practice identifying topic sentences!

James Dashner Visits Random Buzzers

James Dashner Visits Random Buzzers: 'via Blog this'  Post your questions for author James Dashner (Maze Runner) and read an excerpt from his new book The Eye of Minds!

CHAPTER 16 TECHNIQUES FOR WRITING

CHAPTER 16 TECHNIQUES FOR WRITING:
Practice writing topic sentences.
'via Blog this'

Grammar Girl : Like Versus As :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™

Grammar Girl : Like Versus As :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™:

'via Blog this'

How to Stop Saying the Word "Like": 9 Steps (with Pictures)

How to Stop Saying the Word "Like": 9 Steps (with Pictures): 'via Blog this'

Grammar Girl : Who Versus Whom :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™

Grammar Girl : Who Versus Whom :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™:  This is the podcast we listened to in class today.  Give the who or whom quiz a try - see how you do! 'via Blog this'

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter: 'via Blog this'

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter: " Summer Reads Seven of our favorite features from poetryfoundation.org   Work Poems Poetry for Labor Day."

'via Blog this'

Sonia Gensler Visits Random Buzzers

Sonia Gensler Visits Random Buzzers: "Featured Book The Dark Between: At the turn of the twentieth century, Spiritualism and séances are all the rage—even in the scholarly town of Cambridge, England. While mediums dupe the grief-stricken, a group of local fringe scientists seeks to bridge the gap to the spirit world by investigating the dark corners of the human mind. Read the full summary here! " 'via Blog this'

Definition of Plagiarism: How to Recognize Plagiarism, School of Education, Indiana University at Bloomington

Definition of Plagiarism: How to Recognize Plagiarism, School of Education, Indiana University at Bloomington:  Although the examples given are written using college level material, by looking at the format used to properly cite your work, it is easy to spot when students cite sources properly and when their writing would be considered plagiarism.

Take a look at the examples given and see if you can spot improperly cited work that would get students into trouble by taking the short online quiz!

'via Blog this'

Share Book Recommendations With Your Friends, Join Book Clubs, Answer Trivia

Share Book Recommendations With Your Friends, Join Book Clubs, Answer Trivia: 'via Blog this'

Melinda Taub Visits Random Buzzers

Melinda Taub Visits Random Buzzers: "About the Author: Melinda is a writer and stuff in New York City. She's the author of Still Star-Crossed, which is a young adult novel forthcoming from Random House, and also a ton of comedy videos and things. She's been a contributor to the Onion News Network and Billy On The Street." 'via Blog this' Learn more about Melinda's books and read reviews and excerpts from some new books!

15 Common Writing Mistakes - Writers Write

15 Common Writing Mistakes - Writers Write: 'via Blog this'

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter: " Lost at Sea Why shipwrecks have engaged the poetic imagination for centuries."

'via Blog this'

Stacey Jay Visits Random Buzzers

Stacey Jay Visits Random Buzzers: "#DashnerArmy Logo Contest! Dashner Army! Want to win a signed copy of upcoming book The Eye of Minds and chat on the phone with James Dashner? You're in luck! We wanted to celebrate our pride in being part of the Dashner Army and the upcoming release of The Eye of Minds, so we figured we'd ask you, the fans, to design our logo! Submit your logo by July 25th! Read more about the contest here!" 'via Blog this'

Brother, Brother | Clay Carmichael | Macmillan

Brother, Brother | Clay Carmichael | Macmillan: 'via Blog this'  Looking for a good summer read? 
The day his grandmother dies, seventeen-year-old Billy “Brother” Grace discovers that he has a twin who has recently made headlines by nearly overdosing on drugs. His twin also happens to be the son of a powerful senator. His newly discovered family may not be all that interested in a cheery reunion, but Brother is determined to get answers. When he arrives on the secluded island off the coast of North Carolina where the senator and his family live, sparks will fly, old resentments will be released, and secrets revealed. Part coming-of-age story, part love story, Clay Carmichael's Brother, Brother is a book about finding out that who you are and where you come from aren't necessarily the same thing.

Lissa Price Visits Random Buzzers

Lissa Price Visits Random Buzzers: "bout the Author: Lissa Price has studied photography and writing, but the world has turned out to be her greatest teacher. She has walked with elephants in Botswana, swum with penguins in the Galápagos, and stood on a field at sunset amid a thousand nomads in Gujarat, India. " Read more on the Random Buzzer's website!  'via Blog this'

A. J. Paquette Visits Random Buzzers

A. J. Paquette Visits Random Buzzers: "Next week A. J. Paquette joins us to tell us all about her book, Paradox! Have a question for A. J.? Post it here!" 'via Blog this'

ISEF: Enter the Competition

ISEF: Enter the Competition: "The Future – Powered by Fiction Submissions are now being accepted! In collaboration with the Society for Science & the Public, ASU’s Center for Science and the Imagination and the Intel Foundation, the Tomorrow Project is announcing an innovative fiction competition geared at 13-25 year olds worldwide, asking them to contribute science fiction stories, essays, comics and videos to explore the kind of futures we want to work toward together." 'via Blog this'

16 Apps That Motivate Kids to Read

16 Apps That Motivate Kids to Read: " Apps For Middle School and High School " 'via Blog this'

Middle school kids might also enjoy the Mad Libs app!  Check these out and start reading today!

Tessa Gratton Visits Random Buzzers

Tessa Gratton Visits Random Buzzers: "About the Author: Tessa Gratton has wanted to be a paleontologist or a wizard since she was seven. She was too impatient to hunt dinosaurs, but is still searching for someone to teach her magic. After traveling the world with her military family, she acquired a BA (and the important parts of an MA) in Gender Studies, then settled down in Kansas with her partner, her cats, and her mutant dog. Read Tessa's full bio!"

'via Blog this'Publish Post

What Kids Are Reading, In School And Out : Monkey See : NPR

What Kids Are Reading, In School And Out : Monkey See : NPR:  Are the books you read challenging enough?  What do you think?

'via Blog this'

World Wide Words: What's in word?

Do you ever wonder about the origins of some of the words you hear?  I heard the word "jiggery-pokery" the other day, and in thinking about it some more tonight, decided to google it.  Here's what I found:

World Wide Words: Jiggery-pokery: "Jiggery-pokery It’s not so much found these days, though it is a delightful word for describing underhand practices or dishonest manipulation of individuals for personal profit. People also mean by it some form of trickery"

Click the link to read more about the origins of jiggery-pokery and exactly why it is so fun to say!(...and you can find out what a double dactyl is while you are at it!)
'via Blog this'

Lewis Carroll (Author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass)

Lewis Carroll (Author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass): Read reviews of Carroll's works and get recommendations for other books to read based on what you've read and enjoyed!

'via Blog this'

Lewis Carroll Quotes - BrainyQuote

Lewis Carroll Quotes - BrainyQuote: "Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop. Lewis Carroll "  This and many other quotes by Lewis Carroll can be found at the BrainyQuote website!

'via Blog this'

Lewis Carroll- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More

Lewis Carroll- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More: "Renowned Victorian author Lewis Carroll was born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson on January 27, 1832, in Daresbury, Cheshire, England. The son of a clergyman, Carroll was the third child born to a family of eleven children. From a very early age he entertained himself and his family by performing magic tricks and marionette shows, and by writing poetry for his homemade newspapers."

This webpage has links to other poems and related prose.  You may enjoy the writing of Edward Lear, too!

'via Blog this'

Lewis Carroll « Lewis Carroll Society of North America

Lewis Carroll « Lewis Carroll Society of North America: Links on this page include other literary works by Lewis Carroll, math/logic/puzzles/games, and more!

'via Blog this'

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter: 'via Blog this'  Check out the Poem of the day, tips for writing your own poem and the new digital version of Poetry Magazine for iPads!

Official Site of the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center

Official Site of the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center: "In 1819, Walt Whitman was born at a farmhouse in West Hills built by his father circa 1810. The Birthplace was restored in 2001 and it is a fine example of native Long Island craftsmanship. The Birthplace is the only NYS Historic Site on Long Island listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1998, the White House Millennium Council named it an "American Treasure." In 2007, the Walt Whitman Trail, which begins at the Birthplace, was designated a National Recreational Trail by the US Dept. of the Interior."

You can see photos of Whitman's home and learn more about his life at this site!

'via Blog this'

Walt Whitman : The Poetry Foundation

Walt Whitman : The Poetry Foundation: "Walt Whitman is America’s world poet—a latter-day successor to Homer, Virgil, Dante, and Shakespeare. In Leaves of Grass (1855), he celebrated democracy, nature, love, and friendship. This monumental work chanted praises to the body as well as to the soul, and found beauty and reassurance even in death. Along with Emily Dickinson, Whitman is regarded as one of America’s most significant nineteenth century poets. "  Read more and browse through his poems at the Poetry Foundation website!

'via Blog this'

Walt Whitman- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More

Walt Whitman- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More: "orn on May 31, 1819, Walt Whitman was the second son of Walter Whitman, a housebuilder, and Louisa Van Velsor. The family, which consisted of nine children, lived in Brooklyn and Long Island in the 1820s and 1830s. At the age of twelve, Whitman began to learn the printer's trade, and fell in love with the written word. Largely self-taught, he read voraciously, becoming acquainted with the works of Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, and the Bible."  Read more about Whitman's life and read some of his poems!

'via Blog this'

The Walt Whitman Archive

The Walt Whitman Archive: Published works, resources, pictures of Whitman and more! 'via Blog this'

Water wonderful world - International Day for Biodiversity

Water wonderful world - International Day for Biodiversity:

'via Blog this'

Grammar Girl : Apostrophe Catastrophe (Part Two) :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™

Grammar Girl : Apostrophe Catastrophe (Part Two) :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™: Well, just when you thought you had apostrophe usage down to a science, here is part two of Grammar Girl's podcast on proper apostrophe usage! 'via Blog this'

Apostrophe (’) - Oxford Dictionaries Online

Apostrophe (’) - Oxford Dictionaries Online:
when to use (or not use) an apostrophe...
'via Blog this'

Grammar Girl : Apostrophe Catastrophe (Part One) :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™

Grammar Girl : Apostrophe Catastrophe (Part One) :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™: 'via Blog this'

Paul Revere's Ride- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More

Paul Revere's Ride- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More:  Poem and biographical information about Longfellow.

'via Blog this'

The Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere House: The real story of Revere's Ride

'via Blog this'

The Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere House:  Virtual ride of Paul Revere

'via Blog this'

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter: " Mother's Day Poems 13 poems about the enduring bond between mother and child. "

'via Blog this'

Citation Guide

Citation Guide:
Here is a list of links to sites to help you properly cite your sources.
'via Blog this'

Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes:  Test your knowledge of author Langston Hughes! If you have enjoyed his writing that we've read in class, check out some of the other works he has written!

'via Blog this'

Grammar Girl : "Emigrate" or "Immigrate"? :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™

Grammar Girl : "Emigrate" or "Immigrate"? :: Quick and Dirty Tips ™:  What's the difference? What is a quick way to remember? 'via Blog this'

Nobelprize.org

Nobelprize.org: Celebrating World Book Day! Check out poetry and learn about some famous Nobel Prize winning authors!

'via Blog this'

Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies: 'via Blog this'  If you've read the classic novel, Lord of the Flies, test your knowledge by playing the Lord of the Flies Game!!

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter

Poetry Foundation - Newsletter: Poetry Foundation - Newsletter: Sign up for a poem a day by email, listen to selected poems as they are read by the author and explore different poets' works. Check it out! 'via Blog this'

Red Hot Bands

Red Hot Bands:  Here are some of the bands from the era of the Harlem Renaissance.  If you click on a band, you will get a list of songs they performed.  Most can be played with Real Player.  You may need to download a plug-in for them to run as they are .RA files.

Enjoy! If you find some songs you liked, let me know and we can play them in class.

'via Blog this'

Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes: America's Story - from America's Library.  More information about Langston Hughes' life on the Library of Congress website.

'via Blog this'

Langston Hughes : The Poetry Foundation

Langston Hughes : The Poetry Foundation: "angston Hughes was first recognized as an important literary figure during the 1920s, a period known as the "Harlem Renaissance"" Read more about Langston Hughe's life and experience some of his poetry here!

'via Blog this'

Langston Hughes- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More

Langston Hughes- Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More: 'via Blog this'  Since we are starting our poetry unit with Langston Hughes, I will be posting several websites with information about his life, the Harlem Renaissance and his writing.  Enjoy!  Let me know if you find a poem that you've enjoyed!

Fact Monster: Online Almanac, Dictionary, Encyclopedia, and Homework Help | FactMonster.com

Fact Monster: Online Almanac, Dictionary, Encyclopedia, and Homework Help | FactMonster.com:

'via Blog this'

Review: Sentence Structure

Review: Sentence Structure: "Review: Sentence Structure You will not become a better writer simply by learning to name the different types of sentences, but you will develop a more sophisticated understanding of how language works. If you would like to make certain that you understand how to identify a simple sentence, compound sentence, complex sentence, or a compound-complex sentence, you may try this simple exercise."

'via Blog this'

Sentence Structure

Sentence Structure:

'via Blog this'

English-Zone.Com - the BEST English-Learner's site on the 'Net!

English-Zone.Com - the BEST English-Learner's site on the 'Net!:

'via Blog this'

Grammar and Punctuation | The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

Grammar and Punctuation | The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation:

'via Blog this'

Grammar Slammer--English Grammar Resource

Grammar Slammer--English Grammar Resource:

'via Blog this'

Vocabulary Games, English Vocabulary Word Games

Vocabulary Games, English Vocabulary Word Games:

'via Blog this'

Vocabulary, Vocabulary Games - www.myvocabulary.com

Vocabulary, Vocabulary Games - www.myvocabulary.com: 'via Blog this'

The Learning Toolbox - Cornell Notes

The Learning Toolbox - Cornell Notes:  Here is a sample and example of how to take Cornell Notes in case you need a refresher!

'via Blog this'

Pics4Learning | Free photos for education

Pics4Learning | Free photos for education: Pics4Learning is a safe, free image library for education. Teachers and students can use the copyright-friendly photos and images for classrooms, multimedia projects, web sites, videos, portfolios, or any other project in an educational setting.

'via Blog this'

Combining Sentences for Variety and Clarity

Combining Sentences for Variety and Clarity: 'via Blog this'  Tips for combining sentences to improve your writing!

Writing Tips: Essay Builder - WritingDEN

Writing Tips: Essay Builder - WritingDEN:
Here is a helpful website with essay writing tips!
'via Blog this'

2012 TIME 100: The Most Influential People in the World - TIME

2012 TIME 100: The Most Influential People in the World - TIME:

'via Blog this'

Anne Greenwood Brown Visits Random Buzzers

Anne Greenwood Brown Visits Random Buzzers: "Next week Anne Greenwood Brown joins us to tell us all about her book, Deep Betrayal! Have a question for Anne? Post it here! About the Author: Anne Greenwood Brown grew up sailing the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior, leaning over the rail and wondering, with a lake that big, that ancient, what amazing thing might flash by. She now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their three children. Her debut YA series began with Lies Beneath. Deep Betrayal is the sequel. Read Anne's full bio here!" 'via Blog this'

Common Core and Educational Technology: Keyboarding tools on the web to support CC stds!

Common Core and Educational Technology: Keyboarding tools on the web to support CC stds!: 'via Blog this'

Keyboarding is specifically referenced (often) in the CC standards. Here are a few standards where it's called out:

W.3.6. With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others. 

W.6.6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting. W.4.6. W.5.6. are similar - one page (4th) , and two pages (5th) in a single sitting.

This website gives a list of keyboarding practice sites to try.

Citebite - Link directly to specific quotes in web pages

Citebite - Link directly to specific quotes in web pages:

Paste a chunk of text and the URL of the page containing the text and in return get a link that opens directly to your selection and highlights it.

How cool is THAT?!! 'via Blog this'

Great Source iwrite - Students: Grammar Handbook

Great Source iwrite - Students: Grammar Handbook:

'via Blog this'

Great Source iwrite - Students: Narrative writing

Great Source iwrite - Students: Narrative writing: 'via Blog this'

Narrative writing is writing that tells a story, whether true or fictional. Here you'll find help for writing a variety of narrative essays.

Great Source iwrite - Students: Narrative writing

Great Source iwrite - Students: Narrative writing: 'via Blog this'

Narrative writing is writing that tells a story, whether true or fictional. Here you'll find help for writing a variety of narrative essays.

Big6 Writing Process (grades 7 – 12) - Big6

Big6 Writing Process (grades 7 – 12) - Big6: 'via Blog this' "This feature section will help you get organized and complete an assigned written paper or report. Writing can be a lot of fun if you approach it in an organized way. Here you will find links to the writing process and some great tools."

The KYVL for Kids Research Portal - How to do research Home Base

The KYVL for Kids Research Portal - How to do research Home Base:  Check out this game and learn how to do research!

'via Blog this'

Breaking Barriers | Scholastic

Breaking Barriers | Scholastic: 'via Blog this'  The deadline for this essay contest is March 14th and it is open to students in grades 4-8.  You can send in your entry by mail or get an electronic copy to me and I can email it to Scholastic.

1. Write an essay about a barrier that you have faced. Explain
how you used one or more of Jackie Robinson’s nine values
(listed below) to face this barrier.
• courage • persistence • justice
• determination • integrity • commitment
• teamwork • citizenship • excellence

2. On each entry, include the following information:
• student’s name • school name
• student’s grade • school city/state
• teacher’s name

3. Submit your essay in one of two ways:
Mail your entry to: Give it to your teacher
Breaking Barriers Contest to enter for you online.
Scholastic Inc.
P.O. Box 713
New York, NY 10013-0713

• All entries must be submitted by March 14, 2013.
• Each essay must be between 200 and 700 words.
• All essays must be factual and based on the student’s
real-life experience. Fictional stories will be disqualified.

You Could Win:

A trip to the 2013 

Major League Baseball

®

All-Star Game®

A laptop computer for you 

and one for your teacher

A class visit from 

Sharon Robinson, daughter 

of Jackie Robinson

A class set of books on 

Jackie Robinson

A class set of 

Breaking Barriers T-shirts

Essays will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
• How well does the essay express the student’s barrier?
• How well does the essay express how one or more of the values—courage,
determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice,
commitment, and excellence—is used to face and/or overcome the barrier?
• How well is the essay organized to express what the writer wants to say?
• How effective is the essay in expressing the writer’s point of view?
• Correct grammar and spelling will also be considered.

Caitlin Kittredge Visits Random Buzzers

Caitlin Kittredge Visits Random Buzzers: "About the Author: Caitlin started writing novels at age 13. Her first was a Star Wars tie-in. Fortunately, she branched out from there and after a few years trying to be a screenwriter, a comic book writer and the author of copious amounts of fanfiction, she tried to write a novel again." 'via Blog this'

ProCon.org - Pros and Cons of Controversial Issues

ProCon.org - Pros and Cons of Controversial Issues: 'via Blog this'

Mobile - Dropbox

Sign up for Dropbox today! It's free and you'll never get to school and realize you forgot to print your paper again.  With Dropbox, you can save your typed papers at home and then access them at school to print them out.  Try it today! http://db.tt/P7l7R1o

Apps for Students | Dysgraphia & Writing Difficulties - NCLD

Apps for Students | Dysgraphia & Writing Difficulties - NCLD: "Technology can be a great tool for students (and adults!) who have learning disabilities like dysgraphia or dyslexia that affect their written expression. NCLD reviewed these mobile apps and have identified them as LD-friendly. These apps can make the writing process a bit easier and even fun! " 'via Blog this'

Apps for Students | Dyslexia & Reading Difficulties - NCLD

Apps for Students | Dyslexia & Reading Difficulties - NCLD:  Reading can be a struggle - especially if you have dyslexia or other learning disabilities.  The National Center for Learning Disabilities offers this list of apps that can be used to help increase reading skills.  Some of the apps provide text to speech translation, others help with word pronunciation.  There is even an app that will scroll the words to your favorite songs so you can read along as you listen!

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Clare Vanderpool Visits Random Buzzers

Clare Vanderpool Visits Random Buzzers: "Featured Book Navigating Early: At the end of World War II, Jack Baker, a landlocked Kansas boy, is suddenly uprooted after his mother's death and placed in a boy's boarding school in Maine. There, Jack encounters Early Auden, the strangest of boys, who reads the number pi as a story and collects clippings about the sightings of a great black bear in the nearby mountains. Newcomer Jack feels lost yet can't help being drawn to Early, who won't believe what everyone accepts to be the truth about the Great Appalachian Bear, Timber Rattlesnakes, and the legendary school hero known as The Fish, who never returned from the war. Read the full summary here! " 'via Blog this'

Top 10 Weird Jobs | TopTenz.net

Top 10 Weird Jobs | TopTenz.net:  Don't give up your day job just yet!

'via Blog this'

37 Weird Jobs That You Can Actually Make A Living At

37 Weird Jobs That You Can Actually Make A Living At:  Who knew!?

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The best jobs in the world

The best jobs in the world: 'via Blog this' Some weird, yet interesting career choices!

Hyphens | Punctuation Rules

Hyphens | Punctuation Rules: 'via Blog this'  How do you know when you should use a hyphen or just leave a space between compound words? Well, it's complicated.  It depends on what part of speech the word is being used as and whether or not it comes before or after a noun... Check out this link for more information!  After you've read through the rules, try the quiz at the bottom.

Ayun Halliday Visits Random Buzzers

Ayun Halliday Visits Random Buzzers: "ext week Ayun Halliday joins us to tell us all about her book, Peanut illustrated by Paul Hoppe! Have a question for Ayun? Post it here! About the Author: Ayun Halliday is the Chief Primatologist of The East Village Inky zine and author of the self-mocking autobiographies No Touch Monkey! And Other Travel Lessons Learned Too Late, The Big Rumpus, Dirty Sugar Cookies: Culinary Observations, Questionable Taste, and Job Hopper. " 'via Blog this'

SAS® Curriculum Pathways®

SAS® Curriculum Pathways®:  If you need help with your writing, try SAS Curriculum Pathways Idea Lab for prewriting and revising.

It is free - see me for login information.  I have one login (no password required) for all students.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!SAS Curriculum Pathways

'via Blog this'

BibMe: Fast & Easy Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian - Free

BibMe: Fast & Easy Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian - Free:  Bibme is similar to Easybib and Son of Citation Machine.  Make sure you book mark at least one of these sites in your favorites for the next time you need to cite sources!

'via Blog this'

Alexandra Monir Visits Random Buzzers

Alexandra Monir Visits Random Buzzers: "At the age of 25, author and recording artist Alexandra Monir released her debut young adult novel, Timeless. The book caught on quickly, with Amazon.com naming it one of the "Best Books of the Month" for January 2011, and Barnes & Noble featuring the title in their "Top Teen Picks." The book went on to hit the Barnes & Noble Teen Bestsellers chart, and has been featured in a variety of media, from popular teen websites to The Huffington Post. Alexandra also integrated original music into the novel's pages, writing two songs for the book, which she recorded with producer Michael Bearden (musical director of Michael Jackson's last concert, This Is It). The songs were released on iTunes as a supplement to the book." Read more about Alexandra Monir and check out her books! 'via Blog this'

Governor Wallace "Segregation - Now and Forever"

http://www.npr.org/2013/01/14/169080969/segregation-forever-a-fiery-pledge-forgiven-but-not-forgotten

Teen Ink | A teen literary magazine and website

Teen Ink | A teen literary magazine and website: 'via Blog this'  What is your obsession? Check out this month's articles, book reviews and the latest art - all created by teens!

Eric Sloane Home Page

Eric Sloane Home Page: Check out the Eric Sloane webpage - he has written many books about old building techniques and woodworking.  His books are beautifully illustrated and can tell you a lot about life before power tools!

'via Blog this'

Vibrant Macro Photographs of Coral by Felix Salazar | Colossal

Vibrant Macro Photographs of Coral by Felix Salazar | Colossal:  Wow! Gorgeous colors - these look like flowers.

'via Blog this'

Understanding Plagiarism: School of Education, Indiana University at Bloomington

Understanding Plagiarism: School of Education, Indiana University at Bloomington:

'via Blog this'

Edward Gorey

For those of you who had asked about author Edward Gorey, here's the link to the Edward Gorey House Museum website.

Daria Snadowsky Visits Random Buzzers

Daria Snadowsky Visits Random Buzzers: 'via Blog this'  Author of Diary of a Single Girl will be joining Random Buzzers to answer questions about her books! Check out this week's contests and excerpts of new books!

Nobelprize.org

Nobelprize.org:  Test your knowledge about the 2012 Nobel Prizes by taking the Nobel quiz, watch a video to learn about how Nobel Prize winners' research may change the current way we treat diseases and read about what current Nobel winners are doing now!

'via Blog this'

Dr. Martin Luther King's 84th Birthday

'via Blog this'

Check out some of Explore.org's photos and films that celebrate civil rights!

Son of Citation Machine

Son of Citation Machine: Here's another easy to use citation maker.

'via Blog this'

EasyBib: Free Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago citation styles

EasyBib: Free Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago citation styles: "Cite a website by entering its URL or by searching for it."

This site can be used to help you make your works cited page for your persuasive essay.
'via Blog this'

BrainPOP | English | Learn about Five-Paragraph Essay

BrainPOP | English | Learn about Five-Paragraph Essay:

'via Blog this'

Writing Tips Contents - WritingDEN

Writing Tips Contents - WritingDEN: 'via Blog this'  Whether you need help with writing sentences, paragraphs or essays, WritingDEN can help! Check it out!

Elizabeth LaBan Visits Random Buzzers

Elizabeth LaBan Visits Random Buzzers:
Preview some new books - this month's featured book is The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan, check out new activities and polls and see if you'd like to sign up to be an "Ambuzzador"!  You could score some cool new free books!
'via Blog this'

Bullying Book - We Want Your Story!

Bullying Book - We Want Your Story!: 'via Blog this'  Teen Ink is publishing a book on bullying - if you have a story to submit, they want to hear from you!

Interactive Bloom's Taxonomy Pyramid

http://faculty.indstate.edu/spenney/bdt.htm click the weblink to visit the interactive pyramid version!

Evaluation - Web Wise Thinking = Digital Citizenship

Evaluation - Web Wise Thinking = Digital Citizenship:

Just because you read it on the internet, it doesn't mean that it's true! How do you evaluate websites and information you find online? Check this out!
'via Blog this'

BrainPOP Spotlight: Digital Citizenship. Movies, quizzes, activities, teacher resources and video tutorials

BrainPOP Spotlight: Digital Citizenship. Movies, quizzes, activities, teacher resources and video tutorials: If you aren't sure what plagiarism is or need some tips on researching, check out BrainPOP and learn with Tim and Moby! 'via Blog this'

Bookmarked Websites for Persuasive Essay Research

I've bookmarked some websites to help you get started with your research. Here's the link:

Caroline B. Cooney Visits Random Buzzers

Caroline B. Cooney Visits Random Buzzers: 'via Blog this'  Post your questions for Author Caroline B. Cooney!  You can also preview sample chapters of new books being published and if you really love to read and talk about books, you might want to apply to be an "Ambuzzador"!  You will received free books and other cool freebies, as well as tips on how to start an after school book club!

Random House will be selecting 60 students to participate!

Stevie Wonder Presentations Created by 7Bu

Stevie Wonder's Childhood
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4BZJNjKUWrcNUZEQWZiRXBDbmc

Stevie Wonder's Teen Years

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4BZJNjKUWrcWUF1YWhUa21pekE


Stevie Wonder - Adulthood

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4BZJNjKUWrcc1dQYnJ6Njl6YWs

Animoto Video Link

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4BZJNjKUWrcVkRPazAyWV9wWXM


Fingertips II and Superstition: Two of our favorite Stevie Wonder Songs

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4BZJNjKUWrceWk5ZjR1QnRJd0k

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4BZJNjKUWrcbGdCSldHU096OTQ

Writing Process Powerpoint - This is the power point notes from class on how to write a persuasive essay: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4BZJNjKUWrcT1k4UU5XTFRQOEU

Welcome | Festisite

Welcome | Festisite: 'via Blog this'  create poems and more on this site!

Lauren Morrill Visits Random Buzzers

Lauren Morrill Visits Random Buzzers: 'via Blog this' Post a question for author Lauren Morrill and check out some of the new book reviews!