It’s April 4. 
Today is “World Rat Day.”  Do you think a rat would make a good pet?

Trivial Fact of the Day:   A group of rats is called a mischief.  You can also call them a plague of rats, a horde of rats, a pack of rats or a swarm of rats.  Which collective noun do you think sounds the most appropriate?

Interesting Quote of the Day:  “The trouble with the ‘rat race’ is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.”  --Lily Tomlin (American comedienne)

Vocabulary Word of the Day:  largess (noun) – this fancy noun can be used to stand for the act of generously giving of expensive gifts.  If you had a boss (or an in-law) in the future who demonstrated largess, what might he/she give you?

Mustang Monday!!!!

Today we are going to study Gandhi. Before our study, we will practice vocabulary (quizlet). Then, test questions review. 

It’s March 32. 
Today is “April Fool’s Day.”  Are you ready for some practical jokes?

Trivial Fact of the Day:   In 1957, the BBC aired a fake April 1st news-story reporting a bumper crop of spaghetti plants by Swiss farmers, which included fake footage of peasants pulling fresh spaghetti from the branches of trees.  Hundreds of viewers called in, asking where they could obtain their own spaghetti trees to plant.  April fools!

Interesting Quote of the Day:  "The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." --Abraham Lincoln
Vocabulary Word of the Day:  jocund (adjective) – use this descriptive word as a synonym for cheerful.  Do practical jokes make you feel jocund or the opposite of jocund?

"Remember Aja Day" Friday!

Today, we are getting our last 7 vocabulary words!!!! Then, we are going to read Ch 25 Lesson 2. (You don't need a book) Do you know who Gandhi is? Find out today!

 

Have a great and safe weekend!!!!

 

 

It’s March 31. 
March has been “National Ideas Month.”  How many new ideas did you write down in your notebook this month?   Go back and check!

Trivial Fact of the Day:   One in every 2000 babies is born with a tooth already in place in his/her mouth. Think you were one of them?

Interesting Quote of the Day:  “Children see magic because they still look for it.”  --Christopher Moore (American author)
Vocabulary Word of the Day:  superlative (adjective) – use this word in front of a noun that shows the highest degree of quality.  When you think of chocolates, which company makes the superlative candy?  What about shoes?  What about jeans?  And…who in your class has superlative ideas?

Thursday!

Today, working as a class we will finish watching Supply & Demand & Scarcity. Then, read Ch 25 Lesson 1. After reading the blog, put away all technology. Please, get a book.

It’s March 30. 
Today is “Pencil Day.” Are you more of a mechanical or wooden pencil user?  When did you make that important life choice?

Trivial Fact of the Day:   A typical pencil can draw a line 35 miles long or write about 45,000 words.

Interesting Quote of the Day:  “The average pencil is seven inches long, with just a half-inch eraser -- in case you thought optimism was dead.”  --Robert Brault (American writer)

Vocabulary Word of the Day:  sanguine (adjective) – as a noun, this word means blood-red color, but as an adjective, it means cheerfully optimistic.  Who do you know who is an example of the adjective version of the word sanguine?

Wonderful Wednesday!!!

Today we are going to begin with vocabulary, so make sure you have your notebook. What does the phrase supply, demand, and scarcity mean? At the end of class you will be an expert.  

It’s March 28. 
Today is “Smoke and Mirrors day”  How many magic tricks do you know how to do? How many illusions have you witnessed?

Trivial Fact of the Day:   The on-stage illusion of levitation** was first performed in Greek dramas as early as 431 B.C.  How do you suppose they pulled off the trick?

Interesting Quote of the Day:  “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”  --Sydney J. Harris (American journalist)

**Vocabulary Word of the Day:  levitation (noun) – this word refers to the phenomenon of a person or thing rising into the air by apparently supernatural means.  If you could levitate whenever you felt like it, what would you do?

Marvelous Monday Mustangs!!!

I hope everyone enjoyed their 3 day weekend. Now you guys are rested and ready to work, right?!?

Today, we are going to be introduced to 6 new vocabulary words, review religions, and study economies. 

It’s March 24. 
Today is “National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day.”  What fruit, in your opinion, goes best with chocolate?

Trivial Fact of the Day:   Roman physicians prescribed raisins for everything, from mushroom poisoning to old age.  They used the fruit as a panacea.**

Interesting Quote of the Day:  ““If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever.”  --Alfred, Lord Tennyson (British poet)
**Vocabulary Word of the Day: panacea (noun) – this is a synonym for something that can serve as a remedy for all sicknesses or difficulties.  “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning” is an old-fashioned doctor’s panacea from years ago.  Is there a modern day equivalent to this old expression?

Terrific Thursday!!!

Today we are going to finish vocabulary Frayer models. The continue our review of the religions.

Have a great 3 day holiday!!

It’s March 23.

Today is “National Puppy Day.”  Which puppies are the cutest?

Trivial Fact of the Day:   The heaviest dog ever weighed 319 pounds.  How big do you suppose it was as a puppy?

Interesting Quote of the Day: “Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet.” --Sadie Delaney  (African-American author and civil rights advocate)
Vocabulary Word of the Day:  compelling (adjective) – use this word to modify a noun that can be described as being smart and thoughtful enough to demand others’ attention.  A funny story might be compelling.  An argument should be compelling.  What are three other things you might describe with this word?

Wonderful Wednesday!

Today, we are going to work on vocabulary. Next review ancient inventions (using the textbook). Then, review the major religions of East Asia. Don't forget the homework is due tomorrow.

Be sure to have a book and your notebook. And ready to work as soon as the bell rings.