Wednesday, January 2, 2013

World Wide Wednesday.....Looking Ahead.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday so far. As we approach the new year, I want you to think about personal goals. What is your New Year's Resolution for 2013?

Everywhere around the world the new year will ring in. Each celebration is special in its own way. Try to catch some of the festivities on television. At least 12 hours before us they will be celebrating in Asia and the South Pacific. As you watch, think about what you want to do differently this year and how you will achieve your goals?

Adults are known for pledging to lose weight, exercise more, stop smoking and much more. What are teens your age saying on this eve of a new year? Let's make our pledge right here on the blog for all to see.

Thailand


Australia

Sydney Harbour, NSW, Cities, Sydney Harbour Bridge, fireworks

Moscow, Russia



Paris, France

New Year’s Eve in Paris

London Eye Fireworks UK




Times Square NYC
New Year's Eve in Times Square, New York


New Years Mexico


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New Years Mexico
Honalulu, Hawaii

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Tradition Tuesday

This great idea for this week's blog post came from a student from last year's class.

I am sure you all have interesting traditions for this time of year. Please describe how your family celebrates the holidays. For years my family enjoyed special sandwiches that we would make ourselves. We called them "sloppy Joe" sandwiches. These were always reserved for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve celebrations. Can anyone describe this special sandwich? Just so you know, it does not contain any ground beef. When I was young, my brother and I used to spend all evening on New Year's Eve cutting up old newspapers to make confetti. At the stroke of midnight, we would go out in the street and throw it around. We made sure we had pots and pans to bang together too. Our parents always had a party so there were many young kids there to join our party in the street.

Tell us about your holidays. Who, what, where, when, why can all be used to describe your celebrations. Don't forget to include how far back in your family this tradition can be traced. Was it the same celebration that your grandmother would have had or your great-grandmother or back and back and back? How has your family's tradition developed or changed? I think you would need to ask your parents about their holidays when they were little to answer that question.

Do a little family research before you post your comments. We can talk about Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. I look forward to hearing from you all.

"Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles."



menorahhomemade kwanzaa decorations




Traditional Diwali for Hinduism


The Ball was a geodesic sphere, six feet in diameter, and weighed approximately 1,070 pounds.


Did anyone have a tradition involving snow? Our family did. Let's hear yours.



  • Monday, December 17, 2012

    Memorable Toy Monday


    This is the season of gift giving. Children have wide eyes as they think about receiving their favorite toy. Look at each of the toys below. Are any of them familiar to you? Did I find a favorite of
    yours? Please comment on the pictures.

    I'd like to hear about your favorite toy from childhood. Which one holds a special place in your heart and always will? (No technology, please.)

    Explain what makes that one special toy so special to you.



    Slinky Toy



    Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
    Yoda


    girls 16 bikeTickle Me Elmo                      

     
    boys 16 bike



    Many Webkinz pets as part of one child's collection.Webkinz
    G.I. JOE Hasbro 3 3/4" Wave 9 Action Figure General Hawk

    Baseball glove,bat and ball on grass

    Cabbage Patch Kids




    teddy bears paradise

    Wilson American Football Ball : Micro

    SoccerBall


    Legos

    Saturday, December 15, 2012

    Serene Thoughts this Saturday....


    I certainly hope we can find some serene thoughts this day. 

    Because we are in the month of December, I thought it was time to start thinking about what happened in the world in 2012. I always love when the news reports include a photo montage of the year in review. This year I may feel differently.  Let's try to think about what happened this year starting way back in January 2012. Try to think about the second half of your 7th grade year and what events happened this past summer. September through December should be easy for you all because of your many current event assignments. This topic will take some research, I'm sure. It took me days and I have only scratched the surface.  We may even have to ask the content teachers like Mr. Eckert, Mr. Szot, Mrs. Buccella, and Mrs. Howanich. Who else would have a handle on the pulse of the world? Mr. Gordon? Maybe. I think he would know what new trivia questions have surfaced in 2012. I bet there are many. Mr. Rizzo or Mrs. Gross? Has there been any new information that would concern a mathematician or accountant?  There certainly have been many developments along those lines. Can you identify them? How about the economy?

    I guess you will have to think about that now or even ask these knowledgable professionals. That's your task. I will post pictures, and I ask that you identify the event and the approximate time that it was in the news.

    Celebrate.....


    Let's say good bye......




    In the news......
      

    This is what we were watching...
    You can add your own list.
     I will add my own favorite show. 
          The news always returns...... 











    CNN Reports....

    'Why? Why?': 26 dead in elementary school massacre


    By Susan Candiotti and Chelsea J. Carter, CNN
    updated 11:17 AM EST, Sat December 15, 2012
     
    The year in review.......