The answers to our "short" quiz:
1. Has taken
2. Wrote
3. HE DID FOR US!!!
4. Loves
5. Had studied
6. Had visited
7. Try
8. Have lost
9. Ate
10. Has been
Now we're going on to vocabulary. Mr. Watson checked all of us for our homework and Nicki didn't do it because she just found her book!!! Now the answers…
Completing the Sentence
1. Anecdotes
2. Ultimate
3. Dominate
4. Docile
5. Tactful
6. Radiant
7. Fugitive
8. Mauled
9. Substantial
10. Grimy
11. Counterfeit
12. Entreat
13. Fallible
14. Uncertainly
15. Iota (that is such a kewl word!)
16. Potential
17. Tampering
18. Fickle
19. Consolidate
20. Rural
Synonyms
1. Radiant
2. Potential
3. Tamper
4. Substantial
5. Maul
6. Tactful
7. Fickle
8. Fallible
9. Counterfeit
10. Dominate
11. Consolidate
12. Entreat
13. Uncertainty
14. Fugitive
15. Anecdote
Antonyms
16. Grimy
17. Docile
18. Rural
19. Iota
20. Ultimate
Now we're are just revising our essays, reading for ROC, or working on our Job and Journal Response for 27-32 of The Wanderer. Our homework is to revise our essays (if you want to) and the job and journal response due tomorrow!!!

By: Jacqs

Perfect Tenses

Hi Students, Mr. Watson here. Today in class we took a quiz on present perfect and past perfect tenses. I will be grading those tonight when I get home so that we can go over them tomorrow. We also went over the Unit 5 vocabulary words. I gave you several anecdotes to help you remember them. Your homework is to do pages 61 and 62 in your vocab books and work on you work for The Wanderer which is due Friday. Keep in mind that your essay revisions are due on Friday as well, and I am available before and after school if you need some help. Please schedule an appoinment if you do, that way you know I'll be here. See you in class!

Mr. Watson

The Wanderer 23-26

Well first of all Mr. Watson came around the room and checked if we did our jobs and journal responses our grammar and if we had our name in our wanderer books. During this Emily Z. told a joke… “Why did the chicken cross the road? Because he felt like it. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! There was a standing ovation and cheers exploded everywhere. After that we checked over our grammar papers making sure we checked over carefully and followed along because it was in the same form as our test would be. By the way, there is a BRIEF grammar quiz tomorrow. Extra help is at 3:30 today. After going over our grammar we took out our job and journal responses and Mr. Watson told us to put our cursors right under our J.R. and get ready to write… I wonder what he’ll make us write… We wrote in our own opinion what we think the three most important things that we think happened in Chapters 23-26. We had a very deep discussion about the things we thought were the most important things in these chapters. Most everyone thought that uncle Stew losing his job was one of the most important things. Which brings up yet another mystery. What is Uncle Stew’s job and why did he get fired. Then we talked about how you can’t always be what you want. Then Mr. Watson talked about how he became a teacher. After that Johnny shared his job and we talked about how it was a good omen. Something that happens that is regarded as a sign of how somebody or something will fare in the future. A few other people shared their jobs and or journal responses and then we wrapped it up with a small conversation about diving and boats. Mr. Watson also reminded us about our grammar quiz so…. DON”T FORGET!! Even though it should be very brief and easy. We also went over our schedules. In result, Friday is the last day to turn in your revised essays and chapters 27-32 job and j.r. We also talked about how the reading will be in a little larger chunks now in order for us to finish before Christmas.

Past Perfect and Present Perfect

This morning Mr. Watson explained that a few people were switched to another English class. He told us to open to page 108. He said that we are having another grammar quiz instead of a Vocab. Then next week and the week after, we will have two vocab quizzes in a row. We then talked about the past and present perfect tenses. Present perfect talks about things that happened in the past. Past perfect talks about the past tense of the main verb, it is always preceded by had.
Example: Harry has saved a hundred dollars in the bank, it is Present Perfect.

Mr. Watson then gave us our homework which is a worksheet on past and present perfect, which will be kind of like the quiz. Then everyone worked on their homework. Don’t forget that you have a worksheet and a job and journal response due tomorrow. Mr. Watson decided, because it was requested many times, to finish the story of the swan. Ps. English and Mr. Watson rock.

Aloha from Hawaii!

Hi,
We are sixth graders studying Japanese language and culture in Honolulu, Hawaii. We have read Under the Blood Red Sun and House of the Red Fish and are currently reading Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury.
Last week we were treated to an inspiring morning with author Graham Salisbury. He told us stories about growing up in Hawaii and shared about his books. One of the most important things he said he learned when growing up is that life is a series of choices, which he illustrated so well in the stories he narrated.

We heard that you read Under the Blood Red Sun in your English class. Some of us want to share about our reading to you and also want to say "Hello!"

Hi, I really suggest that you read House of the Red Fish and Eyes of the Emperor. I recommend House of the Red Fish if you want to know happens to Tomi and his family.

Hi- This past Wednesday, we got to meet and ask questions to Graham Salisbury. He said some great advice to us. He said that life is short so we should enjoy it. You should read the book House of the Red Fish. My favorite part of the book is when Tomi finds his Katana under Keet's bed.

Hi, we met Graham Salisbury and he told us that the books are a 5 book continuation. After the Eyes of the Emperor will be the book The Sword in the Stream. Also he told us a secret you can't tell anyone......They are planning to make a movie for Under the Blood Red Sun!

Aloha. The book House of the Red Fish is very similar to Under the Blood Red Sun. The second book is really good and exciting and I think that you should all read it.

Dear Florida 6th graders,
My favorite part in Under the Blood Red Sun was when Lucky the dog has puppies. I think the names of the puppies were very cute. I know most of you haven't read the sequel book. It is fun to read, exciting and very emotional. We learned about the key 13 Japanese values. The Honor and respecting the family are the ones that stand out to me.

Aloha Florida! We recently finished reading Under the Blood Red Sun and House of the Red Fish by Graham Salisbury. Both books were absolutely excellent! Also we were able to meet author Graham Salisbury. We asked him questions about his books and about being an author in general. Guess where he writes his wonderful stories? At Starbucks!!!! He said he has his own little corner and enjoys the busy sounds around him!

Dear 6th graders in Florida, We are also sixth graders in Honolulu, Hawaii. My favorite part in Under the Blood Red Sun is when Tomi first finds out that the Japanese were in their planes with the Red sun on it and they were bombing Pearl Harbor. If you read the House of the Red Fish, you will expect a lot of new things in this book. Sorry, I don't want to spoil the book for you. In our Japanese class we learned about some Japanese values that were in the book. The best value I liked was Ganbare. Ganbare means that you can have great work that is performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.

HI! My favorite part of the book in House of the Red Fish was when Tomi and his friends raised the boat. It was my favorite part because everyone got together to raise it. They had to think of strategies and planned it out. Even if they had interruptions with Keet and his friends they still raised it and honored Tomi's father. The author Graham Salisbury came by to talk to us. He is a very talented and energetic person. He said it took him 5 years to write and edit his first book. It took him about a year and couple of months to write Under the Blood Red Sun. He is a great writer and you should read his other books!

THe Swan and Progressive tenses

Today in English, Mr. English god passed out the grammar quizzes and we got to work. It was a five question quiz on past and present progressives. When we all finished, he read us a story. He let us draw while we listened. The story was called “The Swan” and had a lot of symbolism. It was about two tough boys, Ernie and Raymond, playing with the gun that Ernie got for his birthday. Then they saw a little boy that they called “Watson”, the scum of the earth. They despised him; absolutely hated him. They did a bunch of bad things to him to try to kill him. We would never say that about the English God! During the story, I peeked over at Ella’s picture. She drew the scene when Ernie and Raymond were shooing the birds. Olivia decided to sit and listen instead of drawing. I couldn’t really concentrate because I had a yodeling song stuck in my head. Anyways, have a good class trip! And don't forget to have chapters 16-22 read by Tuesday with your job and journal response.

The Wanderer 11-15

Today, we started out with Mr. Watson explaining why he has whiskers. In the beginning Mr. Watson gave our essays back! Remember if you didn’t do too well, you can always re-do it. Since the 5th graders came today to visit is, Mr. Watson asked us to tell them about The Wanderer. Sophia gladly told them. After that, Ella, Gabby, Olivia, Meredith, Emily, Zach, Gunga, and Jad had read their JR’s and Jad’s was very confusing. Then Jad calls Mr. Watson, Mr. Lobster. Mr. Watson asked a question about whether knowing the language or knowing how to do something and, which one was more important. Then Mr. Watson read a very confusing passage and asked if we understood out. He also said mark page 60, because it is first story of Bompie. Then Mr. W. asked what is a sextant and kids freaked out because he said SEXtant. Tomorrow we have a quiz on present progressive and past progressive. You better study! Yah, Thursday we are going to Path Finder… see you bright and early! P.S Mr. Watson won’t be here on Monday, so tell him bye, bye!

THe W@nderer 5-10

We got ready for English class as sunlight’s aoura glimmered like a perfectly stripped zebra through the vividly white blinds of which were facing 45 degrees downward thus shining down on Mr. Watson's face like a God. Our lights were off to conserve our threatened earth and to prevent global warming. We settled down and Mr. Watson asked us to take out our jobs and journal responses on our relatively new book, The Wanderer. He then pointed out how many of our students have mistaken the word “wanderer” to “wonderer”. Many people gave their opinion on the statement and we come to a conclusion that nobody can tell when one is wondering but we can see when one is wandering. Of course, Mr. Watson is interested in the people who were summarizers so he can hear how we comprehended. (He always asks for summarizers first). Then Ali read her summary. Then of course we discussed it. Everyone became settled down and then a classmate, Will, shared his job, a connector. If one has previously visited this blog they would know what a “connector” is. (It is where one connects something from the book to personal experience). Amber shares her journal response and Mr. Watson says, “That may be the best journal response I’ve ever heard” unfortunately her words moved faster than my fingers. We find that one of our main characters in the book was wisely indirectly characterized. Mr. Watson gladly communicates with us; to tell us that we have been reading a book that has more than one perspective or “point of view” told in the same book. We discussed this book with job and journal responses, one after the other but of which led us to very interesting conversations and points. Of course at times we get a little off track at times but once Mr. Watson guided us back like any exceptional English teacher. Cullen shares a rather awkward story that his great grandfather, who was a millionaire, would happen to walk around carrying pants just in-case one pair ripped. I made sure to note that. WE recorded that on Tuesday we have to do another job and journal response on chapters 11-15. On Wednesday we have a brief quiz on Grammar. On Thursday through Friday we have a class trip. Pack your bags. ROAD TRIP!
That completely obnoxious bell rings and we depart the class.

Progressive Verbs and Pathfinder

Today when we walked through the door, Mr. Watson gave us a very brief lecture about being late. You have to be in class by 12:04!!!!!!!! Then we looked in our Grammar and Composition Book(the red one). We then learned about present and past progressive, which as we all know is really, REALLY boring. But at least it was easy. Remember that it is in progressive form if the main verb ends in “-ing”. So you can tell if it is past or present by the helping verb. Then we did a boring worksheet, but everyone got it done in like three minutes!
1. were watching 2. are looking 3. is listening 4. is requiring 5. is planning 6. Is visiting 7. Was working 8. Is helping 9. Is showing 10. Was hoping 11. Are studying 12. Are coming 13. Had planned 14. Was changing 15. Was having 16. Is postponing 17. Is adopting 18. Was donating 19. Is moving 20. Is helping
1. is listening – pres. prog. 2. Was driving – past prog. 3. Were waiting – past prog 4. Am reading- pres. prog. 5. Was watching- past prog. 6. Was leaking- past prog. 7. Is meeting- pres. prog. 8. Is eating- pres. prog 9. Was losing- past. prog. 10. Are looking- pres. prog. 11. Was blowing- past prog. 12. Were planning- past prog.

Example: I am walking to the store. = PRESENT
I was walking to the store. =PAST
HW!!- Job and journal response for Chapters 5- 10 in The Wanderer.
Test/Quizzes- Grammar quiz on Wednesday, November 14
PATHFINDER next Thursday! Bring:
· sleeping Bag, bedding,
· Toiletries
· Sneakers, one pair of flip flops
· NO TABLETS OR DVD PLAERS.
· Cell Phones discouraged.
· Leave expensive items at HOME!!!
· iPods and electronic games are only allowed on the bus rides!
· No Movies- Movies on bus.
· No need to bring food!!!
· Underwear, socks
· Extra Set of Clothes

P.S.- We are going on a CHARTER BUS!!! Yeah!

The Wanderer 1-4

Today in class Mr Watson had us make our tablets to not haibernate by going to your tool bar and going to the litlle thing that says current power sorce. Click on that and go to set up actions. When you see when lid close, turn that to no action. IT IS AWESOME!!!!! Mr. Watson said that he is doing the best he can to grade our essay, but he will get it to you as soon as possible. If you al ready got your essay back you can revize it to make it better. Rajian told us his summerie. Mr. Watson said that it was PERFECT. Brandon told us his J.R. and he sarhed his passage masster the first line in the book in the first chapter “The sea, the sea.” Every one thought it was going to be a boring pome book, but I like it so far. Jessie shared her pretty picture. Everyone was wondering why her picture was upsidedown. It was really when Sophia’s mom said she would hang them by there toes. Karly and Blake shared there jobs, and one was a picture, and the other one was a word wizard. Madison shared her job and she was a passage master. “I am hurling mayself toward that final day, picturing every little detail.” That means she wants to go forward in her life. Due Friday, we have to read 5-10 in The wonderer. Don’t worrie its only 20 pages. The book we are reading outside of class is due Dec. 14. GET READING!!!!

First Mr. Watson came around and checked all of our homework. After he checked the homework, he asked each student to go over the vocabulary book pages. We all shared our answers, and made marks in our book as we corrected them. We checked page 56, and then page 57. Then Mr. Watson said that he would give us the next 13 minutes to find examples of our literary words in the book Under the Blood Red Sun. He told our group to write examples for indirect characterization and symbolism. We looked at our books and tried to find the examples. We found an example of symbolism, and it was the family butsudan is a symbol of Japan. Then we found an example of indirect characterization, and it was “don’t disgrace us.” is what papa said, and it tells us that papa is sort of strict, and wants to represent his culture. First he told Christiana, Mackenzie, Jessica, and Baily to share their examples, and they were told to find an example of irony. Then he told Zack, Hunter, and David to share their example, and they we asked to find examples of mood and direct characterization. Then our group was asked to share our examples, and Hannah told the class our example of symbolism and then direct characterization. Mr. Watson went over the homework due for the week, and told us that he did not get to grade any papers because the waves were so good over the weekend. Your job and journal response for chapters 1-4 in The Wanderer are due tomorrow.

Today Mr. Watson went over our test. Then he told us we needed our vocab books (a lot of people forgot). The words are alliance, bewilder, buffoon, controversial, dishearten, fruitless, hostile, inflammable, inflict, malignant, mortify, orthodox, procure, scurry, sodden, spirited, virtual, virtual, void, wayward, and wince. Don’t wait to the last minute to study!! Then Ben went crazy, which is not really a surprise! Pages 54 and 55 are due tomorrow! Then we had 6 minutes left to do our essay, do our homework, or read. Don’t forget guys that your essay is due tomorrow.