Mrs. Packwood's class

As you know, I recently applied for a study tour to Germany along with other social studies teachers from the United States and Canada.  Many of you have asked me why I am so interested in Germany.  Good question!  It is my pleasure to share with you why I am compelled to learn more about the country and what sparked my interest to begin with.

First of all, did you know that Germany is located at the very center of the continent of Europe? With nine countries bordering it, it is the country with the greatest number of neighbors.  Its location makes it not only the center of Europe geographically, but also politically, economically, and socially!  For example, Germany is the largest economy in Europe, and, in proportion to its size and population, it is the leading export nation in the world.

In addition, our understanding of the world, the arts and music, and science and technology, have been shaped significantly by Germany and other German-speaking countries.  Composers Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven, and the famous scientist Albert Einstein are just a few of the historic German figures you may have studied.  You may also be familiar with the fairy tales like Snow White and Hansel and Gretel, by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.  The achievements of men like these are the basis for much of our American culture, not to mention that sixty million Americans have their origins in German-speaking countries.  Do I need to go on?  Okay, I will!

Ludwig van Beethoven

Johann Sebastian Bach

Albert Einstein

Levi Strauss.  Adidas.  Do these brands sound familiar?  German brands have prominent positions in just about every major market. You’d be surprised how many of our favorite brands are German-made!  Heinz ketchup, Mercedes Benz, and Hellmann’s mayonnaise are just a few, but one of my favorite German brands is Volkswagen, which was founded in 1937 in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.

BMW is another company the originated in Germany.

Ferdinand Porsche is another German who is famous for building the first sports car under his own name.

Here I am with my Volkswagen Jetta tdi!

To see more German brands, click on German Originality in my blogroll.  Then, go to the Interactive Map.

On a more personal level, I want to gain a new appreciation for the role that Germany has played in various historical events.  I want to have a greater appreciation of the revolutionary thinkers of modern philosophy who I learned about in school:  Kant, Hegel, Neitzsche, and Marx.  As I have shared with you before, my husband, Josh, teaches philosophy courses at the University of Arkansas.  His interests rest more in the study of the ancient philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, while I am I am more intrigued by studying modern philosophy, especially the ground-breaking developments that took place by the German philosophers in the 19^th century.  It would be so amazing to see the countless sites in Germany which are tied to the life and history of Martin Luther, the famous protestant reformer.   I am  interested to learn more about the history of the Jews in Nazi Germany. One of my favorite books as a teenager was the Diary of Anne Franke, so, I think being in Germany would help me make an even stronger connection to what took place during the time period in which it was written.  In addition, “The Lives of Others,” is a German film that made an impression on me.  It is set during the years preceding the fall of the Berlin Wall, and I am motivated to learn more about how this has shaped the culture of Germany today.

Martin Luther the Protestant Reformer

Anne Frank

And, most of all, there are the obvious reasons for visiting Germany.  I want to hear what the music sounds like, see the architecture, visit the castles, meet the people, and taste the food.  I want to try a real wienerschnitzel!  I want to truly have a “face” to put with the “name”, Germany.  I want to be able to have the moments like I have experienced before, in other places, and say to myself, “So this is what Germany is like!”

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

This year, we have concentrated on ways to add style to our writing. 

Vocabulary 

The students have created a vocabulary booklet that they compiled various synonyms of frequently used words.  This is basically a mini-thesaurus that they keep in their writing folders.   So when they want to use a word like “pretty,” they can choose a more appropriate or descriptive word.  The following are examples of the “blah” words which they revised (walk, run,e at, drink, good, bad, smart, pretty, like, hate, fight, trick, say (quietly), say (loudly), laugh, and shake.  We came up with a class list of synonymns, otherwise known as “vivid vocabulary” for each of these words. 

Use a Variety of Sentences

Other ways to add style to their writing is by simply using a variety of sentences.  We have used several methods to encourage the students to use a variety of sentences, from making a foldable with examples of different types of sentences, to adding dependent clauses to simple sentences.  When they finish a rough rough draft, they use a rubric to work with a partner to revise their sentences. 

Voice

Voice is a difficult concept to teach, because it has to do with expressing one’s personality through their writing.  This is another way the students can add style to their writing.  The video at the top of this post was created by some students who wanted to make a video about how to write a descriptive essay.  They focused on the Style domain of the Writing Rubric and came up with a creative way to present this information.  Enjoy!

The Mirror

Nayelly Q.

     Today was the day Lisa was going to move into her new house.  Lisa is a beautiful woman who loves to look at herself.  Her house was lovely.  It had lots of windows, and since it is by a park, she could see all kinds of nature.  Everything was just perfect, except, there were no mirrors!  No mirrors in the bathroom, rooms, or hall.  No mirrors anywhere!  She was desperate to look at herself, to see if her hair was okay and to see how she looked!

     Lisa goes to a mirror sales guy, and tells him to sell her a mirror.  He sells her a mirror that he has been wanting to get rid of for years.  Everytime he sold it to someone, they would return it before 24 hours.

     After they settled the purchase, she took the mirror home, and hung it in her bathroom.  She sees herself and an image of an old lady with a knife trying to stab her.  She gives the mirror back to the mirror sales guy. 

     He sells it to another family, and they see the same image.  One day, the little girl (the baby of the family), goes up to the mirror, touches it, then vanishes!

Our students have been working on using descriptive language in all of their writing, including narrative and persuasive essays.  This particular assignment was for the students to describe their dream room.  In the pre-writing phase of the process, the students sketched out what their dream room would look like.  They watched a video from Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition and brainstormed ideas about the features they wanted to include.  Then, after they drew their sketch, they had to write a descriptive sentence about at least 10 of the items in their sketch.  Another focus in this assignment was to create an effective lead sentence and introduction that would really grab the reader’s attention.  Students worked collaboratively to write an example of an introduction paragraph.  I thought the students did such a good job using descriptive language, that I selected at least one essay from each class to share on this blog.  This post, and 4 posts preceding it, showcase some of the best work.  It was so hard to choose because there were so many who did an excellent job.  Enjoy!

Zach Cain

My bedroom is my favorite room in the house because it is a place I can get away from stress and just relax.  I think every kid deserves a room like mine.  For anyone who wants to relax, my room is perfect.

The jaw-dropping, 1000 channel, flat-screen t.v. of mine has a fantastic, clear high-definition picture.  Also, my stunning Razorback beanbag chairs are amazing as you sink into comfort.  For anyone who wants a snack, my gigantic refridgerator is perfect.  The green football astro-turf is awesome for football fans.  My king-sized water bed is an amazing bed of comfort as you plop down on it.  Then, the swimming pool is 12 feet deep with an enormous diving board.  Next, my bowling alley is a huge, 12-lane area.  The Cowboys salon restaurant is mouth-watering, and it has 100 tables of seating.  It serves all sorts of food.  Then, my basketball court is an exact replica of the Boston Celtics court.  Last, the hot tub is perfect for anyone who wants to have fun and just relax.  As you can see, there are many reasons why my room is my favorite room in the house.  I think my room is the best place to have fun and relax.

Elizabeth Williams

My fantasy room would be an overwhelming dream.  Everything I appreciate is all in my divine room.  Each item shows who I am and what I admire.  Every kid deserves a place to enjoy being young while it lasts.

When you walk into my surreal room, above you notice a rapid, red zip-line strung from over the door to the other silver wall.  The zip-line leads you to the all-around foam pit.  Another way you can plunge into the pit is by bouncing on the crimson-colored trampoline.  The trampoline is to the right of the peace pit.  In the back, right corner, my fuschia, zebra couch faces the 52-inch flat-screen t.v.  Behind my relaxing couch lays my soft as heaven dream bed.  The wrap-around shelving surrounds my bed and accomodates storage for all my pictures and treasures.  The bedding of my cozy bed has an immense, yellow peace sign.  The patches of the pink, yellow, and orange swallows the peace bedspread.  Across the room, stands a brown, wooden desk.  A turquoise laptop matches the turquoise polka dot airgo chair that goes under my large, hutch desk.  Now, let me describe my very own bathroom!  My countertop has rosy red, zig-zag stripes going up and down.  Under my counter is a plush, red and orange peace chair.  The tiling in my bathroom is personalized.  Every lavender tile reads the name Elizabeth. To the right of my toilet is my brown tiled shower.  It even has a waterfall!  Beside the countertop is the door which leads you to the bigger than big closet.  The carpet in my colossal closet is black and white zebra print.  My shelves are the bright color of sapphire.  They bring color into the room.  Surrounding two walls is my magic mirror that talks to me.  On the backwall of my closet is my clothes rack, filled with a million clothes.

As you can see, my dream room would be packed with color and personality.  It would also include my favorite things, hobbies, and even books.  I wish my dream room would come out of a dream and into reality.

My Dream Room

Matthew Oney

     My suave, lavish room is everything I have ever dreamed of.  My room flows with my determined personality.  Rivers of glamorous color flow through my walls.  In a personal space, what do I need?  I will show you my room and you will see.

     The first thing you will see when you enter my room is the colorful television that lights everything up.  Then, your eyes will revel in the glory of the glowing light flowing through the filtering window.  After that, you will catch a glimpse of my wooden cabinet that is stuck to the wall and has rustic, brown wheels.  Then, the glittering controller will sweep you off of your feet.  You might also notice that my nice, plush pillow defines my bed’s color.  Next you will fluently faint even if you only glance at my ultimate gaming card.  Even then, the ornate railings will stun you as you saunter up my oak staircase.  Also, my swivel chair can roll you across even the fluffy carpet that adorns the floor.  Amazingly, the shiny wires lining the walls are only decorative, for all of my possessions are wireless.  Finally, your hands will sink into the downy, pink walls as you submerge into the carpet. 

     Have you learned something about my dream room?  I have told you all about what I would need in my dream room.

My Dream Room

Logan Slater

     From corner to corner, my room is all about me!  It’s my hideaway, my annex, and a break from everyday life.  My unique touches are all over it.  So, please, no pictures, as you escape to what seems like a dream.

     When you first walk in, you might be welcomed by a delightful fragrance and soft music.  That is my vanilla candle and my i-pod touch.  These are small necessities in my room.  To your right, you see my sports room, with personalized soccer and basketball goals, not to mention weight and exercise equipment.  Feather pillows with polka dots and a rectangular bed with a comforter that falls gracefully on my floor are the two main points in my room.  Hidden behind brown, silk drapes is my modern, yet sophisticated bathroom.  It’s classy, but functional.  Hung at the ceiling, my sparkling chandelier fills the room with a glowing light.  Sitting next to my bed, a compact, ocean blue mini-fridge lies.  To your left you will see my photo area, where all my photos hang.  Also, there are my cameras to take classy pictures.  Nearby is a comfortable area, stocked with feathered, bean bag chairs and a miniature couch.  For my entertainment, I added a movie-finder.  I just type it, and you get the movie immediately.  Some movies are still in theatres, and I watch them on my flat screen t.v.  Every girl has homework, but I do mine on an off white, modern desk completed with accessories like my lap-top.  Now please exit quietly, and grab a chocolate bar on your way out.

     With my polka dot walls and light-up floor, I hope you find my room to be both unique and stylish.

My Dream Bedroom

Megan Dickard

     The thought of having my dream room consumes my thoughts almost every day and night.  I can almost see, feel, and smell my wonderful design.

     The transparent silk curtain hovers over my room as if it were a halo.  With the 100% cashmere bedspreawd and matching bedskirt, the room is sure to have a vibe.  Entering the room, you come through a vibrant curtain of colorful beads.  Teh pearly white all-wood picture frames keep the room simple.  Examining the room, you will notice the floor-to-ceiling peaceful waterfall, the gentle sound of the soft flow of water will consume you.  The dark-stained shimmering hardwood floor gives the room a sense of boldness.  You’ll be sure to have a beach-front view with the transparent floor-to-ceiling window.  The lime green plush rug is sure to warm you as you walk on it.  As you intrigue farther into the room, you will smell the aroma of fresh linen.  Around the room you will notice a groovy green and blue, striped wall. 

     Until I have enough time and money to create and design my masterpiece, all I’ve got is a sketch and a paper.

The Ideal Room

Omar Curiel 

     A sophisticated and luxurious room would be the ideal room for a twelve-year-old boy.  My fraction of the house is a milky colour accomodated with a metalic gray.  The sunshine in this room engulfs the room with light.  The aroma in this room endulges the environment with a fresh scent.

     The inundation of luminosity coming from the immense window, submerges the room with light as it reflects off of the vanilla colored walls.  My metallic desk stands before the window like a defendant being judged.  Next, you see an artistic office chair that is a sandy white, which reflects the perfect amount of light.  This chair is neatly tucked under my desk.  The vanilla coloured walls are complemented by the bamboo foundation.  A collection of hand sanitizers fill the shelves located near the window.  The fresh redolence of citrus herb floods the atmosphere.  My white bedspread lies on the bed as if bowing down to the steel headboard.  Above the luxurious bed, hovers a sumptuous crystal chandelier.  There is a white couch, that rests directly in front of the enormous television.  My television occupies two thirds of the wall, located at the side of my room.

     This sophisticated and luxurious room is precise in every way.  It would be a dream come to reality if I owned this outstanding room.

Colin Harris

     Who’s room includes big t.v.’s, fluffy couches, and a skiball machine?  That’s my room-the room of the century.  My dream room would show my personality, likes, and favorite things.

     First, it would be full of comforts.  I would have the most unbelievable bed, so soft you would fall to sleep in seconds.  The fluffy, green couch would be like heaven on earth.  The leather game chair makes the perfect seat for any games from football to racing.

     Second, it would have a game room atmosphere.  An arcade-style skiball machine makes you feel like you’re at the remodeled Fun City, and the six 52-inch t.v.’s are all sprinkled about the room.  The flame-painted wall makes coming in my room more exciting, and last the gold-colored climbing wall would offer a non-stop challenge.  Last, my room would show team spirit.  The Arkansas Razorback-shaped clock would play the Fight Song each hour.  Every one would know I love Wildcats and Razorbacks.

     Now you can se my dream room would be a room to be wishing for.  You can see my personality, my likes, and favorite things.  You would love my room!

My Dream Room

     Brittney Maits
      It was a horrid day today.  I fell asleep in math, failed a test in science, and had to do 55 push-ups in P.E. because the coach thought I was talking while he was explaining how to play flag football!  On top of that, I have to walk home in the rain, and it’s my birthday! 

     I was completed drenched from head to toe, and I was shivering.  As much as I wanted to get home as fast as I could, the rain got harder and slowed me down.  As I approached the front door, I remembered how terrible my room looked, and it smelled awful.  The bed was so old that whenever I laid on it, I would be afraid to fall through!  I went upstairs leaving a trail of water behind me.  I hesitantly opened the door to my room, preparing to scream. 

     As I walked through the door, I saw that the room looked so beautiful that I was left speechless.  It was spatious, and it was so massive that it was two stories high!  The first thing I did was run up the stairs.  They were a vibrant green with hot pink polka dots.  As I walked through the beaded door, I saw an astonishing marble replica of a swan overlooking my bed.  The bed was made out of a purple comforter sewed together into a circle and it smelled like it was stuffed with rose petals!  Gracefully hanging over my swan bed was a lovely black-laced drapery that brought depth to the room.  As I dashed down the stairs to see the rest of the room, I noticed an attractive gray chandelier (with crystals dangling from it) hanging from the ceiling.   The downstairs ceiling was a mystical diamond illusion that reflected the theme of the room.  I was so distracted by the ceiling that I ran into a glass case!  Inside was a life-size replica of Edward Cullen!  As I examined it, I thought about how perfect it would be for my Twilight collection.  To the left of my lovely sculpture was an air hockey table.  “Sweet!” I said to myself.  I turned around to see what else I had.  I discovered a groovy, round, red/white hanging chair.

     I pondered for a moment wondering, “who redecorated my room?”  I left my astounding room in search of my mom.  I found her in the kitchen doing dishes and I asked her who had redecorated my room?!  But all she did was smile and say “Happy Birthday, Honey!”

The Most Tremendous Room Ever

Treyton Baker

     My room is a place of fantastic proportion.  More than a nook and less than a carnival, my room is a place to escape the troubles of everyday life.  My room…is tremendous.

     My room, first of all, is topped with a magnificent king-sized, relaxing Indianapolis Colts bed.  Then the pool, fusball, and air-hockey tables are a tremendous compliment to the room’s decor.  Babe Ruth’s 700th homerun ball is most interesting.  The miniature Indianapolis Colts field, and gear bag wonderfully combine to make a sports-lover’s dream.  The plush, velvet sectional is so comfortable, it seems as if you’re floating on a cloud.  So it wonderfully compliments my 100% oak table.  The auto-graphed Colts ball is terrific memorobilia, though it isn’t their 2006 Super Bowl ball.  The ultra, high-speed racing bike is great when I need to go at high speeds in a blink of an eye.  If my 150-inch plasma t.v. could be any bigger, I could make my own movie theater times two!  My Colts pure 100% silk rug is so comfortable and it really goes with my huge sectional and table.  My Peyton Manning autographed All-Pro jersey is also from 2006 when the Colts won the Super Bowl.  Finally, the best thing in my room-my swimming pool.  My swimming pool is the most fantastic thing I have in my room.  It is accompanied by a waterfall and a diving board.

     As you can see from all I’ve told you, I have the most splendid room on the face of the earth.

Hello students!  So far this year, we have focused on adding style and detail to our persuasive, descriptive, and narrative essays.  I am so impressed with you creativity and your descriptive language.  I decided that blogging would be a fun and unique way to not only showcase your writing, but also reflect on topics we discuss in class.  The first few posts of this blog will showcase some of my favorite essays so far this year!  Enjoy!

                 On April 15th, most people scrambled to get their taxes in the mail.  However, others held tax day revolts (so-called “tax- day tea parties”).  Please click on the following link and watch Channel One’s

         report one of last week’s headlines.

                Channel One April 16, 2009

             Please comment on the following:

             Do you agree or disagree with the tax payers protesting?