Now that we understand that characters, narrators, and yes, people have different points of view, we may begin to learn how to get others to see our point of view. That's where persuasion comes in. In writing, we call it persuasive writing. Lawyers call this an "argument".

     Remember to always start your writing with "the hook". Reel that reader in. ZZZZ like fishing, not like ZZZZ sleep. After you have their attention, start off with your topic sentence. This week we learned another name for topic sentence. Thesis. The thesis, or topic sentence, tells the reader what your opinion is.

     Support your thesis with reasons, examples, or other evidence to backup what your thesis. The more support, the better. It is usually best to dig for at least three different reasons, facts, or examples that do the job. Start our with your strongest supporting paragraph. Follow it with your weakest. Then finish the support (your lettuce, tomato, and onion from the burger graphic organizer) with another strong fact or reason.

     Next, be sure to anticipate, and write about, the counter-argument. The counter-argument is the other side of the debate. If you can dissolve the other side's point of view, in your own persuasion, you are well on your way to winning the the debate.

     Your last paragraph should re-state your thesis, or topic sentence. (your bottom burger bun of your graphic organizer.) Sometimes, writers add a call to action.

Do you remember what Logos, Ethos, and Pathos mean?? Check your notes and get back to me ASAP. If you can explain to me at lunch this week, I'll reward you with 100 of something, like the Genie.

Feeling lawyerly? Copy and paste the link below into your browser for college-level details on how to write persuasively. Study this and you will rule the day.

https://www.everettcc.edu/files/programs/communications/writing-center/the-writing-process/basic-principles-of-persuasive-writing.pdf

Thanksgiving

            Giving thanks, on Thanksgiving:
THANKS for coming to school when you didn't feel up to it.
THANKS for doing your homework.
THANKS for taking care of your little brother or sister.
THANKS for correcting your mistakes in your schoolwork.
THANKS for doing a graphic organizer, when you felt like skipping the step!
THANKS for emptying the pencil sharpener shavings.
THANKS for serving as my paper passer person.
THANKS for making the teachers smile.
THANKS for trying your hardest.
THANKS for your creativity.
THANKS for being you!

JOURNAL - Story Prompt Ending
November 16
by S.P. 6-6

I COULD HARDLY BELIEVE MY EYES. I walked down the steps and saw a lever that said, "White People." I pulled the lever and I got drenched with chemicals. I looked on a piece of glass and was shocked at what I saw. I was whiter than I was before. I tried to get out of there as fast as I could but I heard Uncle Bob coming down the steps. He immediately saw me because I was so white. He took me into a room and made me watch white slavery videos! DON'T BE A RACIST!

Wondering what reading level your book is? Here you go:

http://www.scholastic.com/bookwizard/

     My name is Semaj and I am going camping. I am very nervous because I have never been camping before. I am also very excited because it is a big experience for me. This is how I feel about going camping.

                                                   Books and Reading

                                                        by D.R., section 6-6

     I am writing about my imagination and reading. I use my imagination when reading books. Books can be fun to read. I use my imagination to make believe that I am in the book I am reading.

     For example, when I read about the American Revolution, I would pretend that I was in the war to defeat the British army. Furthermore, I was able to learn things. For instance, I learned about George Washington being the first President of the United States, and I imagined that I saw him and spoke to him.

     In fact, I can use my imagination with millions of books and millions of topics. Some topics are George vs. King George, The Battle of Bunker Hill, Legas of Ninjago, and the French and Indian War. If I imagine it, I can find a book about it, and have fun learning about it!

Living in a Ping-pong Ball

    By A.B. , section 6-4

     Living in a ping-pong ball is horrible. I get smacked around all day. Night is the only safe time. My friends have escaped while I was sleeping. This is the time for me to leave. I’m going to escape. I opened the ball and jumped out. It was quiet. I jumped onto the table.

     I had thirty minutes until I would start to grow into a full sized adult, so I have to get out quickly. I made it. I started to grow. I began to look for everyone. I pulled out my phone and called people.  I made it to the village and we lived happily ever after.

Looking for a new toy review? Try cutting and pasting this link into your browser:

http://www.metrokids.com/MetroKids/November-2015/Toy-Test-Games/

Toby Farms Spelling Bee Competition!

     For all you spelling masters in grades 6-8, the music teacher, Ms. Heslop is planning a Spelling Bee Contest. To prepare for the contest, each week participants will receive 2-4 words to chunk into syllables, define, and use in a sentence. 7th and 8th graders will receive 3-5 words/week.
   
     The Spelling Bee competition will be held in February.

     Awards are as follows:
             
              1st place - trophy and a tablet
              2nd place - medal and a tablet
              3rd place - medals
   
     All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Student Video Review

by G. L. - Class 6-5

If you like action, and a little bit of violence, then you should check out these games right here.

Pixel Gun 3D

     Many people may know this game, but in case you don’t, Pixel Gun 3D is like Minecraft and Call Of Duty, mixed together. There are over 100 maps and weapons. This game is only on PC and cell phones.

DC Universe Online

     I’m sure you heard about this game. Create your own DC Comics hero or villain, and interact with other players from around the world. You can even have your own powers, hideout, and pets. Your choices affect the world.

Skyrim

     An old 2011 game that many people play today. You are a warrior, mage (wizard) , or a thief. Your choices affect the world. You are a dragonborn - a person born with dragon blood with a destiny to defeat the world eater, Alduin, and save the world. That’s not it. The people around depend on how you act. And much more to discover. 

     This week we are looking at the paragraph. The paragraph is made up of sentences. Each sentence flows from the one before. A paragraph usually has five or more sentences. All the sentences in a paragraph are related, and form a coherent, unified idea.
     After we have command of the paragraph, we will move to the page. Can you guess what comes after the page?