Celebrities Helping Out

Read the article on how Shakira is helping out in Haiti. What do you think about celebrities helping out in situations like these? Do you think they should use their money to give back to communities in need? Or should celebrities not be expected to help others? Make sure to support your thinking.

Are Dogs or Cats Better Pets?

Dogs and cats are they country's two most popular pets. Some people like both. But many people consider themselves either a "dog person," someone who loves dogs, or a "cat person," someone who likes cats. Which animals do you think make better pets: dogs or cats?

Make sure you have valid reasons for why you think this.

Ban Cell Phones in Schools

Schools nationwide have been debating whether kids should have cell phones in school. Some school administrators have banned cell phones. They say the phones are a distraction in the classroom. But others argue that cell phones are needed in case of an emergency of for calls home following after-school activities. Do you think cell phones should be banned in school?

Make sure to support what you think with reasons.

Separate Boys and Girls?

Make sure you have a total of 3 comments posted - one original comment from you, and two responses to other students.

Some schools are putting boys and girls into separate classes. Supporters say students are less distractd when boys and girls are separated. They also say boys and girls have different learning styles and get better grades apart. Opponents say that kids need to learn how to work together successfully, no matter their gender. What do you think? Is keeping boys and girls apart a good idea? Explain your thinking.

Make sure to check back and respond to at least two other people, and to see if someone has responded to you.

End of the Year

The end of your elementary school career is quickly coming to an end. How do you feel about this? Are you sad to leave Hopkins behind? Looking forward to your next school?

Publish a comment in which you explain what you are looking forward to and what you are going to miss next year.

Make sure to check back and reply to another person's comment.

Two Traditions of Dance

After reading about the two types of dance in Two Traditions of Dance decide if you would rather watch a Noh or a modern dance. Explain how you made your decision based on the facts from the book.

Olympic Medals

Look at the graph on pages 2 and 3 in Time for Kids. Why do you think these five countries are the ones with so many gold medals? What do you think the athletes in these countries do that make them win so many gold, silver, and bronze medals?

Olympics

The winter Olympics is going to be starting next month. Why are the Olympics an important event? What event within the winter Olympics do you like the most and why? Which event would be the most difficult to prepare for? Which event would be the easiest to prepare for? Make sure you explain your thinking.

Time for Kids - Pictures of 2009

Look over the photographs and read the captions on pages 4, 5, 6, and 7 in your magazine. Which of these evetns do you think was the most important? Why?

Make sure your response is several sentences and includeds evidence of higher thinking.