4th Grade Lesson Plans for Belle Teal Unit
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Feel free to email me with any questions: april.nix@cobbk12.org
Power Point Presentations
Dear Mabry buddies,
We just completed a study on Famous Americans from the Revolutionary War. We each created a power point on a famous American. We know this had nothing to do with our study of Belle Teal but we are proud of our work and we would like to share it with you. You can check out our power points on our classroom blog: http://duewest.blogs.com/nix
from: Mrs. Nix's Class
To: Mabry Blog Buddies
Thank you for being our blog buddies. We are so happy we had your class as our buddies. We have loved working with you. We had so much fun meeting you all at the MLK Center. This was the best field trip ever. We felt like midgets compared to you. We had no idea you were so tall. It was really nice meeting all of you. Eating at the Varsity was great! It was fun to meet you and learn your pen names. Your pen names are awesome! We wish we could have spent more time talking to you. Blogging with you all has been fun and you always had good responses for us. Our favorite response was when we all wrote about what makes us feel "glorious". We have loved reading the book and talking to you about it. Have you finished reading the book? We finished reading it last week. We hope you all had a good time because we sure did! You are the BEST!
Field Trip Reflection
Dear 4th Graders:
We enjoyed going to the MLK Center and to the Varsity with you yesterday. It was nice to see you and we wish that we had more time to get to know you. We are impressed with how mature you were on the trip.
Going to the MLK Center was a nice learning experience. We liked everything about the center and going to see where Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King were buried. We walked down to his house, but did not get to go in. We came away with a feeling of awe about Martin Luther King, Jr. We felt like he was really alive, watching all of the different exhibits in the center and sitting in Ebenezer Baptist Church.
We will post pictures as soon as possible. We hope you had fun and enjoyed the MLK Center and meeting your blog buddies!
Your friends,
Mabry 8th Graders
Journal Responses for our Mabry blog buddies:
We wrote journal responses to what Belle said on page 212.
"There's a lot we don't know about what goes on underneath people's skin."
I think Belle meant that there is alot of information that you don't know about a person. Don't assume you are an expert on someone. You may know nothing about that person's personal life. Don't think you always know what is going on because you may be WRONG! In the book Belle thinks Vanessa is mean but doesn't realize her mom is dead. And Vanessa thinks Darryl is strange because his skin is not like hers. I think Belle Teal was smart to say that because it is so true. Dr. Duck E. Dog
I think what Belle meant was you might know a person and not know much about them. You might be friends with someone and not even know about their family. Maybe they don't want you to know for many reasons. You never know what a person might be thinking or feeling. It's just like with Vanessa and Belle Teal. HH Otter
I think it means that you don't know what someone is thinking. It means that someone may look happy on the outside but they could be sad on the inside. It means they may be holding in their emotions. That is what I think it means. Inspector Gameboy
I think it means you don't know every thing about someone. You might not know every detail about me or my life or what I do in my life. You don't know what someone is thinking or what their thoughts are. Dr. L Train
I think what she meant was when something goes wrong you don't know everything until someone tell you. If some thing goes wrong and that person doesn't want to tell you about it, then don't pester them. Let them tell you. Maybe they have to talk to a grown up about it first. You don't have to tell something private if you don't want to. Minie Mouse
I think she meant you never know if someone is lying or not. Belle fell for the lies like everyone else did. HRH Vanessa didn't want everyone to know that she had only a father. I also think it means that if someone doesn't want to tell you something it is ok. You are not supposed to know everything. Funny Bone
I think it means that you never know what secrets people have. If they lie or if they're really your friend. People lie to get people to think they are cool. You never really know if they're cool. You never really know, sometimes the "coolest people" lie to be "cool". Skater
I think Belle meant that there is a lot we don't know about some people. When Vanessa's mom died, I think Vanessa was so sad that she was being mean to other people. It is very hard to have one of your parents die. The quote tells you that you don't always know what is going on with everyone. Mary Ellen
I think it means people do things that you don't know about and they don't tell you for a long time. If something happens with 2 people then don't try to get in it. Some people are mean because something bad has happened to them like Vannessa. You should always try to get to know someone before you start getting mad at them. Soccer Girl
I think it means that you don't judge a book by it's cover. Just because you think you know about someone doesn't mean you do. So, don't go around telling people things about someone. Dr. E Man
I think this quote means that you have private things inside yourself that you don't have to tell people. There are things that you don't like that happen. You have to keep some things to yourself. Even some things to your family and friends. Professor Monkey
I think the quote means that sometimes you have parts of your life that you don't tell people. Same thing with other people. They don't always tell you what goes on in their life. Even your friends can do that. Your parents might do that too. People do have private secrets of their own. Lego Frog Man
I think Belle meant that we shouldn't judge people before we get to know them. You don't truly know about a person until you get to know them. People are always a mystery. That's what I think it means. Dectective PBJ Sandwich
Jeff Dess Visits Due West
Take a moment to view an excerpt from a classroom visit with Mr. Jeff Dess, Cobb County's Prevention Specialist.
Excerpt from Jeff Dess on Bullying
"Fight your battles with words not fists, Belle Teal." page 153
Gran encourages Belle to use words when she is angry not physical contact. These are strategies from Mrs. Nix's class on how we can respond to conflict without physical contact.
1. Distract the person who is being bullied.
2. Support the person who is being teased.
3. Be helpful and you can always make a difference
4. Speak up and tell an adult.
Professor Monkey
1. Emphathize with the person being bullied.
2. Tell an adult.
3. Walk away and ignore the bully.
Tinkerbell
1. Don't let the bully know that they bother you.
2. Use constructive words, not mean nagging words.
3. Tell the bully how the action makes you feel. Ask the bully to stop.
Detective PBJ Sandwich
1. Don't use harsh words.
2. Try not to make a big deal of it.
3. Watch what you say.
4. Try to be distracted from the conflict.
Legofrogman
1. If someone call you a name, say, "please don't call me that again", and walk away.
2. Ignore the bully.
HH Otter
1. Think about what you are doing and what will happen to you.
Inspectory Gameboy
1. Walk away.
2. Say "please, I don't like it".
3. Tell an adult if they won't stop.
Minie Mouse
1. Walk Away.
2. Don't make it a big deal.
3. Tell an adult.
Spidy
1. Count to ten.
2. Take 3 deep breaths.
3. Turn around and walk away.
ILUGA
1. Cool down and take a deep breath. Think about what you want to say and use nice words.
2. Use kind words so it doesn't turn into a fight.
3. Tell the person how you are feeling and what you don't like about what they are saying or doing.
Mary Ellen
1. Use words.
2. Ignore what happened.
Dr. EMan
1. Support the person whi is being teased.
2. Go and tell an adult for support.
3. Be helpful to the person being bullied.
4. Walk away if you are being teased.
Soccer Girl
1. Ask him or her why they did this to you.
2. You just walk away and calm down and chill out and then go back and talk about it.
3. Say, "please stop and then we can talk".
Sandy
1. Talk to the person about the problem.
2. If that doesn't work talk with an adult.
3. Walk away and then later come back and talk to that person.
Daisy
1. Tell an adult and talk about the problem.
2. Use good words when talking.
Pretty Princess
1. Stop and count to 10.
2. Take 2 deep breaths.
3. Don't say harmful words.
4. Shake hands and then forget about it.
Dr. ACat
Mushu's "Glorious" Response
There are a lot of things that can make you feel glorious. I felt glorious when I finally rode my bike for the first time. Another time was when I won a big game that I had been practicing for, for a long time. Even when it was my birthday and I had a surprise party. There are probably a lot of events in your life that can make you feel glorious. That can make you feel like you are on the top of the world, and that nothing can stop you, that you are invincible. I have felt glorious many times, but none of them really even compared to a present I got one year.
On my eighth birthday, I got a present that made me feel so glorious inside, and it still does to this day. I remember it very clearly. In my church you get baptized at the age of eight when you are responsible enough for your actions. The day had finally arrived for me, and I was so excited. I remember making the choice to get baptized and to become a real member of my church. I asked my father to baptize me, because in my church you can have any worthy priesthood holder baptize you. I got in my white suit and descended into the font. I remember my father saying the prayer and then I was dunked in the water. When I emerged I felt so glorious and happy inside. I felt clean and pure, and I can still remember how I had felt to this very day. I felt glorious that I had done what my church believes the Savior had wanted us to do. I remember then being given the gift of the Holy Ghost, and knowing that from then on I had someone always watching over me and helping me to choose the right. Feeling glorious felt so good inside, it felt like my chest of burning and I felt so warm, like there was a blanket or comforter around me. I love having that feeling.
Pooh Bear's "Glorious" Response
Have you ever felt one day when you had little fuzzies in your stomach? Sometimes it means you are feeling glorious. I had that feeling one time when I was 3 years old. I have a couple of memories that filled me up with happiness and it made me feel excellent. When this happened I was in Haiti which is an island surrounded by a body of water. So, when I felt glorious I had a warm felling inside.
When I left Florida with my mom to go to Haiti my dad went to Georgia to find a house. I went to go visit my Grandmother and she is very amazing. When I went there my mom stayed there for only a couple of days, then she went up to Georgia to help my dad find a house and move in. Although my mom had left me with my Grandmother for three years, I had an enjoyable time. My Grandmother was rich and I got everything I wanted. I went to school everyday except for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It was very enjoyable. I was really happy that I knew how to speak Creole. I learned how to say my A,B,C’s, but it wasn’t in English. I got to eat anything I wanted. All I had to do was order it from my room and the servants will bring it up to me. My Grandmother didn’t even work so everyday she spent time with me, every single second of her time. We went out everyday to play, or to eat and it was really cool.
After the three years was over I went to Georgia with my Grandmother to see my new house. When I had gotten there my room was decorated with all my teddy bears and even though I was an only child at that time it really felt like home. Then I went to school and I needed a translator for a little while because I didn’t know how to speak English and they didn’t understand what I was saying. Then I started learning how to speak English.
Tigger's "Glorious" Response
Have you ever felt glorious about something? Many of my memories have made me feel glorious, but the one that is the one that has made me feel the most glorious would have to be when I had won a game of basketball against my brother.
One time when I felt glorious, was when I had won a basketball game against my brother. My brother’s name is Nathan and he is 21 and is 6”8, and a really good basketball player. We had been playing for at least two hours and were on our 3rd game and he had won them all. We were on our last game and the score was 13 to nothing, Nathan. We were both tired, but I was bound and determined to win this one. When he had lost control of the ball I grabbed it and took the shot, it hit the backboard and went in. It felt so good that I wanted to prove to Nathan that I could win a game too. So, I tried my hardest and it worked. The outcome of the game was that I had won the game 30 to 20. It made me feel so good that I had won. Then, I had to go tell my mom, dad, and Ben. Nathan felt ashamed so I told him that it was okay, it’s not his fault that he is getting old! He just told me good- night and he went downstairs and I went to my room and we both went to bed.
Gemini's "Glorious" Response
The things that make me feel good are victory and a basketball game and a football and rocky movies comedies.
The one time that made me feel good is when I was playing JR football and I ran for a 50-yard touchdown and it was a game-winning touchdown. The other time I felt good is when I was on the basketball team and I scored 24.8 points and at my basketball camp I was the most valuable player so they gave me a some new Jordan shoes and $50 for the hard work I put in at basketball camp. Basketball camp was hard work but I still was the MVP.
Flash's "Glorious" Response
Things That Make Me Feel Glorious
Here are some things that make me feel glorious - one is my friends and family. Second is sports like when I play soccer and football; I also like receiving cash. Third is when I play or watch television, computer, and game systems. I also feel glorious when people are happy. Last but not least is when a new family member is born.
One time that got a glorious feeling was when I scored the winning goal in soccer. It was the goalie and me; I faked him out and scored. Everybody on my team was so happy and they lifted me on their shoulders; and it gave me that great fuzzy feeling. What are some glorious feelings that you get?
The Incredible Hulk's "Glorious" Response
Things that make me feel glorious
Things that make me feel glorious are when I win a race or when I land a new trick or even with a win a basketball game. The biggest thing that makes me glorious is getting a medal, a gold medal or even a trophy. Also, the other things that make me feel glorious are when people are happy and when I get a good grade in one of my classes. Or even when I get an A in one of my classes. Even when my friends are happy I feel glorious and excited.
One time I was trying to do an impossible jump. Every time I tried I messed up. But on the tenth time I landed the trick. That made me feel really glorious.
Piglet's "Glorious" Response
There is many times when I feel glorious. These things are cooking, my birthday, going shopping and swimming. These things make me feel glorious because they make me feel really good inside and they make me feel like I have done something really dramatic or something that makes me feel like I have accomplished something that I haven’t before. Glorious means something that makes you feel warm and feel good about something you accomplished. Whether it is swimming or it’s something you can cook that you can make. These things make me feel glorious.
Cooking makes me feel glorious because I can make the things I want to make without someone criticizing whatever I make. My birthday makes me fell glorious because I am the one who is the center of attention and no one can take it away from me. Shopping makes me feel glorious because I can shop for the clothes that I like to wear and no one else can change it. Last, swimming makes me feel glorious because I can win ribbons and accomplish recorders. All these items make me feel glorious and you should think of what makes you feel glorious too.
Eeyore's "Glorious" Response
In my life I have experienced many glorious times. One amazing time was when my softball team went to Alabama for a tournament. We are known as the Sandy Plains Lighting. We had a good season; we only lost about 15 games out of like 100 almost. When we went to Alabama we went there for the state championship. A lot of teams said we would be gone in the first round. They all said the teams here are the best of the best and we can’t handle them. The first round came and we ended up playing the extreme. They were an easy team to beat. We beat them 20-7. The second round was next. Furry was the next team for us to play. They were an ok team, but we beat them too. 22-13 was the final score. Now was the third round and one of the teams that said that we would be gone in the first round was our next team to play! Our team said to their team, “I guess we are one of the best of the best since we aren’t out yet.” Well they said back, ”You haven't played us yet so you don't know who the best of the best is.” The game against the Heat was very intense. It never stopped and the crowd went crazy every time someone hit the ball. All the teams came and watched us play and cheered us on. It was the 8th inning. We were in over time! It was tied 19-19. The Heat was up to bat. They had a runner on second and the girl hit the ball and got a home run. The crowd went wild when she hit. Then it was our turn to hit. It was up to Annie and me to hit a home run or close to it. We had a runner on second and first was Annie up to bat. She hit and it was long gone! We all came running out cheering and everything because now we were in the CHAMPIONSHIP!
The next day was Sunday and we were playing the Storm. They are a very good team. They hadn't lost one game yet in this tournament and they wanted to win like we did. The game got started and we gave up some runs. We were down by ten but we didn't give up. It was almost 10:00 at night. We were up to bat against the Storm. No one thought we had a chance. But then we started to hit the ball. The bases were loaded and I was up to bat. I kept saying, “Come on Eeyore (well, my real name, really!), you can do this. Your team needs you.” The pitcher threw one right down the middle and like usual I hit the ball. It was going, going, going and it was out of there! I was so happy. Now we were only down by 6! Next up was Rachael. She got on. Then the next 2 batters got on. Next up to bat was Annie! She smacked the ball and it was a home run! Now we were only down by 2. Then Heather came up and hit one also over the fence. Our team went nuts. It was the last inning with 2 outs and down by a run with a runner and third base. The moment was tense. No one knows who will win the game. Amanda was up to bat with Mary on third. Amanda hit the ball and it was a grounder to the shortstop. We were all hoping she would miss it and she did! It went under her glove and Mary scored the tying run but it wasn't over yet. Amanda was still running the bases because the Storm hadn't got the ball in yet. She rounded second, then third and here comes the throw in to home plate to get her out. Amanda slid in and it was DEAD silent. Then the Umpire calls out SAFE! And the Lighting wins the game! We were all so happy. People said we weren't going to make it through the first round, but we made it to the championship and won it all! Then the next day we were in the newspaper for winning the State Championship! That was a glorious moment for me.
Hercules's "Glorious" Response
There are many different things that make me feel glorious inside. Things that make me feel glorious inside are crab legs, key lime pie, and lemon pie. Also playing sports makes me feel happy inside. When it is a holiday it makes me feel happy to be with my family. Last but not least it makes me happy when I get a new pair of shoes.
A time when I felt glorious inside was when I was 10 years old and my football team won the little league super bowl. It was the 4th quarter and my team was down by a touchdown. They gave the football to me and I ran all the way for a touchdown! We beat the best team in the league by six points. It was the best feeling of my life!
Barbie's "Glorious" Response
There are many times when I feel glorious. I feel glorious when I’m dancing, when it’s my birthday, when I’m with my friends, going shopping, giving presents but also receiving presents, listening to music, eating great food, when people tell me they love me, cooking, swimming, seeing my family, and visiting my friends in Virginia. When I feel glorious it make me feel happy.
Dancing make me glorious because it’s a good feeling I get when I learn new moves and I can perform them well. Also I feel glorious when performing with good friends that I’ve been dancing with my whole life. I have been dancing my whole life since I was two. The passion I have for dancing is like no other.
Mulan's "Glorious" Response
There are things that make me glorious inside my heart. I felt glorious when my dad talks to my whole family about my siblings and me. I feel special too. The other time was when I could understand English for the first time. The time that always makes me glorious is my birthday. There are a lot of times that made me glorious all the time. I felt like I was the top person in this universe.
A few months ago, I went to UGA for band. First, I had to audition. I was afraid that I wouldn’t make the top honor band. Next morning, when I looked at the audition sheet, I didn’t believe that I made the first chair in the top honor band. I thought I was dreaming, but I wasn’t. I felt glorious. I thought that I could do better than anyone else, when I try hard. My family was proud of me, especially my parents. When my dad heard that I was first chair, he told everyone in my family. Therefore my families and friends called me and congratulated me. I felt I was the best one in my house. I also feel glorious when my dad talks about my brother and sister. They respect other people. In my whole life, my most glorious time ever is on my birthday. I don’t get a present but I like to spend time with my family because we make the best cookies in the whole world. I felt lucky. I love when I feel special and glorious all the time.
Goofy's "Glorious" Response
I’m going to tell one what make me feel good inside. When I play basketball and have an amazing game. I will shoot and just hearing the ball go throw the net makes me feel great. I love last second shots just throwing it from half court and when it goes in makes you feel like a hero even if you win or lose. When I’m on the free-throw line it makes me feel good because when I make it, it shows that hard work. When random people come up to me and say you are an amazing player and you will go far in life because I can tell you are a hard worker; that’s probably the best feeling in the word.
I’m going to tell you what makes me feel bad inside. When I have a bad game and everyone knows it I’m so embarrassed and feel like I let the team down. It’s the worst feeling ever thinking you played horrible and you lose the game because of how bad you play. Knowing you could have won if you played well. I hate the feeling when I have a few bad games I feel like I could never play college ball or become a coach. I feel horrible and I always want to do well. I like it when I play well and so does everyone else. I feel most amazing when making a half court shot.
Mater's "Glorious" Response
Something that makes me feel glorious inside is music. Also, Fridays and weekends. The beach makes me most happy. Another thing is when I’m with my friends and family that I haven’t seen in awhile. Also when I get good grades it makes me feel good. And when it’s Christmas time. All these things make me feel glorious.
When I’m at the beach it makes me feel happy because I like getting tan. It’s also very pretty and I love to look at the ocean. Another thing is it’s quiet and I can relax with my music. Also I love seeing my friends that I met there that I don’t get to see a lot. The best thing about the beach is taking long walks. It’s really peaceful and fun. In conclusion, the beach is my favorite place to be.
Superman's "Glorious" Response
When you win a race and you get that proud feeling in your self because you tried hard. You have been practicing for this moment all week long. Or when some one said you cannot do some thing and you do it and more. Maybe when you win a game. When you help a person that is feeling sad and you make that person feel good after you talk to them.
Those were some of the times that I felt glorious inside of me. When you do good stuff you feel glorious inside of yourself. You make another person happy.
Dora's "Glorious" Response
I always feel glorious after winning a cheerleading competition, or walking into my house to find a few of my good friends at my surprise party. The other amazing things are my friends, food, music, and when I land another tumbling skill. I feel glorious when my mom tells me I’m the best kid in the whole world and when I’m at the beach. When someone tells me I did outstanding in a class or at practice. All these things make me feel glorious.
At the SEC championship going on stage and getting awarded first place feels like I could sky dive out of a plane. It makes me happy to know that all my hard work paid off. I came from only knowing how to do a round- off and halves to a front punch to round off to back handspring to a tuck all in 8 months. I learned how to do basket tosses, how to pull a scorpion to a scale, and how to do a kick- full. To conclude, it made me feel really good to know that all my time went to use.
Batman's "Glorious" Response
Things that make me feel glorious
I know many different things that make me feel glorious inside. Things that make me feel glorious on the inside are the following: playing basketball, mac and cheese, and a big oreo chocolate cake. Also another thing that makes me glorious is the ladies and a fresh pair of new Jordan’s.
A time when I felt glorious is on when I had my first basketball game playing for Lassiter and our team won our first game because I had made the winning 3-point shot. Another time was last Christmas. I got the three things I wanted most, a new cell phone, my very own X-BOX 360, and is some new Jordan’s.
Those are some of the thing that made me feel glorious because those are the things that mean something to me.
Huey's "Glorious" Response
When I draw I feel very good. Talking and hanging with my dad makes me feel really good. Eating raisins makes me feel good some times too. Riding my dirt bikes calms me. Listening to music calms me too. Going to New York and visiting my family makes me feel good.
A time when I felt glorious was when I got my German shepherd for my seventh birthday. I played with him all day. We would race and play tug of war and fetch. Every day I would come home and play with my dog Key-Yo. Key-Yo used to take my toys and hide them in the back yard it was frustrating at times, but other times I enjoyed looking for them.
Tinky Winky's "Glorious" Response
There are many times that I have felt that fuzzy feeling in my stomach. For example when I have a double - double in basketball. Or when I hit an ace in tennis or a clean winner. When I do something good for someone or help them with something that they have a problem with and watching them succeed at what they are doing. When I went to Atlanta to feed the poor with my church that gave me a feeling that someone can’t explain. The final moment was when The University Of Florida won the National Championship in basketball and football in the same year.
One time that I felt like I was on top of the world was in the summer when I was entered into a Level 2 Tennis Tournament in Jacksonville, Fl. I was predicted to loose in the first round of 64 kids 14 & under. My first match was versus the number 2 seed and I thought that I was out already but when I put my head where it was supposed to be and played my game I came on top 6-4, 7-5. This made me realize that I can do what I want with my talent and what I believe I can accomplish. I cruised through the rest, winning 6 matches in a row in the same tournament. I had stunned the whole media of the tournament and was ready to make a name for myself. What I wanted was pride. I went out onto that court ready to prove a point and ready to play hard and never give up. I was stunned when I saw someone had a serve about as fast as mine so that got me off balance. I was loosing the first set 5-1 when I looked at my dad and I could read his lips. He said, “You aren't getting your respect, your blending in with everyone else.” I quickly got my mind straight and went on a 10 ace’s in a row streak and was back to the fist pumping. I soon saw that the score was 5-4. I was 1 game away from coming back and he was one game away from winning the first set. I won that set 7-5 and I said to myself, “I can do anything that I want.” I went out that second set laughing and I knew that I was going to come out on top because he was stunned and I wanted that win and he really didn’t care as much as me. I won the set 6-3 and went off the court with a tear in my eye and soon came a big hug from my mom and a big hug from my dad. I remember my mom crying because she had remembered me when I would say that I had no chance and when I would give up. I felt as if I was on top of the world and like I had God with me fighting and keeping my head up. It is so hard to explain the feeling unless you get it. The look on the tournament director’s face when I told him the score and that I had won the match was priceless. I walked off with a big smile and a trophy but the most important thing I came away with PRIDE and RESPECT. This was my game and I was there to prove it.
Big Bird's Response to "City Lights" and Belle's Real Life Drama
I think when Belle Teal writes her drama it will help her by getting to express her feelings, thoughts, ideas into the drama. Right now she feels angry, sad, and concerned with some people in her life. That’s how she thinks of her character in the drama. The first thing is sadness because she is sad with the way people treat her because she hangs out with Darryl and they call her names. The other is anger because she's angry with the way people treat Darryl just because he's black. The last one is she's concerned about Gran because Gran calls Belle Teal something different.
If she could put all those feelings aside and try to put all those feelings into words for the drama she would be happier and have a good drama. She can except Gran calling her something different because she now knows that she’s just getting old and it happens to old people. She doesn’t get angry because just what people say about Darryl are not true and they should just ignore them. She’s not sad about anything else because she can’t be sad all the time; she needs to get over it and go on with her life.
Spiderman's Response to "City Lights" and Belle's Real Life Drama
I think when Belle Teal writes her drama, it will help in what she is going through in her real life. She is going through a lot of problems. With her writing a drama it could help her explain what she is going through at the time. It can help her with her emotions like sadness, happiness, and anger instead of holding it inside. This will also help release some of the things she is going through.
If she were to hold in all these emotions she might end up hurting someone she doesn't want to. So she lets out all her angry and sadness into the drama instead of holding it in. The drama she is writing with Darryl and Clarice takes place in New York City so she is trying to get away from where all the trouble is coming from. She tries to get away from Coker Creek to a place that she has never been to. I think the drama is a great way for Belle Teal to get out what she is going through. She is also trying to show people what is happening in her life.
Elmo's Response to "City Lights" and Belle's Real Life Drama
The drama that Belle started with her friends will help her in real life. One of the reasons is that she has to deal with the people at school picking and making fun of her. Another one is that she is having a lot of events happening at home. Her life is a whole lot of drama from home to school and back to home.
First, she has to deal with the people and drama at her school picking on her. The first person is HRH Vanessa (HRH-Her Royal Highness). She is really mean towards Belle when she did nothing to HRH Vanessa . HRH makes fun of how Belle looks and what clothes she wears. The other three people are Little Boss, Chas, and Vernon. They called Clarice and her a bad name and won’t stop. Belle stands up for her friends and what she believes in. The second main reason is the life she has at home. Belle had some drama with her best friend, Clarice. Belle barely sees Mama any more. One reason why Mama is never home is that she is working; the other reason is that she is going to school. Belle really can’t talk to Gran because Gran can’t remember anything. Gran’s mind is slipping more and more as the days progress. Belle feels like she has no one to talk to besides her friends. Belle has to deal with all of this stress at a young age. Even though Belle has to deal with the drama at home and at school, she handles it well for a ten year old.
Mick's Response to "City Lights" and Belle's Real Life Drama
Belle Teals life seems to have an enormous amount of drama, just like her “City Lights” drama scenes she has created with Darryl. She has to deal with the bullying and violence that goes around her own school she goes to. Darryl has been picked on ever since he came to this world. Now, Darryl comes to a school were maybe he’ll get a good education and have the chance to meet new people and instead he finds everybody accepting him has Poison. He eventually meets Belle Teal, who becomes his new friend, and now sticks up for him.
This is when the stress starts in their lives just like the drama that's in “ City Lights.” I’ll give you some examples of what these children go through that you would see in a drama TV show. When Darryl walks out to school, a man by the name “Big Boss” goes and spits at him like he’s an empty trashcan. Another time is when he is sitting at lunch and Little Boss shoves him into the lunch table for no apparent reason at all. Who would do that to a kid? Doesn’t it seem that most of the stress and drama that you would find on TV hangs around Darryl? It gives you an idea of how lucky we have it these days. Times like these you have to have a buddy that watches your back. Drama is a part of life for Darryl and Beal Teal.
Daisy's Response for "Glorious"
I felt glorious when I went to Blue Ridge with my mom and dad. It took an hour and a half to get there. Once we got there I looked around and the first thing I did was to get in the hot tub. The next day we got dressed and got in the car. We stopped at a little place where it had stores. My dad took us and we got a drink. The he took us to the Fudge Factory and we got to pick out our own fudge. I got regular and my brother and sister got peanut butter. I felt so glorious.
Dr. Duck D. Dog's response to "Glorious"
Florida
Around Thanksgiving time my grandmother and my mom went out shopping for clothes and things like that. When they arrived home they got out of the car with my grandmother holding the rope. That rope was actually a leash! A dog’s leash! A medium sized white dog jumped out of the car. It had snowy white curly fur and it looked old. Wow! My grandmother got a dog, I thought. I asked where the dog came from and my mom said, “He was standing in the middle of the highway looking at all the cars, while people honked and tried to run over him”. We read his collar and his name was Jack and he was from
Minie Mouse's response to "Glorious"
The time I felt glorious was when I let my little brother play with the new leapster I got for Christmas this year. I felt like I was almost a new person. I felt so great. I had a different feeling too. I felt like he appreciated it a lot. After that I still let him play with it because I felt so great.
The time I felt glorious was when I let my little brother play with the new leapster I got for Christmas this year. I felt like I was almost a new person. I felt so great. I had a different feeling too. I felt like he appreciated it a lot. After that I still let him play with it because I felt so great.
HH Otter's response to "Glorious"
I felt glorious one time in the third grade. It was right before Christmas. I went to Secret Shopping at school. When I was just about done shopping, I went to a table and there was a drawing. It was for a bike. You had to buy something to get in the drawing. So, I bought a bag. I filled out a ticket and put it in the box. At school on Monday, Dr. Jones was on the broadcast and put out a name. Yippee! She picked me! It was awesome. That’s when I got a glorious feeling inside.
Dr. L. Train's "Glorious" Response
One day I felt glorious when we were playing the last game to go to the Super Bowl and the game was good. I scored the first point of the game on defense and I was playing safety. The Lobos ran their play and they ran right up the middle and I tackled them. We scored again and the game was tied. We went into overtime and the Lobos won but I still felt glorious because we only lost on game in the season.
LegoFrog Man's response to "Glorious"
I feel glorious when I’m done building a lego. For example, I have a lego I got for Christmas. It is called Jabba’s Sail Barge. It was only about 700 pieces. It has two sails. I has about 12 windows. It has 7 people. It looks really cool! I built it in three days. It has a little ship that fits 4 people. Tht is one of the times I have felt glorious.
Detective PBJ Sandwich's response to "Glorious"
We were at Disney World in MGM studios and we walked by a roller coaster that I had heard about. It was called the Rockin Roller Coaster.
When I saw it I took a gulp and was a little scared to go on and thought I might be too small. I had made a promise to myself to go on it so I told my parents and we got in line. The line was really long and I was really hoping that I would not be tall enough to ride or that a lot of my play time would have gone to waste. When we were about to get on they measured me and I barely made the cut and that was one time I felt glorious.
Detective PBJ Sandwich
Sandy's "Glorious" Response
I feel glorious when me and my mom watch a movie together. Last night me and my mom watched Nanny McPhee. After that, we tickled for a few minutes. Tickling also makes me feel glorious.
Professor Monkey's "Glorious" Response
In Alpharetta one weekend I was playing in a tournament. It was Saturday and we had played 3 games so far. At noon the rain started pouring so we went under a roof. Before the rain I was watching the 14 year old players. The main person I was watching was Goody Walker and he played for Little League World Series. Well at 12:35 the rain stopped and I went back to my team the Mad Dogs. They called my team and one other team and said we were the first place teams. It was a huge trophy!! On the way home I hung on to it until I got home and then I screamed! It was a great feeling inside.
Tinker Bell's response to "Glorious"
I feel glorious right now because both colored and white children can be in the same school and they don’t have to be separate. I feel glorious because we are not having fights like we use to. It is a lot better now. It does not matter what color skin you have. We are all just people. We all have our freedom. We don’t have to do things separate. We can do them all together. That is what makes me feel glorious. It makes me feel a lot better when we are all together.
Dr. E Man's response to "Glorious"
One time when I felt glorious inside when me and my AAU basketball team won the state championship. We worked hard to get there. This year we went undefeated the whole season. Then we went to nationals. We lost in nationals but it still made me feel glorious since we made it there.
Mary Ellen's response to "Glorious"
I felt glorious inside the time I went to get ice cream and I was only 4 years old. Once I went inside it felt really glorious. Since it was my first time I had no clue what it was like. I had the best time. It was awesome. I got vanilla ice cream. It was delicious. It is now my favorite flavor of ice cream. After I was done with my ice cream my mom bought some to take home. I just couldn’t wait to go back. That’s when I felt glorious.
Puppy's "Glorious" Response
One time I felt glorious was when my family and I went out to my grandmas house for Christmas. On Christmas it was her birthday. She didn’t have anybody with her. My mom thought about the whole family making her something special. My family got together to make her one big present. The whole family put in a present for her. That’s the time I felt glorious.
Skater's response to "Glorious"
I feel glorious when I protect my animals. I have to protect them because they won’t protect themselves. One time was when I saw a hawk. I have birds that live at the barn, but I didn’t think about the hawk. I was playing football with my brother. I turned around and saw a hawk. It was staring at the birds and calling. I knew at any time he was going to get one. I ran up there yelling and waving my arms. I scared away the hawk and just stood there for awhile. I felt glorious!
I.L.U.G.A.'s response to "Glorious"
I get a glorious feeling inside me when I get a homerun in softball or when I throw the basketball in the hoop. That is what give me the glorious feeling inside. Another thing that makes me feel glorious is when I am scared of the dark but I sleep without my night light. I feel glorious and brave.
I.L.U.G.A.
Dr. A Cat's "Glorious" Response
There was one time when I felt glorious and it was when I learned how to ride my bike. I felt glorious because that one time I did not fall. It may have put scars, cuts and crashes all over but it was worth it. That bike had to retire. Then something glorious happened and that same year I got a new one. I am still using that same bike I got in 04. I will always ride my bike because it will always give me the memory of the time I felt glorious because of my bike.
Hannah Montannah's "Glorious" response
One time I felt glorious when I went to Savannah with my mom. Every day was sunny. We stayed in a Travel Lodge Hotel. There was a heated pool and they had 400 channels. It took us forever to figure out which channel was Disney. While we were there we went and ate at Paula Dean’s restaurant. We had to get there at 9:00 and we had to wait until 11:00. It was worth it! We also went to Hilton Head for the day. It was one of the best trips ever. I loved it.and I felt like nothing could go wrong. It was an awesome trip.
Jolly Fin's "Glorious" response
It was January 1 and I wanted to make 2007 a good year. I decided to do some chores with out my mom asking me. I started by taking down the tree. First I took down all the ornament and put them in their boxes. I took off the branches cause we have a fake tree. Then, I put the branches and stand in the box. After that I swept the floor. I swiffered. I felt really happy.
Dolly's "Glorious" Response
I felt glorious when I went to Blue Ridge with my mom and dad. It took an hour and a half to get there. Once we got there I looked around and the first thing I did was to get in the hot tub. The next day we got dressed and got in the car. We stopped at a little place where it had stores. My dad took us and we got a drink. The he took us to the Fudge Factory and we got to pick out our own fudge. I got regular and my brother and sister got peanut butter. I felt so glorious.
Dear Blog Buddies
Mr. Jeff Dess spoke to our class today at Due West and it was awesome! Dr. EMan
He was funny. Dr. LTrain
It was fun to listen to him. Lego FrogMan
It was very interesting. Puppy
We learned alot. Professor Monkey
These are some of the questions he answered for us:
1. Are bullies sometimes nice underneath?
2. Do bullies sometimes bully black people more?
3. When bullies get in trouble does that make them want to bully more kids?
4. Is segragation considered bullying?
5. What is the best way to deal with a bully?
6. Do people bully because they are mad at something or somebody?
7. Does a bully like being a bully?
8. Do bullies get good grades?
One thing Mr. Dess talked about was using your words to solve conflicts. We read that in our novel on page 153, "fight your battles with words not fists."
Questions for Our Bullying Expert
Dear 4th Grade Blog Buddies:
On Monday, January 29, Jeff Dess will be visiting our class at Mabry. Mr. Dess works for Cobb County and is an expert on bullying. We formulated the following questions for him:
- Why do people bully other people?
- Do bullies bully just because they do not like the way a person looks?
- Are most bullies from divorced parents?
- Do bullies have low self-esteem?
- What are the most common types of bullying?
- What are ways that we can stand up for ourselves if we are being bullied?
- Do bullies think about what they are doing afterwards?
- Do people bully because of problems at home?
- Do bullies have a certain type of target?
- How many ways are there to bully?
- Can bullying lead to death?
- Does bullying lead to suicide?
- Can adults be bullies?
- Why don’t little people bully big kids?
- How did “bullies” get the name “bullies”?
- Are there stages of being bullies?
- Can bullying be an inherited trait?
- Do bullies get picked on as much as those who are bullied?
- Does bullying affect the bullied and the bully in the future?
- What age group has the most bullies?
- Why do people enjoy bullying others?
- Are the kids that do the bullying jealous of the kids they bully?
- Does bullying start at home or at school?
- Do people who bully feel good or guilty?
- Is bullying more common with a certain gender?
- Can bullyig lead to depression?
- Do bullies normally get hit at home?
- How dangerous can bullying be?
- Why do bullies pick on people who are not their size?
- Why do people let bullies push them around?
- Do most bullies hurt people physically?
- Why does bullies pick on people with visible disabilities?
- Is there a special treatment for people who bully?
- Do bullies bully because they are bullied themselves?
- Why don’t bullying victims tell anyone?
- Why do bullies pick on people who are different?
- How dangerous can bullying be?
- If a bully hits you, should you hit him back?
- Do some children just bully because they want to?
- When do most people become bullies?
- Do most bullies live the rest of their lives as bullies?
- Why don’t some bullying victims fight back?
- Why do some people think they are better than others?
- Why are bullies so intimidating?
- In the US and in Georgia, how many kids get hurt or die from being picked on?
We look forward to reporting back to you Mr. Dess' answers and to telling you all about his visit. Stay tuned...
Your 8th Grade Buddies!
More Questions for Dr. Frestedt (Ch. 4-6)
We had wonderful discussions after sharing Dr. Frestedt's responses. We have the following additional questions for our mentor on aging. Thanks so much, Dr. Frestedt, and we can't wait to hear back from you!
1. Could Gran get tempered and become violent toward someone she does not recognize but really is a family member?
Yes, this can and does happen. I can't imagine what it would be like to know that you are losing your memory. I'm sure that I would feel angry because that would be so unfair to me to lose my memories. Sometimes people "act out" around the people who are closest to them, and "challenging behaviors" are usually associated with Alzheimer's disease. One author (http://alzheimers.about.com/od/frustration/a/chal_beh_whatis.htm) describes "Challenging behavior" in this way for Alzheimer's disease: "Challenging behavior may include shouting and screaming, violence, pacing and wandering, biting self and others, throwing objects, repetitive questioning, tearing clothes, angry or tearful outbursts or disturbed sleep patterns." Surely living with this type of behavior is stressful and difficult. Personally, I've watched two family members die after living with Alzheimer's for several years. One grandpa to my husband was so verbally abusive to his wife that it was quite difficult to hear and to know how to help. Eventually these two loving adults could not live together any more and a nursing home was their best solution. These decisions to move a family member into a nursing home can be terribly difficult to make. It is important to understand that every day we need to love the people around us - we may not always be healthy and well. We really should enjoy each and every day when we and our family members are happy, healthy and well! Another author (http://www.alz.co.uk/carers/tips.html) describes that violence and aggression are "caused" by Alzheimer's disease " and this website also describes several everyday challenges that might occur when living with a person who has Alzheimer's disease. "From time to time, the person may become angry, aggressive or violent. It is not a personal attack on you, but a part of their illness. There are many reasons why a person with dementia may feel angry. They may not like being helped with things they used to do on their own, or may simply be frustrated due to an inability to do things. These short-term changes happen for a variety of reasons such as the person's sense of loss of social control and judgment, loss of the ability to express negative feelings safely, and loss of the ability to understand the actions and abilities of others. It is therefore worth finding and avoiding the causes of unwanted certain reactions. If the person feels angry, aggressive or violent, keep calm and try not to show fear or alarm. Give them more space and try to draw their attention to a calming activity. This is one of the most difficult things to cope with for a caregiver, and if violence occurs often, you will need to seek help. Talk to someone for support, and speak with your doctor about help with managing the person."
2. How can you know the difference between Alzheimer's and just normal getting old memory loss?
This one is easy - most scientists agree that memory loss is not normal and the process of aging does not normally include memory loss. Many people can and do live into their 90s and 100s and do not have memory loss. Our understanding of memory diseases is fairly limited and we need to know so much more. Like why do some people lose their memories and others do not? What are all the diseases that include memory loss? How do we differentiate between the "memory loss" diseases and treat each one? Which treatments actually improve memory and brain function? We have a lot of work to do with science and medicine to better understand the brain, how it works and how we can treat brain problems.
3. How do you get Alzheimer's – does it just happen? One of us asked if it is something that you are born with?
I don't think anyone knows what causes Alzheimer's disease, but some scientists believe that at least some forms of Alzheimer's have a genetic part. In other words, yes, in rare cases, this may be a disease that a person is born with because something about their genes created a situation that led to Alzheimer's.
4. Are there any particular lifestyles that lead a person to get Alzheimer's? Is there a correlation between "thinking" professions and more "physical" careers?
As far as I know, a person does not (necessarily) develop Alzheimer's because of their work or their lifestyle. No direct correlation has been found (again as far as I am aware) between a person's career and whether or not they end up with Alzheimer's. The disease is rare in people less than 60 years old. Having said all this, we do know that Alzheimer's is more common in people with diabetes, people on high fat diets and people who smoke, for example. We believe that these "risk factors" may contribute to
the disease but do not necessarily cause the disease. Here's some more reading on this topic; http://kidshealth.org/kid
5. Why is Alzheimer's going to quadruple in the next 50 years? (We were surprised by this, by the way!)
Here are our thoughts: One of us thinks that genetics is a factor. We think that medical advancements should make the number decrease. One of us thinks that it has to do with the fact that people are not as active as they used to be. One of us wonders if the environment is a factor?
Here's a link that explains the explosive growth of Alzheimer's that is expected as the baby boomers become older. http://www.alzheimersonline
The reason for the increase is simply "population explosion" - more people, more disease. An event that is rare may happen to 5 persons in 100 - if you only have 100 people, then you only see 5 cases; however, if you have 1 million people (1,000,000) then you have 50,000 cases of the same disease. So this is not a factor of genetics or polution or the lack of medical advancement of laziness, but rather a simple case of what I call the "math attack." As the population increases in number, the simple math means that we will have more cases...
6. Is Alzheimer's more prevalent based on ethnic (black, white, Asian, etc.) and geographic groups? Industrialized nations versus third world nations? A war-torn country like Israel versus more peaceful countries?
Yes, blacks have this disease more than whites (almost twice as common) http://www.netwellness.org
Yes, Alzheimer's is far more common in the developing worlds http://alzheimers.about.com/od
Yes, Israel has a high rate of Alzheimers and Israel is the first place where a very rare "recessive" genetic trait was found for Alzheimers. It looks like this find was possible because of the family structure and the common finding of people with Alzheimers in this location. http://www.genomenewsnetwork
Dear Blog Buddies
Today we finished reading chapter 8. We responded to the following journal prompt:
On page 78, and on page 84 Belle mentions feeling glorious inside. What makes you feel glorious inside? Write about a time when you felt glorious.
Tinkerbell surprised us with her response and we thought it was worth sharing with our blog buddies. The following is Tinkerbell's response:
"I feel glorious inside right now because both colored children and whites can be in the same school. They don't have to be seperate. I feel glorious because we are not having fights like we used to. It's a lot better now. It does not matter what color your skin is we are all just people. We all have our freedom. We don't have to do things seperate. We can do things together. That is what makes me feel glorious. It makes me feel a lot better knowing we are all together."
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