Six Powerful Words

Last week we studied how just six powerful words have been used by past presidents to inspire a nation. Today we heard a new six word phrase from our 44th President, Barack Obama. Compare the two six word phrases below. What are these presidents trying to inspire us to do? Are they similar? Different? I can't wait to hear what you think! Mrs. F.

"Nothing to fear but fear itself." -Franklin Roosevelt, 1933

"We have chosen hope over fear." - Barack Obama, 2009

Welcome Back!

I am so glad to be back at school with you! As I sit down to write this post, I am amazed at how much we have accomplished already! Reply to this post and tell me something specific that you learned in school during 2009.

Questions, questions, questions......

I just finished a piece of writing and I am excited to share it with you. You guys always ask the best questions to help me make my pieces better, and I'm sure this time will be no different. Here goes.....

When I was in college I went on a really fun trip! I went with my friend Kimberly and we visited lots of pyramids and ruins. We even spent several days on the beach. It was a great trip and I think of it often. It reminds me of a time when I was younger and more adventurous than I am now.

So, that's my piece. Any questions?

The Electoral College

This week we learned about how our country elects a president with the Electoral College system. Think about the differences between using electoral votes versus electing a president based on total nationwide popular votes. Which system do you think we should use? Give reasons to support your answer.

Why the sigh, Robert?

I just finished reading your reflections on Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken. It seems there is some controversy about the meaning of the poem. Many of you believe that Frost chose the grassy road, the one less traveled. Others of you explained that Frost wished he had taken the grassy road, but actually took the other road and that is why he gave a sigh. Read Frost's poem one more time. Then, respond to this post and tell me what you think Frost really meant. Use examples from the poem to support your opinion.

The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.