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Persuasive Writing

4/29/2016

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We just spent several days on learning advanced techniques for persuasive writing. I told the class they were learning how to argue effectively with adults. They thought I was being a traitor to my team. I said not really. Parents would rather have their children present their case logically, rationally, persuasively instead of emotionally and dramatically, with tears and tantrums and begging and slammed doors. I hope these lessons help you at home!

Here is the work we did together!

Mrs. Kragen's Class Persuasive Essay: Stability Ball Chairs for the Classroom

The students of Mrs. Kragen’s class would like stability ball chairs in our classroom--the ones with the legs so they don't roll away. Not only are stability ball chairs fun and comfortable, but they actually help students develop better posture. Stability ball chairs even help with education! Stability ball chairs are also better for classroom safety, and even allow students to get exercise while doing work. Comfortable and soft stability ball chairs are a huge improvement from the horrible, old, creaky, hard, chairs that are in our classrooms now.

One reason for stability ball chairs is they are safer than normal plastic school chairs. Stability ball chairs do not have long legs that people can trip over and hurt themselves. People can stub their toes on the long legs of the chairs we have now, but they couldn’t on stability ball chairs. Also, stability ball chairs don’t tilt so kids can’t fall off them. Stability ball chairs won’t hurt anyone if someone siting on one rolls out on the person behind them.

According to The Mayo Clinic, stability ball chairs also help improve children’s posture. Kids will learn to sit up straight because there is no back on stability chairs, which forces children to sit up straight, leading to kids paying better attention in class. Our current chairs also hurt if you sit on them too long and they can cause back pain, but stability ball chairs are comfortable and don’t cause pain.

Another reason to buy the stability chairs for our class is that we could use them for exercise. For example, we can get our wiggles out when it is not recess, and we can turn to face our group easier. A study done at the State University of New York at Buffalo showed that stability chairs burn 4.1 times more calories than the hard, horrible, old chairs we have now. 

Lastly, believe it or not, stability ball chairs will help in our classroom for educational reasons. If students have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), a small amount movement can help keep them calm. Being able to move your body also helps all student focus, and when they focus they have a better overall performance. Students also get more work done because they will be able to get in a comfortable position more quickly and will be able to spend more time getting there work done. Also, stability ball chairs will not creak because they are all one piece and the absence of squeaking will allow students to work without getting distracted as easily. In addition, the stability ball chairs will exercise both sides of the brain because the owner of the brain will be trying to stay upon the ball so they do not fall off and get hurt.

You should get stability ball chairs for us because the other chairs can keep students from learning as much because they are hard, squeaky, and uncomfortable. Considering how stability balls would help with safety, posture, exercise, and education. We think that you should be happy to buy stability chairs for our class.

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The Last Oral Book Reports

4/19/2016

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We figured out due dates for the oral book reports for the third trimester--the last reading due dates for the year! I added the due dates to the May calendar page and posted the updated calendar on the elementary stuff page. Now is a good time to print the May page and post it on your refrigerator!

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    About Me

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    CALENDAR
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    From Education Week--According to the latest research, the two best predictors of college success are not grades and intellectual ability. Number one is “conscientiousness” (dependability, perseverance, work ethic). Number two is “agreeableness” (interpersonal skills, getting along with other people, working well in groups).

    From what I’ve observed, I would say the same is true for life after college—jobs and careers, marriage and family life. Success comes more easily for people who are willing to work hard and who are able to cooperate with other people.

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