Mr. Dodson's Web Page: 2019-2020
My email: [email protected]
Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year. I am Mr. Dodson, and this is my 32nd year teaching in Mt. Diablo. Please bookmark this page, since you will need to visit this page quite often during the school year.
This is a brain teaser to get you thinking. See if you can figure out what is unusual about this paragraph.
A Most Unusual Paragraph
This is an unusual paragraph. I’m curious as to just how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so ordinary and plain that you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is highly unusual though. Study it and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out. Try to do so without any coaching.
Spelling Words/Vocabulary
1. raucous- rowdy 9. elaborate-explain, give more detail
2. renounce- give up 10. insolent-rude
3. fresh- using bad language 11. enormously: huge, big
4. simultaneous-happening at the same time 12. deprive- not allow
5. reformation-complete change 13. anxious-nervous
6. ashtray 14. solemnly- quietly, meditative.
7. awed- wowed...OMG 15. haggard: exhausted appearance,
8. incredulous-disbelief, skeptical
Reading: You must have a chapter book, and read 75+ pages per week. Keep track of reading in your agenda.
Brainpop: How to find this website.
1. Go to Ed1stop :
Username: dodsonr_stu
Password: roomd5...click OK
Then go to Brainpop
Search "Business letter" . Watch the video. Then, take the graded quiz.
When you finish, email me your results.
Email: [email protected]
Business letter: Turn in letter, decorated envelope, and stamp by Friday to the country assigned to you. You can buy a stamp from me for 50 cents.
Auto-biographical sketch: Final draft due by Tuesday
Crossword puzzle: due by Friday.
Top Secret Question of the Week: (TSQOW) Make a list of the top 10 countries in the world by population. List the country and its population.
1. China - 1.38 billion
Google Classroom (GC) code:
Period 1,4,5: f6avuf8
Period 2,6,8: v9hgu9
Week of August 26.
Back to School Night: Wednesday: 6:30-8:20
Spelling Quiz..Friday on the words of the fortnight.
Create 10 slides using GC. On each slide write the word, definition, and use it in a sentence. Pick 10 of the 15 words.
Countries and Capitals quiz: Thursday or Friday. All the c&c from North America.
Crossword puzzles. By Friday.
Reading: 75+ pages per week. Keep track in your agenda.
Top Secret Q. of the Week: What are the top ten countries of the world by area?
1. Russia
2.
3.
Check google classroom for additional assignments
Week of September 3
Words of the Fortnight
1. acquaintance-s.o. you know . 9. debris-garbage
2. embarrassment- awkward . 10. scrutinize-examine closely
3. contemplate- consider, think about. 11. epidemic-widespread disease
4. adolescent-teenager 12. dismantle- to take apart
5. pillaging - looting, destroying . 13. minuscule - very tiny
6. hallucination - illusion 14. incentive - motive , reason to do s.t.
7. cringe - wince, tremble . 15. Sch*war*zen*egg*er
8. reluctant- hesitant, cautious.
Letters to sports team: due by Friday.
Crossword Puzzle: #1. Due by Friday.
Reading: 75-150 pages . Book Talks begin week of Sept 9. Check GC for your due date.
Top Secret Q. of the Week: Top 10 Fun Facts about hurricanes. Use google slides or docs.
Brainpop: Hurricanes: Log in using Ed1stop....username: dodsonr_stu PW: roomd5
Take the graded quiz and send results to me at: [email protected]
Week of September 7
Words of the Fortnight: Create 10 slides using GC. Include the word, definition, image, and use in a sentence. Due by Friday.
Brainpop: 9/11. We will do this in class using Clever.
Crossword: #2: Due by Friday
Book Talks begin this week: Check GC for your scheduled due date.
Reading: 75+ pages. Keep track in your agenda.
Top Secret Question of the Week: Watch the video on GC. What was school like 100 years ago. Make a Top Ten list of your favorite facts and turn in using GC.
Week of September 16
Vocab/Spelling
1. conspicuous: easily seen 9. oblivious - unaware
2. inconspicuous: Not easily seen 10. fiasco - complete disaster
3. anticipation - hope for 11. hoax: trick, prank
4. vigilant - alert, watchful 12. verdict: coming to a decision.
5. intimidate - fill s.o. with fear. 13. berated: criticize angrily , scold
6. lingering - take one's time, dillydally 14. irrelevant- not important.
7. sarcastic - harsh remark 15. relevant- important, timely.
8. subtle - difficult to understand
Crossword: Due by Friday
Business letter: Sports team: Due by Friday.
Reading: 75+ pages. Write in your agenda.
Brainpop: Human evolution. Take quiz and email results.
Top Secret Q. of the Week: Go to GC
The Evolution of Homer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci9jfMvoLb4
Week of Sept. 23
Words of the Fortnight: Choose 10 of the 15 words. On each slide include: word, definition/synonym, sentence , and image of the word.
Reading: Book talks: Read 75-150 pages per week.
Crossword: #4/ Extra Credit for harder one on the back/Grammar
Brainpop: Nobel Prize: Email quiz results.
TSQOW: The United Kingdom drives on the left hand side of the road. What other countries besides the UK drive on the left? Go to google classroom to turn in answers.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcp5RzyOaLY
Top 10 Evolution: Create a top 5 list on Google Classroom
Week of September 30
Field Trip permission slips....due by Wednesday.
Any parents that can obtain any sturdy pallets for our D wing area, we would appreciate it.
Words of the Fortnight
1. initiate (to begin, propose) 9. imbecile (idiot, not smart)
2. impromptu (unplanned 10. Caribbean Sea
3. standoffish (unfriendly, cold) 11. Mediterranean Sea
4. prominent (well known) 12. dilapidated (falling apart)
5. dubious (doubtful, suspicious)
6. innovate (new ideas for improvement) 13. retaliation (revenge, fight back)
7. incantation (magic, spell or charm) 14. prodigy ( extraordinary talent, especially
by a child)
8. euphoria (extreme happiness, glee) 15. naive (lacking in experience/knowledge
Business letter: Sports teams #3: due by Friday
Crossword: #5: due by Friday
Brainpop: English: Grammar ...you choose. Email results by Friday. [email protected]
TSQOW: Why do we brush our teeth? Go to google classroom, watch the video, and turn in your answer using docs or slides.
Reading: 75+ pages per week.
Check GC for additional assignments.
Week of October 7
Canned Food Drive: If you are reading this at home, and can throw a can or two into your backpack, bring it in to your first period class....Thanks...
This Friday: Last day of the 1st quarter. 1:00 Dismissal..We follow a Wednesday schedule.
Words of the Fortnight: Choose 10/15 words. Word, definition, use in a sentence, and an image. Due by Friday. Go to GC
Nobel Prize report: Due by Friday.
Brainpop: Free choice...any topic. Ed1stop...UN dodsonr_stu.....PW roomd5
Week of October 14
WOF: Spelling/vocab words:
1. gullible (easily swayed) 9. introvert (quiet, shy, taciturn)
2. enunciate (speak clearly) 10. extrovert (talkative, loquacious
3. desolate (barren, deserted) 11. penultimate (next to last)
4. ludicrous (crazy, bizarre) 12. inevitable (will happen, unstoppable, like the sun rising)
5. deceitful (dishonest, untruthful) 13. optimistic: (look on the bright side)
6. jitters (nervous) 14. pessimistic (see things in a negative way.)
7. Reykjavik (capital of Iceland) . 15. melancholy (sadness, feeling blue)
8. flinch (make a quick nervous movement)
Crossword: #7
Reading: Your book team book. 75+ pgs per week. Keep track in agenda: BWP
Country report: Iraq. Due by Friday
Business letter: Local business. Due by Friday
Brainpop: Strengthening Sentences.
ed1stop
un: dodsonr_stu
pw: roomd5
Email graded quiz results.
Week of October 21
Renaissance applications due to the office by Friday.
Field Trip to Marine Mammal Center: Monday.
Vocab: Definition, sentence and image for 10 of our 15 WOF using google slides.
Crossword #8/Scary Stories. Due by Friday
TSQOW: Top 10 List. Your top 10 maps. Go to GC to create your list.
www.aei.org/carpe-diem/25-amazing-maps-that-will-change-the-way-you-see-the-world/
Epitaphs: Use the link on GC. Illustrate your favorite one. If you can put your favorite epitaph on cardboard, we can put it out in the D wing garden area.
Brainpop: Agriculture Revolution: email results.
Week of October 28
Words of the Fortnight (WOF)
1. polytheism-belief in many gods 9. fraudulent - dishonest
2. monotheism - belief in one god
3. eucalyptus (Edward and Ursala went to California to visit Yosemite in a PT crusier with US.
4. inconsistent - uncertain, unpredictable. 10. relinquished - voluntarily let go
5. consistent - certain , predictable 11. catastrophe-complete disaster.
6. remorse - grief, regret 12. monarchy - gov't ruled by king or queen
7. inhospitable - not kind, unwelcoming 13. obstinate - stubborn
8. hospitable-welcoming 14. reciprocate- repay, return a compliment.
15. lieutenant - officer in the army.
TSQOW: Maps Part 2. Create top 10 list of your 10 favorite maps. Go to GC.
Brainpop: Sumerians: Email results.
Week of November 4
Book Talks begin this week. Check GC for instructions and due dates.
WOF: Choose 10/15 words and create an image, word, definition, and sentence.
Brainpop: Dia de los Muertos: Day of the Dead Watch video, send graded quiz results.
TSQOW: Saturday night we turned the clocks back one hour. Why do we do this?
Spelling/Vocab quiz on Friday.
Week of November 12:
Spelling/Vocab Words:
1. protagonist: the main character, hero, good guy/gal.
2. antagonist: the villain , bad guy/gal in a story or movie.
3. preposterous: ridiculous
4. conceal: hide
5. glistening: shining
6. discreet: trusted
7. vengeance: revenge
8. epiphany: sudden understanding, an aha moment.
9. hectic: very very busy
10. majority: more than 1/2
11. minority : less than half
12. momentum: propel
13. interrogation: question
14. assassination: kill a political leader
15. pseudonym: fake name/pen name
Brainpop: Daylight Saving Time
Week of November 18
Brainpop: Free choice. Email quiz results to [email protected]
WOF: Ten of the 15 words: Image, definition, and sentence.
TSQOW: Top 10 list of Thanksgiving Facts. Go to GC. Due Friday
Crossword #12
Food Exchange: Bring snack on Friday.
Week of December 3
Words of the Fortnight.
1. tenacious (tough, firm grip) 9. Ouagadougou (capital of Burkina Faso
2. calamity (disaster, catastrophe) 10. yearns (wants)
3. decipher (decode) 11. regurgitate (throw up when sick)
4. anonymous (unknown writer) 12. hogwash (not true, telling a lie)
5. neglected (not care about) 13. conscientious (doing what is right)
6. lexicon (special language) 14. shenanigans (mischief)
7. adjourn (delay, postpone) 15. nincompoop: (idiot)
8. riveted (very interested)
Reading: 75+pages/week.
Crossword: #13/ Famous Painters
TSQOW: Make a list of Five Fabulous Pseudonyms of Famous People.
For Example: Theodore Geisel = Dr. Seuss
Give me their real name, and then write their pseudonym.
Brainpop: AIDS: Email results.
Week of December 9
Words of the Fortnight: 10/15 words. Word, Image, definintion, sentence.
Brainpop: Cleopatra
Letter to a relative: Write a letter to a family member asking them 3 Q's of the Day, and 3 Word puzzles from your agenda. Explain that it is a class assignment, and you would appreciate their help. Have them send me the answers at :
Sequoia Middle School
c/o Mr. Dodson
265 Boyd Rd
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
or
[email protected].
Week of December 16.
6th Grade Pot Luck on Thursday.
ABC Book on Egypt. Use GC and Google slides
WOF: Words of the Fortnight.
1. pharaoh: Egyptian ruler . 9. demented- mentally ill
2. sparse- not very many 10. committee-small group
3. distraught-deeply upset . 11. smirk - annoying smile
4. weary- tired, worn down 12. impetuous- doing s.t. quickly w/o thought
5. shrewd - sly, clever 13. nauseous-feeling sick,
6. centennial - a 100th anniversary . 14. souvenir- keep s.t. as a reminder.
7. millennium - period of 1000 years. 15. gruesome - horrifying, frightful
8. detrimental - harmful
Crossword: #15
Relative letter: Letter to a relative: Ask him/her 3 Q. 's of the Day, and three word puzzles from your agenda. Due: January 17, 2020.
They can respond to :
Mr. Dodson
Sequoia Middle School
265 Boyd Rd
Pl. Hill, CA 94523
or
[email protected]
TSQOW: This week Time Magazine issued its "Person of the Year." Who was Time Magazines "Person of the Year" the year you were born, and why did they win it?
Go to GC to submit your answer
Brainpop: Winter Holidays/ Free Choice. Email results.
Q. of the Day Test: Thursday...
Week of January 7
Happy 2020
ABC Books of Egypt
Words of the Fortnight: 10/15 words.
Business letters: Companies A-C: due Friday.
Crossword #16.
Reading Bingo : Make sure your name is on it.
Letters to a relative.
Brainpop: Mummies
Week of January 13. Be sure to check GC for additional assignments and announcements.
Spelling/Vocab: Words of the Fortnight.
1. infer/inference (conclusion based on SOME evidence) 9. alibi (an excuse proving s.o. is innocent)
2. inclusive (include all) 10. Renaissance (rebirth of ideas)
3. sophomore (10th grader) 11. onomatopoeia (words that sound like the thing they name...BOOM...BANG)
4. audacity (rude, disrespectful behavior.) 12. surveillance (watch over)
5. turbulence (violent movement of air) 13. sleuth (detective,
6. serendipity (finding good luck by chance/unexpectedly)
14. exquisite (beautiful, lovely, elegant)
7. medieval (outdated, old fashioned, Middle Ages)
8. prestigious (very good reputation, highly thought of)
15. intrude (go somewhere you're uninvited)
Relative letter: Due by this Friday.
Crossword: #17/Africa
Brainpop: Go to GC. Mansa Musa
TSQOW: New Year's Resolutions: Go to GC.
1. What advice would you give to your mother, father or guardian on how to be a better parent? Why?
2. What would you tell them about what they do well as a parent — that they should keep doing?
3. What about you? Are there any resolutions you want to make on how to be a better child? What advice would you give yourself?
Week of January 21.
Any families that can donate a box of Kleenex, the class would appreciate it.
Business letters: Due by Friday.
WOF: Choose 10 of the 15 words. Create slides: Include word, definition, sentence and image.
Country Report: Israel.
Thanks Suzanna. You are the big banana in our 2,6,8 Core class.
Congrats to Caleb A. He is the 2020 Sequoia Middle School Geography Bee Winner. First sixth grader ever to earn this honor.
Week of January 27: Permission slips by Friday
Words of the Fortnight
1. anagram : (rearrange mixed up letters..EUOAISQ=Sequoia
2. masquerade (disguise) 12. Mediterranean Sea (body of water)
3. grotesque (ugly, hideous) 13. suave (charming, confident, James Bond)
4. sarcophagus (mummy coffin) 14. impersonate (copy someone's voice)
5. pneumonia (lung infection)
6. ubiquitous : (everywhere) 15. Antananarivo - capital of Madagascar
7. sniveling (crying/whining at same time)
8. metropolitan (large city & surrounding area)
9. nauseous (feeling sick, throw up)
10. mayonnaise (lunch/dinner condiment)
11. reimburse (pay back)
Brainpop: Lunar New Year. Go to News and Trending on BP Homepage. Email quiz results.
Crossword: #19
Check CG for additional assignments and announcements.
TSQOW: The San Francisco 49ers play the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday. When was the last time the 49ers won the Super Bowl? Who did they play?
-
Week of February 3
Words of the Fortnight: Choose 12 of our 17 words. Create google slides with photo definition and sentence.
Business letters: Due by Friday
Brainpop: Viruses. Email results
Black History "Who Am I?" mini posters. Part I:
TSQOW: Last week was Chinese New Year. What are the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac? Which animal are you? What are the characteristics of your birth sign? Are they true?
Week of February 1
WOF: Words of the fortnight
1. flabbergasted: surprised 9. infatuation- to have a crush on s.o. or s.t.
2. chagrined : disappointed 10. relinquish: let go, abandon, withdraw
3. relentlessly: never give up 11. quarantine-to put s.o./animal in isolation
4. encore: again, repeat 12. Ulaanbaatar - Capital of Mongolia
5. persecution: to treat harshly 13. protruding: to stick out
6. conceive: imagine, form an idea 14. flippant: disrespectful
7. smitten: love at first sight. 15. emphasize- added importance to s.t.
8. vigilante-self appointed crime fighter
Black History Month "Who Am I" mini posters : Due by Friday.
Business letters to Bay Area companies. Due by Fri.
Book Talks: Begin this week. Check white board for your week.
Crossword: #22
Brainpop: Jim Crow : Email quiz results.
TSQOW: GO TO GC...Idioms
A Calvin and Hobbes belated Valentines Cartoon.
Week of February 24:
WOF: 12/15 words of the fortnight. word, image, definition and sentence.
Brainpop: Harlem Renaissance
Crossword #23
Reading: 75+ pages/week. Write in your agenda.
Poems: Black History Month: Check white boards for due dates.
Thanks Zoie. Popsicle Shirts for the class.
WOF: 12/15 words of the fortnight. word, image, definition and sentence.
Brainpop: Harlem Renaissance
Crossword #23
Reading: 75+ pages/week. Write in your agenda.
Poems: Black History Month: Check white boards for due dates.
Thanks Zoie. Popsicle Shirts for the class.