8th Grade--5/31

Today you took the period to put finishing touches on your final fiction pieces in Lab 2. These are due tomorrow and need to be submitted at the beginning of class, so please print them BEFORE coming to English tomorrow.

Homework due tomorrow:

-May IR Log due

-Final Fiction Piece due

Long term due dates:

None! Yay!

7th Grade--5/31

Today we did our first day of book talks in the RC. I know it was a little stressful for you guys, but you did a great job and we learned about some cool books! I will pass back your grades tomorrow so that you can use the feedback to inform how you do your book talks on Friday.

Homework due tomorrow:
-May IR log due

Long term due dates:
6/3--Book Talk #2
6/10--Final Fiction Writing due

8th Grade--5/27

8th graders did not have English today since it was a half day today. See the deadlines below, and use your long weekend to work on revising, rewriting and extending your final fiction story!

Homework due Tuesday:

-None

Long term due dates:

6/1--May IR Log due

6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/27

Today we began reading and recall on your historical fiction story starts. We will continue this during class on Wednesday of next week.

Tuesday and Friday of next week are going to be book talk days in the RC, so be sure to bring a copy of the book you are book talking and prepare to speak for a couple of minutes about the book. Don't forget the handout that Ms. Nelson gave you at the beginning of the trimester!


Homework due Tuesday:
-Book Talk #1

Long term due dates:
6/1--May IR log due
6/3--Book Talk #2
6/10--Final Fiction Writing due

8th Grade--5/26

Today 8th graders took their school-wide 8th grade writing assessment. If you were absent today, please meet with me and schedule a time to make this up ASAP. We will be comparing our writing samples from 7th grade with our writing samples from 8th grade during class next week. You've all improved so dramatically!

Also, don't forget to work on your final fiction piece over the long weekend. We won't have class tomorrow, and I don't want you to forget to bring home your documents on disk on key or on gaggle. You will have class time on Tuesday, but the assignment is due on Wednesday and it certainly is NOT a "Tuesday Nighter"

Homework due tomorrow:

-None

Long term due dates:

6/1--May IR Log due

6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/26

Students took their expository essay test in Lab #1 today. I allowed you to select which prompt to use, but you were still responsible for submitting all three outlines. If you were absent today, talk to me tomorrow about making this up ASAP.

Homework due tomorrow:
-Historical fiction story start due

Long term due dates:
5/31--Book Talk #1
6/1--May IR log due
6/3--Book Talk #2

8th Grade--5/25

Today is the first of two days we will be devoting to writing our final fiction pieces. This piece is a rewrite and an expansion of one of the story starts you wrote earlier in the year. Hopefully all of you selected the piece you wish to work on today, but if you're still struggling I'd be happy to speak with you.

Please work on this assignment at home in addition to the time I'm providing during class, as you will need more than simply the 45 minutes on Tuesday to finish this assignment. Your final fiction piece is due on Wednesday, June 1st.

Homework due tomorrow:

-None

Long term due dates:

6/1--May IR Log due

6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/25

Today we began work on our historical fiction story starts. We began class by brainstorming historical events/settings about which we feel knowledgeable. If you're struggling with your current topic, remember that you can always go back to this list for ideas.

After brainstorming, students got to work writing. About fifteen minutes into writing, I stopped everyone and we spoke briefly about time period appropriate language, names, behaviors, etc. If you have questions about these sorts of details as you write, come in and ask either myself of Mr. Rice!

Homework due tomorrow:
--Expository essay test for A Raisin in the Sun. Bring digital and paper copies of all three outlines!

Long term due dates:
5/27--Historical fiction story start due
5/31--Book Talk #1
6/1--May IR log due
6/3--Book Talk #2

8th Grade--5/24

Today we did another day of reading and recall for our science fiction stories. This was our final day for reading these stories as a class. Tomorrow we will begin working on our final fiction pieces. For this assignment, you will select one of your story starts from this year, and you will finish writing that story start. This involves not only writing an ending, but also rewriting the beginning. We'll talk more about this assignment, but for tomorrow please bring a digital copy of the story start on which you wish to continue working.

Homework due tomorrow:

-Bring a digital copy of the story start which you intend to complete

Long term due dates:

6/1--May IR Log due

6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/24

Today students used the period to continue working on their outlines for the expository essay test on Thursday. Remember, you need to construct an outline for each of these three prompts (see yesterday's post). That means that on Thursday you need to bring in three different outlines in both paper and digital form.

Homework due tomorrow:
-None (don't forget your long term assignments!)

Long term due dates:
5/26--Expository essay test for A Raisin in the Sun
5/27--Historical fiction story start due
5/31--Book Talk #1
6/1--May IR log due
6/3--Book Talk #2

8th Grade--5/23

Today we began doing reading and recall for our final story starts of the year. We will do reading and recall tomorrow during class as well.

Homework due tomorrow:

-None  

Long term due dates:

6/1--May IR Log due

6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/23

Today students began working on their outlines for Thursday's expository essay test. For Thursday, students should complete three different outlines that address the three prompts below.

When you walk into class on Thursday, you should have all three outlines and your annotated text of A Raisin in the Sun. If you need help with your outlining this week, please feel free to meet with me during lunch or before/after school. I will also give you time to work on this tomorrow during class.

Homework due tomorrow:
-None

Long term due dates:
5/26--Expository essay test for A Raisin in the Sun
5/27--Historical fiction story start due
5/31--Book Talk #1
6/1--May IR log due
6/3--Book Talk #2

8th Grade--5/20

8th graders finished up their book group discussions today, and turned in their question sheets. I hope you all enjoyed your novels and will consider science fiction as an interesting genre going forward. If you were not in class today, please bring me your finished question packet on Monday.

During the second half of class, students took time to continue working on their science fiction story starts. These are to be at least 1.5 pages long when typed, and should be turned in on Monday. We will be starting reading and recall on these stories in class on Monday.

Homework due Monday:

-Science Fiction story start is due. TYPED!
 

Long term due dates:

6/1--May IR Log due

6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/20

Today the 7th graders finished our three day activity by proving their case in front of the class. Every student stood in front of the class, presenting the argument their group had worked to develop over the past three days. Many different suspects were named as being the guilty party in the murder of I.M. Writing, including Dr. Q Totes, T.H. Isis, Sophie Lingo & Sister Tessa Ana Lee Sis. No one, however, accused Organa Z. Nation. You all did a great job presenting and working together in groups.

After the presentations, I revealed the true mystery--my purpose in doing this exercise. This activity was specifically designed to mirror the strategies that one might use when organizing and writing an essay. You began by annotating the text you were given, just as you should while reading. Your accusation statement, just like your thesis, is a clear and well worded statement of your argument. Your reasons, just like your topic sentences, are more specific and focused points or arguments that support the larger thesis. Your evidence, just like your quotes, is meant to support your argument, lending credibility to your argument. Then, just like in an analysis in a literary essay, it's important that you  explain that evidence and connect it back to your larger point.

Hopefully you had fun with this AND you now have a better understanding of how to structure and develop your written ideas. Have a great weekend!

Homework due Monday:
-None

Long term due dates:
5/26--Expository essay test for A Raisin in the Sun
5/27--Historical fiction story start due
5/31--Book Talk #1
6/1--May IR log due
6/3--Book Talk #2

8th Grade--5/19

      Today was the second and final day of double period script writing in the afternoons. Hopefully you all were able to meet with me and have your script signed before turning it in to Mr. Rice. Remember, as you make any final edits, to include the following..

• WordMasters Words
• Literary Elements
• Sensory Description

Good luck on the rest of your documentary!

Tomorrow, please bring your journal to class. We will be finishing our science fiction story starts, which are due TYPED by Monday.

Homework due tomorrow:

-Section #5 of sci fi book group is due (question, too!) 

-Collect book group question packet

Long term due dates:

5/23--Science Fiction story start is due

6/1--May IR Log due
6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/19

Today our students, now lawyers, continued developing their cases for trial tomorrow. Many groups are finished or almost finished, but know that you will have about fifteen minutes tomorrow to tie up any loose ends. If that won't be enough time, please plan to meet with your group before school tomorrow.

One group's information as they develop their case.

Homework due tomorrow:
-finish building your argument if you have not already done so during class

Long term due dates:
5/26--Expository essay test for A Raisin in the Sun
5/27--Historical fiction story start due
5/31--Book Talk #1
6/1--May IR log due
6/3--Book Talk #2

8th Grade--5/18

The 8th graders spent the majority of block today watching Mr. Myers speak about his experiences during the Vietnam War. After that, the students from 8A spent the remaining 40 minutes finishing up their presidential presentations in Mr. Rice's class, while 8B students started finalizing their science fiction story start in English. This story start will be due on Monday and should be typed. You will also have time to work on this during class on Friday. If you need inspiration, locate a list of science fiction photo links here.

Homework due tomorrow:

-None  

Long term due dates:

5/20--Section #5 of sci fi book group is due (question, too!) 

5/20--Collect book group question packet

5/23--Science Fiction story start is due
6/1--May IR Log due
6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/18

Today we began a three day activity called "Proving Your Case", in which teams of lawyers are responsible for making an accusation of guilt and using evidence to prove their case. Many people were able to write their accusation statement and develop three supporting reasons, but not every group made it this far. I'm hoping we can go to trial on Friday, but if we need a day next week I'll have to grant you a continuance. Which of our suspects are you planning to accuse?

Homework due tomorrow:
-none

Long term due dates:
5/26--Expository essay test for A Raisin in the Sun
5/31--Book Talk #1
6/1--May IR log due
6/3--Book Talk #2

8th Grade--5/17

Today was the first of two days of combined English and social studies. As you work on your script writing, remember to work on developing "moments", using description, literary elements, strong vocabulary, and varied sentence structure. Be ready! When I walk around on Thursday, I will be asking to see at least one moment of vivid description in your script. Without this element, you will not earn my approval, which is necessary to proceed.

Those of you in the original 8B class should bring your journals to class tomorrow. We will be working on our science fiction story start, which is due on Monday.

Homework due tomorrow:

-None  

Long term due dates:

5/20--Section #5 of sci fi book group is due (question, too!) 

5/20--Collect book group question packet

5/23--Science Fiction story start is due
6/1--May IR Log due
6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/17

Today we took our final reading comprehension quiz on A Raisin in the Sun. After that, we talked about the different literary themes we've learned this year. They are...

• The End of Childhood (The Outsiders)
• Utopia & Dystopia (The Giver)
• The Hero's Journey (Your book group novels)

Then, I introduced a new theme to the mix, as it applies to A Raisin in the Sun. That theme is...

• The American Dream

We began by communicating our existing knowledge about the American dream. Students provided me with words that they thought fit the idea of the American dream and I put them up on the board. Next, we read an essay on the American dream from the Library of Congress's education website. Each student received a copy of the essay and they were asked to cut the essay up and reword it into a found poem that expressed their perception of the American dream.

This is my sample found poem. All lines are taken from the essay at the Library of Congress
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/lessons/american-dream/students/thedream.html

.

In 7A we were able to discuss how this theme applies to the characters in Hansberry's play, but we did not make it that far in 7B. We'll discuss that tomorrow before beginning our three day activity. But keep an eye out for this concept, as it just might reappear in one of your essay prompts...

Homework due tomorrow:
-none

Long term due dates:
5/26--Expository essay test for A Raisin in the Sun
5/31--Book Talk #1
6/1--May IR log due
6/3--Book Talk #2 

8th Grade--5/16

Today we opened by working in our science fiction book groups to discuss section #4 of our reading. You should be finishing up the novel for Friday and returning your novel to the RC after we discuss them. Remember to bring your question packets to class on Friday, as I will be collecting them. If you do not have your question packet with you on Friday, it will be marked late.

After book groups, we briefly discussed Robert Sheckley's "Gun Without a Bang" as a full class, specifically focusing on the final science fiction theme of the dangers of advancing technology. That means that we have covered the following common science fiction themes during this unit...

• Utopia vs. dystopia (IE: "Harrison Bergeron")
• The role of humanity in our environment and universe (IE: "There Will Come Soft Rains")
• The battle of good vs. evil (IE: "Infestation")
• The dangers of advancing technology (IE: "Gun Without a Bang")

At the end of class, I gave students five-ten minutes to continue science fiction writing in their journals, focusing on the themes above.

Homework due tomorrow:

-None  

Long term due dates:

5/20--Section #5 of sci fi book group is due (question, too!) 

5/20--Collect book group question packet

5/23--Science Fiction story start is due 
6/1--May IR Log due
6/1--Final Fiction Piece due

7th Grade--5/16

Today 7th graders took their final grammar tests of the year, and I was very pleased with how all of you did! I'll post new grades tomorrow that include your scores on the test. Don't toss your grammar notes, however, as we will spend time reviewing your 7th grade concepts next fall.

Homework due tomorrow:
--Finish A Raisin in the Sun

Long term due dates:
5/26--Expository essay test for A Raisin in the Sun
5/31--Book Talk #1
6/3--Book Talk #2

8th Grade--5/13

Today we began class by discussing our science fiction book group novels. After that, we met as a full group to discuss the idea of good and evil as it pertained to "Infestation" by Garth Nix. As a class, we clarified the very cryptic conclusion to the story, and also discussed whether the narrator sees himself as being good or evil.

I collected final drafts of Book Thief essays today, but if you did not turn your in, I will still accept it on Monday without docking points. Why? Call it temporary insanity. Just be sure to bring it, as I will not be lenient beyond Monday. Also, I'll pass back your grammar tests on Monday for those of you who didn't check their scores today.

Homework due on Monday:

-Final draft of Book Thief essay (if you failed to submit it today)

-Read "Gun Without a Bang" by Robert Shackley
-Section #4 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)
 

Long term due dates:

5/20--Section #5 of sci fi book group is due (question, too!)

5/23--Science Fiction story start is due

7th Grade--5/13

Today we reviewed for our final grammar test of the year. We did practice questions for each concept. Don't forget to study this weekend! These are the concepts being tested:

• Subject & Predicate
• Direct & Indirect Object
• Using I and Me

Join me at 8am on Monday for a last minute review session and bring any questions you have.

Homework due on Monday:
-Grammar Test

Long term due dates:
5/17--Finish A Raisin in the Sun
5/26--Expository essay test for A Raisin in the Sun

8th Grade--5/12

Sorry this isn't posted on time. Blogger's services went down for almost 24 hours between yesterday afternoon and today, and did not post my entry.

8th graders took their cumulative grammar test today. Hopefully you all did well and felt prepared. This was your last test of 8th grade! I will have grades for this test back to you by Monday.

Homework due tomorrow:

-Final draft of your Book Thief essay is due
-Read "Infestation" by Garth Nix
 

Long term due dates:
5/16--Read "Gun Without a Bang" by Robert Shackley
5/16--Section #4 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)

5/20--Section #5 of sci fi book group is due (question, too!)

5/23--Science Fiction story start is due 

7th Grade--5/12

This was posted yesterday, but due to a maintenance issue with Blogger, it was removed mysteriously from the website.

Today 7th graders discussed act 2, scenes 2 & 3 from A Raisin in the Sun. We began class with a comprehension quiz on the reading, and then proceeded to discuss the many different manifestations of racism, both in the play and as we see those same behaviors reflected in our world today. This discussion focused primarily on the "Mrs. Johnson" scene in the play, but we also discussed the appearance of Mr. Lindner in act 2, scene 3. To support our discussion we watched the beginning of this video, which discusses black-on-black racism, not unlike the view demonstrated by Mrs. Johnson in A Raisin in the Sun.

Homework due tomorrow:
-None

Long term due dates:
5/16--Grammar Test
5/17--Finish A Raisin in the Sun
5/26--Expository Essay test for A Raisin in the Sun

7th Grade--5/11

Today was Civil War Day! I hope you all enjoyed the different stations and learned a lot. We'll be using the knowledge you gained today in the coming weeks, as you begin to write historical fiction!

Don't forget, the grammar test is coming up on Monday!

Homework due tomorrow:
-Read Act 2, Scenes 2 & 3 in A Raisin in the Sun 
-Grammar homework on "Using I and Me"

Long term due dates:
5/16--Grammar Test
5/17--Finish A Raisin in the Sun

8th Grade--5/10

Today the 8th grade spent the majority of the block listening to Mr. Finkel, a holocaust survivor and author, share his story. After that, we had a very short English period, during which students were given time to work on one of the following long term assignments:

• Grammar Review/Handouts
• Final Book Thief Essay Edits
• Science Fiction Book Group Reading
• Science Fiction Writing

Tomorrow you will not be in English or social studies, as it is Civil War Day for the 7th graders, but don't forget to join me for one of the grammar review sessions before the test on Thursday! The review sessions will be at 8am on Thursday, as well as during all lunch periods. If you plan to attend one of the lunch study sessions and want to have pizza during the study session, please bring $5 before Thursday at 8:30am.

Homework due tomorrow:
-None, but don't neglect the long-term deadlines below!

Long term due dates:
5/12--Grammar review packet is due
5/12--Cumulative Grammar Test (eek!)
5/12--Section #3 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)
5/13--Final draft of your Book Thief essay is due
5/13--Read "Infestation" by Garth Nix
5/16--Read "Gun Without a Bang" by Robert Shackley
5/16--Section #4 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)

E-Buck moment...
What is the bolded sentence an example of? Be the first 8th grader to tell me tomorrow and get an e-buck!

7th Grade--5/10

Today the 7th graders worked on learning the uses of "I" and "me". This will be our final grammar unit of the year, and the homework on this concept is due tomorrow. That means that the upcoming test will be on the following grammar concepts:

• Subject & Predicate
• Direct & Indirect Object
• Using I and Me

If any of these concepts confuse you, please schedule a time to meet with me in the next week.

Tomorrow is Civil War Day, so don't forget to dress in your union blues!

Homework due tomorrow:
-None

Long term due dates:
5/12--Read Act 2, Scenes 2 & 3 in A Raisin in the Sun 
5/12--Grammar homework on "Using I and Me"
5/16--Grammar Test
5/17--Finish A Raisin in the Sun

8th Grade--5/9

Today we had another day to review grammar concepts and work on our study sheets for the upcoming tests. Those of you who needed time to finish the GRADE test did so today. I took small groups of students aside to work on different concepts, focusing today on phrases, clauses, participles, appositives, and absolutes.

The grammar handouts you were given last week are going to be due on Thursday, which is also the day of the test. I will offer group study sessions for the test on Thursday morning and during lunch on Thursday. You can sign up for these study sessions in my room.

Homework due tomorrow:
-None, but don't neglect the long-term deadlines below!

Long term due dates:
5/12--Grammar review packet is due
5/12--Cumulative Grammar Test (eek!)
5/12--Section #3 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)
5/13--Final draft of your Book Thief essay is due
5/13--Read "Infestation" by Garth Nix

7th Grade--5/9

Today we took a quiz on Act 2, Scene 1 in A Raisin in the Sun. Afterward, we had an open discussion, addressing student questions, predictions, and observations. For the second half of the period we worked in groups to look at specific characters in the text. We talked about how our picture of a character is influenced by three different points of view: The author, other characters, and the character themselves. Most students did not finish this inquiry, where they had to find direct quotes from the text, but I will give you some time to finish on Thursday.

Homework due tomorrow:
-None

Long term due dates:
5/12--Read Act 2, Scenes 2 & 3 in A Raisin in the Sun 
5/12--Grammar homework on "Using I and Me"
5/16--Grammar Test
5/17--Finish A Raisin in the Sun

8th Grade--5/6

Today 8th graders took the GRADE reading assessment during class. This test is being administered to the entire school as a school-wide assessment this year. If you were absent, you will need to meet with me to schedule a time to make this up.

Also, I passed back your correct Book Thief essays. Please see me if you have any questions regarding the notes I wrote (sometimes my handwriting can be pretty awful). For now, use the picture below as a guide for my common marks and shorthand.

Remember, corrected final drafts are due a week from today. If you want an additional edit, schedule time to meet with me next week.

Homework due Monday:
-None, but don't neglect the long-term deadlines below!

Long term due dates:
5/12--Grammar review packet is due
5/12--Cumulative Grammar Test (eek!)
5/12--Section #3 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)
5/13--Final draft of your Book Thief essay is due
5/13--Read Infestation by Garth Nix

7th Grade--5/6

Today we began by taking a short five question quiz on Act 1, Scene 2, and then transitioned into discussion of the reading. We discussed the differences between "business class" and "working class", and then discussed why Walter Lee might be motivated to move from one position to the other. Next, we discussed the first appearance of Asagai and what he seems to represent. Lastly, we discussed how the dreams of generations change and differ, specifically focused on the difference between Mama's dreams and Walter Lee's dreams. I also made sure the students understood more difficult comprehension topics. If you're having trouble with the play format, please schedule a time to meet with me!

Homework due Monday:
-Read Act 2, Scene 1 in A Raisin in the Sun

Long term due dates:
5/12--Read Act 2, Scenes 2 & 3 in A Raisin in the Sun 
5/16--Grammar Test
5/17--Finish A Raisin in the Sun

8th Grade--5/5

Today you came in having read There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury for homework. This story addresses the theme of humanity's role in the world and the universe, a theme frequently addressed in science fiction and theory. We began by discussing the story with this lens, looking at the following discussion questions.

To delve deeper into this topic, we then did an activity called "four corners". We did this activity before with Of Mice and Men and with The Giver. I label the four corners of the room as "strongly agree", "agree", "disagree" and "strongly disagree", and then I read off statements. For each statement, students migrate to the corner of the room that best describes their opinion. They then speak with their peers and present an argument for their opinion against the other corners of the room. Students are welcome to move if an argument sways their opinion or belief. The statements for this four corners session are below:

We didn't get to the last statement in either class, unfortunately, but it might be interesting to think about as a fiction premise. To end class, students were asked to begin writing a new science fiction story in their journal that centered around this theme. You will type up one of your science fiction story starts for reading and recall in a few weeks, but don't stress out about that now.

Homework due tomorrow:
-None, but don't neglect the long-term deadlines below!

Long term due dates:
5/12--Grammar review packet is due
5/12--Cumulative Grammar Test (eek!)
5/12--Section #3 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)
5/13--Final draft of your Book Thief essay is due (my edits will be distributed in class tomorrow)
5/13--Read Infestation by Garth Nix

7th Grade--5/5

Today the 7th grade took the GRADE reading assessment during class. This test is a school-wide reading test used every year. If you were absent today, you will need to make this up. Please speak to me about scheduling this as soon as possible. If you were unable to finish the test today, I will give you time to finish in class tomorrow.

Homework due tomorrow:
-Read Act 1, Scene 2 in A Raisin in the Sun

Long term due dates:
5/9--Read Act 2, Scene 1 in A Raisin in the Sun
5/12--Read Act 2, Scenes 2 & 3 in A Raisin in the Sun 
5/16--Grammar Test
5/17--Finish A Raisin in the Sun

8th Grade--5/4

Today we began class by discussing our science fiction novels in our book groups. After this we reconvened as a full class for some science fiction writing. The journal writing for today was focused on the idea of setting as a story starter, and how important setting is in science fiction. We used images portraying various science fiction settings to prompt our writing, writing brief paragraphs of description about each one and sharing them in class.

If you want to continue to work on this, the images from the slide show are available by clicking on the links below. I've added some new landscapes for inspiration as well! Enjoy!

Future City #1
Future City #2
Future City #3
Future City #4
Apocalyptic Chicago
Apocalyptic London
Apocalyptic London #2
Imaginary Planet #1
Imaginary Planet #2
Imaginary Planet #3
Imaginary Planet #4

Homework due tomorrow:
-Read There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury

Long term due dates:
5/12--Grammar review packet is due
5/12--Cumulative Grammar Test (eek!)
5/12--Section #3 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)

7th Grade--5/4

Today we began class with a little ten question quiz on Act 1, Scene 1. After that, I posted some questions on the board and students took about five minutes to respond to a question of their choice. The questions are below...

Once students responded in writing, we had a full group discussion surrounding these questions. In 7A we were able to get through questions 1-3, and in 7B we were able to get through questions 1 & 2. We also talked at length about the racial climate of the time and segregation, specifically about the effect of both on the action of the play itself.

At the end of class we reviewed the homework on direct and indirect object. If you were absent, please bring your homework in tomorrow, as well as your narrative essay. Get any homework corrections from a friend.

Homework due tomorrow:
None

Long term due dates:
5/6--Read Act 1, Scene 2 in A Raisin in the Sun
5/16--Grammar Test

8th Grade--5/3

Today we began class with a brief five question quiz on "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut. We then proceeded to discuss the piece, focusing on the following questions:

1.      How does this story reflect the theme of utopia?

2.     Does the story represent a reasonable solution to the problems of society? Why or why not? Would the characters in Vonnegut’s story agree with you?

As we had spoken about utopia and dystopia in 7th grade, this was a review in some ways. It is important, however, that you understand that utopia and dystopia are common themes in science fiction. You may even see them come up in your book group novels.

After our literary discussion, we began writing science fiction story starts. These story starts were to be on the topic of utopia/dystopia. Students were invited to start from the prompts below, or could just begin writing on their own.

 

Bring your journals to English for the rest of the year, as we will be doing a lot of writing during the Sci-Fi Unit.

Homework due tomorrow:
-Section #2 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)

Long term due dates:
5/5--Read There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury
5/12--Grammar review packet is due
5/12--Cumulative Grammar Test (eek!)
5/12--Section #3 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)

7th Grade--5/3

GRAMMAR DAY!!!

During class today, we refreshed our memories from last week about subject and predicate, and also moved onto direct and indirect object. After notes and practice questions, students had the rest of the period to work on their grammar homework and ask me questions about these two grammar concepts. We will learn one more concept (correctly using I and me) before taking the final grammar test of the year on May 16th.

Homework due tomorrow:
-Read Act 1, Scene 1 in A Raisin in the Sun
-Narrative Podcasts Due (directions for how to save this can be found in a video on Friday's post)
-Grammar homework due on direct and indirect object

Long term due dates:
5/6--Read Act 1, Scene 2 in A Raisin in the Sun
5/16--Grammar Test

8th Grade--5/2

Today I distributed my assessment of your grammar concepts areas of need. You should have picked up handouts for each area that I highlighted as an area for development. These handouts are to be stapled together in a packet and should be turned in as homework on the day of the test. You will have one more day to work on them in class.

While you were working individually today, I pulled groups out to work on specific concepts. Today I talked to students about subject & predicate, as well as direct & indirect object. If you are still unclear on either of these things, come see me. Next Monday we will have more time to study in class and I will lead small groups through Phrases & Clauses, Participles, and Using I and Me. If you need help in another area, there will also be time to meet with me one on one next Monday, or talk to me and we'll set up time to work outside of class.

Homework due Tomorrow:
-Read Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut

Long term due dates:
5/4--Section #2 of sci fi book groups is due (question, too!)
5/5--Read There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury
5/12--Grammar review packet is due
5/12--Cumulative Grammar Test (eek!)

7th Grade--5/2

Today the 7th graders began reading A Raisin in the Sun. We began class by reading "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes and discussing it briefly. We then proceeded to take about ten minutes to write in our journals about our own deferred dreams.

After sharing sections from our responses, we moved on to discussing strategies for reading plays. First some of the actors in the class, or other people who had experience reading plays, shared some of their advice. Since is the first time many of you have endeavored to read a play, we went over some suggested strategies, found here. After answering any questions, I distributed plays and we began reading as a class. For Wednesday, please finish Act 1, Scene 1.

Today I collected your April reading logs. If you did not have yours today or you were absent, please remember to give it to me tomorrow.

Homework due tomorrow:
-None (See below for assignments due on Wednesday)

Long term due dates:
5/4--Read Act 1, Scene 1 in A Raisin in the Sun
5/4--Narrative Podcasts Due (directions for how to save this can be found in a video on Friday's post)
5/4--Grammar homework due on direct and indirect object
5/6--Read Act 1, Scene 2 in A Raisin in the Sun
5/16--Grammar Test