8th Grade--10/31

Today we learned two new WM words (effervescent and nostrum), and we practiced using these words in sentences. We then moved on to journal writing for our persuasive essay unit. Today's focus was on brainstorming. Students did quick writing about the topics of "the world would be a better place if..." and "if I were in charge of the world, I would...". This writing will help guide our topic selection and thesis writing tomorrow.

Due tomorrow...

-Final draft of OMAM essay due on Tuesday

-October IR log (signed)

Long term deadlines...

-Chapters 12-18 of TKAM due on 11/7

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--10/31

Today we did reading and recall on the students' horror stories. Don't forget to go straight to the RC for book talks tomorrow!

Due tomorrow...
-Final draft of Outsiders essay is due
-November 1st (Tuesday): Book Talk #1
-October IR log due (SIGNED!)

Long term due dates...
-None

8th Grade--10/27

Today we began by learning a new WM word (seethe), and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, I put examples of pronoun errors from student writing on the projector, and we discussed how to properly use pronouns in essays. Please edit your essay with this in mind.

Next I passed back my essay edits, reviewed some common mistakes, and answered questions while students worked on revising for their final draft. Final drafts are due on Tuesday.

Don't forget to study for the grammar quiz tomorrow.

Due tomorrow...

-Grammar Quiz: Phrases, Clauses & Dangling Modifiers

Long term deadlines...

-Final draft of OMAM essay due on Tuesday

-Chapters 12-18 of TKAM due on 11/7

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--10/27

Today I handed back the essays and went over some common struggles and mistakes that I saw while correcting them. Students then had the rest of the period to make corrections and ask me questions. We also learned a new WM word (gingerly) and practiced using it in sentences.

Due tomorrow...
-Utopia/dystopia poster due on Friday

Long term due dates...
-Final draft of Outsiders essay is due on TUESDAY (This is NEW. Due to the Spanish field trips, I am issuing a one day extension.)
-November 1st (Tuesday): Book Talk #1

8th Grade--10/26

Today students didn't learn a new WM word but we will be learning two tomorrow. Next, we spent the period doing reading and recall for our most recent piece of fiction--the horror story starts.

E-Buck opportunity! If you can tell me what type of sentence the underlined sentence above is and what is wrong with it, you will win an e-buck tomorrow! You must be the first one!

Due tomorrow...

-Bring a digital version of your OMAM essay to class

Long term deadlines...

-Grammar Quiz: Phrases, Clauses & Dangling Modifiers on Friday

-Final draft of OMAM essay due on Tuesday

-Chapters 12-18 of TKAM due on 11/7

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--10/26

Today we were missing many students on the Spanish field trip, so I gave the students time to continue to work on their utopia/dystopia posters. Those who had already finished began working on the sentences in their WM packet. We also learned a new WM word (slake) and practiced using it in sentences.

Due tomorrow...
-Bring a digital version of your Outsiders essay

Long term due dates...
-Utopia/dystopia poster due on Friday
-Final draft of Outsiders essay is due on TUESDAY (This is NEW. Due to the Spanish field trips, I am issuing a one day extension.)-November 1st (Tuesday): Book Talk #1

8th Grade--10/25

Today we learned a new WM word (wile), and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, we headed to the RC where we heard book talks from our peers.

I also announced that I am switching the activities for Thursday and Friday. This is mainly important because it means that the date of the grammar quiz moves to Friday.

Due tomorrow...

-none

Long term deadlines...

-Grammar Quiz: Phrases, Clauses & Dangling Modifiers on FRIDAY

-Chapters 12-18 of TKAM due on 11/7

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--10/25

Today we learned a new WM word (firebrand), and we practiced using it in sentences. After that, students had the rest of the period to work on their utopia/dystopia poster project. This project is due on Friday.

Due tomorrow...
-None

Long term due dates...
-Utopia/dystopia poster due on Friday
-November 1st: Book Talk #1

8th Grade--10/24

Today we began with a new WM word (antagonist), and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, we checked in and went over the grammar homework on dangling modifiers. If this is still confusing, meet with me and we'll go over this sometime this week. Next, students took a reading quiz on chapters 6-11 of TKAM, and we briefly discussed this reading. Hopefully we will get a chance to discuss it further at some point this week.

Due tomorrow...

-Book Talk #1

Long term deadlines...

-Chapters 12-18 of TKAM due on 11/7

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--10/24

Today we began with a new WM word (heedless) and practiced using it in sentences. We then discussed the utopia/dystopia project. I handed out an organizer, and students had about twenty minutes to begin brainstorming their utopia/dystopia topics. Students who did not finish this organizer should do so for homework.

Due tomorrow...
-Utopia/dystopia organizer

Long term due dates...
-Utopia/dystopia poster due on Friday
-November 1st: Book Talk #1

8th Grade--10/21

Today we began by learning a new WM word (miserly), and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, I collected your essay second drafts. If the computer outage at school kept you from being able to print, you can turn it in on Monday for no penalty.


The lesson was on dangling modifiers for the day. We took some notes, and we looked at many examples. The homework is due on Monday on this concept.

E-Buck opportunity! Be the first person on Monday to explain why the underlined sentences above include dangling modifiers, and then reword the sentences so that they are correct. One e-buck is available per sentence!

Due Monday...

-Second draft of OMAM summative writing assignment (if you didn't submit it today)

-Horror story start (1.5-2 pages)

-Read chapters 6-11 of TKAM

-Grammar HW on dangling modifiers

Long term deadlines...

-Book Talk #1 on Tuesday, October 25th

7th Grade--10/21

Today we went over the next WM word (exhort), and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, I collected the many assignments you had due today, and then we went over the grammar homework.

We spent the final half of class discussing the concept of utopia vs. dystopia. We discussed the definitions of these terms, and then we discussed why utopia is an impossible concept. Lastly, I previewed the "my utopia" project that you will be starting next week.

Due Monday...
-Second draft of Outsiders essay
-Brainstorm an idea of what problem(s) you wish to solve in your utopia

Long term due dates...
-November 1st: Book Talk #1

8th Grade--10/20

Today we learned the next WM word (interloper) and practiced using it in sentences. Then, we had our final fiction writing day for the horror story starts. This began with a reminder about using the senses in description. I put a list of sensory-based questions to guide the development of description up on the board. After students spent some time writing, I asked them to find examples of compound, complex, and compound complex sentences in their work. We discussed how using these sentence types can help to increase sentence variation, thus helping to heighten the overall sophistication of the piece.

Due tomorrow...

-Second draft of OMAM summative writing assignment

Long term deadlines...

-Horror story start (1.5-2 pages) is due on Monday, October 24th

-Read chapters 6-11 of TKAM for Monday, October 24th

-Book Talk #1 on Tuesday, October 25th

7th Grade--10/20

Today we learned two WM words (Resolute & Umbrage), and we practiced using them in sentences. Next, we took notes on subjective and objective case and worked through practice problems together. Students were given about ten minutes at the end of the period to begin working on the grammar homework.

Due tomorrow...
-Horror story start
-Grammar corrections
-Grammar packet OR grammar website contributions
-Subjective and objective grammar hw

Long term due dates...
-Monday the 24th: Second draft of Outsiders of essay

8th Grade--10/19

Today students began with a new WM word (Taciturn) and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, we reviewed the grammar homework as a class. The final thirty minutes of the period were spent on peer and self editing. If you were unable to finish this, be sure to work on it for homework. Your second draft is due on Friday and should be based on the comments made in peer and self editing.

Due tomorrow...

-None

 

Long term deadlines...

-Second draft of OMAM summative writing assignment due Friday, October 21st

-Read chapters 6-11 of TKAM for Monday, October 24th

-Book Talk #1 on Tuesday, October 25th

7th Grade--10/19

Today students worked on peer and self editing their Outsiders essay. I'm sorry I wasn't able to be in class today, but I will answer any questions you had during class tomorrow.

Due tomorrow...
-None


Long term due dates...
-Friday the 21st: Horror story start
-Friday the 21st: Grammar corrections
-Friday the 21st: Grammar packet OR grammar website contributions
-Monday the 24th: Second draft of Outsid

8th Grade--10/18

Today students learned about phrases and clauses. We learned how to identify these parts of sentences and how understanding this can help to improve varied sentence structure in our writing. We also learned a new WM word (eradicate) and practiced using it in sentences.

Due tomorrow...

-Rough draft of OMAM summative writing assignment due

-Grammar HW

 

Long term deadlines...

-Second draft of OMAM summative writing assignment due Friday, October 21st

-Read chapters 6-11 of TKAM for Monday, October 24th

-Book Talk #1 on Tuesday, October 25th

7th Grade--10/18

Today we learned a new WM word (shirk) and practiced using it in a sentence. Next, students worked on either grammar review or enrichment depending on their performance on the most recent grammar quiz. Some students worked on creating lessons for the grammar website, others looked for sentence types in The Outsiders, and others worked on a packet of practice questions. Regardless of which assignment you were given, this work is due on Friday.

While students were working, I pulled students out in smaller groups to answer questions and provide clarification on specific concepts.

Also, I handed out a sheet that explains the test corrections assignment. This is also due on Friday.

Due tomorrow...
-Rough draft of Outsiders TIQA essay
Long term due dates...
-Friday the 21st: Horror story start
-Friday the 21st: Grammar corrections
-Friday the 21st: Grammar packet OR grammar website contributions
-Monday the 24th: Second draft of Outsiders essay is due
-Tuesday, November 1st: Book Talk #1

8th Grade--10/17

Today we learned our new WM word (Mountebank) and practiced using it in a sentence. Next students took a reading quiz on chapters 1-5 of To Kill a Mockingbird. After taking this quiz, students responded to the discussion question of their choice in writing first, and then we had a full group discussion about the following questions in chapters 1-5. We did not get to all of the questions in each class, but we will discuss many of these concepts again as we continue through the novel.

Due tomorrow...

-None

 

Long term deadlines...

-Rough draft of OMAM summative writing assignment due Wednesday, October 19th

-Second draft of OMAM summative writing assignment due Friday, October 21st

-Read chapters 6-11 of TKAM for Monday, October 24th

-Book Talk #1 on Tuesday, October 25th

7th Grade--10/17

Today we learned our next WM word (glut) and practiced using it in sentences. Next, we reviewed the coming week, as there are many assignments and deadlines forthcoming.

After this, we moved into a writing mini lesson concerning using the senses to describe a location. First, I modeled this activity by having the class assign me a setting and then ask me the following questions about that setting. With my eyes closed, I described the scenery using the following questions.

1.     What does the setting smell like?

2.     What sounds do you hear in the room?

3.     Beyond the room?

4.     What does your narrator’s mouth taste like?

5.     Name three things that you see.

6.     What does the air feel like against your skin?

7.     Run your hand across a surface in the room. What does it feel like?

After I modeled this exercise, students worked in pairs to do this as well. One student recorded the description and asked the questions while the other student described the location with their eyes closed. After this activity, students spent 10-20 minutes writing their horror fiction stories. Hopefully you integrated this strong description into your writing. This was your final day to work on horror fiction, and a 1-2 page story start is due on Friday.

Due tomorrow...
-Nothing

Long term due dates...
-Wednesday the 19th: Rough draft of Outsiders TIQA essay
-Friday the 21st: Horror story start
-Friday the 21st: Grammar corrections
-Friday the 21st: Grammar packet OR grammar website contributions
-Monday the 24th: Second draft of Outsiders essay is due
-Tuesday, November 1st: Book Talk #1

8th Grade--10/14

Today we began the period by learning the newest WM word (resilient) and using it in sentences. Some sample sentences shared by students were...

• The termagant was resilient despite being shot with a stun dart.
• The termagant was prolific because she had many children, but she was resilient through her fifteenth birth.

After this, I asked for student volunteers to share their most recent TIQA paragraphs with the class for a brief recap on the TIQA format. I read through each one with the class, editing as I went. We discussed the format and the nuances of using it to present a clear and concise point. If you are unclear on this, please schedule a time to meet with me. Remember, you can also come see me during flex in the writing lab on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Once the mini lesson was finished, students continued to work on outlining and drafting their summative pieces for Of Mice and Men. While students were working, I met with other students in conference sessions to address their individual questions.

Due Monday...

-Read To Kill a Mockingbird chapters 1-5 for Monday

 

Long term deadlines...

-Rough draft of OMAM summative writing assignment due Wednesday, October 19th

-Second draft of OMAM summative writing assignment due Friday, October 21st

-Book Talk #1 on Tuesday, October 25th

7th Grade--10/14

Today we learned a new WM word (capricious) and practiced using it in sentences such as the following sentences created by students in class today...

• I braced myself for the capricious person
• Darry is capricious, always acting differently towards Ponyboy.

Next, students took their grammar quiz. After the grammar quiz, students continued to work on their outlines and rough drafts for their Outsiders essays. At the end of the period, I took 10-15 minutes to discuss using transitions in essay writing. I passed out a packet of transitions, and we looked at some sample transitions, discussing their effectiveness as a class.

Due Monday...

-Nothing

 
Long term deadlines...

-Rough draft of Outsiders essay due on Wednesday, October 19th

8th Grade--10/13

Today we learned a new WM word (extirpate) and practiced using it in sentences. After that, I handed out the summative writing prompt sheet for OMAM and we discussed the summative writing procedure for novels in 8th grade. As students started working, I conferenced with some of you individually about outlining. We will have time to work and conference during class tomorrow, and you'll be bringing in a rough draft for peer and self editing on Wednesday of next week.

Due tomorrow...

-OMAM Debate reflection

 
Long term deadlines...

-Read To Kill a Mockingbird chapters 1-5 for Monday

-Rough draft of OMAM summative writing assignment due Wednesday, October 19th

-Second draft of OMAM summative writing assignment due Friday, October 21st

-Book Talk #1 on Tuesday, October 25th

7th Grade--10/13

Today we learned a new WM word (stoke), and we practiced coming up with sentences for it. Next, I passed out a handout on outlining, and we discussed how one creates a strong outline and the benefits of properly outlining our essays. After that, I handed out the prompt sheets for The Outsiders expository essay, and we read the directions aloud.

Students spent the rest of the period beginning to develop thesis statements and outlines, and I rotated around the room providing assistance and answering questions. You will have some time in class to work on this tomorrow, but you also will be taking the grammar quiz on the following topics...

• Types of sentences
• Subject/Predicate/Object
• Subject/Verb Agreement

If you are still struggling with these topics, check in with me tomorrow morning after 8:15am (I will be at a meeting until then). In preparation, try the practice problems below. Answer sheets are located below.

Practice Sheets:

Answer Sheets:

Due tomorrow...

-Grammar Quiz

 
Long term deadlines...

-Rough draft of Outsiders essay due on Wednesday, October 19th

8th Grade--10/12

Today we began class by learning a new WordMasters word (abyss), and we also practiced using it in a sentence. Next, we talked about how to apply our understanding of foreshadowing to the act of writing. We began by working backwards, starting with the moment of climax in a story, and then brainstorming ways in which that climax could be foreshadowed throughout the rising action. We talked about how this was achieved in other stories we have read, and then brainstormed some ideas as a class. We also discussed not "overdoing" it, and the possibility of using foreshadowing as a "red herring"as an additional challenge while writing.

After students wrote for about fifteen minutes, we shared sentences from the day's writing, and then I distributed the texts for To Kill a Mockingbird. We began reading the first chapter, but you are to read chapters 1-5 for class on Monday. Don't get rid of your OMAM text yet, as you will need it for class tomorrow.

Want an e-buck tomorrow? Be the first person tomorrow to tell me what type of sentence is underlined in the paragraph above.

Due tomorrow...

-None

 
Long term deadlines...

-OMAM Debate reflection due on Friday

-Read To Kill a Mockingbird chapters 1-5 for Monday

7th Grade--10/12

Today we learned the next WordMasters word (dross), and we practiced using it in sentences together. Next we moved on to our horror fiction stories. We began today by discussing plot lines and rising action. When working on a horror story, this rising action should serve to build the tension and should inevitably connect the normal beginning of the story to the bizarre or abnormal climax. We practiced this process as a class a couple of times, and then students were given time to work on their own. We ended class by sharing sentences from our writing.

Due tomorrow...

-None

 
Long term deadlines...

-Grammar Quiz on Friday

8th Grade--10/11

Today students took part in the Of Mice and Men debate. Students did a wonderful job of preparing for this formal debate, and I was very proud of all of you. It's not easy to get up in front of the entire class and speak.

Due tomorrow...

-None

 
Long term deadlines...

-OMAM Debate reflection due on Friday

-Read To Kill a Mockingbird chapters 1-5 for Monday

7th Grade--10/11

Today students went to the RC to learn about book talks from Ms. Nelson. She modeled different book talk styles for the students, and discussed the attributes of a great book talk. You will be responsible for performing two book talks per trimester, and the dates for those during this trimester will be November 1st & November 18th. If you feel you will not be able to finish your independent reading novels before these dates, please come see me well ahead of time.

Due Wednesday...

-Outsiders movie reflection

 
Long term deadlines...

-Grammar Quiz on Friday

8th Grade--10/10

Today 8th graders learned a new WordMasters word (prolific), and then had the rest of the period to prepare for Tuesday's debate as a group. Students were encourage to prepare for their assigned section of the debate, as well as to work on producing the five note cards for which they are each responsible.

Due Tuesday...

-Five note cards and any other debate prep

 
Long term deadlines...

-OMAM Debate reflection due on Friday

7th Grade--10/10

Today 7th graders finished watching The Outsiders. If you have not already done so, you should be writing your reflection on one aspect of the film. This reflection should address the similarities and differences between that aspect (character, scene, etc) in the novel and in the film. You should talk about why the director might have made the choices they did, whether or not you agree, and why. This reflection is to be typed 1-2pgs and turned in on Wednesday.

We also learned a new WordMasters word: Comely.

Due Tuesday...
-None
 
Long term deadlines...
-Outsiders movie reflection due on Wednesday
-Grammar Quiz on Friday (sentence types, subject/predicate/object, subject/verb agreement)

7th Grade--10/7

Today we learned a new WordMasters word (brace and bracing), and discussed its meaning. Students practiced using it in sentences, and shared those sentences with their peers. Then we continued watching The Outsiders.

Due Monday...
-None
 
Long term deadlines...
-Outsiders movie reflection due on Wednesday, October 12th

8th Grade--10/6

Today we learned our second WM word (countervail) and its derivatives. If you were absent, please see me for these notes. Next, I talked about the rules and conventions of a formal debate, and the students took notes on this information in preparation for their debate on Tuesday. After the lesson, students got together in their groups and developed their talking points and assigned jobs for the debate.

Tomorrow's a half day, so you will not have English.

Due Friday or Monday...

-Finish webpage lesson (second class) by Friday

-Begin creating notecards for the debate by Monday

 
Long term deadlines...

-OMAM debate materials due on Tuesday, October 11th

7th Grade--10/6

Today we began learning our WordMasters words. We began with the words "vestige" and "vestigial". If you were absent today, please come in to get these definitions, or you can ask a friend.

After that, we began watching The Outsiders.

Due tomorrow...
-None
 
Long term deadlines...
-Outsiders movie reflection due on Wednesday, October 12th