8th Grade--11/30

Today we began class by discussing the concept of "addressing the other side of the argument" in persuasive writing. I provided a model of how to do this seamlessly in the body paragraphs of a persuasive essay, and then we practiced this together using multiple student persuasive topics. Students were then given their last day to work on the rough draft of their persuasive papers.

Due tomorrow...

-Rough draft of persuasive essay

-November IR log

Long term deadlines...

-WM Notecards on 12/2

-WM Project on 12/2

-WM handout on 12/2

-WM sentences on 12/2

-2nd Draft of persuasive essay on 12/5

-Person-action-person story start due on 12/5

-WordMasters Challenge on 12/8

-Final draft of persuasive essay on 12/12

-Persuasive speeches on 12/12

7th Grade--11/30

Today we began class by discussing the benefits of beginning a story with the setting. We then made a list about what elements make up setting (location, time, climate, mood, senses, etc), and students used this list to fully describe the setting of their utopia fiction. Students were then given time to write in their journals, stopping periodically to share their writing with the class.

Due tomorrow...
-November IR log

Long term due dates...

-WM Sentences due on 12/2
-WM Project due on 12/2

-WM Notecards due on 12/2

-WM Handout due on 12/2

-Utopia/dystopia story start due on 12/5

8th Grade--11/29

Today we moved on to the research portion of our persuasive essay writing. We talked about how to guide our research by developing specific research questions. It will help you cut your research time down if you know what to specifically look for. Next, students used the period to develop their own research questions and conduct research. I encouraged students to have this research completed before the beginning of class tomorrow.

8th Graders: You have many major assignments coming up over the next three weeks. Please look at the long term deadlines below and budget your time accordingly.

Due tomorrow...

-Research for persuasive essay

Long term deadlines...

-RD of persuasive essay on 12/1

-WM Notecards on 12/2

-WM Project on 12/2

-WM handout on 12/2

-WM sentences on 12/2

-2nd Draft of persuasive essay on 12/5

-Person-action-person story start due on 12/5

-WordMasters Challenge on 12/8

-Persuasive speeches on 12/12

7th Grade--11/29

Today we began class by briefly discussing "Harrison Bergeron". We then used our understanding of Utopia as gained through both this story and The Giver to begin telling our own utopia/dystopia stories. We began this process by talking about how a utopia both begins and ends, and we also talked about different points of view that could be used to tell the story. Students had time to begin their stories in their journals, and they shared 2-3 sentences from their writing at the end of class.

Due tomorrow...
-None

Long term due dates...

-WM Sentences due on 12/2
-WM Project due on 12/2

-WM Notecards due on 12/2

-WM Handout due on 12/2

-Utopia/dystopia story start due on 12/5

8th Grade--11/28

Today students took the final grammar test for trimester 1, and then they had the rest of the class period to work on their WM assignments.

Due tomorrow...

-None

Long term deadlines...

-WM Notecards on 12/2

-WM Project on 12/2

-WM handout on 12/2

-WM sentences on 12/2

7th Grade--11/28

Today we discussed the end of The Giver. Our topics of discussion were...

• Whether Jonas dies or lives in the final chapter of the novel
• Whether people in the community understand the concept of death or not
• Flaws in the writing of the novel, crafting of the plot

Don't forget to work on your WM assignments for Friday!

Due tomorrow...
-Read "Harrison Bergeron"

Long term due dates...

-WM Sentences due on 12/2
-WM Project due on 12/2

-WM Notecards due on 12/2

-WM Handout due on 12/2

8th Grade--11/22

Today we reviewed for the grammar test by doing WM jeopardy. For Monday, be sure to familiarize yourself with the following concepts:

• Dangling modifiers
• Parts of Speech
• Subject-Verb Agreement
• Subject, Predicate & Object
• Capitalization
• Subjective & Objective case
• Commas, colons & semicolons
• Simple, compound, complex & compound complex sentences
• Dependent & independent clauses
• Phrases & Clauses

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Due Monday...

-Grammar test

Long term deadlines...

-WM Notecards on 12/2

-WM Project on 12/2

-WM handout on 12/2

-WM sentences on 12/2

7th Grade--11/22

Today students had the period to work on WordMasters assignments. They also took a pretest on this WM list.

Due Monday...
-Finish The Giver

Long term due dates...

-WM Sentences due on 12/2
-WM Project due on 12/2

-WM Notecards due on 12/2

-WM Handout due on 12/2

8th Grade--11/21

Today we took our final reading quiz on TKAM, and we discussed the ending of the novel. Our focus for discussion was on the theme of end of childhood in the novel as well as the author's intent in the work.

Due tomorrow...

-None

Long term deadlines...

-Grammar test on 11/28

-WM Notecards on 12/2

-WM Project on 12/2

-WM handout on 12/2

-WM sentences on 12/2

7th Grade--11/21

Today we took a reading quiz on The Giver, and we discussed the novel. Tomorrow we will be working on WordMasters prep work during the class period. Be sure to bring your WM packet and your notecards.

Due tomorrow...
-None

Long term due dates...

-Finish The Giver for 11/28
-WM Sentences due on 12/2
-WM Project due on 12/2

-WM Notecards due on 12/2

-WM Handout due on 12/2

8th Grade--11/18

Today we worked on both WordMasters and grammar. Students began the class by taking a WM preassessment and submitting a grammar question to me. Next, students used keys to the grammar HW to assess their own accuracy and understanding. When students finished making their corrections, I defined and explained the final WM word (gape).

We spent the remainder of the period answering grammar questions and reviewing some grammar concepts. At the end of the period, students were given time to begin working on their WM handout.

Due Monday...

-TKAM Chapters 25-end

Long term deadlines...

-Grammar test on 11/28

-WM Notecards on 12/2

-WM Project on 12/2

-WM handout on 12/2

-WM sentences on 12/2

7th Grade--11/18

Today we did student book talks in the resource center. Great job, guys!

Due Monday...
-The Giver TIQA paragraph final draft
-The Giver Chapters 12-16 

Long term due dates...
-WM Sentences due on 12/2
-WM Project due on 12/2

8th Grade--11/17

Class began by learning a new WM word (season), and we practiced using it in sentences. Today we went over our final grammar unit of the trimester--commas, semicolons, and colons. Students took notes and did practice questions on this topic, and then worked as groups to repunctuate a given paragraph. Students should complete the assigned sections of this packet for homework.

Due tomorrow...

-Grammar HW

Long term deadlines...

-TKAM Chapters 25-end for 11/21

7th Grade--11/17

Students finished up their first WM list today by learning two new words (residual & fuse). They also practiced using these words in sentences. I then assigned their first WM project. I did not get a chance to discuss this in-depth with the first class, but the second class looked at examples from former students. I'll show these samples to the 7A class on Tuesday of next week.

The rest of the period was devoted to self and peer editing TIQA paragraphs. The final drafts of these paragraphs are due on Monday. If you would like my help, please sign up for a time tomorrow.

Due tomorrow...
-Book Talk #2

Long term due dates...
-The Giver TIQA paragraph final draft due on Monday, 11/21
-The Giver Chapters 12-16 due on 11/21
-WM Sentences due on 12/2
-WM Project due on 12/2

7th & 8th Grade--11/16

Today we learned about The Pride of Lions list in the RC. Thanks to Ms. Nelson, Mrs. Summerville & Ms. Ricket for their awesome book talks! I've added the POL list to the right-hand side of this blog. Remember to read as many books as you can! If we read the most books, we win a pizza party for the team!

7th Grade HW:
Due tomorrow...
-The Giver TIQA paragraph rough draft

Long term due dates...
-Book Talk #2  on 11/18
-The Giver TIQA paragraph final draft due on Monday, 11/21
-The Giver Chapters 12-16 due on 11/21


8th Grade HW:
Due tomorrow...

-None

Long term deadlines...

-Grammar HW on 11/18

-TKAM Chapters 25-end for 11/21

8th Grade--11/15

Today we went to the RC for the second book talk of trimester one. Students shared their book talks and were then given the opportunity to return and check out new novels.

Due tomorrow...

-None

Long term deadlines...

-TKAM Chapters 25-end for 11/21

7th Grade--11/15

Today we learned two new WM words (cudgel & skirt), and we practiced using them in sentences. We then briefly reviewed the steps needed to develop a TIQA paragraph and essay, and I assigned a TIQA paragraph on The Giver. Students had the period to work on this assignment in their journals and ask questions about the assignment. A rough draft of this TIQA paragraph should be typed and ready for peer/self editing on Thursday.

Due tomorrow...
-None

Long term due dates...
-The Giver TIQA paragraph rough draft due on Thursday
-Book Talk #2  on 11/18
-The Giver TIQA paragraph final draft due on Monday, 11/21
-The Giver Chapters 12-16 due on 11/21

8th Grade--11/14

Today we learned a new WM word (craven...not to be mistaken for cravin'), and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, students took a reading comprehension quiz on TKAM, and a short pretest on commas, colons & semi-colons. The data from this preassessment will guide my instruction on Thursday.

Following the quiz, students worked in groups to determine the tools of persuasion used by Atticus during the closing arguments of the trial. We shared these observations as a group, and then discussed the reading further, concentrating on the judicial system (as is being discussed in social studies) and the racial tensions of the novel.

Due tomorrow...

-Book Talk #2

Long term deadlines...

-TKAM Chapters 25-end for 11/21

7th Grade--11/14

Today students learned two new WM words (confront & bountiful), and we practiced using them in sentences. We also took a reading quiz on The Giver and discussed the following concepts as they relate to the novel.

Due tomorrow...
-None


Long term due dates...
-The Giver Chapters 12-16 due on 11/21
-Book Talk #2  on 11/18

8th Grade--11/10

Today we began by learning two new WM words (panacea & inveterate). We also practiced using these words in sentences. Next, we took notes on and discussed three tools of persuasion: ethos, pathos & logos. These tools should be used to help persuade your audience during the persuasive essay and persuasive speech. Students had 15 minutes at the end of class to continue writing their persuasive essays.

Due Monday...

--Chapters 19-24 of TKAM due

Long term deadlines...

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--11/10

Today students took the summative grammar test for trimester #1. After the test, the students were given their current grades and comments on all of their written work for the trimester. From these comments, students filled out a writing goals sheet which they put into their class portfolios.

Due Monday...
-Chapters 6-11 of The Giver due

Long term due dates...
-Book Talk #2  on 11/18

8th Grade--11/9

Today we began by learning two new WM words (fracas & reciprocate), and we then practiced using these words in sentences.

Next, we moved onto person-action-person fiction writing. We began by talking about hooks. To do this, we looked at strong hooks from student writing, and we analyzed what qualities these hooks possessed. We then began to write for the day, applying these strategies to our fiction. At the end of the period, students shared one-three sentences from their writing.

Due tomorrow...

-None

Long term deadlines...

-Chapters 19-24 of TKAM due on 11/14

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--11/9

Today we reviewed for the grammar test together by participating in grammar jeopardy for e-bucks. We also learned two new WM words (shiftless and hankering), and we practiced using them in sentences.

Below are some student-generated and teacher-generated practice questions and answer keys. Use these to help you study tonight.

Due tomorrow...
-Final grammar test of trimester #1

Long term due dates...
-Book Talk #2  on 11/18
-Chapters 6-11 of The Giver due on 11/14

8th Grade--11/8

Today we spent the period discussing the following questions about chapters 12-18 of TKAM.

Due tomorrow...

-None

Long term deadlines...

-Chapters 19-24 of TKAM due on 11/14

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--11/8

Today we began our review for the grammar test on Thursday. Students were given review sheets based on the areas of need determined in their preassessments. Many of you were unable to finish these sheets during class. While they are not homework, I encourage you to use them as review for yourself.

Due tomorrow...
-None

Long term due dates...
-Book Talk #2  on 11/18
-Final grammar assessment on 11/10
-Chapters 6-11 of The Giver due on 11/14

8th Grade--11/7

Today students submitted their grammar corrections and took a comprehension quiz on TKAM. Due to some deficiencies in terms of reading completion, I switched the agenda for Monday and Tuesday this week. If you were ill-prepared with the reading today, please have it read for tomorrow. We will be discussing those chapters in depth.

Today we read a student sample of a person-action-person short story, and then did a story generating activity together. Hopefully this gave you some strong ideas, and you'll be ready to begin with that moment of action during class on Wednesday.

Due tomorrow...

-None

Long term deadlines...

-Chapters 19-24 of TKAM due on 11/14

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--11/7

Today we took our first reading quiz on The Giver and briefly discussed some of the utopian and dystopian elements that we already see in Jonas's community. Next, students retook the grammar preassessment from the beginning of the trimester. This data is intended to help guide your own test preparation for the summative assessment on Thursday, and it will also help to guide the material that we review tomorrow and Wednesday.

We also learned a new WM word (browbeat).

Due tomorrow...
-none

Long term due dates...
-Book Talk #2  on 11/18
-Final grammar assessment on 11/10
-Chapters 6-11 of The Giver due on 11/14

8th Grade--11/3

Today we had double period social studies where we all took part in a mock trial. Great work today!

Due Monday...

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

-Grammar Corrections due on 11/7

Long term deadlines...

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

8th Grade--11/2

Today we had a combined class with SS for the first half of block. Here we discussed the details of plagiarism and answered student questions about plagiarism and proper citation.

After that, we learned a new WM word (loquacious), and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, we moved onto organizing our persuasive essay in our journal. Today's focus was on developing topic sentences for our body paragraphs.

Due tomorrow...

-Final draft of OMAM essay due (if you didn't turn it in today)

Long term deadlines...

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

-Grammar Corrections due on 11/7

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15

7th Grade--11/2

Today we learned a new WM word (deficit), and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, students learned about analogies and took notes on common analogy types. We practiced each type and provided the class with examples. Next, students were grouped off to do group activities on analogies. Whatever you did not finish of this activity should be completed individually for Monday.

I will not see you in class tomorrow, so have a wonderful weekend. Don't forget! If you haven't turned in your essay by noon tomorrow, it will be considered late.

Due Monday...
-The Giver chapters 1-5
-Analogies practice

Long term due dates...
-Book Talk #2  on 11/18
-Final grammar assessment on 11/10

8th Grade--11/1

Today we began class by learning a new WM word (rescind), and we practiced using it in sentences. Next, I passed back your grammar quizzes. Corrections on these will be due on Monday.

Then we moved onto our narrative writing. Today we worked on developing our thesis statements. We discussed the difference between persuasion and convincing, and we ended class by proudly announcing our persuasive thesis statements to the class.

Due tomorrow...

-Final draft of OMAM essay due (if you didn't turn it in today)

Long term deadlines...

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

-Grammar Corrections due on 11/7

-Book Talk #2 on 11/15