Friday
Early Release - Special Schedule
Non-fiction Friday
Handout: "Flowers for Algernon" Flow Map
Homework
Flow Map is due next Wed.
Thursday
We went over the Week 3 Day 1 and 2 vocab.
Handout: Week 3 Day 3 and 4 vocab. Students worked on this and we then checked to make sure they had the correct answers.
Handout: "Flowers for Algernon" study guide (yellow sheet), This can be worked on in class - it is not for homework,
Homework
Stem List 1-3 Quiz and Week 3 Vocab Quiz on Thursday.
Tuesday-Wednesday
Students had time to work on the "Flowers for Algernon" study guide.
Homework
Week 3 Vocab Quiz on Thursday.
Monday
We went over the Week 3 Day 1 and 2 vocab.
Handout: Week 3 Day 3 and 4 vocab. Students worked on this and we then checked to make sure they had the correct answers.
Handout: "Flowers for Algernon" study guide (yellow sheet), This can be worked on in class - it is not for homework,
Homework
Stem List 1-3 Quiz and Week 3 Vocab Quiz on Thursday.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Week of Oct. 8
Friday
Brain-challenging exercises. Non-fiction Friday (Solid Rock Intermediate). A Public Passing crossword #15. Both were collected.
Homework
Study and read
Thursday
Presentations continued.
Homework
Study and read
Wednesday
Presentations continued. We should be able to wrap them up tomorrow and continue with our short story unit.
Cookie dough fundraiser packets went home today
Homework
Study and read
Tuesday
Students continued with their presentations.
Homework
Study Stem List #3 - test next Thursday
Monday No School - Fall Break Day
Brain-challenging exercises. Non-fiction Friday (Solid Rock Intermediate). A Public Passing crossword #15. Both were collected.
Homework
Study and read
Thursday
Presentations continued.
Homework
Study and read
Wednesday
Presentations continued. We should be able to wrap them up tomorrow and continue with our short story unit.
Cookie dough fundraiser packets went home today
Homework
Study and read
Tuesday
Students continued with their presentations.
Homework
Study Stem List #3 - test next Thursday
Monday No School - Fall Break Day
Monday, October 1, 2012
Week of Oct. 1
Friday
We began the Cereal Box Project presentations.
Homework
Please have your Ideas, Language, and Grammar packet with you next week - these were handed out Sept. 17 (and the 18th for anyone who was absent on the Monday).
Thursday
Cereal Box Projects were due for extra points.
Students took the Week 2 Vocab Quiz.
Handout: Week 3 Day 1+2 w/s.
Homework
Projects due tomorrow for full points.
Wednesday
We continued reading and discussing "Flowers for Algernon" as far as the end of part 1.
Homework
Book report project due tomorrow. Test on Week 2 Vocab tomorrow.
Tuesday
Collected FB assignment. Reviewed types of characterization (round, flat, direct, indirect). Students took notes. Writing assingment as introduction to "Flowers for Algernon." Began reading and discussing FfA.
Homework
Book report project due Thursday. Test on Week 2 Vocab on Thursday (review Week 1 vocab as well as stems).
Monday
Collected remaining "Raymond's Run" questions on Five Methods of Characterization.
Analyzed "Raymond's Run" with regard to character and motivation. Students took notes and made connections to the text with the song "Someone to Lean On." (This was collected.)
Homework
Facebook Page Template. Complete for Squeaky.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Week of Sept. 24
Friday
Students took the Stem List Quiz #2, read and answered questions on the Cuban Missile Crisis, and completed a survey. The CMC results are graphed by each student in their goals folder. The SLQ #2 results are posted on our class' PDSA board for discussion and feedback.
Homework
Read and study vocab. If you have not completed the informational test diagnostic, please do so. Pls send me a copy of your results.
Access to Learning Express Resources via Phoenix Public Library: (phxlib.org...Learning and Research...Learning Express).
Thursday
We worked on Characterization and Common Nouns w/s 33-34. These were collected.
Homework
Study Stems Lists 1 and 2 for tomorrow's quiz.
Monday-Wednesday
Students worked on characterization and nouns.
We also did indepth work on analogies using my website.
Homework
Read and study vocab.
Students took the Stem List Quiz #2, read and answered questions on the Cuban Missile Crisis, and completed a survey. The CMC results are graphed by each student in their goals folder. The SLQ #2 results are posted on our class' PDSA board for discussion and feedback.
Homework
Read and study vocab. If you have not completed the informational test diagnostic, please do so. Pls send me a copy of your results.
Access to Learning Express Resources via Phoenix Public Library: (phxlib.org...Learning and Research...Learning Express).
Thursday
We worked on Characterization and Common Nouns w/s 33-34. These were collected.
Homework
Study Stems Lists 1 and 2 for tomorrow's quiz.
Monday-Wednesday
Students worked on characterization and nouns.
We also did indepth work on analogies using my website.
Homework
Read and study vocab.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Week of Sept. 17
Friday
Students showcased their creativity while presenting the Parts of Speech poem. Great jobs!!
Homework
Read and study vocab. If you have not completed the informational test diagnostic, please do so. Pls send me a copy of your results.
(phxlib.org...Learning and Research...Learning Express).
Thursday
Students revised and improved on their pen pal letters before e-mailing me the letter as an attachment and handing in a hard copy.
Homework
Work on poem presentation. No test tomorrow - technology hampering availabliity.
Wednesday
We engaged in a diagnostic test on the Learning Express site (part of the Phx. Public Library website).
Homework
Finish the diagnostic test at home and save the results.
Tuesday
Handout: Parts of Speech poem
Students had time to go to practice their presentation.
Homework
Study Stem List 2 for quiz on Friday; review Stem List #1 and Week 1 words - I include previously learned material in tests. Read; it's imperative you have a book to read with you each day at school.
Monday
Crosswords from Friday were turned in.
We graded the Week 1 test and I collected it again.
Handout: Ideas, Language, and Grammar Packet
Students had time to go to the library and/or read their novel.
Homework
Study Stem List 2 for quiz on Friday; review Stem List #1 and Week 1 words - I include previously learned material in tests. Read; it's imperative you have a book to read with you each day at school
HAVE YOUR LIBRARY CARD AND/OR NUMBER WITH YOU FROM NOW ON.
Students showcased their creativity while presenting the Parts of Speech poem. Great jobs!!
Homework
Read and study vocab. If you have not completed the informational test diagnostic, please do so. Pls send me a copy of your results.
(phxlib.org...Learning and Research...Learning Express).
Thursday
Students revised and improved on their pen pal letters before e-mailing me the letter as an attachment and handing in a hard copy.
Homework
Work on poem presentation. No test tomorrow - technology hampering availabliity.
Wednesday
We engaged in a diagnostic test on the Learning Express site (part of the Phx. Public Library website).
Homework
Finish the diagnostic test at home and save the results.
Tuesday
Handout: Parts of Speech poem
Students had time to go to practice their presentation.
Homework
Study Stem List 2 for quiz on Friday; review Stem List #1 and Week 1 words - I include previously learned material in tests. Read; it's imperative you have a book to read with you each day at school.
Monday
Crosswords from Friday were turned in.
We graded the Week 1 test and I collected it again.
Handout: Ideas, Language, and Grammar Packet
Students had time to go to the library and/or read their novel.
Homework
Study Stem List 2 for quiz on Friday; review Stem List #1 and Week 1 words - I include previously learned material in tests. Read; it's imperative you have a book to read with you each day at school
HAVE YOUR LIBRARY CARD AND/OR NUMBER WITH YOU FROM NOW ON.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Week of Sept. 3
This week students
- engaged in grammar, mechanics, and usage activities
- had time to study and work on their Stems List #1 (test postponed until next week - keep studying)
- took the Week 1 Vocab test (Thursday)
- completed a New York Times activity online [With one partner, choose your top 10 Innovations. Open a Word doc, rank them from highest (10 - best) to lowest in Word (put the name of the innovation in bold). Explain why you chose each one (type 2-3 well-written sentences). Do NOT copy and paste - that would be plagiarism. Remember to do quality work. Delete any extra blank pages, make sure names of both you and your partner plus date and period are at the top, and print.] Those who finished turned their work in. There will be time next week for the rest to complete and print their work.
Homework
Take the ELA Survey - Fall. Some still have to take it!!
Read; it's imperative you have a book to read with you each day at school
Test Tues., Wed., or Thurs. of next week on Stems List 1 - including locating stems in English words - grammar and mechanics, and Week 1 vocab
Library cards are in!! If you have your own card from the Phoenix Public Library, please have it with you from now on (or memorize the number).
- engaged in grammar, mechanics, and usage activities
- had time to study and work on their Stems List #1 (test postponed until next week - keep studying)
- took the Week 1 Vocab test (Thursday)
- completed a New York Times activity online [With one partner, choose your top 10 Innovations. Open a Word doc, rank them from highest (10 - best) to lowest in Word (put the name of the innovation in bold). Explain why you chose each one (type 2-3 well-written sentences). Do NOT copy and paste - that would be plagiarism. Remember to do quality work. Delete any extra blank pages, make sure names of both you and your partner plus date and period are at the top, and print.] Those who finished turned their work in. There will be time next week for the rest to complete and print their work.
Homework
Take the ELA Survey - Fall. Some still have to take it!!
Read; it's imperative you have a book to read with you each day at school
Test Tues., Wed., or Thurs. of next week on Stems List 1 - including locating stems in English words - grammar and mechanics, and Week 1 vocab
Library cards are in!! If you have your own card from the Phoenix Public Library, please have it with you from now on (or memorize the number).
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Week of Aug. 27
This week students will
- organize and update their Goals folder
- create a class mission and goal statement for our PDSA
- take the DRA (District Reading Assessment - not for a grade) (Tuesday)
- engage in grammar, mechanics, and usage activities
- have time to study and work on their Stems List #1
- receive feedback on their Vocabulary Webs (Friday)
Homework
Take the ELA Survey - Fall
Complete TWO revisions of the Vocab Webs by Tuesday (same words)
Test on Wed./Thurs. will include Stem List #1 definitions and English words; Week 1 Days 1-4 vocab + spelling; grammar; dictation.
- organize and update their Goals folder
- create a class mission and goal statement for our PDSA
- take the DRA (District Reading Assessment - not for a grade) (Tuesday)
- engage in grammar, mechanics, and usage activities
- have time to study and work on their Stems List #1
- receive feedback on their Vocabulary Webs (Friday)
Homework
Take the ELA Survey - Fall
Complete TWO revisions of the Vocab Webs by Tuesday (same words)
Test on Wed./Thurs. will include Stem List #1 definitions and English words; Week 1 Days 1-4 vocab + spelling; grammar; dictation.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Week of Aug. 20
This week students will
- organize and label their five folders
- discuss learning strategies that they find effective for the particular type of learner they are
- Handout: African Fire packet for reading comprehension (due Friday)
- in cooperative groups, complete Literary Elements x-wd (to be used as a study guide)
- take the SRI (Student Reading Inventory) to determine their lexile level and receive a customized list of books at their level (Thursday)
- engage in grammar, mechanics, and usage activities
- finish, print, and hand in their pen pal letters (Friday)- take a test on Stems List #1 (Friday)
- stretch their brains by completing the Gory Gardening crossword puzzle (turned in)
Homework
Don't forget to take the ELA Survey - Fall before next Friday
- organize and label their five folders
- discuss learning strategies that they find effective for the particular type of learner they are
- Handout: African Fire packet for reading comprehension (due Friday)
- in cooperative groups, complete Literary Elements x-wd (to be used as a study guide)
- take the SRI (Student Reading Inventory) to determine their lexile level and receive a customized list of books at their level (Thursday)
- engage in grammar, mechanics, and usage activities
- finish, print, and hand in their pen pal letters (Friday)- take a test on Stems List #1 (Friday)
- stretch their brains by completing the Gory Gardening crossword puzzle (turned in)
Homework
Don't forget to take the ELA Survey - Fall before next Friday
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Week of Aug. 13
Friday
Back to School Survey and writing activity. Students shared in class and then turned it in.
Homework
Study stems. Get a book for class. Read!
Thursday
Pre-test on Reading Comprehension. Multiple Intelligences Survey and graphing activity.
Homework
Study stems. Finish MI Survey. All forms due Friday (tomorrow).
Wednesday
In the lab, students began their friendly letter to a pen pal.
Handout: Stem List 1 (Test 8/24)
Homework
Complete ELA Suvey - Fall at home. Study stems (terms and definition; know which words contain which stems.
Tuesday
Collected library cards.
We went over and discussed the Adv. Language Arts syllabus in class.
Handout: Syllabus Acknowledgement form
Students brains were challenged with Murder Mystery Crossword Puzzle #33.
Homework
Finish #34 puzzle for extra enrichment. Turn both puzzles in tomorrow.
Have parent complete Syllabus Acknowledgement form and return to me tomorrow.
Monday
Welcome back!
Handout: Phx Public Library Card application form
Grammar and Syntax Pre-Test (Wm & M)
Top 10 reasons it's good to be back at school
Homework
Fill out and return application form
.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Read, Read, Read!!
Get into the habit of writing reading response journals while you are reading your books. These should be written as you read the novel and not all at once. Responding to what you are reading helps you think more critically about what you are reading. It should not be a summary of the plot; it should be about something you find interesting, important, and/or can relate to.
Check out What 2 Read? for lots of ideas on what to read.
Check out What 2 Read? for lots of ideas on what to read.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Week of May 7
Monday
Collected Book Report Recipe
Journaling: Use complete sentences when you write.
1. On a fresh sheet of paper, write the date. Read the prompt below and respond in three paragraphs.
Give your piece a good title. Imagine your best friend steals your boyfriend or girlfriend. Describe the short-term and long-term effects on your friendship and on your other friendships.
2. Skip four lines. Write the date. Read the following: A series of events has made you a target of the paparazzi and one of the world’s most sought-after celebrities. How did this happen and how are you dealing with it. Respond in two good paragraphs.
3. Skip four lines or use a fresh sheet of paper. Write the title (A Day in the Life of…). Read the prompt below and respond: In a sci-fi kind of style, you have magically gained the ability to change into the person you most want to be in the world. Describe a day in your life. Students had time to work on their Alphabiography Project.
Homework
Work on Alphabiography Project
Collected Book Report Recipe
Journaling: Use complete sentences when you write.
1. On a fresh sheet of paper, write the date. Read the prompt below and respond in three paragraphs.
Give your piece a good title. Imagine your best friend steals your boyfriend or girlfriend. Describe the short-term and long-term effects on your friendship and on your other friendships.
2. Skip four lines. Write the date. Read the following: A series of events has made you a target of the paparazzi and one of the world’s most sought-after celebrities. How did this happen and how are you dealing with it. Respond in two good paragraphs.
3. Skip four lines or use a fresh sheet of paper. Write the title (A Day in the Life of…). Read the prompt below and respond: In a sci-fi kind of style, you have magically gained the ability to change into the person you most want to be in the world. Describe a day in your life. Students had time to work on their Alphabiography Project.
Homework
Work on Alphabiography Project
Monday, April 16, 2012
Problems updating the blog
Blogger has made changes to its interface, and this is causing me numerous problems when trying to update the blog. Please excuse the delays. You should be able to find the latest information in your child's agenda.
Week of April 16
Monday through Thursday
AIMS testing ~ Special Schedule
Homework: Read. Friday
Early Release ~ Special Schedule
Assembly took most of our class time.
Homework: Read and study stems list #7.
AIMS testing ~ Special Schedule
Homework: Read. Friday
Early Release ~ Special Schedule
Assembly took most of our class time.
Homework: Read and study stems list #7.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Week of April 9
Tuesday through Friday
We reviewed for AIMS.
Change: No Stems List #7 test until the week after AIMS.
Stems List #7 sentences are due the day of the test.
Homework: Work on Reading Journal Packet.
Monday
I checked for the Stems List #7 - will collect on Thursday.
We practiced completing a sample AIMS test, reviewed answers, determined where mistakes (if any) were made, noted the errors near the questions/answers, and turned the packet in.
Homework:
Stems List #7 quiz on Thursday, April 12
Finish the "Allusion" packet.
We reviewed for AIMS.
Change: No Stems List #7 test until the week after AIMS.
Stems List #7 sentences are due the day of the test.
Homework: Work on Reading Journal Packet.
Monday
I checked for the Stems List #7 - will collect on Thursday.
We practiced completing a sample AIMS test, reviewed answers, determined where mistakes (if any) were made, noted the errors near the questions/answers, and turned the packet in.
Homework:
Stems List #7 quiz on Thursday, April 12
Finish the "Allusion" packet.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Week of April 2
Friday
No School - Spring Break Day
Wednesday/Thursday
Test prep work; time to work on reading journal projects and stems list.
Homework:
Stems List #7 sentences are due Mon., April 9
Test next Wed. or Thursday on stems list #7.
Tuesday
Handout: Stems List #7.
Students practiced categorizing words in alphabetical order (according to their place in a dictionary). On the back, they were to use five of the given words correctly in a sentence (one sentence per word). This w/s was turned in.
They then began a packet on reading comprehension. They were to get to page 7 today, and will continue tomorrow. (The packet was turned in.)
Homework:
Stems List #7 sentences are due Mon., April 9
Directions for Stem List #7:
1. Number each stem on the list.
2. On the back or on a separate sheet, write a GOOD sentence using EACH one of the listed words correctly (follow the same order). The meaning of the word should be clear.
3. In the sentence, capitalize the stem portion of the word.
Example: Becky Sue had to get braces from the ORTHOdontist so her teeth would grow straight
4. Skip a line between sentences.
Reading Journal due April 27
What counts: Neatness, Creativity, Effort, Accuracy
Monday
Collected Stems List 1-6.
The class went to the library to check out books they had not read before, books that will be used to complete the Reading Journal.
Handout: Reading Journal
Homework:
Reading Journal due April 27
What counts: Neatness, Creativity, Effort, Accuracy
No School - Spring Break Day
Wednesday/Thursday
Test prep work; time to work on reading journal projects and stems list.
Homework:
Stems List #7 sentences are due Mon., April 9
Test next Wed. or Thursday on stems list #7.
Tuesday
Handout: Stems List #7.
Students practiced categorizing words in alphabetical order (according to their place in a dictionary). On the back, they were to use five of the given words correctly in a sentence (one sentence per word). This w/s was turned in.
They then began a packet on reading comprehension. They were to get to page 7 today, and will continue tomorrow. (The packet was turned in.)
Homework:
Stems List #7 sentences are due Mon., April 9
Directions for Stem List #7:
1. Number each stem on the list.
2. On the back or on a separate sheet, write a GOOD sentence using EACH one of the listed words correctly (follow the same order). The meaning of the word should be clear.
3. In the sentence, capitalize the stem portion of the word.
Example: Becky Sue had to get braces from the ORTHOdontist so her teeth would grow straight
4. Skip a line between sentences.
Reading Journal due April 27
What counts: Neatness, Creativity, Effort, Accuracy
Monday
Collected Stems List 1-6.
The class went to the library to check out books they had not read before, books that will be used to complete the Reading Journal.
Handout: Reading Journal
Homework:
Reading Journal due April 27
What counts: Neatness, Creativity, Effort, Accuracy
Monday, March 26, 2012
Week of March 26
Friday
Students finalized the Literary Devices Crossword and turned it in.
Handout: Vocab stems 1-6
See how many you know without looking at your stems list. Then fill in the rest using your list.
Homework:
Vocab stems list is due Monday.
Thursday
Special Schedule - No Class Today
Thursday
Students finalize the Literary Devices Crossword and turn it in.
Handout: Vocab stems 1-6
See how many you know without looking a your stems list. Then fill in the
Homework:
Lit. Devices is not homework; we will continue it on Friday.
Wednesday
Error/Fixit: Ides of March/Volcanic Iceland
Students analysed the news article "Tighter Security for the SAT" using the News Article Analysis w/s. The w/s was then turned in.
Homework:
Lit. Devices is not homework; we will continue it on Friday.
Tuesday
Error/Fixit: Nuts for Pecans/Larsen B Ice Shelf
We revised for and took the final Parts of Speech / Sentence Structure test, graded it, and turned it in.
Handout: Literary Devices crossword (review - students could work in groups and use their notebooks).
Homework:
Lit. Devices is not homework; we will continue it on Friday.
Monday
Error/Fixit: Tunisia/Silly Putty
Paragraph structure work: Japanese-Amercans During WWII and Albert Einstein: Winning the Race to Develop the Atom Bomb
The first was turned in; the second w/s was to be finished for homework
Students also challenged their brains by completing Animal Crackers and Checked-out Charlie crossword puzzles.
Homework:
Finish w/s 229 - due tomorrow
Students finalized the Literary Devices Crossword and turned it in.
Handout: Vocab stems 1-6
See how many you know without looking at your stems list. Then fill in the rest using your list.
Homework:
Vocab stems list is due Monday.
Thursday
Special Schedule - No Class Today
Thursday
Students finalize the Literary Devices Crossword and turn it in.
Handout: Vocab stems 1-6
See how many you know without looking a your stems list. Then fill in the
Homework:
Lit. Devices is not homework; we will continue it on Friday.
Wednesday
Error/Fixit: Ides of March/Volcanic Iceland
Students analysed the news article "Tighter Security for the SAT" using the News Article Analysis w/s. The w/s was then turned in.
Homework:
Lit. Devices is not homework; we will continue it on Friday.
Tuesday
Error/Fixit: Nuts for Pecans/Larsen B Ice Shelf
We revised for and took the final Parts of Speech / Sentence Structure test, graded it, and turned it in.
Handout: Literary Devices crossword (review - students could work in groups and use their notebooks).
Homework:
Lit. Devices is not homework; we will continue it on Friday.
Monday
Error/Fixit: Tunisia/Silly Putty
Paragraph structure work: Japanese-Amercans During WWII and Albert Einstein: Winning the Race to Develop the Atom Bomb
The first was turned in; the second w/s was to be finished for homework
Students also challenged their brains by completing Animal Crackers and Checked-out Charlie crossword puzzles.
Homework:
Finish w/s 229 - due tomorrow
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Week of March 12
Friday
7th/8th grade field trip
Thursday
Stems List #6 Quiz.
In groups, students continued discussing and completing the Turning to the Dictionary for Help Packet (3-3 to 3-8), which was due at theend of the period.
Homework:
Read
Wednesday
Error/Fixit
Handout: Turning to the Dictionary for Help Packet (3-3 to 3-8)
In groups, students discussed and worked on the Turning to the Dictionary for Help Packet.
It was turned in, and students will finish it tomorrow.
Homework:
Stem List #6 sentences - due tomorrow
Quiz on the Stems #6 tomorrow
Tuesday
Students worked on posters featuring aspects of Pirate Pride for tomorrow's Whirlybird Wednesday.
Homework:
Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/15
Quiz on the Stems on Thursday
Monday
Collected Sonnets.
Error/Fixit: Ezra Jack Keats/Tuskegee Airmen
Students had time to work on their Stem List #6 sentences.
Homework:
Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/15
Quiz on them Thursday
7th/8th grade field trip
Thursday
Stems List #6 Quiz.
In groups, students continued discussing and completing the Turning to the Dictionary for Help Packet (3-3 to 3-8), which was due at theend of the period.
Homework:
Read
Wednesday
Error/Fixit
Handout: Turning to the Dictionary for Help Packet (3-3 to 3-8)
In groups, students discussed and worked on the Turning to the Dictionary for Help Packet.
It was turned in, and students will finish it tomorrow.
Homework:
Stem List #6 sentences - due tomorrow
Quiz on the Stems #6 tomorrow
Tuesday
Students worked on posters featuring aspects of Pirate Pride for tomorrow's Whirlybird Wednesday.
Homework:
Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/15
Quiz on the Stems on Thursday
Monday
Collected Sonnets.
Error/Fixit: Ezra Jack Keats/Tuskegee Airmen
Students had time to work on their Stem List #6 sentences.
Homework:
Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/15
Quiz on them Thursday
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Here's an example of a modern-day sonnet
The Little Penguin
By clayhoop, Mesa, AZ
On top of the cliff, a flash of black and white,
A trail of icy mist lies in its wake.
It hurtles o'er the edge and out of sight,
A penguin's life and much more is at stake.
For this li'l penguin had the thought in his head,
The flippers by his side were really wings.
The thought ne'er crossed his mind he could be dead,
For flying seemed as easy as swimming.
Inspiration had come when he saw another fly
Away from a thrashing killer whale's jaws.
He thought, If they can do it, so can I!
Though it defied all Mother Nature's laws.
Before hitting the waves he finally started to glide,
He didn't quite fly but felt like it inside
retrieved 3/10/12 from http://teenink.com/poetry/sonnet/article/220524/The-Little-Penguin/
By clayhoop, Mesa, AZ
On top of the cliff, a flash of black and white,
A trail of icy mist lies in its wake.
It hurtles o'er the edge and out of sight,
A penguin's life and much more is at stake.
For this li'l penguin had the thought in his head,
The flippers by his side were really wings.
The thought ne'er crossed his mind he could be dead,
For flying seemed as easy as swimming.
Inspiration had come when he saw another fly
Away from a thrashing killer whale's jaws.
He thought, If they can do it, so can I!
Though it defied all Mother Nature's laws.
Before hitting the waves he finally started to glide,
He didn't quite fly but felt like it inside
retrieved 3/10/12 from http://teenink.com/poetry/sonnet/article/220524/The-Little-Penguin/
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Week of March 5
Friday
I collected the worksheets from yesterday.
Students watched a documentary on E. A. Poe and completed a worksheet on the poet.
Poe worksheet was turned in.
Those who were absent can view the documentary online at the following sites:
E.A. Poe Biography
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
On a blank sheet of paper, make three columns, landscape format. Label them: What I already know about Edgar Allen Poe; Some things I wonder about him; Interesting details from the documentary
Fill in the first two, then fill in the last one as you watch the videos.
Homework:
If absent, view documentary online and complete worksheet.
Stems List #6 sentences due Thursday, 3/15, and there will be a test on them next week.
Sonnet due 3/12 - see example above; follow rubric!
Thursday
Students worked on grammar, syntax, figurative language, literary elements, spelling, and vocabulary (Language Practice Week 9 and 10, and Week 5 Friday (O. Henry).
Homework:
Finish w/s for homework
Wednesday
Error/Fixit: Barbie/Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Handouts: Shakespearean Sonnet Rubric; Sonnet example; Poem in Pocket w/s for tomorrow
We reviewed and practised the iambic pentameter and the structure of Shakespearean Sonnets.
Homework:
Find poem for Poem in your Pocket Day - tomorrow
Start on Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/16
Shakespearean Sonnet due Monday, 3/12 (follow rubric)
Tuesday
Collected ballads
Error/Fixit: Ohio/Dr. Seuss
We watched videos on iambic pentameter and writing a sonnet.
Students formed groups and jigsawed the handout Writing Shakespearean Sonnets.
Homework:
Find poem for Poem in your Pocket week.
Start on Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/16
Monday
Collected Grammar Packets from last week
Error/Fixit: The Pig/Whooping Crane
We listened to a reading by James Earl Jones of E.A. Poe's "The Raven."
Students began their own ballads based on Bad Country Ballads w/s.
Requirements: 16 lines; couplets rhyme; must tell a story
Homework:
Final copy of original ballad due tomorrow
Start on Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/16
Quiz on them next week
I collected the worksheets from yesterday.
Students watched a documentary on E. A. Poe and completed a worksheet on the poet.
Poe worksheet was turned in.
Those who were absent can view the documentary online at the following sites:
E.A. Poe Biography
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
On a blank sheet of paper, make three columns, landscape format. Label them: What I already know about Edgar Allen Poe; Some things I wonder about him; Interesting details from the documentary
Fill in the first two, then fill in the last one as you watch the videos.
Homework:
If absent, view documentary online and complete worksheet.
Stems List #6 sentences due Thursday, 3/15, and there will be a test on them next week.
Sonnet due 3/12 - see example above; follow rubric!
Thursday
Students worked on grammar, syntax, figurative language, literary elements, spelling, and vocabulary (Language Practice Week 9 and 10, and Week 5 Friday (O. Henry).
Homework:
Finish w/s for homework
Wednesday
Error/Fixit: Barbie/Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Handouts: Shakespearean Sonnet Rubric; Sonnet example; Poem in Pocket w/s for tomorrow
We reviewed and practised the iambic pentameter and the structure of Shakespearean Sonnets.
Homework:
Find poem for Poem in your Pocket Day - tomorrow
Start on Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/16
Shakespearean Sonnet due Monday, 3/12 (follow rubric)
Tuesday
Collected ballads
Error/Fixit: Ohio/Dr. Seuss
We watched videos on iambic pentameter and writing a sonnet.
Students formed groups and jigsawed the handout Writing Shakespearean Sonnets.
Homework:
Find poem for Poem in your Pocket week.
Start on Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/16
Monday
Collected Grammar Packets from last week
Error/Fixit: The Pig/Whooping Crane
We listened to a reading by James Earl Jones of E.A. Poe's "The Raven."
Students began their own ballads based on Bad Country Ballads w/s.
Requirements: 16 lines; couplets rhyme; must tell a story
Homework:
Final copy of original ballad due tomorrow
Start on Stem List #6 sentences - due 3/16
Quiz on them next week
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Week of Feb. 27
Friday
Early Release - Special Schedule
Students turned in Spine Poems
Thursday
Collected Stems List #5 sentences
Students took the Stems List #5 Quiz.
Homework:
Spine Poems due tomorrow
Language Packets due Monday
Wednesday
Students presented their findings.
Grammar: George Frederick Handel/First Woman Dentist
Students then began a close reading of an article on leap years. Homework:
Stems List #5 Quiz tomorrow
Spine Poems due Fri., 3/2
Tuesday
We covered grammar with Pluto/Michael Jordan and then found examples of figurative language in a ballad. In groups, they created posters of their findings.
Homework:
Add one stanza to the ballad, keeping the rhythm and rhyme scheme.
Stems List #5 quiz on Thursday
Monday
Students took the District Reading Assessment online and then wrote letters to their pen pals.
Homework:
Work on Stems List #5 - due tomorrow
Spine Poems due Fri., 3/2
Early Release - Special Schedule
Students turned in Spine Poems
Thursday
Collected Stems List #5 sentences
Students took the Stems List #5 Quiz.
Homework:
Spine Poems due tomorrow
Language Packets due Monday
Wednesday
Students presented their findings.
Grammar: George Frederick Handel/First Woman Dentist
Students then began a close reading of an article on leap years. Homework:
Stems List #5 Quiz tomorrow
Spine Poems due Fri., 3/2
Tuesday
We covered grammar with Pluto/Michael Jordan and then found examples of figurative language in a ballad. In groups, they created posters of their findings.
Homework:
Add one stanza to the ballad, keeping the rhythm and rhyme scheme.
Stems List #5 quiz on Thursday
Monday
Students took the District Reading Assessment online and then wrote letters to their pen pals.
Homework:
Work on Stems List #5 - due tomorrow
Spine Poems due Fri., 3/2
Friday, February 24, 2012
Week of Feb. 20
Friday
Bookfair Preview.
Brain-stretching Exercises:
The Abandoned
A Waiter's Lot
The Train Driver
Homework:
Work on Stems List #5 - due Tuesday, 2/28
Spine Poems due Fri., 3/2
Thursday
Grammar editing Arizona/Grant Wood
Stems List #1-4 Quiz
Homework:
Work on Stems List #5 - due Tuesday, 2/28
Wednesday
We worked on prepositional phrases, prepositions, parts of speech, and grammar and turned in the Preposition Recall and Parts of Speech w/s.
Handout: Spine Poems - due 3/2
Homework:
Stems Test 1-4 tomorrow.
Work on Spie Poems
Tuesday
We worked on improving our sentences to make them more interesting and took notes in our notebooks.
Homework:
Study Stems List #5; create original sentences following the model of the others: Following the order in List #5, write the stem, a dash, an English word with the stem; on the next line, write a sentence with the word used correctly. Then skip a line and repeat the steps
Monday
No School - Presidents' Day
Bookfair Preview.
Brain-stretching Exercises:
The Abandoned
A Waiter's Lot
The Train Driver
Homework:
Work on Stems List #5 - due Tuesday, 2/28
Spine Poems due Fri., 3/2
Thursday
Grammar editing Arizona/Grant Wood
Stems List #1-4 Quiz
Homework:
Work on Stems List #5 - due Tuesday, 2/28
Wednesday
We worked on prepositional phrases, prepositions, parts of speech, and grammar and turned in the Preposition Recall and Parts of Speech w/s.
Handout: Spine Poems - due 3/2
Homework:
Stems Test 1-4 tomorrow.
Work on Spie Poems
Tuesday
We worked on improving our sentences to make them more interesting and took notes in our notebooks.
Homework:
Study Stems List #5; create original sentences following the model of the others: Following the order in List #5, write the stem, a dash, an English word with the stem; on the next line, write a sentence with the word used correctly. Then skip a line and repeat the steps
Monday
No School - Presidents' Day
Monday, February 13, 2012
Week of Feb. 13
Friday
Students responded in writing to several prompts:
#132 - First Impressions; #135 - The Handsome, Rude Man...
#139 - That was then, this is now
#139 - Before using commas
Homework:
Stems Test next week on #1-4.
Thursday
Collected Stems List #1-4 assignment and the Language Collection Chart.
Continued with practicing sentence variety, especially with -ing at the beginning and the end.
Homework:
Read
Wednesday
We worked on ways to vary our sentence structure using two adjectives at the beginning, and -ing at the beginning and at the end.
Students took notes and then practiced creating their own sentences.
Homework:
Study and finish the stem list sentences (due Friday)
Tuesday
Students worked on grammar, figurative language, mechanics, and summarizing skills.
The packet was turned in at the end of class.
Homework:
Study and finish the stem list sentences (due Friday)
Monday
Students used their stems list to complete the Stems List #1-4 packet. They will use this as a study guide.
After they matched up all the words:
On a separate sheet of paper, give ONE example of EACH of the stems (in the same order as on the yellow sheet) and use it correctly in a sentence.
Skip a line between stem/word/sentence and the next stem/word/sentence.
Homework:
Finish the assignment over the next few days - it is due Friday.
In case you have misplaced it, a copy of the list can be found here.
Students responded in writing to several prompts:
#132 - First Impressions; #135 - The Handsome, Rude Man...
#139 - That was then, this is now
#139 - Before using commas
Homework:
Stems Test next week on #1-4.
Thursday
Collected Stems List #1-4 assignment and the Language Collection Chart.
Continued with practicing sentence variety, especially with -ing at the beginning and the end.
Homework:
Read
Wednesday
We worked on ways to vary our sentence structure using two adjectives at the beginning, and -ing at the beginning and at the end.
Students took notes and then practiced creating their own sentences.
Homework:
Study and finish the stem list sentences (due Friday)
Tuesday
Students worked on grammar, figurative language, mechanics, and summarizing skills.
The packet was turned in at the end of class.
Homework:
Study and finish the stem list sentences (due Friday)
Monday
Students used their stems list to complete the Stems List #1-4 packet. They will use this as a study guide.
After they matched up all the words:
On a separate sheet of paper, give ONE example of EACH of the stems (in the same order as on the yellow sheet) and use it correctly in a sentence.
Skip a line between stem/word/sentence and the next stem/word/sentence.
Homework:
Finish the assignment over the next few days - it is due Friday.
In case you have misplaced it, a copy of the list can be found here.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Week of Jan. 30
Friday
Students continued to work on the videos for their pen pals in Ukraine.
Homework:
Read and review as needed.
Thursday
Students took the Literary Elements quiz.
They then completed a Dictionary Scavenger Hunt and edited the Edison/Groundhog Day w/s (all of which they turned in).
Homework:
Read and review as needed.
Wednesday
No School for students - Staff Development Day.
Tuesday
We worked on our videos for our pen pals.
Handout: Language Collection Sheet - due Feb. 16.
Directions: Fill out as you complete your personal reading.
Homework:
Study for test.
Monday
We worked on our videos for our pen pals.
Homework:
Study for test.
Students continued to work on the videos for their pen pals in Ukraine.
Homework:
Read and review as needed.
Thursday
Students took the Literary Elements quiz.
They then completed a Dictionary Scavenger Hunt and edited the Edison/Groundhog Day w/s (all of which they turned in).
Homework:
Read and review as needed.
Wednesday
No School for students - Staff Development Day.
Tuesday
We worked on our videos for our pen pals.
Handout: Language Collection Sheet - due Feb. 16.
Directions: Fill out as you complete your personal reading.
Homework:
Study for test.
Monday
We worked on our videos for our pen pals.
Homework:
Study for test.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Week of Jan. 9
Friday
Students took the "Amazing" test with spelling words from BTales. They then finished the posters from yesterday and turned them in.
Homework:
None
Thursday
Skills covered: Editing, sentence structure, summarizing, main idea and supporting details, creative writing, cooperative groups on the topic of Friday the 13th.
Homework:
Study for test.
Wednesday
I collected the "We Cool" poems.
We reviewed poetic devices (Carl Sandburg to Haiku).
Homework:
Monday Week 1 Language Practice (two-sided w/s) due tomorrow.
Study BTales Vocab (spelling and definition) up to #24
Test on "Amazing" on Friday
Bring a book to read each day
Tuesday
I collected the Reading Logs.
BTales #26
oh no guys it looks like some of the most insufferable teachers followed us to the eighth grade moans pauline puerile in dejection as she frowned
Vocab: insufferable, puerile, dejection
Handed back first packet on Writing Poetry.
Handout: New packet on Writing Poetry (Gwendolyn Brooks, etc.)
Students wrote a rough draft poem based on the style of "We Cool"
Homework:
Write the poem on a lined sheet of paper (to be turned in).
Monday
Welcome back!
Students respoded to one of two writing prompts in their journals (kept in the classroom).
Then they worked on word exercises (Brain Daily Wordplay).
Handout: Monday Week 1 Language Practice (two-sided w/s).
Handout: New vocab song, "Amazing."
Homework:
Finish Monday Week 1 Language Practice (two-sided w/s).
Study BTales Vocab (spelling and definition) up to #24
Test on "Amazing" on Friday
Bring a book to read each day
Reading Log (pink sheet) due tomorrow
Students took the "Amazing" test with spelling words from BTales. They then finished the posters from yesterday and turned them in.
Homework:
None
Thursday
Skills covered: Editing, sentence structure, summarizing, main idea and supporting details, creative writing, cooperative groups on the topic of Friday the 13th.
Homework:
Study for test.
Wednesday
I collected the "We Cool" poems.
We reviewed poetic devices (Carl Sandburg to Haiku).
Homework:
Monday Week 1 Language Practice (two-sided w/s) due tomorrow.
Study BTales Vocab (spelling and definition) up to #24
Test on "Amazing" on Friday
Bring a book to read each day
Tuesday
I collected the Reading Logs.
BTales #26
oh no guys it looks like some of the most insufferable teachers followed us to the eighth grade moans pauline puerile in dejection as she frowned
Vocab: insufferable, puerile, dejection
Handed back first packet on Writing Poetry.
Handout: New packet on Writing Poetry (Gwendolyn Brooks, etc.)
Students wrote a rough draft poem based on the style of "We Cool"
Homework:
Write the poem on a lined sheet of paper (to be turned in).
Monday
Welcome back!
Students respoded to one of two writing prompts in their journals (kept in the classroom).
Then they worked on word exercises (Brain Daily Wordplay).
Handout: Monday Week 1 Language Practice (two-sided w/s).
Handout: New vocab song, "Amazing."
Homework:
Finish Monday Week 1 Language Practice (two-sided w/s).
Study BTales Vocab (spelling and definition) up to #24
Test on "Amazing" on Friday
Bring a book to read each day
Reading Log (pink sheet) due tomorrow
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