Assignment /required each day
Students are required to read at least thirty minutes each day. A Reading log form( See links -left hand side of website) needs to be filled out and submitted to Teacher at the end of the trimester. Conference with teacher is also required - once they have finished a book.
Classwork/ assignments will be in ascending order.
6/2/2015 - 2/8/2015
At the start of class - membean for 15 minutes.
Students will work on newspaper project.
6/1/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
NewspaperProject/handout for novel Of Mice and Men / To Kill a Mockingbird will be introduced. Students will be allowed to work in groups or with a partner. Due date for project is Tuesday 6/9.
Students should have an independent novel with them when they come to class each day -due date for Book Log Form is Monday 6/15.
5/28/2015 - 5/29/2015
All classes will be watching the movie Of Mice and Men.
Movie review sheet will be handed out at the beginning of the movie - information about the movie will be written on whiteboard.
Movie review sheet is due Monday 6/1.
5/27/2017
Test over Of Mice and Men.
Membean for 15 minutes.
5/26/2015
Membean for 15 minutes - periods 3 and 4.
Membean assessment for 5 and 6.
5/22/2015
Membean assessment for periods 3 and 4.
Step up day to TA.
5/21/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Review for test (5/27) over Of Mice and Men - character descriptions, themes, setting, symbols, similes, point of view, vocabulary.
Students will be able to take notes( to be used when test is given) on one side of a 3"X5" index card. No re-takes of test .
5/20/2015
Membean for 15 minutes
Venn Diagram worksheet - George and Lennie.
Possible questions that could be on test will be discussed in class.
Assignment - Using puzzlemaker.com, make up a crossword puzzle (under criss cross) as part of a review for the novel. Have at least 15 clues /answers using characters, symbols, themes , vocabulary, and similes. Due date for the assignment is Thursday 5/21.
5/19/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Test Tuesday 5/26 over Of Mice and Men.
Chapter 6 will be read in class.
TKAM - finish novel by Friday 5/22.
5/18/2015
Membean assessment. Class discussion over questions for chapters 4 and 5 - Of Mice and Men
5/15/2015
Membean for 15 minutes. There will be a membean assessment on Monday 5/18.
TKAM - see 5/13 for assignment.
Of Mice and Men - Read chapters 4 and 5 (pp. 66 - 98 ) for Monday 5/18. Worksheet for chapters 4 and 5 will be handed out- due Monday 5/18 along with chapter 3 questions. Be prepared for a quiz over chapters 4 and 5.
5/14/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
In class assignment on punctuation. Students may use packets when completing assignment. Punctuation sheet will be corrected and scored.
5/13/2015
TKAM Quiz over chapters 1 - 11.
Of Mice and Men - Class discussion over chapters 2 and 3. Chapter 3 questions are due Monday 5/18. Make sure you've written complete sentences , checked spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
Punctuation packet will be handed out.
TKAM - read chapters 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20 by Monday 5/18. Make sure you're able to answer chapter questions over above chapter. Keep adding to the list of symbols from the novel - their importance .
5/12/2015
MEA Testing - Science - No classes
5/11/2015
Quiz over Chapter 2 - Of Mice and Men. Chapter 1 and 2 Question Worksheet is due.
Assignment - Read Chapter 3 pp. 38 - 65. Chapter 3 Question Worksheet ( handout). Chapter 3 should be read by class on Wednesday 5/13. Question Worksheet should also be completed by Wednesday 5/13.
TKAM- Read chapter 11. There will be a quiz Wednesday over Chapters 1 - 11.
5/8/2015
Quiz over Chapters 1-6 in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Membean assessment.
Class discussion over chapter 2 - Of Mice and Men. Possible quiz Monday 5/11.
Assignment - To Kill a Mockingbird - Read chapters 7,8,9, and 10 (pp. 77 -131).
5/7/2015
All classes will be watching a short clip "Riding the Rails".
Membean for 15 minutes.
Assignment - Read chapter 2 (pp. 17-37). Continue to work on characterization sheets. Possible quiz over chapter 2 on Friday 5/8.
Question worksheet for chapters 1 and 2 - Of Mice and Men. Assignment is due at the beginning of class Monday 5/11. Write complete sentences when answering chapter questions. If directions are not followed minus 15 points.
In class notes on symbols - both novels - Of Mice and Men and To Kill a Mockingbird.
5/6/2015
Quiz over chapter one Of Mice and Men.
Membean for 15 minutes.
5/5/2015
Of Mice and Men - Read chapter 1. Quiz tomorrow over pages 1 - 16 (Chapter 1).
Copy of novella is under Reading Link.
Students were given characterization sheets that they are to work on as they read the novella.
To Kill a Mockingbird - Students received three handouts - symbols, character sheet, themes and issues.
Written assignments will follow at a later date.
Quiz Friday 5/8 over chapters 1 - 6.
5/4/2015
Introduction - Of Mice and Men.
Introduction - To Kill a Mockingbird. Students that are reading the novel received it last week. Chapters 1 - 6 should be read by Friday 5/8.
Set 3 Grammar Sheet - work will be completed and corrected in class.
Membean for 10 minutes.
5/1/2015
Quiz over membean.
4/30/2015
Set 2 Grammar Sheet - work will be completed and corrected in class.
4/29/2015
Membean for 10 minutes.
Review sheet over compound and complex sentences. Work will be completed in class.
Set 1 Grammar Sheet - work be completed and corrected in class.
4/28/2015
Membean for 10 minutes.
Persuasive essay is due - see 4/13 for more information.
Review worksheet for simple and compound sentences. Work will be completed during class.
4/27/2015
Membean for 10 minutes.
Each day this week classes will be reviewing - independent clause, complex sentences, compound sentences, and compound- complex sentences. We will also discuss comma splices (how to avoid) and subordinate clause (subordinators- because, since, when, although, and after).
There will be a quiz Friday over types of sentences.
4/14/2015 - 4/16/2015
Movie -Freedom Writers. Movie Review Sheet.
Membean for 15 minutes Tuesday(4/14 ) night.
4/13/2015
Homework - membean for 15 minutes.
Students will peer edit first draft of persuasive essay. Final draft is due Tuesday 4/28. Students will need to hand in the following :
1) Peer editing sheet
2) Final draft
3) First draft
4/10/2015
Quiz over membean.
Life-long Reader project is due.
4/9/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Peer Edit with Perfection Worksheet will be introduced/discussed.
4/8/2015
Complex sentence assignment will be corrected in class.
First draft of persuasive due. Students will peer edit.
4/7/2015
Complex sentence assignment - in class.
Membean for 15 minutes.
4/6/2015
Membean for 15 minutes - homework.
Review Complex sentences. There will be an in class assignment over complex sentences tomorrow 4/7.
Template for persuasive essay (see 3/30 for details) is due.
First draft of essay is due Wednesday 4/8.
4/2/2015
Grammar packets(parts of speech) will be discussed in class.
Template for persuasive writing will be checked on Monday 4/6.
Homework - Membean for 15 minutes.
4/1/2015
Early Release Day.
Homework - Membean for 15 minutes.
Template for persuasive writing (see 3/30) is due Monday 4/6.
First draft of persuasive writing assignment is due Wednesday 4/8.
3/31/2015
Exercise 1 and 2 from Writer's Choice will be corrected in class.
The third section of interactive reading logs are due for Life-long Reader project. Reminder - project is due April 10th.
3/30/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Persuasive essay writing assignment . Students will be assigned either a #1 For or a #2 Against.
Period 3 - School Uniforms
Period 4 - Later start to the school day
Period 5 - School year round
Period 6 - Having a dress code
Students will receive a template to help organize essay.
A list of transition words and phrases will be handed out at the beginning of class.
The template should be filled out by Thursday 4/2.
3/27/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Using Glencoe Writer's Choice, students will complete Exercise 1 and 2 on page 506. The two exercises are reviews for 'sentences and clauses' - material classes have covered previously. Assignment needs to be completed during class. Composition paper, for the assignment, will be supplied by the teacher. If extra time is needed please see teacher before leaving class.
3/26/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Second section of interactive reading logs will be scored. Class discussion over second reading section characters, plot, and point of view.
The third section of novel - three interactive reading logs should be completed by next Tuesday 3/31.
At least two activities should be completed - see Life-long Reader packet for details.
3/23/2015 - 3/25/2015
MEAs
3/20/2015
Membean quiz.
3/19/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Characterization worksheet - At least two examples need to be completed by next Thursday.
The character that is being used is the protagonist in their Life-long Reader project.
From the LLR packet student's need to have completed the second section of their novels ( interactive reading logs).
3/18/2015
MEA PRACTICE.
3/17/2015
The three interactive reading logs will be scored - first assignment of the third trimester. Book group discussion over first section of novels.
Second section of LLR project should be completed by 3/24. Student should also have decided on 2 numbered activities and two letter activities from the packet. All work for the LLR project is due April 10,2015.
3/16/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
MEA introduction.
3/13/2015
Membean quiz
Students will briefly discuss novel they're reading.
Three interactive logs - see handout for information- are dueTuesday 3/17 over the first section of Life Long Reader Project.
3/11/2015 and 3/12/2015
All classes will be setting up LLR project .
Membean for 15 minutes.
3/12/2015
Essay - What the word "Family" means to me. Criteria for essay will be handed out in class.
Essay needs to be completed and handed in no later than Monday 3/16.
3/10/2015
See 3/9 for more information on LLR project.
Divide novel into 4 equal sections. The first section needs to be completed by March16th. They should have have three interactive reading logs - see packet.
3/9/2015
Introduction to LIFE LONG READING project. Students will have a selection of novels to chose from for the project. The project will last one month - packets will be handed out Tuesday 3/10/2015.
Students will sign out books on Tuesday 3/10.
Students will have one month to complete project - see packet handout for details.
3/6/2015
Membean quiz.
Finish presentations.
3/5/2015
I-Search presentations.
3/4/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Students will start their I-Search presentations. Please see rubric under I-Search section.
3/3/2015
Early Release Day
READ-A-THON
3/2/2015
Membean for the first 15 minutes.
Continue work on presentation. Information
2/27/2015
Membean quiz.
All classes will work on their I-Search presentations. Due date is Tuesday 3/3.
2/26/2015
I-Search paper is due today. If students have not completed assignment they will lose 15 points - they have already had extended time to complete the assignment.
2/25/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Assignment- Short story "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"pp. 199 - 207. Students will be using text books in class. Answer question #9 on page 198.
2/24/2015
Class discussion over presentation of I-Search projects. Students will be given Friday 2/7 and Monday 3/2 to work on presentation. Rubric for presentation is listed under I-SEARCH to the left hand side of website page ((click on Mrs. Gallant's I-Search) . Rubric is on right hand side of page ( click on presentation).
Presentations are due Tuesday 3/3.
2/23/2014
Membean for 15 minutes.
All classes will be given time to work on final draft of I-Search paper.
2/13/2015
Membean quiz.
Students will start typing their final draft of I-Search Paper.
Final draft is due 2/25/2015.
2/12/2015
Homework assignment - Membean for 15 minutes.
Students will work on peer editing their I-Search first draft.
2/112015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Classes will be going over how to complete citation page
for their I-Search papers.
Review peer editing worksheets.
2/10/2015
BAM Day.
2/9/2015
Students will peer edit their first draft of I-Search paper. Rubric will be handed out for guideline.
No School - Snow Day.
2/6/2015
Membean quiz.
Independent book check.
2/5/2015
All classes will be given time to work on first draft of I-Search paper. DUE DATE 2/9.
2/4/2015
I-Search outline should be completed by the end of class today.
Once I-Search outline has been checked, students should start writing the first draft of I-Search paper in their ELA notebook. First draft is due Monday 2/9.
2/3/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Set aside eight pages in ELA notebook for I-Search ( paperclip). Underlined topics below should be in ELA section for I-Search.
Free write - Briefly describe the story of your I-Search . Make sure you mention the following:
* Your I-Search question
*Challenges in your I-Search journey
*Goals of this week.
Outline
First draft
2/2/2015
Snow Day
1/30/2015
Testing.
Twenty-five note cards for I-Search need to be completed and checked.
1/26/2015
Membean for fifteen minutes.
Twelve note cards ( information for I-Search) will be checked.
Class discussion over writing an outline for I-Search. Students will be given a hard copy of an outline.
There is a tutorial on I-Search website/ under Mrs. Gallant. Due date for outline is next Tuesday 2/3. Note cards need to be completed by this Friday 1/30.
Short story "The Kitten" will be assigned. Students will be given a copy. Quiz over short story Tuesday 1/27.
If there is a snow day it will be the next day.
1/23/2015
Membean quiz.
Periods 1,2 , 5, and 6 will be given an extension on the 12 note cards - due date Monday 1/26.
1/22/2015
Periods 1 and 2 NWEA Testing.
Periods 5 and 6 will work on I-Search note cards. Please see 1/21 for note card (checking that twelve note have been completed) due date. At the end of the I-Search research students should have at least twenty-five note cards completed.
1/21/2015
All classes will start taking notes from their sources (see my I-Search site click on Mrs. Gallant/ tutorial for notecards.
Students should have four separate headings. At least twelve notecards should be completed by Friday 1/23.
1/20/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
All classes will be going to the library to work on I-Search.
Students should have completed 5 source cards - See 1/16/2015.
1/16/2015
Quiz on membean.
Reminder - Five source cards need to be completed for the I-Search project by Tuesday 1/20.
One source card needs to be a primary source and the other a book.
1/15/2015
Students were given an overview of I-Search. Due date for I-Search final product ( I-Search paper and presentation) is 2/9.
Five source cards need to be completed by Tuesday 1/20 - at least one primary source and one book.
Membean quiz tomorrow.
1/14/2015
Free reading time - 15 minutes.
Twenty- five index cards will be checked.
Introduction on how to write information from source cards onto notecards.
Clarification on directions for I-Search
*Headings
*Secondary Sources - at least one book or magazine ( not all sources from internet)
For more details,check left hand side of website page for I-Search link. Click on and scroll to Mrs. Gallant's site for tutorials.
1/13/2015
Class discussion - How to write SOURCE CARDS for I-Search. Students need to complete at least three source cards pertaining to their I-Search by the beginning of class tomorrow.
Reminder - At least twenty-five index cards are due 1/14.
1/12/2015
KW sheets will be checked. Reminder students should have at least twenty-five index cards (3" x 5") by Wednesday 1/14.
Membean for 15 minutes.
Free Write - What do you think the following Ethiopian proverb means: "When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion".
1/09/2015
Quiz over membean vocabulary.
Hard copy of KWL sheet will be handed out - students will have class time to complete assignment - only KW section. For more information, see left hand side of homework site - scroll down to I-Search and click on link. Once on the link go to Mrs. Gallant's Site and click on Video Tutorials 1, 2, and 3.
Students should have twenty-five index cards by next Wednesday 1/14 (3" x 5").
1/07/2015 and 1/08/2015
Class discussion about I-Search question. Using their I-Search Planning Sheet, students are to come up with an I-Search Question about a topic they have an interest in learning more about.
Early Release Day 1/07.
1/06/2015
I - Search Planning Sheet - based on what students wrote about their future career.
1/05/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Introduction to I-Search Unit. First, students will free write ~ what they their future career will be.
12/19/2014
Discussion over worksheets that were assigned Thursday 12/18.
12/18/2014
Membean quiz.
Worksheet on adjectives. Worksheet will be finished before the end of class period.
Worksheet on verbs is due tomorrow.
12/17/2014
All 8th grade students will be going to see A Christmas Carol.
Common Assessment period 6 over A Christmas Carol.
12/16/2014
'Dream Room' assignments will be collected and exchanged.
Assignment sheet - Brochure for a Christmas Feast in 19th Century England - will be handed out/discussed.
Brochure will be due Thursday 12/18 . Students are to submit it to eBackpack. If there is a problem please see teacher before the end of the day.
12/15/2014
Membean for ten minutes.
In class work.
ELA notebooks will be collected and scored - see 12/10.
12/11/2014 and 12/12/2014
Membean for fifteen minutes 12/12/2014.
Worksheet 'DREAM ROOM'. Students will have today and tomorrow to complete assignment.
12/10/2014
Quiz and class discussion over A Christmas Carol.
ELA notebooks will be checked on Monday 12/15. Students should have completed the following:
Journal Entries 2,3,4,5, and 6,
Synopsis for Stave Three and Stave Four
Vocabulary words for Staves One, Two, Three, Four, and Five.
A Christmas Carol theme worksheet
12/09/2014
Independent book check.
Worksheet /Exercise 3 will be corrected in class.
Assignment - read Stave Five. Define all of Stave Five vocabulary words in ELA notebook.
12/08/2014
Quiz over Stave Three and Four.
Assignment - Write a synopsis over Stave Three and another synopsis over Stave Four. Written work goes in ELA notebook after Journal Entries. Make sure your assignment is labeled.
Worksheet - Identifying Sentences and Sentence Fragments - Exercise 3.
12/05/2014
Membean for the first fifteen minutes of class.
Read Stave Four. Define vocabulary words for Stave Four ~ words and definitions go in ElA notebook.
Be prepared for a quiz Monday 12/8 over Stave Three and Stave Four.
12/04/2014
Assignment - Define vocabulary words for Stave Three ~ words and definitions go in ELA notebook.
Read Stave Three.
Stave Two was discussed in class.
Spelling Bee - periods 1, 2, and 5. Period 6 will have Spelling Bee tomorrow
12/03/2014
Snow Day
12/02/2014
Quiz over Stave Two.
Assignment - answer journal entry questions 4,5, and 6 - answers go in ELA notebook under Free Write Section. To find questions - log into website - click on READING- scroll down to Journal Entries.
12/01/2014
Assignment - read Stave Two of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Be prepared for a possible quiz over Stave Two tomorrow. Know the following-
*Exact location of Scrooge when he meets the First Spirit.
* Does the First Spirit take Scrooge to the future, present, or past?
*Who was Belle?
*Who was Fan?
* Who was Mr. Fezziwig?
*What did Scrooge do to pass the time, on holidays, while he was attending school?
*What does Belle mean when she says Scrooge has an idol?
*Did Fan have any children? What happened to Fan?
Worksheet - Finding symbols in A Christmas Carol. Find at least one symbol from Stave Two - write down the literal meaning and symbolic meaning.
11/25/2014
Membean quiz.
Discuss Stave One.
Assignment - Define vocabulary words for Stave Two . Words and definitions will go in ELA notebooks - see directions under 11/20/2014.
11/24/2014
Quiz over Stave One.
Answer Journal Entry question #3 in ELA notebook - Free Write Section. When answering a journal entry, questions should answered throughly, using complete sentences and supporting statements from the story.
The story ,A Christmas Carol, and journal entries are in READING LINK on left hand side of Home Page.
Written assignment should be completed by Monday 11/24.
11/21/2014
All Classes will read Stave One ~ A Christmas Carol.
Be prepared for a quiz on Monday 11/24 over Stave One.
The following might be on the quiz ~
Be able to describe the setting.
What point of view is used in the story?
What does Scrooge do for a living?
Two gentlemen asks Scrooge to make a donation to help the poor. What is Scrooge's response?
Who is Marley?
Be able to describe Scrooge's personality.
How does Marley first appear to Scrooge -before he sees him as a ghostly figure?
How does Scrooge feel about marriage?
How many spirits does Marley's ghost say will visit Scrooge?
Why do most people avoid Scrooge?
Describe his relationship with his nephew.
How does Scrooge react when his nephew invites him to dinner?
How does Scrooge feel about the dark?
Who is the first spirit to visit Scrooge? What is he going to show Scrooge?
11/20/2014
Handout - A Christmas Carol Vocabulary.
Assignment - Define all the vocabulary words for Stave One.
Definitions are to go in ELA notebook after first draft section.
Directions~
On the top line write title - A Christmas Carol Vocabulary
Go down three lines -write Stave One
Make sure you write down the vocabulary word before you write definition.
Omit vocabulary word- hob.
11/19/2014
No homework. Classes will give brief presentations on life in Victorian England.
11/18/2014
In groups of three or four, students will work on one of four aspects of Victorian life in Dicken's time. Each group will give a report on what they researched today in the class tomorrow. Click on READING on the left side of web site. Scroll down to group work (click to open),
11/17/2014
Final draft of thematic essay for dystopia novel is due.
Free Write #14
What gives you joy at Christmas/winter time? What causes you pain at this time?
After completing free write, define the word philanthropy. How is this word different from charity? Definition and comparison is to go under free write.
Worksheet 'How Well Do I Know These Words?'.
11/14/2014
Final draft is due Monday 11/17.
Conference with teacher about first draft/revisions.
The following need to passed in on Monday 11/17
1. final draft
2. peer response worksheet
3. structure worksheet
4. first draft.
Membean - first 15 minutes of class.
11/13/2014
First draft is essay is due - students will peer edit/ start revising essay. Use membean words in essay (underline or type in bold).
11/12/2014
All ELA classes will be given time to work on their first draft of their thematic essay - dystopia novel.
11/11/2014
No School
11/10/2014
Discuss how rubrics are used to score thematic essays. Students will be scoring /discussing three different thematic dystopia essays.
First draft of thematic essay for the dystopia novel is due at the being of class Thursday 11/13.
11/7/2014
Membean for 15 minutes.
Conference on final drafts of theme for"The Treasure of Lemon Brown".
11/6/2014
Students , in their ELA notebooks , will write long about their thinking on the issues of their dystopia novel - how different characters relate to that issue.
11/5/2014
Early Release.
Students will choose one of the themes from their Free Write#13 and make a web (web will go in ELA notebook after first draft of "The Treasure of Lemon Brown"). In the center circle, state the theme - going off from that have four supporting details from the novel that support the theme. Make sure you write down page where supporting detail was found. Write the title of the dystopia novel (underline title) on the top line the page.
***Note - Students should have submitted at least three Reading Logs (novels they've read during the first trimester) before Thanksgiving Break.
Reading Logs should be electronically submitted to eBackpack-
(1) Reading Log 10/6
(2) Status-of-the-Class November (Reading Log)
(3) Reading Log for November
11/4/2014
Final copy of thematic essay for "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" will be collected.
Free Write #13 - List all the possible themes for your dystopia novel.
In class discussion - observations of groups - what was successful/what wasn't successful.
11/3/2014
Using the material they were given on 3/31, along with their first draft of "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" ,all classes will peer edit in group of three or four.
The final draft of essay (typed)is due Tuesday 11/4.
10/31/2014
Movie Review sheets for The Ransom of Red Chief will be collected and scored.
Information packet on peer editing , copy of a thematic essay, and peer editing worksheets will be handed out and discussed in ELA classes. The classes will also be set up in groups of 3, 4 , or 5 people in preparation for peer editing . On Monday 11/3 groups will peer edit their thematic essays for "The Treasure of Lemon Brown".
10/28/2014 - 10/30/2014
Quiz over "The Ransom of Red Chief".
Movie - The Ransom of Red Chief". Movie Review Sheet will be handed out before movie - due date the day after movie is finished.
10/29 Free Write #12 - In what ways is Johnny like a typical ten-year-old? How is he different from a typical ten-year-old ?
10/27/2014
Classes will fill out an 'Anticipation Guide Template'.
Copies of short story, "The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry will be handed out. First four pages will be read in class. Assignment - finish short story tonight . There will be a quiz tomorrow over "The Ransom of Red Chief".
10/24/2014
Using iPads, practice on membean for the first fifteen minutes of class.
Free Write # 11- Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of being an an only child.
In class worksheets 'How Well Do I Know These Words' and 'Finding Synonyms' for unfamiliar vocabulary word that are listed. 'Finding Synonyms' worksheet is due at the beginning of class on Monday 10/27.
10/23/2014
Classes will discuss theme worksheet for "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" . Using their ELA notebooks -write a first draft (five paragraph) thematic essay for "The Treasure of Lemon Brown". Essay should be completed by Monday 10/27.
10/22/2014
Using "The Treasure of Lemon Brown", students will start developing ideas for the theme. A worksheet, on developing a theme , will be handed out at the beginning of class. Following the chart, posted in the classroom, students will start planning out their thematic essay.
10/21/2014
Quiz over 'Point of View'
Class discussion over packets - "Would We Be Killed?" - see assignment for 10/20.
Dystopia books for thematic essay need to be checked - books should be with students, in class ,until essay has been written and edited ( time period about two weeks).
10/20/2014 each day
Scholastic Scope article titled "Would We Be Killed?" was assigned. For a copy of the text click on the link and scroll down to name of article (click on title). Two packets( hard copies only) for article were handed out in class - they need to be completed by the beginning of class tomorrow.
Quiz Tuesday over 'Point of View".
10/17/2014
Membean for the first 15 minutes of class. Silent reading - independent novels.
Teacher will be conferencing with students. All classes should have the following:
1. Ten free writes - using/underlining new membean vocabulary (ELA notebook)
2. At least one Reading Log Form (completed) should be submitted on eBackpack.
3. Independent novel
4. Title of novel for thematic essay
10/16/2014
'Monsters!' description sheets will be exchanged; students will draw the monster using the details.
All classes need to make sure they have a dystopia novel ( a novel they've read) for Monday 10/20. Some examples of a dystopia novel - Catching Fire, The Giver, The Maze Runner, Gone, and Divergent.
Using the dystopia novel, that they have read, students will start the writing process for thematic essay next week.
All classes have been informed, that if they cannot get a novel, they need to see the teacher before the end of
of school Friday 10/17
10/15/2014
'Monsters! ' description sheets are due.
Free Write #10 - Based on what you know about yourself, make five predictions about your future.
Point of View sheet will be handed out/ discussed. Students should be able to identify what point of view is used in short stories and novels.
10/14/2014
Quiz over "The Treasure of Lemon Brown"
'Monsters!' description assignment - due tomorrow.
10/13/2014
No School - Columbus Day
10/10/2014
TEACHER WORKSHOP / NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
10/09/2014
Membean for the first 15 minutes of class.
Copies of "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" will handed out. Students will be working on short story in class . Once they finish short story they are to find and underline the explicit theme.
There will be a quiz over "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" Tuesday 10/14.
10/08/2014
All classes will be discussing Study Guide packet - "Harrison Bergeron".
*Continue work on how to write an essay. Once Students have finished short story unit, they will be writing a thematic essay.
Students will be asked to complete 15 minutes on membean during Enrichment.
10/07/2014
Free Write # 9 - What would it be like to live in a universe that imposed handicaps on people that were different from the majority? Explain. Use at least one word from membean(underline or highlight).
Copies of the short story "Harrison Bergeron" will be handed out /orally read to classes. Students will be asked to underline vocabulary words in the short story that were listed on the packet.
Assignment - finish Study Guide packet that was handed out yesterday.
10/06/2014
Membean for 15 minutes.
Introduction to the short story,"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut,Jr.
Study Guide packet for short story will be handed out - students need to complete definitions (only) for I and II
on the first page. Short story will be read tomorrow in class.
10/03/2014
Membean - 15 minutes.
Silent reading.
Students will start conferencing with teacher -
ELA notebook
Reading Log Form will be checked -
Note - each time a new book is started - first fill out a new form with their name, title of book, author of book, and total number of pages. After the novel is finished they need to complete the entire Reading Log Form and submit it on eBackpack.
10/02/2014
Free Write #8 - Explain why you think you are or are not a good loser. Give examples.
In class work -Thematic Essay -students were paired with others who had read same dystopia novels.
Classes listened to Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift After listening to the song there was a discussion about the theme.
"The Day the Sun Came Out" by Ray Bradbury was read and discussed - focused on theme.
10/01/2014
Early Release
Students will work on Membean in class.
9/30/2014
Free Write #7 - How do you think the divorce of parents affects their children?
Packet - Frequently Confused Words ( choose at least two words from the packet each week - use them your Free Writes/highlight or underline). Make sure you choose new words each week.
The short story "The Ninny" by Anton Chekhov will be read in class. Using the short story, explicit theme will be discussed.
The following handouts will be reviewed -
Handout - 'What is a a thesis statement'.
Handout - 'Guide to Writing a BASIC ESSAY'
9/29/2014
Status-of-the-Class - week of 9/22. Starting today students will no longer be using Status-of-the-Class. In place of that they will be using a Reading Log Entry Sheet - click on links(left hand side of ELA website ) and scroll down to Reading Log Entry.
In class work "Thank You,M'am" - Vocabulary and Generalization.
9/26/2014
First 15 minutes of class students will work on Membean.
Independent reading for 30 minutes.
9/25/2014
Read "Thank You,,M'am" - copies of Langston Hughes' short story were handed out in class. Questions 1, 2, 3, under 'Analyzing Literature (on the last page of story) need to be answered. When answering questions, write complete sentences/ restate the question. Assignment needs submitted to eBackpack before class Friday 9/26.
Possible quiz over above story Friday 9/26.
9/24/2014
"The Veldt" packet is due. Class discussion over material covered.
9/23/2014
All classes will be watching Ray Bradbury Theater - THE VELDT ( 21 minutes).
After watching students will compare and contrast short story and television episode .
Free Write # 6 - Something this schools needs... explain your answer.
9/22/2014
Status-of-the- Class for the week of 9/15 is due.
Class discussion over (Directed Notes) George and Lydia's biggest mistake in the story "The Veldt". Students should be able to support their opinions citing examples from the short story.
Quiz over "The Veldt".
Commonly Confused Words - principal and principle. Each word should be used (correctly) in a Free Write this week (highlight ).
Weekly goal sheet needs to be filled out for the week of 9/22.
Homework - Packet (four pages) "The Veldt" will be handed out at the end of class. Assignment is due at the beginning of class Wednesday 9/24.
9/19/2014
Quiz over "The Veldt".
Class discussion over examples of good parenting/poor parenting in "The Veldt".
Direct Notes handout - students need to complete handout by Monday 9/22.
9/18/2014
"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury will be read in class. Students will be required
to reread story (copies of short story will be handed out at the beginning of class). They need to circle all parts that show good parenting, and underline all parts that show poor parenting.
9/17/2014
Early Release Day
Free Write # 5 - What if all after school activities were dropped?
9/16/2014
Free Write #4 - What are the worst and best qualities of the human race?
In class work.
9/15/2014
Status-of-the-Class was graded - week of 9/8.
Commonly Confused Words - (their, there, and they're) were introduced as words that are to be used correctly . Students are to use( highlight) each word at least once in their ELA writing this week.
In class assignment - Six-Word Memoirs .
9/12/2014
Free Write # 3 - Tell me about a type of music you detest and why. Is this music just rubbish, or is it merely that you don't like it.
Independent reading.
Teacher will start conferencing with students on the following:
* Independent novel
*Use of cite, site, and sight (highlighted in writing)
*Weekly goal sheet - goal for week of 9/8.
* Free Writes(ELA notebook)
* Book log (new)
9/11/2014
On-Demand Performance Assessment Prompt.
9/10/2014
There will be On-Demand Performance Assessment Prompt Thursday 9/11.
9/09/2014
Free Write #2 - Invent and describe a new Olympic sport.
Characterization worksheets will be handed out and discussed.
Punctuation Handout. Classes reviewed MOST COMMON COMMA OMISSIONS.
9/08/2014
Status-of-the-Class for the week of 9/2 will be graded.
Weekly goal sheet will be handed out - to be fill in at the beginning of each week. For the month of September, students will conference with the teacher on Friday.
Punctuation Handout - Each day a section will be reviewed. Today classes reviewed PERIOD CONFUSIONS.
Common Confused Worksheet (cite, sight, cite). Students are expected to use/highlight each of the words, correctly, in Free Write(s) this week.
9/05/2014
Assessment test will be scored (no grade) and discussed.
9/04/2014
Free Write #1 - Describe what a best friend looks like.
Assessment Test over sentence structure and grammar.
9/03/2014
All classes will set up ELA folders (folders stay in class). Students will keep their ELA notebooks in classroom folders. First 15 pages of ELA notebook is set aside for Free Writes.
9/02/2014
Introduction to ELA -
*Units that will be taught
*Classroom expectations
*Grading guidelines ( see Home Page)
PARENTAL PERMISSION SLIPS FOR PARENTS/STUDENTS TO SIGN WILL BE SENT HOME.
Other than reading for Status-of-the-Class (recording pages read), there is no homework the first two weeks of school.
At the start of class - membean for 15 minutes.
Students will work on newspaper project.
6/1/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
NewspaperProject/handout for novel Of Mice and Men / To Kill a Mockingbird will be introduced. Students will be allowed to work in groups or with a partner. Due date for project is Tuesday 6/9.
Students should have an independent novel with them when they come to class each day -due date for Book Log Form is Monday 6/15.
5/28/2015 - 5/29/2015
All classes will be watching the movie Of Mice and Men.
Movie review sheet will be handed out at the beginning of the movie - information about the movie will be written on whiteboard.
Movie review sheet is due Monday 6/1.
5/27/2017
Test over Of Mice and Men.
Membean for 15 minutes.
5/26/2015
Membean for 15 minutes - periods 3 and 4.
Membean assessment for 5 and 6.
5/22/2015
Membean assessment for periods 3 and 4.
Step up day to TA.
5/21/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Review for test (5/27) over Of Mice and Men - character descriptions, themes, setting, symbols, similes, point of view, vocabulary.
Students will be able to take notes( to be used when test is given) on one side of a 3"X5" index card. No re-takes of test .
5/20/2015
Membean for 15 minutes
Venn Diagram worksheet - George and Lennie.
Possible questions that could be on test will be discussed in class.
Assignment - Using puzzlemaker.com, make up a crossword puzzle (under criss cross) as part of a review for the novel. Have at least 15 clues /answers using characters, symbols, themes , vocabulary, and similes. Due date for the assignment is Thursday 5/21.
5/19/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Test Tuesday 5/26 over Of Mice and Men.
Chapter 6 will be read in class.
TKAM - finish novel by Friday 5/22.
5/18/2015
Membean assessment. Class discussion over questions for chapters 4 and 5 - Of Mice and Men
5/15/2015
Membean for 15 minutes. There will be a membean assessment on Monday 5/18.
TKAM - see 5/13 for assignment.
Of Mice and Men - Read chapters 4 and 5 (pp. 66 - 98 ) for Monday 5/18. Worksheet for chapters 4 and 5 will be handed out- due Monday 5/18 along with chapter 3 questions. Be prepared for a quiz over chapters 4 and 5.
5/14/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
In class assignment on punctuation. Students may use packets when completing assignment. Punctuation sheet will be corrected and scored.
5/13/2015
TKAM Quiz over chapters 1 - 11.
Of Mice and Men - Class discussion over chapters 2 and 3. Chapter 3 questions are due Monday 5/18. Make sure you've written complete sentences , checked spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
Punctuation packet will be handed out.
TKAM - read chapters 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20 by Monday 5/18. Make sure you're able to answer chapter questions over above chapter. Keep adding to the list of symbols from the novel - their importance .
5/12/2015
MEA Testing - Science - No classes
5/11/2015
Quiz over Chapter 2 - Of Mice and Men. Chapter 1 and 2 Question Worksheet is due.
Assignment - Read Chapter 3 pp. 38 - 65. Chapter 3 Question Worksheet ( handout). Chapter 3 should be read by class on Wednesday 5/13. Question Worksheet should also be completed by Wednesday 5/13.
TKAM- Read chapter 11. There will be a quiz Wednesday over Chapters 1 - 11.
5/8/2015
Quiz over Chapters 1-6 in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Membean assessment.
Class discussion over chapter 2 - Of Mice and Men. Possible quiz Monday 5/11.
Assignment - To Kill a Mockingbird - Read chapters 7,8,9, and 10 (pp. 77 -131).
5/7/2015
All classes will be watching a short clip "Riding the Rails".
Membean for 15 minutes.
Assignment - Read chapter 2 (pp. 17-37). Continue to work on characterization sheets. Possible quiz over chapter 2 on Friday 5/8.
Question worksheet for chapters 1 and 2 - Of Mice and Men. Assignment is due at the beginning of class Monday 5/11. Write complete sentences when answering chapter questions. If directions are not followed minus 15 points.
In class notes on symbols - both novels - Of Mice and Men and To Kill a Mockingbird.
5/6/2015
Quiz over chapter one Of Mice and Men.
Membean for 15 minutes.
5/5/2015
Of Mice and Men - Read chapter 1. Quiz tomorrow over pages 1 - 16 (Chapter 1).
Copy of novella is under Reading Link.
Students were given characterization sheets that they are to work on as they read the novella.
To Kill a Mockingbird - Students received three handouts - symbols, character sheet, themes and issues.
Written assignments will follow at a later date.
Quiz Friday 5/8 over chapters 1 - 6.
5/4/2015
Introduction - Of Mice and Men.
Introduction - To Kill a Mockingbird. Students that are reading the novel received it last week. Chapters 1 - 6 should be read by Friday 5/8.
Set 3 Grammar Sheet - work will be completed and corrected in class.
Membean for 10 minutes.
5/1/2015
Quiz over membean.
4/30/2015
Set 2 Grammar Sheet - work will be completed and corrected in class.
4/29/2015
Membean for 10 minutes.
Review sheet over compound and complex sentences. Work will be completed in class.
Set 1 Grammar Sheet - work be completed and corrected in class.
4/28/2015
Membean for 10 minutes.
Persuasive essay is due - see 4/13 for more information.
Review worksheet for simple and compound sentences. Work will be completed during class.
4/27/2015
Membean for 10 minutes.
Each day this week classes will be reviewing - independent clause, complex sentences, compound sentences, and compound- complex sentences. We will also discuss comma splices (how to avoid) and subordinate clause (subordinators- because, since, when, although, and after).
There will be a quiz Friday over types of sentences.
4/14/2015 - 4/16/2015
Movie -Freedom Writers. Movie Review Sheet.
Membean for 15 minutes Tuesday(4/14 ) night.
4/13/2015
Homework - membean for 15 minutes.
Students will peer edit first draft of persuasive essay. Final draft is due Tuesday 4/28. Students will need to hand in the following :
1) Peer editing sheet
2) Final draft
3) First draft
4/10/2015
Quiz over membean.
Life-long Reader project is due.
4/9/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Peer Edit with Perfection Worksheet will be introduced/discussed.
4/8/2015
Complex sentence assignment will be corrected in class.
First draft of persuasive due. Students will peer edit.
4/7/2015
Complex sentence assignment - in class.
Membean for 15 minutes.
4/6/2015
Membean for 15 minutes - homework.
Review Complex sentences. There will be an in class assignment over complex sentences tomorrow 4/7.
Template for persuasive essay (see 3/30 for details) is due.
First draft of essay is due Wednesday 4/8.
4/2/2015
Grammar packets(parts of speech) will be discussed in class.
Template for persuasive writing will be checked on Monday 4/6.
Homework - Membean for 15 minutes.
4/1/2015
Early Release Day.
Homework - Membean for 15 minutes.
Template for persuasive writing (see 3/30) is due Monday 4/6.
First draft of persuasive writing assignment is due Wednesday 4/8.
3/31/2015
Exercise 1 and 2 from Writer's Choice will be corrected in class.
The third section of interactive reading logs are due for Life-long Reader project. Reminder - project is due April 10th.
3/30/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Persuasive essay writing assignment . Students will be assigned either a #1 For or a #2 Against.
Period 3 - School Uniforms
Period 4 - Later start to the school day
Period 5 - School year round
Period 6 - Having a dress code
Students will receive a template to help organize essay.
A list of transition words and phrases will be handed out at the beginning of class.
The template should be filled out by Thursday 4/2.
3/27/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Using Glencoe Writer's Choice, students will complete Exercise 1 and 2 on page 506. The two exercises are reviews for 'sentences and clauses' - material classes have covered previously. Assignment needs to be completed during class. Composition paper, for the assignment, will be supplied by the teacher. If extra time is needed please see teacher before leaving class.
3/26/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Second section of interactive reading logs will be scored. Class discussion over second reading section characters, plot, and point of view.
The third section of novel - three interactive reading logs should be completed by next Tuesday 3/31.
At least two activities should be completed - see Life-long Reader packet for details.
3/23/2015 - 3/25/2015
MEAs
3/20/2015
Membean quiz.
3/19/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Characterization worksheet - At least two examples need to be completed by next Thursday.
The character that is being used is the protagonist in their Life-long Reader project.
From the LLR packet student's need to have completed the second section of their novels ( interactive reading logs).
3/18/2015
MEA PRACTICE.
3/17/2015
The three interactive reading logs will be scored - first assignment of the third trimester. Book group discussion over first section of novels.
Second section of LLR project should be completed by 3/24. Student should also have decided on 2 numbered activities and two letter activities from the packet. All work for the LLR project is due April 10,2015.
3/16/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
MEA introduction.
3/13/2015
Membean quiz
Students will briefly discuss novel they're reading.
Three interactive logs - see handout for information- are dueTuesday 3/17 over the first section of Life Long Reader Project.
3/11/2015 and 3/12/2015
All classes will be setting up LLR project .
Membean for 15 minutes.
3/12/2015
Essay - What the word "Family" means to me. Criteria for essay will be handed out in class.
Essay needs to be completed and handed in no later than Monday 3/16.
3/10/2015
See 3/9 for more information on LLR project.
Divide novel into 4 equal sections. The first section needs to be completed by March16th. They should have have three interactive reading logs - see packet.
3/9/2015
Introduction to LIFE LONG READING project. Students will have a selection of novels to chose from for the project. The project will last one month - packets will be handed out Tuesday 3/10/2015.
Students will sign out books on Tuesday 3/10.
Students will have one month to complete project - see packet handout for details.
3/6/2015
Membean quiz.
Finish presentations.
3/5/2015
I-Search presentations.
3/4/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Students will start their I-Search presentations. Please see rubric under I-Search section.
3/3/2015
Early Release Day
READ-A-THON
3/2/2015
Membean for the first 15 minutes.
Continue work on presentation. Information
2/27/2015
Membean quiz.
All classes will work on their I-Search presentations. Due date is Tuesday 3/3.
2/26/2015
I-Search paper is due today. If students have not completed assignment they will lose 15 points - they have already had extended time to complete the assignment.
2/25/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Assignment- Short story "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"pp. 199 - 207. Students will be using text books in class. Answer question #9 on page 198.
2/24/2015
Class discussion over presentation of I-Search projects. Students will be given Friday 2/7 and Monday 3/2 to work on presentation. Rubric for presentation is listed under I-SEARCH to the left hand side of website page ((click on Mrs. Gallant's I-Search) . Rubric is on right hand side of page ( click on presentation).
Presentations are due Tuesday 3/3.
2/23/2014
Membean for 15 minutes.
All classes will be given time to work on final draft of I-Search paper.
2/13/2015
Membean quiz.
Students will start typing their final draft of I-Search Paper.
Final draft is due 2/25/2015.
2/12/2015
Homework assignment - Membean for 15 minutes.
Students will work on peer editing their I-Search first draft.
2/112015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Classes will be going over how to complete citation page
for their I-Search papers.
Review peer editing worksheets.
2/10/2015
BAM Day.
2/9/2015
Students will peer edit their first draft of I-Search paper. Rubric will be handed out for guideline.
No School - Snow Day.
2/6/2015
Membean quiz.
Independent book check.
2/5/2015
All classes will be given time to work on first draft of I-Search paper. DUE DATE 2/9.
2/4/2015
I-Search outline should be completed by the end of class today.
Once I-Search outline has been checked, students should start writing the first draft of I-Search paper in their ELA notebook. First draft is due Monday 2/9.
2/3/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Set aside eight pages in ELA notebook for I-Search ( paperclip). Underlined topics below should be in ELA section for I-Search.
Free write - Briefly describe the story of your I-Search . Make sure you mention the following:
* Your I-Search question
*Challenges in your I-Search journey
*Goals of this week.
Outline
First draft
2/2/2015
Snow Day
1/30/2015
Testing.
Twenty-five note cards for I-Search need to be completed and checked.
1/26/2015
Membean for fifteen minutes.
Twelve note cards ( information for I-Search) will be checked.
Class discussion over writing an outline for I-Search. Students will be given a hard copy of an outline.
There is a tutorial on I-Search website/ under Mrs. Gallant. Due date for outline is next Tuesday 2/3. Note cards need to be completed by this Friday 1/30.
Short story "The Kitten" will be assigned. Students will be given a copy. Quiz over short story Tuesday 1/27.
If there is a snow day it will be the next day.
1/23/2015
Membean quiz.
Periods 1,2 , 5, and 6 will be given an extension on the 12 note cards - due date Monday 1/26.
1/22/2015
Periods 1 and 2 NWEA Testing.
Periods 5 and 6 will work on I-Search note cards. Please see 1/21 for note card (checking that twelve note have been completed) due date. At the end of the I-Search research students should have at least twenty-five note cards completed.
1/21/2015
All classes will start taking notes from their sources (see my I-Search site click on Mrs. Gallant/ tutorial for notecards.
Students should have four separate headings. At least twelve notecards should be completed by Friday 1/23.
1/20/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
All classes will be going to the library to work on I-Search.
Students should have completed 5 source cards - See 1/16/2015.
1/16/2015
Quiz on membean.
Reminder - Five source cards need to be completed for the I-Search project by Tuesday 1/20.
One source card needs to be a primary source and the other a book.
1/15/2015
Students were given an overview of I-Search. Due date for I-Search final product ( I-Search paper and presentation) is 2/9.
Five source cards need to be completed by Tuesday 1/20 - at least one primary source and one book.
Membean quiz tomorrow.
1/14/2015
Free reading time - 15 minutes.
Twenty- five index cards will be checked.
Introduction on how to write information from source cards onto notecards.
Clarification on directions for I-Search
*Headings
*Secondary Sources - at least one book or magazine ( not all sources from internet)
For more details,check left hand side of website page for I-Search link. Click on and scroll to Mrs. Gallant's site for tutorials.
1/13/2015
Class discussion - How to write SOURCE CARDS for I-Search. Students need to complete at least three source cards pertaining to their I-Search by the beginning of class tomorrow.
Reminder - At least twenty-five index cards are due 1/14.
1/12/2015
KW sheets will be checked. Reminder students should have at least twenty-five index cards (3" x 5") by Wednesday 1/14.
Membean for 15 minutes.
Free Write - What do you think the following Ethiopian proverb means: "When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion".
1/09/2015
Quiz over membean vocabulary.
Hard copy of KWL sheet will be handed out - students will have class time to complete assignment - only KW section. For more information, see left hand side of homework site - scroll down to I-Search and click on link. Once on the link go to Mrs. Gallant's Site and click on Video Tutorials 1, 2, and 3.
Students should have twenty-five index cards by next Wednesday 1/14 (3" x 5").
1/07/2015 and 1/08/2015
Class discussion about I-Search question. Using their I-Search Planning Sheet, students are to come up with an I-Search Question about a topic they have an interest in learning more about.
Early Release Day 1/07.
1/06/2015
I - Search Planning Sheet - based on what students wrote about their future career.
1/05/2015
Membean for 15 minutes.
Introduction to I-Search Unit. First, students will free write ~ what they their future career will be.
12/19/2014
Discussion over worksheets that were assigned Thursday 12/18.
12/18/2014
Membean quiz.
Worksheet on adjectives. Worksheet will be finished before the end of class period.
Worksheet on verbs is due tomorrow.
12/17/2014
All 8th grade students will be going to see A Christmas Carol.
Common Assessment period 6 over A Christmas Carol.
12/16/2014
'Dream Room' assignments will be collected and exchanged.
Assignment sheet - Brochure for a Christmas Feast in 19th Century England - will be handed out/discussed.
Brochure will be due Thursday 12/18 . Students are to submit it to eBackpack. If there is a problem please see teacher before the end of the day.
12/15/2014
Membean for ten minutes.
In class work.
ELA notebooks will be collected and scored - see 12/10.
12/11/2014 and 12/12/2014
Membean for fifteen minutes 12/12/2014.
Worksheet 'DREAM ROOM'. Students will have today and tomorrow to complete assignment.
12/10/2014
Quiz and class discussion over A Christmas Carol.
ELA notebooks will be checked on Monday 12/15. Students should have completed the following:
Journal Entries 2,3,4,5, and 6,
Synopsis for Stave Three and Stave Four
Vocabulary words for Staves One, Two, Three, Four, and Five.
A Christmas Carol theme worksheet
12/09/2014
Independent book check.
Worksheet /Exercise 3 will be corrected in class.
Assignment - read Stave Five. Define all of Stave Five vocabulary words in ELA notebook.
12/08/2014
Quiz over Stave Three and Four.
Assignment - Write a synopsis over Stave Three and another synopsis over Stave Four. Written work goes in ELA notebook after Journal Entries. Make sure your assignment is labeled.
Worksheet - Identifying Sentences and Sentence Fragments - Exercise 3.
12/05/2014
Membean for the first fifteen minutes of class.
Read Stave Four. Define vocabulary words for Stave Four ~ words and definitions go in ElA notebook.
Be prepared for a quiz Monday 12/8 over Stave Three and Stave Four.
12/04/2014
Assignment - Define vocabulary words for Stave Three ~ words and definitions go in ELA notebook.
Read Stave Three.
Stave Two was discussed in class.
Spelling Bee - periods 1, 2, and 5. Period 6 will have Spelling Bee tomorrow
12/03/2014
Snow Day
12/02/2014
Quiz over Stave Two.
Assignment - answer journal entry questions 4,5, and 6 - answers go in ELA notebook under Free Write Section. To find questions - log into website - click on READING- scroll down to Journal Entries.
12/01/2014
Assignment - read Stave Two of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Be prepared for a possible quiz over Stave Two tomorrow. Know the following-
*Exact location of Scrooge when he meets the First Spirit.
* Does the First Spirit take Scrooge to the future, present, or past?
*Who was Belle?
*Who was Fan?
* Who was Mr. Fezziwig?
*What did Scrooge do to pass the time, on holidays, while he was attending school?
*What does Belle mean when she says Scrooge has an idol?
*Did Fan have any children? What happened to Fan?
Worksheet - Finding symbols in A Christmas Carol. Find at least one symbol from Stave Two - write down the literal meaning and symbolic meaning.
11/25/2014
Membean quiz.
Discuss Stave One.
Assignment - Define vocabulary words for Stave Two . Words and definitions will go in ELA notebooks - see directions under 11/20/2014.
11/24/2014
Quiz over Stave One.
Answer Journal Entry question #3 in ELA notebook - Free Write Section. When answering a journal entry, questions should answered throughly, using complete sentences and supporting statements from the story.
The story ,A Christmas Carol, and journal entries are in READING LINK on left hand side of Home Page.
Written assignment should be completed by Monday 11/24.
11/21/2014
All Classes will read Stave One ~ A Christmas Carol.
Be prepared for a quiz on Monday 11/24 over Stave One.
The following might be on the quiz ~
Be able to describe the setting.
What point of view is used in the story?
What does Scrooge do for a living?
Two gentlemen asks Scrooge to make a donation to help the poor. What is Scrooge's response?
Who is Marley?
Be able to describe Scrooge's personality.
How does Marley first appear to Scrooge -before he sees him as a ghostly figure?
How does Scrooge feel about marriage?
How many spirits does Marley's ghost say will visit Scrooge?
Why do most people avoid Scrooge?
Describe his relationship with his nephew.
How does Scrooge react when his nephew invites him to dinner?
How does Scrooge feel about the dark?
Who is the first spirit to visit Scrooge? What is he going to show Scrooge?
11/20/2014
Handout - A Christmas Carol Vocabulary.
Assignment - Define all the vocabulary words for Stave One.
Definitions are to go in ELA notebook after first draft section.
Directions~
On the top line write title - A Christmas Carol Vocabulary
Go down three lines -write Stave One
Make sure you write down the vocabulary word before you write definition.
Omit vocabulary word- hob.
11/19/2014
No homework. Classes will give brief presentations on life in Victorian England.
11/18/2014
In groups of three or four, students will work on one of four aspects of Victorian life in Dicken's time. Each group will give a report on what they researched today in the class tomorrow. Click on READING on the left side of web site. Scroll down to group work (click to open),
11/17/2014
Final draft of thematic essay for dystopia novel is due.
Free Write #14
What gives you joy at Christmas/winter time? What causes you pain at this time?
After completing free write, define the word philanthropy. How is this word different from charity? Definition and comparison is to go under free write.
Worksheet 'How Well Do I Know These Words?'.
11/14/2014
Final draft is due Monday 11/17.
Conference with teacher about first draft/revisions.
The following need to passed in on Monday 11/17
1. final draft
2. peer response worksheet
3. structure worksheet
4. first draft.
Membean - first 15 minutes of class.
11/13/2014
First draft is essay is due - students will peer edit/ start revising essay. Use membean words in essay (underline or type in bold).
11/12/2014
All ELA classes will be given time to work on their first draft of their thematic essay - dystopia novel.
11/11/2014
No School
11/10/2014
Discuss how rubrics are used to score thematic essays. Students will be scoring /discussing three different thematic dystopia essays.
First draft of thematic essay for the dystopia novel is due at the being of class Thursday 11/13.
11/7/2014
Membean for 15 minutes.
Conference on final drafts of theme for"The Treasure of Lemon Brown".
11/6/2014
Students , in their ELA notebooks , will write long about their thinking on the issues of their dystopia novel - how different characters relate to that issue.
11/5/2014
Early Release.
Students will choose one of the themes from their Free Write#13 and make a web (web will go in ELA notebook after first draft of "The Treasure of Lemon Brown"). In the center circle, state the theme - going off from that have four supporting details from the novel that support the theme. Make sure you write down page where supporting detail was found. Write the title of the dystopia novel (underline title) on the top line the page.
***Note - Students should have submitted at least three Reading Logs (novels they've read during the first trimester) before Thanksgiving Break.
Reading Logs should be electronically submitted to eBackpack-
(1) Reading Log 10/6
(2) Status-of-the-Class November (Reading Log)
(3) Reading Log for November
11/4/2014
Final copy of thematic essay for "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" will be collected.
Free Write #13 - List all the possible themes for your dystopia novel.
In class discussion - observations of groups - what was successful/what wasn't successful.
11/3/2014
Using the material they were given on 3/31, along with their first draft of "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" ,all classes will peer edit in group of three or four.
The final draft of essay (typed)is due Tuesday 11/4.
10/31/2014
Movie Review sheets for The Ransom of Red Chief will be collected and scored.
Information packet on peer editing , copy of a thematic essay, and peer editing worksheets will be handed out and discussed in ELA classes. The classes will also be set up in groups of 3, 4 , or 5 people in preparation for peer editing . On Monday 11/3 groups will peer edit their thematic essays for "The Treasure of Lemon Brown".
10/28/2014 - 10/30/2014
Quiz over "The Ransom of Red Chief".
Movie - The Ransom of Red Chief". Movie Review Sheet will be handed out before movie - due date the day after movie is finished.
10/29 Free Write #12 - In what ways is Johnny like a typical ten-year-old? How is he different from a typical ten-year-old ?
10/27/2014
Classes will fill out an 'Anticipation Guide Template'.
Copies of short story, "The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry will be handed out. First four pages will be read in class. Assignment - finish short story tonight . There will be a quiz tomorrow over "The Ransom of Red Chief".
10/24/2014
Using iPads, practice on membean for the first fifteen minutes of class.
Free Write # 11- Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of being an an only child.
In class worksheets 'How Well Do I Know These Words' and 'Finding Synonyms' for unfamiliar vocabulary word that are listed. 'Finding Synonyms' worksheet is due at the beginning of class on Monday 10/27.
10/23/2014
Classes will discuss theme worksheet for "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" . Using their ELA notebooks -write a first draft (five paragraph) thematic essay for "The Treasure of Lemon Brown". Essay should be completed by Monday 10/27.
10/22/2014
Using "The Treasure of Lemon Brown", students will start developing ideas for the theme. A worksheet, on developing a theme , will be handed out at the beginning of class. Following the chart, posted in the classroom, students will start planning out their thematic essay.
10/21/2014
Quiz over 'Point of View'
Class discussion over packets - "Would We Be Killed?" - see assignment for 10/20.
Dystopia books for thematic essay need to be checked - books should be with students, in class ,until essay has been written and edited ( time period about two weeks).
10/20/2014 each day
Scholastic Scope article titled "Would We Be Killed?" was assigned. For a copy of the text click on the link and scroll down to name of article (click on title). Two packets( hard copies only) for article were handed out in class - they need to be completed by the beginning of class tomorrow.
Quiz Tuesday over 'Point of View".
10/17/2014
Membean for the first 15 minutes of class. Silent reading - independent novels.
Teacher will be conferencing with students. All classes should have the following:
1. Ten free writes - using/underlining new membean vocabulary (ELA notebook)
2. At least one Reading Log Form (completed) should be submitted on eBackpack.
3. Independent novel
4. Title of novel for thematic essay
10/16/2014
'Monsters!' description sheets will be exchanged; students will draw the monster using the details.
All classes need to make sure they have a dystopia novel ( a novel they've read) for Monday 10/20. Some examples of a dystopia novel - Catching Fire, The Giver, The Maze Runner, Gone, and Divergent.
Using the dystopia novel, that they have read, students will start the writing process for thematic essay next week.
All classes have been informed, that if they cannot get a novel, they need to see the teacher before the end of
of school Friday 10/17
10/15/2014
'Monsters! ' description sheets are due.
Free Write #10 - Based on what you know about yourself, make five predictions about your future.
Point of View sheet will be handed out/ discussed. Students should be able to identify what point of view is used in short stories and novels.
10/14/2014
Quiz over "The Treasure of Lemon Brown"
'Monsters!' description assignment - due tomorrow.
10/13/2014
No School - Columbus Day
10/10/2014
TEACHER WORKSHOP / NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
10/09/2014
Membean for the first 15 minutes of class.
Copies of "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" will handed out. Students will be working on short story in class . Once they finish short story they are to find and underline the explicit theme.
There will be a quiz over "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" Tuesday 10/14.
10/08/2014
All classes will be discussing Study Guide packet - "Harrison Bergeron".
*Continue work on how to write an essay. Once Students have finished short story unit, they will be writing a thematic essay.
Students will be asked to complete 15 minutes on membean during Enrichment.
10/07/2014
Free Write # 9 - What would it be like to live in a universe that imposed handicaps on people that were different from the majority? Explain. Use at least one word from membean(underline or highlight).
Copies of the short story "Harrison Bergeron" will be handed out /orally read to classes. Students will be asked to underline vocabulary words in the short story that were listed on the packet.
Assignment - finish Study Guide packet that was handed out yesterday.
10/06/2014
Membean for 15 minutes.
Introduction to the short story,"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut,Jr.
Study Guide packet for short story will be handed out - students need to complete definitions (only) for I and II
on the first page. Short story will be read tomorrow in class.
10/03/2014
Membean - 15 minutes.
Silent reading.
Students will start conferencing with teacher -
ELA notebook
Reading Log Form will be checked -
Note - each time a new book is started - first fill out a new form with their name, title of book, author of book, and total number of pages. After the novel is finished they need to complete the entire Reading Log Form and submit it on eBackpack.
10/02/2014
Free Write #8 - Explain why you think you are or are not a good loser. Give examples.
In class work -Thematic Essay -students were paired with others who had read same dystopia novels.
Classes listened to Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift After listening to the song there was a discussion about the theme.
"The Day the Sun Came Out" by Ray Bradbury was read and discussed - focused on theme.
10/01/2014
Early Release
Students will work on Membean in class.
9/30/2014
Free Write #7 - How do you think the divorce of parents affects their children?
Packet - Frequently Confused Words ( choose at least two words from the packet each week - use them your Free Writes/highlight or underline). Make sure you choose new words each week.
The short story "The Ninny" by Anton Chekhov will be read in class. Using the short story, explicit theme will be discussed.
The following handouts will be reviewed -
Handout - 'What is a a thesis statement'.
Handout - 'Guide to Writing a BASIC ESSAY'
9/29/2014
Status-of-the-Class - week of 9/22. Starting today students will no longer be using Status-of-the-Class. In place of that they will be using a Reading Log Entry Sheet - click on links(left hand side of ELA website ) and scroll down to Reading Log Entry.
In class work "Thank You,M'am" - Vocabulary and Generalization.
9/26/2014
First 15 minutes of class students will work on Membean.
Independent reading for 30 minutes.
9/25/2014
Read "Thank You,,M'am" - copies of Langston Hughes' short story were handed out in class. Questions 1, 2, 3, under 'Analyzing Literature (on the last page of story) need to be answered. When answering questions, write complete sentences/ restate the question. Assignment needs submitted to eBackpack before class Friday 9/26.
Possible quiz over above story Friday 9/26.
9/24/2014
"The Veldt" packet is due. Class discussion over material covered.
9/23/2014
All classes will be watching Ray Bradbury Theater - THE VELDT ( 21 minutes).
After watching students will compare and contrast short story and television episode .
Free Write # 6 - Something this schools needs... explain your answer.
9/22/2014
Status-of-the- Class for the week of 9/15 is due.
Class discussion over (Directed Notes) George and Lydia's biggest mistake in the story "The Veldt". Students should be able to support their opinions citing examples from the short story.
Quiz over "The Veldt".
Commonly Confused Words - principal and principle. Each word should be used (correctly) in a Free Write this week (highlight ).
Weekly goal sheet needs to be filled out for the week of 9/22.
Homework - Packet (four pages) "The Veldt" will be handed out at the end of class. Assignment is due at the beginning of class Wednesday 9/24.
9/19/2014
Quiz over "The Veldt".
Class discussion over examples of good parenting/poor parenting in "The Veldt".
Direct Notes handout - students need to complete handout by Monday 9/22.
9/18/2014
"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury will be read in class. Students will be required
to reread story (copies of short story will be handed out at the beginning of class). They need to circle all parts that show good parenting, and underline all parts that show poor parenting.
9/17/2014
Early Release Day
Free Write # 5 - What if all after school activities were dropped?
9/16/2014
Free Write #4 - What are the worst and best qualities of the human race?
In class work.
9/15/2014
Status-of-the-Class was graded - week of 9/8.
Commonly Confused Words - (their, there, and they're) were introduced as words that are to be used correctly . Students are to use( highlight) each word at least once in their ELA writing this week.
In class assignment - Six-Word Memoirs .
9/12/2014
Free Write # 3 - Tell me about a type of music you detest and why. Is this music just rubbish, or is it merely that you don't like it.
Independent reading.
Teacher will start conferencing with students on the following:
* Independent novel
*Use of cite, site, and sight (highlighted in writing)
*Weekly goal sheet - goal for week of 9/8.
* Free Writes(ELA notebook)
* Book log (new)
9/11/2014
On-Demand Performance Assessment Prompt.
9/10/2014
There will be On-Demand Performance Assessment Prompt Thursday 9/11.
9/09/2014
Free Write #2 - Invent and describe a new Olympic sport.
Characterization worksheets will be handed out and discussed.
Punctuation Handout. Classes reviewed MOST COMMON COMMA OMISSIONS.
9/08/2014
Status-of-the-Class for the week of 9/2 will be graded.
Weekly goal sheet will be handed out - to be fill in at the beginning of each week. For the month of September, students will conference with the teacher on Friday.
Punctuation Handout - Each day a section will be reviewed. Today classes reviewed PERIOD CONFUSIONS.
Common Confused Worksheet (cite, sight, cite). Students are expected to use/highlight each of the words, correctly, in Free Write(s) this week.
9/05/2014
Assessment test will be scored (no grade) and discussed.
9/04/2014
Free Write #1 - Describe what a best friend looks like.
Assessment Test over sentence structure and grammar.
9/03/2014
All classes will set up ELA folders (folders stay in class). Students will keep their ELA notebooks in classroom folders. First 15 pages of ELA notebook is set aside for Free Writes.
9/02/2014
Introduction to ELA -
*Units that will be taught
*Classroom expectations
*Grading guidelines ( see Home Page)
PARENTAL PERMISSION SLIPS FOR PARENTS/STUDENTS TO SIGN WILL BE SENT HOME.
Other than reading for Status-of-the-Class (recording pages read), there is no homework the first two weeks of school.