Today in Class...12/21

Two more days until a nice break...Give 100% effort!!

1. "Housekeeping"- Turn in Giver books, check review packets, handbacks
Tomorrow's schedule:
Period 2: Period 8 class/ Science test
Period 3: Period 3 class/ Giver test
Period 4: no change
Periods 5 &6: Movie and Bonus room OR Make up work room
Period 7: Lunch
Period 8: Class and assembly

2. Giver short answer part of test
3. Vocab work
HW: NONE!
2. Giver sh

Today in Class...12/20

How did you interpret the ending??
1. Read/discuss end of book...closure
2. Review activities
HW: Finish review packets, study for Giver test! (Tomorrow and Thursday..)

Period 6:
1. Chapter 19 discussion...What is release? Did you predict this?
2. Utopia/Dystopia
3. Lit element scavenger hunt
HW: Finish book (Test tomorrow and Thursday)

Period 8:
1. Reading groups...Read/discuss
2. More vocab time
HW: Chs 19, 20

Today in Class...12/19

How will this book end? What will happen to Jonas? Gabe?
Is this a utopia or dystopia???
Where do we see literary elements and figurative language in The Giver?
1. Fig language review/Lit elements search
2. Utopia/dystopia
3. Vocab time...
HW: Finish book!

Period 6: What memories does Jonas receive?
1. "Say something" circle
I liked the memory of...
I did not like the memory of...
What did you think about...
How would you feel if...

2. Reading time....together
HW: Chs 17,18&19

Period 8:
1. Quick quiz
2. Done? Read!
3. Vocab
HW: 17&18

Bonus 1 Sci Fi Unit

Your task is to write "Chapter 24" of The Giver. Write as if the author asked you to pick it up where she left off. It should be in the 3rd person point of view. Start from the very end of the book.
This should be at least one page.....Use your imagination!
+10 BONUS!!!

Today in Class...12/16

What is release????
1. Chapter 19...What did you think?
2. INDEPENDENT work time...
Vocab, Giver reading/catch up
HW: Chapters 20&21

Period 6:
How does color affect us?
1. Color association activity
2. Reading time
HW: Chs 13-17

Period 8:
1. Vocabulary: Next 10 words
2. Vocab work
HW: Chapters 15 & 16

1. Color associations
2. Reading time
HW: Chapters 13,14

Today in Class...12/15

What if we couldn't choose? How would life be different? Better? Worse?
1. Quick quiz (5 ques.)
2. Chapter 16....read some together and discuss
3. Vocab 11-20
HW: Chapters 18&19

Period 6:
1. ASSIGNMENT CEREMONY! :)
2. In-class journal
3. Read on...
HW: Chapters 10-12

Period 8:
1. Color associations activity
2. Reading time
HW: Chs 15&16

Today in Class...12/14

How does COLOR affect us?
1. Color association activity
2. Catch up time
HW: Ch's 16&17

Period 6:
What are stirrings? Why would the community not want its members to have them?
1. Let's talk about Chapter 5!
2. Easy, quick quiz...part I of book
ASSIGNMENT CEREMONY TOMORROW!
HW: Chapters 7-9...

Period 8:
1. ASSIGNMENT CEREMONY! :)
2. in-class journal: How do you like your assignment?
3. HW time
HW: Chapters 13&14

Today in Class...12/13

What are the people in Jonas's community trying to protect their citizens from?
1.Listen to 10, 11 etc. together....Ahead or done with 10? Read independently
HW: Chs 11&12 (Chapter guides optional)

Period 6- What inferences can we make about Jonas's world so far?
1. Discuss...What is with this world???
2. Rules and Routines "billboards"
HW: Chapters 4-6 with chapter guides

Today in Class...12/9

What rules can Jonas break?
Per6: Please have packets ready to hand in

1. Your "giver world" number
2. (Period 6...end of The Pearl quiz)
2. Chapters 7&8 discussion
3. Reading on...
HW: Chapters 9 &10 w guides

Today in Class...12/8

What are STIRRINGS???
1. A passage from Ch 5....Let's discuss!
2. Chapters 1-6 quiz
3. Spelling
HW: Ch's 7&8 with guides

Period 6:
1. Spelling
2. Partner review for Pearl quiz
HW: Finish book and packet, quiz tomorrow

Today in Class...12/7

Who are the important characters in The Giver so far? What do we know about them? (characterization)
What are the rules/routines of the community? Which one would be hardest for you?

1. Giver vocab 1-10
2. Character chart & guides
HW: Chapters 5 & 6 with chapter guides, Quick quiz on 1-6 tmrrw

Period 6:
1. Vocab bonus option
2. More key passages in The Pearl...Why are they significant?
3. Pearl work time
HW: Finish The Pearl by Friday, end of book quiz Friday

Today in Class...12/6

What is strange about Jonas's world so far?
What vocab do we need to know for the book?

1. Discuss "huh" lists
2. New vocab (1-10)
HW: Chapters 3&4 with list


Period 6:
* Please have chs 3 & 4 guides out to be checked

Is THE PEARL a curse or a blessing?

1. "Say something" circle
I wonder....
I can't believe...
I think....
I liked it when....

2. Work on Ch 5
HW: Chapter 5 and guide due

Today in Class...12/5

What would we have to give up in order to live in a perfect world?
What is utopia?

1. Group work...Problems and Solutions
2. Start The Giver!
HW: Chapters 1&2 and "huh?" sheet due tomorrow

Period 6:

1. Questions? Comments?
2. Pearl Quiz- Part I
3. Vocab draw 5, write 5 time (hand in when done)
HW: Chapter 4 with guide due tomorrow

Today in Class...12/2

What is science fiction?
What are the problems in our world and can we fix them?

1. Finish story and group discussions
2. Can a perfect world exist? What are the current problems?
3. Groups...brainstorm
HW: none...BUT, see Mrs. Law for appt. if you don't have your folklore packet in!!

Period 6:
1. Pearl vocabulary
2. Vocab dialogue bubbles
HW: Chapter 3 and guide due Monday, Pearl quiz Mon.

Today in Class...12/1

What is science fiction?

1. Start in-class journal--Memories
2. Read sci fi story
3. Post-story discussion questions
HW: Finish MP2 Journal #1


Period 6:
1. "Say something" Circle
I liked it when....
I wondered about...
I can't believe that...
I think that....
2. Symbolism in The Pearl so far
3. Chapter 3 and guide time
HW: Chapter 3 with guide due Monday

Today in Class...11/29

How can I use text based details to show understanding of text and to draw conclusions about text?
How can I use appropriate and varied transitionss to clarify information and examples in my writing?

1. Short answer response work
2. Organize folklore packet
3. Parable festival preparations
HW: Finish short answer response if not done


Period 6:
1. Plan reading
2. Start Ch 1 together
HW: Chapters 1 & 2 with chapter guides due Thurs

Today in Class...11/28

How do I determine the theme of a story or passage?
How can I construct a solid short answer response?

1. Last few days of folklore (folk tales, legends, myths and fables)

• "The King of the Polar Bears" and "The Fir Tree"


• Writing an effective short answer response

2. Steps:

1. Read "The Fir Tree" together (flow map)


2. Read "King of Polar Bears" independently (w flow map)


3. Answer questions in Q in A


4. Organize ALL thinking maps from the folklore mini-unit and staple together, with graphic organizer as cover sheet.


5. Write short answer response question

HW: Finish "Polar Bear" questions
Make sure your parable is ready for festival on Wednesday!

Period 6:
What can money buy? What can it not buy?

1. Brainstorming/Pre-reading
2. New journal assignments
3. New novel and novel activities!
HW: MP 2 Journal # 1

Today in Class...11/22

Spelling fun today!
1. Determine new word list
2. Do two corresponding writing activities.
3. Pick one new spelling activity to complete.
4. Done? Do a word game for fun...

Today in Class...11/16

What are the steps in creating my parable? (digital version)

1. Finish idependent story choice & flow map
2. Photostory 3 orientation (or refresher)

HW: Make arrangements to finish story and flow map

Today in Class...11/15

While reading your choice of story, keep the following questions in mind:
-What cultural values come across?
-What is the theme/lesson/moral that is conveyed through the story?

1. Double bubble...urban legends

2. Pick from the following stories:
"Otoonah"- Eskimo legend p.927
"Racing the Great Bear"- Native American legend p. 920
"The Souls in Purgatory"- Mexican folk tale p. 942
"Orpheus and Eurydice"- Greek myth p. 938
"Pecos Bill"- American folk (tall) tale p. 973

3. Creat a flow map while reading. This time, include PICTURES in your boxes, with captions. AFTER reading, answer the following question:
What lesson can be learned from the story? How is this similar to any of the other folklore you've read so far? How is it different?

Period 6:
1. Read "The Girl in the Lavender Dress"
2. When finished, go to lab to work on "Urban Legend" noodletools "project".
HW: Urban legend noodlebib due Friday

Today in Class...11/14

In looking at different types of text (folk tales, myths, legends....), how does the structure of each contribute to its meaning?How can I determine a theme or lesson of a text?

1. Quick spelling practice
2. Spelling quiz (your first four words)
3. Discuss "Woman in Snow"
4. Urban Legend 2....."The Girl in the Lavender Dress"

HW: Double bubble urban legends

Period 6:
1. Urban legends...find your own article
2. Noodlebib notecards...lab
(Be ready to fill in your TO DO list when you get there!)

Today in Class...11/10

In looking at different types of text (folk tales, myths, legends....), how does the structure of each contribute to its meaning?How can I determine a theme or lesson of a text?

1. Finish "The Woman in the Snow" story and flow map. (Period 8-Share stories)
2. Unit 1 Spelling practice fun! Partners & contract...

No HW

Today in Class...11/9

In looking at different types of text (folk tales, myths, legends....), how does the structure of each contribute to its meaning?How can I determine a theme or lesson of a text?

1. "Theme sheet"...What themes/lessons have we seen in our stories so far?
2. What are urban legends?
3. "The Woman in the Snow"...urban legend
HW: Grade book closes at end of day tomorrow! Bonus?

Today in Class...11/8

In looking at different types of text (folk tales, myths, legends....), how does the structure of each contribute to its meaning?How can I determine a theme or lesson of a text?

1. Finish "Pandora's Box"...What is in the box?
2. "Aunty Misery"
3. Connections....Double bubble with partner
HW: Finish double bubble map

Today in Class...11/7

In looking at different types of text (folk tales, myths, legends....), how does the structure of each contribute to its meaning?
How can I determine a theme or lesson of a text?

1. Meet and share suspense articles
2. Intro to FOLK TALES, LEGENDS, MYTHS & FABLES...
3. Greek and Puerto Rican origin myths
HW: Last call for Bonus work! Gradebook closes Wed!

Today in Class...11/4

How can I use text based details to show understanding of a text and to draw conclusions?
What notes (or thinking maps) can I use to determine the main idea of and summarize text with supporting details?
How does the text structure (paragraphs, sentences, etc.) support key ideas?

1. Pick your article....haunted houses or phobias??...
2. Determine how you will take notes. What best suits the article? What best suits you?
3. Read and take notes.
4. Teach someone else about your article, using your notes.
HW: None (Bonus work due by Wednesday)

Today in Class...11/3

What spelling words do I need to work on?
1. Continue highlighting "words to learn"
2. Transfer "words to learn" to study sheet
3. Work on first spelling practice with FIRST FOUR WORDS
HW: None (bonus??)

Today in Class...11/2

Pers 2 & 5
How do I write a poetry interpretation with TEXT SUPPORT?
Where is the figurative language in Poe's works?
How did I do on my spelling PRE-test?

1. Write poetry interpretation as a class
2. Share hw..
3. Spelling
HW: none (but time is running out for bonus opportunities!)




Period 3: "Sometimes the anticipation of what is behind the door is more is more frightening than what's behind the door itself." What does this mean?
1. "The Monkey's Paw" video... What is more suspsenseful? ...the story or the video? Why?
2. For fun...Contemporary version of "The Monkey's Paw"
HW: none (but time is running out for bonus opportunities!)


Period 6:
1. 15 minutes to meet with poetry groups
2. Poetry presentations
3. Start HW..(Finding fig language in other Poe works...)
HW: Poe fig language worksheet


Period 8:
1. Share journals..(How did you advise the father to wish?)
2. Spelling and other make up time
3. Contemporary "Monkey's Paw" for fun...
HW: None (time running out for bonus work!)

Today in Class...11/1

What is figurative language? (Do you remember how to define it?)
1. Find poem materials (notes, Annabel Lee poem or other Poe poem & step by step sheet)
2. Groups...finish steps
3. Figurative language in other Poe works
HW: Finish Poe fig language worksheet






Periods 3 & 8:
1. Finish "Monkey's Paw"
2. End of story journal
HW: Finish entire journal # 3

Today in Class...10/31

What elements are present in a video production to create suspense? What does an author have to use to create the same tone?
1. Discuss "The Monkey's Paw" & collect journals (all parts)
2. Video version of "The Monkey's Paw"...What is more suspenseful, reading it or watching it?...

Today in Class...10/27

How does Poe's or other author's word choice impact tone of his poem(s)? How can we FIGURE out FIGURative language?
1. Fig Language notes
2. Poe/Suspense poetry groups...
HW: 3 wishes journal (Journal #3) due tomorrow

Today in Class...10/26

Are my notecards ready? What questions do I still have about Noodletools?

1. Handbacks/new journal
2. LAB (finish items on "to do" list)
3. Done with Noodletools project? Complete journal OR work on a bonus opportunity.
HW: Journal #3 due Friday





Period 8:
1. Words in context (from non-fiction "fright" article)

Today in Class...10/25

Period 8

How can I take SOLID notes on a non-fiction article?

1. Take out your journals (due today) to hand in
2. Vocab tests back
3. "The Delight of Fright" article
HW: none

Today in Class...10/24

How can I use new technology to help in the research process? How can I set my purpose for reading and note-taking with a non-fiction text?

1. Library: Intro to "Noodletools" with Mrs. Kowalski




Period 8: Mystery and Suspense unit!
What are our fears? Why do people seek out fright?
1. In-class journal: "Fear"
2. Non-fiction.."Delight of Fright"
HW: Finish journal if not completed

Bonus 4

Go to www.brainpop.com and view the mini videos on AGATHA CHRISTIE and FRANKENSTEIN. Complete the online quiz, print it out and submit it to Mrs. Law.

Each viewing and quiz is worth a 5 point coupon!

See Mrs. Law for the login information card for Brainpop!

Bonus 3

Complete more research on Poe, beyond what we studied in class. Find out FIVE new facts about him that we have not discussed. Explore different websites and articles until you find FIVE interesting pieces of information. Write the FIVE facts down and submit them to Mrs. Law.

+3 Bonus

Bonus 2

After collecting information on Edgar Allan Poe, come up with a script involving an interviewer and interviewee (Poe). Have the interviewer ask 8 SOLID, MEANINGFUL questions of Poe, and include Poe's responses. Be creative! Some of Poe's answers would be what you assume he might say based on what you know about him.

EX:

Q: Who was an important figure in your life growing up?

Poe: Definitely my father who adopted me when I was young. He was very strict, but taught me alot about life.

+5 Bonus points

Today in Class...10/21

Who is the man called Poe?
1. Edgar Allan Poe research (computer lab)
2. Done early? Try one of the bonus opportunities!
HW: None

Today in Class...10/20

What are the main ideas of "The Delight of Fright"? Who is this Poe guy, anyway?
1. Finish/Discuss article
2. Let's get to know the man called Edgar Allan Poe!
HW: None








Period 8:
1. Finish grading packets
2. Vocab review game
HW: Study for vocab quiz

Today in Class...10/19

Why do people seek out fright? What are our fears? What are the main ideas of the non-fiction article? How do I figure out words I do not know?
1. Share "fears"
2. "The Delight of Fright" (Main idea and details, words in context...note taking)
HW: None





Period 8: Extra credit to hand in? Do so today!
1. Finish reading comprehension test
2. Self-grade vocabulary packet...Give Mrs. Law or Mrs. Edick your best score for the gradebook!
3. Vocabulary matching (review for quiz)
HW: Vocab quiz Friday!

Today in Class...10/18

"Mish-mash" day...tying up loose ends
1. Finish reading comprehension test (10 min)
2. Outsiders tests back & go over (per 6- classmates' video debut)
3. Share word forms
4. Another journal! (it's been a while!)
HW: Journal #2 due tomorrow

Today in Class...10/17

What is my baseline score on a reading comprehension test? What highlighting and reading skills can I use to do well?

1. Reading comprehension test...(Sorry! Mrs. Law was out Friday and didn't get to give you the heads up! No need to stress! This is not a test you could study for..)
HW: Vocab word form chart



Period 8:
How well do I know my vocab words?
1. Independent vocab catch up...
Finish vocab packet, THEN get extra credit activity
HW: Vocab packet completed, Extra credit vocab chart?

Today in Class...10/12

How does The Outsiders film compare to the novel? Does the film version stay true to the book?

1. Finish video...
2. Discussion
HW: Remember your vocab packets tomorrow! We will grade them in class!

Today in Class...10/13

How well do I know my vocab words?
Can I find the main idea and important details in a non-fiction article?
How can I effectively take notes on an article?
1. Go over vocab activities
2. "Gangs"...non-fiction article

Period 6:
1. Go over vocab activities
2. Vocab project choices
Hw: Vocab mini-projects due Monday

Today in Class...10/6

*Please have your Outsiders books ready to turn in

How well do I know the 20 vocab words? How do context clues help me determine what word to use and its meaning?
1. Vocabulary activities and/or catch up time
HW: Vocab work

Today in Class...10/5

*Clear your desks and have a pencil sharpened & ready

Ponyboy says, "Take a deep breath, relax & do a great job on the test! You know this book! :)"

1. Outsiders Test Part I
HW: None! (unless you owe ch guides?..)

Today in Class...10/4

What are my thoughts on the novel? How well do I know it? Am I ready for the test tomorrow?
1. End of book...read together for closure
2. Go over review stations
3. Review game
HW: Study for test tomorrow! Late to hand in chapter guides?? Make an appointment!!

Today in Class...10/3

1. SRI...Accurately represent yourself as a reader.
2. Finished before others? WORK ON BONUS (ON WEBSITE) OR READ SILENTLY!! BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS STILL TESTING!
HW: Ch guide 9-12 due, Study for Outsiders test! (Wed)

Today in Class...9/30

What do I need to know for the upcoming Outsiders test?
1. Outsiders review "stations"
2. Catch up time
HW: Finish book!

Period 3:
1. Punks and Jocks/ Outsiders
2. Outsiders timeline
HW: Finish book!

Today in Class...9/29

Don't be afraid of poems!!!How can I dissect a poem to better understand it?
1. Please take out your Draw 5, Write 5...due today
2. "Nothing Gold Can Stay"
3. Theme & Characterization in the Outsiders (Groups)
HW: Test next Wednesday, Finish book by Mon!

Today in Class...9/28

What are our character traits? How do we define ourselves?
1. Vocab unit- Second 10 words (notes)
2. Finish character trait design...hang on wall
3. Work on Draw 5, Write 5 vocab
HW: Outsiders finished Monday, test next Wednesday, DRAW 5, WRITE 5 vocab (other side, new words)

Today in Class...9/27

What is a CHARACTER TRAIT or QUALITY?
1. Who ARE you? What is your character trait?
2. Graffiti mini-project for walls
HW: Finish book for next Monday, Test next Wednesday!

Today in Class...9/26

1. Outsiders Quiz..Section 2
2. Punks and Jocks, Socs and Greasers....
HW: Finish Outsiders Book by Monday, Oct.3rd...
1 CH NOTES GUIDE ONLY (for 9-12), TEST WED OCT 5th

Today in Class...9/23/11

Can a real-life "Soc and Greaser" situation happen?
1. Review Outsiders...What's going on? (Period 8- draw 5, write 5)
2. Video: "Punks and Jocks"...Compare/Contrast
HW: None (if you finished reading section) Quiz Monday

Period 3:
1. Reading groups (Outsiders)
HW: None (if you finished reading section) Quiz Monday

BONUS 1

Do some independent research on the author of The Outsiders, S.E .Hinton. Find an article or biography about her and summarize it in a well-developed paragraph. Include a copy of the article or online biography that you used.
In the following paragraph, explain how her background played a role in her novel. How did her own life experiences impact her ability to write this piece of young adult fiction?

Today in Class...9/22

*Please take out your Draw 5, Write 5 vocab
It's catch up time!!
1. Work on vocab activity (Draw 5, Write 5) ...Hand in when you are done.
2.When done, move to Outsiders reading or Chapter guides...

HW: Section 2 of Outsiders and chapter guides due Friday, Quiz 2 Monday!

Period 3
1. Draw 5, Write 5 vocab time
2. "Nothing Gold" poem..What is it all about?

Period 6:
1. Outsiders reading time....Choices:

• "Partner read"- Find someone at the same spot as you


• "Listening center"- Listen to our voice actor read to you


• Independent read and/or work on ch guides


• Done with book? Work on Ch guides or BONUS opportunity

Today in Class...9/21

What are the vocabulary words from this novel unit? How can I connect to them?
1. First 10 words...Vocab "skits" and notes
HW: Outsiders reading section 2 w chapter guides

Today in Class...9/20

1. Read Ch 5 together...(even if you've already read it!)
2. Confused about chapter guides? Let's do one together!
HW: Section 2 of Outsiders...Chs 5, 6, 7 & 8 Friday, Quiz Monday

Today in class...9/19/11

1. Any questions before quiz? Any confusion? Comments? Things to tell me? Jot down on index card.
2. Quiz Ch's 1-4
3. Read on in book...
HW: Ch's 5-8 due Friday, Ch guides

Today in Class...9/16/11

- What is characterization?

1. Character review
2. Let's play Novel-Ball!!
3. Catch up time (Quiz Monday, touch up Ch guides...)
HW: Chs 1-4 due Monday with Ch guides, Quiz Mon

Today in Class...9/15

How does S.E. Hinton use characterization in her novel? Who ARE the characters?

1. (Period 6) The 60's...Classmates as "guest teachers"
2. Character review posters OR catch up time (per 8)

HW: Section 1 with study guides due tomorrow. Quiz MONDAY (note change)

Today in Class...9/14/11

What did the 60's look like?
1. Classmates as teachers...teach a slide! (Outsiders background)
2. Reading/study guide time
HW: Outsiders section 1 and chapter guides due Friday

Today in Class...9/13/11

Would you rather be a "Greaser" or a "Soc"?
1. Moocher/Literary elements
2. The Outsiders!...reading schedule, chapter guides & books
3. Begin reading together...
HW: See reading schedule. Section 1 due Friday

Today in Class...9/12/11

1. How does integrity apply to "The Moocher"?
2. Literary elements....How did you do? Where do we go from here?
3. "The Moocher"'s lit elements....Collaborate to dissect story.
4. Organize binders/label sections
HW: None...but get ready to start The Outsiders tomorrow! Hooray!

Today in Class...9/9/2011

*Please take out your journals (due today)

1. "The Moocher" by Rachel Guido DeVries
2. Follow-up journal question
3. Essential vocab pre-test?...if time
HW: NONE (remember materials!)

Today in Class...9/8/2011

*Please have your homework out on your desk.

1. Grading system
2. Journal process
3. Your first journal response (in class)
4. What is integrity?
HW: Finish journal response #1

Today in Class...9/7/2011

*Please take out your circle maps (teacher/student)
Agenda:
1. Finish sharing circle maps
2. Name game...Help Mrs. Law remember your names!
3. Start dictionary scavenger hunt
HW: Parent signature form due tomorrow! , Finish dictionary hunt

The First Day of School...9/6/2011

*Please take an index card and fill in the following information:
Name
Birthday (month/day/year)
Language Arts teacher(s) last year

1. Seating
2. About Me
3. How will we have a happy, productive& cooperative classroom? (Brainstorming)
HW: Parent signature returned by Thursday