Today in Class...12/21

Have a wonderful holiday break. Relax (and finish The Giver!)...

Today in Class...12/19

What is your favorite color?
1. Memories notes
2. Color in The Giver- activity
____
3. LAB: IN ORDER OF PRIORITY:
1. Finish/finalize movies
2. Revise/print/and hand in BOTH copies of Argumentative Essay
After Friday, if we don't have your revision, the original grade stands.
3. Work on Giver work
HW: Giver section 4 due Friday

Today in Class...12/18

What will YOUR assignment be?
1. Quick chat about "Stirrings"...
2. Assignment Ceremony
3. Free-write/ Read
____
4. Lab: Final touches?
HW: Giver section 3 due tomorrow

Today in Class...12/17

1.  Quiz Giver section 2 (open notes)
2. Read on/work on notes sheet for next section
____
3. Movie-making!
ANNOUNCEMENT: "Assignment Ceremony" tomorrow! What will your assignment be???? :)
Giver section 3 and notes due Wednesday

Today in Class...12/14

How do I create a "polished" PSA or Interview?

1. Beyond The Giver options
2. LAB: Finish Utopia webquests
3. Finish revising essays
___
4. Edit/Production of Videos!
HW: Giver section 2 Due Monday, Finish Essay Revisions

Today in Class...12/13

1. LAB: Work on Argumentative Essay revisions (see LAW folder for help with in-text citations, if needed)
While working, we'll be uploading videos...Be patient and work quietly as you wait to get your camera.
____
2. LAB: Mrs. Wenner will take you through the steps of editing/producing your video!
HW: Giver section 2 due Monday, Finish Argumentative revisions....MUST BE HANDED IN WITH ORIGINAL DRAFT AND RUBRIC!!

Today in Class...12/12

How can I improve my Argumentative Essay?
1. Share rules/routines/activities with buddy
2. Quick Quiz- Ch's 1-4
3. Argumentative Essays back...Revision time
____
4. Filming/ Revising/ Uploading for the next two days....
HW: Giver section 2 due Monday, add to your notes

Today in Class...12/11

What is a utopia? Do/can utopian societies exist?
1. Webquest- Lab
___
2. Film!
HW: Giver section 1 due Wednesday

Today in Class...12/10

Happy Birthday Ellie! Happy Birthday Ireland!
How important are feelings to a society?
What are the things that make you go "hmmm???...." in The Giver?
1. Finish/work on "feelings masks"
2. New novel day! Introducing...The Giver
3. Few Lit elements notes
____
4. Rehearsal day
HW: See bookmark for The Giver reading schedule, Giver notes

Today in Class...12/7

How important is it to express our feelings? How often should we do it?
1. "Lest We Forget"....
2. The Giver and feelings....
3. Masks
___
4. First stages of video production...scripts
HW: Think about and bring in props for video rehearsals

Today in Class...12/6

What is sci-fi?
1. Memories!
2. Sci-fi story..."Lest We Forget"
___
3. Start on your OWN video production!
HW: Magi story

Today in Class...12/5

How does O.Henry, through irony, achieve humor in his stories?
1. VIEW  O.Henry's "The Ransom of Red Chief"...Fill out flow map while viewing
2. Start free-write (Memory)
____
3. Current even Wednesday
HW: free-write (Memory), finish current event (if necessary)

Today in Class....12/4

Modern-day Della and Jim?...
1. Creative writing time! ..Guidelines
____
2. Finish/vote/reveal "best teacher" of mini-lessons
3. Misused words clip
4. Skills partners...Work in purple books
5. Create your personal notes
HW: Continue working on Magi story...typed copy due Friday, Study "words often confused" notes

Today in Class...12/3

Will you recognize O.Henry's classic story, "The Gift of the Magi"?
1. Share "prized possessions"
2. Read story (independently)
What is the irony? What type?
3. Free read if done....
____
4. Words often confused...You're the teacher!
5. Sweep and Keep!
HW: Finish reading Magi...Be thinking of how you could create a contemporary version. (Details to follow!)

Today in Class...11/30

What is the ironic twist in O.Henry's first story?
1. "The Last Leaf"...a whole-class read
2. Work on free-write (due Monday)
___
3. Words often confused...Farther/further, affect/effect...Will we ever get it write/right??
HW: Free-write due Monday

Today in Class...11/28

1. Mish-mash: Free read, Catch up on the current goings-ons
Good luck to our spellers!
____
2. Lab: Current even Wednesday
HW: Make sure essay, bibliography & graphic organizer are handed in!

Today in Class...11/27

OH, Henry!!
1. Who is our featured author?
& Genius row
2. Powerball...Ironic?
3. Free-write (due tomorrow), Get other 5 free-writes ready to hand in
____
4. The Writing Reviser Program...It's like having your own little teacher inside the computer!!!
HW: Complete free-write

Today in Class...11/26

Isn't it ironic?
1. Some tunes to get us started....
2. Turn to Lit Elements section: Get ready for a few notes
3. Examples of Irony
4. Real life irony story
____
5. Argumentative essay- Peer review
HW: Read "Powerball" article- Respond to the question: What is ironic about the story? What type of irony is it?

Today in Class...11/20

Happy Birthday Shannon S.!!!
Mish-Mash period...
1. What's going on in our world lately? (Current even mini)
2. Discuss The Monkey's Paw
3. Watch contemporary version...
4. Free read/grade vocabulary
___
5. Continue to type essays  (Done? Free read, Extra credit or read a news story online)
HW: Be Thankful!!!

Today in Class...11/19

Happy Birthday Nick R.!!
What does Newton's Third Law have to do with our story today? (loosely)
1. Share one wish
2. "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs
____
3. Template filled in? Start typing first draft of Argumentative essay
HW: Free-write #2 for Monkey's Paw

Today in Class...11/16

Free-Free Friday!
1. Free read (Period 3- Vocabulary activities)
2. Free-write (complete for hw if not done..)
___
4. Rough draft con......The Concession Paragraph and In-Text Citations
HW: Finish vocabulary, vocab sentence re-writes

Today in Class...11/15

Remember suspense vocabulary?...
1. Free reading...15 min (PERIOD 3- POE QUIZ)
2. Vocabulary- Sentences back, Work on new exercises
Common mistakes: Not enough context, Words not underlined, Lack of sentence variety
___
3. Next step with Argumentative...taking it from graphic organizer to rough draft template
HW: Finish vocabulary, Sentence corrections? Submit WITH original

Today in Class...11/14

Wrapping up Poe....What do I know?
1. Poe quiz
2. Free read when done
___
3. You've done the research...Now what? First steps to drafting your essay
HW: Make sure your Argumentative graphic organizer is complete. Continue to read and bring in free reading book

Today in Class...11/13

Who are our Poe-etry Slam winners??
1. Poetry slam: Make sure you have: Copy of YOUR INDIVIDUAL poem with your name on it, ONE group summary and YOUR INDIVIDUAL score sheet.... You have 5 min to meet and get organized.
___
2. Organizing notecards into outlines
3. Lab- print outlines & bibliographies
4. Finish early? Free read or complete extra Poe/suspense task
HW: Prepare for Poe quiz tomorrow.

Today in Class...11/9

Will you go on in the next round of the spelling bee???
What does your group need to do to be ready to present poems on Tuesday?
1. Spelling bee qualification test
2. Finish Poem projects
___
3. Find one more source today while researching. Make sure you have good color distribution on notecards.
HW: Remember free reading book? Read it & bring it on Tuesday. You will be using it next week.
Get to a good place with your research (4-5 sources)

Today in Class...11/8

Happy Birthday Caitlyn!
What will our group do to dazzle our audience with our poem?
What do we think our poem means?
1. Poetry groups continued
(Use the lab!)
____
2. Lab/Library...Continue with research
Goal for today: By end of period, have two ADDITIONAL SOURCES and notecards to go with
HW: If you are behind in your research process, work on task at home. (Do you have at least three sources? Do you have at least three notecards?)

Today in Class...11/7

What kind of Poetry did Poe write?
1. Well??...Who is our next president?
2. Poe Poetry group project
___
3. Library: Research continued.
Still confused? Stay for a BRIEF refresher so you're not stressed out!! Make friends with EasyBib!
HW: Finish poetry group tasks through step 4

Today in Class...11/6

Happy Birthday Sarah T.!
Happy ELECTION DAY!!!!
1. Figurative language in Poe
2. Unleash your inner creative genius...
___
3. Election day festivities
HW: Finish Figurative Language representation

Today in Class...11/5

The Day Before the Election.......!!!!
1. New seats
2. Spelling quiz
3. The Informed Decision...
___
4. Libary: Research con.
MEET US THERE!
HW: Remember extra Poe/Suspense options, if interested.

Today in Class...11/2

What is the focus of my research today?
1. 15 minutes...Finish Mood and Tone and evidence of in Poe
2. Library-  EasyBib orientation
___
3. Library- Research your hats off!!!
HW: Practice spelling words...Quiz Monday

Today in Class...11/1

1. "The Black Cat"
2. Mood and Tone in Poe's works
___
3. YOUR Argumentative issue... Starting the process!
HW: Finish your Motifs and Themes chart for Black Cat and Tell Tale (both sides)
*Complete your three potential topics and research questions

Today in Class...10/31

Happy Halloween!...
What motifs and themes does Poe use in his stories?
1. The Tell Tale Heart...Experience one of Poe's most famous works.
2. Touch base with partner
____
3. Vintage horror/mystery
HW: NONE!
In need of some extra points? Want to take your Poe experience beyond the works we'll read in class? Enjoy mystery and suspense? See us for ABOVE AND BEYOND options to earn +5 tacked onto past assignments.....

Today in Class...10/30

Happy Poe Week!!
What issue is worth arguing for?
1. Have vocab sentences out to hand in
2. Suspense vocab...the sequel
___
3. Is a BIG GULP too big?
HW: 8 vocab word story prediction

Today in Class...10/29

HAPPY POE WEEK!
Who was Poe?
1. Self-guided notes on Poe- Lab
2. Poe informational paragraph
___
3. What's the deal with The Electoral College?
HW: Finish vocab sentences (due tomorrow), Finish Poe paragraph (due Wednesday)

Today in Class...10/26

Happy Birthday to Colin!
Happy Birthday to Jake and Ciara!!
1. Discuss Hitchhiker from yesterday...(Please have this out and ready to hand in.)
2. Tell-Tale Heart/Suspense unit Vocabulary 1-10
3. Time to start sentences...
____
4. Rock the Vote!
5. SPAM (Lab)
HW: Write 10 Vocabulary sentences using 10 different examples of sentence variety. DUE TUESDAY!

Today in Class...10/25

How is mood conveyed without visual effects?
1. Our first suspenseful story...The Hitchhiker
___
2. Informational text: Another issue: Why it matters
HW: Finish Hitchhiker questions

Today in Class...10/24

Where did the mystery and suspense genre come from?
1. Background/notes and discussion
___
2. Analyzing political ads
HW: Read free reading books!

Today in Class...10/23

What are mood and tone and how do they impact a story?
1. Discuss "Delight of Fright" article
2. Lit elements: Mood and Tone
____
3. Free read and Free write
4. Political Ads...Persuasive techniques revisited
HW: Read free reading book

Today in Class...10/22

Why do people want to be scared? ....Do you?
1. Freewrite- suspense and our fears
2. "The Delight of Fright" partner read
___
3. SPAM
HW: Finish Delight of Fright article and activities, Bring free reading book 

Today in Class...10/19

1. Election terms quiz
2. Library: Shop for a book!
Requirements: Make sure that it is one you are TRULY interested in! You will be sharing about it periodically.
___
3. Discuss Rate the Candidate
4. Satire clips
HW: Start reading your new book.

Today in Class...10/18

What connections can I make between integrity stories?
How long does it take to form a first impression of a person????

1. Partner flow charts/discuss- 15 min
2. Meet with another duo & share- 10 min
3. Binder "keep and sweep"
____
4. Rate the Candidate!
"HW: Election term quiz tomorrow, Getting books in library tomorrow...Bring yours in if you already have one!

Today in Class...10/17

What connections did we make among our books?
What connections can we make between the last stories of the Integtrity unit?

1. Short story day
___
2. What is the IDEAL candidate?
HW: Finish short story tasks

Today in Class...10/16

What connections can I make among my book and others'?

1. Book chats
___
2. Spelling unit 1
HW: Study Election Vocabulary...Quiz on Friday

Today in Class...10/15

What are the essential election vocabulary words?

1. Handbacks/quickly discuss Outsiders test
2. Vocabulary
__
3. Your issue!.....Remember that? Finish teaching others about it.
HW: Finish vocabulary if necessary, Extra book assessments due today! (Points deducted each day late...) BRING "EXTRA" BOOKS TO CLASS TOMORROW with a passage of your choice marked and ready to be read.

Today in Class...10/11

Will the movie stay true to the novel?
 Mish-mash..
Announcements:
1. Don't forget that your Beyond the Outsiders novel and assessment is due Monday by end of the day1
2. When you hand in project choice, staple white sheet to it with  your name AND choice indicated. (Even if you email your project you must still hand in white sheet.)
3. Missing work? Stay after or see us during appointment times.
4. Make sure you have handed in your Outsiders book...unless you still owe SE Hinton interview task.
___
Periods 7&8: Movie theater day begins!

Today in Class...10/5

What can we learn from political cartoons?
1. Quick election bingo quiz
2. Political cartoons
___
3. Issue articles...Meet with partner, Discuss answers and Draw your graphic representations.
4. Teach another group!
HW: None!
(Bingo contest until 12:00 midnight! Submit your completed board.)

Today in class...10/4

What are some strategies to use while reading informational text?
What have I learned about the "big issues" of the election? What do I think about them?

1. Who is SE Hinton?...read the interview!
2. Your time! For: finishing test, reading next book, working on end of book assessment
-------
3. The battle continues...Obama v. Romney: 3 Big Issues
4. Pair read: article on election issue
HW: Finish Issue article outline & graphic
COOLAge 12 items+, win a prize for full board!

Today in Class...10/3

1. Outsiders test..
You will be picking 40 pts worth of short answers to respond to. You may use your notes.
__
2. Reading and Catch Up time
HW: Work on COOLage? Be the first to submit to Ms. Grathwol! Win a prize!

Today in Class...10/2

What should I take from The Outsiders?
1. Finish review stations and go over as whole group
___
2. Period 7- Spelling pre-test....*Bring your books to read after!
Period8- COOLages..library
HW: Outsiders test tomorrow

Today in Class...10/1

What should I take away from The Outsiders?
1. Outsiders stations
___
2. Period 7: Library to finish Coolages
Period 8: Spelling pre-test
(Tomorrow is flip-flopped)
HW: Outsiders test Wednesday
Make a plan to see us if you owe anything! (Quiz, notes, speech...)

Today in Class...9/28

How can we effectively navigate the Post-Standard?
What type of election coverage does the Post Standard have? Where can we find it?
1. Quickly review/discuss television commercials
2. Library: Post-Standard/Election Bingo!!!!
HW: Make sure speech is all set, Outsiders test next Wednesday!

Today in Class...9/27

What does "Nothing Gold Can Stay" have to do with The Outsiders?
Do television commercials use the same advertising techniques? (& will campaign ads????)
1. Good news!!! No quiz today...
BUT: Please have ALL notes out, ready to hand in. Be ready for Outsiders novel test on Oct 3rd!
2. Poem groups & poem performances
____
3. Analyzing persuasive techniques in television commercials
HW: Make sure candidate speech is revised/all set, See us for next novel!

Today in Class...9/26

What is my current reading comp level?
Are we easily persuaded?
1. SRI- Computer Lab
*Bring your Outsiders work or book to read
OR...Revise your speech!
___
2. Persuasive techniques
Looking through magazines....
HW: Outsiders section 3 due Thursday

Today in Class...9/25

Happy LAT day!!
1. ELA 8 LAT... Relax and do your best.
2. Done before others? Use the time for Outsiders catch up or read your new book!
HW: Outsiders section 3 due Thursday

Today in Class...9/24

Why didn't we discuss the poem yet??? :)
1. 8th grade...the reality of testing :(
2. Literary elements continued..
3. Poem: Group task
____
4. Critically analyzing media
HW: Outsiders (last section) due Thursday
Send us your speech!

Today in Class...9/21

Where did the political parties come from?
1. Brainpop...Political parties/presidential election background
__
2. Candidate match game
3. Work on typing speeches
HW: Finish typing speeches, Outsiders section 3 due Thursday

Today in Class...9/20

1. Outsiders quiz
2. Catch up time
___
3. Library: Set up Google accounts & work on speeches
HW: Outsiders section 2 due next Thurs
See us for next book

Today in Class...9/19

Can a Soc/Greaser conflict really happen? Does it happen?
1. 20/20 story: "Punks and Jocks"
2. Post-viewing activity
____
3. Character presentations...Be proud!
HW: Outsiders section 2 due Thurs
See us for next book!

Today in Class...9/18

Where do we see examples of lit elements in The Outsiders?
What is informative text? How do I write it?
1. Share your creative stories
2. Literary element search
__
3. Writing task: Introduce a candidate
HW: Outsiders section 2 due Thursday, quiz Thursday
See us for next book.

Today in class...9/17

Do I remember how to write well?...

1. Check in with the candidates, Outsiders and (per 3) quiz

2. Catch up time

-------

3. Dazzle us with your writing!!

Hw: Outsiders section 2 & notes due thurs

See us for next book 

Today in Class...9/14

What do I know about the presidential candidates?
1. Current events folder/process
2. Vote
3. Library research
Hw: Outsiders section 2 due Thursday.
See us for new novel! (When finished with Outsiders..)

Today in Class....9/13

What do I know and what do I think about The Outsiders?
1. Quiz Chapters 1-4
2. What do you think so far?..Discussion
___
3. Finish Characterization posters...Efficiency!!
HW: Outsiders section 2 due next Thursday!! Finished with The Outsiders? See us for your next book!!!

NOTE: You do not need to be reading your "Beyond The Outsiders" book choice while you are reading The Outsiders. You will see us for the book AFTER you finish. Any/all books you choose to read in Integrity unit must be completed (with follow-up activity) by October 15th.

Today in Class...9/12

How can we characterize the characters from The Outsiders?
1. Characterize a president
2. Characterization game..Who am I?
3. "Life size characterizations" rules/procedures
___
4. Group task: Go to it!
HW: Outsiders 1-4 quiz tomorrow and chapter notes

Today in Class...9/11

What is characterization?
What is connotation?
1. Organize binders & label sections
2. Beyond The Outsiders....What book is next for me?
___
3. Characterization quick notes and activity
4. "Rolling story"
HW: Outsiders section 1 due Thursday, quiz Thursday

Today in Class...9/10

Why remember 9/11?
1. Overview
2. Video
3. Dedication
HW: Finish dedication, Outsiders reading & notes

Today in Class...9/7

How does The Outsiders relate to the theme of integrity?
1. Timelines ready to hand in
2. Class picture
3. Travel to the past...The 60's!
4. Outsiders procedures/reading schedule/note-taking
____
1. Begin reading The Outsiders and note-taking
HW: Keep Outsiders reading schedule in mind! Materials due on Monday

Today in Class...9/6

What has happened since you were born?
1. FAQ's about ELA Honors (Connections)
2. "The Moocher" follow-up
3. Your timeline
Part 2-
1. Continue with timeline activity & Say "CHEESE!"
HW: Finish timeline, if necessary

Today in Class...9/5

What is integrity?
1. Revisit course outline and share
2. "Get acquainted!" activity
3. Desk Olympics
Part 2
1. "The Moocher"...a short story
2. Post-reading activities
HW: Finish Moocher post-reading

The First Day of School....9/4

What is this course all about? Who are our teachers?
1. Quick course outline & general routines
2. Guessing game...Who are your teachers?
3. Write our biographies!
4. Your symbol
Part 2
1. Daily job
2. Cause/effect & SLANT
3. Integrity & "The Moocher"
HW: Finish Moocher pre-reading/reading, course outline signed, cause/effect sheet complete

Summer vacation!!

Today in Class...

What will you choose??
1. Warm up: Roots sheet (only a few more...)
2. Your choice for today:
-Choose your own short story...What was your favorite genre? Pick from choices.
HW: Make sure everything you can get in is in!!!

Today in Class...6/7

Strive to beat your spelling pre-test score!!
1. Grade your roots sheet with key (or finish if not done)
2. Spelling test
3. Go over test...How did you do?
HW: None tonight

Today in Class...6/6

Will I show improvement on my 8th grade spelling words?
1. Go over/discuss narrative poetry stations
2. Practice ALL spelling words...finish units
3. Partner practice: white boards
4. Roots
HW: Finish roots sheet (anthro,etc.) and STUDY SPELLING WORDS!
*FYI: Final SRI Friday

Today in Class...6/5

PORTFOLIOS DUE TODAY!!!
Poetry week continued!!
What is narrative poetry?? Do I remember?

1. Find your narrative poetry stations sheet.
2. Last station...Finish and go back to "clean up" other stations
3. Imagery Illustration
Pick the one you liked the best.
"Mother to Son", "Speech to Young", "Identity", "Fear", "Jabberwocky", "Three Little Pigs", "The Charge of the Light Brigade"
HW: Finish imagery illustration

Today in Class...5/31

What is Narrative poetry? (You hear it all the time!)

1. Discuss/closure on Hunger and related poems
2. Narrative poem stations
-Narrative poems through songs
*"Jabberwocky"
*"The Three Little Pigs"
*"The Charge of the Light Brigade"
3. Flow chart & illustrate favorite of the day

Today in Class...5/30

Poetry Week!
How do we determine a poem's theme?
1. "Mother to Son" & "Speech to the Young..."
2. "Hunger"- short story
3. In groups: Discuss questions on p 195
4. What connections can you make among the poems and the story?

Today in Class...5/28

Poetry Week!
Focus: How do poets use symbolism in their poems?
1. "Identity" and "Fear"...Whole class read
2. Partners:
*Read out loud again
*Fill out chart
*Discuss & answer questions: p. 372 1, 2 &4
*Share

Today in Class...

1. Quick "Words often confused" review
2. Quiz
3. Spelling...Let's finish it up!!
HW: Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! (Don't forget about portfolio...due in less than 2 weeks!

Today in Class...5/24

What are YOUR annoying words? Which ones haunt you?....
1. "Right word" review
2. Homonyms check
3. Make your own notes sheet
4. Spelling...Aim to finish very soon!
HW: Right word/homonyms quiz tomorrow!!

Today in Class...5/23

1. Go over/grade your "Right Word" 4 activity
2. Lap tops...Thematic drafts or Portfolio time
HW: Portfolio due June 5th!

Today in Class...5/22

We are going (farther, further) with our words often confused lesson!

1. Finish Activities 1,2,3...Grade with Key
2. Activity 4
3. Review/Re-visit spelling
HW: Finish Right Word #4

Today in Class...5/21

PORTFOLIO WORK TIME (CON.)

HW: Thematic essays! 1st draft....(or second draft if you received yours back with comments...)

Period 6:
1. Finish preparing for mini-lesson
2. Teach lesson and work on "Right word" activities
HW: Right word activities

Today in Class...5/17

How much progress have you made on your portfolio??
1. Lab: Portfolio work day and some MINI-CONFERENCES (Thurs/Fri/Mon)
HW: Thematic First Drafts must be in by Friday!!!

Today in Class...

1. Finish your "Using the Right word" Activities.
2. Correct with key
3. Get laptop and work on THEMATIC ESSAY (Stage 1 or 2)
4. Portfolio work

Today in Class...5/15

1. Finish teaching your mini-lessons
2. "Using the right word" activities
3. Spelling
HAND IN THEMATIC R DRAFTS!!

Today in Class...5/14

Affect or effect? It's or its? Well or good? How do I know which word to use?

1. First drafts of thematic essays handed in? See me for pass if not...
2. You're the teacher...Design a mini-lesson on your assigned "commonly confused words"
HW: Finish first drafts of thematic essays! Portfolio mini-conferences coming up at end of this week!!

Today in Class...5/7

What is the next step for my thematic essay?
1. Finish finding quotes for each example.
2. Thematic essay framework
3. Ready to type rough drafts tomorrow?
HW: Make progress on thematic pre-writing

Today in Class...5/3

What do I need to do to finish my final book project by tomorrow?
 What is a common theme among all of the novels we've read this year?

1. The first steps to your last written task: The THEMATIC ESSAY
2. Catch up time
HW: Projects due tomorrow by end of day

Today in Class...4/30

What will you choose for your personal historical fiction assessment?

1. (Some classes) Finish Lady or Tiger questions
2. Historical fiction book assessment plan
3. More spelling
HW: Book mini-projects due Friday

Today in Class...4/25

Mish-mash day....You can work on the following, in order.
1. Calendar for portfolio and conference expectations
2. Finish double bubble with partner
3. Read historical fiction book/work on bonus book and activity
4. Spelling...Review all of your past words and get the activities for your new unit.
HW: Keep reading hist fiction book!

Period 6:
1. Read ESPN article...The true story of Texas Western
Complete critical thinking questions
2. Spelling...Review all of your past words and start practicing new unit.

Today in Class...4/24

What does my book have in common with someone else's? What makes it different? Can we make some connections between the two (or 3), even if we haven't read the other?

1. Reading catch up time (Books finished by next Monday!)
2. Group book connections activity
3. Remember spelling? (if not today..tomorrow)
HW: Finish book by Monday...Book project options TBA soon!

Today in Class...4/23

How is Glory Road an example of historical fiction? Did all the events in the movie really happen?

1. Finish movie
2. ESPN article...The real Texas Western team
3. Quotes from Glory Road
4. Start partner hist. fiction activity
HW: Historical fict novels and bonus novels completed by April 30th

Today in Class...4/20

What must it have felt like to be the African American players on the Texas Western team? The white players?
1. Quick historical fiction book quiz
2. Movie part 3
HW: Read historical fiction book...Bonus book? You have until April 30th

Today in Class...4/16

How can I be sure to be successful this week on my test? What do I need to remember?
1. Historical fiction books- Activity 3 due...(Hand in your packet of all three activities.)
2. Quick test review and tips
3. Look at your practice essays again...
HW: Read historical fiction book...no notes, Book "quiz" on Friday

Today in Class...4/3/2012

Keep going on the practice state test...Remember your "formula" for a solid short answer and extended response!!
1. Rufus short answer
2. How did you do? Check..
3. Go on in the test....
HW: Your assigned reading section and notes sheet

Today in Class...4/2

STATE TEST PREP WEEK! Put a smile on your face and know it will be over soon! :) Do your best!

1. Quickly touch base about books...What do you think? One adjective
2. State test practice: Reading/Writing portion
HW: Your personal assigned reading and note-taking sheet

Today in Class...3/29

What did I learn about my decade?
1. Finish stations and "clean up" packets. Did you do a thorough job?
2. New books...Decide on what you will read by Monday and pick your notetaking...
HW: First section of book read and notetaking by Mon.

Today in class...3/26

How can I learn essential vocab?

1.vocab "gallery" and notes

2. Plan for tomorrow's decades stations, assigned book, group number and decade

hw:finish vocab notes, roots sheet

Today in Class...3/23

What can we learn about history through reading literature?
Of all of the historical fiction choices, what book sounds like the one for me?
1. Book promos & ratings
2. Finish posters!!/Work on roots
HW: none

Today in Class...3/22

What are some useful terms to know for tests?
1. "The Bracelet" discuss...
The story behind the story....
2. You're the teacher...Vocab posters
HW: None

Periods 5&6:
How well do I know test terminology?
1. "The Bracelet" discuss & story behind story
2. Rate your vocab knowledge
3. Roots..con.
HW: Roots 14/15

Today in Class...3/21

What can I learn about our history through literature?
1. Go over word roots
2. "The Bracelet"- short story
HW: Finish story "sunshine"

Today in class...3/20

What is historical fiction? What can we learn about life through reading it?
1. Picture book: This School is Not White
2. Response sheet/discussion
3. Go over roots & new?
HW: Finish word roots sheet 1

Today in Class...3/19

Catch up/mish-mash
1. Finish vocab tic-tac-toe sentences
2. New spelling unit...Remember it??
3. Roots/prefixes/suffixes
HW: Finish word roots sheet 12/13

Today in Class...3/15/2012

How well do I know the current vocabulary unit?
1. Catch up time (finish story questions..discuss, cards/packets done?)
2. Grade your own packets...Pick your best score!
3. Vocab tic-tac toe (hand in results as your exit slip for your grade)
HW: Enjoy the weather and your long weekend! (Finish any incomplete work from today, if necessary.)

Period 8:
1. Vocab packets? Complete if not done!!!! Vocab flashcards? (finish after story)
2. Short story: "Stop the Sun"... Stories of extraordinary survival

Today in Class...3/12/2012

I'm back!!!!! :)
1. This wacky week...end of Survival Unit- stories of extroardinary survival
2. Odds n' Ends- Clean up vocab
(packets complete? flashcards)
3. Thank you Miss Bell
HW: Finish vocab work

Period 6:
1. Wacky week...FYI
2. Another Jack London creation...White Fang
What connections can you make between his two works?
3. Thank you Miss Bell


Period 8:
1. Wacky week
2. Touching Spirit Bear unit test
3. Thank you Miss Bell!
HW: none!

Today in Class...2/7

Period 6

How do I extract main ideas and supporting details while reading a non-fiction article?

1. Hypothermia...a side effect of being ill-prepared in the wild
2. Cornell notes & effective QinA response writing

HW: Bring survival bag and journal tomorrow!!

Today in Class...2/3

Who is Ben Mikaelsen?
1. Discuss webquests
2. Spelling..next unit (period 5..hypothermia con.)
3. "Survival task"- Miss Bell
HW: Survival bag and journal


Period 6:
1. Go over video terms
2. Find a partner/partners with same topic
3. Get supplies
4. Create poster

What can we learn about Ben M., our author, to help us better understand his novel?
1. Webquest..
HW: Finish webquest, complete tech task if not 100% complete!

Period 6:
1. Klondike gold rush video task
2. Start on posters

Today in Class...2/1

What will I find out about the author of our new novel?
1. Finish tech talks
2. Webquest...? or Hear a story
HW: Finish webquest

Today in Class...1/30

What did I find out about my piece of technology? Do the pros outweigh the cons? Has it made our society better?

1. Share/present your findings...
2. Go over word forms
HW: None

Period 6:
1. Video part II

Period 8:
1. Go over word forms
2. "Bear in the Family"...Listening/notes

Today in Class...1/30

Can I figure out how words work so I can determine their parts of speech?

1. Vocab tests back/word forms chart (or lab to print final tech research work)
2. Sharing your technology findings
HW: Finish word forms, Make arrangements to get tech research done!

Per 6:
1. "Flowers for Algernon" video...Better than "Charly"? You be the judge!

Period 8:
1. Suffixes, con.
2. Word forms
HW: Finish word forms chart

Today in Class...1/27

How can I organize my notes into an outline format?

1. Quick outline instructions...
2. Lab: check your "TO DO" list!
HW: Finish tech research task by Monday


Period 6: Does a video production of story stay true to the author's message? Characterization?...
1. Have progress report notes, vocab and journals ready to turn in. Packets out ready to go over vocab..
2. Movie critique: Charly and Flowers for Algernon

Period 8:
1. Buddy check pre-test spelling, Post-test spelling (Unit 2)
2. Suffix group challenge
HW: Giver test re-writes BY MONDAY!

Today in Class...1/26

What is my personal goal in the lab today? (2 more articles? 3 notecards?)

1. Moving on with Sci-fi Tech research activity
2. REMEMBER:

• 6 notecards




• 3 articles




• positive effects and negative effects of technology




• Outline (Done early today? Try to figure it out! It's not too difficult..)
  
  HW: If not finished with at least 4 notecards, complete them at home or after school!

Period 6:

1. Get in discussion groups (Discuss questions from packet)

2. Whole-class discussion- Report out

3. Vocab activity & Journal time

HW: "Flowers" Journal due tomorrow

Period 8:

1. Giver tests back & opportunity to fix

2. Spelling

HW: Giver test corrections due Monday

Today in Class...1/23

What are the positive and negative effects of new technology?
1. Writing task...Completely independently! Use what you've learned...
Topic sentence, transitions, text support, closing/clincher sentence

2. New research activity: Technology pros and cons

HW: Finish writing task
Reminder: SRI's tomorrow!!


Period 6: (Have journals out to be collected)
1. Discuss "Flowers" check..
2. April 30th & on....together
Reminder: SRI's tomorrow!

Period 8:
1. Vocab game
SRI's tomorrow!
HW: Study for vocab quiz Wednesday!!

Today in Class...1/20

What are sci-fi writers pointing out about technology?
1. Discuss "The Fun.."
2. Listening Exercise.."Nightmare Number 3"
3. Writing task
HW: None

Period 6:
1. Read on in "Flowers"
2. Complete reading "check" to hand in
3. Discuss check
HW: Journal

Period 8:
How well do I know my vocab words?
1. Vocab comics..share a few
2. Vocab pyramid game
HW: Vocab quiz Monday...study

Today in Class...1/19

What if you no longer had to attend school in a building? What if everything you needed to learn could be learned from home?
1. Spelling practice/post-test
2. In-class journal...(Period 2: Finish "Future Tense")
3. "The Fun They Had" by Isaac Asimov
HW: Finish reading story and double bubble map

Period 6:
1. Open notes "check"
2. Discuss/review
3. Read on...
HW: Journal

Period 8:
1. Review what you've written so far...
2. Writing task, con.
3. Color-code highlighting
HW: Finish writing task

Today in Class...1/18

How well do I know my vocab words?
1. Vocab quiz
2. When finished, grab your spelling folder and work independently on practicing your SPELLING UNIT 3.

• Decide on two practice activities


• Grab necessary materials.


• Practice 4 words.

Period 6:

What changes will we start to see in Charlie? What are the positive effects of this operation? Any negative?

1. Read/notes/ vocab

Period 8:

1. Finish movie

2. Discuss connections and start writing task

HW: Finish writing assignment

Today in Class...1/14

Period 2: How do I feel about sci-fi as a genre of literature?
1. Pedestrian (discuss briefly)
2. "Future Tense"- short story (partners/groups)
HW: Study vocab! Quiz tomorrow!

Periods 3&5:
1. Quick vocab refresher
2. Vocab review games
HW: Study vocab

Period 6: What will happen to Charlie Gordon?
1. First progress reports...(Start together)
HW: None

Period 8:
What connections am I making between Pleasantville and The Giver?
1. Get out notes sheet
2. View last part of movie
Be ready for written task (connections) tomorrow!

Today in Class...1/12

What is Ray Bradbury, a famous sci-fi author, pointing out about our society?
1. "The Pedestrian"...very short story (period 3- suffixes)
2. Discussion/thoughts (individual, partner, group)
3. Vocab game
HW: Study Giver vocab, quiz Tues

Period 6:
1. Suffixes...explain hw
2. Starting "Flowers for Algernon"...a famous sci fi piece of literature!!
3. Take a Rorschac personality test! What does it say about you?
HW: Finish suffix work

Today in Class...1/10

What can I learn about words by studying prefixes and suffixes?
How well do I know Giver vocab?

1. "Quarterly Assessment" tomorrow
2. Prefix/suffix activity
3. "The Pedestrian"...short story
HW: Vocab quiz Monday...study, finish prefix/suffix


Period 3:
1. Quarterly Assessment tomorrow
2. Finish writing task
3. Spelling activities
HW: Vocab quiz Monday..Study Giver vocab

Period 6:
1. Prefix/suffix activity
2. Prefix posters
HW: finish prefix/suffix work

Period 8:
What connections can I make between Pleasantville and The Giver?
1. Movie/notes
HW: Bring notes sheet with you to class tomorrow!!

Today in Class...1/9

How can I effectively write a short answer response?

1. Catch up time (Pleasantville/Giver written tasks or Newbery speech...Done? For bonus read The Pedestrian in Giver book and answer two short questions..)
2. Giver tests back...Rewrite one question for points back on test
HW: Finish Giver test question re-write

Period 6:
1. Time????
2. The Pedestrian..short story
3. Giver tests back and question re-write
HW: Finish Giver test question re-write

Period 8:
1. Finish test
2. Done with test? Work on vocab packets
HW: Finish vocab packets by Thursday

Today in Class...1/5

Where did Lois Lowry get the idea for her book? How does she want us to interpret the ending?
1. Vocab packets...grade in class
2. Spelling...Your next unit (3) Look, Say, Cover, Write and Connections practice
3. Lois Lowry's speech...
HW: Finish movie/book notes and bring in tomorrow for writing task


Period 8:
1. Go over review packets
2. Review lit elements/figurative language...
(scavenger hunt)
HW: Study for Giver test!

Today in Class...1/4

Pleasantville and The Giver: What connections can you make so far? Differences?
1. Pleasantville Part II
HW: Finish vocab packets (not period 6)

Period 8:
1. Dystopia/Utopia con.
2. Review packets for Giver test
HW: Giver test Friday and Monday, finish review packets

Today in Class...1/3/2012!

Happy New Year!!

What connections can we make between The Giver and the m0vie Pleasantville?
1. Vocab packets...how much do you have left? Finish for hw
2. Giver/Pleasantville notes sheet
3. Pleasantville part I
HW: Finish vocab packets by Thursday


Period 8:
What is your interpretation of the ending of The Giver?
1. Finish book together (review last few pages for closure)
2. Utopia/Dystopia...Real world connections
HW: Giver test Thurs and Fri