12/8 - Charlotte's first snow experience!

I thought I would share some amusing pictures from Charlotte's first day out in the snow this season...as you can see she didn't like it when she fell down to retrieve a ball and her hands went in the snow. I bet she was thinking, "Maybe next time I'll wear the gloves my mommy bought for me!"

Mr. Little's Soc. Studies Blog

I just wanted to share my results as many students were curious what my learning style was. For those of you that haven't heard - I was very interested in Mr. Little's blog about learning styles and participated in the same activities as the students to find out my learning style! It was a lot of fun and the students were really interested in the activity - you should have seen them during study hall!

My results...

A tie! Rationalist and Guardian! After reading the handouts I would have to say I sound more like a rationalist. The results from the other quiz I took is that I am mostly a linguist (word smart) and intrapersonal (myself smart)

Thanks Mr. Little for an awesome activity!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time off!

The Cay Webquest

Today students were introduced to their final project for The Cay.

Students were given 7 scenarios to choose from and were to either:

1. Work individually
or
2. Work with a partner

Next week the classes will be in the IMC researching their scenario.

2 days will be spent researching (11/23-11/24)
2 days will be spent creating a minimum of 4 powerpoint slides (11/30 & 12/2)

Presentations will be on Thursday 12/03

Students SHOULD NOT have to work on this outside of school unless they are not using their class time wisely or are choosing to extra work at home.

I encourage you to take a look at the Webquest online - follow the link below and you can see the 7 scenarios to choose from and the articles they will be reading as part of their research! I look forward to some great projects!

http://teachers.plainfield.k12.in.us/jcraney/TheCayTasks.htm

Essay Order for turn in on Tuesday

Essay Order for turn in:

1. Final Draft - typed, double space, 12-14 pt. font, full heading
2. Rubric (filled out from partner)
3. Editing Worksheet ( + or - )
4. Rough Draft(s)
5. Graphic Organizer

Charlotte's 2nd Halloween

Here is my little Kitty Cat - celebrating Halloween!

Cay Projects

Period 8 Projects

Period 6 Projects

Check back next week...

My intention was to post some pictures of the AWESOME cay projects that students turned in this week, but I forgot my camera cord here at school!

I was impressed by the hard work that many students put in to creating their projects and I applaud their good listening skills when I went over project requirements! I will post a few of the projects next week - not all projects will be posted.

Noun Test - Friday

In case you are still having a hard time understanding the difference between abstract and concrete nouns - I came across the following page and thought it gave a good visual!

Good luck on tomorrow's test.

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/abstractnoun.htm

Narrative Redo

Students have all been given back their narrative and rubrics. Parents if you would like to see how your child did on their paper either contact me or tell you child you want to see their paper!

We have classroom folders here at school where I keep their essays and major tests. If students want to bring them home for viewing they need to "check it out" from their folder or else if you want a copy to keep at home I can make one for you.

Students have all been given the option to redo their essay if they are unhappy with their grade on the narrative essay. If your child has opted to redo their essay they should have it in their possession.

Redo essays are due for the following classes:

Periods 2 & 5 - due Tuesday, October 20th

Period 7 - due Wednesday, October 21st

I know that there have been a lot of absences and if your child is someone who has been out for a long amount of time I can extend the date for them - please contact me.

I discussed the redo process in class where details and requirments were discussed at length.

What is Advanced Reading - Reading????

The Advanced Reading class has just begun their first novel study. We are reading Alane Ferguson's, The Christopher Killer.

As the daughter of a Colorado County coroner, seventeen-year old Cameryn Mahoney is no stranger to death. In fact, she has always been fascinated by the science of it. So she's thrilled to finally get some hands-on experience in forensics working as her father's assistant. But Cammie is in for more than she bargained for when the second case that she attends turns out to be someone she knows - the latest victim of a serial killer known as the Christopher Killer. And if dealing with that isn't hard enough, Cammie soon realizes that if she's not careful, she might wind up as the killer's next victim.... (amazon.com)

About the Author Alane Ferguson lives with her family near the foothills of the Colorado Rockies.

Mystery Unit Activities

Click on the links below to explore the world of mysteries!

http://www.fbi.gov/kids/games/games.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/J002344/Puzzle.html

Period 6 & 8 Study Guide - short story test

Study Guide

Review the basic story elements and order of events for the following stories (study your plot structures!!!):

“7th Grade”
“Thank You Ma'am”
“Names/Nombres”
“Zebra”
“Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”

You will be tested on the following vocabulary – use your literature book to look up the definitions:

scowl -
linger -
presentable -
suede -
initial -
chaotic -
wince -
intricate -
scuttle -
cower -

Period 4 - Advanced Reading - Short Story Study Guide

Study Guide

Review the basic story elements and order of events for the following stories:

“The Dinner Party”
“The Tell Tale Heart”
“The Monkey's Paw”
“The Hitchhiker
“Third Wish”

You will be tested on the following vocabulary – use your literature book to look up the definitions:

naturalist
arresting
exuberant
subordinate
acute
stifled
lark
nondescript
grimace
peril

Narrative Final Draft due Monday 9/28/09

Final Draft Requirements/Information

80 points

Typed
- double spaced
- 12 or 14 pt. font

Full Heading

Title (optional)

Staple all materials together BEFORE entering class on Monday - remember this like any project you would complete for other classes...would you walk into Mr. Little's room still gluing items to your skyscraper the day it was due or try to finish coloring your book report when I'm collecting it?

Staple ALL materials BEHIND the final draft

1. Final Draft
2. Rough Draft (you have either 1 or 2 rough drafts)
3. Plot Structure Sheet (the one that looks like a mountain)
4. Brainstorm Sheet

Looking for a Good Book?

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

I know sometimes we get "stuck" when it is time to check out a new book! I'm hoping if I post some books I have enjoyed maybe you too will like them!

From School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 7-10–What happens when you die? Where do you go? What do you do? Zevin provides answers to these questions in this intriguing novel, centering on the death of Liz Hall, almost 16 years old and looking forward to all that lies ahead: learning to drive, helping her best friend prepare for the prom, going to college, falling in love. Killed in a hit-and-run accident, Liz struggles to understand what has happened to her, grief-stricken at all she has lost, and incapable of seeing the benefits of the Elsewhere in which she finds herself. Refusing to participate in this new life, Liz spends her time looking longingly down at the family and friends back on Earth who go on without her. But the new environment pulls her into its own rhythms. Liz meets the grandmother she never knew, makes friends, takes a job, and falls in love as she and the other inhabitants of Elsewhere age backward one year for each year that they are there. Zevin's third-person narrative calmly, but surely guides readers through the bumpy landscape of strongly delineated characters dealing with the most difficult issue that faces all of us. A quiet book that provides much to think about and discuss.–Sharon Grover, Arlington County Department of Libraries, VA

Open House 9/10/09

I'm eager to meet all of you (parents) at Open House tomorrow night. In the event that you cannot make it, I'm providing some information below that will give you some insight as to what your child will be doing in LA and Reading this school year.

Language Arts
Houghton Mifflin English Textbook
English Workbook
Journals

Reading
The Language of Literature Textbook - 7th grade edition
Extensions in Reading - Book G (ISAT Preparation Book)
Novels - The Cay, The Wanderer, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie, Homecoming

Advanced Reading
The Language of Literature Textbook - 8th grade edition
Extensions in Reading - Book G (ISAT Preparation Book)
Novels - The Christopher Killer, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Anne Frank (play version),The Westing Game and possibly more!

As always feel free to contact me at anytime. Email is fastest! shayes@ccsd66.org

Book Report Due 9/24

Create a new book cover!


Book Cover Requirement:
1.)Create a new title for the book. (5 pts.)
2.)Design new cover for the book. (15 pts.)
3.)Write a 8-10 sentence summary of the story and place it on the back cover. (20 pts.)

Front and Back Covers Must Also Be:
In color
Creative
Legible

Summary Must Also Be:
Typed or neatly written
In complete sentences

Book Reports are due by September 24th

"One Item" Speeches

“One Item” Speech


You will be giving a 2-3 minute speech talking about who you are as a person. You will need to pick ONE thing that overall represents you! Careful, this can be challenging – ONE item that you feel depicts who you are as an individual. Remember you can only choose one item. This could be a picture, object, etc. be creative!!! Think outside the box – could you create something that could give you more freedom to represent who you are?


Requirements


1.Select one item that encompasses you as a person.

2.Write a 2-3 minute speech including the following:

Begin by introducing yourself

Tell us about the item you chose & why this item says who you are

You may have a story or situation that relates to this item that you can share

Conclude you speech


Speeches will begin on WEDNESDAY Sept. 2 and continue on FRIDAY Sept. 4

Good Luck!







Name _________________
Class Period ____________
“One Item” Speech
rubric

Introduction

interesting & grabs audiences attention ______ 3 pts.

Body of Speech
_______
description of item 10pts.
how it encompasses who you are

Conclusion
_______
wraps up your speech & gives a smooth ending 3 pts.
Don't say things like: that's it or I'm done, etc.

Delivery _______
posture 5 pts.
voice level
clarity
eye contact
enthusiasm

Creativity & Effort _______
Was the item that you used creative? 4 pts.
Did you demonstrate effort on this project?


Total 25 points

Comments:


Grading Scale

A 25-23

B 22-20

C 19-17

D 16-15

F 14 or below

Welcome Back!

Dear Parent(s):

As your child’s seventh grade language arts and reading teacher, I am eager to get to know both you and your child throughout the school year. The following is a brief overview of the grading scale, heading, classroom rules and homework policy. Please read through the material and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (630) 783-5007, or e-mail me at shayes@ccsd66.org , feel free to also view my blog through the Lakeview school link.

Sincerely,
Shannon Hayes

The grading scale is as follows:
89.5-100 = A 79.5-89.4 = B 69.5-79.4 = C 59.5-69.4 = D Below 59.4 is failing

Students must use the following heading on all assignments:

Name (First & Last)
Date
Subject/ Period
Assignment

The heading should be in the upper right corner of the page. If a student does not use a heading or it is incomplete they will lose 5 points off of an assignment.

An overview of textbooks and novel lists will be provided the night of Open House, Thursday, September 10, 2009.

Be in your seat and prepared to begin class when the bell rings.
Write down assignments at the beginning of class.
Raise your hand and wait to be called on when you want to speak.
Do not leave your seat or the room without permission.
Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Completing all assignments, including homework and studying for tests, is a necessary component of your child’s progress. Students are expected to turn in all assignments on time. Failure to do so will have a lowered grade on the assignment. Major assignments (essays, projects, book reports, etc.) will be lowered 10% for each day it is late. When a lesson/unit is completed students can no longer turn in missing assignments for that part of the unit, and will receive a zero on any work that was not completed during that time.

I am looking forward to a great school year! Please sign and return the below portion by Friday, August 28, 2009.
______________________________________________________________________________________
I have read and understand the information regarding grading scale, textbooks and classroom rules.
Student’s Name _________________________________________
Student’s Signature ______________________________________
Parent’s Signature________________________________________

Welcome Back 7th Graders!

I'm looking forward to getting to know all of my students this year. In case you don't know me here's a little info. - I've been teaching for almost 10 years now. I spent 5 years teaching 6th grade LA/Reading and for the last 2 years I have taught 8th grade LA/Rdg. I hope to help the 7th graders have a smooth transition from 6th grade to 7th and equally get them as prepared as possible for the movement into 8th grade in the spring.

The family picture above shows off my darling Charlotte! She is the love of our life! She just turned one in June and I'm enjoying watching her become such a big girl.

Can't wait to meet you all this fall!

The secret annexe - Anne Frank - May 21

Click on the link below to see the picture of the building where Anne, her family the Franks and the Van Daans (Ven Pels) and Dussel hid.

The secret annexe - Anne Frank Guide

Thank you PTO!

Thanks to the PTO for an excellent Teacher Appreciation Week. Your generosity doesn't go unnoticed. The treats, hospitality and relaxing atmosphere provided in the lounge was great! Thank you so very much!

Adventure Story

Adventure Story

With a partner you will write a minimum 3 paragraph adventure story. The story should be about one adventure in the life of a character who goes on many adventures.

Choose an adventurer's name. You can always change the name later if you decide you are unhappy with the name. Visualize what your character looks like – this may help you select a name.

- Below are some ideas of names – remember your adventurer's name should be representative as to who they are

First name ideas: Kay, Ralph, Jodie, Jane, Lynn, Kim, Kathy, Jim, Sam,
Dale, Ralph

Last name ideas: Valiant, Intrepid, Hunter, Courtly, Stout, Triumph, Starc
Escapade, Chase, Steadfast, Turbo, Steele

(consider what these words mean – if you don't know
look in a dictionary – they help give a hint to the reader
what the adventurer is like.)

Determine what time period this story is taking place. Remember your character is already an adventurer this means that they have been on adventures before. Consider other adventurers you may be already be familiar with. Indiana Jones or Frodo from Lord of the Rings – I'm sure you can think of more!

You and your partner should brainstorm three exciting small things that will happen to your adventurer.

Adventure Ideas: See bottom of page

Write down your character's name and 3 exciting moments on the sheet provided. Get this sheet approved by me BEFORE you begin writing.

Above all else, make your adventure is organized and filled with memorable and unique details.
Remember you need to plan out the events of your story.

Start with something first...

1st Paragraph - Ideas
Why not launch your reader into your story by starting your first sentence of your first paragraph with an exciting moment already in progress? How will you show your adventurer doing this?

Your adventurer finds stairs leading somewhere dark
Your adventurer opens an old looking lock with an older looking key

2nd Paragraph – Ideas

How will you show your adventurer doing this second action? What good verbs and details can you continue using in your writing?

Your adventurer squints at a terribly bright light.
Your adventurer sees that he/she has been trapped.

3rd paragraph – Ideas

How will you show your adventurer finally finishing his/her last last exciting adventure?

Your adventurer escapes just before the explosion
Your adventurer defies gravity and gets away

Good Luck Band & Choir

Charlotte's singing your praises and wishes the band and choir a safe and successful band competition trip!

Advanced Reading - Romeo & Juliet Paper

Romeo and Juliet Compare-Contrast Paper

Assignment: Write a paper comparing and/or contrasting Romeo and Juliet. This is a compare-contrast paper, but it is also a character analysis paper.

Step 1: Read the handout “Taxonomy of Love.” Often when you write a paper on literature, you will need to find outside sources to help you analyze the piece of literature with which you are working. In this case, I have given you a brief summary from Colours of Love by John Alan Lee entitled “Taxonomy of Love.”

Step 2: Choose what type of love style Romeo uses and what type Juliet uses. You may argue that they are the same. Or you may argue that they are different types.

Step 3: Write a thesis. In this thesis argue that because Romeo and Juliet are a certain type of love (whether the same or different) it leads to their tragedy. For example, if you were to argue that both Romeo and Juliet would be classified as Ludus, your thesis would be similar to the following: Because Romeo and Juliet are both Ludic lovers, they are more apt to become tragic heroes.

Step 4: Once you have a thesis, write two topic sentences. One topic sentence should have the topic of Romeo and the limiting idea should be what type of lover he is. The second topic sentence should have the topic of Juliet, and the limiting idea should be what type of lover she is.

Step 5: Write two examples from the story that support each topic sentence.

Step 6: Write your body paragraphs. Your body paragraph should follow the following outline:

I. Topic sentence
introduce quote (set up the context)
provide the quote or the example (be sure to give act, scene, and line number)
Provide an analysis of the example -- Here is where you can also quote from the handout to help argue that the quote supports your topic sentence.

Example:
Juliet is also a _______ type of lover; or Juliet, on the other hand, is a ___________ type of lover.

Introduce your quote

Provide the quote or the paraphrased example (be sure to give act, scene, and line number)

Analyze the quote or example. You may need to refer to the “Taxonomy of Love” handout to analyze your example.

Transition into second quote

Introduce second quote or paraphrased example

Provide the quote or the example (be sure to give act, scene, and line number)

Analyze the quote or example. You may need to refer to the “Taxonomy of Love” handout to analyze your example.

Step 7: Write you introduction. Begin with an attention getter. Remember you may begin using a rhetorical question or a shocking statement.

3 parts to an introduction:

1. attention getter

2. essential information

a. Author’s full name – William Shakespeare

b. Title of piece of literature – The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
(remember that titles of plays are underlined/italicized).

c. brief plot summary. This summary should lead to your thesis.

3. Thesis (which you already have written)

Step 8: In the fourth paragraph wrap up your argument. You are arguing that Romeo and Juliet are tragic heroes because of their loving styles. According to shakespeare.learnhub.com the definition of a tragic hero is as follows: The tragic hero is a man of noble stature. He is not an ordinary man, but a man with outstanding quality and gratness about him. His own destruction is for a greater cause or principle.

Conclusion

1. restate your thesis

2. Conclude by wrapping up the argument that what you have proven in
the body paragraphs supports an argument that they are tragic.

Step 9: When you have all four paragraphs written, type them in proper order.



Important to remember:

Attention-getter begins your introduction

Your thesis is your last sentence in your first paragraph.

Each of the two body paragraphs should have a topic sentence.

Plays are italicized, so when you are talking about the play, you should write The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

Double space throughout entire paper.

Press spacebar twice after every end punctuation mark (periods., question marks?, and exclamation marks!)

Proofread your papers, so that you don’t make any silly mistakes.

Put your quote into context. Example: Juliet says, “A cup, closed in my truelove’s hand?” (V.iii.161). This means Act 5 Scene 3 line 161.

When quoting from Shakespeare, you do not put the page number. Rather, you use Act #, scene #, and line numbers.

Also, you use a forward slash to indicate different lines (/). Example:

After Juliet wakes from her death-like sleep she says, “What’s here? A cup, closed in my truelove’s hand?/ Poison, I see hath been his timeless end” (V.iii.161 – 162).

Your quotes should not go longer than 3 lines of text. If it does, you need to see me about doing block quotes.

Lesson adapted from: www.argo217.k12.il.us

Theme Portfolio

THEME PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

***Your theme portfolio will be based on a theme which you chose. Everything in your portfolio will be a reflection of that theme and how it relates to you. This is meant to be a personal, reflective project.

****This assignment will be due on Tuesday, April 21st, and will be worth 130 points.

You must include the following in your portfolio:

1. A cover which includes your theme and your name

2. A table of contents which organizes your entries

3. A formal introduction of ½ - ¾ pages typed which explains why you chose your theme, how it relates to you, and what you hope to accomplish through this project.

4. At least two poems you have selected from a published author

5. At least two original poems you have written

6. At least one slogan (original or published)

7. The lyrics from at least one song

8. A literary excerpt (short story or novel)

9. An analysis of EACH entry explaining why you chose it, how it relates to the theme, and in turn, how it relates to you

10. A formal closing of at least 200 words which explains your feelings about your portfolio, and what you think you accomplished through doing the project

11. A bibliography including each borrowed piece of literature or music

***This project should be FREE OF ERRORS, attractive, professional looking, and must be typed. ( If computers are available, some class time will be designated for this).

Romeo & Juliet Book Report - Due May 8

Romeo & Juliet
Comparison Book Report
Posterboard

_____ The top of your posterboard should have your book title and author.

_____ Select 5 events/situations from your book to compare to Romeo & Juliet. Even though we haven't finished the book you should have plenty to choose from.

______ There will be a total of 8-10 pictures drawn on your posterboard.

Pictures 1,3,5,7 & 9 should all be drawn pictures of 5 separate events from your book.

Underneath each picture (1,3,5,7,9) include a brief summary of what is taking place in that picture.

Pictures 2,4,6,8 & 10 will be drawn pictures from Romeo & Juliet that compare to the picture right before it. For example: picture 1 goes with picture 2 and so on...

Underneath each picture (2,4,6,8,10) write how the picture before compares with the picture you have drawn for Romeo & Juliet, and how it relates to one of the themes: love, destiny/fate, conflict, violence, individual vs. society, light/dark imagery.

You will present your posterboard. Your grade will also include your speaking skills. Remember to speak clearly, loudly enough for all to hear, and slowly enough so we can follow along and understand what you are saying. Eye contact is also very important! Please practice your presentation before class.

The greasers uses weapons when in violent situations. This scene is when the Socs attack Johnny & Ponyboy. Johnny stabs Bob and kills him.

In this picture Romeo & Tybalt are fighting because Tybalt just killed Mercutio. During both scenes someone dies in the result of violence.

NAME _______________________

POSTER BOARD – Romeo & Juliet book comparison

1. Comparison Explanation - (DETAIL, CLARITY) 10pts ______

2. Delivery - (EYE CONTACT, VOICE LEVEL, SMOOTHNESS) 10pts _________

3. Posterboard ( EFFORT, COLOR, NEATNESS, REQUIRED 8-10 SQUARES)

10pts _________

Total points = +

______________
30

COMMENTS:

Welcome Back!

Welcome back from Spring Break! All of you seemed a bit tired today, but I know that will change once we get back into the swing of things. This is an interesting week seeing that we only have 3 days of school.

The focus of the week will be trying to get through Act 3 of Romeo & Juliet - there is the possibility of a quiz on Thursday. Advanced students will definitely have a quiz on Thursday and will be able to use a note card. We are trying to get through R&J at a faster pace so that we can begin Life of Pi.

Students will also be checking out books this week from the IMC for their next book report which will be a comparison storyboard which will relate to Romeo & Juliet.

Spring Break!

Wishing you all a well deserved and safe Spring Break! See you in April.

Romeo & Juliet Act 1 Quiz Wednesday

Please do not forget to study for your Act 1 quiz for Romeo & Juliet. The quiz will be multiple choice, matching and short answer. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you study the vocabulary:

adversary

augmenting

deformities

discreet

disparagement

nuptial

obscured

pernicious

portentous

posterity

prodigious

profane

propagate

purged

Don't forget to study the literary elements as well:

foil

foreshadowing

hyperbole

pun

conflict

Study your packet and know the events that take place in Act 1 Scenes 1-5

Persuasive Speech Resources

Persuasive Speech Resources

_____ Encyclopedia (Choose only one.)

World Book Online OR Wikipedia OR Print version

_____ I.P.A.C. Keyword Search – May need to do several searches with different keywords or key phrases

_____ Gale Virtual Reference Library – Link on Lakeview

Magazine and Newspaper Articles – Links on Lakeview Library Webpage

_____ Middle Search – Be sure to check Full Text

_____ eLibrary

_____ First Search

_____ Internet Search Engine – Use keywords and key phrases

Persuasive Speech Requirements

PERSUASIVE SPEECH REQUIREMENTS

1. The speech must be 4-5 minutes long(15 second “break” either way). YOUR GRADE WILL DROP A FULL GRADE IF YOU DO NOT STAY WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TIME FRAME.

2. You must use your OUTLINE, placed on NOTECARDS, to deliver your speech.

3. Eye contact is crucial for persuasion. Do not read from your note cards. Use them as a guide only. Reading your speech will result in a grade NO HIGHER than a D.

4. You must have a catchy introduction and a solid conclusion. DO NOT use the words "My speech is on..." or "I'm going to try to persuade you..." in your introduction, nor "I have just given you..." or "I have just told you..." in your conclusion.

5. Your persuasive purpose or intent must be CLEAR. It should be stated in your thesis statement, which is the last sentence in your introduction. Take a stand on an issue and convince your audience to side with you.

6. Be prepared to go on the day you are assigned. Failure to present your speech at that time will result in a ZERO.

7. You will be graded (100points) on delivery, length of speech, and
persuasiveness.

8. Give me your final draft outline (20 points) and bibliography (10 points) on the day you deliver your speech, right before you begin speaking. You will need 2 copies of your outline. One typed to give to me, and one placed on note cards to use during your speech.

9. You must use at least five sources for your speech. You may not use two of the same source. For example, you may not use two Newsweek magazines.

10. You should use approximately 10 pieces of borrowed information in your speech, citing your source for each borrowed piece of information.

11. You will have approximately 5 class periods to do research. Any additional research must be done on your own time.

12. Speeches will begin on Monday, March 23rd. Good luck!!!!!!

13. No Wikipedia for sources!!!

Romeo & Juliet

Classes will begin reading Romeo & Juliet this week and next.



Before we begin reading, students will watch West Side Story. This musical was specifically created as a more modern version of Romeo & Juliet. Watching WSS will help students identify with characters and help make Romeo & Juliet easier to follow.



I am sure they will enjoy one of theater's most popular musicals!

ISAT Test - Next Week

After the relaxing 3 day weekend, students will be back to school for ISAT testing. The first 3 class periods of the day students will be taking their tests. I recommend the following in order to be alert for testing:

1. Go to bed early - I know you all like to stay up late, but nothing is worse than sitting in a room for a few hours in silence bubbling in a test. Trust me - you'll feel better!

2. Eat breakfast! This doesn't mean pop a piece of gum in before the test. If you follow #1 and get a good night of sleep you will wake up refreshed and have enough time to grab a bowl of cereal or eat a piece of toast, granola bar or something nutritious in the morning!

3. Have a couple of number 2 pencils. They can be regular or mechanical.

4. Wear something comfortable - dress in layers. You may get warm or cold while taking you test so bring a sweatshirt with to your testing room.

5. Read your test carefully - yes, you should read ALL of the words in the directions as well as the entire story for the reading portion.

6. Don't forget a calculator - teachers do not all have a classroom set of calculators so you need to bring your own.

Charlotte's first day of swimming

The whole family had a GREAT weekend! Charlotte and her cousin Griffin (in the back) had their first day of "Little Oysters" swim class with their dads! Charlotte and Griffin were having fun in their inner tubes splashing around. This is something to look forward to every Saturday and will hopefully bring the warm weather around to us soon!

Hayes 2/20

LA - none

LA 4 - fairy tale due Tuesday

Reading
AR book must be read by class Thursday

Poetry Study Guide

Poetry Terms

form rhyme
ballad rhythm
epic repetition
ode alliteration
sonnet imagery
free verse figurative language

Poetry terms will be a matching portion on the quiz

Stories

The Million Pound Bank Note
The Bet

Know:
plot
the events of each story

Poems
Mother to Son
Speech to the Young
I Stepped from Plank to Plank
Child on top of a Greenhouse

Understand:
The mood/tone of each poem
what is the message the poet is trying to convey
imagery
simile/metaphor

Classroom Update

The advanced class is beginning Romeo & Juliet.

Beginning next week students will have ISAT prep so that they are fully ready for the tests the first week of March. The bonus for them is that prep work is done in class therefore there won't be much homework.

Spelling Bee - District Winner!!!

Congratulations Dhara Puvar - winner of the District spelling bee. Dhara will continue to the "county round" in March! Good luck Dhara!

8th Grade Spelling Bee Winner

Congratulations Dhara Puvar & Vince Benedito - winner and runner up of the 8th grade spelling bee!

Spelling Bee

This week classes will be competing for the 2009 Spelling Bee.

The extensive list of words can be found at:

http://www.spellit.com/

Winners and runners-up from each class will participate in the overall 8th grade spelling bee on:

Thursday, January 29th.

Good Luck!

Advanced LA - Poetry - I am poems

I Am...Poems

I Am...(Version 1)
Line
1. I am

2. Three nouns about which you have strong feelings. Begin each with a capital letter

3. A complete sentence about two things that you like.

4. Three nouns that describe what you like to see in other people; end with “are important to me.” Capitalize each noun.

5. A sentence containing a positive thought or feeling. It can tell what you find acceptable in yourself.

6. & 7. Sentence in which you show something negative in yourself or others, however the sentence must end by showing that out of something BAD can come GOOD. Use the word “but” to link the bad and good.

7. See above #6

8. 9. and 10. Each line is a short sentence relating something about which you have strong feelings – likes or dislikes. They don not have to relate to each other or to the previous lines you have written.

9. See 8

10. see 8

11. End with “This is me” or “I am.”

I Am...(Version 2)

1st Stanza
I am (two special characteristics you have)
I wonder (something you are actually curious about)
I hear (an imaginary sound)
I want (an actual desire)
I am (the first line of the poem is repeated)

2nd Stanza

I pretend (something you really pretend to do)
I feel ( a feeling about something imaginary)
I touch (something you imagine you touch)
I worry (a worry that is real to you)
I cry (something that makes you very sad)
I am (the first line of the poem is repeated)

3rd Stanza

I understand (something you know is true)
I say (something you believe in)
I dream (a dream you actually have)
I try (something you make an effort to do)
I hop (something you really hope for)
I am (the first line of the poem is repeated)

Theme Plays

Today in Language Arts classes were given information about their next in-class project. Students will be selecting their own groups and creating an One Act - 3 scene play. I look forward to seeing some great work. Below are the requirements that were handed out in class today.

Theme Plays

Your ONE ACT script must include:

1. A list of characters including a description of each of them
2. A plot which includes a moral (lesson)
3. Detailed scene descriptions (at least three scenes)
4. Dialogue including stage directions
5. Final draft form (typed or written neatly in black or blue ink)
6. Acted out, 5-10 minutes long

Your presentation must include:

1. A narrator introducing each scene (must be someone not in your group)
2. Characters saying memorized lines (everyone in the play must be a character, and the amount of lines per character should be roughly even)
3. A story line which includes a moral (lesson)
4. Appropriate costumes
5. Props
6. Acted out, 5-10 minutes long

**** Plays will be performed in front of class, and will be worth 100pts.
****Each student will be graded individually.

THEME PLAYS TIME LINE

WEDNESDAY, January 20th =
Decide upon story line, theme, characters, and who can make or bring in what. If you finish the above requirements, begin with THURSDAY'S assignment.

THURSDAY, January 21st =
Begin writing the rough draft script of the play. Divide the work so everyone is working on something. ***For example: Two people work on character descriptions, one person works on scene descriptions, and two people work on the dialogue and stage directions.

FRIDAY, January 22nd =
Continue working on script. Rough draft is due on MONDAY, January 26th, at the beginning of L.A. class.
==============================================================
MONDAY, January 26th = (reading class)
Look at rough draft corrections and suggestions. Decide AS A GROUP what needs to be done as far as improvements go. Also decide who will be responsible for writing or typing the final draft and making copies for all members of the group. The FINAL DRAFTS need to be brought to class TOMORROW, Tuesday, January 27th.

TUESDAY, January 27th=
Practice day. Pass out scripts and run through script several times, practicing voices, emotions, and movements.
**********Memorize lines individually at home.

WEDNESDAY, January 28th =
Practice day. Pass out scripts and run through script several times, practicing voices, emotions, and movements. Get input from group members concerning any last minute improvements.
**********Memorize lines individually at home.

THURSDAY, January 29th =
Practice day. Pass out scripts and run through script several times, practicing voices, emotions, and movements. Get input from group members concerning any last minute improvements.
**********Memorize lines individually at home.

FRIDAY, January 30th = Performance of plays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Name :____________________
group names:____________________
____________________
____________________
____________________

Theme Play Grading Sheet

Title of Play:__________________________________

1. SCRIPT ( character list, dialogue with detail, story line with moral, scene descriptions)

30PTS._______

2. COSTUMES AND PROPS (appropriate, interesting, neat)

20PTS._______

3. PERFORMANCE ( voice level, enthusiasm, accuracy)

30PTS._______

4. OVERALL STORY APPEAL AND IMPACT

20PTS.______

TOTAL SCORE AND GRADE

100PTS._______

Advanced Language Arts Update - Poetry

The advanced LA class is beginning a poetry unit. We will be writing poems in LA and then selecting poems to create a poetry book. I'm looking forward to the creativity of these poems.

Today we discussed concrete poems and below are a few examples:

More Subject Verb Agreement

Title or names take a SINGULAR verb - EVEN if it looks plural!!!

Romeo and Juliet was written by Shakespeare.

The United States is more than 200 years old.

Macys sells quality clothing.

Collective Nouns - a group acting as a single unit

team, herd, collection, band, group, jury, senate, congress, flock, family

Subject Verb Agreement

Subject Verb Agreement

The verb must agree with its subject in number

Singular - The kitten purrs.

Plural - The kittens purr.

Compound Subjects

Compound subject can have a singular or plural verb, depending on the conjunction used.

If you use and to join the parts of a compound subject use a plural verb.

Shrews, moles, and toads eat insects.

If you use:

or, nor, either...or, neither...nor to join parts with a compound subject, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.

Neither pandas nor koalas are in the zoo.
Either a panda or koalas live in that zoo.
Two koalas or a panda is coming later.