Tuesday, December 20th

Lesson Objectives - Students will review and apply the elements necessary to understanding poetry.  Using their inferential skills, students will determine the poet's "voice" and the message the he or she is trying to share with the reader.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph:  How are song lyrics similar/different to poetry?  Explain using an example that is appropriate for class discussion.

Monday, December 19th

Lesson Objectives - Students will practice writing sentences with predicate adjectives.   They will then finish Friday's activity.

Homework - The December RRS is due on Thursday, January 3rd.  If you have not done so, please submit pages 14-19 tomorrow for a 10 point penalty.

Friday, December 16th

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue their biographical study of Eleanor Roosevelt.  They will examine the format that the author uses to support his claims about the former First Lady.  Students will then compare this text with others regarding the same topic in order to draw conclusions about the writing style.

Homework - Class Work pages 14-18 are due on Monday. 

Thursday, December 15th

Lesson Objectives - Students are starting their next story, "Eleanor Roosevelt."  They will create a time-line of events in her life.

Homework - In an interview with a parent or guardian, students are to write down the response to this question:  What are some of the skills that people need to be a effective leader?  Use specific examples of people who exhibit these qualities.

Wednesday, December 14th

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their test in "Immigrant Kids" today.  This is the last test of the 2011 calendar year!

Homework - Students are to complete their quiz corrections for Vocabulary Lesson 4.

Tuesday, December 13th

Lesson Objectives - Students will identify and utilize various forms of nouns.  Doing so will strengthen their sentence composing skills.  After this, they will wrap up their outline presentations.

Homework - Students are to prepare for tomorrow's test on "Immigrant Kids."  They may take pages 14-16 out of their folders to take home as long as they are returned tomorrow.  There is no essay related to this test.

Thursday, December 9th

Lesson Objectives - Students will create and present an original outline.  The main idea of this outline will be informational or persuasive.

Homework - Students should prepare for the Vocabulary Lesson 4 quiz tomorrow.  All book exercises for this chapter must be completed.

Wednesday, December 7th

Lesson Objectives - After students finish Vocabulary Lesson 4, they will continue with yesterday's lesson of evaluating the effectiveness of primary sources.  They will then organize the main ideas of the article in an outline format.

Homework -

1. Interview Question:  Will there ever be a time when our government will refuse immigration to people who want to come and live here?  Why or why not?  (As a reminder, it is the STUDENT'S responsibility to write down the answer, not the parent/guardian!)
2. "After 20 Years" test corrections are due by Wednesday, December 14th.  All test corrections go on a separate piece of paper while the parent/guardian signs by the circled score.

Tuesday, December 6th

Lesson Objectives - Students are starting their next story, "Immigrant Kids."  Today they will determine the validity of primary and secondary sources in a non-fiction article.

Homework - Students will make corrections on their half-sheet "Do Now" responses for homework credit.  The question is as follows: What are some of the challenges you might face if you and your family had to move to another country.  Explain with details.

Monday, December 5th

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their test on "What Do Fish Have to do With Anything?" today.  Two homework credits will be given to those who completed their test essay rough draft.

Homework - Class Work pages 8-13 are due tomorrow.  Please be sure to have all pages and quizzes completed.  Late work will not be accepted.  Students will also take their SDR's home to get signed.

Thursday, December 1st

Lesson Objectives - After an exercise that demonstrates the author's use of characterization, students will present their examples of static/dynamic characters to the class. They will then continue with Vocabulary Lesson 4.

Homework - Students are to continue writing their test essay rough draft.  The rough draft is due on Monday.  The question is as follows: Explain the author's use of static and dynamic characters from the story, "What Do Fish Have to do With Anything?"  Test corrections for "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" are due tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 30th

Lesson Objectives - Students will engage in a brainstorming session where they are encouraged to draw conclusions about the main characters.  They will then apply these skills to characters in books, movies, and past reading samples.

Homework -  Students are to begin writing their test essay rough draft.  The rough draft is due on Monday.  The question is as follows: Explain the author's use of static and dynamic characters from the story, "What Do Fish Have to do With Anything?"

Tuesday, November 29th

Lesson Objectives  - Students will take their quiz on "What Do Fish Have to do With Anything."  They will then determine whether the main characters are static or dynamic characters.  

Homework - November's RRS is due tomorrow.  Test corrections for 'Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" are due by Friday of this week. 

Monday, November 28th

Lesson Objectives - After some practice in Vocabulary Lesson 4, students will start their next story, "What Do Fish Have to do With Anything?"  They will then determine whether the main characters are static or dynamic characters.


Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph:  Explain a situation where your parents/guardians had your best interests in mind, but you disagreed with them.  How was this conflict resolved?

Monday, November 21st

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their test on "A Retrieved Reformation" today.

Homework - Students are to bring their Vocabulary books to class tomorrow so I can grade their Lesson 3 activities.

Friday, November 18th

Lesson Objectives - Students will review the identification of various types of sentences. (eg. declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory)  They will then identify and correct examples of improper possessive apostrophe use in everyday writing.


Homework - Students are to finish writing their essay for Monday's test.  The question is as follows: Compare and contrast the plot, settings, and characters from O. Henry's "After Twenty Years" and "A Retrieved Reformation."

Thursday, November 17th

Lesson Objectives - Students will start Lesson 4 from the vocabulary book.  They will then have time to complete yesterday's sub assignment and continue writing their test essay explained below.

Homework - Students are to continue writing their essay for Monday's test.  The question is as follows: Compare and contrast the plot, settings, and characters from O. Henry's "After Twenty Years" and "A Retrieved Reformation."

Tuesday, November 15th

Lesson Objectives - Students will review the application of the story elements (exposition, rising action, climax, and falling action) within the context of "A Retrieved Reformation."  They will then examine O. Henry's background to see how his life experiences influenced his writings.  Students will then brainstorm the similarities and differences between these two stories.  I will help them organize this information for their test essay.

Homework - Students are to start writing their essay for Monday's upcoming test.  The question is as follows: Compare and contrast the plot, settings, and characters from O. Henry's "After Twenty Years" and "A Retrieved Reformation."

Monday, November 14th

Lesson Objectives - Students are starting their next story, O. Henry's "A Retrieved Reformation."  They will compare/contrast this story with concepts from the previous story, "After Twenty Years."

Homework - Interview Question: Should convicted felons who have served out their sentence be protected against discrimination when they try to find a job?  Explain why or why not.

Thursday, November 10th

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their test on the story "After Twenty Years" today.

Homework - Students are to make sure that ALL PARTS of class work pages 1-7 are complete and ready for submission at the beginning of Monday's class.

Wednesday, November 9th

Lesson Objectives - After reviewing yesterday's lesson on varying sentence structures, students will critique a graphic novelization of the current story.  They will determine its effectiveness and propose how a story like this can be modernized to suit the interests of today's media consumer.

Homework- Students are to prepare for their test on "After Twenty Years."  Students may take any materials from their class work folder home with them to help get ready.

Tuesday, November 8th

Lesson Objectives - Students will discuss where writers use foreshadowing as a literary tool.  They will then practice writing a variety of sentences with their subjects not appearing in the beginning.

Homework - Students are to get their Student Detail Reports signed by a parent/guardian.  These grades count as their first marking period grade.

Monday, November 7th

Lesson Objectives - Students will take their Lesson 3 Vocabulary quiz.  They will then review words from previous lessons.  Students will also examine O. Henry's use of foreshadowing in his short story, "After Twenty Years."

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph: Imagine that you were in the same position of Jimmy Wells.  Would you be able to arrest an old friend?  Explain why or why not.

Wednesday, November 2nd

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their test on "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" today.

Homework - Students are to make sure all homework and past assignments are submitted before Friday, November 4th.

Tuesday, November 1st

Thanks!  - I would like to thank the people who visit this blog.  The month of October was the most popular ever with 818 total page views!    

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue to determine the validity of the authors evidence as asserted in the non-fiction article, "A Primal Compassion."  Is the evidence adequate? Appropriate? Accurate?  Students will have the rest of the class to finish their presentations and continue writing their test essay rough drafts.

Homework - Students are to finish writing their test essay rough drafts for the following question:  From the story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," explain Rudyard Kipling's use of personification in three different animal characters.  I will look at these rough drafts in the beginning of class before tomorrow's test. 

Monday, October 31st

Lesson Objectives - Students will finish the exercises found in lesson 3 of their vocabulary book.  They will then determine the validity of the authors evidence as asserted in the non-fiction article, "A Primal Compassion."  Students will have the rest of the class to finish their presentations and begin writing their test essay rough drafts.

Homework - Students are to start writing their test essay rough drafts for the following question:  From the story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," explain Rudyard Kipling's use of personification in three different animal characters.

Friday, October 28th

Lesson Objectives - After some more practice on Lesson 3 from the vocabulary book, students will then examine samples of writing that use varied sentence lengths.  They will then practice writing simple and compound sentences.  Students will continue presenting their personification projects to the rest of the class.

Homework - October's RRS is due on Monday.

Thursday, October 27th

Lesson Objectives - Students will examine the author's use of the third-person omniscient point of view.  They will evaluate the pros and cons of using this technique in their writing.  They will then continue yesterday's activity where they were creating examples of personification via a story, script, poem, or song.

Homework - Students should continue to work on October's RRS.  It is due on Monday.

Wednesday, October 26th

Lesson Objectives - Students will take their quiz on "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi."  They will then explore the concept of personification as a literary device.  Students will also create and share their own personification examples via a story, script, poem, or song.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph:
If you have a pet, what is it? What human personality qualities does it have?  Explain with specific examples.

or

If you don't have a pet, what would it be if you could have one?  What human personality traits would you want it to have?  Explain with examples.

Tuesday, October 25th

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue working in lesson 3 of the vocabulary book.  They will then start our next story, "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi."  Here, they will make predictions based on the action in the story combined with their personal experiences.

Homework - Students should complete the test corrections for the "Names/Nombres" test. 

Monday, October 24th

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their final test of the marking period.  While they may not have time to make corrections on this test, I will distribute and re-teach the other two tests by Wednesday.  This should give student enough time to have these back to me by 11/2/11.

Homework - Class work pages 10-15 are due at the start of class tomorrow.  Please make sure all pages are fully completed.

Friday, October 21st

Lesson Objectives - Students will start their vocabulary lesson 3.  They will then continue yesterday's lesson regarding pronoun/antecedent agreement before they finish presenting their projects from Wednesday.


Homework - Students are to prepare for Monday's test on "The War of the Wall."  They may take any class work materials home with them to help them study.

Thursday, October 20th

Lesson Objectives - Students will practice pronoun/antecedent agreement in order to make their writing more effective.  They will then continue presenting their projects from yesterday to the rest of the class.

Homework - Interview Question: Briefly explain a situation where you had a conflict with a friend, family member, or a coworker.  How was the issue resolved?

Wednesday, October 19th

Lesson Objective - Students will examine the link between character point of view and the theme of the story.  They will then continue to prepare/present an original piece that extends the story's ideas and themes.

Homework - Students are to continue reading so that they can complete October's RRS.

Tuesday, October 18th

Lesson Objectives - Students will take their vocabulary quiz for lesson #2.  They will then examine the concept of conflict and its influence on the climax of the story, "The War of the Wall."  Students will also prepare a presentation that extends the story's ideas and themes.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph with a topic sentence:  If an artist painted a mural in your neighborhood, what heroes do you think your neighbors would want represented?  Explain.

Monday, October 17th

Lesson Objectives - Students will start the story, "The War of the Wall."  They will then describe examples of cause/effect relationships that were found in the story.

Homework - Students are to study for their Vocabulary Lesson #2 quiz.  Make sure all assignments in that section are completed.

Thursday, October 13th

Lesson Objectives - Students will complete the exercises for the second lesson in their vocabulary book.  They will then identify fragment sentences and practice turning them into to complete sentences.

Homework - Students are to prepare for their test on the story "Zebra" tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 11th

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue to make inferences about character personality qualities based on details provided by the author in combination with their own experiences.

Homework - Students are to continue reading their RRS book for October.

Monday, October 10th

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue to make inferences about character personality qualities based on details provided by the author in combination with their own experiences.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph: If Conrad offered a summer program, what activities of skills should it include?  Explain with specific details.

Thursday, October 6th

Lesson Objectives - Students will start the next vocabulary lesson.  They will then continue to make inferences about character personality qualities based on details provided by the author.  Students will apply these concepts to their RRS book from September.

Homework - Get Student Detail Report signed and return it for homework credit.  Also, start reading your book for the October RRS.

Wednesday, October 5th

Lesson Objectives - Students will take their first vocabulary quiz.  They will then continue to make inferences about character personality qualities based on details provided by the author.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph: Think of the characteristics of a zebra.  Do you think Zebra is a good name for the main character?  Give reasons for your answer.

Tuesday, October 4th

Lesson Objectives - Students will start the next story, "Zebra."  Today, we will focus on making inferences about character personality qualities based on details provided by the author.

Homework - Students will have their first vocabulary quiz tomorrow on the first lesson.  I will grade their books at this time and count it as a class participation grade.

Wednesday, September 28th

Lesson Objectives - Students will examine various types of sentence structures.  They will practice writing these and will eventually utilize them in their personal essays.

Homework - Students are to continue writing their personal essay rough drafts.  The Reader Response Sheet for September is due on Friday.

Tuesday, September 27th

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue their examination of the elements found in a personal essay. They will dissect the essay, "Names/Nombres" by looking at the author's observations and attitude about her subject matter.

Homework - Students are to compose their introduction paragraph for their personal essay.  The completed rough draft is due on Monday, October 3rd.  Any past due homework and test corrections are due by Friday.

Monday, September 26th

Lesson Objectives - Students will determine the author's purpose of the personal essay, "Names/Nombres."  They include the following:

1. to entertain
2. to express ideas/feelings
3. to provide information or to explain
4. to persuade

  They will then provide evidence from the story to support their claim.


Homework - Students will choose a personal essay topic from the list given during class.  They will create a graphic organizer (such as a web, outline, chart, etc.) that explains how they plan to express their point.

Friday, September 23rd

Lesson Objectives - Students will start the next story, "Names/Nombres." This is an example of a non-fiction personal essay. They will then determine the author's purpose as well as the means she uses to get her points across. 

Homework - Students are to ask a parent/guardian the following interview question: Describe a situation where you tried to fit in with a group.  Was it easy or difficult?  Explain.  Remember, it is the responsibility of the student to write down the response and ask 2 pertinent follow-up questions.

Thursday, September 22nd

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their second test of the marking period today.

Homework - Students will receive a copy of their Student Detail Report.  They are to get these signed by a parent/guardian and return it for homework credit.

Wednesday, September 21st

Lesson Objectives - Students will identify and develop sentences that include compound subjects and/or verbs. 

Homework - Students are to continue composing their essay rough draft for tomorrow's test.  The question is as follows: Explain Langston Hughes' use of internal and external conflicts in his short story, "Thank You, M'am."

Tuesday, September 20th

Lesson Objectives - Students will receive their vocabulary books today.  We will start the first chapter together.  They are to bring the book to class every day.  Students will also continue their exploration of internal and external conflicts that are seen in various media sources.

Homework - Students are to begin composing their essay rough draft for Thursday's test.  The question is as follows: Explain Langston Hughes' use of internal and external conflicts in his short story, "Thank You, M'am." 

Friday, September 16th

Parents and Guardians - 

1. On Monday, September 19th, our students will take the Fall round of the DCAS testing.  Please encourage your child to do the best they possibly can so that I can plan lessons that would best suit their individual needs.
2. Today, I'm sending home their first scored test.  Students are make corrections and resubmit it for a higher grade.  Please let them know that you are glad that they are taking responsibility for their mistakes.

Lesson Objectives - After a review of the story elements (exposition, rising action, climax and falling action) students will explore the concept of internal and external conflict.  They will then apply these ideas to movies, TV show episodes, and books.

Homework - Students are to complete the test corrections on loose-leaf paper and have their parents/guardians sign by the original score.  Doing these things will provide extra points which will be applied to the test grade.

Thursday, September 15th

Lesson Objectives - Students will compose examples of cause/effect relationships and present them to the class.

Homework - Watch a half-hour television program.  Make a list of 3 examples of cause/effect relationships.

Wednesday, September 14th

Lesson Objectives - Students will start their next story, "Thank You, M'am."  They will compose examples of cause/effect relationships and present them to the class.

Homework - Classwork pages 1-3 are due at the the beginning of tomorrow's class.  Vocabulary book forms/payments are also due.

Tuesday, September 13th

Parents and Guardians -
We have received the new vocabulary books that we will use for the upcoming two years.  To purchase the book, students can bring in $9 in the form of cash or a check.  All checks can be made out to Conrad Schools of Science.  Students will be able to keep the book after it is completed.

If you choose to not purchase the book, students can borrow one with the understanding that they must write all responses on paper.  If not purchased, students must return the book in good condition.

I highly recommend purchasing the book.  Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions about this matter.

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their first test of the year!

Homework - Students are to return the vocabulary book form with a parent/guardian signature.

Monday, September 12th

Lesson Objectives - Students will be able to examine proper sentence structure in order to identify and compose examples of subjects and predicates.  They will then continue their presentations from last week.

Homework - Students may take classwork pages 1-3 home tonight to help them study for tomorrow's test on the story, "Seventh Grade."  It is their responsibility to return them to their folder tomorrow.

Friday, September 9th

Lesson Objectives - Students will begin to analyze the author's use of theme from the story "Seventh Grade."  They will then continue presenting their narratives or scripts to the rest of the class.

Homework - Students are to bring in their second summer reading project on Monday.  They should also continue reading for September's RRS assignment.

Thursday, September 8th

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue their analysis of the story "Seventh Grade."  Today, they will focus on the setting and the author's use of sensory details.  Students will also prepare and present their projects from yesterday's assignment.

Homework - Students are to continue reading a book of their choice so that they can complete September's Reader Response Sheet.

Wednesday, September 7th

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue the lesson objectives from yesterday.  In addition, they will create and present a dramatic scene based on their understanding of the main characters.

Homework - Ask a parent/guardian this interview question: "As an adult, does peer pressure still play a role in how you live your life?  Explain with examples."   Remember, the student is responsible for writing a summary of the response, not the parent/guardian.  Submit on loose leaf paper.

Tuesday, September 6th

Lesson Objectives - Students will start our first story, "Seventh Grade."  They will compare/contrast their lives to that of the main character.  They will then continue giving their summer reading presentations from last Friday.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph with a topic sentence: Why do people feel the need to create false impressions of themselves?  Explain a situation when someone tried to impress you by saying or doing something dishonest.

Thursday, September 1st

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue to learn the policies and procedures that they will follow over the course of the year.  Today, we will address the appropriate behaviors I expect in class.  We will use role-play as a method of determining the best course of action for dealing with student conflicts. After this, students will begin to present their summer reading projects.

Homework - Students are to find a book they they will use for September's Reader Response assignment.  They will also bring home a form for parents/guardians to sign regarding classroom responsibilities.

Wednesday, August 31st

Parents, Guardians, and Students - Yesterday was a great first step of a very long journey!  Now that we're up and running, please visit this website on a regular basis to keep track of daily lesson objectives, homework assignments, and important dates for tests and assignments.  Please contact me using the email address in the heading at the top of the page or in the comment section under the daily postings.  I look forward to working with each and every one of you over the course the upcoming school year.

Lesson Objectives - Students are still learning the policies and procedures that they will follow over the course of the year.  Today, we will address the appropriate behaviors I expect in class.  We will use role-play as a method of determining the best course of action for dealing with student conflicts.

Homework - Students are to return the bottom portions of the forms that were distributed yesterday and today.  They also expected to bring in one of their summer reading projects to present to the class tomorrow.

Get Ready!

The school year is almost here!  I'm looking forward to getting to know you once things get underway next week.  

See you soon, 

Mr. Swain

Final Thoughts - June 10th, 2011

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my students and their parents/guardians this year.  Our DCAS scores reflect the many hours of hard work and effort, and I cannot express my gratitude for those who made this year so great.

I hope everyone has a great summer and comes back rested and ready for another successful year at Conrad.

Sincerely, 

Michael C. Swain

Congratulations!

The 8th Grade Honors section and the Block 4/8 Seventh Grade section have been officially recognized for their achievement on their DCAS scores!  We will celebrate this success with pizza parties next week.

Way to go!

-Mr. Swain

Wednesday, June 1st

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will take their final test of the year.
Homework - Students are to get their updated SDR signed by a parent or guardian. 

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will make their writing more descriptive with the use of adjective clauses.
Homework - Students will take their final test of the year tomorrow.  They are also supposed to get their updated SDR signed by a parent or guardian. 

Tuesday, May 31st

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will...

• Continue working in Vocabulary Unit 17.
• Practice combining simple sentences in compound and complex sentences.
• Continue giving their presentations from last week.

Homework - Students will have their test on "War Party" tomorrow.  It is the final test of the school year.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will

• Continue working on unit 16.
• Examine the author's use of dialect in the story "Boy: Tales of Childhood."

Homework - Answer the following in paragraph on looseleaf paper: "In your opinion, when does a prank go too far to be acceptable?  Explain with examples.

Friday, May 27th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives -Students will start their final Vocabulary Unit of the year. They will then present their historical fiction projects to the rest of the class.
Homework - The final RRS of the year is due on Tuesday, May 31st.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives -Students will start their final Vocabulary Chapter of the year.  They will then continue their analysis of Roald Dahl's "Boy: Tales of Childhood."
Homework - The final RRS of the year is due on Tuesday, May 31st.

Thursday, May 26th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will...

• take their quiz on Vocabulary Unit 16
• create an example of historical fiction using a contemporary movie or book.  They will begin presenting these to the class today.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph: If someone in the future were to write a historical fiction story with the year 2011 as its setting, what important details should the writer use?  Explain with details.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will...

• improve their test score from "Dark They Were, and Golden Eyed" by making corrections/improvements.
• start the next story, "Boy: Tales from Childhood."  Students will forge connections with the author by finding similarities in their childhood experiences.

Homework - Students will bring home the test corrections for parent review and signature.

Wednesday, May 25th

Parents, Guardians, and Students: Please be aware of the updated lists on your right.  The end of the year is rapidly approaching!  Please be sure to submit assignments on time because late work will not be accepted.

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will...

• continue their exploration of the elements that define historical fiction.
• create an example of historical fiction using a contemporary movie or book.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph: If someone in the future were to write a historical fiction story with the year 2011 as its setting, what important details should the writer use?  Explain with details.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will take their test on "The White Umbrella" today.
Homework - Classwork pages 15-20 are due tomorrow.  Late packets will not be accepted.

Tuesday, May 24th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will compare their challenges to those faced by people from an earlier time.  They will read the story "The War Party," by Louis L'Amour.
Homework - Classwork pages 17-23 due tomorrow.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will make quiz corrections on their most recent vocabulary quiz.  They will expand their descriptive writing toolbox by identifying and using prepositional phrases. They will finish the class by sharing their presentations from yesterday.
Homework - Students will take their test on "The White Umbrella" tomorrow.

Wednesday, May 4th

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will be able to...

1. Continue their work in Vocabulary Chapter (15)
2. Identify and create examples of sentences that contain transitional expressions.
3. Examine the circular plot structure found in the story.  Students will then create and present an original work (play, poem, or short story)  that uses this structure.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph: How do you think you would react if you were in Bittering's situation?  Explain your answer with details.

Tuesday, May 3rd

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will be able to...

1. Gain exposure to the the upcoming Vocabulary Unit (15)
2. Determine examples of sensory details found in Ray Bradbury's short story, "Dark They Were, and Golden Eyed."
3. Identify and create examples of sentences that contain transitional expressions.

Homework - Explain which character(s) are considered static/dynamic character(s).  Answer in a paragraph.

Until Further Notice....

 7th & 8th Grade

Please refer to the following link for lesson objectives and homework assignments:

http://gentileworks.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 7th

 8th Grade

Please refer to the following link for lesson objectives and homework assignments:

http://gentileworks.blogspot.com/

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will take their test on "Ant & Grasshopper" and "The Richer, the Poorer."   They will then continue presenting their projects: an original traditional fable or an example of a modern fable.

Homework -  Classwork pages 7-14 are due tomorrow.  Late work will be accepted, but not for full credit.

Friday, March 4th

8th Grade

Please refer to the following link for lesson objectives and homework assignments:

http://gentileworks.blogspot.com/

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will start the lesson with a review that should help clarify the confusion associated with troublesome verb pairs.  They will then prepare and present their projects: an original traditional fable or an example of a modern fable.

Homework -  The test on "Ant & Grasshopper" and "The Richer, the Poorer" is on Monday, March 7th.  Classwork pages 7-14 are due the following day.

Wednesday, March 2nd

8th Grade

Please refer to the following link for lesson objectives and homework assignments:

http://gentileworks.blogspot.com/

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will be introduced to the Chapter 12 Vocabulary words.  Then, they will examine a sample of a modern fable and compare it with its traditional counterpart, "Ant and Grasshopper."

Homework -  Answer the following in a paragraph: Which sister lived the more fulfilling life?  Why?  what do you think Lottie would do differently if she could life her life over again?

Tuesday, March 1st

8th Grade

Please refer to the following link for lesson objectives and homework assignments:

http://gentileworks.blogspot.com/

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will be able to explain the concept of personification from a fable example.  They will then examine the actions and traits that these characters show in order to describe their motivations and values. 

Homework -  Answer the following in a paragraph: When are you more like the ant?  When are you more like the grasshopper?  Explain with examples.

Monday, February 28th

8th Grade

Please refer to the following link for lesson objectives and homework assignments:

http://gentileworks.blogspot.com/

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will be able to explain the concept of personification from a fable example.  They will then examine the actions and traits that these characters show in order to describe their motivations and values. 

Homework -  Students will have their Chapter 11 Vocabulary test tomorrow.

Friday, February 25th

8th Grade

Please refer to the following link for lesson objectives and homework assignments:

http://gentileworks.blogspot.com/

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will be able to define the concept of a fable.  They will also compare/contrast ideas from two versions of the same story

Homework -  February's RRS assignment is due on Monday.

Wednesday, February 23rd

8th Grade

Please refer to the following link for lesson objectives and homework assignments:

http://gentileworks.blogspot.com/

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - After some exercises in Vocabulary Chapter 11 and review practice concerning the structure of a biographical work, students will  brainstorm the ideas that they will use to complete their test essay assignment: "Describe a personal challenge and how you overcame it." 
Homework - Students are to continue writing their rough draft for tomorrow's test essay.

Friday, February 18th

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will examine and correct samples of writing that is in the passive voice.  They will then continue sharing their presentations from the past two days.
Homework - Complete the "A Defenseless Creature" packet for extra homework credit.  Make sure that missing/incomplete assignments are turned in on Tuesday.  The 3rd marking period interim is at the end of next week.

Thursday, February 17th

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue working on their interview projects which will give them the opportunity to share how they handle personal challenges.
Homework  - Two items:

1. What do you think Jackie Robinson would have said to Charley Thomas, the player whose suffering affected Branch Rickey?  Write a letter that Robinson might have sent to Thomas after signing with the Dodgers.
2. Get SDR signed by a parent or guardian.  Please be aware that the interim for the third marking period is at the end of next week, February 25th.

Wednesday, February 16th

8th Grade

Parents, Guardians, and Students -  Please welcome Ms. Gentile, our student teacher from University of Delaware!  She is now teaching the 8th grade section on a full-time basis.  Within a few days, she will post a link to her own blog that will serve the same purpose as Swaintopia.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue their study of the excerpt from the Jackie Robinson autobiography.  They will examine the specific elements that make to a piece of autobiographical writing.  They will then begin their interview projects which will give them the opportunity to share how they handle personal challenges.
Homework - Students are to continue working on their RRS for February.

Wednesday, February 9th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - After students finish the exercises for Vocabulary Unit 10, they will examine the use of participial phrases in making writing more interesting
Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph:  What problems in society could you fix by volunteering some of your time?  Explain.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will focus on the importance of proper verb agreement in their writing.
Homework - Students will continue writing their rough draft for the following test essay question: Explain the author's use of theme in "The Scholarship Jacket."

Monday, January 31st

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - After their Unit 9 Vocabulary Quiz, students will examine the motives of the characters in order to justify their actions.
Homework - Students should prepare for their test on "Rules of the Game."

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - After their Chapter 9 Vocabulary Quiz, students will examine and utilize various forms of nouns in their sentences.
Homework - Students should prepare for their test on "Immigrant Kids."

Tuesday, January 25th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will find examples of internal and external conflicts from the story "Rules of the Game."  They will then examine recent stories we have read to find other examples of these conflicts.
Homework  - In a chart, list 3 examples each of internal and external conflicts found in your January RRS assignment.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will present their outline examples to the rest of the class.  They will then examine the author's use of primary and secondary sources in writing non-fiction.
Homework - In a paragraph, relate a favorite story told to you from a member from your family.

Monday, January 23rd

Parents, Guardians, and Students: Today is the first day of the 3rd marking period.  Any missing or late assignments from the 2nd marking period are due immediately for partial credit.  Tomorrow is the last day I can accept these assignments.

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Since we haven't met in over a week, we will review the story "Rules of the Game."  Students will then make comparisons between the experiences of the character with their own.
Homework - Interview Question for a parent:  How similar or different is your parenting style from the one your parents used when you were growing up?  Explain with examples.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will create and present an example of an outline (with main idea, subheadings, and examples.)
Homework -Answer the following in a paragraph:  How are the challenges faced by today's immigrants similar/different than those faced by the immigrants in the story?  Explain with examples.

Thursday, January 13th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - After the students continue with Vocabulary Unit 9, they will then start their next story, "Rules of the Game."  With this story, students will draw personal conclusions based on events in the test.
Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph:  This story isn't just about the rules of playing chess; it is truly about the rules of life.  What rules of life does Waverly learn in the story?

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will first take their Vocabulary Chapter 8 Quiz.  Then, they will read the article "What a Difference a City Year Makes" in order to analyze its structure. Students will discuss the importance of its headlines, subheadings, pull quotes, photographs, and photo captions. 
Homework - Make sure pages 14-17 + Tuesday's sub packet are completed and ready to turn in tomorrow.  This is your last Classwork Packet for the 2nd Marking Period.

Monday, January 10th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - After their Vocabulary Unit 8 Quiz, students will be able to describe personal connections they were able to make with the story "The Treasure of Lemon Brown."  Doing so will help them with their essay assignment: "What is your treasure?  Describe something that is valuable to you, but might not be seen that way by others."  (2 sides of a page) 
Homework - Students are to write their essay rough draft and prepare for tomorrow's test on the story.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their test on "What Do Fish Have to Do With Anything?"  After, they can complete and submit late assignments for partial credit.
Homework - Students are to prepare for tomorrow's Chapter 8 Vocabulary Quiz.

Thursday, January 6th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will define and find examples of static and dynamic characters in our new story, "The Treasure of Lemon Brown."  The will apply this concept to other types of media including movies and TV shows.
Homework - Create a chart that lists and explains 5 examples of dynamic characters in books you have read.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will examine the methods by which the author applies characterization in order to create realistic personality qualities to the characters in the story.  Students will then apply these methods to previous stories we have read this year.
Homework - Students are to begin writing their rough draft for the following essay question: Explain the author's use of static and dynamic characters from the story "What Do Fish Have to Do with Anything?"  Rough drafts are due before Monday's test.

Wednesday, January 5th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will be able to define and find examples of static and dynamic characters in our new story, "The Treasure of Lemon Brown."  The will apply this concept to other types of media including movies and TV shows.
Homework - Create a chart that lists and explains 5 examples of dynamic characters in books you have read.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will examine the methods by which the author applies characterization in order to create realistic personality qualities to the characters in the story.  Students will then apply these methods to determine the personality qualities to previous stories we have read this year.
Homework - Students are to continue with last night's assignment: Create a chart that lists and explains 5 examples of dynamic characters in books you have read.

Tuesday, January 4th

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - In continuing with our studies in poetry, students will compare/contrast writing samples as well as examine the poet's use of including sensory details in his/her work.
Homework - Paragraph Response: Of the four poems we have studied over the last two days, which one do you feel is the best representative of the genre?  Explain your answer.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will be able to define and find examples of static and dynamic characters in the current story as well as other types of media including movies and TV shows.
Homework - Create a chart that lists and explains 5 examples of dynamic characters in books you have read.

Monday, January 3rd

Parents, Guardians, and Students: Happy New Year and welcome back!  I hope everyone is rested and ready to finish off the second marking period.  We only have 3 weeks, so make sure you hit the ground running as you return to the regular schedule.  There is plenty of time to bring your grades up!

8th Grade

Lesson Objectives - Students will examine examples of poetry and their uses of simile, metaphor, and sensory details.
Homework - Explain in a paragraph how natural objects can influence your mood.  Use sensory details in your description.

7th Grade

Lesson Objectives -With the help of their new story "What Do Fish Have to Do With Anything?," students will be able to use details to draw conclusions about character personality traits.
Homework - Paragraph Response: Describe a situation where you got into an argument with a parent....and YOU were right!