Friday, April 27th

Lesson Objectives - Students are practicing important test skills for the upcoming DCAS assessment.  These skills include using context clues to determine word meaning as well as identifying word relationships through analogies.

Homework - Students need to bring a book or a magazine to occupy their time after they finish testing.  They are also supposed to get their SDR signed by a parent or guardian.

Thursday, April 26th

Lesson Objectives - Students will finish yesterday's exercise in paraphrasing.  Then, they will practice test-taking skills that they will need to demonstrate on the DCAS testing on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Homework - Students will have their quiz on Lesson 9 from the vocabulary series.  All exercises for that chapter must be completed.

Wednesday, April 25th

Lesson Objectives - Students will finish their presentations/analysis of the trial projects.  They will then examine a few poetry selections to practice paraphrasing.  In addition, students will identify examples of the author's use of imagery.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph:  Do you think that animals should still be used in the workplace if their work can be completed by machines?  Explain examples to support your response.

Tuesday, April 24th

Lesson Objectives - The students are taking their test on "Exploring the Titanic" today.  This counts as the second test score of the 4th marking period.

Homework - April's RRS is due at the beginning of next week.

Thursday, April 19th

Lesson Objectives - After a few grammar exercises related to sentence construction, students will begin planning their next class presentation.  In it, students will simulate a court case that will determine if the company that built the Titanic should be held liable for the tragedy.  Students will present arguments for their side of the issue.

Homework - Students will pick a major company (Apple, McDonald's, etc.) and create a list of 5 statements that explain the company's legal obligations to the consumer.  For example:  Ford Motor Company...  (1) has the responsibility to provide vehicles that would safely protect its drivers in a normal-speed collisions.

Wednesday, April 18th

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue working in lesson 9 in the vocabulary book.  They will then examine the historical context that makes the story of the Titanic such a popular one.

Homework - Student are to continue working on April's RRS.

Tuesday, April 17th

Lesson Objectives - Students will start lesson 9 in the vocabulary book.  They will then continue yesterday's lesson regarding the author's use of fact and opinion from "Exploring the Titanic."

Homework - Interview Question: How has travel security changed over the last 10 years?  Do you think that this has had an impact on the travel industry?  Explain.

Monday, April 16th

Lesson Objectives - Students will begin their next story "Exploring the Titanic."  They will examine the facts and opinions used to support the author's main arguments.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph: What was your opinion of the passengers and crew while the lifeboats were being loaded?  What might this say about human nature?  Could more lives have been saved if evacuation efforts had been designed/conducted differently?  Explain with examples.

Thursday, April 5th

Lesson Objectives - Students will complete their final drafts of the essay assignment.  This will count as their first test grade for the 4th marking period.  Also, their class work packet (pages 1-7) are due as well.

Homework - Enjoy your spring break.  Come back rested and ready to tackle the final 8 weeks of the school year!

Tuesday, April 3rd

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue their analysis of poetry samples.  Today, they will examine a narrative poem, "The Highwayman."  Students will identify the author's use of mood, tone, and metaphor.  They will then have time to continue their rough drafts for their persuasive essay.

Homework - Students are to complete their rough drafts for their persuasive essay tonight.  They will have time in class to complete their final draft tomorrow.  Both rough and final drafts are due on Thursday along with pages 1-7.