Friday, September 28th

Lesson Objectives - Students will finish the exercises for Vocabulary Unit II.  They will then examine the author's use of sensory details in "Names Nombres."  Students can use the rest of the time to work on test corrections for the "Thank You, M'am" test and essay.

Homework - Here's a list:

• Students are to get the Student Detail Report signed.  This IS NOT their interim score since there are a few more things I need to grade.  
• Students can also complete their test corrections for "Thank You, M'am."  If it is turned in on Monday, I can add it to the official interim grade.  
• There is a Vocabulary Unit II quiz on Monday.

Thursday, September 27th

Lesson Objectives - Students are starting their next story, "Names Nombres," by Julia Alvarez.  Here, they will examine the structure of a personal essay and identify the author's purpose.

Homework - September's RRS is due tomorrow.  Also, answer the following question on looseleaf paper: "Think of the writing style Julia Alvarez uses in "Names/Nombres."  Why do you think she uses humor to get her point across?"

Tuesday, September 25th

Lesson Objectives - Students are taking their Fall DCAS testing today.  Good luck!

Homework - There are two important due dates coming up.  On Thursday, classwork pages 1-6 are due while the September RRS is due on Friday.

Friday, September 21st

Lesson Objectives - Students will examine and identify uses of compound subjects and verbs in various sentences.  Doing so will help enable them to refine their writing.  Students will then have time to  peer edit their essay assignment that is due at the beginning of class on Monday.

Homework - Students are to FINISH writing their essay rough draft.  Essay topic: Explain Langston Hughes' use of internal and external conflict in his story "Thank You, M'am."  Please see Wednesday's blog entry for more details.

Thursday, September 20th

Lesson Objectives - Students will continue their work in Vocabulary Unit 2.  They will then explain examples of internal and external conflicts found in various media sources.

Homework - Students are to continue writing their essay rough draft.  Essay topic: Explain Langston Hughes' use of internal and external conflict in his story "Thank You, M'am."

Wesdnesday, September 19th

Lesson Objectives - Students will define and apply the concepts of internal and external conflict to the story "Thank You, M'am."  They will then brainstorm and explain examples of these conflicts found in various media sources.

Homework - Students are to begin writing their essay rough draft.  Essay topic: Explain Langston Hughes' use of internal and external conflict in his story "Thank You, M'am."

Tuesday, September 18th

Lesson Objectives - Students will start Vocabulary Unit II.  They will then present last week's project regarding the two models of cause/effect relationships

Homework - Interview Question: "Describe a situation where you provided guidance or help to a young person not related to you."

FRIDAY!!!!! September 14th (Oh, yeah! Friday!)

Lesson Objectives - Students will take their first vocabulary quiz.  After that, they will continue yesterday's project regarding the two models of cause/effect relationships.  Time permitting, they will start presenting in class.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph: Describe a situation where someone did not make a favorable impression on you the first time you met. Then, explain how the person was able to change this impression over time.

Thursday, September 13th

Lesson Objectives - Students will finish giving their group presentations about the types of themes found in various media sources.  They will start the next story and discuss examples of cause/effect relationships.

Homework - Students are to study for tomorrow's Vocabulary Unit 1 quiz.  Also, the final summer reading project is also due.

Tuesday, September 11th

Lesson Objectives - Students will examine the major components of sentence structure: the subject and the predicate.  They will then continue giving yesterday's group presentations about the types of themes found in various media sources.

Homework - Students will take their first test tomorrow.  They are encouraged to take home any materials they need from their classwork folder so that they can study.  Of course, these materials must be promptly returned.

Monday, September 10th

Lesson Objectives - After some practice with the words in the first vocabulary unit, students will continue brainstorming a list of themes from various media sources.  Once finished, they will share their findings with the rest of the class.

Homework - Answer the following in a paragraph: "How do you think the story would have been different if it were told from Teresa's point of view?  Explain with specific details."

Friday, September 7th

Lesson Objectives - Students will finish presenting their summer reading projects.  They will then discuss the author's use of theme in the story "Seventh Grade."

Homework - Students will continue reading their books for September's Reader Response Sheet.

Thursday, September 6th

Lesson Objectives - After some practice with the words in the first vocabulary unit, students will then examine the author's use of sensory details from the story "Seventh Grade."  They will then complete their presentations from the first summer reading project.

Homework - The second summer reading assignment is due tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 5th

Lesson Objectives - Students will receive their vocabulary books today and will begin working on the first chapter.  They will then finish giving their summer reading presentations from last Friday.

Homework - Ask a parent/guardian this interview question: "As an adult, does peer pressure still play a role in how you live your life?  Why or why not?  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 4th

Lesson Objectives - Students will start their 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 Thursday.

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.