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Thursday, January 31, 2008

The Giver, by Lois Lowry

Yesterday, book packets were distributed for the new novel we begin today: The Giver, by Lois Lowry. The introductory assignment, which was finished last night for homework, was to read the first page and answer some questions. Most of the work for this book will be done in class. Anything missed will be made up for homework.

Tomorrow, barring the dreadful weather forecast, I will be grading books two and three of the New York State Assessment along with my colleagues. Students will be reading in class and working in the book packets after taking the spelling test.

Below is next weeks vocab list:

Spelling #15
Vocabulary


independent (adj.) – not subject to control by others

meant (v) - to have in mind as a purpose

participate (v) - to take part

nervous (adj.) – jumpy, timid, apprehensive

similar (adj.) - having characteristics in common

familiar (adj.) - closely acquainted

cemetery (n) - a burial ground

delicious (adj.) - affording great pleasure

conference (n) - a meeting of two or more persons for discussing matters of common concern
college (n) - an independent institution of higher learning

Monday, January 28, 2008

Pay It Forward

Last week classes viewed the movie Pay It Forward. Today notes were checked (for a minor grade) and directions for a writing assignment were given. The word 'eulogy' was explained and an example read to the class. Students are to chose a character from the movie and write a eulogy for Trevor, the main character killed at the end.

Make sure it is written from the point of view of a character, and in the format of a eulogy.

Spelling list was (finally!) copied into notebooks. Definitions due on Wednesday.

We start the novel The Giver tomorrow.

Gradebooks are empty! Second semester has begun! All grades from here on in go to building the 3rd marking period averages.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Just in Case....

...there is a snow day tomorrow, I'm posting next weeks spelling/vocab today:

Spelling #14
Vocabulary



resolution (n) - determination, ambition, decision

experimentation (n) - research, testing, investigation

attendant (n) - one who assists, aides, or helps

proposition (n) - a scheme, proposal, plan

appointment (n) - a designated time and place for a certain function; engagement

accidental (adj.) - unexpected, unforeseen

apparatus (n) - machine, device, instrument

accuracy (n) - precision, exactness

theory (n) - an ideal or hypothetical set of facts

requirement (n) - necessity, an essential requisite

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

ELA State Assessment... Done

The eighth grade completed the state assessment over the past two days. High effort was demonstrated by all students and preliminary (very unofficial) results of the comprehension portion are encouraging. The rest of the test will be scored in school in February. Official State results probably won't be in until Fall.

Classes today tried to watch a Sherlock Holmes instead of seat work. Period three seemed interested, but period seven was... otherwise. Tomorrow, period seven will work in the literature book. Whether or not they get to see the end of the video will depend on the substitute's report as I will be out of the building tomorrow.

Look ahead:

There will be spelling/vocab next week. List will be posted on Friday.

Next week eighth grade classes will be viewing the movie "Pay it Forward" as part of the ELA curriculum. As this is a PG-13 film permission slips will be sent home by the end of the week.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Benchmark III Continued Again

Went over the constructed responses today, and wrote best answers in booklet. Also a planning page for the essay which will be written tonight for homework.
The comprehension part of the test was sent home last week and done over without students knowing which answers were incorrect. The result was encouraging. many students improved their score, some significantly. However, they will need to do their very best on the one shot they have this coming Monday. many students proved they didn't do their best initially on this benchmark.

Of course, giving them the test on the first day back after the holidays may be a factor.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Benchmark III Continued

Academic classes started the listening portion of the benchmark. The passage was read and notes were taken. Students underlined key words in the directions to the constructed responses. They are to write the answers to these questions (27,28,29) in their notebooks for homework. We'll go over them tomorrow and write corrected answers into booklets. We'll also get the planning page for the essay completed.

No spelling/vocab this week or, probably next, while we focus all attention on the benchmarks and next weeks state assessments.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Benchmark III

Took the comprehension portion of the thrid benchmark test during third period. Seventh period started the "A Christmas Carol" essay, to be finished for homework. (Directions can be found in the previous post.) Third period will start their essay tomorrow.

Note: Anyone who missed the movie or parts of it, may have extra time to rent the movie. Deadline, however, is Monday.

Reminder: ELA State Assessment is coming up fast (January 14th and 15th). Also, this marking period is shorter than the others, ending on the 25th.

Stay focused!