12/191/3

English 8:    After working on the class journal ending, students read Anne Frank and worked on study guides.  These should be completed at home if not complete in class.  We will watch more of the Anne Frank movie Friday and take the final test after break.  This will give students a chance to review and re-read (keep in mind the audio version is also available on my blog).    Homework:   read Anne Frank & finish study guide  - read AR 

Geography 7: Students worked on A+ geography as well as an Internet scavenger hunt for Antarctica.    Homework:  A+ geography (4 lessons by Friday) - Islamic Pattern due Thurs. -  read AR 


English 7: Students read Gathering Blue for the duration of the class.  We will take the final for this book by Friday.   Homework: STUDY FOR GATHERING BLUE FINAL (includes vocabulary from the unit)  -   read AR

12/18/13

English 8:    Students read Anne Frank for the duration of the class, and worked on study guides.  These should be completed by the end of class tomorrow.  We will watch more of the Anne Frank movie Friday and take the final test after break.  This will give students a chance to review and re-read (keep in mind the audio version is also available on my blog).    Homework:   read Anne Frank & work on study guide - compliments due tomorrow if not completed - read AR 

Geography 7: Students worked on A+ geography as well as an Internet scavenger hung for Antarctica.    Homework:  A+ geography (4 lessons by Friday) - Islamic Pattern due Thurs. -  read AR 


English 7: Students read Gathering Blue for the duration of the class.  We will take the final for this book by Friday.  Monster instructions (rough draft) are due today.   Homework: read Gathering Blue  -   read AR

12/17/13

English 8:    Students worked a bit more on the Compliments wiki.  If these were not completed today, it is homework (due Thursday).  Students started their class journal ending and will finish it tomorrow.  We read Anne Frank in groups and worked on the study guide for the remainder of the class.   Homework:   read Anne Frank & work on study guide - Anne Frank Final Friday - read AR 

Geography 7: Students worked on A+ and watched a video on Antarctica and completed their KTWL graphic organizer.  Islamic Pattern is due Thursday.  Homework:  A+ geography (4 lessons by Friday) - Islamic Pattern due Thurs. -  read AR 


English 7: Students completed a quiz on Gathering Blue (ch. 11-16).  When finished, they worked on instructions for their Monster Exchange project.  The monster picture was due today as well.     Homework: read Gathering Blue  - MONSTER instructions -   read AR

12/16/13

English 8:    Students worked on a "compliments" wiki online for the beginning of class.  We read in cooperative reading groups for the remainder.  No vocabulary this week.  We are hoping to finish the class journal in time to get it edited, so homework will reflect this later in the week.  Homework:   read Anne Frank - read AR 

Geography 7: Students started working in the A+ program (area of choice within geography).  They are required to complete 4 full lessons by Friday with notes.  We will learn about Antarctica this week; students created a KTWL graphic organizer in preparation.  No current event this week.   Homework:  A+ geography (4 lessons by Friday) -  read AR 


English 7: Students worked on a "compliments" wiki online for the beginning of class.   We read in cooperative reading groups for the remainder.  No spelling this week.  Students are starting a project called "Monster Exchange."  For this, they must create a picture of a monster as homework tonight.     Homework: read Gathering Blue (quiz tomorrow - to pg. 154) - MONSTER Picture -   read AR

12/13/13 Happy Friday the 13th!

English 8:   A+ Adaptive Vocabulary lessons (4) due today.  Students started watching the Anne Frank movie today.  It is beneficial to watch this movie part way through the book to capture the essence of the characters fully.   Homework:  read Anne Frank - check grades online - read AR 

Geography 7: Students worked on Islamic Pattern today as a culminating project to the Middle East unit.    Homework:  check grades online - read AR 


English 7: All spelling work was due.  Students took a spelling test (Lesson 10) and were given time to check grade book and read AR.   Homework: check grades online -   read AR

12/11/13

English 8:    Students were assigned A+ Vocabulary (4 lessons by Friday).  The rest of the class was spent reading Anne Frank within groups and filling out a study guide.  It is required to read at least 25 pages per day, so some of that will need to happen at home (about 10-15 per night).  Homework:  A+ Adaptive Vocabulary-  read Anne Frank - read AR 

Geography 7: Quiz Ch. 17 Section 2 continued.  After the quiz, students had time to complete a study guide for the Ch. 17 test (will be given tomorrow).  Each student is going home with a completed study guide for the test, but it is recommended that students study their book, vocabulary, and any graded work from Ch. 17.    Homework:  STUDY FOR CH. 17 TEST - Malala reading passage & questions (due Friday)-  read AR 


English 7: Students will resume their regular spelling program this week.  After DOL/Journal, students read Gathering Blue in groups.   Homework: spelling (due Friday) -   read AR

12/10/13

English 8:    Students were assigned A+ Vocabulary (4 lessons by Friday).  The rest of the class was spent reading Anne Frank within groups.  It is required to read at least 25 pages per day, so some of that will need to happen at home (about 10-15 per night).  Homework:  A+ Adaptive Vocabulary-  read Anne Frank - read AR 

Geography 7: Quiz Ch. 17 Section 2  Homework:  Malala reading passage & questions (due Friday)-  read AR 


English 7: Students will resume their regular spelling program this week.  After DOL/Journal, students read Gathering Blue in groups.   Homework: spelling (due Friday) -   read AR

12/9/13

English 8:    Students were assigned A+ Vocabulary (4 lessons by Friday).  The rest of the class was spent reading Anne Frank within groups.   Homework:  A+ Adaptive Vocabulary-  read AR 

Geography 7: Pg. 476 #2-6 (students have already completed #1 as picture vocabulary).  No current event this week.  In its place will be a reading passage about a girl from Pakistan named Malala.  There are questions to go with this passage as well as a few written paragraphs. There will be a quiz over Ch. 17 Section 2 tomorrow. Homework:  pg. 476 if not completed in class  -  read AR 


English 7: Students will resume their regular spelling program this week.  They took a quiz on Gathering Blue, Ch. 4-9.     Homework: spelling (due Friday) -   read AR

12/6/13

English 8:    Students took a DOL quiz today and were given time to work on A+ in the classroom.  Four lessons within Adaptive vocabulary with notes were due today.  Homework:  check grades online -  read AR 

Geography 7: We reviewed GR 17-2.  Both the guided reading and current event were due today.  Homework:  check grades online -  read AR 


English 7: The persuasive business letter was due today, and then students charted assessment progress within their portfolios.  We will have the Gathering Blue quiz on Monday (Ch. 4-9).    Homework: check grades online -  read Gathering Blue to pg. 99 & study for quiz -   read AR

12/5/13

English 8:    Students practiced identifying and writing appositives.  For the remainder of the class they read Anne Frank in groups and created quotes for the character wall using evidence from the text.  Homework:  A+ Adaptive Vocabulary -  read AR 

Geography 7: Students read pg. 468-476 within groups, worked on a culture chart, and were assigned Guided Reading 17-2 (due tomorrow).    Homework:  GR 17-2 & chart if not completed in class - current event due Friday -  read AR 


English 7: Students were given a DOL quiz, and then read Gathering Blue within cooperative reading groups.  They will have a quiz over Ch. 4-9 tomorrow (this includes spelling/vocabulary words from list 2).   Homework: Final business letter due tomorrow - read Gathering Blue to pg. 99 & study for quiz -   read AR

12/4/13

English 8:    Students were given a quiz on Anne Frank (pg. 24-74).  If not fully completed, it was homework (open book quiz).  We will continue reading our novel in cooperative groups tomorrow.  Assigned this week: "A+ Adaptive Vocabulary."  Students need to complete at least 4 lessons by Friday.    Homework:  A+ Adaptive Vocabulary & finish quiz-  read AR 

Geography 7: Students finished their Ch. 17-1 quiz.  We previewed Ch. 17 Section 2, and discussed content vocabulary.  Today's assignment was creating picture vocab. from the section.  This is due tomorrow before we read Section 2.   Homework:  Ch. 17-2 picture vocabulary - current event due Friday -  read AR 


English 7:  Students practiced identifying and writing appositives. They read Gathering Blue in cooperative reading groups for the remainder of the class.  There will be a quiz Friday over Ch. 4-9.  Homework: Final business letter due Friday -   read AR

12/3/13

English 8:   
Students completed DOL/Journal, and were assigned "A+ Adaptive Vocabulary" for vocabulary work this week.  Students need to complete at least 4 lessons by Friday.  We continued reading Anne Frank in cooperative reading groups.  There will be a quiz through pg. 74 tomorrow.    Homework:  A+ Adaptive Vocabulary & read Anne Frank -  read AR 

Geography 7: We reviewed pg. 465.  Students were given a quiz on Ch. 17, and many need a bit of time to finish it tomorrow.  Homework:  current event due Friday, study for QUIZ -  read AR 


English 7:  Students learned about and practiced writing complex sentences.  The final copy of the business letter is due Friday (no spelling work this week).  Students were also given a parent signature sheet for the class journal.  This is assessing how many students are purchasing a hard copy and how many will be downloading online.    Homework: 5 word choice changes on rough draft (final due Friday) -   read AR

12/2/13

English 8:   
Students completed DOL/Journal, and were assigned "A+ Adaptive Vocabulary" for vocabulary work this week.  Students need to complete at least 4 lessons by Friday.  We continued reading Anne Frank in cooperative reading groups.  There will be a quiz through pg. 74 Wed.    Homework:  A+ Adaptive Vocabulary & read Anne Frank -  read AR 

Geography 7: We continued Ch. 17.  Students were assigned pg. 465 # 1, 2, 4-7.  There will be a quiz on Ch. 17 Section 1 tomorrow. Homework:  pg. 465 if not completed in class, current event due Friday, study for QUIZ -  read AR 


English 7:  We continued reading our narrative letters.  Students were given their business letter rough drafts, and were assigned 5 word choice changes.  The final copy is due Friday (no spelling work this week).  Students were also given a parent signature sheet for the class journal.  This is assessing how many students are purchasing a hard copy and how many will be downloading online.    Homework: 5 word choice changes on rough draft (final due Friday) -   read AR

11/26/13 Have a fantastic Thanksgiving Break!

English 8:   
Students turned in the thank you letters in friendly letter format.  Several research report presentations were given today as well.     Homework:  check grades online -  read AR 

Geography 7: Glogster presentations.   Homework:  check grades online -  read AR 


English 7:  Students completed peer editing on their persuasive business letter rough draft.  It was due and collected today.  We'll work on the final after break.    Homework:  check grades online -   read AR

NO SCHOOL NOV. 27-29

11/25/13

English 8:   
Students had the pleasure of meeting and talking to a WWII veteran that lives here in town.  He was wonderful and gave an amazing first-hand account of the war from his point of view.  Students are writing thank you letters in friendly letter format  - due tomorrow.    Homework:  thank you letters -  read AR 

Geography 7: Glogster presentations - this will continue tomorrow.   Homework:  check grades online -  read AR 


English 7:  Students were given the Run-On Sentence Quiz for revisions.  After journaling, students worked on their business letter rough draft.  This is due tomorrow for peer editing.   Homework:  business letter rough draft -   read AR

11/22/13

English 8:   
All vocabulary work was due.  Students wrote a friendly thank-you letter to our guest speaker from yesterday.   Homework:  check grades online -  read AR 

Geography 7: Students worked to complete their Glogs.  Those finished helped others edit and revise their work.  We will present Monday.  Homework:  check grades online -  read AR 


English 7:  The final edited version of the class journal entry was due today (digital), as well as the illustration.  Students were given the class period to finalize these and begin work on a business letter persuasive essay.  Homework:  check grades online -   read AR

11/21/13

English 8:   
We had a wonderful guest speaker today as part of our WWII research reports.  He specialized in WWII vehicles and weaponry.  The students did an amazing job of asking interested and informed questions.   Homework:  vocabulary & quote for character wall if not completed in class  -  read AR 

Geography 7: Students completed a chart on the three prominent religions of the Middle East, and then worked on their Glogsters for the remainder of the class.  Homework:  Glogster - GR 17-1 if not completed in class - read AR 


English 7:  Students were given a quiz on correcting run-on sentences.  They worked on editing/publishing their class journal entry and illustration, which is due tomorrow.  No spelling this week.  Homework:  class journal entry & illustration due Friday -   read AR

11/20/13

English 8:   
Students have been presenting their research reports.  We will have a guest speaker tomorrow (expert on vehicles and weapons from WWII).  Students have been asked to prepare at least one question or area of curiosity for the speaker.  We had some time at the end of class to add quotes to our Anne Frank character wall.  A couple groups did not finish and assigned one person from each group to complete it at home.    Homework:  vocabulary & quote for character wall if not completed in class  -  read AR 

Geography 7: We started Ch. 17 today, the history and religions of the Middle East.  Students read pg. 456-465 within reading groups and worked on GR 17-1 together.  This is due tomorrow.  Homework:  Glogster - GR 17-1 if not completed in class - read AR 


English 7:  Students practiced correcting run-on sentences, and then read Gathering Blue in cooperative reading groups.   No spelling this week.   Homework:  class journal entry & illustration due Friday -   read AR

11/181/3

English 8:   
Students were assigned Anne Frank Section 5 for this week's vocabulary work.  Students gave research report presentations.  This will continue tomorrow.   Homework:  vocabulary -  read AR 

Geography 7: Students were given a review packet for Ch. 16, as well as graded work form the chapter.  There will be a test tomorrow over the two sections of Ch. 16 - study.  A Glogster project has been assigned.  It will be due Friday.  Homework:  Glogster - study for TEST- read AR 


English 7:  Students were given their class journal handouts.  This will need to be edited, typed, and sent to me digitally by Friday - along with an illustration. No spelling this week.   Homework:  class journal entry & illustration -   read AR

11/15/13 T.G.I.F.

English 8:   
Students worked on their final research reports, which were due today.  We'll start presentations next week.  Homework:  check grades online - read AR 

Geography 7: 5-minute map quiz (Middle East) - Students were introduced to a new Glogster project for next week and started researching information.  They will be learning about culture regions.    Homework:  check grades online - read AR 


English 7:   Students received their completed narrative letters with a stamp.  They must mail them this weekend, and then bring the letter they receive next week into class.  We have an additional activity to perform once they are all received.   Homework:  check grades online -   read AR

11/14/13

English 8:   
Students worked on their final essay for most of the class.  They worked on typing, editing, and citing sources using Microsoft Word.  This is due tomorrow. Please check the packet to make sure all items are complete & ready for collecting.  We'll start presentations next week.   Homework:  final research report- read AR 

Geography 7: We corrected and discussed pg. 450.  Students took a quiz over Ch. 16 Section 2, and then worked on their current events (due tomorrow).  Homework:  current event due tomorrow - read AR 


English 7:   Students took a quiz for Gathering Blue (ch.1-3), and then read Gathering Blue within cooperative groups for the remainder of the period.  Homework:  (no spelling this week)  read AR

11/13/13

English 8:   
Students did peer editing with their research report rough drafts.  After peer editing, students were assigned 10 word choice changes (word upgrades using a thesaurus).  We reviewed how to input references into Microsoft Word and use it to insert citations and a bibliography.  The final report is due Friday. No vocabulary this week.  Homework:  10 word choice changes - final research report- read AR 

Geography 7: Guided Reading 16-2 was due.  Students were assigned pg. 450 #1-6 (with picture vocabulary).  We will have a quiz tomorrow on Ch. 16-2.  Homework: pg. 450 if not completed in class - study for quiz - current event due Friday - read AR 


English 7:   The final narrative letter was due today with addressed envelope.  It will be returned by Friday for mailing.  Students reviewed Ch.1-3 of Gathering Blue within their reading groups and identified literature items (theme, plot, characters, setting, conflict).  There will be a quiz tomorrow on Ch. 1-3 (spelling/vocabulary words from List 1 will be included in the quiz).  Homework:  study for quiz-   read AR

11/12/13

English 8:   
Students practiced parenthetical citation, and then watched a demonstration for Microsoft Word on managing references/citing sources.  Students were given some time to finalize their rough draft.  We will do peer editing with them tomorrow.  The final is due Friday.  No vocabulary homework this week.  Homework:  rough draft- read AR 

Geography 7: Students read Ch. 16 Section 2, pg. 447-450.  Within reading groups students worked on the climate chart, and independently worked on GR 16-2.  Homework: GR 16-2 & chart - current event due Friday - read AR 


English 7: After journal and sentence stretching, students were given time to work on their friendly letter narrative.  Each student was given an address and an envelope.  The final letter is due tomorrow.  No spelling this week.   Homework:  Final Narrative letter -   read AR

11/8/13 NO SCHOOL MONDAY 11/11/13

English 8:   
All vocabulary work was due.  Students took a vocabulary test.  The outline for the research report was due today as well.  Students should be working on their rough draft over the break.  We will get some time Tuesday to complete it, but need to get a good start on it before then.   Homework:  check grades online - read AR 

Geography 7: Students turned in their current events and then watched the Suez Canal video.   Homework: check grades online - read AR 


English 7: All spelling work was due as well as the pre-write activity for the narrative essay.  Students took a spelling test and then worked on their narrative rough draft. We will continue it Tuesday in class.   Homework:  check grades online - start rough draft -   read AR

11/7/13

English 8:   
Students practiced parenthetical citation for different types of sources.  They read Anne Frank in cooperative reading groups after writing in journals. Outline is due tomorrow.  Homework:  vocab & outline - read AR 

Geography 7: Students had a 5-minute map quiz, and then took a quiz on Ch. 16 Section 1.  We watched more of the Suez Canal video at the end of class.  Homework: current event due Friday - read AR 


English 7: After DOL/Journal, students worked on a graphic organizer (pre-write) for a narrative essay.  This will be written in the form of a friendly letter to another student.  Students were given some time to work on the rough draft and will work on it further tomorrow.  Homework:  pre-write if not completed in class - spelling all due tomorrow -   read AR

11/6/13

English 8:   
We discussed plagiarism and parenthetical citation in class.  We will start practicing citations tomorrow.  Students need to work on their outline, which is due Friday.   Homework:  vocab & outline - read AR 

Geography 7: We discussed and graded pg. 446 in class, and then watched part of a video o the Suez Canal.  Students should study for the quiz tomorrow (Ch.16 Section 1) Homework:   STUDY FOR QUIZ - current event due Friday - read AR 


English 7:  Students had a few minutes to finish their class journal endings, and then we read all endings & voted.  The results of the vote will be available tomorrow.   Homework:  spelling & address -   read AR

11/5/13

English 8:   
Students learned about and practiced writing thesis statements.  They completed the activity with a thesis for their research report.  We discussed due dates for both notes and the outline.  Notes are due tomorrow.   Homework:  vocab & notes- read AR 

Geography 7: Guided Reading 16-1 and the map activity were due.  Assigned: pg. 446 #1-6  - due tomorrow Homework:   pg. 446 if not completed in class - current event due Friday - read AR 


English 7:  Students worked on their class journal endings.  In pairs, they compared and contrasted friendly letter & business letter formats.  There are several address permission forms still needing to be returned.   Homework:  spelling & address-   read AR

11/4/13

English 8:   
Students were assigned Anne Frank section 4 vocabulary.  We discussed notes and the outline for the research report - both due this week.  Homework:  vocab & notes- read AR 

Geography 7: Ch. 16 read pg. 442-446.   Students read in reading groups and worked on the landform chart together.  Independently they worked on GR 16-1 and were to finish their map activity from Friday.  Homework:   map activity and GR 16-1 - read AR 


English 7:  Students were given Gathering Blue spelling list 3.  We read the class journal from beginning to "almost end," and students are currently writing their own ending within their journals.  We will vote on which is to be published.  An address form was sent home for permission to use a personal address in a friendly writing activity.  This is due by Wednesday.  Homework:  spelling & address-   read AR

11/1/13 Happy November!

English 8:   
Students took a vocabulary TEST and turned in all vocab. work.  Three documented sources were due for the research report.  Homework:  Check grades online - read AR 

Geography 7: The oil video response essay was due today (with pre-write).  Students worked on a Middle East map activity for the remainder of the period - we will finish it Monday.  Homework:   check grade online - read AR 


English 7:  Students took a spelling TEST and turned in all spelling work.  Homework:  check grades online -   read AR

10/31/13 Happy Halloween!

All of 7th and 8th grade have won free dress for tomorrow, 11/1/13.  There was a contest for parade float fundraising, and there was a tie.  *Free dress still needs to follow school dress code rules

English 8:   
Students completed an open book quiz on Anne Frank today (pg. 1-24).  They were given some time to work on vocabulary after the quiz.  Three sources for their research report are due tomorrow.  Homework:  3 sources for research report (one not from the Internet) - vocabulary (all due Friday) - read AR 

Geography 7: Students worked on and turned in a preview activity for the region we are studying in Unit 6 (Middle East).  We will continue with a map activity tomorrow.  Homework:   work on essay (final essay due Friday)- read AR 


English 7:  Students completed DOL/Journal, and were given time to work on spelling.  We read Gathering Blue within cooperative reading groups  Homework:  spelling (all due Friday) -  read AR

10/30/13

English 8:   
Students took a quiz on figurative language.  They read in cooperative reading groups for the remainder of the class.  Homework:  3 sources for research report (one not from the Internet) - vocabulary (all due Friday) - read AR 

Geography 7: We completed a KTWL graphic organizer as a preview to the Middle East Unit.  Students spent time comparing the countries in this region to each other and to the US.  We will continue and start Ch. 16 tomorrow.    Homework:   work on essay (final essay due Friday)- read AR 


English 7:  Students learned about and practiced writing 3rd person point of view within their journals.  They spent the remainder of the class working in cooperative reading groups.   Homework:  spelling (all due Friday) -  read AR

10/29/13 Happy Tuesday!

English 8:   
We discussed the research packet further and how to document information from at least 3 sources (this will be due Friday).  Students taught each other vocabulary words from the list (pronunciation, meaning, and used in a sent.).  Students learned about using imagery in writing and practiced this in their journals.    Homework:  3 sources for research report (one not from the Internet) - vocabulary (all due Friday) - read AR 

Geography 7: We continued with the oil video.  Students worked on the pre-write activity for the response essay. Students need to work on the essay, as a final copy (hand written or typed) is due Friday. No current event this week.   Homework:   finish pre-write (final essay due Friday)- read AR 


English 7:  Students worked on DOL/Journal.  They learned about and practiced using a "first person" point of view.  The remainder of the class was spent reading Gathering Blue in cooperative reading groups.   Homework:  spelling (all due Friday) -  read AR

10/28/13 Happy Monday!

English 8:   
Students learned about and practiced writing oxymoron's within DOL/Journal.   They were given a research packet for the a WWII related research report.  Students will be learning how to avoid plagiarism by using parenthetical citations, as well as take research notes, create an outline, and create a bibliography.  Please check the packet closely for due dates. Students will be working with vocabulary list 3 (Anne Frank).  Each student was given one word (a few students had two) to look up and present to the class in the morning.  Homework:  *assigned word for review - vocabulary (all due Friday) - read AR 

Geography 7: We continued with the oil video.  Students need to finish completing their oil video sheet, as well as start working on their essay pre-write.  A 5-paragraph expository essay will be due Friday as a response to the oil video.  No current event this week.  Homework:   oil worksheet & start pre-write - read AR 


English 7:  Students were given Gathering Blue spelling list Ch.3-6.  We discussed the words and clarified meaning.  Within journals, students practiced writing with the homophones: there, their, and they're.  Homework:  spelling (all due Friday) -  read AR

10/25/13 Happy Friday!!

English 8:   
All vocabulary work was due today.  Students took a vocabulary TEST (Anne Frank section 2).  After the test, students participated in the student survey for the school (similar to the one parents filled out during conferences).  Homework:  Check grades online - read AR 

Geography 7: Current events were due. Students started watching a video called, The Story of Oil.  It's an educational video about the formation and use of fossil fuels, and starts us off into our next Unit, The Middle East.  Homework:   Check grades online - read AR 


English 7:  All spelling work was due today.  Students took a spelling TEST (Gathering Blue Ch. 1-3 words).     Homework:  check grades online -  read AR

10/23/13

English 8:   
We discussed and practiced writing metaphors.  Students read Anne Frank within cooperative reading groups. Students were given an independent summary/predict sheet to complete after reading today - this is due tomorrow.  Homework:  Independent summary/predict sheet if not completed in class  - vocabulary due Friday- Quiz on Anne Frank (pg. 1-24) - read AR 

Geography 7: Students were given a comprehensive study guide for the Ch. 3 TEST.  Each group completed several questions, and then taught them to the rest of the class.  Each student left class with a completed study guide and vocabulary practice sheet.  These will be collected before the test tomorrow as a credit/participation grade. Homework:   STUDY FOR CH. 3 TEST - current event due Friday - read AR 


English 7:  We discussed and practiced writing metaphors.  Students read Gathering Blue within cooperative reading groups.  We will have a short quiz on figurative language tomorrow and continue reading our class novel.   Homework:  spelling all due Friday-  read AR

10/22/13

English 8:   
WPM assessments were completed.  Similes were discussed and practiced within journals.  Students are working on Section 2 vocabulary this week (all due Friday).  Students read Anne Frank within cooperative reading groups - we will spend much of the day reading tomorrow.  Homework:  vocabulary due Friday - read AR 

Geography 7: Quiz Ch. 3-3 Homework:   current event due Friday - read AR 


English 7:  We did further work on similes.  WPM assessments were started, and will be completed tomorrow.  Students are working on a Gathering Blue spelling list this week.   We started reading Gathering Blue within groups - this will continue tomorrow.  Homework:  spelling all due Friday-  read AR

10/21/13

English 8:   
I started doing the WPM assessments today while students worked on their journals.  We discussed and practiced using hyperbole within journals today.  Students started working on Anne Frank vocabulary list "Section 2."    Homework:  vocabulary due Friday - read AR 

Geography 7: pg. 96 #1-7 & current event - study for QUIZ 3-3 tomorrow Homework:  pg. 96 if not completed in class - current event due Friday - read AR 


English 7:  Students received a different type of spelling worksheet today.  It is associated with the class novel we are reading and is a list of synonyms/antonyms. We discussed and practiced writing similes with journals.   Homework:  spelling all due Friday-  read AR

10/18/13 Have a great weekend!

**All students should be at approximately 54% of their AR goal by this time in the semester**

English 8:   
Students took the MAZE reading assessment as part of the mid-semester assessments we complete. All vocabulary work was due.  They took a vocabulary test; the first one associated with Anne Frank vocabulary.   Homework:  check the online grade book - read AR 

Geography 7:  Current events were due.  We spent the remainder of the class period doing Glogster presentations.   Homework:  check the online grade book - read AR 


English 7:  All spelling work was due.  Students took Lesson 8 spelling test.    Homework:  check the online grade book -  read AR

10/17/13

English 8:   
Students took the STAR reading assessment as part of the mid-semester assessments we complete.  Within the next week we will be doing the WPM (words per minute) and MAZE (literal comprehension) tests as well.  Students also worked on DOL/Journal.  As it was picture day, we did not get time to work in reading groups.  Homework:  vocabulary all due tomorrow - study for TEST - read AR 

Geography 7:  5-minute map quiz & Glogster presentations   Homework:   current event (due Friday) - read AR 


English 7:  Students took the MAZE assessment and were given their class novel Gathering Blue by Lois Lowery (a sister book to The Giver).  They made book predictions, and then we discussed cooperative reading group roles.    Homework:  spelling all due tomorrow - study for TEST -  read AR

10/16/13

English 8:   
EXPLORE TESTING (academic portion)  Homework:  vocabulary (all due Friday)- read AR 

Geography 7:  Students worked on their current events, a bellringer question, and then read AR.  They had a substitute teacher in for most of the class period as I was doing EXPORE testing with 8th grade.    Homework:   current event (due Friday) - read AR 


English 7:  Students took the STAR reading assessment as part of the mid-semester assessments we complete.  Within the next week we will be doing the WPM (words per minute) and MAZE (literal comprehension) tests as well.  When completed, students continued working on their "Write your own QAR" activity within groups.  This was collected in class.  Homework:  spelling (all due Friday) -  read AR

10/15/13

Reminder:  EXPLORE test for 8th grade October 15 & 16

English 8:   
EXPLORE TESTING (interest inventory today - tomorrow will be the academic portion)  Homework:  vocabulary (all due Friday)- read AR 

Geography 7:  Students read Ch. 3 Section 3 (pg.92-96) within reading groups.  They completed Guided Reading 3-3 independently after working on the chart from pg. 92 together.  If not completed in class this is homework.  Homework:  GR 3-3 -  current event (due Friday) - read AR 


English 7:  Students learned about and practiced writing hyperbole within their journals.  We worked with summarizing passages, as well as writing QAR questions from a passage.  They will continue writing the QAR tomorrow with their groups.   Homework:  spelling (all due Friday) -  read AR

10/14/13

Reminder:  EXPLORE test for 8th grade October 15 & 16

English 8:   
Students received a vocabulary word list associated with Anne Frank.  This week they will be working with Section 1 (24 words).  They will do all the work from their normal vocabulary program except the Monday packet (categories, meaning, & context).  Both the word list and vocabulary program are available from the "documents" file on my blog or the "digital locker" on teacherease.com.  Students were given time to complete AR quizzes if ready.  Homework:  vocabulary (all due Friday)- read AR 

Geography 7:  Glogster presentations (these will continue Wednesday)  Homework:   current event (due Friday) - read AR 


English 7:  Students are continuing their regular spelling program this week.  We worked on DOL/Journal.  Students were given time to complete AR quizzes if ready.   Homework:  spelling (all due Friday) -  read AR

10/2/13

English 8:   Students worked in cooperative reading groups to read the novel Anne Frank.      Homework:  vocabulary packet  due Friday -study for Vocab. Review TEST -  read AR

Geography 7:  Students worked on their Glogster project.  We will present these tomorrow.  Homework:   Glogster (due Friday) - read AR 


English 7:  NO SPELLING PROGRAM THIS WEEK.  After DOL/Journal, students finished putting information into the chart within their portfolios.  They were given time to work in the A+ program.     Homework:  A+ program (4 lessons by Friday - English 7)  -  read AR

10/1/13 Happy October!

English 8:   We discussed and practiced writing personification within journals.  Students started Anne Frank today.  We listened to the audio version (available on my blog).  Students were given a summary/predict sheet to complete - on the back are two "write your own" QAR.    Homework:  vocabulary packet  & summary/predict sheet for Anne Frank -  read AR

Geography 7:  Students were give a bit of time to complete pg. 89.  They took a quiz on Ch. 3 Section 2, and then worked on their Glogster assignment.   Students must research their "place" before putting it onto the Glogster program.  Homework:   Glogster (due Friday) - read AR 



English 7:  NO SPELLING PROGRAM THIS WEEK.  We discussed and practiced writing personification within journals.  Students were given some time to work on A+.  We corrected the QAR/Unraavel that was partner work, and students were given a new QAR/Unraavel that is now independent.    Homework:  A+ program (4 lessons by Friday - English 7) - QAR/Unraavel if not completed in class -  read AR

9/30/13

English 8:   Students received a vocabulary REVIEW packet that will be due Friday.  This reviews the 100 words students have worked with since the beginning of the semester. There will be a review test Friday (Lessons 1-5).  We discussed Anne Frank and the situation in Germany that set the stage for WWII.  We will start reading tomorrow.   Homework:  vocabulary packet -  read AR

Geography 7:  Students were given a Glogster assignment.  Glogster is an online multi-media postering website, so it can be accessed at school or at home.  Each student has a login for this site on their Username/Password sheet.  The glog will be due Friday.  NO CURRENT EVENT THIS WEEK.  Assigned was pg. 89 # 1-5 & 7  - this is due tomorrow.  We will have a quiz tomorrow over Ch. 3 Section 2.    Homework:  pg. 89 #1-5 & 7 - Glogster (due Friday) - read AR 



English 7:  NO SPELLING PROGRAM THIS WEEK.  Students have been assigned the A+ program (English 7). They must complete 4 lessons with notes - due Friday.  Students worked on a QAR/Unraavel passage with a partner today.   It was mostly completed in class.  Students may need to complete a few questions at home - it is due for grading tomorrow.   Homework:  A+ program (4 lessons by Friday - English 7) - QAR/Unraavel if not completed in class -  read AR

9/27/13 HOME Volleyball - Games Friday: 2:00PM & 4:30PM - Saturday: 11:00AM & 1:00PM - - Aquatic Center

English 8:   All vocab. work was due.  Students took a vocabulary test along with a DOL quiz.   Homework:  check online grade book - pg. 269-275 in Anne Frank (by Monday) -  read AR

Geography 7:  Guided Reading 3-2 and current event was due.    Homework:  check online grade book - read AR 



English 7:  All spelling work was due, and then students took a spelling test (Lesson 5).    Homework:  check online grade book -  read AR

9/26/13

English 8:   Students worked on Journal and sentence stretching.  We corrected QAR (write your own) and then discussed the novel Anne Frank.  Students received their novel today, and were assigned pg. 269-275 (part of the afterward) to have read by Monday.    Homework: all vocab. due tomorrow - study for vocab. TEST - pg. 269-275 in Anne Frank (by Monday) -  read AR

Geography 7:  Students finished reading Ch. 3 Section 2, completed their Guided Reading 3-2 and chart.  Some students had time to work on their current event as well.    Homework:  GR 3-2 if not completed in class - current event due tomorrow - read AR 



English 7:  Students completed a DOL Quiz, and worked on Journal.  After working with other students to discuss and check the Tell-Tale Heart QAR, we corrected it together. We shared journals today - students read written work in front of the class.   Homework:  all spelling due tomorrow - study for spelling TEST-  read AR

9/25/13

English 8:    Students worked on DOL/Journal, and then worked on completing their "write your own" QAR activity.  We will start discussion of Anne Frank tomorrow in preparation for our class novel.   Homework: vocabulary (all work due Friday) - QAR, write your own sheet (if not done in class) -  read AR

Geography 7:  Students started reading Ch. 3 Section 2 within reading groups.  We are working on this section for two days, doing half at a time.  The assignment today was reading pg. 82-86 and complete the chart from pg. 82.  Tomorrow we will continue and read pg. 86-89 and complete Guided Reading 3-2.   Homework:  Read pg. 82-86 & chart if not completed in class - current event due Friday - read AR 



English 7:  Students worked on DOL/Journal, and then continued practicing QAR.  I read the students a passage (their job was to read along and visualize the story).  After the reading, students practiced summarizing and started working on the questions.  These need to be completed as homework if not done in class (10 questions- multiple choice & QAR).  Homework:  Tell-Tale Heart questions & QAR - Spelling (all work due Friday) -  read AR

9/24/13

English 8:     Students worked on DOL/Journal, and then we corrected & reviewed vocabulary words/packet.   Homework: vocabulary (all work due Friday) -  read AR

Geography 7:     We corrected pg. 76 and reviewed information from Ch. 3 Section 1.  Students took a quiz for this section today. We will start section 2 tomorrow.  Homework:   current event due Friday - read AR 



English 7:  Students worked on DOL/Journal.  A new reading strategy was introduced today.  The reading strategy is called QAR.  You can read about it further in the "documents" folder of my blog.  Students practiced identifying types of questions (QAR) from a short reading passage.  We will practice more tomorrow.  Homework:  Spelling (all work due Friday) -  read AR

9/23/13

English 8:     Students are back to their regular vocabulary program.  They are working on Lesson 5 vocab. packet, which is due tomorrow for grading.  We discussed writing QAR questions, and were given a QAR/Unraavel passage where they will also have to write their own QAR questions.  This will be due for review tomorrow in class.   Homework: Vocab. packet Lesson 5 - QAR/Unraavel (write your own QAR) -  read AR

Geography 7:     Assignment: pg. 76 #1-7  - this is due tomorrow for review.  We will go over this in class right before a quiz.  Homework: pg.76 #1-7 if not completed in class - study for QUIZ 3-1  - current event due Friday - read AR 



English 7:  Students are back to their regular spelling program.  We discussed and practiced writing alliteration and assonance within tongue twisters.  We went over spelling words together in class.  A new reading strategy will be introduced tomorrow in preparation for our class novel.  The reading strategy is called QAR.  You can read about it further in the "documents" folder of my blog.  Homework:  Spelling (all work due Friday) -  read AR

9/19/13 OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT 5:00-8:00 P.M.

English 8:     Students worked on DOL/Journal and A+ Vocabulary.  They will resume the regular vocabulary program next week.  Students received the vocab. list/packet for next week already, so they could get ahead on the work if they choose.    Homework:  check grade book - read AR

Geography 7:   Students were given some time to complete GR 3-1 and their current event.  The assignments was corrected and discussed in class.  Current events were due.   Homework: check grade book - read AR 



English 7:  Students worked on DOL/Journal and A+ English 7.  Three lessons with notes were due today within the A+ program.  Homework:  check grade book -  read AR

9/18/13

English 8:     Students are working in the "adaptive vocabulary 8" program within A+ this week.   No regular vocab. program.  Homework:  read AR

Geography 7:     Students read Ch. 3 Section 1 (World Population) pg. 73-76 in reading groups.  Together they completed the chart from pg. 73, and then worked independently on the Guided Reading 3-1 page.  This is due tomorrow.  Homework: Guided Reading 3-1 & chart if not completed in class, current event due Thursday - read AR 



English 7:  Students worked on creating complete, complex sentences from notes.  They worked within the A+ program in English 7 (3 lessons due tomorrow).  Homework:  A+ (Language Arts) 3 lessons by Thursday -  read AR

9/17/13

English 8:     Because A+ program is now working correctly, we have started working in "Adaptive Vocabulary 8" (vocabulary homework will be saved until next week - we are not doing our regular vocab. program this week).  Students were given a QAR/Unraavel passage to complete independently.  This is due tomorrow.  Homework: QAR/Unraavel packet if not completed in class -  read AR

Geography 7:     We discussed the invasive species quagga mussels, and looked at some actual mussels from our lake.  Students worked on a latitude/longitude activity for the remainder of class.  This is due tomorrow.     Homework: latitude/longitude activity (due tomorrow), current event due Thursday - read AR 



English 7:   Students completed sentence stretching & journal writing.  They worked in A+ program (English 7) - 3 completed lessons by Thursday. (no spelling this week).  We also worked on writing complete sentences from notes (this will be worked on tomorrow as well - not homework).  Homework:  A+ (Language Arts) 3 lessons by Thursday -  read AR

9/16/13 Short week - no school Friday (teacher inservice)

English 8:     Students received their Lesson 5 vocabulary packet & word list.  We reviewed the QAR/Unraavel passage done with partners.  Tomorrow they will work on one independently.  Homework: vocab. packet due tomorrow -  read AR

Geography 7:     Students reviewed pg. 66 and previous work before taking a quiz on Ch. 1-2 & Ch. 2-4.  Current events were handed out and will be due Thursday.   Homework: check grade book - read AR 



English 7:    Students completed DOL/Journal, and then worked on the A+ program for the remainder of the class. A+ (Language Arts) will be their assigned work for the week rather than spelling (no spelling this week).  Students will be expected to complete 4 lessons within A+ this week.    Homework:  A+ (Language Arts) 4 lessons by Thursday -  read AR

9/13/13 Friday the 13th!

English 8:     Due today: All vocabulary work,  vocab. TEST, QAR/Unraavel (partners).  Homework: check grade book -  read AR

Geography 7:    Due today:  pg. 66 #1-6 & current event  Homework: check grade book - read AR 



English 7:   Due today: All spelling work, spelling TEST, & final essay  Homework:  check grade book -  read AR

9/12/13

English 8:     Homework: vocabulary all due tomorrow - Study for vocab. TEST - QAR/Unraavel if not completed in class -   read AR

Geography 7:    Homework: current event due tomorrow - pg.66 #1-6 if not completed in class - read AR 



English 7:    Homework:  spelling all due tomorrow - study for spelling TEST & final draft of essay (typed or hand-written) -  read AR

9/11/13

English 8:   Students worked on DOL/Journal.  Their topic today was 9/11, so we took some time to discuss this before writing.  We reviewed QAR & Unraavel reading strategies for the remainder of class.    Homework: vocabulary -   read AR

Geography 7:  Students read Ch. 2 Section 4 within reading groups.  They worked on and discussed a chart organizing the information read, and then completed the Guided Reading 2-4 independently.  If not completed in class it is homework.  Homework: GR 2-4 - current event due Friday - read AR 



English 7:  Students worked on DOL/Journal.  Their topic today was 9/11, so we took some time to discuss this before writing. We discussed the two terms: denotation and connotation.  Then, students chose at least 5 words in their rough draft to "change & upgrade" using a thesaurus.  the new words must match their connotation (implied meaning of the original word).  If this was not completed in class it is homework.  Final draft due Friday.  Homework:  spelling & final draft (due Friday) -  read AR

Visitor in my front yard

9/10/13

English 8:   Students worked on DOL/Journal.  We discussed and voted on the theme for this semester's class journal: Jurassic Park.  Together we corrected the vocabulary packet and discussed unfamiliar words.  Homework: vocabulary categories -   read AR

Geography 7:  After a 5-minute map quiz, we corrected pg. 17 together in class.  We discussed the next assignment, which will be Ch. 2 Section 4 (because we are skipping over a few areas of the book that discuss science standards).  There will be a quiz over Ch. 1 Section 2 & Ch. 2 Section 4 together when we are finished with that section.  Homework: current event due Friday - read AR 



English 7:   Students worked on DOL/Journal, and spent the remainder of class completing peer editing & word choice changes.  The final essay (typed or written) will be due Friday.   Homework:  spelling & word choice changes -  read AR

9/9/13

English 8:   Students worked on DOL/Journal and received their vocabulary packet with word list (due tomorrow).   We spent the remainder of class working on class portfolios.  Students chart assessment information throughout the semester and keep track of growth within the portfolio.  Homework: vocabulary packet-  read AR

Geography 7:  Students received their current event (due Friday) and were assigned pg. 38 #1-7.  If not completed in class this is homework.   Homework: pg.17 #1-7 (in complete sentences )- read AR 



English 7:   Students worked on DOL/Journal and received their spelling worksheet with word list.  We discussed the spelling words as well as the peer editing procedure.  Rough drafts of the expository essay are due today.  We will complete peer editing tomorrow.   Homework:  spelling worksheet -  read AR

9/6/13

English 8:   The final personal narrative essay was due today.  Students turned in all vocab. work for the week, and then took a vocab. TEST.  They also took a DOL quiz.   Homework: check the grade book -  read AR

Geography 7:  We corrected and collected GR Ch.1 Section 2.  Current events were due as well.   Homework: check the grade book - read AR 



English 7:   Students turned in all spelling work for the week, and then took a spelling TEST.  They also took a DOL quiz.  The rest of the class was spent working on the rough draft that is due Monday.   Homework:  rough draft due Monday for peer editing -  read AR

9/5/13

English 8:   Students worked on DOL/Journal, vocabulary, and the final copy of their essay (due tomorrow).  Homework: All vocabulary and final essay due tomorrow!  Study for vocab. TEST - read AR

Geography 7:  Students read Ch. 1 Section 2 within cooperative reading groups using the UNRAAVEL reading strategy.  They did very well with this!  Their assignment was to complete the graphic organizer together, and then the Guided Reading page independently.  It is due tomorrow.  Homework: GR 1-2 & current event due tomorrow - read AR 



English 7: Students worked on DOL/Journal, spelling and the rough draft of their 5-paragraph essay. After the spelling test tomorrow, they will be given some time to work on the essay as well.  The rough draft is due Monday (but it is very do-able to have completed by tomorrow).     Homework:  All spelling work due tomorrow - study for spelling TEST-   read AR

9/4/13

English 8:    Students worked on peer editing their personal narratives for the majority of the class.  After editing, they worked on identifying 10 areas or words that can be improved or upgraded.  Students may use a thesaurus to identify word "upgrades."   Homework: vocabulary  (due Friday)-  read AR

Geography 7:  Balloon Globe Quiz!  Students created a globe on a balloon.  They had to identify special grid lines, continents, oceans, etc..   If they finished before the end of class, they were able to work on the current event and/or read AR.   Homework: current event (due Friday) - read AR 



English 7: Students worked on DOL/Journal and spelling.  I checked and graded the complete essay pre-write (due today- in preparation for our essay).  We spent the remainder of class identifying and working with essay structure/organization.  Students color-coded sample essays to identify correct structure.  Most students finished in class- if not finished, complete the color-coding as homework.  Homework:  spelling & color-code sample essay -   read AR

9/3/13 - Welcome to September!

English 8:    Students received their vocabulary packet with word list.  Because this is a short week, students may choose to skip "one" of their vocab. assignments (categories, sentences, or definitions).  If they decide to do all 4 assignments, I will give some extra credit.  This is helpful especially if a student has missed vocab. work a previous week.  The rough draft of the narrative essay was due today - we discussed peer editing, but we will actually edit papers tomorrow.   Homework: vocabulary packet - due tomorrow-  read AR

Geography 7:  Students worked on a neighborhood map utilizing scale, title, legend/key, labels, symbols, compass rose, etc..  This is due tomorrow.  Students will have a quiz tomorrow on map/globe skills where they will recreate the globe on a balloon.  Current event was also given today.  Homework:  neighborhood map - study for quiz - current event (due Friday) - read AR 



English 7: Students received their spelling worksheet with word list.  Because this is a short week, students may choose to skip "one" of their spelling assignments (5Xeach, sentences, or definitions).  If they decide to do all 4 assignments, I will give some extra credit.  Assigned for today as a pre-write for an expository essay (graphic organizer - due tomorrow)  Homework:  spelling & pre-write for essay -   read AR

8/30/13 Have a great 3-day weekend. See you September!

English 8:    Students turned in all vocabulary work and took a vocab. TEST.  I checked for completion of the personal narrative "pre-write."  Students worked on their rough draft for the remainder of the class - due TUESDAY for peer editing (9/3/13).  Homework: check grade book - essay rough draft - due Tuesday  -  read AR

Geography 7:  Current events were collected.  We corrected the maps skills activity packet together in class.  Students completed the 5-minute map Quiz at the end of class.   Homework:  check grade book - complete any missing/incomplete assignments!  - read AR 



English 7: Students turned in all spelling work and took a spelling TEST. I collected the complete sentence vs fragment worksheets.   Homework:  check grade book -  read AR

8/29/13

English 8:    After DOL/Journal, students had a bit of time to work on their vocabulary "context" (sentences).  We discussed the personal narrative essay we will be writing next week.  Students were assigned a "pre-write" activity to complete by tomorrow.  Homework: vocabulary - context (sentences) All vocabulary due tomorrow - study for TEST! -  read AR

Geography 7:  We finished our discussion on the Geography Skills Handbook, and students turned in their Skills Practice questions.   They were given a map skills packet to finalize this activity.  It is due tomorrow.  Homework:  *if not completed in class - map skills packet (the dreaded packet...)- current event due Friday - read AR 



English 7: Students handed in their sentence/fragment worksheets.  After DOL/Journal, we discussed essay structure and students were assigned a "pre-write" activity to complete.  It will be due at the end of class tomorrow.  This is in preparation for a narrative essay.  Homework:  spelling - context (sentences) - pre-write activity (due end of class Friday) - ALL spelling work due tomorrow - study for TEST -  read AR

8/28/13

English 8:    Students worked on journal and vocabulary.   We completed the social contract for the classroom, and all classroom members signed the contract (including myself).  Ask your child about the contract, and what measures they will use to "self-manage" within the class.  :-)     Homework: vocabulary - meaning (definitions) -  read AR

Geography 7:  Students completed the Skills Practice questions working in pairs.  We started our discussion of these questions with short supplemental videos.  We will continue this discussion and I will collect the assignment tomorrow.Homework:  *if not completed in class - Skills Practice Questions (14 assigned today) pg. 22-33- current event due Friday - read AR 



English 7: Students worked on DOL/Journal, and had a bit of time to work on their day's spelling (meaning/definitions).  We continued working on complete sentences vs fragments, and students were assigned the remainder of the worksheet we have been working with.  Each fragment must be re-written to include what the sentence was missing (due tomorrow).   Homework:  spelling - definitions - sentence/fragment w/s if not completed in class -  read AR

8/27/13

English 8:     Students worked on DOL/Journal, and then we corrected the vocabulary packet.  We discussed word meaning and misunderstandings.  The students started formulating/writing the official classroom social contract.  It will be finalized tomorrow.   Homework: vocabulary - categories -  read AR

Geography 7:  We corrected pg. 17 together and discussed the answers.  Students started on the Geography Skills Handbook (pg. 22-27), answering the "Skills Practice" questions in complete sentences.  There are 14 questions total, and they were assigned half of them today (7 questions).     Homework:  Skills Practice Questions (7 assigned today) - current event due Friday - read AR 



English 7: Students worked on DOL/Journal while I completed WPM assessments.  If there was extra time, students worked on spelling 5X each.  We started a lesson on identifying complete versus fragment sentences.  We will continue it tomorrow.   Homework:  spelling - 5X each - read AR

8/26/13

English 8:     Students were given this week's vocabulary packet with word list (due tomorrow for correcting).  We started working on the class social contract in groups and will continue tomorrow.   Homework:  vocabulary packet - read AR

Geography 7:  Students corrected Guided Reading 1-1, and were assigned pg. 17 #1-6 (due tomorrow).  Complete sentences in answering questions are required.      Homework:  pg. 17 #1-6 - current event due Friday -  read AR 



English 7: Students were given this week's spelling worksheet with word list. We worked on DOL/Journal and shared some written work in class.  Homework:  spelling worksheet - read AR

8/23/13

English 8:     Students handed in all vocabulary homework, then took a vocabulary test.  After taking the first test, students can make a better judgment on the amount of studying needed for the next week's vocabulary work.  They worked within their journal for the remainder of class.   Homework:  read AR

Geography 7:  Students completed Guided Reading Activity 1 in class, and finished their current events.    Homework:   read AR 



English 7: Students handed in all spelling work and took a spelling test. We also signed the classroom social contract.  Homework:  read AR

8/22/13

English 8:  Students worked on DOL/Journal while I finished the WPM assessments.  They were given time to work on their vocabulary sentences/paragraph in class.  If not completed in class, it is homework.  Study for Vocab TEST tomorrow.    Homework:  Vocabulary sentences (all vocab. homework due Friday) -  read AR

Geography 7:   Students started work on Ch.1 Section 1.  They listened to the audio version of the text through the online textbook.  We will do a guided reading activity tomorrow in groups.  Homework:   (Map Activity if not turned in - late) current event (due Friday) read AR 



English 7:   Students spent the first part of class working on DOL/Journal.  We worked on the social contract for the remainder of the class.  We will implement and sign it tomorrow.  Study for Spelling TEST tomorrow.  Homework:  Spelling sentences/paragraph (all 4 pieces of spelling work due Friday)  read AR

8/21/13

English 8:  Students worked on DOL/Journal in class while I completed WPM (words per minute) assessments individually.  They were given time to work on their Vocabulary definitions.  If  not completed in class, it becomes homework.    Homework:  Definitions -  read AR

Geography 7: We explored the online textbook in depth, and then students were given a World Map Activity - due tomorrow.  Homework:   world map activity if not completed in class - current event (due Friday) read AR 



English 7:  Students worked on DOL/Journal, and then we started group work on a "Social Contract" for the class.  The last part of class was spent visiting the JA/Academy library.  Homework:  Spelling definitions (all 4 pieces of spelling work due Friday)  read AR

8/20/13

English 8:  Students were given a handout explaining their STAR testing report with AR goal for the semester.  This needs to be viewed and signed by parents.  We discussed the weekly vocabulary program, and students were given their first day's work - reading passage with the word list.  This is due tomorrow for grading.  Students will have vocabulary work each day.  If it is not completed in class it is homework.    Homework:  STAR report/AR goal signature -  read AR

Geography 7: We discussed the AR reports students were given and students were given a tour of the online grade book in class.  Each student should know how to check their grades online, whether with their own email or a parent's.  They explored the online textbook, discovering its capabilities and how to navigate.  We will share these discoveries tomorrow, as well as start Ch. 1.  Homework:   current event (due Friday) read AR 



English 7:  Students worked on DOL/Journal for the beginning of class. Their spelling work today is "practice" which contains some sort of 5 times each.  They can choose how to present this assignment (detailed in their spelling program).  If it is not completed in class, it becomes homework.  We started a "social contract" toward the end of class.  Students worked in groups to identify acceptable social behaviors in the classroom for both teacher and students.  We will work further on this tomorrow.  Homework:  Spelling 5X ea (all 4 pieces of spelling work due Friday)  read AR

8/19/13

English 8:  Students completed a short reading comprehension assessment, finished the written portion of their pre-test, and scored their finished pre-test for documenting.  We spent the rest of the class discussing their journal rubrics and how/when journals are graded each semester.  We will start our Vocabulary Program tomorrow.  Homework:   read AR

Geography 7: Students received their current event for the week (due Friday).  The class worked in groups to complete an exploratory "Scavenger Hunt" of their textbook.  For the last part of class, students signed up for their geography online textbooks.  We'll explore those tomorrow.    Homework:   current event (due Friday) read AR 



English 7:  We discussed the Spelling program that students will be responsible for each week.  There will be spelling homework daily, and they received a handout with explanation that will stay in their English folder.  It is also available for printing from the "documents" folder of my blog.  Today's work is the worksheet (that contains the word list they will work from all week).  All spelling work is due on Friday.  We worked on DOL & Journal for the remainder of the class.  Homework:  Spelling worksheet (all 4 pieces of spelling work due Friday)  read AR

8/16/13

English 8:  Materials check:  Students received a participation grade on being prepared and having a folder, correcting/pen or pencil, pencils, and an AR book.  Students finished their English pre-tests, worked in their journals, and read AR.   Homework:   read AR

Geography 7: Students worked on a current event for the duration of the class.  This was due at the end of class.     Homework:   read AR 



English 7:  Materials check:  Students received a participation grade on being prepared and having a folder, correcting/pen or pencil, pencils, and an AR book.Students worked on DOL & journal.   Homework:    read AR