8/15/12

English 8th:  Students worked in their journals today with both DOL and a writing topic.  The rubric and grading system for their journals was explained.  The vocabulary packet was corrected and unfamiliar words discussed.  We completed the next vocabulary item, categories, together as a class.  Because we got started late on the vocabulary program this week, students may skip the "context" category.  *homework: vocabulary - definitions (all vocab. due Friday)

Geography 7th:  Students explored their online textbooks further, learning all the features available.  They worked in groups, then presented their findings to the class.  We also discussed the general reading procedure followed when reading textbooks in groups and will start this tomorrow.  *homework: current event due Friday

English 7th:  Students worked in their journals.  The rubric and grading system for their journals was explained.  They were given the MAZE comprehension assessment, which measures literal text understanding.  This is one of a series of assessments given througout the year to track progress and growth.  Today's spelling assignment is "meaning" (or definitions).  Students may choose how to complete their word meanings (flashcards, definitions, or crossword).  A demonstration of Eclipse Crossword creator was given (the link to download this program is on my blog).  *homework: spelling (meaning) - all spelling work due Friday

8/14/12

English 8th: 
Students received their vocabulary program and first vocab. assignment. They spent the majority of the class period completing the English pre-test.  *homework: vocab. packet due tomorrow for correcting.

Geography 7th:  Students worked in small groups to explore their new textbooks with a scavenger hunt. Toward the end of the class students registered their online textbooks and checked out some of its functions. This is such a great feature of our new textbook program!! Each student will have a special login that will allow them access to their own online textbook from any computer. They can save notes in the text, electronically hilight, search, and listen to audio. I look forward to using this  system with the kids this year. *homework: current event due Friday
English 7th:
Students took the English pre-test and worked on spelling. * homework: spelling - today's assignment is 5x each - if they are finished with Monday's worksheet and 5x each, they can move on to definitions

8/13/12

English 8th: 
Students received the school handbook and parent/signature page.  We reviewed and discussed certain sections within the handbook, especially those that have changed since last year.  Parents/guardians, please read through the handbook and sign the form stating you have done so.  Pay particular attention to the attendance policy, as that has changed.  *homework: handbook signature page - returned ASAP

Geography 7th: 
Students took the geography pre-test today, completed their "Where in the World" sheets from last week, and were given a current event form.  This will be given weekly to students on Monday and due Friday.  *homework: current event - due Friday

 
English 7th: 
Students were given their first writing assignment - the English Contract.  This contract must be signed and returned to Mrs. Nash this week.  Students also received their spelling program sheet (should stay in backpack all semester - if lost, can be printed from blog under 'documents').  They will have spelling homework daily, with a test on Friday.  All spelling homework will be due Friday as well.  *homework: spelling worksheet & signed English Contract - adjectives graphic organizer if not handed in today

8/10/12

Welcome to the first two days of school.  Yesterday (8/9/12) we discussed class procedure, school rules, and schedules.  Students did not receive homework, but they did receive brochures for my classroom.  Along with the brochure was a blue paper that needs to be signed (and add any emails that you want included in the online grade book registry).  Thank you for all the students/parents who returned these right away.  My 7th grade had 100% of the papers returned signed - yay!!! 

8/10/12

English 8th: 
We discussed the grading system and class makeup of 8th grade English (how it differs from 7th).  Students wrote in their journals, and several read them to the class.  No homework over the weekend. 

Geography 7th: 
We spent the majority of the class getting to know each other with a fun activity.  Students started a geography graphic organizer detailing places they would like to visit in the world.  This activity is not homework - we will continue it on Monday (they may certainly work on it over the weekend - complete sentences please).  No homework over the weekend. 

English 7th: 
We spent the majority of the class getting to know each other with a fun activity.  Students started a graphic organizer desribing themselves with interesting adjectives.  They used a thesaurus to "upgrade" their adjectives and be more descriptive.  This activity is not homework - we will continue it on Monday (they may certainly work on it over the weekend).  No homework over the weekend. 

Materials Needed:

Some of you may have already started your school shopping.  Here are some of the items needed for school this year. 

Student Materials for English/Geography:

• pocket folder designated for the specific class  - if in both English and geography, you will need two
• colored correcting pen or pencil (we use these EVERY day - please make sure you have several) - NOT black please
• Pencils (I do not allow students to write in pen on classwork or homework - only when correcting)
• highlighter
• dry erase marker or crayon
• USB flash drive (useful, but not required)
• composition books for English - students will be given these, but replacements are always welcome

Materials needed for the classroom (donations of these items are welcome all year long):

• copy paper!!  Very much needed! (white)
• lined paper colored copy paper (any color)
• hand sanitizer
• anti-bacterial cleaning wipes
• kleenex