12/21/12 - HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! See you next year!

English 8th: Students received their finalized class journals today, and even though I fixed a typo on the front cover before saving/printing, it somehow reverted back to the original file (arg!).  So, I will bring replacement covers when we return from break for those who purchased the journals.  Students who had not taken an AR quiz on Anne Frank already took one today, then they worked on a monster picture for our Monster Exchange the last week of the semester.  *homework:  IF YOU ARE NOT AT 100% OF YOUR AR GOAL CURRENTLY, YOU NEED TO READ READ READ!!  If your monster picture is not completed, please have it done for Monday, January 7th, 2013 (next year). 


Geography 7th: Students presented their final Glogster projects today.  We will likely have to continue them upon returning next year, Jan. 7th.  :-)  *homework: read AR if you are not yet at 100%
English 7th: Students received their finalized class journals today.  Those who had not taken an AR quiz on The Giver or Gathering Blue already took one today, then they worked on a monster picture for our Monster Exchange the last week of the semester. *homework: IF YOU ARE NOT AT 100% OF YOUR AR GOAL CURRENTLY, YOU NEED TO READ READ READ!! If your monster picture is not completed, please have it done for Monday, January 7th, 2013 (next year). 

Thursday 12/20/12

Substitute - Mrs. Nash gone all day to HLD (Havasu Leadership Development)
English 8th:Anne Frank Final - read AR *homework:   Read AR - we will start Monster Exchange on Friday


Geography 7th: Students are given the class period to work on Glogster - we will present them on Friday.   *homework:  work on Glogster (due 12/21/12) - Read AR
English 7th:The Giver & Gathering Blue Final.  We will start the Monster Exchange Friday.   *homewok:  read AR

12/19/12

English 8th:Students read Limericks in class, and then worked the remainder in reading groups to finish Anne Frank.  Final tomorrow.  *homework: Read Anne Frank - the amount of pages determined in your group - read AR.


Geography 7th: Pg. 150 #1-6 - students worked on Glogster when finished.   *homework:  pg.150 not completed in class - work on Glogster (due 12/21/12) - Read AR
English 7th:Students wrote in their journals, then reviewed The Giver & worked on a review worksheet in their groups.  Final tomorrow.   *homewok: Review The Giver -  read AR

12/18/12

English 8th:Students wrote and shared Limericks in class, then spent the remainder of class reading Anne Frank.  The final will be Thursday, so students must organize their time to finish the book by this time.  *homework: Read Anne Frank - the amount of pages determined in your group.


Geography 7th: Students read Ch.5 section 2, pg.144-150.  They worked on Guided Reading 5-2 independently.   *homework: GR 5-2 if not completed in class - work on Glogster (due 12/21/12) - Read AR
English 7th:Students wrote and shared Limericks.  The Giver students completed a quiz on ch.11-18.   *homewok: Read class novel - the amount of pages determined in your group. read AR

12/17/12

English 8th:Students worked on Quiz section 4 for Anne Frank within groups. The remainder of the class was spent reading their novel. *homework: Read Anne Frank - the amount of pages determined in your group.


Geography 7th: Quiz Ch. 5 Section 1 - open book.  Students worked on their Glogster for the remainder of the class - due at the beginning of class Dec. 21st so we can do presentations.  *homework: work on Glogster (due 12/21/12) - Read AR
English 7th:Students learned about and wrote limericks.  The rest of the class was spent reading their class novel within groups.  Quiz for The Giver - ch.11-18 tomorrow - review. *homewok: Read class novel - the amount of pages determined in your group. read AR

12/14/12 - Rainy Day!

English 8th:Students worked on a QAR/Unraavel packet detailing elements of poetry.   *homework: Read Anne Frank - the amount of pages determined in your group Quiz 4 Monday.


Geography 7th: pg. 141 #1-6 is due - Students worked on their Glogster project for most of the class period.  *homework:  work on Glogster (due 12/21/12) - Read AR
English 7th:QAR/Unraavel due today. Students worked within their reading groups for the remainder of the class.  *homewok: Read class novel - the amount of pages determined in your group. read AR

12/13/12

English 8th:Students continued the Anne Frank Quiz Section 3 *homework: Read Anne Frank - the amount of pages determined in your group & write the independent summary/predict (due tomorrow) **students were given a one-chance opportunity to re-do vocabulary from a past week & turn in for full credit - if chosen, this will be due 12/14/12


Geography 7th: pg. 141 #1-6  & Glogster project (students watched a demonstration on how to create a link within Glogster) *homework: pg.141 if not completed in class - work on Glogster (due 12/21/12) - no current event this week
English 7th:Students were given a poetry passage with questions.  They used both QAR and Unraavel in the completion of this packet.  The rest of the class was spent within reading groups.  *homewok: QAR/Unraavel if not completed in class - Read class novel - the amount of pages determined in your group. read AR

12/12/12

English 8th:Students continued the Anne Frank Quiz Section 3    *homework: Read Anne Frank - the amount of pages determined in your group & write the independent summary/predict (due tomorrow) **students were given a one-chance opportunity to re-do vocabulary from a past week & turn in for full credit - if chosen, this will be due 12/14/12


Geography 7th: Ch. 5 - pg.134-141 - Students worked within groups to read and complete GR Activity 5-1 and a Venn Diagram showing similarities and differences between Canada and the USA (history and government)*homework: GR 5-1 & Venn Diagram - work on Glogster (due 12/21/12) - no current event this week
English 7th:We further discussed elements of poetry and worked on the packet together.  Students read within cooperative reading groups.  They must continue reading their novel at home tonight.   *homewok: Read class novel - the amount of pages determined in your group. read AR

12/11/12

English 8th: Anne Frank Quiz Section 3  - No vocabulary this week - students will need to use homework time to read Anne Frank - it is expected that they read at home every day in the next few weeks. Students were given a poetry terms packet that will be due Wed.   *homework: Read Anne Frank - the amount of pages determined in your group. Read AR!!! We are down to the last few weeks of the semester - get it done! It is worth 20% of your English grade this year!**students were given a one-chance opportunity to re-do vocabulary from a past week & turn in for full credit - if chosen, this will be due 12/14/12


Geography 7th:   Ch. 4 TEST - students worked the remainder of the class on their Glogster project.  *homework: work on Glogster (due 12/21/12) - no current event this week
English 7th: Students took a quiz on their class novel (The Giver or Gathering Blue)  No spelling this week. Students will need to use homework time to read their class novel (The Giver or Gathering Blue) - it is expected that they read at home every day in the next few weeks. Students were given a poetry terms packet that will be due Wed. *homewok: Read class novel - the amount of pages determined in your group. read AR

12/10/12

English 8th: No vocabulary this week - students will need to use homework time to read Anne Frank - it is expected that they read at home every day in the next few weeks. Students were given a poetry terms packet that will be due Wed.  *homework: Read Anne Frank - the amount of pages determined in your group.  Read AR!!! We are down to the last few weeks of the semester - get it done! It is worth 20% of your English grade this year!**students were given a one-chance opportunity to re-do vocabulary from a past week & turn in for full credit - if chosen, this will be due 12/14/12


Geography 7th:   5-minute map quiz - vocabalary review/reteach worksheet (as a chapter review).  **students were given the opportunity to look up answers and fix incorrect quiz questions for improved credit - due tomorrow .  We started a Glogster project that will be due on Friday, 12/21/12 *homework: study for ch. 4 TEST (tomorrow) - work on Glogster - no current event this week
English 7th:  No spelling this week.  Students will need to use homework time to read their class novel (The Giver or Gathering Blue) - it is expected that they read at home every day in the next few weeks.  Students were given a poetry terms packet that will be due Wed.   *homewok: Read class novel - the amount of pages determined in your group.  read AR

12/7/12

English 8th: Students took a Vocabulary TEST on Anne Frank section 2.  We watched the Anne Frank movie for the remainder of the class.  *homework:   Read AR!!!  We are down to the last few weeks of the semester - get it done! It is worth 20% of your English grade this year!


Geography 7th: Students turned in their current events, and then worked within A+ geography for the remainder of the class.  *homework: read AR
English 7th: Students took a spelling test on their class novel.  The remainder of the class was spent working within the A+ program.  *homewok: read AR

12/6/12

English 8th: Students took a DOL Quiz and then worked in reading groups.  All vocabulary homework is due tomorrow for a test. Read extra Anne Frank this evening.   *homework: Vocabulary - due Friday- Read AR


Geography 7th: Quiz Ch.4 Section 2 - students worked on current event after the quiz.  *homework:current event - due Friday
English 7th: Students took a DOL Quiz and then worked in reading groups. All spelling homework is due tomorrow for a test.*homewok: spelling due Friday - read AR

12/5/12

English 8th: We discussed vocabulary words in detail, and students were given some time to complete them. The remainder of the class was spent in reading groups.  *homework: Vocabulary - due Friday- Read AR


Geography 7th: pg. 128 #1-6  & current event *homework: chart & GR 2 (due tomorrow) current event - due Friday
English 7th: Students worked in reading groups reading their class novels.  *homewok: spelling due Friday - read AR

12/4/12

English 8th: Students watched a bit more of the movie Anne Frank, and then read in their cooperative reading groups.  *homework: Vocabulary - due Friday- Read AR


Geography 7th: We started Ch. 4 Section 2 today and read pg. 124-128.  Within their groups students worked on the chart from pg. 124.  Independently they worked on Guided Reading Activity 2 - due tomorrow.  *homework: chart & GR 2 (due tomorrow) current event - due Friday
English 7th: Students took a pretest in our new A+ program.  When finished they worked on spelling, journal, or reading AR.  We were able to readin cooperative reading groups for the last 1/2 hour of class. Students gone to sports will need to ask their group-mates how many pages were read.    *homewok: spelling due Friday - read AR

12/3/12 Welcome to December!

English 8th: Students were introduced to and worked within the  A+ program. They already have Section 2 Anne Frank vocabulary words.  Today's assignment is to do synonyms & antonyms for 20 of the words.  Students will choose 20 to work with each day, not leaving out the same 4 each time. *homework:  Vocabulary - due Friday- Read AR


Geography 7th: Quiz Ch. 4 Section 1 - then students were introduced and worked within the A+ program.  Current event this week can be anywhere in the world, including the USA.  *homework: current event - due Friday
English 7th: Students completed DOL/Journal, then worked on their spelling.  We discussed the words and their meaning.  The A+ program was introduced and demonstrated, but they have not yet signed on to work within it - hopefully we'll have time for that tomorrow.  *homewok:  spelling due Friday

11/30/12

English 8th: All vocabulary work was due.  Students took a vocabulary test.    *homework: read AR


Geography 7th:  We correctd pg. 122 #1-6 together, and discussed misconceptions.  Islamic Pattern was due.   - *homework- read AR
English 7th: All spellign work was due.  Students took a spelling test.  *homework: read AR

11/29/12

English 8th: Students took a quiz on Anne Frank (pg.4-75) - open book.  All vocabulary work is due tomorrow for a test.   *homework: vocabulary (due tomorrow - study) - read AR


Geography 7th:  pg. 122 #1-6 -  *homework- pg. 122 if not completed in class - Islamic Pattern due Friday
English 7th: Students took a quiz on The Giver - Ch. 1-5, then continued working on spelling - all due tomorrow.    *homework: spelling (due Friday) - study for test - read AR

11/28/12

English 8th: We completed a few research report presentations this morning.  Students read Anne Frank in cooperative reading groups. They will be taking a quiz on pg's 24-75 on Thursday.  *homework: vocabulary (due Friday) - read AR


Geography 7th:  Students started a new unit today - USA & Canada. They read pg.116-122 within cooperative reading groups.  They worked on the Guided Reading Activity 1 and their map activity when finished reading.  The map activity is due today at the end of class.   *homework: GR Activity 1 due tomorrow - Islamic Pattern due Friday
English 7th: DOL/Journal - Students read The Giver in cooperative reading groups. They are preparing for a quiz on Thursday (through pg. 39).    *homework: spelling (due Friday) - read AR

11/27/12

English 8th: Students read Anne Frank in cooperative reading groups.  They will be taking a quiz on pg's 24-75 on Thursday.  We went over the vocabulary words (pronunciation and meaning) in detail.  *homework: vocabulary (due Friday) - read AR


Geography 7th: 5-minute map quiz (US/Canada).  We previewed the chapter and discussed completed brainstorming on physical and cultural characteristics of both.  Students were given a map of the region with a list of items to label.    *homework: Map activity due at end of class tomorrow - Islamic Pattern due Friday
English 7th: DOL/Journal - Students read The Giver in cooperative reading groups. They are preparing for a quiz on Thursday (through pg. 39).  Gathering Blue students took a quiz on Ch. 1-3 today.  *homework: spelling (due Friday) - read AR

11/26/12

English 8th: Students were given a vocabulary list for the Anne Frank novel - section 1 is assigned this week.  Instead of the regular vocabulary packet, students will find synonyms & antonyms for each word.  *homework: vocabulary (due Friday)


Geography 7th: Students worked on a finalizing project for the Middle East unit, an Islamic Pattern design.  We will start study of US/Canada tomorrow.  No current event this week.  *homework: Islamic Pattern due colored by Friday
English 7th: DOL/Journal - Students were given the new spelling list this week (according to the novel they are reading in their groups).  We discussed the words, their meaning, and went over the spelling program again briefly as a reminder of the daily assignments.  This can also be viewed in the documents folder on the blog.  *homework: spelling (due Friday) - read AR

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
 No school Nov. 21-23 (Wed. through Fri.) for Thanksgiving Break - Happy Turkey Day!
English 8th: Students presented their research papers, and were assessed on fluency.    *homework: read AR


Geography 7th: TEST Ch. 17. *no homework - read AR
English 7th: All spelling work was due today as well as the class journal entry and illustration.  Students took a spelling TEST.  *homework: read AR

11/19/12

REMINDER: No school Nov. 21-23 (Wed. through Fri.) for Thanksgiving Break - Happy Turkey Day!
English 8th: Students presented their research papers, and were assessed on fluency.  We will continue with the presentations tomorrow.  *homework: read AR


Geography 7th: Study guide & student teach - test tomorrow on Ch. 17. *homework: study for Ch. 17 test!!
English 7th: DOL/Journal - Students read within cooperative reading groups (The Giver or Gathering Blue).   *homework: class journal items and spelling - due Tomrrow

11/16/12

REMINDER: No school Nov. 21-23 (Wed. through Fri.) for Thanksgiving Break - Happy Turkey Day!
English 8th: **FINAL RESEARCH REPORT DUE TODAY**
Students finalized their research reports and handed them in.  If the reports were not handed in today, they must be handed in Monday for presentations (and will docked points for being late).  *homeword: read AR


Geography 7th: Current events and pg. 476 due today.  Students completed a quiz on ch. 17 section 2.  Monday we will work on a study guide in preparation for Ch. 17 test Tuesday.  *homework: read AR
English 7th: Students were given time to work on their class journal entries and illustrations.  All spelling work and class journal entry items will be due Tuesday next week.  *homework: class journal items and spelling - due Tuesday

11/15/12

Mrs. Nash gone to Havasu Leadership Development - Substitute Mrs. Crandall

English 8th: **FINAL RESEARCH REPORT WILL BE DUE FRIDAY - 11/16/12
Students are given the entire class period to work on their final research report - due tomorrow.    *homework: Final Research Report (check packet to make sure you have everything finished) - read AR


Geography 7th: pg. 476 #1-6 - current event - foldable  *homework: pg. 476 if not completed in class - current event (due Friday)
English 7th: Students are given the class period to work on their class journal entry/illustration (due Tuesday, 11/20/12). *homework: spelling (due next Tuesday 11/20/12).

11/14/12

English 8th: **FINAL RESEARCH REPORT WILL BE DUE FRIDAY - 11/16/12 Students worked on their research report for part of class, and worked in reading groups (Anne Frank) for the remainder.    *homework: research report - read AR


Geography 7th: Students read Ch. 17 Section 2 within groups.  They completed the chart on page 468 within groups, and Guided Reading Activity 2 independently.   *homework: GR Activity 2 due tomorrow - current event (due Friday)
English 7th: Students read The Giver or Gathering Blue within cooperative reading groups. Each student received a photocopy of their class journal entry for final publication.  It must be typed and illustrated (due by Tuesday, Nov. 20th)    *homework:  Class Journal Entry/Illustration - spelling (due next Tuesday 11/20/12).

11/13/12

English 8th: **FINAL RESEARCH REPORT WILL BE DUE FRIDAY - 11/16/12 - Students watched a demo on using MSWord to create and insert citations within their research report.  They also received an example title page and bibliography for reference. Students did peer editing with their research reports, and need to do '10' word choice changes (vocabulary upgrades) to their report.  No vocabulary program this week.  *homework: 10 word choice changes - read AR


Geography 7th: Quiz Ch. 17 Section 1 (open book) *homework: current event (due Friday)
English 7th: Students each read their class journal endings, and then voted on the one to be published in the final version.  The remainder of class was spent within reading groups. Students were given a slightly different spelling list - one that is associated with the class novel they are reading.  Spelling program is as usual, but the worksheet/list will be different.   *homework: spelling (due next Tuesday 11/20/12).

Friday, 11/9/12 - NO SCHOOL MONDAY

English 8th: Students worked to finalize their class journal illustrations and typed entries for publication.  *homework:  work on visual presentation of research report - read AR


Geography 7th: We corrected pg. 465 #1-6 and current events were due.  *homework: work on the foldable if necessary - may be used for the Quiz Tuesday (study for Quiz - Ch. 17 Section 1)
English 7th: All spelling work was due.  Students took a spelling test, and then worked on their class journal ending.  We will read and vote on one Tuesday.  *homework: read AR

11/8/12

English 8th: Students practiced inserting parenthetical citation using works cited information.  They were given the rest of the class period to work on their rough draft (due today) and class journal entry/illustration (must be colored).  *homework: class journal entry & illustration - due Friday


Geography 7th: Students worked on their section review, pg. 465 #1-6.  *homework: pg. 465 if not completed in class, current event (due tomorrow)
English 7th: Students worked within cooperative reading groups to read The Giver or Gathering Blue (class novels).  *homework: spelling (all due tomorrow)

11/7/12

English 8th: Students watched a powerPoint presentation on parenthetical citation, then worked on rough drafts.  We also spent time within reading groups, reading Anne Frank.  *homework:  Rough draft due tomorrow, class journal entry & illustration (due Friday), read AR






Geography 7th: Students finished pg. 456-465, Guided Reading Activity 1, and worked on their foldables.  *homework:  GR Activity 1 if not fully completed in class, current event (due Friday)

English 7th: Students started their novels within cooperative reading groups using strategies such as summary, predict, and clarify. *homework: spelling, read AR

11/6/12

English 8th: Students practiced writing thesis statements in class today, then worked on their rough drafts briefly. Rough draft of research report is due Thursday, so student should be working on that as well. *homework: class journal entry (due Friday), rough draft (due Thursday), read AR






Geography 7th: Students read pg456-465 within cooperative reading groups.   Within their groups, they worked on Guided Reading Activity 1 (Ch. 17) and their foldables.  *homework: Guided Reading if not completed in class, current event (due Friday)

English 7th: Students started their novels within cooperative reading groups using strategies such as summary, predict, and clarify. *homework: spelling, read AR

11/5/12 - Happy November!

English 8th: Students received a photocopy of their class journal entry and must both type and illustrate it by Friday.  This is in place of vocabulary this week.  Rough draft of research report is due Thursday, so student should be working on that as well.  *homework: class journal entry (due Friday), rough draft (due Thursday), read AR






Geography 7th: We previewed Ch. 17, started a foldable, and worked on a KTWL about the three major wold religions.  We will start reading Ch. 17 tomorrow.  *homework: current event (due Friday)

English 7th: Students were given their weekly spelling work - we discussed the words (Greek origin).  We spent the remainder of class talking about reading groups and the roles each will be performing when in groups.  *homework:  spelling, read AR

10/31/12 - Happy Halloween!

Conferences: Thursday & Friday -  November 1 & 2 (no school for students those days)

English 8th: Watched part of the Anne Frank movie.  *homework: Outline due Monday - read AR!!
Geography 7th: Current Event due.  Students watched a film on cultural tolerance and integration into the United States as refugees from Sudan.  *homework: read AR
English 7th: Simile/Metaphor practice due.  Students completed a "write your own QAR" activity within cooperative reading groups.  We will start our class novel, The Giver, next week.  *homework: read AR

10/29/12

Conferences Next Week November 1 & 2 (no school for students those days)

English 8th: Research NOTES from the three sources are due tomorrow.  No vocabulary this week.  *homework: research notes & read AR
Geography 7th: Study for Ch. 16 TEST - students spent the class period reviewing and using the study resources available through their online textbook.  *homework: study Ch. 16
English 7th: Students completed the second round of assessments on the chart within their portfolio.  We discussed and practiced similes. No spelling program this week.  *homework: simile worksheet - read AR

10/26/12

Conferences Next Week November 1 & 2 (no school for students those days)

English 8th:   3 sources for research paper due today - students should start taking notes.  *homework: notes for research paper - read AR
Geography 7th: Current event and vocabulary review worksheet *homework: read AR
English 7th: Spelling TEST - all spelling work was due today - Final Narrative Essay due today *homework: read AR

10/24/12

English 8th: *homework: 3 sources for research paper due Friday









Geography 7th: *homework: pg. 450 #1-6 (picture vocabulary)

English 7th: *homework: word choice changes, start final essay, spelling (all due Friday)

10/23/12

English 8th: We are doing the second round of assessments (MAZE comprehension, WPM (words per minute, and STAR this week). Students did the STAR reading comprehension test today, then worked on their class journal ending.  We discussed all areas of the research packet, including due dates.  Students will need 3 sources (one that is not Internet) by Friday.    *homework: research topic and 3 sourcesd - read AR









Geography 7th: Students started Ch. 16, Section 2 - pg. 446-450. Within groups, they read the passage and completed a chart on climate.  Independently they worked on Guided Reading Activity 2.    *homework: GR Activity 2 & chart if not completed in class - current event - due Friday

English 7th:We are doing the second round of assessments (MAZE comprehension, WPM (words per minute, and STAR this week). Students did the STAR reading comprehension test today, then worked on peer editing review with the narrative essay rough drafts. We will continue peer editing and word choice changes tomorrow.  **Change in date: Final essay will be due Friday.   *homework: spelling (due Friday) 

10/22/12

English 8th: We are doing the second round of assessments (MAZE comprehension, WPM (words per minute, and STAR this week). Students received a research paper packet for the Anne Frank unit we are working on.  Their job today is to decide on a topic and get a parent signature on the packet.  Students will need three resources for research on their topic by Friday - one source must be non-Internet (a book from the library, or perhaps an interview). No vocabulary program this week - sources for research are homework.  *homework: research topic & signature on packet - read AR









Geography 7th: Students worked on a map activity on the Middle East to prepare for their quiz.  The map was used when taking ch.16, section 1 quiz.  *homework: current event - due Friday

English 7th: We are doing the second round of assessments (MAZE comprehension, WPM (words per minute, and STAR this week). Students received their spelling worksheet, and we discussed their word list for the week.  We postponed peer editing for their narrative character story due to absence.  Final essay is due Thursday, October 25.  *homework: spelling & work on final essay

Saturday - 10/20/12

HOMECOMING:

• JA dance - 4:00-5:30PM
• Homecoming Game - 7PM
• Academy dance - 9:00-11:30PM

Friday - 10/19/12

• pep rally 8:15AM - basketball court
• Spirit Week Theme: Black & Gold Day

English 8th: Vocabulary TEST - all vocabulary work was due - Students went to the Pep Assembly at 8:15AM *homework: read AR!!









Geography 7th:We corrected pg. 446 #1-6 *homework: Quiz Ch.16 Sectoin 1 Monday - study

English 7th: All spelling work was due - Spelling TEST - the rest of the period was spent working on the narrative essay rough draft (due today) *homework: If rough draft was not completed, that is homework over the weekend - we will be doing peer editing Monday - read AR

Thursday - 10/18/12

• Sports pictures - bring uniform
• Spirit Week Theme: Hero Day
• **EXPLORE TEST - 8th grade only (block 1 & 2)**

English 8th: **EXPLORE TEST** *homework: vocabulary work due tomorrow









Geography 7th:pg. 446 #1-6  *homework: pg. 446 if not completed in class - oil response sheet due tomorrow

English 7th: Students worked on story mapping (setting, plot, characters), and started the rough draft of their narrative essay.  *homework: all spelling due tomorrow - rough draft due at end of class tomorrow

Wednesday - 10/17/12

• Literacy Club - 2:30PM
• Picture Day - free dress (follow dress code)
• Spirit Week Theme: Wear Pink - cancer awareness
• **EXPLORE TEST - 8th grade only (1st block)**

English 8th:  *EXPLORE TEST - Part 1*   *homework: vocabulary (due Friday) and read AR








Geography 7th: Guided Reading Activity 1 was due.  Students worked on a "foldable" graphic organizer to itemize information from Ch. 16 regions. *homework: foldable if not completed in class - oil response sheet & essay (due Friday)
 
English 7th: We worked on the final portion of the essay pre-write, a story map.  We discussed in detail (students also have a handout) the structure of a narrative essay and what each paragraph entails.  *homework: story map - start on rough draft (due Friday), spelling (due Friday)

Tuesday - 10/16/12

• Spirit Week Theme: Western Day

English 8th: DOL quiz - Students read Anne Frank within cooperative reading groups and worked on their character wall quotes.  *homework: vocabulary & get good rest - EXPLORE TEST tomorrow (bring an AR book!)

Geography 7th: Students started Ch. 16 - Southwest Asia.  They read pg. 442-446, completed a chart within groups, and were assigned Guided Reading Activity 1 as independent work.  *homework: GR Activity 1 & chart if not completed in class - oil response sheet due Friday

English 7th: DOL quiz - Students worked on character descriptions as part of the pre-write activity for a narrative essay.  *homework: character description & spelling

Monday - 10/15/12

English 8th:  We discussed the upcming EXPLORE TEST (Oct. 17 & 18), and students received a brochure and parent signature sheet that needs to be returned.  Many students took AR quizzes today, and several need to quiz this week.  *homework: Vocabulary packet - due tomorrow

Geography 7th: We finished The Story of Oil video and discussed the response sheet.  Instead of a current event this week, students will complete the oil response worksheet (writing a 3 paragraph essay as well). We will be starting the Middle East (Southwest Asia) tomorrow - Ch. 16.  Students received a map activity in preparation.  *homework: Map Activity - Middle East

English 7th: We are starting a new essay this week - narrative character story.  The assignment tonight is to create (draw) their main character, give him or her a name,  and start thinking about personality. Students received their spelling worksheet, and we discussed the words, their pronunciations, and meaning.  *homework: spelling (due Friday) and create a character to write about - does not yet have to be colored, just drawn

Have a fantastic fall break - see you Monday, October 15th

English 8th:  All vocabulary work was due.  Students took a Vocabulary TEST and finished their Anne Frank quizzes.  *homework: READ AR OVER THE BREAK!

Geography 7th: Current events were due.  We continued the Story of Oil video and discussion sheet.   *homework: READ AR OVER THE BREAK!

English 7th: All spelling was due.  Students took a spelling TEST.  They worked with parts of speech completing Mad Libs activities in pairs for the remainder of class.   *homework: READ AR OVER THE BREAK!

10/4/12

English 8th:  Anne Frank Quiz - pg.1-24 - open book.  Some may need to finish tomorrow.  *homework: All vocabulary work due tomorrow - study for vocabulary TEST

Geography 7th: We started a video called "The Story of Oil," which will be continued tomorrow.  It is a nice introduction to our next chapter on the Middle East.  *homework: current event due tomorrow

English 7th: Students worked on "sentence stretching" and spelling.  We briefly explored the online grade book, making sure all students are capable of signing on and finding their classes with the login information.  *homework: all spelling work due tomorrow  - study for TEST

Extra Credit

This cute little guy was in my car port last night.  Tell me what he is and where he was found (write on the bottom of an assignment) for extra credit points.  I say "he" for a reason.  The males of the species are seen more often this time of year because they are migrating, and looking for a mate. 

10/2/12

English 8th: Students worked on a character wall project for the Anne Frank book. We graded the vocabulary packet and discussed unfamiliar words.  *homework: vocabulary - due Friday

Geography 7th: Students completed a study guide for their test tomorrow in small groups.  Each group was responsible for part of the guide, then each group taught their part to the class.  Every student left today with a completed study guide.  *homework: study for Ch. 3 TEST tomorrow - current event due Friday

English 7th: Students worked on their final persuasive essay draft in class, as well as spelling.  *homework: spelling (due Friday) - final essay - due tomorrow

10/1/12 Welcome to October!

English 8th: Students received their vocabulary packet with word list.  The packet is due tomorrow for correcting and discussion.  Students worked in their reading groups with Anne Frank.  *homework: vocabulary packet & read AR

Geography 7th: We reviewed key ideas from Ch. 3 Section 3 before taking a quiz.  Students finalized all three sections within their foldable study item.  *homework: current event (due Friday)

English 7th: Students received their spelling worksheet with word list.  They worked on editing their rough draft (persuasive essay letter) - particularly on word choice changes (10 are required).  *homework: spelling (due Friday) - Final Persuasive Essay due Wednesday

9/28/12

English 8th: Students completed a review vocabulary test today over lessons 1-5.  They did awesome work!  *homework: read AR - many students are behind right now - get caught up!!! 

Geography 7th: We spent the majority of the class reviewing pg. 96 in preparation for a quiz Monday (Ch. 3 Section 3).  I collected pg. 96 and the current event.  *homework: review/study for the quiz Monday

English 7th: Students took a spelling test and turned in the week's spelling work.  I received a very nice report from the substitute, as well as see the students got all of their peer reviews & most of their word choice changes completed - yahoo!  They eanred free-time today because of it.  *homework: read AR - finish word choice changes if not completed in class

9/27/12

Substitute Teacher (Mr. Potteiger) - Mrs. Nash at Havasu Leadership Development class

English 8th: Students will work on a "functional text" QAR/Unraavel passage, complete their vocabulary packet, and read AR.  *homework: vocabulary packet - review lessons 1-5 - study for TEST tomorrow!- read AR

Geography 7th: Guided Reading Activity 3 due - assigned: pg. 96 #1-6   *homework: pg. 96 if not completed in class - current event due Friday

English 7th: Peer editing the persuasive essays  *homework: all spelling (due Friday)

9/26/12

English 8th: Students worked in cooperative reading groups reading Anne Frank. *homework: vocabulary packet - review lessons 1-5 - read AR

Geography 7th: Students read pg. 92-96 (Ch.3 Section 3).  They completed a chart listing renewable and nonrenewable resources within their group, and worked on Guided Reading Activity 3 independently. *homework:Guided Reading if not completed in class- current event (due Friday)

English 7th: I collected the completed pesuasive rough draft.  We discussed peer editing to set up tomorrow's class.   *homework: spelling (due Friday)

9/25/12

English 8th: Students worked in cooperative reading groups and started their class novel, Anne Frank.  *homework: vocabulary packet - review lessons 1-5 - read AR

Geography 7th: We continued Glogster presentations today, and previewed Ch. 3 Section 3.  Students were assigned vocabulary for this section, pg. 92.  We will begin reading tomorrow in groups.  *homework: current event due Friday - vocabulary pg. 92

English 7th: Students worked to complete their persuasive essay rough draft.  We discussed friendly & business letter format.  They need to decide what format their letter will be written in, and write it accordingly.  A finished rough draft in letter format will be due tomorrow. It should be color-coded similar to the essay example we did on Monday.  *homework: rough draft in letter format - spelling (due Friday)

9/24/12

English 8th: Students received a vocabulary review packet, which will be due Friday.  They are reviewing lessons 1-5, so the packet & reviewing work from the past 5 lessons is their job this week.  *homework: vocabulary packet due Friday - write-your-own QAR if it was not completed today (it was due today, and many did not get it completed)

Geography 7th: Students presented their Glogster projects to the class on the projector.  We will continue them tomorrow.  *homework: current events due Friday

English 7th: Students received their new spelling word list & worksheet today.  Their persuasive essay rough draft (5 paragraphs) is due tomorrow.  They have already completed a pre-write and have an example essay to help write the rough draft.  *homework: spelling (due Friday) and persuasive essay

9/21/12

English 8th: All vocabulary work was due.  Students took a vocabulary test, then worked in cooperative reading groups reading and completing a historical information packet to set the stage for Anne Frank.  They are not answering questions, but writing QAR questions about the passage.  They received their Anne Frank book today, which must be brought to school daily and kept in good condition.  *homework: finish QAR questions if not completed in class (due Monday)- read AR

Geography 7th: Students completed their Glogster projects, and we will start presenting them Monday.  Current events were due.  *homework: read AR

English 7th: All spelling work was due, and students took a spelling test.  We analyzed and discussed a completed persuasive essay, looking at and color-coding the specific structure used.  Students color-coded an example essay printed for them, color-coding the "reasons" and identifying them in both the introduction and conclusion.  *homework: color-coded essay if not completed in class (due Monday) - read AR

9/20/12

*Reminder: Conferences will be held this week Tuesday through Thursday (Sept. 18-20). Tuesday through Friday will be early release (12:30 P.M.).

English 8th: Students worked on DOL/Journal in class. We briefly completed a pre-reading activity for Anne Frank . *homework: vocabulary  - all work due tomorrow - study for TEST tomorrow & read AR


Geography 7th: 5-minute map quiz - Students worked on their Glogster or current event during class. *homework: Current event and Glogster both due Friday


English 7th: Students worked on DOL/Journal in class. Their pre-writes are due completed today.  We will move on with our essay assignment tomorrow, as volleyball girls are gone to a game.   *homework: rough draft for persuasive essay (due Tuesday), spelling (due Friday) - study for spelling TEST & read AR

Extra Credit

This was on the road on my way home this week.  Add the name of this particular creature to the bottom of a homework assignment, and you will get a few points extra credit.  It pays to check my blog often.  :-)

 

 

9/19/12

*Reminder: Conferences will be held this week Tuesday through Thursday (Sept. 18-20). Tuesday through Friday will be early release (12:30 P.M.).

English 8th: Students worked on DOL/Journal in class.  We briefly discussed the novel Anne Frank (our class novel this year) and predicted what it will be about.   *homework: vocabulary & read AR


Geography 7th: Students worked on their Glogster or current event during class. *homework: Current event and Glogster both due Friday


English 7th: Students worked on DOL/Journal in class. They completed their pre-writes in class, and started on a rough draft.  We talked about writing introductions and conclusions specifically.  Rough draft due Monday.  *homework: rough draft for persuasive essay (due Tuesday), spelling (due Friday) & read AR

9/18/12

*Reminder: Conferences will be held this week Tuesday through Thursday (Sept. 18-20). Tuesday through Friday will be early release (12:30 P.M.).

English 8th: Students worked on DOL/Journal in class.  We graded the vocabulary packet and discussed unfamiliar words.  Students checked out the family connect website to check their grades online.  Parents are given the username/password information during conference.   *homework: vocabulary & read AR


Geography 7th: Students worked on their Glogster or current event during class.  *homework: Current event and Glogster both due Friday


English 7th:   Students worked on DOL/Journal in class.  Their next essay assignment will be persuasive, and we discussed components of this type of writing.  Students were given a pre-write activity to start brainstorming ideas.  They should fill in at least the three body paragraph areas of the pre-write (reasons - paragraphs 2, 3, &4).    *homework: pre-write for persuasive essay, spelling & read AR

9/17/18

*Reminder: Conferences will be held this week Tuesday through Thursday (Sept. 18-20). Tuesday through Friday will be early release (12:30 P.M.).

English 8th: Students reviewed their grade reports for the class, received many graded papers, and were instructed on assignments that can be re-done or fixed.  They received their vocabulary program for the week (due Friday).  *homework: vocabulary & read AR


Geography 7th: Students reviewed their grade reports for the class, received many graded papers, and were instructed on assignments that can be re-done or fixed.  We started a Glogster project (online multi-media postering website), and students started their research in class.  Current event was given today - due Friday.  *homework: Current event and Glogster both due Friday


English 7th:  Students reviewed their grade reports for the class, received many graded papers, and were instructed on assignments that can be re-done or fixed.  They received their spelling worksheet and list of words for the week.  *homework: spelling & read AR

9/14/12

*Reminder: Conferences will be held next week Tuesday through Thursday (Sept. 18-20).  Tuesday through Friday will be early release (12:30 P.M.). 

English 8th: All vocabulary work was due today, as well as the semicolon/appositive worksheet.  Students took a vocabulary test & worked in their journals.  *homework: read AR


Geography 7th: Current events and pg.89 #1-5 were due.  Students took a quiz over Ch.3 Section 2 material (culture).  *homework: read AR


English 7th:  POS foldables were due, in addition to the run-on sentences worksheet. Students took a short quiz on identifying and fixing run-on sentences as well as identifying nouns and verbs.  *homework: read AR

9/12/12

English 8th: We discussed and practiced the usage of conjuntions after completing DOL/Journal.  Students were given a worksheet to practice both the use of conjuntions when putting together sentences, as well as writing complete sentences using several phrases (combining notes into sentences).  *homework: vocabulary - due Friday


Geography 7th: Students read Ch. 3 Section 2 within cooperative reading groups.  They were assigned the guided reading activity 2 as independent work.  *homework: GR Activity 2 if not completed in class (due tomorrow) & current event (due Friday). 


English 7th:  After completing DOL/Journal, students learned about the components of a complete sentence.  They practiced identifying complete sentences & fragments, as well as fixing the missing item within a fragment.  After working with me, each other, and then independently, they were assigned a practice worksheet to complete by tomorrow.  *homework: Complete Sentence/Fragment worksheet (due tomorrow) & POS foldable (due Friday)

9/11/12

English 8th:  We discussed 9/11, and students wrote about discrimination within their journals.  We corrected the vocabulary worksheet and discussed unfamiliar words.  *homework: vocabulary - due Friday


Geography 7th: Students were introduced to Chapter 3, Section 2 - Culture.  We discussed elements of culture, and created a chart within the chapter foldable.  Students were assigned the chapter vocabulary prior to reading.  We also went over instructions for the latitude/longitude worksheet, which will be due tomorrow.  *homework: Ch.3, Section 2 vocabulary & lat./long. worksheet if not completed in class


English 7th:  Students were given instructions for completing their POS (Parts of Speech) foldable, which is due Friday.  They watched a Powerpoint presentation on parts of speech, and were given some time to work on their foldable projects.  *homework: POS foldable due Friday & read AR

9/10/12

English 8th: Students put together their class portfolios and entered their first round of assessments on their portfolio chart.  They received their vocabulary packet with words, which is due tomorrow for correcting.  *homework: vocabulary packet - read AR

 
Geography 7th: We corrected pg. 76 #1-6 in class, and then students took a quiz over Ch.3 Section 1.  They were given a worksheet practicing latitude and longitude skills after the quiz.  This worksheet will be due tomorrow at the end of class.  Some students may need additional directions for completing the work.  *homework: as much of the lat. & long. worksheet they can complete independently - current event due Friday

English 7th:  Students put together their class portfolios and entered their first round of assessments on their portfolio chart.  NO SPELLING this week.  Instead, we will be working on a POS (parts of speech) foldable activity - this will be due finished Friday just like spelling.  Students need to define: nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs - then give 5 examples of each.  They will receive further instruction tomorrow.  *homework: POS definitions & examples on foldable activity

9/7/12

English 8th: Students took a DOL (Daily Oral Language) quiz, then went to the all-school pep assembly to cheer for football, volleyball, and color guard.  *homework: read AR (don't get behind!!)

Geography 7th: Current events were due.  Students were assigned the rest of pg. 76 #2-6 and had time to work on it in class.  *homework: pg. 76 if not completed in class - #1-6 due by Monday

English 7th:  Students took a DOL (Daily Oral Language) quiz, then corrected the independent QAR/Unraavel paper due today.  *homework: read AR

Extra Credit - Can you identify this?

The last creature I posted was a Vinegaroon!  :-)  Congratulations to those who knew what it was.  Here's a picture of something I used to raise and keep in my classroom.  What is its entire name? More extra credit if you can tell me if it's a boy or girl & how you know.  Write your answer on a homework/classwork assignment. 

9/6/12

English 8th: Students took the A+ math pre-test this morning, which took the majority of our class.  They wrote in their journal if finished early.  *homework: read AR! 

Geography 7th: 5 - minute map quiz!  We corrected Guided Reading Activity 1 together.  Students were assigned the section review - pg. 76 #1 (picture vocabulary).  *homework: pg. 76 if not completed in class

English 7th:  We corrected the QAR/Unraavel (partners) after completing DOL & journal.  Students were given a QAR/Unraavel passage to complete independently today.  *homework: QAR/Unraavel - due tomorrow if not completed in class

9/5/12

English 8th:  We have started pre-testing for our newest online program called A+.  If you would like to learn more, just click this link: A+ Learning Solutions 
Students spent the majority of the class completing the English pre-test, and will spend tomorrow working on the math pre-test.  When finished, we corrected the previous day's QAR/Unraavel, as well as journaling.  *homework: read AR

 
Geography 7th: Students started Chapter 3, Section 1.  They read pg's 72-76 within cooperative reading groups, and worked on a graphic organizer together.  Independently, they had to re-read the information and complete the Guided Reading Activity 1.  *homework: GR Activity 1 if not completed in class

 English 7th:  After the entire class had a short chance to try out the new MimioPad device for correcting DOL, we worked on a new QAR/Unraavel activity in pairs.  *homework: QAR/Unraavel passage if not completed in class - read AR

9/4/12

English 8th: Students used the new mimioTeach technology to correct DOL with editor's marks on the board.  They identified and used homographs within a journal entry.  A new QAR/Unraavel reading passage was given out to complete independently (last week students worked with partners).  *homework: no vocabulary this week - QAR/Unraavel due tomorrow

Geography 7th: Students were given the opportunity to study with partners briefly before their Ch. 1 test.  *homework: current event due Friday

 
 English 7th:  Students used the new mimioTeach technology to correct DOL with editor's marks on the board.  They identified and used homographs within a journal entry.  We corrected the QAR/Unraavel turned in Friday, and students were give another reading passage to work on with a partner.  *homework: QAR/Unraavel reading passage & questions if not completed in class (due tomorrow) - no spelling this week

8/31/12

English 8th: All vocabulary work was due.  Students took a vocab. test.  We went over the QAR/Unraavel passage in class and that was turned in as well.  *homework: read AR - have an awesome weekend!
Geography 7th: Students completed an online study review quiz from their textbook website, then browsed other study sources on their online textbook as well as on the website - quizzes, notes, flashcards, games, crossword puzzles, etc..  I highly encourage them to use these over the weekend, as they have a Chapter 1 test coming up Tuesday.  *homework: study for your Ch. 1 test (section 1 & 2) - have an awesome weekend! 

 English 7th:  All spelling work was due.  Students took a spelling test.  They had some class time to complete their QAR/Unraavel and compare answers with a partner.  We will grade and discuss them Tuesday.  *homework: read AR - have an awesome weekend!

Do you know what this is?

Identify this creature and write its name on a homework/classwork assignment to receive extra credit.  Hint:  It is not a spider.  (This was on the front door of Mrs. Nash's house - on the inside.  With legs it is about 2-3 inches in diameter)

8/30/12

English 8th: We discussed the use of two reading stragetgies we will be using in English all semester (QAR/Unraavel).  Students received a reading comprehension passage with questions, read the passage with a partner, and answered questions (while also identifying each question as a QAR).  *homework:  all vocabulary work due tomorrow -study for TEST - QAR/Unraavel due tomorrow

Geography 7th: pg.38 corrected together in class - Quiz Ch. 1, Section 2 completed in class - vocabulary worksheet review given after quiz.  *homework: vocab. worksheet & current event due tomorrow
English 7th: We corrected and discussed the QAR introduction worksheet completed yesterday.  Students were read a reading passage, then answered the questions and identified QAR with a partner.  *homework: all spelling homework due tomorrow - study for TEST - QAR/Unraavel passage due tomorrow

8/29/12

English 8th: Students completed the final copy of their personal narratives.  *homework: vocabulary (definitions) - all due Friday

 
Geography 7th: 5-minute map quiz - We corrected Guided Reading Activity 2 & chart.  Students were assigned pg. 38 #1-6 and given class time to work on it.  *homework: pg. 38 if not completed in class - current event due Friday


English 7th: Students worked on DOL & Journal.  A new reading comprehension strategy was introduced and practiced.  We will continue using this strategy tomorrow with a more extensive reading passage.  The strategy is called QAR (Question-Answer Relationship).  More about this strategy can be found in the "documents" folder on my blog.  We will use this througout the semester.  *homework: spelling (meaning) - all due Friday

8/28/12

English 8th: Students finished peer editing and started word choice changes in class.  We graded the vocabulary packet and discussed unfamiliar words.  The final personal narrative is due at the end of class tomorrow.  *homework:  vocabulary - categories (due Friday), word choice changes (10) and work on final essay - students will get "some" time to finish it up or ask questions tomorrow, but not enough time to do the entire essay -they should work on the final at home

Geography 7th: Ch. 1, Section 2.  Students read Section 2 within cooperative reading groups.  They worked on a graphic organizer together in class, then completed the Guided Reading Activity 2 independently.  *homework: GR Activity 2 if not completed in class - current event due Friday

English 7th: Students completed peer editing, then worked on word choice changes/additions to their paragraphs.  When finished, they completed the final draft of their paragraphs and handed it in.  *homework: spelling - due Friday

8/27/12

English 8th:  Students received their Lesson 3 vocabulary packet.  They did peer editing to fine-tune their narrative essays.  The final copy will be due Wednesday.  *homework: vocab. packet (due for grading tomorrow), word choice changes on rough draft - 10 changes or additions (due Wed.)

Geography 7th:
Students received their current event forms for the week.  They spent most of the class working on a Balloon Globe Quiz.  *homework: current event - due Friday

 
English 7th: Students received their Lesson 3 spelling worksheet.  They did peer editing to fine-tune their student interview paragraphs.  They will work on word choice changes and their final draft in class tomorrow.  *homework:  spelling - all due Friday

8/24/12 Happy Friday!

English 8th:  All vocabulary work for the week was due.  Students took a vocabulary test, and handed in the rough draft of their personal narrative essays.  We'll do peer editing Monday.  *no homework

 
Geography 7th: Neighborhood maps and current events were due.  Students worked on a world map activity locating countries in groups.  They will have a quiz Monday, needing to create their own globe using a balloon.  *no homework

 
English 7th: All spelling work for the week was due.  Students took a spelling test, and worked a bit on their paragraphs (word choice editing).   We'll do peer editing Monday.  *no homework

8/23/12

English 8th:  Students worked on the rough draft of their personal essay (due tomorrow).  They had some time to do vocabulary work after DOL/Journal.  *homework: rough draft of personal essay (due tomorrow) - all vocabulary work (due tomorrow) - study for vocab. test

Geography 7th: Students reviewed the Geography Handbook materials in small groups, then presented their question answers to the class.  They were assigned a neighborhood map, which means they must create a map of their neighborhood using a title, compass rose, key/legend, labels, and scale. *homework: neighborhood map and current event - both due tomorrow

English 7th: Students completed their DOL/Journal work, then worked the rough draft of their paragraph, using information from a student interview.  *homework: paragraph (rough draft) and all spelling work due tomorrow

8/22/12

English 8th: 
Students worked on the pre-write to their personal narrative.  We discussed essay structure, particularly that of a personal narrative.  The rough draft will be due Friday; we will work on it tomorrow in class.  *homework: vocabulary (due Friday)

Geography 7th: We discussed map and globe features, including hemispheres, latitude and longitude.  Students have a short map skills activity packet they need to complete.  *homework: map skills acivity packet (due tomorrow) - current event (due Friday) - several students did not complete pg. 17 (was due today) If you are one of those students, that is homework as well, and will get late points taken off final grade.
English 7th: We spent time discussing the structure of a paragraph and creating a prewrite. Student who needed time to continue their interviews had some time to finish. The prewrite needed to be complete by the end of the period. We will work on a rough draft in class tomorrow. *homework - spelling (due Friday)

Open House tonight 5-7 P.M. - hope to see you there!

8/21/12

We are STAR testing this week and should have AR reading levels and goals available by Friday.  Students may begin taking AR quizzes at any time. 

English 8th: 
A few students needed to STAR test today.  While doing that, the rest of the class worked on DOL/Journal.  We corrected the vocabulary packet and discussed unfamiliar words.  A narrative essay was introduced.  We will continue work on a pre-write tomorrow.  *homework: vocabulary (due Friday) - may begin working on narrative pre-write, but not due yet

Geography 7th:  I collected their World Map Activity and students completed their first 5-minute map quiz.  :-)  They did awesome!  Assigned was pg. 17 #1-6.  *homework: if not completed in class - pg. 17 #1-6 (due tomorrow) - current event (due Friday)
English 7th:
Students continued STAR testing today.  We worked on DOL/Journal, and started the pre-write process to a paragraph.  Students interviewed each other to attain information for their assignement.  We will discuss paragraph structure and work on the rough draft tomorrow in class.  *homework: spelling (due Friday)

8/20/12

English 8th: 
Students took the STAR reading test to get set up in the AR program.  They will receive their AR goal and reading levels by the end of the week.  They received lesson 2 vocabulary packet with word list, and worked on their Diamonte poem for the remainder of the class.  Students who did not finish their poem need to hand it in right away tomorrow morning.  *homework: vocabulary & Diamonte poem - both due tomorrow

Geography 7th:  Students took the STAR reading test to get set up in the AR program.  They will receive their AR goal and reading levels by the end of the week. Students received their current event for the week - due Friday.  We spent the remainder of the class working on the World Map Activity.  *homework: Map Activity due tomorrow - current event due Friday
 English 7th:
Students took the STAR reading test to get set up in the AR program.  They will receive their AR goal and reading levels by the end of the week. Students received their spelling worksheet for Lesson 2.  They will have a homework assignment for spelling each day this week.  *homework:  spelling worksheet

8/17/12

**Junior Academy should be able to STAR test and start taking AR Quizzes next week.**

English 8th:  All vocabulary homework for the week was due today.  Students took a vocabulary TEST over the words they worked with this week.  Students learned how to create a diamonte poem, and practiced by writing about themselves.  *homework:  if diamonte poem not completed in class, complete over the weekend - due Monday

Geography 7th: Current events were due today.  We graded Guided Reading Activity 1.  The remainder of the class was spent working on a world map activity.  This is not assigned homework over the weekend (although students are welcome to work on it).  We will finish it on Monday.  *no homework

 English 7th: All spelling homework for the week was due today.  Students took a spelling TEST.  *no homework

8/16/12

**Junior Academy should be able to STAR test and start taking AR Quizzes next week.**

English 8th:  Students took the MAZE comprehension and WPM (words per minute) assessments, which  we do several times a year to track student progress.  In addition to completing DOL & Journal work today, students had some time to work on their vocabulary (meaning/definitions).  *homework: Vocabulary work is due tomorrow - study for Vocab. TEST

Geography 7th:  Students read Chapter 1, Section 1 (pg. 14-17) and completed a graphic organizer within groups.  Individually, they completed Guided Reading Activity 1 (must re-read text to complete this independently - this is done purposely).  If they had extra time, they worked on a World Map Activity that will be continued tomorrow.  *homework: current event due tomorrow - GR Activity 1 if not completed in class
English 7th:  Students competed DOL (Daily Oral Language) and journal work.  While they worked in their journals, I completed WPM (words per minute) assessments individually with each student.  We spent some time reading journals orally in front of the class, and completing spelling work for today (context/sentences).  *homework: all spelling work is due tomorrow - study for spelling TEST

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.