Language Arts 7
Click here for the Studysync login.
Click here for the Sparta Middle School Library hours.
Click here for the vocab quiz schedule.
Click here for the MP4 Independent Reading Record, a.k.a. your homework.
Click here for the argumentative essay packet.
Click here for the research project planning packet.
Click here for the Rickrolled project.
NOTE: From now until the end of May, students will present their book talks and their research videos. This must be done by the end of May to receive full credit for these projects. The sign-up calendar is in the classroom.
Week of 6-4
M: Review for the final exam.
T: Take the final exam.
W: Substitute teacher today. Complete the Climax 1 and Climax 2 assignments. We will check them in class tomorrow.
R: Half-day. Take home your assessment portfolio.
F: Half-day and the last day of school. Read and analyze "Jellyfish" by Sarah Kay.
Week of 5-28
Click here for the final benchmark exam study guide.
M: No school today
T: Spell there/their/they're, to/too/two, your/you're/yore. and its/it's correctly.
W: Spell there/their/they're, to/too/two, your/you're/yore. and its/it's correctly.
R: Practice and review Vocab 10-18, capital letters, and commas.
F: This class does not meet today because of the exam schedule.
Week of 5-21
M: Take the capital letter quiz. Present book talks and research videos.
T: Substitute teacher today. Complete the Conflict 1 and Conflict 2 assignments.
W: Substitute teacher today. Complete the Plot 1 and Plot 2 assignments.
R: Present book talks and research videos.
F: Take the STAR reading test to measure your reading level progress. Fill out your reading record. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-14
M: Model and write the pufferfish article summary together in class. Click here for the pufferfish article.
T: Substitute teacher today. Find the main ideas and important supporting details in the "George Washington: Little Mouth of Horrors" text. Make an outline or graphic organizer of them and use it to plan and write a one paragraph summary of the text. Click here for the summary paragraph score sheet.
W: Practice capitalization and take the practice capital letter quiz. Review your George Washington summaries.
R: Do connotation/denotation and vocab enrichment sheets.
F: Half day today. Turn in your reading record. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-7
M: Introduce Vocab 18. The quiz is on Thursday.
T-W: Finish and submit your research video.
R: Take the Vocab 18 quiz. Read your novel.
F: Fill out your reading record. Introduce book talks. Review summary writing.
Week of 4-30
M: M-STEP practice
T-R: Take the M-STEP.
F: Turn in your reading record. Read your novel.
Week of 4-23
M: Introduce Vocab 17. Demonstration of how to insert your works cited page into your research video.
T: Work on your research video.
W: Read and analyze an excerpt from "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. Complete the first read assignment in Studysync.
R: Respond to an essay prompt about "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. Complete the close read assignment in Studysync.
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 17 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 4-16
M: Snow day
T: Introduce Vocab 16.
W-R: Create your research video. You will have two days next week to finish this.
F: Turn in your reading record. Take the Vocab 16 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 4-9
M: Vocab review
T: Finish your research video script. Create an MLA-style "works cited" page for your research video.
W: How to record your script.
R: How to create your research video.
Reminders:
To record audio on a Chromebook, use online-voice-recorder.com.
To record audio on your phone, use the Voice Record Pro free app and export your file in mp3 or m4a format.
To create your video on a Chromebook, use WeVideo.com. Sign in with your school Google account.
F: Fill out your reading record and read your novel.
--------------- Spring Break ---------------
Every week:
Week of 3-26
M: Watch the required M-STEP tutorial videos. Click here for the link.
T: Write the script for your research video.
W: Assemble images and graphics for your research video.
R: Spring break. See you April 9.
Week of 3-19
M: Introduce Vocab 15.
T: Take the STAR reading test to determine your reading progress. Click here for directions.
W: Find sources and take notes to gather information you can use in your Mystery Research Project.
R: Organize your research notes and plan your research video.
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 15 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 3-12
M: Introduce Vocab 14
T: Introduce the Mystery Research Project. Click here for the Mystery Research Project point sheet. Pick a topic and generate two main research questions. Click here for the research project planning packet.
W-R: Find sources and take notes to gather information you can use in your Mystery Research Project.
F: Fill out your reading record and turn it in. Take the Vocab 14 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 3-5
M: Introduce Vocab 13.
T: Interpret infographics. Click here for the assignment. Click here for the handwriting infographic that goes with the assignment.
W: Snow day
R: Demonstrate and practice MLA-style in-text citations.
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 13 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-26
M: Review note-taking. Introduce and practice MLA citations.
T-W: Karlee Stine models how to conduct a research project in an abridged version of Starlee Kine's Mystery Show - Case #2 - Britney. Click here for the question sheet.
R: Sub today. Quick-write and vocab review.
F: Fill out and turn in your reading record. Take the comma quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-19
M: Introduce Vocab 12.
T-W: Review reliable sources. Introduce and practice note-taking for research.
R: Complete a one-day super-mini research project.
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 12 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 2-12
M: Take the Vocab 10 quiz. Fill out your reading record from last week. Review and discuss your argumentative essays.
T: Introduce Vocab 11.
W-R: Read and analyze an excerpt from Flesh and Blood So Cheap by Albert Marrin (Studysync).
F: Fill out your reading record and turn it in. Take the Vocab 11 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 2-5
M: Introduce Vocab 10.
T: First reading of an excerpt from Mother Jones: Fierce Fighter for Worker's Rights by Judith Pinkerton (Studysync). Annotate and discuss the text. Mark your confusion, questions, and places of interest.
W: Use informational text elements to better understand Mother Jones. (Complete the informational text elements assignment in Studysync.)
R: Use evidence from the text of Mother Jones to answer the Think Questions in Studysync. Use R.A.C.E to answer - Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain.
F: Snow day. We were going to... Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 10 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 1-29
M: Write the third paragraph (body) of your argumentative essay (p. 17 of the argumentative essay packet).
T: Write the fourth paragraph (response to a counterargument) of your argumentative essay (pp. 13 and 17 of the argumentative essay packet).
W: Write the last paragraph (conclusion) of your argumentative essay (pp. 17-18 of the argumentative essay packet) and type your final draft in Word or Google Docs (p. 19 of the argumentative essay packet).
R: Finish your argumentative essay, print it, and turn it in.
F: Fill out your reading record for week 2 and turn it in. Practice using commas correctly. Read your novel.
Week of 1-22
M: Introduce and explain the independent reading records and book talks.
T: Find evidence and support for your argumentative essay (pp. 12-13 of the argumentative essay packet).
W: Write the opinion statement (thesis or claim) for your argumentative essay (p. 14 of the argumentative essay packet).
R: Write the first paragraph (introduction) for your argumentative essay (p. 16 of the argumentative essay packet).
F: Write the second paragraph (body) of your argumentative essay (p. 17 of the argumentative essay packet). Fill out your independent reading record. Read your novel in the library.
*************************** End of Semester 1 ***************************
Week of 1-15
M: Review for the midterm exam.
T-W: This class does not meet because of the exam schedule.
R: Take the midterm exam. (Half-day)
F: Read your novel in the library. (Half-day)
Week of 1-8
M: Fill out your reading record. Review and practice identifying sentence types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
T: Avoiding and correcting misplaced and confusing modifiers
W: Introduce the elements of an argumentative essay and analyze a sample essay, pages 1-4 of the argumentative essay packet.
R: Review the information found in a dictionary entry. Select a topic for your argumentative essay, pages 5-9 of the argumentative essay packet. Receive the midterm benchmark exam study guide.
F: Fill out and turn in your reading record for the second marking period. Study Vocab 1 to 9 for the midterm exam. Read your novel.
Week of 1-3
W-R: Review and practice sentence types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
F: Snow day
Week of 12-18
M: Read and analyze "Reality TV" argumentative essays in Studysync.
T: School was cancelled today.
W: Analyze arguments and claims in "Reality TV" essays (Studysync).
R-F: Christmas break. See you on January 3rd. :)
Week of 12-11
M: Introduce Vocab 9
T: Read and analyze "I, Too Sing America" by Langston Hughes (Studysync).
W: Sub today. Complete a lesson and practice sheets on characterization.
R: Analyze poetic structure and figurative language in "I, Too, Sing America" by Hughes (Studysync).
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 9 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 12-4
M: Introduce Vocab 8.
T-W: Read and analyze "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson (Studysync). Focus on foreshadowing, point of view, and theme.
R: Analyze story elements in "The Lottery" by Jackson (Studysync).
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 8 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-27
M: Review the short story (narrative) point sheet and revise your short story to include as many of the point sheet elements as you can.
T: Review your writing goal for the semester and revise your short story according to your writing goal. Write a title for your story.
W-R: Type, proofread, and edit your short story.
F: Print, label, and turn in your short story. Click here for the short story (narrative) point sheet which will help you label and check your story before you turn it in. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-20
M-T: Write a first draft of your short story.
W: Finish your first draft of your short story. Read your novel.
R: Eat turkey.
Week of 11-13
M: Finish and turn in your story map for "One Man Band" by Pixar. Complete a story map for your own short story.
T-W: Share and revise your story map in class.
R: Write a character sketch to be used in your short story (narrative).
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 7 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-6 NOTE: No vocab quiz this week. I had to revise the vocab schedule.
M: Review Vocab 4 to 6. Introduce Vocab 7. Get your new reading record. Be reminded to finish your "Novels I Want to Read" list.
T: Review and practice serial commas. Begin short story (narrative) planning.
W-R: Brainstorm story ideas. Review and analyze plot in "For the Birds" and "One Man Band" by Pixar.
F: Fill out your reading record. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-30
M: Read and complete a story map for "A Little Night Fishing" by David Lubar.
T: Read and complete a story map for "Gone Fishing" from EC Comics.
W: Complete a graphic organizer and write a paragraph comparing "A Little Night Fishing" and "Gone Fishing."
R: Read and analyze "The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert W. Service in Studysync.
F: Take the STAR reading test. Look for good, challenging novels and add them to your "Novels I Want to Read" list. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-23
M: Introduce Vocab 6.
T: Text structure lesson for "Call of the Klondike" in Studysync.
W: Read and complete a story map for "The King of Maisy May" by Jack London in Studysync.
R: Turn in your writing notebook and your reading record and reflections for marking period 1. Analyze and discuss "The King of Maisy May" by Jack London in Studysync.
F: Fill out your reading record and write a three-minute reflection on what you read this week. Take the Vocab 6 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-16
M: Introduce Vocab 5. Complete a Studysync lesson on theme in "The Song of Wandering Aengus."
T: Practice subject & predicate. Take a practice subject & predicate quiz.
W: Read "Call of the Klondike" in Studysync.
R: Take the subject & predicate quiz. Complete the "Call of the Klondike" informational text structure assignment in Studysync.
F: Fill out your reading record and write a three-minute reflection on what you read this week. Take the Vocab 5 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-9
M: Introduce Vocab 4.
T: Practice subject & predicate. First reading of "The Song of Wandering Aengus" by William Butler Yeats.
W: Setting assignment.
R: Analyze "The Song of Wndering Aengus" (in Studysync) and use R.A.C.E. to respond to questions about the text.
F: Fill out your reading record and write a three-minute reflection on what you read this week. Take the Vocab 4 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-2
M: Read and discuss "Barrio Boy" by Ernesto Galarza. (Studysync)
T: Practice identifying subject & predicate. Review descriptive writing and how to use your writing notebook.
W: Use details from the text to discuss and respond to questions about "Barrio Boy." Practice word-solving strategies.
R: Review Vocab 1 to 3.
F: Review subject & predicate. Complete your reading log and reflection. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 9-25
M: Introduce Vocab 3.
T: Practice identifying subject and predicate.
Complete "Blast: In Pursuit" (in Studysync) in class.
W-R: Read and analyze "Barrio Boy" (in Studysync).
F: Take the Vocab 3 quiz. Fill out your reading record and write three-minute reflection on what you read this week.
Week of 9-18
M: Introduce Vocab 2.
T-W: Interview and observe another student and use the information you gather to write a one-page description of that student. Be sure to include useful and "golden" details. Introduce subject & predicate.
R: Review your STAR Reading Test results and set a reading goal for the 1st semester. Share your one-page description of another student in class and turn it in. Discuss and practice identifying subject & predicate.
F: Thirty-minute class today because of homesoming. Take the Vocab 2 quiz. Fill out your reading record and write a reflection on your novel.
Week of 9-11
M: Introduce Vocab 1. (All of the vocab can be found at the "Quizlet & More" tab above.)
T: Begin the "Observation and Details" lesson.
W: 1) Take the STAR reading test. Click here for the directions. Click here for the link to the test.
2) Finish the library scavenger hunt.
3) Look for good, challenging novels and add them to your "Novels I'd Like to Read" list.
R: Turn in your library scavenger hunt sheet. Show me your "Novels I'd Like to Read" list with at least five challenging novels on it. Interview a student and write about them using what you learned from the "Observation and Details" lesson.
F: Take the Vocab 1 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 9-4-17
M: Labor Day
T: Discuss the syllabus.
W: Make a seating chart. Start the midterm pretest.
R: Finish the midterm pretest. Learn how to find good, challenging novels for independent reading.
F: Look for good, challenging novels and add them to your "Novels I'd Like to Read" list. Complete the library scavenger hunt sheet.
Click here for the Sparta Middle School Library hours.
Click here for the vocab quiz schedule.
Click here for the MP4 Independent Reading Record, a.k.a. your homework.
Click here for the argumentative essay packet.
Click here for the research project planning packet.
Click here for the Rickrolled project.
NOTE: From now until the end of May, students will present their book talks and their research videos. This must be done by the end of May to receive full credit for these projects. The sign-up calendar is in the classroom.
Week of 6-4
M: Review for the final exam.
T: Take the final exam.
W: Substitute teacher today. Complete the Climax 1 and Climax 2 assignments. We will check them in class tomorrow.
R: Half-day. Take home your assessment portfolio.
F: Half-day and the last day of school. Read and analyze "Jellyfish" by Sarah Kay.
Week of 5-28
Click here for the final benchmark exam study guide.
M: No school today
T: Spell there/their/they're, to/too/two, your/you're/yore. and its/it's correctly.
W: Spell there/their/they're, to/too/two, your/you're/yore. and its/it's correctly.
R: Practice and review Vocab 10-18, capital letters, and commas.
F: This class does not meet today because of the exam schedule.
Week of 5-21
M: Take the capital letter quiz. Present book talks and research videos.
T: Substitute teacher today. Complete the Conflict 1 and Conflict 2 assignments.
W: Substitute teacher today. Complete the Plot 1 and Plot 2 assignments.
R: Present book talks and research videos.
F: Take the STAR reading test to measure your reading level progress. Fill out your reading record. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-14
M: Model and write the pufferfish article summary together in class. Click here for the pufferfish article.
T: Substitute teacher today. Find the main ideas and important supporting details in the "George Washington: Little Mouth of Horrors" text. Make an outline or graphic organizer of them and use it to plan and write a one paragraph summary of the text. Click here for the summary paragraph score sheet.
W: Practice capitalization and take the practice capital letter quiz. Review your George Washington summaries.
R: Do connotation/denotation and vocab enrichment sheets.
F: Half day today. Turn in your reading record. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-7
M: Introduce Vocab 18. The quiz is on Thursday.
T-W: Finish and submit your research video.
R: Take the Vocab 18 quiz. Read your novel.
F: Fill out your reading record. Introduce book talks. Review summary writing.
Week of 4-30
M: M-STEP practice
T-R: Take the M-STEP.
F: Turn in your reading record. Read your novel.
Week of 4-23
M: Introduce Vocab 17. Demonstration of how to insert your works cited page into your research video.
T: Work on your research video.
W: Read and analyze an excerpt from "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. Complete the first read assignment in Studysync.
R: Respond to an essay prompt about "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. Complete the close read assignment in Studysync.
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 17 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 4-16
M: Snow day
T: Introduce Vocab 16.
W-R: Create your research video. You will have two days next week to finish this.
F: Turn in your reading record. Take the Vocab 16 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 4-9
M: Vocab review
T: Finish your research video script. Create an MLA-style "works cited" page for your research video.
W: How to record your script.
R: How to create your research video.
Reminders:
To record audio on a Chromebook, use online-voice-recorder.com.
To record audio on your phone, use the Voice Record Pro free app and export your file in mp3 or m4a format.
To create your video on a Chromebook, use WeVideo.com. Sign in with your school Google account.
F: Fill out your reading record and read your novel.
--------------- Spring Break ---------------
Every week:
- Bring your novel to class to read every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Fill out your reading record in class each week on Friday.
- We will review grammar or do a quick-write for 10 minutes every Tuesday and Thursday.
Week of 3-26
M: Watch the required M-STEP tutorial videos. Click here for the link.
T: Write the script for your research video.
W: Assemble images and graphics for your research video.
R: Spring break. See you April 9.
Week of 3-19
M: Introduce Vocab 15.
T: Take the STAR reading test to determine your reading progress. Click here for directions.
W: Find sources and take notes to gather information you can use in your Mystery Research Project.
R: Organize your research notes and plan your research video.
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 15 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 3-12
M: Introduce Vocab 14
T: Introduce the Mystery Research Project. Click here for the Mystery Research Project point sheet. Pick a topic and generate two main research questions. Click here for the research project planning packet.
W-R: Find sources and take notes to gather information you can use in your Mystery Research Project.
F: Fill out your reading record and turn it in. Take the Vocab 14 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 3-5
M: Introduce Vocab 13.
T: Interpret infographics. Click here for the assignment. Click here for the handwriting infographic that goes with the assignment.
W: Snow day
R: Demonstrate and practice MLA-style in-text citations.
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 13 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-26
M: Review note-taking. Introduce and practice MLA citations.
T-W: Karlee Stine models how to conduct a research project in an abridged version of Starlee Kine's Mystery Show - Case #2 - Britney. Click here for the question sheet.
R: Sub today. Quick-write and vocab review.
F: Fill out and turn in your reading record. Take the comma quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-19
M: Introduce Vocab 12.
T-W: Review reliable sources. Introduce and practice note-taking for research.
R: Complete a one-day super-mini research project.
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 12 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 2-12
M: Take the Vocab 10 quiz. Fill out your reading record from last week. Review and discuss your argumentative essays.
T: Introduce Vocab 11.
W-R: Read and analyze an excerpt from Flesh and Blood So Cheap by Albert Marrin (Studysync).
F: Fill out your reading record and turn it in. Take the Vocab 11 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 2-5
M: Introduce Vocab 10.
T: First reading of an excerpt from Mother Jones: Fierce Fighter for Worker's Rights by Judith Pinkerton (Studysync). Annotate and discuss the text. Mark your confusion, questions, and places of interest.
W: Use informational text elements to better understand Mother Jones. (Complete the informational text elements assignment in Studysync.)
R: Use evidence from the text of Mother Jones to answer the Think Questions in Studysync. Use R.A.C.E to answer - Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain.
F: Snow day. We were going to... Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 10 quiz. Read your novel.
Week of 1-29
M: Write the third paragraph (body) of your argumentative essay (p. 17 of the argumentative essay packet).
T: Write the fourth paragraph (response to a counterargument) of your argumentative essay (pp. 13 and 17 of the argumentative essay packet).
W: Write the last paragraph (conclusion) of your argumentative essay (pp. 17-18 of the argumentative essay packet) and type your final draft in Word or Google Docs (p. 19 of the argumentative essay packet).
R: Finish your argumentative essay, print it, and turn it in.
F: Fill out your reading record for week 2 and turn it in. Practice using commas correctly. Read your novel.
Week of 1-22
M: Introduce and explain the independent reading records and book talks.
T: Find evidence and support for your argumentative essay (pp. 12-13 of the argumentative essay packet).
W: Write the opinion statement (thesis or claim) for your argumentative essay (p. 14 of the argumentative essay packet).
R: Write the first paragraph (introduction) for your argumentative essay (p. 16 of the argumentative essay packet).
F: Write the second paragraph (body) of your argumentative essay (p. 17 of the argumentative essay packet). Fill out your independent reading record. Read your novel in the library.
*************************** End of Semester 1 ***************************
Week of 1-15
M: Review for the midterm exam.
T-W: This class does not meet because of the exam schedule.
R: Take the midterm exam. (Half-day)
F: Read your novel in the library. (Half-day)
Week of 1-8
M: Fill out your reading record. Review and practice identifying sentence types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
T: Avoiding and correcting misplaced and confusing modifiers
W: Introduce the elements of an argumentative essay and analyze a sample essay, pages 1-4 of the argumentative essay packet.
R: Review the information found in a dictionary entry. Select a topic for your argumentative essay, pages 5-9 of the argumentative essay packet. Receive the midterm benchmark exam study guide.
F: Fill out and turn in your reading record for the second marking period. Study Vocab 1 to 9 for the midterm exam. Read your novel.
Week of 1-3
W-R: Review and practice sentence types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
F: Snow day
Week of 12-18
M: Read and analyze "Reality TV" argumentative essays in Studysync.
T: School was cancelled today.
W: Analyze arguments and claims in "Reality TV" essays (Studysync).
R-F: Christmas break. See you on January 3rd. :)
Week of 12-11
M: Introduce Vocab 9
T: Read and analyze "I, Too Sing America" by Langston Hughes (Studysync).
W: Sub today. Complete a lesson and practice sheets on characterization.
R: Analyze poetic structure and figurative language in "I, Too, Sing America" by Hughes (Studysync).
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 9 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 12-4
M: Introduce Vocab 8.
T-W: Read and analyze "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson (Studysync). Focus on foreshadowing, point of view, and theme.
R: Analyze story elements in "The Lottery" by Jackson (Studysync).
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 8 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-27
M: Review the short story (narrative) point sheet and revise your short story to include as many of the point sheet elements as you can.
T: Review your writing goal for the semester and revise your short story according to your writing goal. Write a title for your story.
W-R: Type, proofread, and edit your short story.
F: Print, label, and turn in your short story. Click here for the short story (narrative) point sheet which will help you label and check your story before you turn it in. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-20
M-T: Write a first draft of your short story.
W: Finish your first draft of your short story. Read your novel.
R: Eat turkey.
Week of 11-13
M: Finish and turn in your story map for "One Man Band" by Pixar. Complete a story map for your own short story.
T-W: Share and revise your story map in class.
R: Write a character sketch to be used in your short story (narrative).
F: Fill out your reading record. Take the Vocab 7 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-6 NOTE: No vocab quiz this week. I had to revise the vocab schedule.
M: Review Vocab 4 to 6. Introduce Vocab 7. Get your new reading record. Be reminded to finish your "Novels I Want to Read" list.
T: Review and practice serial commas. Begin short story (narrative) planning.
W-R: Brainstorm story ideas. Review and analyze plot in "For the Birds" and "One Man Band" by Pixar.
F: Fill out your reading record. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-30
M: Read and complete a story map for "A Little Night Fishing" by David Lubar.
T: Read and complete a story map for "Gone Fishing" from EC Comics.
W: Complete a graphic organizer and write a paragraph comparing "A Little Night Fishing" and "Gone Fishing."
R: Read and analyze "The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert W. Service in Studysync.
F: Take the STAR reading test. Look for good, challenging novels and add them to your "Novels I Want to Read" list. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-23
M: Introduce Vocab 6.
T: Text structure lesson for "Call of the Klondike" in Studysync.
W: Read and complete a story map for "The King of Maisy May" by Jack London in Studysync.
R: Turn in your writing notebook and your reading record and reflections for marking period 1. Analyze and discuss "The King of Maisy May" by Jack London in Studysync.
F: Fill out your reading record and write a three-minute reflection on what you read this week. Take the Vocab 6 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-16
M: Introduce Vocab 5. Complete a Studysync lesson on theme in "The Song of Wandering Aengus."
T: Practice subject & predicate. Take a practice subject & predicate quiz.
W: Read "Call of the Klondike" in Studysync.
R: Take the subject & predicate quiz. Complete the "Call of the Klondike" informational text structure assignment in Studysync.
F: Fill out your reading record and write a three-minute reflection on what you read this week. Take the Vocab 5 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-9
M: Introduce Vocab 4.
T: Practice subject & predicate. First reading of "The Song of Wandering Aengus" by William Butler Yeats.
W: Setting assignment.
R: Analyze "The Song of Wndering Aengus" (in Studysync) and use R.A.C.E. to respond to questions about the text.
F: Fill out your reading record and write a three-minute reflection on what you read this week. Take the Vocab 4 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-2
M: Read and discuss "Barrio Boy" by Ernesto Galarza. (Studysync)
T: Practice identifying subject & predicate. Review descriptive writing and how to use your writing notebook.
W: Use details from the text to discuss and respond to questions about "Barrio Boy." Practice word-solving strategies.
R: Review Vocab 1 to 3.
F: Review subject & predicate. Complete your reading log and reflection. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 9-25
M: Introduce Vocab 3.
T: Practice identifying subject and predicate.
Complete "Blast: In Pursuit" (in Studysync) in class.
W-R: Read and analyze "Barrio Boy" (in Studysync).
F: Take the Vocab 3 quiz. Fill out your reading record and write three-minute reflection on what you read this week.
Week of 9-18
M: Introduce Vocab 2.
T-W: Interview and observe another student and use the information you gather to write a one-page description of that student. Be sure to include useful and "golden" details. Introduce subject & predicate.
R: Review your STAR Reading Test results and set a reading goal for the 1st semester. Share your one-page description of another student in class and turn it in. Discuss and practice identifying subject & predicate.
F: Thirty-minute class today because of homesoming. Take the Vocab 2 quiz. Fill out your reading record and write a reflection on your novel.
Week of 9-11
M: Introduce Vocab 1. (All of the vocab can be found at the "Quizlet & More" tab above.)
T: Begin the "Observation and Details" lesson.
W: 1) Take the STAR reading test. Click here for the directions. Click here for the link to the test.
2) Finish the library scavenger hunt.
3) Look for good, challenging novels and add them to your "Novels I'd Like to Read" list.
R: Turn in your library scavenger hunt sheet. Show me your "Novels I'd Like to Read" list with at least five challenging novels on it. Interview a student and write about them using what you learned from the "Observation and Details" lesson.
F: Take the Vocab 1 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 9-4-17
M: Labor Day
T: Discuss the syllabus.
W: Make a seating chart. Start the midterm pretest.
R: Finish the midterm pretest. Learn how to find good, challenging novels for independent reading.
F: Look for good, challenging novels and add them to your "Novels I'd Like to Read" list. Complete the library scavenger hunt sheet.