Independent Reading Record for Trimester 3 Click here to connect to Connect Ed/Studysync
Vocabulary Quiz Schedule
Research Project Point Sheet
Research Project Planner
Rick Project
Week of June 5
M: Review for the final benchmark exam.
T: 2nd hour - Take the final benchmark exam.
4th hour - Review for the final benchmark exam.
6th hour does not meet today.
W: 2nd hour does not meet today.
4th hour - Take the final benchmark exam.
6th hour - Review for the final benchmark exam.
R: Half-day for students
2nd and 4th hours does not meet.
6th hour - Take the final benchmark exam.
F: Half-day for students - Last day of school - Make-up time for final benchmark exams
Week of 5-29
M: No school
T: Connotation and denotation
W: 8th grade recognition practice - Make-up/reading day for those who are here
R: Read and discuss "B" by Sarah Kay. Fill out and turn in your reading record for week 11.
F: Go To Michigan's Adventure.
Week of 5-22
M: Morality
T: Introduce Vocab 21. There won't be a separate quiz for this lesson, but it will be on the final benchmark exam.
W: "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost
R: Connotation and denotation
F: Take the STAR reading test to find your reading level. Click here for STAR test directions. Turn in reading record weeks 9 & 10. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-15
M: Studysync - Family Matters Blast
T: Sub today. Complete an assignment on imagery.
W: 2nd hour - Review the writing process.
4th hour - Make up late work. (Most of the class is on the San Chez field trip for Spanish class.)
6th hour - Review the writing process.
R: 2nd hour - Make up late work.
4th hour - Review the writing process.
6th hour - Make up late work.
F: Half-day today - Fill out reading record week 9. Take the Vocab 20 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-8
M: Introduce Vocab 20.
T-W: Studysync - First reading of "A Celebration of Grandfathers" by Rudolfo Anaya. Answer "think" question one.
R: Sub today. Complete an assignment on point of view and p. 228 of the Vocab 20 packet.
F: Studysync - First reading of "A Celebration of Grandfathers" by Rudolfo Anaya. Answer "think" questions two and three. (Skip questions four and five.) Submit your responses to be graded. Turn in your reading record for weeks 7 & 8. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-1
M: Studysync - Theme assignment from "Abuela..."
T: Studysync - Character assignment from "Abuela..."
W-R: Studysync - First reading of "A Celebration of Grandfathers" by Rudolfo Anaya
F: Take the Vocab 19 quiz. Fill out reading record week 7. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 4-24
M: Studysync - First reading of "Abuela Invents the Zero" by Judith Ortiz Cofer
T: Take the Vocab 18 quiz.
W: Introduce Vocab 19.
R: Studysync - Close reading of "Abuela Invents the Zero" by Judith Ortiz Cofer
F: Fill out and turn in reading record weeks 5 & 6. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 4-17
Note: Sign up in class to present your research video in April or May.
M: Take the M-STEP.
T: Review your narrative essays.
W: Introduce Vocab 18. (The quiz is next week on Tuesday, April 25.)
R: Introduce Studysync and practice navigating the system.
F: Finish Studysync intro. Read your novel in the library. Fill out reading record week 5.
Week of 4-10
M: How to respond to a short answer question. Click here for an explanation of the RACES strategy. Click here for a model using the RACES strategy with an article about the Ho Chunk Nation. Click here for a practice article and question about the fennec fox.
T-R: Take the M-STEP.
F: (Half-day) Turn in reading record weeks 3 & 4. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 3-27
M: Work on your research project video.
T: Take the quiz on verbals (infinitives, gerunds, participles). Work on your research project video.
W: Fill out reading record week 3. Take the Vocab 17 quiz. Finish your research project video. Read your novel in the library.
R-F: Spring break. School resumes on Monday. April 10.
Week of 3-20
M: Work on your research project video in the library.
T: Introduce Vocab 17.
W: Demonstrate how to create a works cited page. Work on your research project video in the library.
R: Introduce and practice identifying and using verbals (infinitives, gerunds, participles).
F: Review verbals. Turn in reading record weeks 1 & 2. Finish your research project video and/or read your novel in the library.
Name the file like this: LastName FirstName Hour Title. Share the file with me at [email protected].
Week of 3-13
M: Trimester 3 starts today. Write the script (report) for your research project video.
T: Plan and get photos, graphics, and videos for your research project video.
W: Record the audio for your research project video.
R: Assemble and edit your research project video.
F: Fill out reading record week 1. Take the Vocab 16 quiz. Practice for M-STEP testing. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 3-6
M: Last day to search for information on your research topic and take notes. Click here for the note taking guide. Click here for a different version of the note taking guide from Ms. Sajdak in Google Docs.
T: Introduce and practice identifying text structures. Identify the most interesting relevant information in your research notes.
W: Substitute teacher today - Introduce Vocab 16.
R: Organize the information you will use from your research notes. Write the script/report for your research project video.
F: Review adjectives. Fill out your reading record for week 11. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-27
M: Generate questions and identify credible sources for your research topic. Click here for the Web Site Evaluation Sheet.
T: Demonstrate and practice taking research notes from sources and recording MLA citation information.
W-R: Search for information on your research topic and take notes. Click here for the note taking guide. Click here for a different version of the note taking guide from Ms. Sajdak in Google Docs.
F: Take the Vocab 15 quiz. Fill out your reading record for week 11. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-20
M: Half day today. Print a copy of your everyday horror story, label an example of showing and of figurative language, and turn it in.
NOTE: Keep your story file in Google Docs in case you need it.
T: Introduce Vocab 15.
W: Introduce how to research a topic using an abridged version of Starlee Kine's Mystery Show - Case #2 - Britney. Click here for the question sheet.
R: Introduce the Career Research Project and pick a topic.
Click here for a career aptitude test to help you pick a career to research.
Click here for a list of careers you could choose for your research topic.
Click here for the research project task organizer.
F: Review verbs. Fill out and turn in your reading record for weeks 9 & 10. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-13
M: Finish your narrative essay first draft.
T: Proofread your narrative essay and get feedback for improvements.
W: Finish and turn in a paper copy of your narrative essay.
R: Substitute teacher today. Complete an assignment on flashback and foreshadowing.
F: Take the Vocab 14 quiz. Fill out your reading record for week 9. Read your novel.
Week of 2-6
M: Introduce Vocab 14.
T: Plan and write your narrative essay. Click here for a description of a narrative essay. Click here for the narrative essay point sheet.
W-R: Practice showing vs. telling. Add showing and figurative language to one of your journal entries.
F: Turn in your reading record for weeks 7 & 8. Read your novel.
Week of 1-30
M: Discuss visualization as a reading and writing strategy. Write Journal 1 for your narrative essay.
T: Write Journal 2 for your narrative essay.
W: Discuss showing vs. telling as a writing technique. Write Journal 3 of your narrative essay.
R: Use word solving strategies from Vocab 13. Write Journal 4 for your narrative essay.
F: Take the Vocab 13 quiz. Fill out reading record week 7. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 1-23 (Exam Week continued)
M: 2nd hour - Read and analyze "Tricked" by David Sedaris.
4th hour does not meet today.
6th hour - Take the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
T: Create a plot outline for "Tricked" by David Sedaris.
W: Introduce Vocab 13.
R: Analyze "Tricked" by David Sedaris. to determine the theme and write a paragraph explaining the theme.
F: Turn in your reading record for weeks 5 & 6. Read you novel in the library.
Week of 1-16 (Exam Week)
M: 2nd hour - Review for the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
4th & 6th hours - Read and analyze "Tricked" by David Sedaris.
T: Snow day
W: 2nd hour - Take the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
4th hour - Review for the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
6th hour does not meet today.
R: This class does not meet today.
F: 4th hour - Take the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
6th hour - Review for the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
Week of 1-9
M: Introduce and practice active vs. passive voice.
T: Snow day
W: Introduce and practice subjunctive and conditional mood. Review how to write a title.
R: Snow day. (Take the Vocab 9 quiz. Fill out reading record week 4 and turn it in. Read your novel in the library.)
NOTE: Due to exams, we will not take the vocab quiz on Friday. We'll talk about it in class.
F: Read and analyze "A & P" by John Updike.
Week of 1-2
M: Still Christmas break
T: Introduce Vocab 9.
W: Review persuasive essays. Review rules for spelling with suffixes.
R: Take a practice quiz on spelling rules with suffixes. Based on the strengths and weaknesses of your persuasive essay, make a writing goal for your next paper.
F: Take a quiz on spelling rules with suffixes. Fill out reading record week 3. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 12-19
M: Use these spelling rules with suffixes: the doubling rule, silent e rule, and the final y rule. Read and complete Unit 3: The Final Silent E Rule and check your answers.
T: Take the Vocab 8 quiz. Read and complete Unit 4: The Final Y Rule and check your answers.
W: Read and analyze "Santaland Diaries" (abridged) by David Sedaris.
R-F: Christmas break. Build a snowman and read a lot.
Week of 12-12
M: Snow day
T: Take the capital letter quiz. Introduce Vocab 8.
W: Take the STAR reading test to find your reading level. Click here for STAR test directions. Read "A Storyteller and His Art" by N. Scott Momaday. Answer these two questions in your writing notebook:
F: Fill out reading record week 2 and turn it in. Read "The Indian Dog" by N. Scott Momaday and answer the "Review Sheet" questions that follow the story.
Week of 12-5
M: Get the new reading record. Make a new seating chart. Make your assessment portfolio. Practice using capital letters.
T: Find the plot in the Pixar short film "Geri's Game." Practice capital letters.
W: Find the plot in the Pixar short film "Knick Knack."
R: Practice capital letters.
F: Fill out reading record week 1. Take the Vocab 7 quiz. Read a challenging novel in the library.
Still working on your persuasive essay? Here's the persuasive essay packet. Here are the instructions on citations.
Come to Seminar if you need help.
Week of 11-28 (This is the last week of Trimester 1.)
M: Fill out and turn in your reading record for weeks 11 & 12. Introduce Vocab 7.
T: Make an appositive flip book.
W: Find the plot in "Greeting Disorder" by Merrill Markoe (which we read on 11-17).
R: Find the plot in "Men Are Diffreent" by Alan Bloch.
F: Grammar practice. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-21
M: Take the Vocab 6 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
T: Word-solving strategies. Review Vocab 4 to 6.
Week of 11-14:
M: Introduce Vocab 6.
T: Practice using commas.
W: Take the practice comma quiz. Based on the results, make a list of comma rules to practice by Friday. Make a social contract.
R: Introduce literary terms. Read and analyze "Greeting Disorder" by Merrill Markoe.
F: Take the comma quiz. Fill out your reading record for week 11. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-7
M: Practice using commas with a comma quiz game.
T: Practice commas by writing from a model.
W-R: Listen to and analyze "The Ethics of Jokes" by Garrison Keillor. Click here for the assignment sheet.
R: Introduce literary terms. Practice using commas.
F: Take the Vocab 5 quiz. Turn in reading record for weeks 9 & 10. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-31
M: Read and analyze the short story "The Boarded Window" by Ambrose Bierce. Click here for the assignment, the original text, and an easier-to-read version of the story. Click here for the characterization chart. Here are links to audio of the story:
original version audio: (starts at 0:51) http://themoonlitroad.com/the-boarded-window-ambrose-bierce-ghost-story/
easier version audio: http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/1978141.html
T: Make-up day. Finish your persuasive essay. Take any quizzes you missed. If you are all caught up, read your novel or bring work from another class.
W: Introduce Vocab 5.
R: Practice using commas.
F: Practice using commas. Fill out week 9 of your reading record. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-24
M-T: Check the structure of your persuasive essay with the persuasive essay structure sheet. Type your persuasive essay in Google Docs. Print your persuasive essay, underline your thesis/claim (it must be at the end of the 1st paragraph), and discuss it with me.
W: Revise your persuasive essay. Pages 17-21, 23 of the persuasive essay packet.
R: Type and print the final version of your persuasive essay and turn it in to me.
F: Take the Vocab 4 quiz. Fill out and turn in your reading record for weeks 7 & 8. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-17
M: Introduce Vocab 4. Practice word-solving strategies.
T: Finish writing the reason paragraphs of you persuasive essay - page 15 of the persuasive essay packet.
W: Write the counterargument and rebuttal paragraph of your persuasive essay - page 15 of the persuasive essay packet.
R: Write the concluding paragraph of your persuasive essay - pages 15-16 of the persuasive essay packet. Type the first draft of your whole persuasive essay in Google Docs.
F: Practice comma rules. Fill out reading record week 7. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-10
M: Write two versions of the first paragraph of your persuasive essay - page 14 of the persuasive essay packet.
T: Introduce comma rules. Learn how to do research for your persuasive essay.
W: Take the subject and predicate quiz. Do research for your persuasive essay.
R: Take the Vocab 3 quiz. Begin to write your middle paragraphs for the persuasive essay - page 15 of the persuasive essay packet.
F: Substitute teacher today. Fill out and turn in your reading record for weeks 5 & 6. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-3
M: Introduce Vocab 3.
T-R: Choose a topic and plan the arguments for your persuasive essay - pages 5 to 12 of the persuasive essay packet.
F: Grammar practice - subjects and predicates. Fill out your reading record for week 5.
Week of 9-26
M: Read and analyze a persuasive essay, "Why Elephants Need Circuses and Zoos."
T: Read and analyze a persuasive essay, "Son, You've Made a Mockery of Taco Night."
W-R: Plan your persuasive essay - pages 1 to 4 of the persuasive essay packet.
F: Grammar practice: subjects and predicates. Turn in independent reading record weeks 3 and 4. Take the Vocab 2 quiz.
Week of 9-19
M: Introduce Vocab 1.
T: Review editorial analysis from last Thursday.
W: Substitute teacher today. Complete word-solving skills activities from Vocab 1 and Vocab 2 practice sheets.
R: Substitute teacher today. Complete literary term practice sheets on theme.
F: Grammar practice. Fill out reading record week 3. Read your novel for 30 minutes.
Week of 9-12
M: Introduce Vocab 1.
T-W: Read and analyze the editorial "The Fight to Keep Voracious Asian Carp out of Lake Michigan" from the Grand Rapids Press.
R: Take the STAR test to determine your reading level. We'll take it again in December to see how you have grown. Read and analyze an editorial.
F: Take the Vocab 1 quiz. Fill out your reading record for week 2 and turn it in.
Week of 9-5
T: Discuss class details. Pass out and explain reading expectations and the Independent Reading Record.
Click here for the syllabus.
Click here for a Powerpoint about the class.
W: Take the midterm pretest.
R: Make a seating chart. Demonstrate how to find a novel that is right for you.
F: Fill out reading record week 1. Do quickwrite #1. Read book reviews and make a list of novels you might enjoy.
Vocabulary Quiz Schedule
Research Project Point Sheet
Research Project Planner
Rick Project
Week of June 5
M: Review for the final benchmark exam.
T: 2nd hour - Take the final benchmark exam.
4th hour - Review for the final benchmark exam.
6th hour does not meet today.
W: 2nd hour does not meet today.
4th hour - Take the final benchmark exam.
6th hour - Review for the final benchmark exam.
R: Half-day for students
2nd and 4th hours does not meet.
6th hour - Take the final benchmark exam.
F: Half-day for students - Last day of school - Make-up time for final benchmark exams
Week of 5-29
M: No school
T: Connotation and denotation
W: 8th grade recognition practice - Make-up/reading day for those who are here
R: Read and discuss "B" by Sarah Kay. Fill out and turn in your reading record for week 11.
F: Go To Michigan's Adventure.
Week of 5-22
M: Morality
T: Introduce Vocab 21. There won't be a separate quiz for this lesson, but it will be on the final benchmark exam.
W: "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost
R: Connotation and denotation
F: Take the STAR reading test to find your reading level. Click here for STAR test directions. Turn in reading record weeks 9 & 10. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-15
M: Studysync - Family Matters Blast
T: Sub today. Complete an assignment on imagery.
W: 2nd hour - Review the writing process.
4th hour - Make up late work. (Most of the class is on the San Chez field trip for Spanish class.)
6th hour - Review the writing process.
R: 2nd hour - Make up late work.
4th hour - Review the writing process.
6th hour - Make up late work.
F: Half-day today - Fill out reading record week 9. Take the Vocab 20 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-8
M: Introduce Vocab 20.
T-W: Studysync - First reading of "A Celebration of Grandfathers" by Rudolfo Anaya. Answer "think" question one.
R: Sub today. Complete an assignment on point of view and p. 228 of the Vocab 20 packet.
F: Studysync - First reading of "A Celebration of Grandfathers" by Rudolfo Anaya. Answer "think" questions two and three. (Skip questions four and five.) Submit your responses to be graded. Turn in your reading record for weeks 7 & 8. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 5-1
M: Studysync - Theme assignment from "Abuela..."
T: Studysync - Character assignment from "Abuela..."
W-R: Studysync - First reading of "A Celebration of Grandfathers" by Rudolfo Anaya
F: Take the Vocab 19 quiz. Fill out reading record week 7. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 4-24
M: Studysync - First reading of "Abuela Invents the Zero" by Judith Ortiz Cofer
T: Take the Vocab 18 quiz.
W: Introduce Vocab 19.
R: Studysync - Close reading of "Abuela Invents the Zero" by Judith Ortiz Cofer
F: Fill out and turn in reading record weeks 5 & 6. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 4-17
Note: Sign up in class to present your research video in April or May.
M: Take the M-STEP.
T: Review your narrative essays.
W: Introduce Vocab 18. (The quiz is next week on Tuesday, April 25.)
R: Introduce Studysync and practice navigating the system.
F: Finish Studysync intro. Read your novel in the library. Fill out reading record week 5.
Week of 4-10
M: How to respond to a short answer question. Click here for an explanation of the RACES strategy. Click here for a model using the RACES strategy with an article about the Ho Chunk Nation. Click here for a practice article and question about the fennec fox.
T-R: Take the M-STEP.
F: (Half-day) Turn in reading record weeks 3 & 4. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 3-27
M: Work on your research project video.
T: Take the quiz on verbals (infinitives, gerunds, participles). Work on your research project video.
W: Fill out reading record week 3. Take the Vocab 17 quiz. Finish your research project video. Read your novel in the library.
R-F: Spring break. School resumes on Monday. April 10.
Week of 3-20
M: Work on your research project video in the library.
T: Introduce Vocab 17.
W: Demonstrate how to create a works cited page. Work on your research project video in the library.
R: Introduce and practice identifying and using verbals (infinitives, gerunds, participles).
F: Review verbals. Turn in reading record weeks 1 & 2. Finish your research project video and/or read your novel in the library.
Name the file like this: LastName FirstName Hour Title. Share the file with me at [email protected].
Week of 3-13
M: Trimester 3 starts today. Write the script (report) for your research project video.
T: Plan and get photos, graphics, and videos for your research project video.
W: Record the audio for your research project video.
R: Assemble and edit your research project video.
F: Fill out reading record week 1. Take the Vocab 16 quiz. Practice for M-STEP testing. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 3-6
M: Last day to search for information on your research topic and take notes. Click here for the note taking guide. Click here for a different version of the note taking guide from Ms. Sajdak in Google Docs.
T: Introduce and practice identifying text structures. Identify the most interesting relevant information in your research notes.
W: Substitute teacher today - Introduce Vocab 16.
R: Organize the information you will use from your research notes. Write the script/report for your research project video.
F: Review adjectives. Fill out your reading record for week 11. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-27
M: Generate questions and identify credible sources for your research topic. Click here for the Web Site Evaluation Sheet.
T: Demonstrate and practice taking research notes from sources and recording MLA citation information.
W-R: Search for information on your research topic and take notes. Click here for the note taking guide. Click here for a different version of the note taking guide from Ms. Sajdak in Google Docs.
F: Take the Vocab 15 quiz. Fill out your reading record for week 11. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-20
M: Half day today. Print a copy of your everyday horror story, label an example of showing and of figurative language, and turn it in.
NOTE: Keep your story file in Google Docs in case you need it.
T: Introduce Vocab 15.
W: Introduce how to research a topic using an abridged version of Starlee Kine's Mystery Show - Case #2 - Britney. Click here for the question sheet.
R: Introduce the Career Research Project and pick a topic.
Click here for a career aptitude test to help you pick a career to research.
Click here for a list of careers you could choose for your research topic.
Click here for the research project task organizer.
F: Review verbs. Fill out and turn in your reading record for weeks 9 & 10. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 2-13
M: Finish your narrative essay first draft.
T: Proofread your narrative essay and get feedback for improvements.
W: Finish and turn in a paper copy of your narrative essay.
R: Substitute teacher today. Complete an assignment on flashback and foreshadowing.
F: Take the Vocab 14 quiz. Fill out your reading record for week 9. Read your novel.
Week of 2-6
M: Introduce Vocab 14.
T: Plan and write your narrative essay. Click here for a description of a narrative essay. Click here for the narrative essay point sheet.
W-R: Practice showing vs. telling. Add showing and figurative language to one of your journal entries.
F: Turn in your reading record for weeks 7 & 8. Read your novel.
Week of 1-30
M: Discuss visualization as a reading and writing strategy. Write Journal 1 for your narrative essay.
T: Write Journal 2 for your narrative essay.
W: Discuss showing vs. telling as a writing technique. Write Journal 3 of your narrative essay.
R: Use word solving strategies from Vocab 13. Write Journal 4 for your narrative essay.
F: Take the Vocab 13 quiz. Fill out reading record week 7. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 1-23 (Exam Week continued)
M: 2nd hour - Read and analyze "Tricked" by David Sedaris.
4th hour does not meet today.
6th hour - Take the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
T: Create a plot outline for "Tricked" by David Sedaris.
W: Introduce Vocab 13.
R: Analyze "Tricked" by David Sedaris. to determine the theme and write a paragraph explaining the theme.
F: Turn in your reading record for weeks 5 & 6. Read you novel in the library.
Week of 1-16 (Exam Week)
M: 2nd hour - Review for the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
4th & 6th hours - Read and analyze "Tricked" by David Sedaris.
T: Snow day
W: 2nd hour - Take the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
4th hour - Review for the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
6th hour does not meet today.
R: This class does not meet today.
F: 4th hour - Take the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
6th hour - Review for the Midterm Benchmark Exam.
Week of 1-9
M: Introduce and practice active vs. passive voice.
T: Snow day
W: Introduce and practice subjunctive and conditional mood. Review how to write a title.
R: Snow day. (Take the Vocab 9 quiz. Fill out reading record week 4 and turn it in. Read your novel in the library.)
NOTE: Due to exams, we will not take the vocab quiz on Friday. We'll talk about it in class.
F: Read and analyze "A & P" by John Updike.
Week of 1-2
M: Still Christmas break
T: Introduce Vocab 9.
W: Review persuasive essays. Review rules for spelling with suffixes.
R: Take a practice quiz on spelling rules with suffixes. Based on the strengths and weaknesses of your persuasive essay, make a writing goal for your next paper.
F: Take a quiz on spelling rules with suffixes. Fill out reading record week 3. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 12-19
M: Use these spelling rules with suffixes: the doubling rule, silent e rule, and the final y rule. Read and complete Unit 3: The Final Silent E Rule and check your answers.
T: Take the Vocab 8 quiz. Read and complete Unit 4: The Final Y Rule and check your answers.
W: Read and analyze "Santaland Diaries" (abridged) by David Sedaris.
R-F: Christmas break. Build a snowman and read a lot.
Week of 12-12
M: Snow day
T: Take the capital letter quiz. Introduce Vocab 8.
W: Take the STAR reading test to find your reading level. Click here for STAR test directions. Read "A Storyteller and His Art" by N. Scott Momaday. Answer these two questions in your writing notebook:
- Momaday writes, "At that moment when we are drawn into the element of language, we are as intensely alive as we can be; we create and we are created." In your own words, explain what Momaday is saying here.
- According to Momaday, what is the central function of storytelling? Do you agree? Explain your answer.
F: Fill out reading record week 2 and turn it in. Read "The Indian Dog" by N. Scott Momaday and answer the "Review Sheet" questions that follow the story.
Week of 12-5
M: Get the new reading record. Make a new seating chart. Make your assessment portfolio. Practice using capital letters.
T: Find the plot in the Pixar short film "Geri's Game." Practice capital letters.
W: Find the plot in the Pixar short film "Knick Knack."
R: Practice capital letters.
F: Fill out reading record week 1. Take the Vocab 7 quiz. Read a challenging novel in the library.
Still working on your persuasive essay? Here's the persuasive essay packet. Here are the instructions on citations.
Come to Seminar if you need help.
Week of 11-28 (This is the last week of Trimester 1.)
M: Fill out and turn in your reading record for weeks 11 & 12. Introduce Vocab 7.
T: Make an appositive flip book.
W: Find the plot in "Greeting Disorder" by Merrill Markoe (which we read on 11-17).
R: Find the plot in "Men Are Diffreent" by Alan Bloch.
F: Grammar practice. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-21
M: Take the Vocab 6 quiz. Read your novel in the library.
T: Word-solving strategies. Review Vocab 4 to 6.
Week of 11-14:
M: Introduce Vocab 6.
T: Practice using commas.
W: Take the practice comma quiz. Based on the results, make a list of comma rules to practice by Friday. Make a social contract.
R: Introduce literary terms. Read and analyze "Greeting Disorder" by Merrill Markoe.
F: Take the comma quiz. Fill out your reading record for week 11. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 11-7
M: Practice using commas with a comma quiz game.
T: Practice commas by writing from a model.
W-R: Listen to and analyze "The Ethics of Jokes" by Garrison Keillor. Click here for the assignment sheet.
R: Introduce literary terms. Practice using commas.
F: Take the Vocab 5 quiz. Turn in reading record for weeks 9 & 10. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-31
M: Read and analyze the short story "The Boarded Window" by Ambrose Bierce. Click here for the assignment, the original text, and an easier-to-read version of the story. Click here for the characterization chart. Here are links to audio of the story:
original version audio: (starts at 0:51) http://themoonlitroad.com/the-boarded-window-ambrose-bierce-ghost-story/
easier version audio: http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/1978141.html
T: Make-up day. Finish your persuasive essay. Take any quizzes you missed. If you are all caught up, read your novel or bring work from another class.
W: Introduce Vocab 5.
R: Practice using commas.
F: Practice using commas. Fill out week 9 of your reading record. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-24
M-T: Check the structure of your persuasive essay with the persuasive essay structure sheet. Type your persuasive essay in Google Docs. Print your persuasive essay, underline your thesis/claim (it must be at the end of the 1st paragraph), and discuss it with me.
W: Revise your persuasive essay. Pages 17-21, 23 of the persuasive essay packet.
R: Type and print the final version of your persuasive essay and turn it in to me.
F: Take the Vocab 4 quiz. Fill out and turn in your reading record for weeks 7 & 8. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-17
M: Introduce Vocab 4. Practice word-solving strategies.
T: Finish writing the reason paragraphs of you persuasive essay - page 15 of the persuasive essay packet.
W: Write the counterargument and rebuttal paragraph of your persuasive essay - page 15 of the persuasive essay packet.
R: Write the concluding paragraph of your persuasive essay - pages 15-16 of the persuasive essay packet. Type the first draft of your whole persuasive essay in Google Docs.
F: Practice comma rules. Fill out reading record week 7. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-10
M: Write two versions of the first paragraph of your persuasive essay - page 14 of the persuasive essay packet.
T: Introduce comma rules. Learn how to do research for your persuasive essay.
W: Take the subject and predicate quiz. Do research for your persuasive essay.
R: Take the Vocab 3 quiz. Begin to write your middle paragraphs for the persuasive essay - page 15 of the persuasive essay packet.
F: Substitute teacher today. Fill out and turn in your reading record for weeks 5 & 6. Read your novel in the library.
Week of 10-3
M: Introduce Vocab 3.
T-R: Choose a topic and plan the arguments for your persuasive essay - pages 5 to 12 of the persuasive essay packet.
F: Grammar practice - subjects and predicates. Fill out your reading record for week 5.
Week of 9-26
M: Read and analyze a persuasive essay, "Why Elephants Need Circuses and Zoos."
T: Read and analyze a persuasive essay, "Son, You've Made a Mockery of Taco Night."
W-R: Plan your persuasive essay - pages 1 to 4 of the persuasive essay packet.
F: Grammar practice: subjects and predicates. Turn in independent reading record weeks 3 and 4. Take the Vocab 2 quiz.
Week of 9-19
M: Introduce Vocab 1.
T: Review editorial analysis from last Thursday.
W: Substitute teacher today. Complete word-solving skills activities from Vocab 1 and Vocab 2 practice sheets.
R: Substitute teacher today. Complete literary term practice sheets on theme.
F: Grammar practice. Fill out reading record week 3. Read your novel for 30 minutes.
Week of 9-12
M: Introduce Vocab 1.
T-W: Read and analyze the editorial "The Fight to Keep Voracious Asian Carp out of Lake Michigan" from the Grand Rapids Press.
R: Take the STAR test to determine your reading level. We'll take it again in December to see how you have grown. Read and analyze an editorial.
F: Take the Vocab 1 quiz. Fill out your reading record for week 2 and turn it in.
Week of 9-5
T: Discuss class details. Pass out and explain reading expectations and the Independent Reading Record.
Click here for the syllabus.
Click here for a Powerpoint about the class.
W: Take the midterm pretest.
R: Make a seating chart. Demonstrate how to find a novel that is right for you.
F: Fill out reading record week 1. Do quickwrite #1. Read book reviews and make a list of novels you might enjoy.