Homework ELA
June 11, 2009
Working on letters of application or recommendation for the Cimini School of Arctic Survival.
June 10, 2009
We are halfway through everyone solving "Traffic Jam." Have you noticed a correlation between group cooperation, leadership, and our success?
Give that question some thought.
Homework is to improve the outline you began in response to my help wanted ad for instructiors for the Cimini School of Arctic Survival.
Please help me find some outstanding employees to work at my school this summer!
June 4, 2009
We are at "Semi-concious" on the Survivo-Meter based on our knowledge of today's assigned reading. No supplies remain.
Some of you are not pulling your share and it is clear from your classmates that if we were on a boat, they would have no trouble throwing you overboard!
Catch up on any reading where you are behind and study, for tomorrow is the last day for questions big or small. You should be done with the book.
We may find out the answer to the question : What happens if we die?
June 3, 2009
Finish the text!
June 2, 2009
50% passed their compass quiz and 50% did not.
Homework is to read Ch. 18 for trivia and survival challenges.
June 1, 2009
We are working to master the use of compasses for directional travel and to complete SNOWBOUND. Our current status is hypothermic on the survivometer based on a weak showing today. Tuesday we have a written quiz on the parts of the compass and how to use the compass explained in writing. No 100 on the quiz, no going outside.
Ch. 16-17 are assigned for the Big 5 of Survival as well.
May 26, 2009
We read in class to catch up from the week-end. The assignment was Ch. 10-11 while looking for the basics of survival and character traits of both Tony and Cindy.
For Thurs. you are to read Ch. 12-14 while reading for trivia challenges.
The group remains "weak and chilly" but owns the boots, car and cookies. Which of the Big Five of Survival do these cover?
May 22, 2009
We are in the middle of SNOWBOUND by Harry Mazer and have so far managed to acquire a pair of boots and the car Cindy and Tony are stuck in. We still need to work on our trivia challenges for health and supplies to see if we will survive.
No homework this week-end.
May 14, 2009
We are reading SNOWBOUND and learning about the major characters. So far we have been able to prove that Tony is spoiled. What do we think about Cindy?
May 8, 2009
Quiz Monday. Study, study, study!
May 7, 2009
Presentations on independent texts are going well. We have 2 left and will complete one tomorrow. Our quiz on Survival Basics, Lake Effect Snow and the Tug Hill Plateau is moved to Monday.
May 4, 2009
Lots of work ahead this week.
Finish a 2nd draft of "The Thank-You Letter" for class tomorrow. Read, read, read if you haven't finished your book.
Independent presentations will be in class Thursday after you review your independent project with me on Weds.
A quiz will be given on Friday on the topics of The 5 Basics of Survival, Lake Effect Snow and the Tug Hill Plateau. Make certain you have all the notes from the posters.
April 30, 2009
Presentations were given on our survival topics with accompanying charts. Outlines were provided by the presenting group to help students with note-taking.
Opportunity will be given in class to revisit charts and update notes if needed. A test will occur next week on this material.
Independent reading and projects are the homework focus tonight and through the week-end.
April 29, 2009
We are learning about the Basic 5 of Survival, Lake Effect Snow and the Tug Hill Plateau in New York State.
This information will help us understand our next group-shared text after we complete projects on our independent texts.
We need to complete our independent texts and move through our chosen project after conferencing with me on project choice.
April 27, 2009
Back from vacation, like we never left. We have a lot of independent work as well as group work in this next unit on survival.
Homework for tonight is to finish your model of the poem "The Thank-You Letter" and to select 3 possible independent projects for your survival book.
April 13, 2009
Back from the long week-end and we are right back into Poetry Month. Homework tonight is to complete your model for John Grandits' "My Sister is Crazy."
Your original version is due tomorrow. Be sure to follow the format of the text structure that we outlined. We are going to keep the poetry display moving with 2 models each week.
Independent reading tonight too.
April 7, 2009
Jackdaw presentations are complete with some very good work shown. We put together a class jackdaw for a display with "greatest hits" selection of artifacts and quotes from the whole class.
Independent reading tonight please and tomorrow in class with more poetry to come.
April 6, 2009
The jackdaw presentations are tomorrow. Please be sure to hae your quotes on index cards. Your artifacts are limited to two in pictures, everything else must be an item.
Make sure that you practice and can explain what your symbolic artifacts mean.
April 1, 2009
April is poetry month! You all did a good job memorizing Joh Grandits poem "My Stupid Day."
Homework is to create 2 original versions of your "Stupid Day," one for school and one for the week-end or vacation. Pay attention to the clock!
Independent reading continues as well.
March 31, 2009
A fire drill was not exactly what we needed in the middle of class today but we survived it. We will finish gigantic character maps with "I Am.." poems tomorrow.
Homework is to finish your selection for your jackdaw. Focus on symbolic artifacts and identify quotes for each item. Individual confrences tomorrow.
Presentation date is April 7.
March 30, 2009
Jackdaws are our current project, using artifacts to represent themes from the text SOMETHING UPSTAIRS. We identified themes of slavery and racism, friendship and memory, and history.
You need for tomorrow, 4 items identified for the jackdaw, a quote for each, and to read from your new independent text 20-30 minutes.
March 26, 2009
Well that was different, a vidotape and letters from the INS. How do you feel about being responsible for the INS investigating Aunt Consuelo and Lupita's mother for trafficking in humans, or the Mexican government evaluating the Torres family living arrangement in Ensenada? We all better study up on tha citizenship test- no excuses.
March 25, 2009
We finished with the reading of SOMETHING UPSTAIRS and now will complete a final project on the text, a Jackdaw. The jackdaw is a physical representation of characters, themes and ideas from the text while the physical representation is meant to be symbolic.
For example, Kenny's keychain, which we have had the entire time we read the book, is not only Kenny's link to his present, it also represents the chains of slavery in which he is caught when someone else has absolute power over him.
We are also reading independent texts before beginning a survival unit as a group, with a new group shared text.
March 23, 2009
Did your prediction turn out to be true? What evidence did you use to make it?
Homework is to finish the book and complete and "I Am.." poem for Kenny.
Try not to be too superficial with your lines.
March 20, 2009
So Kenny is the ghost haunting Caleb in 1800.
How will the story end? Predict in your marblebound using all the evidence you have available.
March 19, 2009
While examining a modern map of Providence with the labeled highways and the streets we marked all the locations from the text and highlighted any other locations that had a connection to anything or anyone else in the text. One example would be the Moses Brown School being connected to the Brown brothers in the text.
Then we examined an historical map of Providence for locations from the text or characters names.
Homework is to match the land area from the historic map to the modern day street map and mark it on the street map.
Why would the historic map be so differently arranged compared to the street map if they cover some of the same land?
Word search is to be completed as well.
March 18, 2009
In general, you believed that Kenny should be trying to help Caleb, and ignoring Willinghast's advice. How do you think that will work out for him in the end?
Homework is to locate on the map of Providence where each street is we have recorded as being important in the text. The list is in your marblebound.
Use just a highlighter to mark the map please.
March 17, 2009
After reading what happened on Olney Lane, respond to this question in your marblebound please:
In Ch. 3 Pardon Willinghast tells Kenny "If I were you, I should cease my search" in regard to Kenny looking for a murdered slave from his house's previous owners. Should Kenny have followed Willinghast's advice?
Answer in opinion/proof style using evidence from the text.
March 16, 2009
Three questions to answer.
Is Kenny doing what Willig\nghast wants?
Who is in charge-Kenny, Caleb, or Willinghast?
What do you predict will happen on Olney Lane?
Answer all three in opinion/proof style, usig evidence from the text to support your opinion.
March 13, 2009
Despite Google Earth freezing up, it is interesting to visit the locations in our text. What observations can you make about the proximity of the locations we research and the nature of the neighborhoods and architecture?
Homework is to complete the Cloze #2 exercise by filling in with a word that makes sense and uses good language.
March 12, 2009
You had some very interesting responses and reasons for Kenny's place in time. All sparked by Jill having noticed that the figure outside the window was visible in the glow of a street lamp! Good observations were also made about the differences between the old and new river views in Providence and how different the drawing of the old waterfront was from present day pictures. The highway has changed everything, along with "Tony's Seafood truck."
We also added to the list of names and locations to check out tomorrow on Google Earth.
Homework is to read half of Ch. 5, summarize and note new names and locations.
March 11, 2009
Are we in the past, the present-or both at the same time?
Homework is to answer that question for Kenny, note new names and addresses in Ch. 4, draw a picture of the man outside Kenny's window then read C h. 5 to the break on page 57 and summarize.
March 10, 2009
We saw some pictures of 15 Sheldon St. in Providence today, and touched a piece of the floor that Kenny had examined with a blood stain on it. Creepy or fascinating?
Homework tonight is to answer the question "What advice would you give Kenny after he tells Pardon Willinghast he wants to find out if any slaves owned by homeowners of 15 Sheldon St. were murdered?" After that, read to the end of Ch. 3, summarize, then predict how Kenny's room had changed at the end of the chapter.
March 6, 2009
We are marching on with the CMT's and our new text!
Homework is Ch. 2, summary, storyboard, and let's keep track of adresses, the history of the house and learn more about Providence.
March 5, 2009
It only looks like we haven't been working based on the dates posted here. We've actually been very busy in class completing wok for the INS and videotaping some new writing for evaluation by the government agency. We also started CMT testing and that has been somewhat disruptive.
New book today and new rules: Read only what is assigned, no reading ahead.
Homework is to read Ch. 1 in SOMETHING UPSTAIRS, summarize and storyboard in detail the most important event in the chapter. enjoy!
Feb. 25, 2009
We are wrapping up our letters in support or against Lupita Torres staying in the United States and being adopted by Aunt Consuelo and Uncle Hermilio. It's a complicated issue and deserves much consideration. The letters, videotape and completed citizenship tests will all go out to Los Angeles for consideration by the Department of Homeland Security. I wonder how Secty. Janet Napolitano will decide?
CMT's are coming up and we will start a new group shared text very soon.
Feb. 10, 2009
We finished reading the book in class today so if you are out sick then you should do the same.
Homework is to complete an "I Am.." poem for Salvador and Lupita.
Feb. 9, 2009
Oh to be an American! That seems to be Salvador's idea after the way he idolizes Lucky. Lupita seems more attached to doing what her mother sent her to America for, earning money to send home to support the family.
Let's continue the story with Ch. 12 by reading pages 145-160, documenting Lupita's lies and determining the date of her birthday. We'll finishe the chapter in class tomorrow.
Feb 6, 2009
That Garcia family certainly is poor! Imagine arriving at your aunt's house after a journey like Sal and Lupita's and having her tell you she did not want you to be there!
Let's keep reading.
Homework is to read Ch. 10, summarize and answer the question of whether Lupita is right to lie to her mother. Read Ch. 11 and draw your storyboard moment.
Feb. 5, 2009
We made up our own "Mapquest" by tracing on a map of California the route Salvador and Lupita travelled to reach Indio. what do you suppose Aunt Consuelo will be like?
Homework is to read Ch. 8, write a 3-sentence summary, storyboard drawing and find evidence that the Garcia family is poor.
Feb. 4, 2009
We made some large storyboards in class today, with one key event per chapter. How do you use visual cues even if you are not an "artist," to make your picture more clear?
Homework is to read Ch. 8, complete a 3-sentence summary, storyboard the key event and compile a list of towns Sal and Lupita travel through on the journey to Indio.
Feb. 2, 2009
Homework remains an issue of accountability with too many people. Class cannot proceed as expected when students are unprepared. Until it is no longer necessary, students will have to have an accountability sheet signed when they do not complete homework and will lose credit for late work. Next step will be no credit.
Homework is to make up missing work, read Ch. 5, storyboard and summary.
Jan. 30, 2009
Well we are on our way to Indio CA. to meet Aunt Consuelo and earn some money to bring back to Mama. Having to hide money in clothing is not a good sign for travelers and their safety.
Homework is to read and storyboard Ch. 4, summarize in 3 sentences and coomplete at least 4 good and bad character traits for Lupita and Sal on I/O character maps.
Jan. 29, 2009
We are getting some idea of how hard life is for the Torres family and a hint of what is to come for Salvador and Lupita.
Heero and villain character maps are new. Does everyone have both good and bad inside them?
Howmework is to read Ch. 3, write a 3-sentence summary and draw a storyboard moment in your marblebound.
Jan. 27, 2008
You learned the word "telenovela" today, Spanish for soap opera. We started our book, LUPITA MANANA and have one chapter due tomorrow with a 3-sentence summary and storyboard diagram of the most importan event in the chapter. Should we not have school Weds. due to weather concerns, the next chapter will be due Thurs.
Please make sure to label each journal entry and keep it only in your marblebound notebook.
Keep track of the use of Spanish language and consider why an author inserts words in that fashion for a book written in English.
We'll begin Inside/Outside character maps in a slightly different fashion for this text.
Jan. 26, 2008
Starting a new unit with a focus on immigration. We took a citizenship test last week-surprising how much we don't know sometimes.
Homework for tonight is to re-read the article given in class and to write a full-page journal response on why people leave their home, family and firrends to come to a new land. Tie what you learn from the article into your response.
Jan. 23, 2008
We have 3 journal entries due Monday.
We start a new text as a group and appear to need to learn a lot about citizenship based on our pre-test.
Jan. 21, 2009
Final 3 entries are due this Friday.
We will be starting a new text this week and get back into group shared activities.
Jan. 6, 2009
We are working on travel diaries using outlines to reflect the research that was completed
Students have different deadlines from different social studies teachers so each student owes me 3 separate entries based on my outlines given in class. Each person must do the recommendations page and may not use the day of travel and travel plans. This leaves you to select from current events, physiographic and natural resources, social and cultural institutions, history/government and politics or the economy.
Remember, your job here is to demonstrate your knowledge about your country, not to just create a story.
Dec. 23, 2008
Independent reading should be done over the break. We will finish a couple of activities with LBITU after vacation due to illness and absences.
Social Studies Fair Travel Diaries will be written in ELA7 after break. We will be learning how to incorporate research into an interesting narrative. Don't get ahead on any more entries than you have already started with your social studies teacher please.
Dec. 22, 2008
Finish the text!
Dec. 18, 2008
We reviewed last night's homework, straightened out who all the bosses are, (Lotti Getts, Vida Bleek, Bemder and Billy Bizmo) and wondered y why Lanaya thinks Spaz is being watched out for somehow.
Our Inside/Outside Character maps are coming to life!
In honor of the weather, I gave homework assignments through the end of the text:
Friday- Through Ch. 24 with summaries.
Monday-Through Ch. 29 with summaries.
Tuesday-Finish with summaries.
Dec. 17, 2008
Stanzas, rhyme scheme, poetry! Robert Frost is the man!
Homework is 17-19 in LBITU with summaries only.
Dec. 16, 2008
We reviewed the cloze on Cancer Kids Get. Remembver to fill in the blanks with words that make sense and use good grammar. In class you had time to read Ch. 13.
Homework is to read Ch. 14-15, summarize all 3 chapters and write one response.
Tomorrow, we learn Robert Frost's "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening."
Dec. 15, 2008
We reviewed the list of Famous Epileptics and all that they had accomplished or were noted for in history. Does it make sense that Ryter would try to comfort Spaz about his medical condition by telling him about people who were notable for significant achievements? Tomorrow we'll review the cloze on cancer kids get.
Homework is to summarize Ch. 10 which we read aloud, read 11-12 then summarize and respond to all.
Two final words:MONKEY BOYS!
Dec. 12, 2008
In Ch. 9 we go on a quest, like Don Quixote. Remember that Ryter is looking for adventure and to see how Spaz's story turns out. Spaz just wants to get safely to his sister Bean, who has a blood sickness.
Homework is to complete the cloze (fill in the blank) on Cancers Kids Get, and to research the" Famous Epileptics" Ryter teases Spaz with in the text.
I collected marblebounds for evaluation. Too many of you are not responding to the different chapters and ignoring assignments.
Dec. 10, 2008
We outlined bodies for our life-size character maps of Ryter, Spaz and "ProovGirl." More on that tomorrow.
Homework is to read Ch. 8, summarize, respond, start an I/O map on the "ProovGirl" and get your scifi quiz signed.
Dec. 9, 2008
In class today we learned the secret to good reading: It's about predicting and evaluating your predictions based on meaning and grammar. We used this understanding to complete a cloze together on epilepsy, so that we can better understand our main character, Spaz.
Homework is to read Ch. 6-7, summarize and respond to why we need friends and family or what it must be like to live in a perfect world.
Dec. 8, 2008
In class we reviewed the I/O Character Map you each started on Spaz. He is a lot of things but how he looks is still a mystery.
Homework is to read Ch. 3,4,5 and summarize and respond to one of 2 themes.
Also, please correct your SciFi quiz so that I can average your grade together for a final grade.
Dec. 5, 2008
We took our quiz on identifying characteristics of Science Fiction today then moved on to Inside/Outside Character Maps. Physical description goes on the outside of the body, personal qualities on the inside. Page numbers must be noted for evidence. We started one for Ryter. Your homework over the week-end is to construct one for Spaz.
Dec. 4, 2008
We are adapting to the language and characters in our text, LBITU. This book is like a puzzle-lots of strange language and new ways of doing things in the "Urb." Very well worth figuring out.
Homework is to prepare for your quiz. You need to be able to define the characteristics of science fiction and show how LBITU is scifi based on the characteristics and evidence from the text.
Dec. 3, 2008
We began by reviewing our unit requirements for THE LAST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE (LBITU). After reading the short story it is based on, we should have an easier time understanding the book. Our first task is to understand the book as a science fiction text.
Quiz Friday, Dec. 5, on what is science fiction.
Dec. 1, 2008
Happy December to all. We are finishing independent texts and starting a new group shared text tomorrow. In class we are learning about science fiction, our newest genre, and writing about perfect worlds and why we need friends and family.
Homework is to prepare a 3 minute book chat on your independent text for delivery tomorrow in class.
Nov. 26, 2008
We are beginning a Science Fiction unit with a group shared text called THE LAST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE. SciFi is a differnt genre than we may not be familiar with so we did some exploration first to understand its characteristics. We read aloud a short story from one of my favorite SciFi authors, Ray Bradbury, the short story called "All Summer In A Day." What an awful thing was done to Margot by her classmates. Do you ever give much thought to how you treat your classmates? Its a good time of year to conside other people's feelings.
Over the holiday week-end you should find time to finish your independent text. Final book chats will be given in class on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Nov. 21, 2008
Our writing reflections are completed. It is always important to look back at completed work and see what was doen well and what can be improved.
Homework is to read for 2 30-minute periods over the week-end.
Nov. 20, 2008
What have you learned about yoursself as a writer and reader by viewing yourself on videotape? Reflection is an important skill to help improve your capabilities as a student.
Homework is to read 30 minutes in your independent text. make sure your book goes home with you.
Nov. 19, 2008
We finished filming in class and will view the tape to evaluate our reading and writing content.
Homework is to read your independent text for 30 minutes and prepare fora book chat in class.
Nov. 18, 2008
We finished writing or ran out of time today. Tomorrow is for filming our improved version.
Homework is to read independent texts for 30 minutes. Don't shortchange your time please.
Nov. 17, 2008
In class we continue to work on our writing. We film on Wednesday.
Out of class you are to read 30 minutes in your independent text.
Nov. 13, 2008
We made good progress on our writing pieces today. Thesis statement is a new term for us and it is an important term to understand. It's been quite a challenge to save our thesis statement until the end of the introductory paragraph.
Homework is to write down on our current draft 3 peieces of evidence from the text that proves our thesis statement true and 3 pieces from real life that prove the thesis statement true. We'll work on the body paragraphs next.
Nov. 11, 2008
Veteran's Day has changed our schedule slightly but for good reason;To honor the men and women who serve our country. We watched video in class of our original wiriting to evaluate our reading performance and writing. We will be working on both this week and filming again.
Homework is to read independent texts for 30 minutes tonight.
Nov. 10, 2008
We will be viewing our videotape from our response writing if we can get a set of the correct wires before next class.
In the meantime, homework is to read 30 minutes in your independent texts and bring them to class tomorrow for a book chat.
Nov. 5, 2008
"That's what being a man is all about. It's just doing what's got to be done." So spoke Haven Peck.
Let's finish up this book tonight with the last chapter, summarize, and find the answer to this question: What has Haven been practicing and why?
Nov. 4, 2008
Election Day! Do you suppose all state feel about their candidates the way Miss Malcolm thought that all Vermonters should feel about Calvin Coolidge? Connecticut has a candidate in Ralph Nader.
While they are counting up the ballots for the prresidential election please complete your homework.
Read Ch. 14, summarize accurately and find a quote that gives the most important lesson or moral in the chapter.
Nov. 3, 2008
We read one chapter in class and got some sad news in the book. remember in Ch 7 there was "foreshadowing" and we learned how authors hint at what is coming? Think this news was connected to foreshadowing?
Homework is to read Ch. 13, summarize and pay special attention to the conversation between Rob and Mr. Tanner.
Oct. 31, 2008
Gingersnaps and buttermilk!
Homework is to read Ch. 11, summarize, prepare a "T" chart that shows evidence of maturity and immaturity in the chapter.
Oct. 29, 2008
We read Ch. 8 together in class and discussed what went on. It was a pretty confusing chapter and a good one to read trying to practice read aloud with good expression.
Homework is to read Ch. 9 and summarize events in your marblebound.
Oct. 28, 2008
Everyone took their quiz and got it back graded, along with an evaluation of their research presentation. In general, the quizzes were good and the research prsentations were more average. Most people did not have a depth of material and many could have earned higher grades by including a visual that made your information more clear to the audience. Updated grades were provided through progress reports.
Homework is to get your progress report signed and read and summarize Ch. 7.
Oct. 27, 2008
Quiz tomorrow! The topic is character identification from our group shared text.
We generated a list of names from the text today in clas and organzined them for ease of studying. Your brain much prefers things that are connected or patterned when it has to remember.
Updated progress reports will be out after the results of the quiz. They will need to be signed and returned.
Oct. 23, 2008
Today was final production and practice for research presentations tomorrow. We reviewed the evaluation rubric for presentations and you defined anything left to complete tonight so you are ready to go tomorrow.
Oct. 22, 2008
We prepared in class for our research presentations. Remember your job is to explain the principles behind your topic, not give a list of things associated with the topic. Example: In their Architecture, the Shakers used a principle of symmetry, where the two halves of a building would be constructed the same. Explain that, don't give us just the name of a building like the Brick Dwelling. Also, doing is more instructive than listening for your audience.
Character ID quiz has been postponed since I was not able to deliver the lesson expected in preparation.
Oct. 19, 2008
We are devoting half of our instructional time this week to our group research projects. Your task in group was to decide how to organize your presentation, assign responsibilities and determine how to engage the rest of the class in learning what you have learned on your topic. Listening is not enough! Presentations on Friday.
Home work is to work on yoru research project.
Oct. 16, 2008
Today we determined when the story takes place using research information from an earlier chapter. Keep connecting outside information with what you learn from the text. This is how great readers are made.
After reading Ch. 6, anyone want to join Aunt Mattie's band and play the cornet?
Homework: No new reading. Using Ch 1-6, document where Shaker Law is being observed and broken in the text.
Oct. 15, 2008
After researching Abner Doubleday, Ethan Allen, Green Mountain Boys, Fort Ticonderoga and Calvin Coolidge do you get all those jokes in Ch. 4? I sure hope so!
Today we were less than successful at building "flutterwheels" the way that Robert did in our text. What were some of the problems that we encountered that prevented us from constructing the flutterwheel?
Did what you tried to build look like your diagram based on text?
Would we be more successful if we tried again?
Homework is to finish Ch. 5, summarize, and find the answers to the questions of who Robert was named for and what is his "mission" in life?
Oct. 7, 2008
Let's try summarizing Ch. 3 so again work to focus on the major events of the chapter. Also, please note any Shaker Laws broken or observed by the Peck family. In class we will be working on theme with partners.
Oct. 6, 2008
We focused today in class on summarizing by picking out just the major events in a chapter. Good work getting away from retelling, which is more detailed than we want for this purpose of jogging our memories.
Homework is to read Ch. 2, summarize and note any Shaker laws being broken or observed in our text.
Oct. 3, 2008
In class we caught some students up on their shared text work, we wrote summaries based on on memory of chapter one and reviewed responses to our anticipation quiz. Remember when you respond to include why you think what you do and an example to demonstrate your thinking.
Oct. 2, 2008
We went to the Hancock Shaker Village this week to gain firsthand information about how the Shakers lived and learned a lot from our trip. Note taking was important and graded. Today in class we completed an Anticipation Guide then responded in our marble bounds to one of the statements from the guide. We will see how these statements relate to our new Shared Text, A DAY NO PIGS WOULD DIE. As an introduction we read Ch. 1 together in class and you are to re-read it for homework tonight please.
Progress reports werre distributed this week and are to be returned signed. These reports are to help students determine where they are doing well academically and where improvement is needed.
Sept. 24, 2008
We are preparing for our trip to the Hancock Shaker Village. Today we looked at a map of Connecticut and Massachusetts to see where it is located. Then we examined some artifacts and photographs from the Village.
For homework, please complete the map scavenger hunt so that we have some familiarity with the physical set-up of the Village before we visit.
Sept. 22, 2008< /font>
Happy first day of Fall, 2008.
Research continues on Shaker topics with the added need to document sources in the required manner. Handouts were given for each type of source. We will practice in class as well.
QUIZ on Shaker laws tomorrow, Tues. the 23rd of Sept. Study from your handout from 1812 and from DVD notes and small group discussion.
Seot. 19, 2008
It looks as though every student now has the required supplies of 3-ring binder, looseleaf paper, marble bound composition book and writing utensils. Those items plus an independent text should be in class every day.
Some of you are having trouble with that part of it. This far into school you really need to be organized.
Shaker research has begun for presentations on different topics. We will do a combination of library research and first hand information gathering at the Hancock Shaker Village on Sept. 29th. Make sure to get your paperwork in so that you are all set for the trip.
Sept. 12, 2008
We finished reviewing Shaker Laws today. Next week we'll do some research on the Shakers.
Please make sure yu have required supplies and your handouts organized in a 3-ring binder.
Sept. 11, 2008
A sad day in history for our nation.
We have begun our study of the Shakers and will be starting our group shared text shortly. First we are acquiring background knowledge about the Shaker Laws and the way that they chose to live. It is interesting to see how some groups define their socity while still staying attached to "The World." Which Shaker laws did you find most unusual?
Homework is to read 30 minutes in your independent text.
Sept. 8, 2008
We are working to finish our diagnostics so that we can move into a group shared text next, after building some background knowledge. Everyone will have done an "I AM..." poem, attitude inventory, writing sample, and running record. We're still reading independent texts as well.
Homework is to read independently and complete the writing and sentence structure examples 1`-4.
Sept. 5, 2008
So we've just finished almost a full week of classes. In my effort to get to know you as readers and writers we have been completing a series of "diagnostics," a selection of assessments that reveal what you do when you read and write. We'll finish those up next week and then get started with our first group shared text. Until then, continue to enjoy your independent texts.