Remember

BOOK SWAP TOMORROW - please come prepared. Gift Wrap is highly encouraged!

Outsiders Theme Movie Trailer
At this point, you should be at steps 4-6 in the process.
Project presentations January 3, 2013

Week of December 17th

1.) Outsiders Video Project
Pick your project partner and select three "topics" from the list of theme words handed out in class today. You will be assigned one of your choices on Monday. Review the instructions (handed out today in class) for this project.

2.) Outsiders Test on Tuesday.

3.) Yankee Book Swap Thursday.  Please come prepared!

4.) Outsiders film on Friday.

Please make sure you submitted your Readers Response Journal. They should be stapled and in the inbox.

 Read, Read & Read some more.

Monday Night Homeplay

Tonight's Homework ...

1.) Essay #6: "Hero"
Heroes have special qualities that people admire. Heroes give us examples of the courage and strength it takes to face difficult situations and challenges in life.

Think of someone who is your personal hero. In a well-developed long composition, describe this person and explain three qualities you most admire about him or her.

Due Friday, December 14, 2012

• Topic: My hero
• Thesis: (Identify your hero and include the THREE qualities you most admire about him or her.)
• Evidence of brainstorm
• Evidence of outline (remember to label TOPIC and THESIS up top)
• Evidence of drafts (at least two)
• Introduction technique
• Properly placed thesis statement (the roof!)
• Topic sentences (load-bearing walls!)
• Supporting Details (support studs!)
• Specific Examples (nails, screws, bolts!)
• Transitions (carpenter glue!)
• Conclusion technique
• All-star title (use strategies we've practiced)
• Flawless MUGS

2.) No new Outsiders work tonight.

3.) Grade Seven ELA Yankee Swap, Thursday, December 20, 2012


An interesting spin on Mr. Hurley's conversation about movies worth seeing...
Films kids must see before age ten, according to child psychologist Kairen Cullen

Due Friday, December 7th

Tonight's Homework...

1.) Golden Passage: The Outsiders Chapters 1-6
Follow instructions issued in class on Tuesday to prepare your "Golden Passage" poster due tomorrow.

2.) The Outsiders Reader Response Journal
Be sure you have SIX entries in your Reader Response Journal for The Outsiders. You will print all of your entries and submit them when we finish the novel.

3.) Twenty-Minute Habit
Remember the chart we gave you proving what's possible when kids increase their daily reading habit to 60 minutes? Why not be THAT KID?!?!

4.) Grade Seven ELA Yankee Book Swap, December 20.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Monday, December 3, 2012

Tonight's Homework...

The Outsiders Reader Response Journal (Entry #5):
Review the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" presented in Chapter Five. This poem was written by American author Robert Frost, who grew up in nearby Lawrence, Massachusetts. Grab your copy of The Outsiders! Spend time tonight examining this poem and decoding its meaning.

You'll find this task easier if you...

- Use a dictionary to define words in the poem that are unfamiliar to you.
- Draw a line at each "stop sign" and decode the message in each sentence.

Once you are confident you understand the poem, prepare a typed journal entry that answers with supporting detail and specific examples BOTH questions below:

• What seems to be Robert Frost's message in this poem?
• How does Frost's poem relate to the characters and ideas of The Outsiders?

Grade Seven ELA Holiday Book Swap
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Which book will you bring to swap at our class celebration? Those who bring a book, win a book! Remember: no one is expecting you to buy a book; feel free to bring a used book you have on your personal shelf (not your sibling's or parent's!) that you think a peer would enjoy.

The Outsiders...

Homeplay

A. Please answer these questions for Thursday (responses should be typed):

1. At the drive-in Dallas harasses Cherry and Marcia. How is this choice of amusement a reflection of his character?
2. Ponyboy and Dallas are shocked when Johnny orders Dallas to leave Cherry alone. What motivates Johnny to give the order? Why does Dallas obey him?
3. Evaluate (Tell me) why Cherry and Ponyboy communicate rather openly despite the gap in their social positions.

B. This will be assigned in class on Thursday; it will be due Friday

Chapters 3 and 4: Point of view piece

Consider these two chapters from the point of view of either Bob or Johnny.  Rewrite the scene in the park in first person, present tense, as either of these two characters.  Think about what might be going through their minds as the scene unfolds.  Both are thinking about more than just the violence that gets played out in the park. Are they thinking about their friends?  Their families?  The other social group?  What are their emotions throughout the scene?

 

C. We will have a TEST on WRITING  this Friday. You will be provided a reading selection.  You will read the selection; we will ask you to find the “parts” of writing. Where is the thesis located?  What is the topic? What is the thesis?  Tell me the topic sentence is body paragraph two. Identify the transitions. Does the author have an introduction technique? A conclusion technique?

Remember writing has structure and it is organized. We have been practicing this throughout October & November. This will be the first TEST of the New Trimester.

Tonight's Homework...

1.) The Outsiders Reading Response Journal:
Throughout our study of S.E. Hinton's 1967 novel The Outsiders, we will post writing prompts on this blog designed to help you think deeply about the book. It is your job to keep all of your journal entries organized in your binder. We will be collecting them all at the end of our novel study.

Let's begin our journal writing tonight with the two prompts below.

Please prepare typewritten responses (roughly half page in length, complete sentences, your best writing ability) to BOTH of these prompts:

• What are the costs and benefits of conformity or nonconformity to a peer group? How do we measure these costs and benefits?
• How does a person's relationship with his or her peers affect the kind of person he or she will become?

What is conformity? Please see the link below. This will help you complete tonight's assignment.
http://www.simplypsychology.org/conformity.html

I Pledge - Exhibition

Exhibition Prep!

• Rehearse and finalize your Exhibition presentation.
• Find an adult.
• Share with them the goals of this "Exhibition" project. 
• Present your products to the adult.
• Ask the adult...

"Do my products prove that I am an expert on my book?"

Tonight's Homework...

1.) Word Attack: Sub-Super-Sur-
Quiz Tuesday (Monday is a long weekend)

2.) Fall 2012 "I Pledge... " Exhibition
"I Pledge... Fall 2012 Exhibition" Instructions
(Rubrics and instruction handouts were issued in class today, but the rubrics might not be attached to this digital file. See Mrs. Smith or Mr. Hurley if you need another paper copy.) You must devote time each evening, beginning TONIGHT, in order to meet the deadline for this project:

Thursday, November 15 = Ocean Exhibition
Friday, November 16 = River Exhibition

3.) Twenty- Minute Habit, Log.

 1.)  Please Read and practice Margin Notes: Genentically Engineered Foods. Labeling. Initiative   Statute. We will have a brief quiz in the morning. How well did you comprehend and retain the reading? Handout was provided in class or try clicking here
 
2.)  Think about a goal that you would like to achieve. In a well-developed composition, explain your goal. Describe three qualities you will need to reach your goal and explain why each quality is important to be successful.

Due Monday, November 5, 2012

• Topic: My personal goal
• Thesis: (Identify your goal and include the THREE personal qualities needed to achieve the goal!)
• Evidence of brainstorm
• Evidence of outline (remember to label TOPIC and THESIS up top)
• Evidence of drafts (at least two)
• Introduction technique
• Properly placed thesis statement (the roof!)
• Topic sentences (load-bearing walls!)
• Supporting Details (support studs!)
• Specific Examples (nails, screws, bolts!)
• Transitions (carpenter glue!)
• Conclusion technique
• All-star title (use strategies we've practiced)
• Flawless MUGS 

REMEMBER - each paragraph needs to have at least 8 sentences. This is an attempt to address our collective weakness - add more DETAILS, add more EXAMPLES. 

Next Week...

1.) Mugs Week 4: Quiz Monday

2.) Word Attack: Quiz Monday
Co-Com-Contra-Counter-

3.) Transitions: Quiz Monday

4.) Twenty-Minute Habit, Log.

Essay (vomit & outline)

Many students have personal goals, such as making the honor roll, playing a musical instrument or being a top scorer in a video game. To be successful in reaching these goals, it helps to have certain qualities. Some of these might include self-discipline, determination or a positive attitude.

Think about a goal that you would like to achieve. In a well-developed composition, explain your goal. Describe at least tow qualities you will need to reach your goal, and explain why each quality is important to be successful. 

Due Wednesday, October 31st.

Homeplay...

1.) Word Attack Quiz on Monday ( Co-, Com-. Contra-, Counter-)
2.) MUGS  Week 4 Quiz on Monday
3.) Please review & use your Introductions and Conclusion techniques. We will have an assessment with these techniques soon. Also, remember to use your transitions.
4.) Read for 20 minutes - create the habit.

5.) Tonight - READING FOR MEANING. Please read and margin note the handout "Voting..." We may have a small quiz on this tomorrow.

Here is a copy of the handout:

Homeplay -

1.) Vomit, Outline & Essay due Tuesday. Please try to obtain a 5/6 on T.O.D.L/S.  and a 4 on M.U.G.S.
2. ) Please complete classwork for homeplay on Monday - outline for "The Gentle Way." This should be neat and legible. Please place it in your binder under Writing Development.
3.) Also, complete your MUGS packet week 4.
4.) Read, 20 minute minimum - CREATE the HABIT.

Reading and Writing...

Tonight's Homework...

1.) Essay #4: "Wealthy Donor"
You should be beginning the outlining stage. See yesterday's blog post for complete details on this assignment due Tuesday, October 23.


2.) Complete each conclusion technique for class tomorrow. Use today's reference sheet as a guide to complete your assignment. Remember, practice makes perfect.


3.) Please create the habit - Read for 20 minutes/record. Remember to make connections: It reminds me of... I wonder... It makes me fell... I think the author is trying to say...

Remember- READING is Rewarding. READING builds a mature vocabulary. READING makes you a better writer. READING is hard & hard is necessary. READING makes you smarter. 




If you have read this post, please find me in the morning and tell me your best joke/riddle.

Homeplay...

Tonight's Homework...

1.) Essay #4: "Wealthy Donor"
A wealthy donor has decided to donate $1,000,000 to Ipswich Middle School. You have been appointed by students and staff to decide how these monies should be spent. The donor's only request is that the monies be used to improve the lives of students at I.M.S. The possibilities are endless. Your decision will affect thousands of kids. How will you spend these precious dollars?

Due Tuesday, October 23, 2012

• Topic: $1,000,000 donation
• Thesis: (Include your three main points!)
• Evidence of brainstorm/vomit
• Evidence of outline (remember to label TOPIC and THESIS up top)
• Evidence of drafts (at least two)
• Introduction technique (use one of the five we've practiced)
• Properly placed thesis statement (the roof!)
• Topic sentences (load-bearing walls!)
• Supporting Details (support studs!)
• Specific Examples (nails, screws, bolts!)
• Transitions (carpenter glue! At least three per body!)
• Conclusion technique
• All-star title (Title:Subtitle?)
• Flawless MUGS

2.) MUGS Week #4: Please complete the first page (front and back)

3.) Twenty-Minute Habit, Log.

Homework...

Due Tuesday, Oct 16th -

Remember to bring your vomit, your outline and your essay. The essay must be typed, size 12, single-spaced. You must bring three highlighters, a pen or pencil and your binder. Please remember to edit/proofread  & use each "part of the house." If you do not have your vomit and outline, you will not obtain credit. You MUST show the writing process.

1. Quiz Tri-, Quad- tomorrow.
2. Essay due Monday, see last post.
3. Bring your Independent Reading Book and Your Reading Logs.
4. Be prepared to present your transition skits.
5. Complete MUGS Week 3 for Friday.

Homeplay...

• 
  
  
  
  1.    Due Tomorrow: From the MUGS handout complete –
  Apostrophes A & Commas H.
  2.    Complete “Introduction Assignment.” Write one paragraph for each technique: Quote, Anecdote, Startling or Interesting Fact, Analogy, Pose a Question. This should be typed. Please use the example – BENEFITS FROM AN EXERCISE PROGRAM. Also, please indicate your technique by creating a sub-heading in bold. Please underline your thesis in each paragraph (just like class).
   3.    Essay due Monday, Oct 15^th, 2012. Choose from one of the following:
  A.   Everyone is an expert at something. Some people are experts at doing things. Think about something you do well. In a well-developed composition, explain why you are an expert.
  B.   Time Magazine is seeking nominations for the most influential person of the 20^th century. In a well-developed composition, persuade the nominating committee that the individual you chose is best. Tell what contributions and accomplishments this person has made to humankind and the world.
   This should include your vomit, your outline (topic or sentence) and your essay; this should be typed.
  
  
  4. Prefix Quiz will be Friday: Quad-, Tri-
   
   
• Thesis: ( Include your three main points!)
• Evidence of brainstorm (Vomit)
• Evidence of outline (remember to label TOPIC and THESIS up top)
• Evidence of drafts (at least two)
• Introduction technique (Quote, Anecdote, Analogy, Pose a ?, Startling Fact)
• Properly placed thesis statement (the roof!) (Last Sentence of Introduction paragraph)
• Topic sentences (load-bearing beams)
• Supporting Details (support studs!)
• Specific Examples (nails, screws, bolts!)
• Transitions (carpenter glue!)
• Conclusion technique

For Friday...

1. We will have a MUGS quiz on Friday. Remember to find the errors and make corrections.
2. A & D periods will need to complete the guided reflection for  "_____________ Make Great Pets."
 please bring your highlighters and review your essay for "the parts of the house."
 - Thesis (location)
 - Topic sentences
 - Supporting details, Transitions, Specific Examples...
3. Students will present their 2 minute skits on transitions. Please come prepared. 

Are you reading this?
Please read the joke below. If you know why it is supposed to be funny, please explain it to me tomorrow. 

Why couldn't they play cards on the ark?
Noah was sitting on the deck.

Due Dates...

1.) Please complete your MUGS assignment. This is due tomorrow. It includes WEEK 2: A Medley - Commas E, Verb Tense Consistency, Irregular Verbs, & Subject-Verb Argeement

2.) Also, you have an essay due this Thursday. It should be titled, " _______________ Make Great Pets."
Please remember to include your vomit, your outline, and you TYPED essay. Your outline should include your thesis at the top. It should also demonstrate an understanding of topic sentences, supporting details, specific examples.

3.) Remember to read, read and read some more - Create the 20 minute habit.

For Friday...

1.) If you have not completed the sentence outline for "Pigs" or "Capital Punishment"
please complete them tonight.
2.) In addition - complete the "color me a rainbow exercise" on each essay.

Otherwise, just remember to read for 20 minutes. - CREATE the habit!

Homeplay tonight...

1. Please complete the assignment – topic vs. thesis. This was distributed in class today.
2. If you did not finish “Pigs” during class, please finish finding the "parts."
3. Remember to read for 20 minutes, record your questions, thoughts - engage the text. 

Remember - To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.

Also, I will be attending a district workshop tomorrow. I will not be here. Please be respectful. If you finish the class assignment, continue completion of Capital Punishment - find the parts. I will see you on Thursday. Have a great Day!

Due Dates...

There is no homework tonight. Remember to read, read and read some more.

Coming up...

1. We will have a QUIZ on Monday: Uni-, Bi-    Please prepare, take some time to review.

2. Read 20 minutes, remember log (brief entry, make connections)

3. Regarding Africa - If you did not finish "finding the parts of the house" - please complete this before Monday.

Reading assessment during class tomorrow

I will be attending an evaluation workshop tomorrow.  Mr. Monyhan will be overseeing class. He, with assistance from Mrs. Smith, will be administering a reading assessment for all students. Please be considerate and helpful. I will see you on Weds.

Tonight's Homework...
1.) MUGS - none.
2.) Read and create the Twenty-Minute Habit, Log.
3.) "I Pledge..." due date has been moved to Friday, Sept, 21.
4.) Word Attack: Uni- Bi- These were distributed today.


Please bring your independent reading book to class, always.
Also, please try to print your assignments BEFORE you enter the class. This will help speed along our office business and streamline instruction.



I hope you have a good day!

Due Monday, September 17th

1 Bring your "Ipswich" essay to class on Monday. Be prepared to share.
2 Mono-  Poly- quiz on Monday.
3 "I Pledge" due 9/21
4 Please bring three different highlighters on Monday. 

Homeplay Due...

1. Remember, due Monday, Sept 17th Essay
   on "Ipswich." This should be typed, size 12, Times New Roman
2. Read for 20 minutes and log.
3. Review Poly-, & Mono - (Vocabulary Development)
4. Complete MUGS assignment (Sentences & Sentence Fragments pg 2, 3 and 4)
5. Please read AND MARGIN NOTE "Changing the Environment." We will have a 5 -10 mult-choice quiz on this reading tomorrow. We want to see how well you comprehend and RETAIN what you read.
* Make sure you have read and margin-noted "Trans Fat Nation."

This Weekend

Homeplay includes:
1. Prepare for Monday's "Word Attack" Pre- Post- quiz
2. Create your own margin notes for "Rabbits"
3. Review and select titles for assignment -"I Pledge..." due 9/19
4. Read 20+ minutes and log

Sept 6, 2012 Due Dates

1.) Word Attack: Pre- Post-    Quiz Monday

2.) What was the goal of today's "The House" reading activity?

3.) Read, Read & Read some more (20 minute minimum) record and log

4. Begin to think about your "I Pledge, I Will" assignment. Do you have some titles you have been waiting to read? Remember, you need to select three non-fiction titles & three fiction titles. This is due Sept 21st. Please use the example.

Tonight for homework...
- Finish your "Words to Live By" poster, due Thursday.
- Share the CAST letter with a parent and get their signature.
- Begin studying this week's WORD ATTACK: Pre- Post-
- Read for 20 minutes, record and log


Remember...
- Create an independent reading library for Monday and Tuesday LLM. You will be expected to have independent reading (books, magazines, essays, poems, how-to books, etc.) in your locker AT ALL TIMES during this school year.

Welcome Back!

I hope you had a wonderful summer. Welcome back to IMS. Here you will find due dates and assignments. Please get familiar with this blog, we will be using it throughout the year.

Due Thursday, Aug 29th:
Subject Dividers, pen, pencil
Completed Book Buzz templates

No written Homeplay...

1. We will have a test on Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry on Thursday. This test may be a "take-home" test. This test will be a cumulative test. On Thursday, we will begin to view a documentary titled, "Eyes on the Prize." We will chronicle the Civil Rights Movement and discover how it connects to the Logans.
2. The Non-Fiction, I Pledge Exhibition will begin on June 7th. Please be prepared to present on this day. 

As we Return to routine, a couple of things...

1. The Elements of a Narrative & Outlining are due tomorrow. This was distributed today.
2. Please make sure you are "caught up." We have read to Chapter 8, pg 170.
3. We will have a mult-choice quiz tomorrow on chapters 4-6 in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
4. Issues: Writing about your self has. This has three parts. It is due on Thursday, May 24th. This should typed and well-thought out.

Remember - we have the Memorial Day assembly on Weds at 9:00 a.m. 

Remember...

What Do You Think...About Discrimination? The handout was issued on Monday, May 7th. The vomit, outline, essay (Typed) is due on Friday, May 11th. Consider any and all experiences you may have had with discrimination. The backside of the handout provides a Personal Narrative Checklist. Make sure your writing includes all of the criteria!

Homeplay, Due May 3rd

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Are you enjoying Mildred Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1977)?

1.) Complete two of the five "Ideas for Pre-Reading" assignments. Due Friday.

2.) Complete both sides of the "Setting" and "About the Characters" worksheet. Due tomorrow, 5/3.

3.) Twenty-Minute habit. Non-fiction exhibition to occur in June.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back...
Weds, April 25th - Word Attack Quiz -ian, -or, -ance, -ence
Friday, April 27th - TWM Test ( 30 Mult-Choice, short answer)
Friday, April, 27th - Wisdom Booklet Due. Please refer to handout.

Be sure you are making progress on your non-fiction reading (twenty-minute habit!). Exhibition will take place in early June. 

Due Thursday, April 12th

Please respond in writing (type) to the following reflections:

1. Agree or disagree with the following passage from the book and explain your reasoning.

         These were people so hungry for love that they were accepting substitutes. They were
         embracing material things and expecting a sort of hug back. But it never works. You
         can’t substitute material things for love or for gentleness or for tenderness or for a sense
         of comradeship. 

2. How does Morrie believe a person should find a meaningful life? Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Remember - Continue your Non-fiction reading & Word Attack quiz is coming soon.

Due April 11th, Weds

Morrie decides that he wants his tombstone t read "A Teacher to the Last." When most people choose a phrase to list on a tombstone, they choose something that will encapsulate the life of the departed. Some tombstones read "beloved Mother" or "Devoted Husband," even "Cat Lover or "Kind to All Creatures." Others may offer a short poem or the lyrics of a song.

Choose any one of the following and write (type)  your response:

1. Think of a phrase or inscription that you would want on your tombstone. Then, write a paragraph that   explains why that phrase captures your life.

2. Write your own Last Will and Testament (what material goods, skills, dreams would you give to someone else?)

3. If you could establish a foundation/charity, what would your choice include? Why?

Due Friday, April 6th

Mitch is very impressed by Morrie’s stories and advice, and he discovers that the world can learn so much from Morrie. The book Tuesdays With Morrie is Mitch’s attempt to share Morrie’s wisdom with others.

Morrie believes that every person’s life can be a valuable teaching tool.

Think about the people you know (parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, neighbors, coaches, etc.) Choose one person whose life experiences can teach important lessons to others, and interview that person.

Ask them …

• To tell a specific story about an important moment in his or her life that could teach others.  
• What important lesson did he or she learn from that experience?
• What advice would he or she give to the rest of the world?

Take notes during the interview, and prepare a written report.
Bring the report to class on Friday, April 6, 2012.

Due April 9th

Shopping for a non-fiction book?

Here are some places to browse:

• http://www.downersgrovelibrary.org/teens/great_reads/nonfiction.php
• http://www.barnesandnoble.com/subjects/subjects.asp
• http://www.ala.org/ala//mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2005/nonfiction.cfm
• http://www.scholastic.com/resources/booklist/nonfiction-for-middle-schoolers/
• http://www.dover.lib.nh.us/teenpage/100bestbooks.htm#Non-Fiction
• http://www.amazon.com/Biographies-Memoirs-Books/b/ref=bhp_bb0309A_biomem2_A?ie=UTF8&node=2&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=browse&pf_rd_r=1N49B3X9EKB415ZNXQ34&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1347203502&pf_rd_i=283155

Options from the 2011-2012 Summer Reading Non-Fiction List:

Choose one book from this NONFICTION list:

·         Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone

• Amelia Earhart: The Broad Ocean by Sarah Taylor
• Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by V.M. Nelson
• Born to Write: The Remarkable Lives of Six Famous Authors by Charis Cotter
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwambe
• The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth by Kathleen Krull
• Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
• Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James Swanson
• Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Philip M. Hoose
• Eat Fresh Food: Awesome Recipes for Teen Chefs by Rozanne Gold
• Every Human Has Rights: A Photographic Declaration for Kids published by National Geographic
• The Frog Scientist by Pamela Turner
• Goal! The Fire and Fury of Soccer’s Greatest Moment by Mark Stewart
• The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum by Candace Fleming
• Marching for Freedom: Walk Together, Children, and Don’t You Grow Weary by Elizabeth Partridge
• Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story of Annette Kellerman Who Swam Her Way to Fame, Fortune, and Swimsuit History! By Shana Corey
• Our Choice: How We Can Solve the Climate Crisis by Richie Chevat
• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
• Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement by R. Bowers
• The War to End All Wars: World War I by Freedman Russell
• Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints by Jim Arnosky
• Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland by Sally Walker

Choose ONE non-fiction book to read during LLM.
Title selections due Monday, April 9, 2012. 
Prepare to participate in another "Exhibition"-style activity in June.
No title changes after Monday, April 9, 2012, so choose wisely.

Due Thursday

Tuesdays with Morrie writing prompt:

Compare Mitch's culture with Morrie's culture. Explain which culture is more similar to your own.
Remember to include supporting details and specific examples in your writing.

As always...
- showcase your very best writing ability
- your response must be typed

Be sure to arrive Friday with material for independent reading. Mr. Hurley and I will be in English department meetings all day.

Tuesdays with Morrie Writing Prompt:  

Morrie's colleague’s funeral has a powerful effect on Morrie. Morrie comments about what a waste a funeral is because a person is already dead and cannot hear the nice stories and comments people are sharing. As an alternative, Morrie throws himself a “living funeral.” He invites friends and family over one day so they can pay tribute to him while he is still alive to appreciate it.

What is your opinion on Morrie's idea of a "living funeral"? If you were to someday have a “living funeral” like Morrie, what would you want people to say about you and your life?

• Your response should be one page in length, single-spaced typed.
• Showcase your best writing ability at this point in grade seven.

Remember...

Choose one of the following prompts and write a well-developed composition. Remember to use each technique and strive to achieve a 6 on TODLS. As always, this should be typed. Please remember to vomit and outline.

A foreign student is considering several American schools to attend. Why would your school be the best choice?

OR

With advancements in technology some students have chosen to go to high school via the internet. Decide if public education in school buildings and classrooms or internet education anywhere is best for students.

Composition Due tomorrow...

 WRITING PROMPT
After-school activities give students an opportunity to do something they enjoy outside the classroom. Some students play sports, while others might enjoy acting or other activities.
Your school wants to add some new after-school activities and is taking suggestions from students. In a well-developed composition, suggest a new after-school activity and explain why students might enjoy it.

Vomit, Outline, Essay W/ strong thesis

In addition, please answer the questions as they apply to the short story - The Emperor's New Clothes. 
This is due Weds, March 7th.

Due Feb 28th

Please answer the questions as they apply to the short story - THE LOTTERY. Students should use the Reading Literature: More About Short Stories to answer the questions. See writing prompt in previous post.

Due March 6th... Long Comp

 
WRITING PROMPT
After-school activities give students an opportunity to do something they enjoy outside the classroom. Some students play sports, while others might enjoy acting or other activities.
Your school wants to add some new after-school activities and is taking suggestions from students. In a well-developed composition, suggest a new after-school activity and explain why students might enjoy it.

Vomit, Outline, Essay W/ strong thesis

Due Feb 16th

Students should write 4 What-how statements. These all pertain to The Necklace. After completing this step, students should choose one of their statements. Now write about this subject, describing how the author writes about the subject using textual evidence - evidence from the story. This is due Thursday,  Feb 16th.
This should be typed - be prepared to discuss this in class. Please remember to use response techniques.

Due Weds, Feb 15th.

Your reading logs are due on Weds, Feb 15th. These should be stapled, legible and neatly packaged. They should demonstrate a habit. It should be evident that you are developing a habit of reading on a regular basis. We want reading to become routine, automatic, and hopefully, interesting/enjoyable.

Due Monday Feb 13th

Please find a song that features lyrics which you believe deliver an important or interesting message.
Remember to think about the I P of S (Important/Interesting  Part of the Subject). Print the lyrics to this song, bring them to class on Monday.

Example: In the film, THE LION KING, the author writes about betrayal by describing Scar's behavior.

In the song, _____________________, the musician writes about ____________________ by describing
______________________________.

What is Important or Interesting about this song?

Due Feb 9 & 10

There is no formal homework tonight. However, we may have a final assessment on reading comprehension tomorrow. If so, please remember to develop a "mini-vomit", or a bulleted list of reasons or something that organizes your thoughts before you write. Also, In your response, remember to incorporate: TAGS, response techniques, and use textual evidence from the excerpt...

In addition, we will have a quiz on Friday ( Hypo-, Hyper-)

Please remember,  you should READ each night and create the habit. 

Due Feb 8th...

We will have our Prefix quiz- Hyper-, Hypo- on Friday, Feb10th.

Today we assigned "Yoga & You." Students should read this selection, margin note, underline key words and then create a list or potential benefits. Students should demonstrate a "mini-vomit." They need to show their thoughts before writing their response.

This is due Weds, Feb 8th. Remember, this could be your final benchmark response.

Due...

There is no homework.

Please remember to read often.

Bring your responses to "Treasure Island." We will discuss the relationship between Bones and Jim. Please be prepared with specific details from the scene. 

Due Thursday, Feb 2nd

There is no homework due tomorrow.
However, we will have a prefix quiz on Thursday, Feb 2nd. Circum-, Circ-, Trans-
Please remember to read, read and read...
Reading logs will  be reviewed on Tuesday, Feb 14th.
The new deadline for the "I Pledge" assignment is Thursday, March 1st. 

Due Dates...

Writing Prompt - There are often times in life when people feel proud of themselves. For example, this feeling of pride could result from achieving a goal after working hard or from standing up for something you believe in. Think of a time when you were proud of yourself. In a well-developed composition, describe a time when you were proud of yourself and explain why you felt proud.

This is due January 18th. Typed, size 12, Times New Roman. Please remember to vomit and develop your outline.

Read, Read, and Read...