DUE TOMORROW...

Your HERO composition is due tomorrow - 11/13.

This should inlcude:

Final copy: size 12, TNR, double-spaced
Works Cited: you must have three sources or more.
Draft: with revisions and editing demonstrated.
Outline: typed (this shows some sort of blueprint/plan)
Digital notes: (this shows progress, chipping away, discovery, learning...)

REMINDER -

Today is Sunday, October 27th. Remember, this week, my after-school help day will move from Wednesday to Monday. This is for this week only.

Therefore, if you need additional assistance, I will be available after school on MONDAY, October 28th.

10/11 Practice

There is no formal practice this weekend. Please remember to read, read, and read some more!
Monday is a holiday. I will see you on Tuesday.

Practice 10/10

There is no practice this evening. Please remember to develop your "20" Minute Habit.
Read for 20 Minutes, in a row, Everyday.

10/1 Practice

PLEASE use the checklist provided in class today and REVISE/EDIT. This means CHANGE your letter.
 Add more examples, quotations, sensory details, and facts/statistics.
 Delete unnecessary words, double-talk and be specific with your word choice. Precision is power!
Please apply instruction to you letter.
Finished letters are due on Friday. This means you need to show the writing process -
P.O.W.E.R. - plan, organize, write, edit, revise

Practice 9/26

DUE MONDAY - SEPT 30TH - your first draft of your persuasive letter is due. This will include: your vomit, outline, letter (draft). Also, complete the Pre-Write handout titled, "Convince Me!"
Remember to include: a strong introduction technique, sensory details, facts, examples, transitions and a variety of persuasive techniques. In addition, you should incorporate information from the provided articles to support your position statement. Finally, remember to vary you word choice, "Go BIG." Which convincing words will you use in your writing piece? All steps and final letter, polished and completed is due Weds or Thursday next week.

9/25 Practice

Please read the persuasive essay provided in class. Find as many persuasive writing techniques as you can. Drop them into the chart/template. Bring these to class on Thursday.

09/25 Practice

Tonight: Please make sure you have read and margin noted The Benefits of School Uniforms. This is on lavender paper. In addition, you should complete the graphic organizer and complete a PROPER outline. This should be ready for Weds morning. Many of you have completed these steps, please make sure you are prepared.

9/20 Pracitce

 PLEASE DO THIS BEFORE MONDAY!

www.pearsonsuccessnet.comhttps://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/snpapp/login/login.jsp?showLoginPage=true

9/18 Practice for tonight...

Demonstrate your ability to add details to topic sentences by completing each of the five examples. These were provided in class today.

Practice for tonight

Please try to gain an understanding of the 8th grade Moodle System. Tonight your should click on the 8th grade website, follow the instructions, choose a prompt, and write your written response on a word document. When you are ready to publish, copy and paste your response into Moodle. Remember to use proper M.U.G.S.

Practice: Due Monday, Sept 16th

Write a paragraph: "My Quality." Focus on a particular quality/trait you possess. Please include: topic sentences, supporting details, and specific examples. Remember to have a proper heading,  use size 12, double-space it and type your final copy. In addition, show the writing process: P.O.W.E.R - this must be present. In addition, please use transitions, sensory details, add examples, and facts.

Tonight's Practice

Please read the handout - "The Parts of a Paragraph." Next, margin-note the handout. This may include pictures or diagrams. It may include underlining, circling, and drawing rectangles. However, it will include words and phrases in the margins. Remember, your brain LOVES color. Please notice the difference between the four types of paragraphs: descriptive, narrative, expository and persuasive. Each one requires a different kind of thinking and planning.

9/10 Practice: Buidling a better paragraph

Tonight - How do I build/create a better paragraph? Write a paragraph that "describes your bedroom."
This should be at least 12 sentences long. Remember to include (show me) your writing process. This means: vomit, outline, and your initial draft. Also, vary your word choice and make me want to read your writing sample. Is it interesting? Is it funny? Does is make me want to cry? Did you create an image in my mind?

Remember to include:

• transitions
• sensory details
• add examples
• facts 

Homeplay

 There in no formal homeplay this weekend.

As we attempt to settle into a new year, I hope the routines, early-morning alarms, packing of lunch boxes, and arrivals to Room 227 are as smooth as possible.  I hope we laugh together, contribute towards one another, and grow as we seek to become better. I look forward to rolling up our sleeves and exploring LIFE through literature and writing about our experiences. Have a great weekend!

"I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday." - Abraham Lincoln

Welcome Back!

Well, it was a gross, sticky, sweaty and unpleasant day for a fresh start. The humidity was brutal. 

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a little cooler.  Thank you for making my first day as an "8th grader" really fun. It feels nice to have some familiar faces and personal connections. 

Tonight - there is no formal "home-play." However, there are a few tasks:

1. Bring your three-ring binder.

2. Bring three subject dividers.

3. Bring your Independent Reading Book (I.R.B)

4. Bring your summer reading assignment. 

We will establish the independent reading program tomorrow. Also, we will create our binders and complete some introductory forms. Finally, please remember to bring your "signed paperwork" tomorrow. 

I Pledge, I Will...

The "I Pledge, I Will" Spring 2013 Non-Fiction Exhibition is tomorrow.
Please be prepared, you will demonstrate your new knowledge in two ways:

• Written component
• Artistic component

Remember - Good readers share their knowledge and can explain why the information they read is useful to themselves and others. Now that you have read "I Pledge" books, it's time to share your learning with others. 

REMINDER!

Please remember, we will have our end of book test on Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry  - tomorrow, Weds, June 5th. It will be a Day 1. A class is first. The test will encompass - short answer, matching and identifying specific quotes throughout the novel. You will tell me (a.) who said it (b) to whom it was said (c) what does it mean? Here is an example:
"I sure wouldn't want that big ole man stayin at my place... I betcha he get mad one time, he take ole Little Man and swing him over that tree yonder like he wasn't  nothing but a twig."

Also, many of you were absent recently. Some students still need to submit their essay, vomit & outline. If this is you, please submit A.S.A.P.

Have a great day!

I Pledge - Modifed

Please click here to access the I Pledge document.

Also, Please finish reading R.O.T..

We will have a final "book talk" tomorrow.

Test on Weds.

Remember...

1. Essay is due MONDAY - you should have your vomit, and outline. Bring two highlighters, pen and pencil.
2. Finish reading R.O.T. by MONDAY.
3. Wear Sunscreen!

I Pledge Assignment

Click Here to read the I Pledge Assignment. We present on Thursday, June 13th.

Homeplay...

Good News - The "Cassie Essay" is NOW due on Monday, June 3rd. This will include your vomit, outline and your essay. You MUST have textual evidence supporting the idea that Cassie was forced to grow-up.

In addition, we will have a quiz tomorrow on "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry." This quiz will consist of 20-30 multiple choice questions, and 3-4 short answers. Essentially, I want to know if you've been paying attention. Recently, class participation has been waxing and waning. Is this due to the low pressure and heavy rains?

For Wednesday

In addition, to the essya and textual evidence for Ch 6 - write a response to the following question:

There is a lot of talk about the land in chapter 7. What is an adjective to describe Ma and Pa Logan in regards to their land? Explain why you chose this word. Your response should be an 8-10 sentence paragraph.

Essay assigned - due Friday

For Friday -

In chapter six, after a long day in Strawberry, Ma tells Cassie that it is time to go to bed. She says to Cassie, “I think you’ve done enough growing up for one day.”

 

 

In a 4-6 paragraph essay, explain how Cassie has been forced to grow up since you first “met” her.

For tomorrow - Come prepared by having situations listed when Cassie was forced to grow up; include quotes that support your answer. Remember, tomorrow you will be writing the essay in class/PA and typing it for submission on Friday.

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For Tuesday, April 30th

1.) Read for 20 minutes - CREATE the HABIT. (Non-Fiction, I PLEDGE). Remember the I PLEDGE presentations will tentatively happen on May 31st.

2.) Tonight find an article from a NEWS source: Boston Globe, Time magazine, Newsweek, etc...
     Bring it to class tomorrow. Please find some interest in the story. The minimum length should be
     8-9 paragraphs long.

Welcome Back!

I hope you enjoyed your time away and found time to relax.

Two announcements:

1. Mr. Hurley's after school help day has been moved from Monday afternoons to Wednesday afternoons.

2. TWM Wisdom Books will be due this Tuesday, April 23rd. Please expect to peer review with other students on Tuesday.

Enjoy your time!

There is no homework assigned over break.
However, please remember your "Wisdom Books" are due on Tuesday, April 23rd.
These need to completed and brought to class by the 23rd. We will peer review in class.

 I hope you find time to read a new book, take a trip, meet new folks, play an old board-game, learn something new or relax with family/friends.

Enjoy your time...

Read below and place your reflections in your TWM response journal. Please type your responses.

8. Taking Attendance **

When Mitch arrives home from London, he is shocked and dismayed to learn that his union at the newspaper has gone on strike. This means that Mitch will not be able to work for the newspaper until the strike is resolved. He cannot report on sports matches for the paper, but more significantly, he will not be allowed to write for the newspaper. Mitch is most alarmed about this because it is his newspaper writing that brings him the most joy.

Mitch is upset to learn that not writing his column has no affect on the world at large. He thought his readers would miss his writing, but they seem completely unconcerned with the fact that Mitch’s column has not been in the paper. It is as if the world continues, even without his input. This idea of the world going on despite sadness is very similar to what happened to Morrie when he first learned that he was deathly ill. Draw a diagram that reflects the similarities and differences between Mitch’s situation and Morrie’s.

9. The First Tuesday: We Talk About the World

Mitch recounts an incident in Morrie’s classroom. As an experiment one day, Morrie entered the classroom, sat down at his desk, and didn’t say a word for the entire first fifteen minutes of class. The students’ reactions varied from giggles to contemplation to indifference. Morrie’s point in the experiment was to get the students to consider why we are all uncomfortable with silence. This is, in fact, a very interesting concept. You have probably noticed that, even if you’re in a group of strangers, it’s hard for everyone to keep completely quiet. Someone always begins to talk, to make a joke or an observation.

Why do you think that we are all so scared of silence? Why do we all feel the need to avoid quiet?

10. The Second Tuesday: We Talk About Feeling Sorry for Yourself

Examine Morrie’s observations about self-pity. How does Morrie feel about self-pity? Do you agree? Why or why not?

11. The Third Tuesday: We Talk About Regret

What is the significance of the tape recorder Mitch brings to his sessions with Morrie?

12. The Audiovisual: Part Two

Morrie’s first appearance on “Nightline” was so well-received that Ted Koppel returns to do a follow-up interview. Television viewers seem to have really connected to Morrie and his story. What do you think could be the attraction to Morrie?

13. The Professor

Henry Adams is quoted as saying, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”  Do you agree with this quote?  Why or why not?

  

14. The Fourth Tuesday: We Talk about Death

When Mitch comes back to visit Morrie, the topic turns to death. This is a pretty deep philosophical topic, as everyone has some opinion about death and how to cope with it. Of death, Morrie says that, “Everyone knows they’re going to die, but no one believes it.” What exactly does Morrie mean by this statement?

Homeplay...

Due Tuesday:
1. Vocabulary for the chapters titled:
"The First Tuesday-We Talk About the World"
"The Second Tuesday- We Talk about Feeling Sorry for Yourself"
"The Third Thursday- We Talk About Regrets"
**note that we have skipped a few chapters

2. Answer the following journal questions thoughtfully and thoroughly (for those of you
who like more concrete guidelines, shoot for about 1/2 page each):

a. Morrie talks about the tension of opposites, like the pull of  a rubber band. "Life is
series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing, but you do the other. You take
things for granted when you know you shouldn't. Something hurts you, yet you know it
shouldn't."
Write about a tension of opposites you have in your life. Maybe it is something with your
friends, family or maybe it is a push/pull you feel as a student.

b. What change do you sense is coming in Mitch? Why?

c. Morrie told Mitch that, "The culture we have does not make people feel good about
themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't
buy it."

Write about something in your culture (school, American culture in general, your family
culture, your friend culture) that does not make you feel good about yourself. Why
doesn't it make you feel good? Did you chose not to "buy it" and do your own thing or did
you go along with the culture?

d. One of Morrie's aphorisms is, "Accept the past as past, with denying or discarding
it." What does this mean?
Creat 2 aphorisms that reflect what you believe and how you want to live your life. After
each one, explain why it is important to remember.

Homeplay: Tuesdays with Morrie

1. Begin TWM Response Journal
2. Complete "The Curriculum." This contains five comprehension questions. This should become part of    your  RESPONSE JOURNAL.
3. Complete any three of the six PRE-READING options in your TWM RESPONSE JOURNAL. This should be typed.
4. Complete the vocabulary development for "The Curriculum." This includes, hibiscus and lieu.

Good News - Blog Blast

Good News Blast – This is the first in a series of “blog blasts.” The intention is to update you on the positive outcomes we encountered in our grade 7 ELA community, in recent weeks.

We have been working hard to master the Common Core Standards and I can say with great conviction, that all students have made progress! They have worked diligently on their writing in the last few weeks. They know that good writing has structure. I believe they are ready for the MCAS and should approach the test with confidence.

With regards to writing, they have a solid understanding of topic development, organization, details, language and style. We look forward to the challenge!

After MCAS, we are starting one of my favorite books to read with seventh graders, Tuesdays with Morrie.

Sometimes I feel like reading about a dying man is not going to resonate with the 12-13 year-old, but year after year I am reminded how meaningful this book is for 7^th graders. They learn…and write some of their most meaningful thoughts. They develop voice. I encourage you to engage your child in conversations about this book. I think you will enjoy their insights.

Please make sure your student eats a nutritious breakfast and sleeps soundly before our exams.

In summary, the good news, we have prepared, they have grown as readers and writers – we are READY!

Homeplay

Bring two Non-Fiction titles to school by Thursday. These should be from your "I Pledge" document.
If you have not completed reading these titles, this week and next week you will find class time to read.
The "I Pledge" presentations will begin in early May.

In addition, please complete "Lost in Yonkers" & "On a Night of Snow." Complete the guided reflection and bring to class.

Homeplay...

Please complete the Open Response for "On a Night of Snow."
Next, complete the guided-highlighting reflection before class on Friday.

Stay tuned for the Good News Blast and the Parent Survey.

Ask me about this in the morning.

Homeplay...

The Essay due date has been changed. This assignment is now due on March 4th, Monday.

Often in works of Literature, a character is influenced by his or her family.

From a work of literature you have read in or out of school, select a character that is influenced by his or her family. In a well-developed composition, identify the character, describe how the character is influenced by his or her family, and explain how the character's experience relates to the work as a whole.

Remember to include parts of the writing process: Vomit, Outline, Essay.


In addition, if you have not completed the reading comprehension assignment on "Treasure Island," please bring it on Monday.  Bring multiple highlighter, pen and pencil.


Have a good weekend!

Welcome Back! See Homeplay...

Essay due Friday, March 1

Often in works of Literature, a character is influenced by his or her family.

From a work of literature you have read in or out of school, select a character that is influenced by his or her family. In a well-developed composition, identify the character, describe how the character is influenced by his or her family, and explain how the character's experience relates to the work as a whole.

Remember to include parts of the writing process: Vomit, Outline, Essay.

Due tomorrow, Feb 26th

Rico, a Dog of Many Words. Read it (see below), answer the multiple-choice and the open-response question. Please type. Click here. Bring your highlighters to class. Remember to include MORE RELEVANT DETAILS from the selection. Use your response techniques, include quotes from the article.

Homeplay - tonight

1.) On a piece of white-lined paper, complete a Quick-write - Write about a tradition or ritual in your family/community. This should be 2-3 paragraphs in length. Please have this ready for the start of class on Tuesday.

2.)  ESSAY DUE MONDAY FEB 11^th

Remember to include: vomit & Outline.

Size 12, Times New Roman, Single -Spaced

Strong Thesis (and strong location)

Intro Technique: Quote, Analogy, Anecdote, Startling Face, Pose a question

Transitions

Topic sentences

Supporting details

Specific Examples

Add Relevant Details

Vary your word choice (Go Big)

Conclusion technique: Refer to intro, Restate in other words, Add with something CHEESY; it sticks.

Imagine that for one day you could trade places with anyone you choose. The person could be real or imaginary, from the past or from the present.

In a well-developed composition, identify the person you would want to trade places with, explain why you would like to trade places with this person, and describe how your day would be different as this person.

Remember...

The link below should hep your prepare for your assignment due Tuesday, Jan 29th. Remember, students do not have school on Monday, January 28th. Also, your short story is due Friday, Feb 1st. You should be working on this over the weekend. Watch the power point below and think about characterization and plot. Remember "The Choking Doberman" was pure plot.

http://www.slideshare.net/OguzAlici/short-story-by-oguz

Good Luck!

A Day's Wait, Ernest Heminway

 Please think about the use of dialogue. Where does the author use direct characterization? Where does he use indirect characterization? How does the author show characterization? Is it through a character's actions, feelings or thoughts?

 Please keep in mind you will be writing your own short story. You will be required to incorporate the above techniques.

Click here to access tonight's assignment.

Due Weds the 23rd - The Sniper

For Homeplay - please complete your plot diagrams and answer the following questions for class tomorrow.


Click Here for a copy of  "THE SNIPER."

1. The Republican sniper described as a “student” but also “a fanatic.”  How many of his actions are expressions of one of these two characteristics?  ( Consider for example, the fact that he does not shoot the armored car, does shoot the old woman, tries to bend his arm bone to make  sure it is broken and is curious to know whom he has killed.)  Is he also brave? Resourceful? Understandable? Why or why not?

      2.  What does the Republican sniper respect about his adversary? Why does he notice

            More details about this death than about others he has caused that day?  Does the  

           change in his condition- by then he is wounded, tired and hungry- account for his  

           sudden remorse when the Free Stater sniper dies?  Explain.

3. In what ways are the two snipers alike?  In what sense, even before he sees the dead man’s face, does the Republican sniper realize that he has killed a brother?

       4.  A Broader Perspective * The Republican sniper is never given a name.  Why?   

            Why aren’t the political differences between the Republicans and Free Staters  

            explained? ( Are they important to the author’s purpose?)  Is the setting essential

            to this story, or is the Irish episode mainly a way to raise a more general question 

            about the meaning of war?

             

Due Wednesday, the 16th

Tonight - Please complete today's classwork. The questions are listed below.  Please submit your best work. This includes organization, headings and neat handwriting. 

To see class questions for THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES Click Here.

IP of S due Tuesday, Jan 15th

Tonight's Homework...

1.)  "Important/Interesting Part of the Subject" (I. P. of S.)

In class today, you wrote three I. P. of S. statements related to "The Emperor's New Clothes." Now...

- Choose  your "best" or "most interesting" I. P. of S. statement from your collection of three.
- Write an analysis (2-3 paragraphs in length) that defends with evidence from the text your I. P. of S. statement.

Here is an example of an IPof S (Important/Interesting Part of the Subject). This is an exceptional response. Please use it as an example. Click Here.

Bring your written ideas to class tomorrow.

Due Friday

Tonight's Homework...

"The Necklace" classwork

Reading Literature: Short Stories

1. Recognizing Irony.  Irony is an important element in this story.  In irony, what appears to be true is the opposite of the truth.  Tell what ironic situation is revealed at the end of this story.

2. Finding Character traits.  A character trait is a quality that a character shows.  For example, important traits of John Henry were his determination and pride.  Tell what character traits you learned about Mathilde by reading the first four paragraphs of the story.  Identify sentences that led you to believe she had those qualities.  Then tell what you learned about her in the rest of the story.

4. Diagramming the Plot.  You have learned that the plot can be divided into five parts: introduction, rising action, climax or turning point, falling action, and resolution. Draw a plot line showing all five parts of story “The Necklace.”

Developing Vocabulary Skills
1. Using Context Clues in Sentences.  The underlined words in sentences below appear in “The Necklace.”  Each sentence contains a definition or restatement clue.  On your paper, write the following:

 J     The clue words or clue pronunciation that helped you find the meaning of the words.

J     The meaning of the underlined word.

 

1. She dreamed of luxuries – costly food and dress- and huge rooms filled at five o’clock with good friends.
2. She had no way of being known in society.  In other words, there was no chance for her to meet any rich and powerful people.
3. On the plates would be the pink flesh of trout or the wings of a quail, which is a kind of game bird.
4.  All of a sudden she discovered, in a black satin box, a necklace of diamonds that was superb, splendid!
5. She went shopping, insulting storekeepers.  That is, she treated them rudely.
6. Mme. Loisel now began to know the horrible existence, the unhappy life, of the needy.
7. His wife’s tears caused him to be in despair – without hope.
8. He wanted her to buy a suitable dress – a dress that would fit the occasion.

2. Using context Clues within a Paragraph: Read how Mme. Loisel feels as she sits in the cold house after the ball. What is the meaning of “overwhelmed”? What clues helped you figure out the meaning?

Developing Writing Skills

1. Discussing meaning. Here are three sentences from “The Necklace” that describe M. Loisel when he borrows the money to buy the replacement for the necklace:

To everyone he gave signed promise to repay, even to criminals.
He risked all the rest of his life and then signed away another life.
All that mattered was to get the thirty-six thousand together.

What does the statement that Loisel “signed away another life” mean? Write a paragraph about what these three sentences tell concerning M. Loisel’s action and feelings.