Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Finish watching A Christmas Carol; Turn in your “Book and Movie Comparison/Contrast Guide.”
Homework: None.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Periods 5, 6 and 7 meet today.
Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Review the Marzano/Christmas Carol test; Watch the first hour of A Christmas Carol. Complete the “Book and Movie Comparison/Contrast Guide” while watching.
Homework: None. Students were given a list of spelling words to study for this year’s school spelling bee which will be held in January.

Monday, December 29, 2010

Periods 2, 3 and 4 meet today.
Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Review the Marzano/Christmas Carol test; Watch the first hour of A Christmas Carol. Complete the “Book and Movie Comparison/Contrast Guide” while watching.
Homework: None. Students were given a list of spelling words to study for this year’s school spelling bee which will be held in January.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Number your paper like the example on the board.
Classwork: Marzano/Christmas Carol Test; First period will begin watching A Christmas Carol.
Homework: None.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Finish reading “A Christmas Carol,” Act II. Review Marzano words for tomorrow’s test.
Homework: Your last reading log of the year is due tomorrow! Study all Marzano terms in your Marzano Dictionary (in your English binder) for the test tomorrow. Questions from “A Christmas Carol” will also be on your test.

Wednesday, December 15 , 2010

Journal Entry: None. Pick up your work from yesterday from the back counter.
Classwork: Discuss “A Christmas Carol” questions on page 623; Continue reading the first part of “A Christmas Carol,” Act II, beginning on page 627.
Homework: Don’t forget your reading log! Study all Marzano terms in your Marzano Dictionary (in your English binder) for the test on Friday. Questions from “A Christmas Carol” will also be on your test.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Continue reading “A Christmas Carol,” Act I, on pages 614-623. Answer questions 1-7 on page 623.  Students who are absent may read Act I on pages 186-204 of their literature workbook.
Homework: Don’t forget your reading log! Study all Marzano terms in your Marzano Dictionary (in your English binder) for the test on Friday. Questions from “A Christmas Carol” will also be on your test.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Marzano Word: Characterization. Read first half of Act I in “A Christmas Carol,” beginning on page 600.
Homework: Study all Marzano terms in your Marzano Dictionary (in your English binder) for the test on Friday. Questions from “A Christmas Carol” will also be on your test.

I will not be here before school or during periods 1-3 tomorrow.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Standard: Continue reading in chapter 19-24 in Freak the Mighty. Advanced: Write up Chapter 13, Review personality profiles; Continue reading in groups, but only share odd-numbered chapters.
Homework: None.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Standard: Continue reading in chapter 14-20 in Freak the Mighty. Advanced: Complete the Personality Profile Sheet. Continue reading in groups, but only share odd-numbered chapters.
Homework: Standard: None. Reading logs are due on Friday. Advanced: Continue reading The Secret Garden through the end of Chapter 12 (Chapter 13 for 4th period). Read online from my website or check out a book after 7th period. Reading logs are due tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Standard: Continue reading in chapter 11-15 in Freak the Mighty. Advanced: Continue reading in groups, but only share odd-numbered chapters.
Homework: None. Reading logs are due on Friday.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Standard: Continue reading Freak the Mighty in your literature circles, but do not pass Chapter 10. Complete work on the Chapter 5-10 Study Guide. Advanced: Pick your top 3 questions from the homework – one from each level. Continue reading in groups, but only share odd-numbered chapters.
Homework: None. Reading logs are due on Friday.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Standard: Continue reading Freak the Mighty in your literature circles, but do not pass Chapter 10. Begin work on the Chapter 5-10 Study Guide. Advanced: Take notes on levels of questions.
Homework: Advanced only: Create three questions from your assigned chapter. Your chapter will be the same as your group number. You are to make one question from each level:
Level 1: Recall and Reproduction
Level 2: Skills and Concepts
Level 3: Strategic Thinking
Links to the chapters are here:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
You may listen to the chapters here:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6

Friday, December 3, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Standard: Chapter 1-5 Quiz; Continue reading Freak the Mighty in your literature circles, but do not pass Chapter 10. Advanced: Continue reading The Secret Garden in your literature circles, but do not pass Chapter 8.  Standard class students who were absent may borrow books at the end of 7th period. Advanced students who were absent may read the book online at http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Frances_Hodgson_Burnett/The_Secret_Garden/.
Homework: None. Journal Entries 21-30 are due on Monday! Cover sheets are online.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Journal Entry #30: Smoking today is not just considered unhealthy; it is also illegal for anyone under eighteen years of age to smoke. Despite efforts of many government agencies, the rate of teen smokers is still growing. Write a letter convincing a friend to never try smoking, or quit if they have already started. Include three good reasons to stop smoking. This should be a one-page letter.
Classwork: Standard: Finish Chapter 1-5 Study Guide. (Quiz tomorrow.) Continue reading chapters 6-7. Advanced: Complete through chapter 6 today. Standard class students who were absent may borrow books at the end of 7th period. Advanced students who were absent may read the book online at http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Frances_Hodgson_Burnett/The_Secret_Garden/.
Homework: Reading Log due tomorrow. Journal Entries 21-30 due on Monday.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Journal Entry #29: Write a half page describing the main character in our book. Use Marzano words from the wall.
Classwork: Standard: Continue reading in literary circles through Chapters 5 in Freak the Mighty; Complete CH 1-5 Study Guide with your group. Advanced: Finish Chapter 4 in The Secret Garden. Standard class students who were absent may borrow books at the end of 7th period. Advanced students who were absent may read the book online at http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Frances_Hodgson_Burnett/The_Secret_Garden/.
Homework: None. Reading Log due on Friday.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

FAIR Testing in the Media Center Today.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Summarizers only pick up the group folders and books
Classwork: Standard: Continue reading in literary circles through Chapters 5 in Freak the Mighty; Complete CH 1-5 Study Guide with your group. Advanced: Chapter 4 (Click to listen.) in The Secret Garden. Standard class students who were absent may borrow books at the end of 7th period. Advanced students who were absent may read the book online at http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Frances_Hodgson_Burnett/The_Secret_Garden/.
Homework: None. Reading Log due on Friday.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Discussion Directors only pick up the group folders and books
Classwork: Finish yesterday’s group discussions; Continue reading in literary circles. Chapters 3-5 in Freak the Mighty; Chapters 2-3 in The Secret Garden. Standard class students who were absent may borrow books at the end of 7th period. Advanced students who were absent may read the book online at http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Frances_Hodgson_Burnett/The_Secret_Garden/.
Homework: None. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Discussion Directors only pick up the group folders and books
Classwork: Finish yesterday’s group discussions; Continue reading in literary circles. Chapters 3-5 in Freak the Mighty; Chapters 2-5 in The Secret Garden; Freak the Mighty Quiz if time permits in periods 2, 3 and 5.
Homework: None.

Monday, November 22, 2010

 
Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Learn the roles of:

1. Literary Luminary
2. Summarizer
3. Vocabulary Enricher
4. Discussion Director

Read the first chapter of The Secret Garden or Freak the Mighty.
Homework: None.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Journal Entry#28: President Obama said, “The idea of a longer school year, I think, makes sense.” He also pointed out that U.S. students attend classes, on average, “about a month less” than children in other advanced countries. What do you think? (One Page) Six Traits Focus: Ideas!
Classwork: Read the play, “The Fall and Rise of Kevin Pearce”.
Homework: None. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Number your paper from 1-10 and take 5 minutes to review your notes and literature book for the Rikki-Tikki-Tavi quiz.
Classwork: Rikki-Tikki-Tavi quiz; Review pronoun and antecedent worksheets; Discovery Video – Pendemonium: Panic in Peru.
Homework Reminder: Reading logs are due tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Write a letter to your favorite teacher at Jackson Heights Middle School. Remind them of a special time in his or her class and thank him or her for how he or she has influenced your life.
Classwork: We will be writing thank-you letters to Mr. Humes, our guest speaker from yesterday; If time permits, we will quickly review our pronouns and antecedents.
Homework: None. Don’t forget to turn in your reading log on Friday.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Special Teach-In Guest today, Larry Humes, author of Bridges to Nowhere. Mr. Humes is the owner of Humes and Associates, Strategic Marketing for Higher Education. He has been a writer for 33 years.
Homework: None. Don’t forget to turn in your reading log on Friday.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Journal Entry #27: After viewing the news video, choose one of the following:

1. You are Cody’s friend. Write a note to advise him on what to do.
2. You are Cody’s mom or dad. Write a letter to the superintendent to share your opinion.

Your entry should be at least a half page in length.
 
Classwork: Share short story analysis forms; Rikki-Tikki-Tavi quiz.
Homework: None.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Journal Entry: None! Get in your groups and continue working on your Short Story Analysis Form.
Classwork: Complete and turn in your Short Story Analysis; Watch the cartoon version of “Rikki Tikki Tavi”.
Homework: None. Have a great weekend and be careful!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Number a new page for your Marzano Dictionary from 53-56.
Classwork: Marzano Word: onomatopoeia(54); Review “Monsters on Maple Street” quiz; Complete the Short Story Analysis Form for “Rikki Tikki Tavi.”
Homework Reminder: Reading logs are due tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Turn to page 408 and get ready to read "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi"!
Classwork: Read "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi". This story is also on pages 132-144 in the LWB (Literature Workbook).
Homework: None. Don’t forget to turn in your pronoun homework tomorrow and your reading log on Friday.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Quiz on “Monsters are Due on Maple Street;” Class Notes 11.1, Personal Pronouns and 11.2, Pronouns and Antecedents.
Homework: GWB, (Grammar Workbook), pp. 103-106, all exercises. These pages were given to students in class today. Due on Thursday.

Class Notes 11.1

A pronoun is a word that takes the place of one or more nouns.
Pronouns that are used to refer to people or things are called personal pronouns.
A subject pronoun is a personal pronoun that takes the place of a subject noun.
An object pronoun is a personal pronoun that takes the place of an object of a verb or preposition.

Class Notes 11.2

The noun or group of words that a pronoun refers to is called its antecedent.
The gender of a noun may be masculine (male), feminine (female), or neuter (referring to things).

Monday, November 8, 2010

Journal Entry #26: You are a reporter. Write a brief article about the space balloon after watching the 6-minute video. This will be a full page.
Classwork: Marzano Words: dynamic character (26), static character (77), protagonist (63), and antagonist (8); Finish our Short Story Analysis form.
Homework: None.

Homemade Spacecraft from Luke Geissbuhler on Vimeo.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Journal Entry #25: Watch the 5-minute video about the McCarthy Era. What comparisons can be made between the McCarthy Era and the story, “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street.
Classwork: Review the Short Story Analysis. Marzano Words: dynamic character (26), static character (74).
Homework: None. Have a great weekend and be careful!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Number a new page for your Marzano Dictionary from 21-24.
Classwork: Begin working on the “Short Story Analysis” for “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street;” Marzano Word: conflict; View “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street.”
Homework Reminder: Reading logs are due tomorrow.

The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street

.. | Myspace Video

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Journal Entry #24: In “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street,” what makes a monster different from regular people? Limit yourself to a quick answer that is no longer than half a page in length.
Classwork: Discuss journal entry #24; Review homework from InTime Magazine
Homework: None. Don’t forget your reading log on Friday.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Review homework; Review the plot diagram, Read “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street”, pp. 666-684, Prentice-Hall Literature.

Homework: None.

Monday November 1, 2010

Journal Entry #23: What is the scariest costume that you saw anyone wearing this weekend? Describe it. What made it so scarey? This should be about half of the page.
Classwork: Marzano Words: foreshadowing (35), irony (46), flat character (34), round character (71)
Homework: Read the following articles in InTime Magazine: “Banning the Bandz”, p. 9; “The Incredible Talking Machine”, p. 12-13; “Power of One”, p. 14. Answer the one question at the end of each article. This is due tomorrow.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Write down origins of words from yesterday. Read “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Homework: None. Have a great weekend and be careful!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Look up these words in the Oxford English Dictionary. Write the definition and the language of origin for each:
Souvenir, Kindergarten, Cuisine,
Elite, Futon, Umbrella,
Stempede, Confetti, Tornado,
Espresso, Coyote, Origami,
Et cetera (etc.), Bouquet, Antique,
Vice versa, Chauffeur, Muffin,
Faux pas, and Modus Operandi (M.O.)
Homework Reminder: Reading logs are due tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

PAPER BAG BOOK REPORTS

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

PAPER BAG BOOK REPORTS

Monday, October 25, 2010

Journal Entry: None.

Copy the following information onto a sheet of notebook paper:

 

Classwork: Paper Bag Book Reports today!

Homework: None. Don't forget your reading logs on Friday.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Final Review for Paper Bag Book Reports; Visit the Book Fair
Homework: None. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Continue work on our 6 Traits personification posters; Groups will present traits and posters to the class.
Facilitator – Keep your group focused on completing the assignment.
Recorders – Everyone should take turns on the poster.
Presenter – One person is in charge of presenting the poster to the class, but others may assist.
Homework Reminder: Our first reading logs of the nine weeks are due on Friday.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Take out Journal Entry #22 from yesterday.
Classwork: Begin work on our 6 Traits personification posters.
Homework Reminder: Our first reading logs are due on Friday.

Personify Your Trait!
I am _________
My main function or job is ______________.
If I were a color, I’d be the color of _______ because _____________________________.
I’m overjoyed when ____________________.
I’m depressed when ___________________.
I wonder _____________________________.
I often say to myself, “Don’t I look good?” when _______________________________.
I want to shout when __________________.

We will present our trait posters tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Journal Entry #22: Write a half page description of one of the 6 traits listed on the bulletin board.
Row 1: Sentence Fluency, Row 4: Voice
Row 2: Word Choice, Row 5: Ideas
Row 3: Organization, Row 6: Conventions
Classwork: Share journal entries; View “All Summer in a Day”.
Homework: None. Remember to turn in your reading log this Friday.
Paper Bag Book Reports are due on Monday!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Take out your homework from “All Summer in a Day” and get ready to review it.
Classwork: Read along and review “All Summer in a Day”.
Homework: None. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Journal Entry #21: Describe a trip to the fair or a theme park in one page. Use imagery and underline at least two of each of the following:
Sight -Green
Sound -Orange
Taste -Yellow
Touch -Blue
Smell -Brown
Classwork: Share journal entries; Review homework.
Homework Reminder: DON’T FORGET YOUR READING LOG TOMORROW!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

We had our 2nd day of FAIR testing in the media center.
Homework: LWB (Literature Workbook), pp. 79-84, “All Summer in a Day”. Complete the activities in the blue shaded areas. This is due tomorrow.
Reading Logs are due on Friday.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Number a page 49-52 and another page with 37-40 for our Marzano dictionaries.
Classwork: Marzano Words: setting (72), mood (50), imagery (40); Read “All Summer in a Day” on pp. 264-270.
Homework: LWB (Literature Workbook), pp. 79-84, “All Summer in a Day”. Complete the activities in the blue shaded areas. This is due on Thursday.
We are completing FAIR testing tomorrow in the media center. Bring a book to read. We may also check out, return, or renew books.

Monday, October 11, 2010

First day of FAIR Testing today in the media center.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Share Journal Entry #20 in your group before turning in 11-20.
Classwork: Share news stories on Bob’s capture; Quiz on “After Twenty Years;” Read and discuss article on energy drinks.
Homework: None. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Journal Entry #20: You are a newspaper reporter. You are to write an article about the capture of “Silky Bob” from Chicago. Make sure to include all of the “Who, when, what, where and how” information in your article, including a headline, picture and name of the newspaper. You can include an advertisement or side article to fill in any leftover space. You may work as a group or as an individual reporter, but each of you must copy the article for your journal if you work as a group. Make sure to keep this as journal entry #20.
Classwork: Share alternate endings with group members; Work on Journal Entry #20.
Homework Reminder:
DON’T FORGET YOUR READING LOG TOMORROW!
Journal Entries 11-20 are due tomorrow. Download or copy from the web page for extra credit!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Journal Entry #19: Rewrite the ending of “After Twenty Years.” Begin your ending after the first paragraph on p. 129 of the workbook that ends with “… smoked his cigar and waited.” This paragraph is on p. 431 of the literature textbook. This entry should be a full page.
Classwork: Share your ending with group members; media center passes will be given to students who need to return/get a book.
Homework Reminder: Our reading logs and journal entries 11-20 are due on Friday.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Journal Entry #18: Explain the ending of “After Twenty Years” to someone who has never read it.
Classwork: Listen to reading of “After Twenty Years;” Review questions on pp. 127-130 in Literature Workbook.
Homework: Bring your novel for your paper bag book report tomorrow. Remember to have your reading log ready to turn in by Friday.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Journal Entry #18: Explain the ending of “After Twenty Years” to someone who has never read it.
Classwork: Listen to reading of “After Twenty Years;” Review questions on pp. 127-130 in Literature Workbook.
Homework: Bring your novel for your paper bag book report tomorrow. Remember to have your reading log ready to turn in by Friday.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Complete questions from “analyzing a picture;” View “Pendemonium” video – spelling.
Homework: None. Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Discuss paper Bag Book Report; Analyzing a Painting
Homework Reminder: LWB (Literature Workbook), “After Twenty Years,” p. 127-130. Do all activities in the blue shaded areas. This is due Friday.
Don't forget your reading log on Friday!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Take out a sheet of paper and draw boxes like the example on the board.
Classwork: Do “probable passage” activity for “After Twenty Years.” Gist Statement: Summarize what you think this story is about. Three Questions: Write three questions you would ask to find out more about this story. You may write these questions as you are doing your summary. View video segment, "Rise of gangs in New York City."
Homework: LWB (Literature Workbook), “After Twenty Years,” p. 127-130. Do all activities in the blue shaded areas. This is due Friday. Remember to turn in your reading log on Friday also.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Mr. Garner will have a sub today. Students will read "The Neverending Story" and "Zoe in the Read World. There will be no homework.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Journal Entry #17: Pass-Around Story; Students who were absent should write a one-page story using at least one of the thesaurus words in each sentence.
Classwork: Write and share pass-around stories; Get first instructions for the paper bag book report.
Homework: None. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Journal Entry #16: Think of your favorite television program.  Convince your reader that this is the best program on television in one full page.
Classwork: Share journal entries; Review homework from Tuesday night – “Four Skinny Trees.”
Homework: None. Don’t forget tomorrow’s Reading Log.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Journal Entry #15: List at least 25 words from the thesaurus posters that describe yourself.
Classwork: “A Star is Born,” (adjective activity). Group members are responsible for materials as follows:
Facilitator – Marker Set (8 Markers)
Recorder – Scissors (2)
Reporter – Stars (2)
Encourager – Paper (Clean up and returns scraps.)
Homework: None. Don’t forget Friday’s Reading Log.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Take out a sheet of paper for your conjunction quiz.
Classwork: Conjunction quiz for classes that did not do it yesterday; “In Other Words,” Groups will use a thesaurus to list many meanings of common words on posters.
Homework: LWB (Literature Workbook), “Four Skinny Trees,” p. 72. Do all activities in the blue shaded areas. This is due tomorrow.

Monday September 20, 2010

Journal Entry #14: You have been chosen to travel to a newly discovered planet to represent Earth to the inhabitants there. You must choose three items to take with you as gifts. Describe each item and explain why you selected it. This should be one page in length.
Today's Entry as a Five-Paragraph Essay
1st Paragraph: Explain your mission and list your gifts.
2nd Paragraph: Describe and explain the first gift.
3rd Paragraph: Describe and explain the second gift.
4th Paragraph: Describe and explain the third gift.
5th Paragraph: Conclude by either restating your goals, hopes, excitement, or giving some final words of wisdom.
Classwork: Share journal entries; Conjunction Quiz – F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.
Homework: None.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Get into groups from yesterday and prepare to present your questions and answers from “The Amigo Brothers.”
Classwork: Finish reviewing “Amigo Brothers” questions in groups; “Conjunction Junction” review of conjunctions; Discovery Video – Pendemonium: “Behind Enemy Lines: Coordinating Conjunction.”
Homework: None. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Review homework from yesterday (Amigo Brothers); Class Notes 13.4 Conjunctions.
Homework: None. Don’t forget Friday’s Reading Log. Bring your parents to Open House tonight!

Conjunctions - Class Notes 13.4

A coordinating conjunction is a single word used to connect parts of a sentence, such as words or phrases. Some are and, but, or, so, yet, for and nor.

A correlating conjunctions are pairs of words used to connect words or phrases in a sentence. Some are both - and, either - or, neither - nor, and not only - but also. For example: Both New York and Paris are major art centers.

When the parts of a compound subject are joined by or or nor the verb must agree with the nearer part of the subject.
For example:
Neither the twins nor Carla is a good painter.
Neither Carla nor the twins are good painters.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Journal Entry #13: Write a one-page description of your room from a parent’s perspective.
Classwork: Share journal entries; Review homework.
Homework: None. Don’t forget Friday’s Reading Log.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Journal Entry: In your Journal Entry #12, replace the words “I, me, we, us, my and mine” with “it, he, she, him, her, they and them”. Make sure the story still makes sense.
Classwork: Marzano Words: third person limited (2); third person omniscient (3), Read Prentice Hall Literature, pp. 290-298, “The Amigo Brothers.”
Homework: LWB (Literature Workbook), “The Amigo Brothers,” pp. 92-100. Do all activities in the blue shaded areas. This is due tomorrow.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Journal Entry #12: You are a lost item.  Write a page describing yourself, who you belonged to and how you were lost.  Tell us what has happened to you since you became lost.
Classwork: Share Journal Entries; Share Preposition Park Posters, Marzano Words: third person omniscient, third person limited.
Homework: LWB (Literature Workbook), “The Amigo Brothers,” pp. 92-100. Do all activities in the blue shaded areas. This is due on Wednesday.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Continue making your poster. Remember to label at least 10 areas of the park with DIFFERENT prepositional phrases: beside the lake, in the water, across the bridge, near the ticket booth, etc. The list of prepositions is in your class notes in Grammar 13.1.
Homework: Finish your preposition park posters if you did not turn it in today.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: You are to create a poster of a park. Be creative with your idea of a park: recreational park, amusement park, skate park, park with a water spring, or even a golf course. You may create a paint ball park or laser tag park, but you must not draw violence or death. Label at least 10 areas of the park with DIFFERENT prepositional phrases: beside the lake, in the water, across the bridge, near the ticket booth, etc. A list of prepositions is in your class notes in Grammar 13.1.
Homework: Reading Logs are due on Friday.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Use the first 10 minutes of class to prepare your group to present the short story.Classwork: Each group will present their short story with appropriate sound effects. Class Notes: Grammar 13.1, Prepositions and prepositional Phrases.
Homework: None. Don’t forget Friday’s Reading Log.

Prepositions - Class Notes 13.1

A Preposition is a word that relates a noun or a pronoun to some other word in a sentence.

Commonly Used Prepositions

about   at      down   of      to               

above   before  during off     toward

across  behind  for    on      under

after   below   from   out     until

against beneath in     outside up

along   beside  inside over    upon

among   between into   since   with

around  beyond  like   through within

as      by      near   without throughout

Compound Prepositions

according to  aside from  in front of  instead of

across from   because of  in place of  on account of

along with    far from    in spite of  on top of

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, which is called the object of the preposition.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Get into groups and share Journal Entry #11; Group Activity.

1. Each person will share their homework story.
2. Group members will share ideas to improve each story by making it funnier, scarier, easier to understand, etc.
3. Each group will pick the story that they think is best to present to the class.

• Facilitators keep group on task.
• Recorders keep notes for presentation in Step 3.
• Reporters will read the story in Step 3.
• Encouragers maintain a positive setting.

Homework: None. Don’t forget to visit www.mrgarner.us to download, print or copy a new reading log for next week.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Journal Entry #11: Write a very short story (an anecdote) about one of your homework excuses from Journal Entry #10.  It should be no less than one page, but no more than two pages long.
Classwork: Share homework stories.
Homework: None tonight. Remember to do your reading log.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Journal Entry #10: List 10 crazy reasons why you couldn’t do your homework.
Classwork: Share journal entries (friendly letters) from yesterday; Quiz on parts of a friendly letter; Demonstrate downloading a journal entry cover.
Homework: None.
Reading Logs are due on Friday.
Journal entries 1-10 are due tomorrow. If you download and print the cover page from my website, you will get 5% extra credit.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Journal Entry #9: Write a friendly letter to Victor letting him know how our 7th grade year is going and giving him advice for having a successful 7th grade year. Include all five parts of a friendly letter from our class notes.
Classwork: Share journal entries; Review homework; Listen to a reading of our story, “Seventh Grade;” Vocabulary words: conviction, portly, sheepishly, elective.
Homework: Finish making a plot diagram on 8 ½ x 11 paper. Label and decorate it. Be creative! The best looking ones will be on display for Open House on September 16th.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Journal Entry #8: Write a one-page story (advanced) or ½ page story (standard) using all of the following words: hot dog, clouds, eagle, pizza, puppies, boat, sour, flu, flag, trees. (Underline or highlight them in your story.)
Classwork: Share journal entries in groups; Class notes: Parts of a friendly letter; Discuss vocabulary from “The Seventh Grade.”
Homework: (Due on Wednesday). Make a plot diagram on 8 ½ x 11 paper. Label and decorate it. Be creative! The best looking ones will be on display for Open House on September 16th.

Here are our class notes from today:

1. The Heading. This includes the address, line by line, with the last line being the date. Skip a line after the heading. The heading is indented to the middle of the page. If using preaddressed stationery, add just the date.

2. The Greeting. The greeting always ends with a comma. The greeting may be formal, beginning with the word "dear" and using the person's given name or relationship, or it may be informal if appropriate.

Formal: Dear Uncle Jim, Dear Mr. Wilkins,
Informal: Hi Joe, Greetings,

3. The body. Also known as the main text. This includes the message you want to write. Normally in a friendly letter, the beginning of paragraphs is indented. Skip a line after the greeting and before the close.

4. The closing. This short expression is always a few words on a single line. It ends in a comma. It should be indented to the same column as the heading. Skip one to three spaces (two is usual) for the signature line.

5. The signature line. Type or print your name. The handwritten signature goes above this line and below the close. The signature line and the handwritten signature are indented to the same column as the close. If the letter is quite informal, you may omit the signature line as long as you sign the letter.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Journal Entry: None.
Classwork: Finish Marzano words from yesterday: exposition (29), climax (18), rising action (70), falling action (31), and resolution (67); Read the play, “Flipped” in advanced classes and read the play, “Avatar” in standard classes.
Homework: None. Don’t forget to visit www.mrgarner.us to download, print or copy a new reading log for next week.

August 26, 2010

Journal Entry #7: Using picture panels, write clear and complete directions on how to tie your shoes. Set up your paper like the example on the board by folding it into quadrants.
Classwork: Marzano Words: exposition (29), climax (18), rising action (70), falling action (31), and resolution (67).
Homework: None tonight. Prepare your first reading log which is due tomorrow.

August 25, 2010

Journal Entry #6: Write clear and complete directions explaining how to tie your shoes for someone who has never tied their shoes before. Number each step in the process. This should be at least a half page.
Classwork: Share journal entries; Review homework.
Homework: Reading Logs are due on Friday. You must have at least three (3) entries. You will have 33% removed from your grade for missing entries.

August 24, 2010

Journal Entry #5: Use at least five (5) of the verbs from yesterday’s list to describe what you did in several of your classes yesterday or today. Underline or highlight the verbs that you use. This must be half a page in length.
Classwork: Share journal entries; Review homework; Listen to a reading of our story, “Seventh Grade;” Marzano word: tone.
Homework: LWB (Purple Literature Workbook), complete all questions in the blue shaded areas on pp. 44-45. DO NOT SEPARATE these pages from the story.

August 23, 2010

Journal Entry #4: List 20 verbs (action words) that describe things that you will do today during and after school.
Classwork: Share verbs; Clarify homework; Discuss idioms; Review Zero Tolerance.
Homework: LWB (Purple Literature Workbook), Read, remove and staple pp. 41-45, “Seventh Grade.” Do the work in the blue shaded areas on pp. 41-43 only.

August 20, 2010

Journal Entry #3: Half of the adult population are suddenly unable to do their jobs. Kids your age are needed to report to work in one hour to take their place. What job would you pick? Why? (No professional sports!) It must be at least a half page in length.
Classwork: Review Journal Entry #3; Review Reading Logs, Review English Notebook Setup; Review Zero Tolerance Policy; Literary Terms Pre-Test. (This test does not go in the gradebook.)
Homework: None

August 19, 2010

Journal Entry #2: Using the 5 words that you circled on Journal Entry #1, explain how your first week of school is going so far. Underline or highlight the five words within your writing.
Classwork: Each student will get a copy of the reading log form; Each student will get a Prentice Hall Literature Workbook (LWB); Go to the library to check out a novel.
Homework: None

August 18, 2010

Journal Entry: None. Take out Journal Entry #1 and underline or highlight the 5 words that best describe school in your opinion.
Classwork: Share homework essays; Finish classroom rules and procedures.
Homework: None.

August 17, 2010

Journal Entry #1: List 20 adjectives that describe school. (Not an example. Actually do this!)
Classwork: Briefly discuss adjectives; Review classroom rules and procedures.
Homework: Ask your parent or guardian to show you an item that he/she owned when he/she was your age. On a sheet of paper, describe the item and explain why did he/she kept it? This assignment should fill one side of a sheet of paper.

August 16, 2010

Journal Entry #1: List 20 adjectives that describe school.
Classwork: First day procedures as directed by administration; Copy supply list into planner; Review journal entry.
Homework: Return your green emergency card, green security card (sheet of paper), Free and Reduced Lunch Program form, and SCPS Residency Questionnaire to your first period teacher.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Journal Entry: We do a journal entry almost every day.  If you are absent, be sure to check here to see what it was.
Classwork: Sign in and give us your email address and phone number.
Homework: Visit my website at http://www.mrgarner.us.