Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wednesday, December 15

Due: Character Chart

In class, students took their Bronx/Poetry Test and then organized and turned in the LA section of their binder.

HW: Vocab. Quiz 3 Corrections due TOMORROW! Also, be ready to share a poem for our Open Mike Thursday!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tuesday, December 14

Due: None.

In class, students finished reading Bronx and we discussed the meaning of the title and some of the characters. We then reviewed for the TEST TOMORROW!

HW: Study for Bronx/Poetry Test Tomorrow!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Monday, December 13

Due: Project (if you didn't turn it in on Friday!)

In class, we continued reading Bronx Masquerade and filling in the character chart (almost done!)

HW: Start studying for Bronx/Poetry Test on Wednesday

For your TEST, you should study:
TOC #2: Bronx/HR Notes
TOC #6: Character Chart
TOC #7: Poetry Types & Terms
TOC #8: Bronx Questions 1
TOC #11: Fig. Lang. & Sound Devices
TOC #14: Bronx Questions 2
TOC #17: Bronx Questions 3

TOC #3

TOC #3

1. Vocab. List 1 11/8
2. HR & Bronx Notes 11/10
3. Reading Log No Date
4. Vocab. Quiz 1 11/12
5. Vocab. List 2 11/15
6. BM Character Chart 11/15
7. Poetry Terms & Types 11/16
8. Bronx Questions #1 11/17
9. Poetry Project 11/18
10. Vocab. Quiz #2 11/19
11. Figurative Language & Sound Devices 11/22
12. Summer in the City 11/22
13. Vocab. List #3 11/29
14. Bronx Questions #2 11/30
15. Poetry Practice! 12/1
16. Target 12/7
17. Bronx Questions #3 12/13

Friday, December 10, 2010

Friday, December 10

Due: None.

During class students finished working on their Poetry Anthology Project. Projects were due by the end of class TODAY!

HW: Have a great weekend!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thursday, December 9

Due: None.

In class, students continued working on their poetry anthologies.

HW: Poetry Anthology due tomorrow by the end of class.

Bronx/Poetry Unit Test next Wednesday 12/15

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wednesday, December 8

Due: Shel Silverstein Target (all classes except 6th)

In class, students continued working on their poetry anthology! By the END of class on Friday, students will be responsible for turning in a (1) 3-5 paragraph bio. on their chosen poet (2) 3 poems by that poet (3) 3 of their own poems with illustrations and (4) works cited page. **Remember: there are MANY opportunities to earn extra points with this project**

HW: Work on project if necessary!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tuesday, December 7

Due: Poem #3

In class, students completed a diamante poem comparing two characters from Bronx Masquerade. Then, we continued reading the book and filling in the character chart. Finally, I explained how to complete the Shel Silverstein target for homework.

HW: Shel Silverstein Target

Monday, December 6, 2010

Monday, December 6

Due: Rwanda Email Permission Letter

In class, we reviewed the poetry practice warm up from last week. We then continued reading Bronx Masquerade and filling in the character chart.

HW: Poem #3 due tomorrow with illustration

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Thursday, December 2

Due: Poem & Rwanda Email Permission

In class, students continued reading Bronx Masquerade and filling out their character chart.

HW: (1) Study for Vocab. Quiz and (2) Bring an independent reading book

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Wednesday, December 1

Due: Flashcards, Bronx Questions, Quiz Corrections

In class, students completed a "Poetry Practice" and then had the rest of the class period to work on their poet bio in the library.

HW: (1) Write another poem for your anthology and include an illustration
(2) Email Permission form due by Monday, Dec. 6th (or tomorrow for a webami)

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tuesday, November 30

Due: Vocab. WS & Poem #1 for Anthology

In class, students completed the figurative language review on the blog. Then, we discussed the difference between comparing 2 things (similes and metaphors) and simply describing something. Finally, we continued listening to Bronx Masquerade and students started working on their 2nd set of discussion questions.

HW: (1) Flashcards due tomorrow for Webamis!
(2) Finish discussion questions from class
(3) Vocab. Quiz #2 Corrections due tomorrow!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Monday, November 29

Due: None.

In class, students received their 3rd vocabulary list for the quarter. Then, they continued reading Bronx Masquerade and worked on their character chart. Finally, students started working on their 1st poem for their poetry anthology!

HW: Finish Poem with illustration. AND Finish Vocab. WS or drawing:
Anachronism: Junker
Chronicles: Julia N.
Chronic: Zachary W.
Chronometer: Caroline M.
Temporary: Sophia L.
Extemporaneous: Olivia H.
Contemporary: Abby R.
Tempo: Kip B.
Synchronize: Andrew M.
Tempest: Emma Burgo

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Tuesday, November 23

Due: Figurative Language Review WS

In class, students listened to "I Am Not My Hair" by India Arie and we discussed the meaning of the song. Then, students had the remainder of class time to research their poet in the computer lab.

HW: Enjoy your break ... read you independent reading book :0)

Monday, November 22, 2010

Monday, November 22

Due: None.

In class, students listened to "In the Ghetto" by Elvis Presley and determine what type of poem they thought it was. Then, students took notes on Figurative Language and Sound Devices we use in poetry. Students then listened to "Summer in the City" by the Lovin Spooneful and found examples of F.L. and sound devices in the lyrics of the song. Finally, students had time to start a WS reviewing their notes from class.

HW: Finish WS from class

Friday, November 19, 2010

Friday, November 19

Due: Book in class!

In class, students took their 2nd vocabulary quiz and had time to read their independent reading book!

HW: Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thursday, November 18

Due: None.

In class, students finished their discussion questions from yesterday. Then, I explained their Poetry Anthology Project and students had time to get started with their research in the computer lab!

HW: Study for vocab. quiz tomorrow and bring a book to class!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Wednesday, November 17

Due: Vocab. Flashcards!

In class, students completed a warm up to review the poetry terms and types from yesterday. Then, we continued listening to Bronx Masquerade and students worked in groups to complete discussion questions on the first 23 pages!

HW: Vocab. Quiz 1 Corrections due tomorrow!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tuesday, November 16

Due: Vocab. WS or Illustration

In class, students reviewed the answers to their worksheet. Then, they had time to read poems in poetry anthologies and share their favorite poem with a partner. Students took notes on different types of poetry and then read examples of poems and identified their "types."

HW: Vocab. Flashcards due tomorrow!
Remember: the class with the highest percentage of flashcards turned in earns webamis!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Monday, November 15

Due: None.

In class, students received their 2nd vocabulary list and started looking up the definitions. Then, students read "I Can" by Nas and wrote in their journal. We then listened to the song "I Can" and discussed how listening to the poem changed their understanding/experience. Finally, I passed out the Bronx Masquerade character charts and we started reading the book.

HW: Vocab. WS due tomorrow
Illustrations due tomorrow for the following people:
Astronomy: Michael Fisher
Asteroid: Myah Burnette
Constellation: Jada Young
Stelliform: Preshus Bynum & Walter
Astrodome: Madison Lewis
Astrologer: Abbey Downing
Stellar: Maley
Aster: Abu
Asterisk: Lydia
Disaster: David Caraher

Friday, November 12, 2010

Friday, November 12

Due: Book in class!

Today, students took their 1st vocabulary quiz for the quarter and had the remainder of class time to read their independent reading books!

HW: enjoy the weekend

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Wednesday, November 10

Due: Flashcards and Vocab. WS

In class, students completed their vocabulary warm up and TOC quiz. Then, I collected students' Language Arts binders and passed out a new TOC. Finally, I introduced our next unit on Bronx Masquerade and poetry and we discussed the Harlem Renaissance and the Bronx.

HW: Study for Vocab. Quiz Friday and bring a book!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Tuesday, November 9

Due: Vocab. WS or Illustration

In class students finished presenting their Asia Lit. Circle projects.

HW: Vocab. Flashcards due tomorrow!

Monday, November 8, 2010

TOC #2

TOC #2:

1.Vocab. List 1 9/13
2. Vocab. List 2 9/20
3. Vocab. List 3 9/27
4. Vocab. List 4 10/4
5. Reading Log 9/10
6. Vocab. Quiz 4 10/11
7. Vocab. List 5 10/11
8. Story Elements 10/12
9. TOC Check #1 10/6
10. Vocab. Quiz 5 10/15
11. Asia Project 11/1
12. Presentations 11/8

The only assignment missing from your binder is #8 (Story Elements Notes)

Monday, November 8

Due: Asia Literature Circle Projects

In class, students received their first vocab. list for 2nd quarter. Then we discussed definitions and I assigned students to be word illustrators this week. Students then began presenting their literature circle projects to the class.

HW: Vocab. WS due tomorrow & Get your TOC updated and binder in order!
This week's illustrators are:
Rahim Bobbitt: centipede
Conrad Lusk: pedestrian
Lia Osborne: pedal
Kenzie Ruston: tripod
Porter Alexander: quadruped
Peter Cohen: pedestal
Patrick Dennehy: pedicure
Selina McDaniel: pedometer
Theresa Cannon: impediment
Daria Talaski: podiatrist

Monday, November 1, 2010

Tuesday - Thursday, November 2 - 4

Due: None.

In class, students will be working on their literature circle projects. Projects must be completed and ready to present by Monday, November 8th!

HW: If you need to work on your project at home in order to make sure it's finished in time, do it!

Monday, November 1

Due: Report Card Envelopes!

In class, students had about 20 minutes to finish up their literature circle books and turn in their handouts. Then, I introduced the project to students and gave them time to choose their groups/partners and their project assignments!

HW: If you need any materials besides the ones provided in class to work on your project, make sure you bring them in beginning tomorrow!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Friday, October 29

Due: None.

In class, students completed a survey about cyberbullying. We then discussed different types of cyberbullying and watched a video about the issue.

HW: Enjoy the weekend: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Wednesday, October 27

Due: None.

In class, I passed back students' "Charlie" essays and their Unit 1 Vocab. Test. Students then completed a journal about their "Charlie" essay and continued working in their literature circles. Finally, I met with students individually to discuss their essays and improvements they could make in future writing assignments.

HW: Vocab. Test Corrections due FRIDAY!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Tuesday, October 26

Due: None.

In class, students took notes on "character" and "plot" and then had time to continue reading and working in their literature circle groups.

HW: Read your independent reading book!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Friday, October 22

Due: None.

In class, students continued reading their literature circle books. By the end of class they should have: (1) Finished the 2nd section of reading (2) turned in their handout (summary, words, or culture WS) (3) Showed me their character chart and story elements information.

HW: Work on any of the above activities if you didn't finish them in class! Have a great LONG weekend!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Thursday, October 21

Due: none.

In class students took their Vocabulary Unit 1 Test and then had time to read their independent reading books or literature circle books.

HW: Vocab. Quiz corrections or any missing work due tomorrow! Bring your independent reading book to class tomorrow!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wednesday, October 20

Due: None.

In class, students completed a vocabulary warm up on their iPods. Then, students continued reading and working on their literature circle handouts. Finally, we played "I have, Who has" as a review for tomorrow's vocabulary TEST.

HW: STUDY! VOCABULARY UNIT TEST TOMORROW!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tuesday, October 19

Due: None.

In class, students completed their vocabulary review and then completed a News Report. Students then had the rest of class time to work on their literature circle reading and assignments.

HW: Study: Test Thursday!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Monday, October 18

Due: None.

In class, students did a vocab. review on their iPods. Then, we discussed the Vocabulary Test on Thursday. Next, students took notes on "conflict" and "theme" in their Story Elements Chart. Finally, students had time to start reading Day 5 of their literature circle books.

HW: Study: Vocabulary Test Thursday!!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Friday, October 15

Due: Book in class

In class, students took their 5th vocabulary quiz. Then, they had time to read their independent reading books or work on their literature circle books and handouts.

HW: Vocabulary Unit Test Thursday 10/21

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Thursday, October 14

Due: Vocab. Quiz Corrections

In class, students had time to continue reading their literature circle books, work on their handout, complete story elements, and fill out their character chart.

HW: Study for vocab. quiz #5 tomorrow and bring your independent reading book!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Wednesday, October 13

Due: Vocab. Flashcards

In class, students completed a "News Report" and then had time to read their literature circle books and work on their handouts.

HW: Vocab. Quiz #4 Corrections due Tomorrow!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Tuesday, October 12

Due: Vocab. #5 WS

In class, we reviewed the vocabulary for this week and went over the correct answers to the vocab. handout. Then, we discussed our first 2 story elements: setting and narration. Finally, students continued reading their literature circle books and working on their handouts & character charts.

HW: Vocab. #5 flashcards due tomorrow!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Monday, October 11

Due: None.

In class, students took their 4th vocabulary quiz. Then, they continued reading their literature circle books and working on their handouts.

HW: Vocab. WS due tomorrow

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Thursday, October 7

Due: None.

In class, students got a new TOC and filled in #s 1-5. Then, I introduced our literature circle unit and we discussed student responsibilities while reading their books over the next couple of weeks. Finally, students had time to start reading their books.

HW: Bring your independent reading book to class tomorrow!
Your vocab. quiz will be on MONDAY, OCTOBER 11 and NOT on Friday.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Wednesday, October 6

Due: Flashcards & Organized binder

In class, students took a TOC check and then turned in their entire LA binder & TOC. Then, I introduced our next unit (Asia Lit. Circles). Then, we watched a brief video about Sadako and the 1,000 Paper Cranes and students made their own origami cranes.

HW: Quiz corrections due tomorrow!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Tuesday, October 5

Due: Vocab. WS #4

In class students finished typing their "Charlie" essays and turned them in!

HW: Vocab. Flashcards due tomorrow.

***I strongly recommend that you have your binder in order and TOC updated by tomorrow!

Monday, October 4, 2010

TOC #1

1. What is a Sentence? 9/8
2. Play is Different 9/8
3. Weekly Reading Log 9/10
4. Vocab. List #1 9/13
5. Set the Stage 9/13
6. Plot the Play 9/14
7. Movie T Chart 9/16
8. Vocab. Quiz #1 9/17
9. Vocab. List #2 9/20
10. Types of Writing 9/22
11. Essay Prompt 9/23
12. Pre-Writing 9/23
13. Vocab. Quiz #2 9/24
14. Vocab. List #3 9/27
15. Intro & Thesis 9/27
16. Body Paragraphs 1 & 2 9/ 28
17. Body Paragraph 3 & Conclusion 9/29
18. Vocab. Quiz #3 10/1
19. Vocab. List #4 10/4

*** After tomorrow (Tuesday) you will NOT have #s 3, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18 in your binder***

I strongly suggest that you UPDATE your TOC and ORGANIZE your binder by Wednesday!

Monday, October 4

Due: None.

In class students received their vocab. list #4. Then, they spent the rest of the period typing their "Charlie" essays.

HW: Vocab. WS #4 & Get your binder in order and TOC updated!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Friday, October 1

Due: Book in class

Students took their vocabulary quiz and read in their independent reading books.

HW: None!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Thursday, September 30

Due: Quiz corrections (for some kids)

In class, students put all of the parts of their "Charlie" essay together and exchanged papers with their peers. Students then edited one another's papers for spelling/grammar, organization, and argument clarity.

HW: Study for vocab. quiz tomorrow & bring a book to class!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Wednesday, September 29

Due: Body Paragraphs 1 & 2 and Flashcards

During class students completed their 3rd body paragraph and the conclusion paragraph of their "Charlie" Essay.

HW: (1) Finish Body Paragraph 3 & Conclusion Paragraph
(2) Quiz Corrections due tomorrow

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tuesday, September 28

Due: (1) Rwanda pen pal letter and permission form
(2) Vocabulary worksheet
(3) Intro. & Thesis Worksheet

In class, we took our class picture to send to the kids in Rwanda. Then, I explained to students how to write the body paragraphs of their "Charlie" essay and then students worked on their first 2 body paragraphs.

HW: Flashcards due tomorrow AND finish body paragraphs 1 & 2

Monday, September 27, 2010

Monday, September 27

Due: Photo Permission Slip

In class students worked on their Rwanda penpal letters. Then, we went over the new vocabulary list for this week. Finally, we discussed how to write a thesis statement and introduction paragraph and students had time to start writing their own.

HW: (1) Rwanda Pen Pal Letters due tomorrow
(2) Vocabulary WS due tomorrow
(3) Finish introduction paragraph for tomorrow

Friday, September 24, 2010

Friday, September 24

Due: Pre-Writing for Charlie Essay

In class, students took their 2nd vocabulary quiz and then I introduced the Rwanda Pen Pal Project!

HW: (1) Rwanda Photo Permission forms due Monday
(2) Rwanda Pen Pal letters due by Tuesday

Have a great weekend :0)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Thursday, September 23

Due: None.

In class, students finished taking notes on different types of writing and we discussed how to complete a pre-writing assignment for an argumentative essay. Students were then given time to work on their pre-writing for the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory essay.

HW: (1) Finish Pre-Writing
(2) Study for Vocab. Quiz tomorrow
(3) Get Rwanda Permission form signed by Monday

Wednesday, September 22

Sorry this is so late -- we have had some technical difficulties here at school!!

On Wednesday, students finished watching the movie and took notes on different types of writing.

HW: None :)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Tuesday, September 21

Due: Vocab. WS

In class, students continued watching Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.

HW: (1) Vocab. Flashcards due tomorrow (Word on Front; Definition on Back; Sentence on Back for Extra Credit) and (2) Vocab. Quiz 1 Corrections due Thursday

Monday, September 20, 2010

Monday, September 20

Due: None.

In class, students worked on their 2nd vocabulary list - using the iPod to define the words. Then, we continued watching Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.

HW: Vocab. WS Due tomorrow

Friday, September 17, 2010

Friday, September 17

Due: Book in class!

During class students took their 1st vocabulary quiz and read their independent reading books.

HW: Bring candy Monday if you want to!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Thursday, September 16

Due: None.

In class, students started watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

HW: Bring your book tomorrow and STUDY for your vocabulary quiz!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Wednesday, September 15

Due: Vocabulary Flashcards

In class, students completed a journal entry: Do you think Willy Wonka wanted the other kids to fail? What information from the play supports your opinion?

Then, students completed a handout entitled "Plot the Play."

Finally, SOME classes completed a News Report.

HW: Finish Plot the Play WS

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Tuesday, September 15

Due: (1) Vocabulary WS and (2) Set the Stage

In class students read their book independently as a warm up. Then, we went over the answers to the vocabulary worksheet and I explained to students how to make their vocabulary flashcards. Finally, we finished reading the play and students had time to start their "Plot the Play" worksheet.

HW: Vocabulary flashcards due tomorrow:
FRONT: Vocab. Word BACK: Definition ... if you want extra credit, you can write a sentence using each vocabulary word.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Monday, September 13

Due: None.

In class, students were given their first vocabulary list. This week's root is FOLI which means LEAF. Then, I returned a worksheet from last week and we discussed how it was graded and how to improve your grade on future assignments. Finally, we read a small amount of the play and students had time to work on their vocabulary worksheet and "Set the Stage" worksheet.

HW: (1) Vocabulary Worksheet and (2) Set the Stage WS due tomorrow
***You need to have an iPod case in school by tomorrow!!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Friday, September 10

Due: Independent reading book in class!

Fridays are independent reading days! Towards the end of class students complete a "check-in" on their book where they tell me (1) what they are reading (2) how many pages they read during class time and (3) a brief summary of what they read that day.
At the end of the quarter, students will choose ONE book they read and complete a (simple) project on the book.

HW: Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Thursday, September 9

Due: "A Play is Different" WS

In class students had time to finish up their WS. Then, we continued reading "Charlie".

HW: Bring a book to class tomorrow!

Wednesday, September 8

Due: None.

In class, students completed a warm up suggesting books that I should read at school. Then, we reviewed how to write in complete sentences. And finally, we continued reading "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

HW: Finish "A Play is Different" WS

Tuesday, September 7

Due: None.

In class students reviewed the reading diagnostic they completed last week. I then introduced our first unit: a writing unit using the play "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

HW: Read your independent reading book!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Friday, September 3

Due: Book in class!

During class students completed their Reading Diagnostic and/or had time to read their independent reading book.

HW: Enjoy the long weekend!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Thursday, September 2

Due: None.

In class students continued working on their Reading Diagnostic test.

HW: Bring a book to class tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Wednesday, September 1

Due: Have a book in class!

In class we discussed good reading strategies and then students began a reading diagnostic test.

HW: Bring a book!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tuesday, August 31

Due: None.

Today students took the 1st State Writing Test. Then students completed a goal setting handout and read essays from NPR's "This I Believe" series.

HW: Bring a book and pencil tomorrow!

Monday, August 30

Due: LA Parent Letter, Parent Questionnaire, iPod Use Agreement, LA class materials

In class, students completed a reading survey and then we went to the library to check out books!

HW: Remember to bring your book to class everyday from now on!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Friday, August 27

Due: None.

Today students participated in various team building activities!

HW: Class materials, iPod agreement form, LA parent letter, and Questionnaire all due Monday!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Thursday, August 26

Due: None.

In class, we went over my LA parent letter and general classroom procedures. Then, students played a get-to-know-you game called 2 truths and 1 lie.

HW: iPod agreement, signed parent letter, parent questionnaire, and all class materials are due MONDAY, August 30th!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Wednesday, August 25

Welcome Back to School!!!

Today in Language Arts students introduced themselves to the class. I then went over the iPod Use Agreement and binder/TOC organization. Finally, students did a scavenger hunt to get to know each other!

HW: iPod Use Agreement due (signed) by Monday 8/30