- McClure Middle
- Language Arts
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Week of 5.8
Tick Tock Tick Tock! Time is flying!
This week in LA, we'll continue reading myths and answering questions. We'll also view the video version of several myths we read. Please be sure to complete the question sheet as it is one of your final grades for this year!
Next week we'll be working on our final project in LA! (Yay!) I'll give directions on Friday. If you choose, you will need to bring in a shoe box (or other container), or poster board for your project. You may also need paints, colors, glue, etc. Info coming Friday!
Project is due at the beginning of class on Thursday, May 18th. NO LATE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AS YOU WILL HAVE 3 CLASS PERIODS TO COMPLETE IT HERE AT SCHOOL! Plan accordingly and use your time wisely!
Don't forget to bring in $1.00 for report card postage!
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Week of 5/1/17
Hang on tight! You can do it!
This week in LA:
Monday/ Tuesday/ Wednesday: Since we've read several creation myths in Greek Mythology, we'll work on writing our very own version of a creation myth. On Monday, I'll introduce the assignment to you. You'll complete a pre-writing/ rough draft sheet for the rest of the period on Monday, and into class on Tuesday. Once your plan is complete, you'll write the final draft of your very own creation myth. It is due at the end of class on Wednesday!
Bring colored pencils to class on Wednesday!
Thursday: We'll read an adventure myth and answer questions to go with it.
Friday: No Class! Drug and Alcohol Awareness Day!
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4/25.17
If you did not finish the gods letter in class today, please finish up for homework. I've attached directions below. I'll be collecting at the beginning of class!
Please bring colored pencils, markers, or crayons to class on Wednesday!
Thanks!
DIRECTIONS:
Write a letter from one god/goddess to another. This should be at least 3 paragraphs!
In your letter, you may ask for advice, a favor, forgiveness, or permission. You may also just tell about your day.
Show that you understand the roles of the gods/ goddesses you choose. For example: You may be Zeus writing to Hera for forgiveness. . . -
Week of 4/23/17
The fun continues!!!
This week we'll be reading several creation myths! Along the way, you'll complete several little "mini-projects," the first of which will be a Bio-Poem of an Olympian--due Tuesday! We'll also have several Check-point quizzes to be sure you are on task in class. The first of these will also be Tuesday, and it will be a matching quiz of gods/goddesses to thier realms. Come back here often to check for updates.
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When you finish the webquest, you'll complete a chart about the Olympians. For the quick link to the Olympians (gods and goddesses), click below.
**Thank you to mythologyteacher.com for such a great resource!
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Week of 4/17/17
Yay! You made it! Congratulations, now Milestones is but a mere memory! Please bring technology to school this week. You'll need to be able to access the internet for an Introduction to Mythology webquest we'll complete as our schedule returns to "semi-normal!".
Click below for a quick link to the Mythology WebQuest
**Thanks to mythologyteacher.com for a great resource!
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3.28.17
Poetry Test Thursday! Click here for the quizlet link. . .
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Are you Milestones Ready??
Check this link out! It will explain what it will take to get a 3 or 4 on the test! You can do it!!!
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Week of 3.27
This week in LA: TEST THURSDAY!!!!
Monday: First we'll check our gerund homework! Be sure you are asking questions if you don't understand! We'll then complete a TP-CASTT for 2 poems--one we'll do together, one you'll do with a parner. Be ready for tomorrow because you will complete one on your own!
Tuesday: 10-Minute Tuesday--Bring your book for silent reading! We'll then finish up our verbal boot camp focusing on Participles! After notes, we'll have a practice sheet. When finished, you'll independently complete a TP-CASTT for Langston Hughes's "Mother to Son." At the end of class, we'll close with some more poetry practice.
Wednesday: We'll complete a 6-room poem activity. Leave the shyness at home! You'll need to bring an open mind and some creativity!
Thursday: POETRY TEST! Be sure to study the poetry terms!
Friday: We'll go over the poetry test and do a last "push" for Milestones review!
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Week of 3.20
This week is conference week! Our days will be a little bit shorter, so please stay on task and listen during instruction! The information will be coming at you quickly! You can do it!
Monday: We'll visit the Book Fair as a class. (The Fair is open until noon on Friday, so bring money or tell your parents your wishes so they can visit while they attend conferences!) After the book fair, we'll start our introduction to Poetry. We'll respond to "what will your verse say" after watching a quick intro video. After that, we'll begin reviewing figurative language and poetry terms.
Tuesday: Milestones On-line Testing Training. (All 8th grade students will need to be trained before taking the Milestones in April!) It may or may not take the entire class period. Please bring your iXL log in information with you to class just in case we have some extra time to work on it!
Wednesday: We'll finish up poetry terms and then look at 2 sets of song lyrics and analyze them as poetry. We'll discuss figurative language, tone, mood, etc. For homework, find some song lyrics and analyze them as we did in class together today!
Thursday: We'll move on to "real" poems to analyze. You'll complete a TP-CASTT sheet for each poem you analyze.
Friday: We'll continue reading poetry and analyzing them. Book fair closes at noon today!
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Week of 3.13.17
Monday: We'll continue with our "Grammar Boot Camp" today and learn all about infinitives. When we finish, we'll discuss point of view and the important choices an author makes in choosing the point of view to write from. At the end of class, you will re-write Cinderella from First Person Point of View of either the Prince, the Father, One of the step-sisters, or the Step-Mother. Your new version should be at least 3 paragraphs long. It is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday! Also due on Tuesday: your completed Venn Diagram sheet comparing and contrasting the Traditional Cinderella to the Algonquin, Chinese, and German versions. You should also compare and contrast 2 of the cultural versions.
Tuesday: We'll have Infinitive practice as well as 10-minute silent reading! BRING YOUR BOOK TO CLASS! We'll then start writing our own modern day version of Cinderella, using real-world examples from our culture in it. You'll have 3 choices: a) a comic book version, b) a play version, or c) a "normal" story of 5 paragraphs. THIS WILL COUNT AS A SUMMATIVE GRADE!
Wednesday: Commas for Grammar Boot Camp! We'll then continue working on our version of Cinderella, 2017.
Thursday: I will have the laptop cart to work on ixl.com for the entire period. This is grammar practice that will be due on April 10th. It will count as both a formative and summative grade! Directions can be found here:
Friday: No School! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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3.12.17
UT-OH!
There were many of you who did not do so well on our first "Grammar Boot Camp" quiz over complements and verb voice! If you are having difficulties with these concepts (finding direct objects, indirect objects, predicate nouns, and predicate adjectives as well as identifying active and passive voice), PLEASE consider coming to a tutoring session! I offer tutoring on Wednesday morning from 7:45-8:10. Ms. Hoskins offers it on Wednesday afternoons after school until 4:30 . If you plan on coming, please just let us know by sending an email. If you stay after school, please be sure your ride is there ON TIME to pick you up!
Get ready! This week "Grammar Boot Camp" continues with two new concepts: infinitives and comma rules! It is very important that you ask questions if you do not understand, and it is IMPERATIVE that you complete the practice we give you!!
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Friday 3.3
Don't forget about our Test on Monday!
It will cover "The Monkey's Paw," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "Rope." It will also include the 3 types of irony!
Your study guide will be due at the beginning of class! Here's a link in case you forgot yours.
Ms. Hoskins has pdf versions of the short stories on her web page if you need them!
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Week of 2.6.17
Monday: We'll watch a short video on how to write a great argumentative essay introductory paragraph and take notes on what should be included. After that, we'll review the 3 types of irony (again) using the attached powerpoint. Students should create a notes page with 4 boxes. In the first box, define irony; in boxes 2-4, write one type per box. Define each. Give an example of each. Then we'll look at some pictures with irony depicted and explain (in writing) why each is an example of irony.
Tuesday: For our warm-up, we'll write a real-world example of irony. (Yes, something that we have actually experienced in life!) Once you finish, you should tell which type of irony you used and explain how you knew. After our warm-up, each student will be given a scenario on a small strip of paper. Each student will decide which type of irony it is and tape it on the correct irony poster. We'll check as a class. When finished, students will work independently on a 6-passage activity where they will read and identify the type of irony used. We'll close class with a choice board. Choices include: 1) Draw a picture of something that contains irony. It should be neat and colorful. On the back, explain which type of irony it is and how you know. 2) Write an original story or play with irony throughout and underline each example you use. In the margin, identify the type of irony. 3) Create a song, rap, or poem about irony. You should include examples for support. DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS ON THURSDAY!
Wednesday: We'll review some questions for Flowers for Algernon, and then re-take the test. (The first one didn't fair so well!) After that, we'll write our own introductory paragraph for our argumentative essay on genetically modified foods. If you finish that, you can complete an additional irony sheet.
Thursday: For warm-up today, we'll look at how to write a good topic sentence for a paragraph and how to include supporting details. After that, you'll write the 3 body paragraphs of your agrumentative essay. When finished, We'll start reading "The Monkey's Paw" using the PALS strategy--meaning you'll work with an assigned partner. As you read, you'll be responsible for answering questions about the story.
Friday: Media Center Day! We'll continue working on "The Monkey's Paw" after we write a Free -write Friday response in our journals.
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Week of 1.23.17
We'll continue reading Flowers for Algernon this week. We'll also practice each independent step in preparation for the Milestones Writing Assessment.
MEDIA CENTER FRIDAY!
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Week of 1.16.17
How will we ever be able to go to school for 5 days next week???
Monday: MLK Holiday, no school
Tuesday: Reading Inventory Screener (Take 2) in Computer Lab. Has your Lexile improved since August? / USA Test Prep Practice
Wednesday: Reading Inventory Screener (Take 2) in Computer Lab/ USA Test Prep Practice
Thursday: Text structure practice and Flowers for Algernon Spelling and Vocabulary Sheets
Friday: Make your own Test like the one's Charlie took in Flowers. . .
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12.15.16
Just a reminder that your casting catalog project is due tomorrow!
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Week of 12.12.16
This week in language arts:
Monday: I'm hoping to finish HOS today!!!! (Fingers crossed!)
Tuesday: Bring your library book! We'll have 10 minutes for silent reading. If we have finished the book, we'll do a quick activity using Legos to recap the entire book! It should be fun! After that, you'll have the rest of the class period to work on your Casting Catalog--DUE FRIDAY! Be sure you are planning ahead! I CANNOT PRINT PICTURES FOR YOU!!!!
Here's the link if you need directions again: Casting Catalog Directions
Wednesday and Thursday: You'll continue to have class time for your project. Please be sure to bring your supplies and pictures. I'll have some construction paper, copy paper, scissors and glue, but that's the extent of it! You'll need a prong folder (or 3-ring binder) and I'd love you to have plastic page covers!
Friday: Project Due at the beginning of class! (That's right--no class time today!) We'll have a Free-write Friday prompt and then go over compound sentences--once more!
Weekend!
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Week of 12.5.16
"Crunch Time" is upon us. We will be reading, reading, reading this week in hopes of finishing up The House of the Scorpion before the break! This is what's going on this week in Language Arts:
DUE THURSDAY: 2nd 9 book review. Click here for a copy of the directions if you need them! 2nd 9 Book review directions
Monday: Quiz over section 4 HOS (including vocabulary). Once we finish with the quiz, we'll discuss the meaning of the title of the next section of the book, then we'll read, read, read. Ch. 26-___???) You'll be given the new comprehension questions today.
Tuesday: Look at section 5 vocabulary words together. Then, read, read, read. (Picking up from where we left off yesterday and reading as far as we can possibly get!) Answer chapter questions, discuss anything that needs clarification or that you found interesting.
Wednesday: EARLY RELEASE DAY! We'll do the class spelling bee today as well as get the information about our HOS final project--DUE DECEMBER 16TH!! Have fun with this one!
Thursday: 2nd 9-week book review is due today!!!!! We'll continue reading. . .
Friday: Free Write Friday prompt. Then, you guessed it! READING!!!! (Fingers crossed we are getting much closer to finishing this book!)
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Week of 11/28
Welcome Back! I hope you had a great break and feel refreshed and ready to rock and roll! (Do you like my use of alliteration there?)
This week in Language Arts:
Monday: We'll start our week of with a mini-lesson and practice on Simple and Compound Sentences. You'll have some classwork (creating 10 different sentences on your own 4 with Simple Sentence Formulas (sv, ssv, svv, ssvv), 4 compound sentences--choose 4 FANBOYS and use in sentences, and finally 2 sentences where you turn your ,conjunction sentences into ; ones.). If this is not finished in class, it will become homework and is due first thing Tuesday! After sentence practice, you'll have a bit of time to prepare for your script in Readers Theater! (Starts Tuesday!)
Tuesday: AUTHOR'S VISIT TODAY! We'll start class with 10-minute Tuesday. Be sure to bring your indpendent reading book to class. After reading, we'll start Readers Theater! (Please be sure you have been practicing. Believe it or not--I can tell! LOL) We'll stop periodically to check for understanding and you'll have chapter questions to complete.
Wednesday: NewsELA day! We'll read an article and answer the questions focusing on central idea. After our warm-up, we'll continue with Readers Theater.
Thursday: We'll start class with 10-minute Thursday. Be sure to bring your indpendent reading book to class. After reading, we'll continue Readers Theater! (Have you been practicing??)
Friday: We'll have a Free Write Friday based on a short video clip. After that, we'll finish up Readers Theater, comprehension check, and chapter questions. QUIZ OVER SECTION 4 MONDAY!
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Week of 11.14.16
We can do this! Only one week until Thanksgiving Break!
Monday: Instagram activity is due today! Section 3 Quiz (including vocab) ON FRIDAY! We'll review section 2 in HOS and write a 1 paragraph prediction about what we think will happen in section 3. Remember: predictions are based on information we already have/ know! After that, you'll get your new set of comprehension questions & study guide for section 3. While reading this week, keep track of conflicts that affect the plot on your conflict journal handout! We'll read ch. 15 and 16 today!
Tuesday: Bring your library book! It's Tuesday! That means silent reading for 10 minutes at the beginning of class. After reading, we'll review the comprehension questions for Ch. 15 & 16 (yesterday's reading). We'll clarify anything that needs to be clarified, and then continue reading HOS. Today, we'll read Ch. 17 and 18. (My goal is to finish section 3 before the break!!!) Answer comprehension questions and fill in your conflict journal. Complete these 2 for homework if you don't finish in class! Quiz Friday!
Wedesday: We'll read a NewsELA article for warm-up. Then we will check comprehension questions from yesterday's reading. We'll discuss any conflicts that you wrote in your journals. Then, we'll continue reading section 3 in HOS--Focusing on Ch. 19 and 20. Answer questions and put conflict entries in journal. Quiz Friday!
Thursday: 10-minute Thursday for warm-up! Remember to bring your library book to class. We'll review comprehension questions and the conflict journal for HOS and then continue reading section 3 (ch. 21-22). Finish comprehension questions sheet and fill in conflict journal. Quiz tomorrow!
Friday: Finish reading if we were not able to yesterday! Section 3 quiz--including vocabulary. Turn in comprehension questions. Complete Conflict Journal--focusing on questions at the bottom of the page. Free Write Friday at the end of class.
We did it! Enjoy your break!
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Week of 11.7.16
This week, we'll take a small hiatus from reading The House of the Scorpion and focus on some activities that go with the book.
Monday: We'll review of 3 types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic. We'll then play a review game (Jeopardy) for the quiz on Wednesday. DUE WEDNESDAY: Ch. 6-14 questions are due as well as the orange "characterization clouds" sheet.
Tuesday: Election Day. No School.
Wednesday: Section 2 quiz over irony, section 2 vocabulary, and section 2 comprehension questions. Go to Ms. Hoskins quizlet to review: skhoskins. Due Today: Ch. 6-14 questions are due as well as the orange "characterization clouds" sheet. Once we finish the quiz, we'll view a short Twilight Zone clip and compare the dystopian leader in the clip to El Patron.
Thursday: Bring Markers, colored pencils, or crayons today! You'll get the new vocabulary for section 3 as well as a cute "Instagram" activity for the book so far. I'm expecting fanstastic work on the is Instagram assignment!
Friday: MEDIA CENTER TODAY! We'll continue working on vocab from yesterday as well as complete a "Free Write Friday' writing prompt.
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Week of 10.24.16
QUIZ FRIDAY! (Section 1 vocab and questions. There will also be a few subject/ predicate sentences on the quiz!)
If you are interested: skhoskins on Quizlet has vocab practice!!
Monday: Today we'll FINALLY start reading The House of the Scorpion! (HOS) But first, we'll practice with some subject and predicate questions. After that, we'll discuss symbolism one last time, and then we'll begin reading. As we read, be sure you are paying attention and 'following along with your eyes AND ears." Once we finish a chapter, you'll be responsible for answering a few short comprehension questions, meant to keep you on track of what's happening in the book! We'll stop and discuss periodically throughout the period.
Tuesday: Reality Fair at NPHS. No LA today!
Wednesday: We'll read a News ELA article about Zombie theme parks and answer questions about main idea and supporting details. After that, we'll quickly review what we've read so far and then continue reading. We'll answer & discuss comprehension questions at the end of each chapter.
Thursday: Read through Ch. 5 and answer all questions. Once finished, you will complete a 'Character Cloud" assignment using your characterization skills to explain who each of the characters is. You'll need to include 1 quote from the character OR 1 quote about the character to help. If time allows, we'll play the quizlet to review vocab for the quiz.
Friday: Quiz over section 1 of HOS. We will also visit the media center.
IS KIDS: Your first assignment is due on Friday!
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Week of 10.17
Back to the regularly scheduled program! Full week this week (no early release!)
Monday, 10/17/16: We'll visit the media center on an impromptu visit so we can check out books! We'll finish up our dystopian "Real World" jigsaw activity where you will decide whether or not, based on the leaders given, dystopians exist in the real world. You will write a short constructed response with your opinion--including support, of course!
Tuesday, 10/18/16: We'll do a simulation at the beginning of class--it's a doozie! You'll love it! After the simulation, we'll read the short story, "Harrison Bergeron" and discuss the dystopian characteristics we see. We'll then view a short video clip of a utopian society. Same discussion. At the end of class, you 'll complete 6 refelection questions on the day's tasks/ reading/ viewing.
Wednesday, 10/19/16: PSAT during 1 and 2 periods. For 5th and 6th, Bring your HOS books. We'll work on an intro to vocab.
Thursday, 10/20/16: Silent reading for 1st 10 minutes of class. We'll then do an activity on symbolism, focusing on a scorpion and make predictions about the significance of the scorpion in the title of our new book. Read Chapter 1. Answer comprehension questions.
Friday, 10/21/16: We'll start the period with a free write Friday. After that, we'll quickly review Chapter 1 of HOS and read chapters 2 and 3. Class discussion will follow. You'll have a choice of questions to answer.
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Week of 10.10.16
It's conference week! Don't forget the children will be dismissed one hour early this entire week!
Monday: We'll take a role in our community by participating the Bert Show's "Big Thank You!" and writing letters to soldiers who will be deployed during the holidays.
Tuesday: Introduction to Dystopian Literature and Societies. We'll take notes from a powerpoint and discuss it as a class.
Wednesday: BOOK FAIR DAY! Bring money with you! While we're not at the book fair, we will read articles about some well-known world leaders (Hitler, Khan, and Tse-Tung) and try to decide it Dystopian societies exist in 'The real world."
Thursday: Continue with our articles and discussion. We'll also look at information about Mexico's poppy fields (background information for our new book!)
Friday: Ms. Gray, the counselor, will be doing a "Bridging Law' activity with us in the computer lab!
