Happy New Year

Hopefully, you had a wonderful Christmas and have given some thought to your packet which is due January 5, 2010. I have included sparknotes for "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" just in case you want to get a jumpstart. We will need to finish "Song of the Trees" when we get back to school. Have a great rest of the vacation!

Today, You Did A Great Job

We finished our games for a review of " A Christmas Carol" today. Each student got a chance to participate in four of the five games. We learned about Mildred Taylor, the author of "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" and began reading "Song of the Trees" today during class. After discussion about the Great Depression and financial hardship during this historical period in the 1930's, we came to realize how much worse your situation was if you were an African American.

We will continue learning and reading after the vacation.

The only homework over the Christmas break is to read and answer seven multiple choice questions and an open response for the MCAS excerpt "A Walk to the Jetty" by Jamaica Kincaid. Please make sure you and your parents carefully read the letter before you complete the assignment on the answer sheets provided. Please do not write on the actual packet (the excerpt and the questions). Bonus points will be awarded for a parental signature and a job well done! Remember the FCA's are pretty consistent throughout the year. Use a good topic sentence, supporting details from the excerpt, a strong conclusion and proofreading for appropriate conventions.

Make Your Game Challenging

Today we finished the open response questions for "A Christmas Carol." We will continue to work on posing challenging questions for the competition next Tuesday, December 22nd before the "GeoBee." Maybe you can stump your classmates!

Tonight we will find out three interesting facts about The Great Depression before reading "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred Taylor.

Thanks For Being A Good Audience

Today we saw a wonderful presentation of "A Christmas Carol" at the Stoneham Theater in Stoneham, MA. The seventh grade students were a wonderful audience. We even had a chance to ask questions of the cast after the play was over. Well done, kids!

Field Trip Tomorrow

Just a reminder that the field trip to "A Christmas Carol" is tomorrow, December 15, 2009. Please remember to bring a bag lunch (no glass bottles) and eat a good breakfast. We will promptly leave TMS at 8:00AM. Please be on time for school. You represent the school tomorrow so it goes without saying that you must demonstrate good behavior. No hats allowed in the theater,and please NO GUM!

BULLETIN BOARD LOOKS BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU!

Final On Monday, December 14.2009

Just a reminder that the final will be on Monday, December 14, 2009. Study all your work, questions, and tests and quizzes for " Christmas Carol."

Please remember to color and decorate your literary devices tonight for the bulletin board. Cut out the figures of speech as neatly as possible. Please, check spelling and punctuation!!!!

WELL DONE TEAM 7-2

We finished "A Christmas Carol" today and I believe it was a record! Hopefully, by using two different versions of the book, everyone understood the theme of this wonderful story. We will be tying up some loose ends in groups tomorrow and finding as much figurative language as possible throughout each stave. You all did a commendable job on quarter notes and answering questions. I am soooooo proud of you.

Homework tonight is only one page of quarter notes for Stave Five. Try to find at least one example of a simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, idiom, and a hyperbole in any stave from the book.

Period Six will get caught up tomorrow. We have about four more pages to read and discuss.

Nine Pages To Go

We have just about finished "A Christmas Carol." Tonight we have the last part of the book to read (both versions used in class). Scrooge was certainly ready to change before the last spirit appeared to him. He behaves like a completely different character when he awakes on Christmas morning. But how and why? Keep reading tonight if we did not finish in class. Questions 7-9 need to be completely answered for Stave Four and you must finish the second page of Stave Four quarter notes.

Test on Staves 1-3 on Monday, December 7th, Great Illustrated Classics up to The Spirit Yet To Come

We will have a test on the first three staves of "A Christmas Carol"" on Monday. Be sure to look over all the questions we have answered for homework for all three staves. You will be asked to put twelve events from the three staves in the correct chronological order. Also, make sure you have learned and can remember the eight places Scrooge visited with The Ghost of Christmas Present.
1. page 62 or page 106 The Spirit takes Scrooge through the streets of London. Describe the scene.
2. page 63 or page 108 The Spirit takes Scrooge to the markets and then watches as the people gaily go to church and chapel. What are they doing?
3. page 67 or page 114 The Spirit takes Scrooge to the Cratchit's house and watches the family celebrate Christmas.
4. page 76-77 page 128 The Spirit takes Scrooge throughout the streets on Christmas Day as Scrooge witnesses families celebrating.
5. page 78 page 130 The Spirit takes Scrooge over a moor to a miner's home where generations celebrate in their best clothes.
6. page 79 page 132 The Spirit takes Scrooge to a lighthouse where two older gentlemen sing songs over a can of grog.
7. page 80 page 132=134 The Spirit takes Scrooge over the sea to a ship where all the crew hums and sings and tells stories of bygone days and Christmases that have passed.
8. page 81 page 134 The Spirit takes Scrooge to Fred's house where he sees his nephew and his wife play games and talk about Mr. Scrooge.


Know the significance of WANT and IGNORANCE

Finish the Questions for Stave Three and Second Half of Quarter Notes

Today, we reviewed and discussed Stave Three or pages 101-128 in The Great Illustrated Classics version of "A Christmas Carol."
Tonight for homework, we will answer the second half of the questions for Stave Three and pages 129-148 in The Great Illustrated Classics version. Quarter notes are also due for the second part of these pages.

Quiz on Staves 1-3 on Monday, December 7, 2009. Make sure you can sequence the events from the beginning to the point where the Spirit of Christmas Present leaves Scrooge.

First Half of Stave Three For Homework

Today we took a vocabulary test on the twenty two words from the first two staves of "A Christmas Carol." We also had some character quotations to identify for Stave One. We have been reading both versions of the novel for clarity and purpose. Tonight for homework, we will begin reading the first half of Stave Three. From pages 57-74 in Stave Three you will find the answers to the questions for homework. In the Great Illustrated Classics version, these same questions can be answered from pages 101-128.

Finish up the Nouns Sheets if you have not already done so.

Have A Wonderful Thanksgiving.

Remember to complete two sets of quarter notes for Stave Two, and two sets for the pages listed in the Great Illustrated Classics version. Study your definitions.

Thank your parents for all they do! I'll bet they are also very thankful for you. I know I am!

Two sets of Quarter Notes Are Due For Stave Two Next Monday, November 30th

Be sure to read Stave Two over the holiday and complete two sets of Quarter Notes. In the regular version, notes should be completed for pages 30-43 and 43-56. If you have The Great Illustrated Classics version, do one set of Quarter Notes for pages 59-75 and another set for pages 75-98.

The definitions for the following words are due tomorrow. If we have class tomorrow, time will be allowed to review the words.

incredulous melancholy malady earnest destitute phenomenon endeavor replenish apparition/specter immortal benevolence ogre covetous imploringly unanimity veneration abridged anonymous caustic incessant homage

BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE WORD, THE PART OF SPEECH, AND THE DEFINITION!

Answer Questions For Stave One Tonight.

We finished reading the first stave of A Christmas Carol and up to page 56 in The Great Illustrated Classics version. We need only answer questions 1-6 on the front of the questions. Please answer completely in complete sentences. Answer the questions on the back of the sheet for Wednesday. We will read up to the second stave of the play. Therefore, I would like everyone to read Stave Two or in the Great Illustrated Classics up to page 98 for next Monday, November 30th and take quarter notes.

Bookmark and Quarter Notes for A Christmas Carol

Today, the team received copies of Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. In two classes we tied up some loose ends for Brian's Song. We look forward to watching the movie next Wednesday, November 25th.
Tonight for homework, we have twelve pages to read in the Great Illustrated Classics version or fifteen pages if you have the regular version. A Bookmark is due tomorrow and a set of Quarter Notes.

Tonight page 134 "Brian's Song" Part Two

Today we learned how to use semi colons to punctuate sentences. We also learned more about transition words and how and when to use them in sentences. We used commas, transitions, and semi colons. Hopefully, we can now use them correctly in our writing!
In addition, we reviewed the second set of vocabulary words for "Brian's Song." If you were absent today, be sure to get the correct definitions for: exuberantly, respiration,somber,enervated,facade,eroded,exasperated, uncomprehendingly,pallid, stamina, and impatient. You must know the meanings of these words in order to successfully complete your homework.

Collective Nouns and Punctuating Transitional Phrases p.133

We are continuing our focus on nouns while we finish up the teleplay, "Brian's Song'" in ELA. Yesterday we focused on" Abstract and Concrete Nouns" and today we learned about "Collective Nouns." Students have a skill sheet to do regarding Collective Nouns.

Punctuating Transitional Phrases due tomorrow, also.

Concrete Nouns and Abstract Nouns Sheet Due Monday, November 16th.

Today we took our test on Part One of "Brian's Song" in ELA. We briefly reviewed concrete and abstract nouns and were handed a two-sided sheet to complete over the weekend.

We will finish Part Two of "Brian's Song" on Monday, hopefully.

Enjoy the slideshow of the trial. Everyone should be included in at least one picture.

Have a great weekend!

Vocabulary Test Tomorrow, November 13th.

Today we reviewed Part One of the teleplay "Brian's Song" together. We focused on the vocabulary and the parts of speech and the importance of understanding how to correctly use each word. We will have a test tomorrow and if time allows, continue to read and discuss Part Two. Friendship is extremely importance and does not recognize skin color.

GREAT JOB, TEAM 7-2

Today the four members of the pact were on trial in each class for the death of David Gregg. Each class took the trial extremely seriously and the teenagers were found guilty of vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of the accident, operating under the influence, illegal use of drugs, and of course obstruction of justice. I'm very proud of all of you!


Transition essays should be completed on Google docs by Tuesday, November 10th.

Actively study your vocabulary words from "Brian's Song."

Trial on Friday, November 6th

The stage has been set and we are rapidly trying to tie up the loose ends before marks close this Friday! We are getting ready for the trial but we have vocabulary words to define in our notebooks for this Thursday, November 4th. Remember that all words, definitions and parts of speech should be neatly copied into the vocabulary notebook.

We will begin "Brian's Song" next week!

Happy Halloween

We have finished up the final and the vocabulary test for Chapters 13-18 of I Know What You Did Last Summer. If you missed either of these tests because of illness, please see Mrs Jaggers on Monday, November 2, 2009. Also, two typed open responses are also assigned as part of your final grade.If you did not have work sent home, please see or call a friend who can give you the questions and the scoring rubric ( or FCA'S).

Have fun "trick-or-treating" but be safe!!!

Stay Healthy and Enjoy a Night of No ELA Homework

Final and Typed Open Responses Due Tomorrow

Please make sure to type your open responses to be passed in with your final tomorrow. Study all the literary terms on the handout we referred to this week and in the past. Remember to bring your book back to class. Bonus points for those who return the original book they received in the beginning of the year!



STAY HEALTHY!!!!!!!!!

Work Hard On Your Open Responses

Today we took a vocabulary test and worked on open responses after the test was collected. These typed open responses are due on Thursday, October 29th, when you take your final. Remember to study your final preparation sheet we completed during class on Monday. If you were absent, have a friend bring one home for you. Keep studying!!!

Work Hard On Your Open Responses

Vocabulary Test tomorrow,October 27th, Final on Thursday, October 29thday

Today we reviewed our final preparation sheet for the Thursday final on I Know What You Did Last Summer. Please refer to the examples we identified in class. You were given four open response questions from which you must choose two to be typed and handed in on Thursday. Please work on these ASAP while you have your books to refer to for complete, detailed answers.

Tomorrow is your vocabulary test. Remember to learn the parts os speech, also.


IF YOU NEED A COMPUTER AND A PRINTER I WILL BE AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU.

Nice Job On Your Quarter Notes

I noticed some extraordinary quarter notes today. Well done, Kids! Now that you know all there is to know about who left all the mementoes and who shot Barry, you should do well on the final. Remember to study for the vocabualry test scheduled for next Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Refer to the literary terms handout you received a while ago which includes; conflict(internal and external), resolution, primary and secondary characters, setting, moral, tone, metamorphosis, epiphany, foreshadowing, flashback,motivation, allegory. We will be refering to these on Monday in preparation for the final.

Are You Reading This Blog?

Tonight for homework you are supposed to do page 156 Prepositional Phrases. Make sure to put a parenthesis around the prepositional phrase and label as we did today. Remember the prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun as the object of the preposition. The only part of speech that can come between the preposition and its object is an adjective. Remember to underline the subject once and the predicate (verb) twice.

Quarter notes for chapters 13-18 due on Friday, October 23rd.

We will review the vocabulary tomorrow.

Are You On The Edge Of Your Seat, Yet?

After today's class, we now know that there are some similarities between Collie and Bud! Do you know what they are??? Both have the same last name, both were in the military, both know a cute little redhead. Need I say more?

Quarter notes for chapters 15-18 are due on Friday, October 23rd. The vocabulary words, definitions and parts of speech are to be copied into your" Vocabulary/Note taking Notebook" by this Wednesday, October 21st.

KEEP ON READING!!!!!! IT KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER!!!!!

Parts of Speech Review

Today we took notes reviewing six of the eight parts of speech. Since we worked on prepositional phrases this week through the use of poetry, we discussed nouns, adjectives,adverbs conjunctions, pronouns and interjections. While Mrs. Jaggers began conferencing with students individually about their transition essays, we worked on a "Parts of Speech Review." We also saw that some words can be used as more than one part of speech. The word "train" for example can be a noun or a verb. If this review sheet has not been completed, it is to be completed over the weekend.

Students in my last period ELA class must fix their transition essays for Monday. Please return the final copy of your essay and your TORSO.

Some of the Preposition Poems look AWESOME!!!!!!!

Perfect Preposition Poems

Yesterday and today we worked on the construction of preposition poems. Tonight they must be completed if you have not already done so. Remember, if you need to fix your transition essay, tonight is the time to get it done. Quarter notes are due tomorrow for Chapter 14.


REMEMBER TIME MANAGEMENT!

Don't Forget Pictures,Words, and Letters

Remember to bring in pictures, words and/or letters to spell out the words which construct your "Preposition Poems" for the bulletin board. We voted for the character sketches today which most resemble the members of the pact.

******Quarter notes for Chapter 14 due on Friday, October 16th*******

TRY THE PREPOSITION GAME!!!

GREAT WORKSHOP TODAY

Hopefully, today was a productive day in Mrs. Jaggers ELA and MCAS classes. I am looking forward to reading your transition essays. I will be talking to you about some new strategies I learned today that should help you to successfully prepare for the ELA MCAS and future testing.

Chapter 13 Quarter Notes Due Tuesday, October 13th

The book gets better and better. Keep reading and see if you can piece together any clues which help you to identify the stalker.

Work hard on Tuesday. I will be attending an MCAS workshop and look forward to reading your transition essays.

Torso Due Tomorrow

We began working on the TORSO today in order to successfully outline our "transitions" essay. We discussed the brainstorming we completed in our notebooks last night and modeled good topic sentences. In addition, we identified three school changes and listed examples of how all three changes have taken place since fourth grade. Tonight, we are to expected to thoughtfully complete the TORSO up to but not including the fifth paragraph. Tomorrow, we will begin constructing our fifth paragraph and establishing the FCA's for this and future long compositions.

40% 2-3 specific, interesting mini-stories from real life experiences
40% organized outline using order of importance and correct transitions
20% conventions and proofreading, refer to check off list

Brainstorming In Vocabulary Notebook For Homework

Today we received a writing prompt regarding "transitions" since the fourth grade. In addition to checking over our chapter 12 quarter notes and completing out bookmark, we need to brainstorm transitions in our vocabulary notebook.

FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAYS, HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow Test for Chapters 1-11 and Bookmark For Chapter 12 And Quarter Notes

Today, we completed Chapter 11. Great job for those of you who completed great quarter notes for chapter 11! Tomorrow you will have a test on these 11 chapters and be required to write an open response which you were assigned to complete at home.Be sure to complete your bookmark and chapter 12 quarter notes, also.

DON'T FORGET TOMORROW IS CRAZY HAIR DAY!!!

Subject/Verb Test Tomorrow

Hopefully everyone seems more comfortable with subjects and predicates after our ELA class today. Remember to study your handouts and your grammar notes.

Read Chapter 11 over the weekend and do Quarter Notes for Monday, October 5th. The book gets better and better!

Remember, if you have finished the book you have the option to write a closing chapter and illustrate each page. See Mrs. Jaggers for more details.

Open Responses In Notebook For Tomorrow

Don't forget to construct a graphic organizer and record page numbers to help locate quotations before answering the question. Do not think of answering until you have taken these steps. I guarantee your answer will greatly improve.

Subject and Verb paper is just a review of what we've done already. Don't forget to draw one line under the simple or compound subject and two lines under the simple or compound predicate. Find the verb (predicate) first and ask yourself who or what is doing the action or who or what the sentence is about.

Period Two students never received this paper so we will work on it tomorrow. Period Six students only needs to do #1-10. Period Three and Four students do #1-15.

Keep Reading!!!!!!

Illustration Due Tomorrow Of A Scene From Chapter 1-10

We took our vocabulary test today and also reviewed Chapter 9 then began reading Chapter 10. Could Megan have anything to do with the shooting or could she have sent the mementoes? Make sure your Quarter Notes are complete and neat!

Draw any scene from the book thus far. Put your name on the back and do not discuss your choice with anyone else on the team. We want a variety! Perhaps we could sequence them, also.


Study subjects and predicates and kinds of sentences. You have a study sheet.

Vocabulary Test Moved To Tuesday, September 29th

The test has been moved to Tuesday, September 29th. Actively study over the weekend. Quarter Notes for Chapter 9 due on Tuesday, September 29, also.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Thank You To All The Parents Who Came To Open House

It was so good to see so many parents at Open House last night. Hopefully, you have a clearer picture of what we do on Team 7-2 and in seventh grade. The homework for this evening is to complete a "Problem Pairs" sheet which should help your son or daughter learn how to make the distinction between commonly confused words which sound alike.
In addition, we played vocabulary BINGO today after our Socratic Circle. They should be ready for the test next Monday, September 28th?

STUDY YOUR WORDS OVER THE WEEKEND!!!!!!

Subjects and Predicates Are Easy

Hopefully, you have been trying the grammar games I have included on this blog. If you find them "too easy" then perhaps you could locate a more challenging activity. Let me know!

Quarter notes for Chapter 8 are due tomorrow. We should also get a chance to play vocabulary BINGO as a class. The test for this list of words is scheduled for Monday, September 27th. Make sure you understand the definition, how to use the word and how to spell it, also.

Attribute webs look great! You are all sooooo interesting!!!

PICTURES NEEDED

We need some more pictures for our character contest. Please try to sketch a character or two for the bulletin board outside Mrs. Jaggers room.

Tonight Periods 2 and 5 need to finish 30 words, definitions, and parts of speech for tomorrow. Quarter notes for Chapter 7 are also due tomorrow.
BINGO on Wednesday!

Tonight Periods 3 and 6 need only to do the first 20 words, definitions, and parts of speech for tomorrow. We had a shorter class and/or had to read for part of the period.
BINGO on Wednesday!

Study subjects and predicates.

TRY THE NEW GAMES BY CLICKING "LOTS OF FUN"

Quarter Notes For Chapter 7, Due Tuesday, September 22nd

Don't forget to complete Quarter Notes for Chapter 7 due on Tuesday, September 22nd. Attribute Web should be completed overr the weekend if it has not already been completed.

WE NEED MORE PICTURES OF THE CHARACTERS FOR THE BULLETIN BOARD!!!

We'll continue working on subjects and predicates next week.

Have a great weekend!

How Does Your Attribute Web Look

Tonight students have one attribute web to complete for homework in addition to Chapter 6 Quarter Notes which were assigned last Tuesday, September 15th. Who do you think knows about the accident? Julie received a note, Helen received a picture of a boy on a bicycle, Ray received the newspaper clipping of David Gregg's death and Barry received a "bullet." Keep reading!!!!


WE NEED SOME PICTURES FOR THE CONTEST ON THE BULLETIN BOARD!!!!!

Keep Checking This Blog

Great job on checking this blog regularly. We are currently reading Chapter 5 and Quarter Notes are due tomorrow. After reading Chapter 6 please answer the questions for Chapter 4-6 which were distributed today in class.

We worked with the "netbooks" today so students were able to see the variety of learning sites on Mrs. Jaggers blog. Please refer to these on a regular basis for drill and practice. PLUS....they are FUN!!!

Chapter 4 Introduces A New Character

As you know the Quarter Notes for Chapter 4 are due tomorrow. What do you think about the new character in Chapter 4? Collingsworth Wilson seems pretty interested in Helen and she certainly does flirt with him at the pool.

Ready for the first test?

Quarter Notes Are Looking "Stellar"

Congratulations on a job well done on the quarter notes for Chapters 1-3 of IKWYDLS. Chapter 4 quarter notes are due on Monday, September 14th. Vocabulary test might be postponed till Monday; we'll see what we get accomplished tomorrow.
Complete the questions for chapter 2 begun during class today. Make sure bookmarks are completed, also.

Chapter 3 Quarter Notes Due Tomorrow

Today, we began Chapter 3 in IKWYDLS. The homework for this evening is to finish quarter notes for the chapter. Actively study your 15 vocabulary words in preparation for the test on Friday, September 11th (which is a very special day).
Don't forget the 8 parts of speech!! Never Put A Vacuum Cleaner In A Pool!

Great Job Getting Organized

A week has passed and I am happy to see so many of you completely organized for your classes. You are doing a fabulous job of taking notes and "keeping it together" so far. Tonight's homework is to:
1. Finish reading chapter 2 and complete a full page of quarter notes (3 Main Ideas, 6 Details, 5 vocabulary words, definitions, and parts of speech, 5 Questions)
2. Study "Eight Parts of Speech" Never Put A Vacuum Cleaner In A Pool
3. Study list of vocabulary words for Test this Friday, September 11, 2009.

*********IMPORTANT NOTICE**********
Period 6 did not get to read any of Chapter 2, therefore, they need only read the first half of Chapter 2 and fill in 2 main ideas, 2 details, 2 vocabulary words, definitions and parts of speech, and 2 questions.

Don't Forget , Loser quiz tomorrow

Remember to bring in the writing prompt for The Loser tomorrow, also.

Today, we began reading I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan. We read the first 4 or 5 pages of this novel, therefore, you need to finish reading the first Chapter for homework. Everyone received the vocabulary words and definitions for Chapters 1-3. If time allows over the weekend, take some time to study for a test next week. We will review the words next week before the test. Don't forget to return your expectation sheets and your questionnaires. Thank you, parents!

Good Job, Team 7-2

The first day of school is already behind you and your parents have homework in ELA. Please make sure they respond to the questions on the "Questionnaire" and return it signed to me by Thursday, September 3rd if possible. I enjoyed seeing younger brothers and sisters of former students and meeting many new faces. Please feel free to check the blog on a regular basis and use the resources I will include for extra support and practice. See you tomorrow!

Rest Well Tonight

Go to bed early this evening and make sure to get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow we begin what I hope will be a wonderful, fun, informative new year. I met some students today and got reacquainted with some old faces as I put the finishing touches on my classroom. See everyone tomorrow!

Are You Ready For School

Check out the Grammar Log above the picture of the book I Know What You Did Last Summer.

It Is Getting Close

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and getting ready to get back into the "swing of things" in another couple of weeks. I have been busy getting ready for a wonderful new school year. See you soon!

I Will Really Miss Team 7-2

Thank you all for a wonderful year. The culmination of the year was celebrated at the Talent Show yesterday. It was a great way to end the year and have fun at the same time. We had so much talent on the team. Have a great summer and read Number The Stars by Lois Lowry, the same author as The Giver. I truly will miss each and every one of you. Thanks for a memorable year. The eighth grade teachers are fortunate to get you in the fall.

If you did not get your journal back today, email me at jjaggers@verizon.net and I'll somehow get it back to you!

Talent Show Tomorrow During AE

Some young ladies on Team 7-2 have recruited some local competitors to demonstrate their talent and perhaps win a prize! We will tentatively report to our Thursday AE class tomorrow, June 18th before reporting to this showcase of talent. Let's make sure we are on our best behavior.

Please return your Touching Spirit Bear book if you have not done so. Thanks

Finish Strong

This is the end of the road! We will finish our writing inventory tomorrow and tie up some loose ends.

Seven Serves ice cream party during AE!

Great Day to Visit George's Island

The rain held out and the tours were among the best we have ever experienced. The ghost stories made this trip a field trip to remember.Pictures coming soon!!!!!

Don't forget your poem for "dear old ______." The final copy should be perfect and decorated. Bring in $2.50 if you would like me to get you a frame.

Great Job, Team 7-2

Congratulations on a job well done at the elementary school yesterday. The teachers and students seemed to appreciate the wonderful stories and the wonderful lessons you taught. It was so good to see you all so enthusiastic about your work and teaching others. I am very proud of you.

Quarter Notes For Chapters 23-28 Due Wednesday, June 10,2009

Today we discussed the ending of the book. We also reviewed the Grammar Handbook and Literary Terms Handbook at the end of the Literature Book. Are you ready for a grammar final?

Any last minute tweaking of lessons, stories, and illustrations should be completed at home tonight!

Important Dates:

June 10th is the visit to TES.

June 15th is the field trip to George's Island

June 16th will be the Asian Food Day which will include speakers from family members of Team 7-2 students.

Talent show?????

Finish Strong

We have practiced a "dry run" for the elementary school visit. Next Wednesday, we will be traveling to the Tyngsborough Elementary School to teach the children Math, Science, ELA and Social Studies curriculum through stories and lessons developed during ELA. Our folders should be all ready. We will make copies of activities for the students next week.
Please use some of the games available in Mrs. Jaggers' room.

Finish the book "Touching Spirit Bear" over the weekend. We answered questions up to Chapter 22 today!

Friday, June 12th is Asian Food Day.

Monday, June 15th is the field trip to George's Island. Dress appropriately.

Tuesday, June 16th, on Team 7-2 we will learn about Asia from some very knowledgeable sources. More details to follow.

Wednesday, June 17th, Talent Show anyone ?

Tomorrow Everything Is Due

We worked on the stories, illustrations, lessons and covers this week. They should be done and assembled with your rubric tomorrow. Everything is due!!!

Quarter notes are also due for Chapters 18-22 of "Touching Spirit Bear" tomorrow.

We will work with our groups during AE on Friday, June 5th, in order to be prepared for our visit to Tyngsborough Elementary School next Wednesday, June 10th!

Test Tomorrow, June 2nd

We have read the first seventeen chapters of "Touching Spirit Bear" but we have quarter notes for chapters 18-22 due on Thursday, June 4th. Be sure to include five main ideas, ten details and five questions and five vocabulary words. Find out who visits Cole when he returns to the island and why??????

Vocabulary test on "section one words" tomorrow.

Your lessons should be appropriate and accurately done. We will make copies later on this week. You can begin to design your book cover.

Great Job Today Team 7-2

The response with the homework has been great in ELA. The stories, lessons and illustrations are very good and look very challenging. I hope you are able to perfect your work for tomorrow and do a decent set of Quarter notes for Chapters 14-17.

KEEP WORKING HARD!!

Don't Forget Your Good Qualities

Today we continued working on "Participles, Gerunds and Verbs." We also reviewed "Infinitives." Hopefully, you will remember these grammar terms next year and beyond. We corrected our homework and received more homework for tonight. It is a "Participle" review and it is very easy!

Tomorrow "stories, lesson, and illustrations" are due.

Friday, Quarter notes for Chapter 14-17 are due, also.

Good Luck, Kristen Karhan

Kristen Karhan will be reading her "What Memorial Day Means To Me" essay tomorrow at the Tyngsborough American Legion aftr the parade. Congratulations, Kristen.

May 28th --- Stories, illustrations and lesons
May 29th --- Quarter notes for Chapters14-17

Quarter Notes for Chapters 14-17 Due May 29th. Stories, Illustrations, Lessons Due May 28th.

We went over the Chapter 11 homework questions 1-5. Cole is finally realizing the "world is a beautiful place" in Chapter 12 before he gets rescued. What lies in store for Cole? Will he survive? Will he change? Keep reading to find the answers to these and more questions.

Stories,Illustrations and Lessons Due May 28th.

Stoies, illustrations and lessons are due May 28th. Today we were assigned to our classroom at TES. Many students met with their "fellow teachers" to decide what type of lesson to teach their specific class. We will work on them briefly before they are due but students should be working on this project at home.

Today we answered questions from Chapter 10 of "Touching Spirit Bear." Tonight for homework, we are copying in the five Chapter 11 questions we received in class. Students are to copy the questions and the answers into their notebooks.

Quarter notes for Chapters 13-17 are due on May 29th. Please do not put off for tomorrow what you can get done today.

Congratulations to Kristen Karhan for winning first place in the "What Memorial Day Means To Me" essay contest. We will look forward to hearing Kristen read her essay at the legion on Memorial Day. Good Luck, Kristen!

Quarter Notes for Chapters 10-12 Due Tomorrow, Bookmarks Due Tomorrow, May 20th

Today we read most of Chapter 10 in "Touching Spirit Bear" and filled in some figurative language on the bookmarks as we read. As we get further along in the book, Cole Matthews realizes he has a very definite reason to live. He has an epiphany when he sees the lifeless baby sparrows and understands how they have become part of the "circle of life." Keep Reading!!!!!

The stories for the elementary children look wonderful. We'll begin organizing our assignments and planning our lessons.

On Friday, May 22nd some students will present a Power Point on the "The Ten Ways To Reduce Anger" which may have helped Cole Matthews before he beat up Peter Driscal. We are looking forward to these presentations.

Story Due Tomorrow, May 19th.

For those of you who checked the blog over the weekend, you know the story is due tomorrow.We worked on illustrations today while Mrs. Jaggers conferenced with individual students. The stories should be typed and illustrated with a lesson plan by May 28th. We devoted the entire ELA class to working on this project today.


Quarter notes for Chapters 10-12 for "Touching Spirit Bear" due on Wednesday, May 20th.

Typed Story Due Tuesday, May 19th rather than Monday, May 18th.

Because of so many recitals, sporting events, shows, competitions and a science packet, the typed 3-5 pages will be due on Tuesday, May 19th rather than Monday, May 18th! Do a good job on your packet and an even better job on your story. June 10th is rapidly approaching and we want to be prepared and do a wonderful job teaching the elementary children. We'll discuss lesson plans on Monday, May 18th, also.
REMEMBER: 3-5 pages typed, 1 1/2 space, 12 font,3-5 illustrations,a great lesson!
If you have typed your story begin working on your illustrations!

"Touching Spirit Bear" quarter notes for chapters 10-12 will be due on Wednesday, May 20th.

Bookmarks and Quarter Notes For Chapters 7-9 Due Friday

Now that math MCAS is over, we can work fast and furious on our stories and lesson plans. We looked at folders from students who have read to the elementary children over the past nine years and we have noticed the improvement in the quality of the lessons. Final typed copies of the stories with lesson plans are due on May 28th which is not that far away!

Bookmarks and quarter notes for Chapters 7-9 are due this Friday, May 15th. Keep reading the book. A surprise quiz may be lurking in the future!!!!

"What Memorial Day Means To Me" essays are due ASAP!

MCAS Means No Homework, but.......

Great job on the beautiful Mother's Day letters and poems. Your pot pourri hearts were gorgeous, also. Your Moms are very lucky! Although you have no homework this evening, you should continue to read" Touching Spirit Bear" and complete one page of quarter notes for Chapters 7-9. which is due on Friday. Also, the bookmark identifying similes, metaphors, personification and idioms is also due on Friday, May 15th.

"What Memorial Day Means to Me" essays are being collected all week until Friday, May 15th. Essays will be used to help grades below 70% on the finals from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Do a good job and type essays. Good luck to all those who submit their essay for an opportunity to win a prize and the honor of reading the essay on Memorial Day.

We recently had 8 poets recognized on Team 7-2. Congratulations to Cathryn Cook, Melissa Barisano, Joey Girouard, Jennifer Kordash, Danielle Morin, Heather Murphy, Stephanie Murray and Danielle Walsh. Cathryn Cook also received an Honorable Mention for essay submitted to the Jean d"Arc Credit Union. Excellent Job!

Don't Forget What You Need For Tomorrow

We will wrap and frame our poems and hearts tomorrow. Make sure you have any ribbon,lace, magnets , and tissue paper necessary for the final product! Also, make sure whatever you wrote (we checked today) is perfect. Finally, do not forget your rubric.

Vocabulary words are due tomorrow.

Friday, the orange sheet with the questions for Chapters 1-5 is due on Friday so "keep on reading."

One page of quarter notes for Chapters 4-6 is due on Monday, May 11th!

"What Memorial Day Means To Me" essays are due on May 15th. You will be afforded the opportunity to win a prize and read your essay at the legion on Memorial Day after the parade.

Great Job Today Team 7-2

Tomorrow you only need to bring in your final poem/letter/ for "you know who?"
One page of quarter notes for Chapters 1-3 for Touching Spirit Bear.
Bring in your rubric so I can make sure you have it.

VERY IMPORTANT! If you scored below 70% on the last vocabulary test we took, have the test signed by a parent and you may retake the test on Wednesday after school! Your rides should pick you up by 3:30 pm. If you have another test you would like to retake, please have the test signed before you take another test.

Keep working on your stories, We finished a literature map and a story map. You should be writing your story in your notebook. Keep writing. We will work on quotation marks for correctly writing dialogue.

The next 3 chapters (4-6) for Touching Spirit Bear can be read right now. The next set of quarter notes (one page for Chapters 4-6 will be due next Monday, May 11th.

DON"T FORGET SUPPLIES FOR TOMORROW

Hey Team 7-3, don't forget your supplies for tomorrow. Are your "letters/poems/thank you cards" finished and decorated? If you have any extra newspapers please bring them in! Thanks.

Remember only one page of quarter notes for chapters 1-3 in Touching Spirit Bear.

Final Copy of Mother's Day Poem or Letter Due Monday, May 4th

Today we had a workshop to begin typing our stories and poems. If students use their time wisely, they should be able to get
quite a bit done today during class. Our workshop went very well and we are creating wonderful stories to read to the elementary children. Remember, the completed story due at the end of May, should be between 3-5 typed pages with 3-5 illustrations and a colorful title page.

We are still reading Touching Spirit Bear and one page of quarter notes for Chapters 1-3 is due on Monday, May 4th.

The team is doing a great job avoiding "Strikes" for no homework. Keep up the good work!

One Page In Notebook Due Tomorrow

Remember to write about your four characters and your setting for your story to read to the elementary students. Present a conflict that is appropriate for elementary children and use descriptive language.

Good job answering the questions for the first chapter of Touching Spirit Bear. Keep on reading!

See You In The Morning

We are about to begin Touching Spirit Bear. I think you are really going to like it.
Take a little look at the sites I've linked. Did you learn anything new this past week? I did!

Don't Let This Vacation Week Pass Without Learning Something New

I can't believe this is my third post since Friday! If you get a chance, please check out the sites I have linked to the right. Be sure to enjoy being outside but please don't take a vacation from learning something new!

While You Are On Vacation

I have found some great sites for your perusal while you are on vacation. Click on the book Touching Spirit Bear and then type in the title when you get to the ed helper page. If you are motivated, click on "It is A Great Book." Happy Vacation!

Great Job, Team 7-2

Terrific job completing the final today on Roll of Thunder Hear, My Cry. From the looks of the few finals I have perused, you obviously had a good understanding of the book. My biggest regret is that MCAS scheduling did not allow our "great generation " speakers to come in to talk to us about life during The Great Depression. We do have some wonderful interviews to listen to once we return from vacation.

While you are relaxing!!!!!!

Think of four characters from each of the books you have read this year. You will be responsible for putting together characters from four of the novels we have read so far and creating a setting, conflict, and of course a resolution for a short story. Got any ideas? Your story must teach a moral appropriate for an elememntary student. We will also teach them some English, Science, Social Studies or Math lessons. Think about it!!!

Have A Wonderful Vacation!!!

Final Tomorrow

Tomorrow you will have the final on Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. We read Chapter 11 and some of Chapter 12 in class. Think about who started the fire in the cotton field and why? Make sure you know your vocabulary words, also. Please, don't forget to bring your book to class. Do you have your original book?

Over vacation, think about the terms on the board today; protagonist, antagonist, conflict, resolution, tone, theme,characters and setting. We will begin preparing for our visit to TES when we return from vacation.

Read Chapter 10 And Do Quarter Notes For Homework

Today we found out that although the Logans face incredible adversity, they will not be beaten. Mama got fired from her teaching job because of TJ but more importantly because of the boycott of the Wallace Store. Mama's action has posed quite a threat to the Wallaces and to Harlan Granger. Papa must go back to work on the railroad to earn enough money to pay the taxes on the land. Mr. Morrison, Papa and Stacey were ambushed on their back from Vicksburg after buying supplies for the seven famililies still supporting the boycott.

Homework

Read chapter 10 and complete TWO pages of quarter notes.
Actively study vocabulary words for the test on Friday, April 17th.

Quarter Notes Chapters 8 and 9

Don't forget to complete one page of quarter notes for Chapter 8 which we read today in class, and one page of quarter notes for Chapter 9 which you are assigned to read tonight! We will go over the vocabulary tomorrow.

Collages and rubrics were due today!

HAVE GREAT WEEKEND

We only have 4 chapters to go in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Do section 3 vocabualry over the weekend and finish character collage we began in school. Both assignments are due on Monday, April 13,2009. Remember: the vocabulary was assigned last Wednesday, April 8th. Make sure both are done well!

Hope the Easter Bunny is good to all of you!!!

Creative writing begins next week!!!

Finish Collage and Do Section 3 Vocabulary

Today we took a quick quiz on Chapter 7 of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Hopefully, you are staying on top of your reading and quarter notes!

Finish your collage over the weekend and define section 3 on your vocabulary list. It should be in your 3-ring binder. Have a wonderful Easter!!!

Look over your chapter 6 and 7 quarter notes.

Today, we listened to the rest of chapter 6 and the first half of chapter 7. You should have two pages of quarter notes for chapters 6 and two pages of quarter notes for chapter 7. There is so much information in each chapter. By the end of chapter 7, Mr. Jamison pays a visit to the Logan family. It is very easy to understand why the Logans have such great respect for this man. Mr. Jamison is warning them that they are treading on dangerous territory by boycotting the Wallace store. Mr. Granger appears at the end of the chapter and it is obvious he resents the fact that the Logans own land that once belonged to his family. Mr. Granger speaks very condescendingly to Uncle Hammer and Papa. We might have a little quiz tomorrow so make sure you understand the chapter. Now is the perfect time to check out "bookrags" or "spark notes" if you have any questions. "The best has yet to come!"

Homework

Bring in scissors, glue stick, and a magazine or newspaper.
We will make a collage which represents one of the characters we've met thus far.
Bring in 10 words or phrases describing your character ( you'll have time to cut some out during class).
Finish reading chapter 7 (we listened to half of the chapter today)
Make sure you have 2 pages of quarter notes for chapter 7 (we worked on this today during class today).

Make Sure To Read Chapter 6 and 7

We are getting close to the end of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor and we are beginning to learn "the way of the world" for black people during the 1930's. Cassie Logan learns a powerful lesson from Lillian Jean Simms and her father when she steps inside the Barnett Mercantile in Strawberry, Mississippi for the first time. Uncle Hammer comes to visit the Logan family for Christmas and we realize how important the love and strength of the Logan family is for their survival. Money and material goods are not necessary for happiness, and the Logan family demonstrate the truth in this day after day.

HOMEWORK
Complete What Do You Know chapters 6 and 7
Do the back Transitive and Intransitive Verbs if you can; if not we will complete in class.
Bring in Magazines, glue sticks, scissors and letters for 10 adjectives to describe a character from the book. We will make collages on Thursday.
Finish personal poems. Minus 5 points for each day it is late.

SMILE PRETTY FOR THE CAMERA!!!!! PICTURE DAY TOMORROW!!!!

Great Job Team 7-2

You definitely "got it done" over the past few days of the MCAS testing. Hopefully, you used some of the many skills and strategies you have been taught not only in past years but this year, most especially. I was so proud of the deliberateness and focus demonstrated by so many before even beginning to write either a long composition, an open response, or a multiple choice answer. Well done!

We'll see if you reap the benefits of the harvest! I hope you all do extraordinarily well!

Poems due today. Each day your poem is late will receive a 5 point deduction so..... get them it in. ASAP!

LET'S KEEP WORKING!!!

Great Job, Team 7-2 One More Day of Reading Comprehension MCAS

Well Done Team 7-2! You definitely "stepped up to the plate" during the MCAS Reading Comprehension and Long Composition Tests. Monday is the last sesssion of the ELA portion of the MCAS test so finish strong and give it 110%. Keep working hard and next September you will see how well you did!

We need to finish Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry before we begin Touching Spirit Bear. We will begin reading chapter 6 (which is where we left off). Some of you have already finished ROT,HMC and have begun reading Mildred Taylor's next book, Let the Circle Be Unbroken. Great job!

We will soon begin Creative Writing to prepare for our annual spring trip to the elementary school. We still have a long way to go. Let's finish strong!!!

Poems are beginning to look awesome! Bring them in on Monday!

FAT LADY STILL HAS NOT SUNG!!!!!

Two More Days

We are halfway through the testing and I am pleased and proud to see so many students using the strategies we have implemented during class. Don't forget to highlight words in the open response questions, and highlight words from excerpts, poems, plays, and article in the test booklet (not on the answer booklet). MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! MAKE A WEB!!! Please do not even consider writing an answer until you have made a graphic organizer. Remember the words from the "wall of shame" which you should NOT use; many ways, that is how, is because, and a lot. YOU CAN DO IT!


Bring a book, a highlighter, a positive attitude!

You Kicked It Up Today

I was very proud of the effort demonstrated on the test today. It was very encouraging to see so many students work slowly and carefully to do a good job. Great work! Remember, "it ain't over till the fat lady sings," and I have not even begun to sing! Finish strong. We will go over more practice MCAS open responses and multiple choice. We still have a ways to go.

Remember to bring your check-off list to your ELA class tomorrow for extra points!!

Rest up, Eat a Good Breakfast,Do Your Best Work

One more day and you get to prove what you can do. Hopefully, you will scrutinize the check off list we used while conferencing about the transition essay we've been working on for the past two weeks. Make sure to use transitions, indent, use mini stories to support your reasons, and use good word choice and strong opening and closing sentences throughout the five paragraphs. DON"T FORGET TO MAKE A TORSO!!!!!

YOU'VE GOT THE POWER TO DO A GREAT JOB!!!!!!!

Two More Days, Now I'm really Psyched

Remember all we've talked about and look over the pointers below for success on Tuesday, March 31st when you write your long composition. Remember, it is very important to thoroughly understand the question before planning your answer. Highlight key words in the question. Are your TORSOS awesome? I hope so. YOU'VE GOT THE POWER!!!!!

I'M GETTING PSYCHED

Good morning. I've listed a new site for your perusal (fun grammar games). Check it out. We'll try some of these grammar games next week in class! TORSO!!

TORSO That's Where It's At

We have conferenced together and everyone has had their transiton five paragraph essays corrected individually with feedback. Hopefully, our individual conferences will help you to do AWESOME on Tuesday, March 31st. I am proud of the improvement I've seen in many of your essays. Keep working hard and remember the TORSO outline to use on Tuesday, March 31st. YOU'VE GOT THE POWER!

Homework is to fill in the TORSO in your notecook for the "ageism,sexism,racism" question. I'm expecting you to "THINK" "BRAINSTORM" and "OUTLINE" using the TORSO. Every available space on the TORSO should be filled in.

Can't wait to see your poems. Bring in everything on Monday, March 30th.I'll provide construction paper.

KEEP USING THE GRAMMAR GAMES AND PRACTICE SITES ON THE RIGHT! THEY WILL REALLY HELP YOU ON APRIL 2,3,6 AND/OR 7! PROMISE!!

We Are Getting Down To The Wire

This past week, we have worked on our personal poetry, checked our understanding of chapters 4 and 5 from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, and conferenced about our five paragraph essays. We are getting down to the wire for marks to close and to prepare for the MCAS long composition scheduled for next Tuesday, March 31st.

Some important points to ponder:

① Do you know how to pick out important words in the long composition question which should help your understanding?
② Can you remember to make a web when you begin brainstorming?
③ Do you know that when the wording says" Give at least two reasons" they are really expecting you to write about THREE REASONS in a "five" paragraph essay?
④ If you feel confident about writing "six" paragraphs, and you know who you are, you should write"four reasons" rather than "three."
➄ Don't forget to use transition words and indent each paragraph.
⑥ Your opening and closing sentences are very important in each paragraph.
⑦ Word choice and vocabulary are crucial.
⑧ Don't forget to use your TORSO!

****Remember to use your BEST printing or cursive handwriting! They won't score what they can't read!!!

YOU GOT THE POWER!!!!!!

I will be at a conference tomorrow

I will be at a conference on Monday, March 23rd. so I expect you to thoughtfully complete the work we have started. I have left a "What Do You Know 4-5" for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Remember that marks close on Friday, March 27th. Some of you have not seen me to retake a quiz or test to improve your grade. It is not too late. Friday will be too late!! Please complete the work I left from today after finishing chapter 5 where we left off on Friday.
Cassie and Big Ma have definitely reached a "roadblock" in their relationship. Cassie trusted her and put her up on a pedestal. If you need clarification, check the sparknotes chapter summaries.
Templates should be finished. Can't wait to read them. Bring in a picture, also.

Try These New Sites For a Grammar Review

Try these new sites on the right if you are still a little confused about types of sentences. They're pretty good and I know they will help you.

Poem template due on Monday, March 23rd. Bring in a picture, too!

Parts of Speech Review

We have reviewed sentence types and sentence kinds in addition to parts of speech and verb tenses. Hopefully, we will be well-prepared for the MCAS test when it arrives but also prepared for the grammar and writing that awaits you in the eighth grade.
We also read chapter five today and have a clearer picture of the racism demonstrated toward Cassie Logan, TJ, and Stacey in Strawberry, Mississippi. It was difficult for the children to understand why Big Ma had to park her wagon "in the back" when she arrived to sell her cheese, milk and eggs in Strawberry. Chapter 5
ended with Cassie devastated by wht Big Ma made her do to Lillian Jean and Mr. Simms. Think about it. How humiliating!! If you are not understanding any of this chapter, PLEASE check out the book summary in the sparknotes I sited at the beginning of the book.
Homework is the Verb Phrases/Verb Tense sheet and the template for the personal poem.

Have a super weekend!!

Complex-Compound-Simple-Compound/Complex

We seem to have a pretty good understanding of sentence types (compound/simple/complex) and sentence kinds (interrogative/imperative/declarative and exclamatory). Please continue to look over your 5 paragraph essays that we have conferenced about or will conference about. Please refer to the check off list attached to your essay and your TORSO. I know you can do a great job if you take your time and focus.

We still have a great deal of work to do but I KNOW you can do it!!!

Sorry My Leprechaun Will Not Dance For You

Today we worked on different kinds of sentences; cmpound, complex, compound/complex and simple. You have plenty of handouts and a site listed which should help you to make more sense of this new information in ELA. Please feel free to use the grammar games on parts of speech that give you trouble. Also, don't forget the Sparknotes link for a summary of each chapter of the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. They will help you to better understand.

Study vocabulary for test tomorrow, March 18th.

More conferencing tomoroow through Friday.

Only One Page of Quarter Notes for Chapter 5

Hopefully, you got a chance to review the parts of speech and use other grammar games today in class while I conferenced with individual students about their five paragraph essays.
When you read chapter five in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry you need only one set of quarter notes for the chapter. What do you think about the new characters who have been introduced? Don't forget to read the book summary under the picture of the book from the beginning. If you have difficulty, this should be a big help!

Grandparents/great grandparents who were coming in to talk about experiences during the Great Depression on April 3rd, please check your schedules for availability on April 7th. MCAS is scheduled for April 3rd so that day is out. Sorry.

Try These New Sites For a Grammar Review

I hope you are diligently working on your 5 paragraph essays. The rough drafts looked pretty good yesterday. Take a look at the MCAS page I've listed to the right and also try the games and grammar drills. It can't hurt!!

Have a great weekend!

Writing 5 paragraph essay

Your typed, final draft of your "transitions" essay is due on Monday, March 16th. After today's ELA class, you should remember some strategies to help you write a well-formulated essay which thoughtfully answers the question on the writing prompt. Remember to refer to the sheets, I gave you in class today, which should be in your three-ring binder. Transition words,paragraph content,topic format, and FCA's should all be familiar to you. Don't forget to bring your "Quotes of the Week" back to class tomorrow.

We need some more character drawings. We have some great ones so far!

Poems for the poetry contest are due tomorrow. Those passed in look like winners to me!

Rough Draft Due Tomorrow

Don't forget to follow the FCA's we discussed in class. Make sure your essay is thoughtfully written in your" grammar and mechanics" notebook to be checked tomorrow before you type your final copy which is due on Monday. Refer to the check off list before you pass in the final copy. We will go over it together.
40% Organization
Examples/No Talking Sentences
Reasons clearly stated
Order paragraphs from least to greatest importance
40% Topic Development
Transitions
Anecdotes which support your topic
Quotations/mini stories
Word Choice
20% Conventions
Indent
Spelling/punctuation/appropriate capitalization

Five paragraph TORSO due Thursday, March 12th

Hopefully you are enjoying the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor.
Tomorrow your secttion 2 vocabulary is due and the quarter notes for the first half of chapter 4. The imagery created by the language in the book certainly allows everyone to create visual pictures of the characters and the events. Can you visualize Mr. Morrison quietly watching the "nightmen" by the side of the building "like a jungle cat?" Can you hear the rich alto voice of Big Ma when Joe Avery knocked on the door to warn Big Ma and Mama about the nightmen "ridin'?"You can also picture the caravan of cars when Cassie watched stealthily from the front of the house. The action and the language are rich and exciting.

Our program for the grandparents and great grandparents is set for April 3rd in the morning at the beginning of school.

Poems for the Celebration of Poetry are due on Friday, March 13th.

Drawings of the charcters for anyone interested is next Tuesday, March 17th.

Boy, Did Stacey Come Up With a Great Plan!

I hope you enjoyed Chapter 3. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you put your mind to something. Just like Cassie and Little Man do not appreciate being handed "throwaway "books, Stacey is sick and tired of seeing his brothers and sister treated so cruelly by white people. Imagine what this type of treatment does to the minds of black children (or adults for that matter). I hope you appreciate the "stick-to-it-tive-ness" of the Logan chilren. Know what I mean???

Any more grandparents or greatparents interested in coming in or being interviewed? Let's shoot for the first Friday of April? Does this date work for anyone who can come in? Let's set a dated tomorrow.

Can you believe what the two white men did to the Berrys?

We took our test today on the first section of vocabulary words for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Remember the first half of chapter 3 quarter notes is due tomorrow. The What Do Yo Know Questions and the second half of the chapter 3 quarter notes are both due on Monday, March 9th. Gotta love chapter 3!!!!

We have some wonderful questions to ask our interested grandpaernts and great grandparents. Let's find some more interested guests!

Quarter notes for chapter 2 due tomorrow

Hopefully, you are reading this blog! Make sure to read chapter 2 and finish quarter notes. We will be working on a new 5 paragraph essay on Friday of this week.I have not forgotten about the 5 paragraph essay you wrote a couple of months ago about a "quote of the week." So many of the quotes were very noteworthy so it was nearly impossible to narrow down the best to 2 or 3. We'll explore this later on during the week.
I have a couple of definite grandparents willing to come in and speak to us about their experiences during The Great Depression. I will need a committee to work on this program. Anyone interested? Let me know tomorrow.
Check out the grammar lessons under "grammar practice" labeled "you might find this useful" by scrolling down on the right. Give it a try!!!

snow, snow, go away don't come back again today!

Good morning! If for any reason (snow) I do not see you tomorrow (and I definitely hope that I do) please read the first 15 pages of chapter 2 in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Let me know what you think of L T.

Remember to show the letter to your parents!

Don't forget to use your book to do the Reading Comprehension sheet for chapter 1 which is due on Monday, March 1st. Answer the 3 Writing Prompt questions in your notebook. Do not do any vocabulary at the bottom of the paper. Your Section One vocabulary test will be on Thursday, March 5th.

Please show the letter, sent home on Friday, to your parents inviting grandparents or great grandparents to talk to us about The Great Depression. If any grandparent or great grandparent is unable to come in, let's talk about an interview!

We will finish our MCAS packet on Monday, also.

Click "check this out" and "This Is Awesome" to the right! Some good clips!

Don't forget, you still have the "Read, Read, Read" link to the spark notes for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Don't forget to check out the chapter summaries!!

Welcome Back

We have just returned from February vacation and we have almost finished (by tonight) the first chapter of our new book, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. So far some students have expressed great enthusiasm about the topic of the book and seem interested in our bulletin board "Then and Now." We are discussing the similariities between the Great Depression, which is the setting of the novel, and our economy now.
Many students have brought in articles and pictures depicting the hardships of this era. We have learned about the author, Mildred Taylor, and how she based her story "Song of the Trees" and Roll of Thnder, Hear My Cry on her family experiences. We learned a song by Bing Crosby written in 1931 "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?" We will be having a quiz tomorrow on "Song of the Trees." We will also be working on some MCAS.

Vacation Is Not Over Yet

Hey kids! Hope you are having a great week. Did you have a chance to peruse the spark notes for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry? The summaries for each chapter are excellent and let you know information that is really important. Also, did you have a chance to look at the other links to the right (Give This A Try)? I have included a link which can be used for fun, while providing rice for those less fortunate in other countries. There is also a link (You Might find This Useful) for a review of grammar skills. Please, try these so you don't forget about parts of speech and punctuation. I've got all the vocabulary tests corrected and some of your grades will really improve. Now onto the finals. See you on Monday, February 23,2009.

Happy Vacation!

I hope you all have a great vacation. Remember, there is still plenty of time to improve your ELA grade so don"t give up the ship!!!!
I have sited a link for "sparknotes" for our next book, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor. Click on Read, Read, Read so you can get a jumpstart by glancing through the summary of one or more chapters. It is a story set in Mississippi during the Great Depression. The story deals with racism experienced by African Americans in 1933 particularly the Logan family. Read the sparknotes to introduce yourselves to the strength, faith, and love demonstrated by this incredible family.
I will be busy grading your finals and vocabulary tests this week. Please rest up and have fun because when you return we move "full speed ahead!"

Vocabulary Test on Wednesday, February 11th

We have read up to chapter 19 together in The Giver. The idea of release has now become apparent. We wrote in our journals yesterday about whether or not Jonas's father is aware of what he has done to the lighter of the identical twins. We also speculated where the chute leads after a person has been released. A variety of opinions were given and supported citing evidence from the book. Homework over the weekend is:
1. Finish reading the book (only about 28 pages)
2. Quarter notes for chapter 20 due Monday, February 9th
3. Quiz Time 16-19 due Monday, February 9th
4. All quarter notes 21-23 due Wednesday, February 11th
5. Vocabulary test on Wednesday, February 11th.
6. Final on Thursday and /or Friday ... multiple choice and open response

Remember: Although my last period class received Quiz Time today, all assignments mentioned above were given with 2 or more nights allowed to complete the work.


Have a great weekend!

Chapter 16 Quarter Notes

Today we got back many papers for this term. Tomorrow, Quiz Time 11-15 will be collected for another grade. Students listened to some of the beautiful figurative language used by Lois Lowry in chapter 14 of The Giver. They are finishing up a picture begun today in class. We learned about the atrocities of warfare.Tonight you will learn about the word "love." How could a word so meaningful become obsolete in Jonas's community? Chapter 16 quarter notes are due tomorrow.

Section 4 vocabulary will be due on Friday, February 6, 2009. Keep on reading!!!

Quiz Time 11-15

Today we worked on MCAS preparation and discussed strategies to utilize for multiple choice and open response. Due to the length of this review, we never got to the vocabulary test for section 3 for The Giver. Last night's homework was to finish chapter 15 quarter notes and answer 5 questions for chapters 13-15.

Quiz Time 11-15 is for homework over the weekend.

Three Images To Ponder

Look at the 3 new images to the right of this post. Can you answer the questions and explain why these images are important? Why did The Giver transmit these three memories to Jonas? Don't forget to complete the homework explained under yesterday's blog. No excuses!! Chapter 13 and 14 quarter notes are due tomorrow. The 2-sided sheet is due tomorrow, Thursday, January 29th. Vocabulary test is on Friday, January 30th.

Vocabulary Test On Friday, January 30th

We finished chapter 12 today and yesterday, the class received a 2-sided sheet to complete for tomorrow, January 28th. The questions are based on what happens in chapters 11-13 on the front side and chapters 13-14 on the back side. Also, chapter 13 quarter notes are due tomorrow and chapter 14 quarter notes are due on Thursday. Should we have school tomorrow, the homework remains the same, should we have "no school" tomorrow, the same homework is due.

Don't forget Book Swap!

Section Three Vocabulary Due Monday, January 26th

We now know that Jonas and the Receiver of Memory have begun the training required before Jonas can assume his new position in the Community. Keep on reading and remember that quarter notes are due for Chapter 12 on Tuesday, January 27th.

Team 7-2 is beginning a BOOK SWAP next week. If you have 5 books you would be willing to share with other members of the team, bring your books with your name and address clearly written on the inside cover of each book. The books can remain in Room 206 in a special library. Volunteers are needed to help arrange the books according to genres and reading ability.

Have a great weekend!

We Have Read Ten Chapters

Today we read chapter 10 and discussed the "Rules of The Receiver in Training." Jonas is a bit unsettled about some of the rules he must follow to become The Receiver of Memory.

Tonight for homework, answer questions #1-10 for Quiz Time Section Two chapters 6-10.
Quarter notes for chapter 10 are also due tomorrow. Keep on Reading!!!!!

Snow, Snow, and More Snow

Since "the weather outside is frightful" use this opportunity to either read ahead in The Giver or think of what might have happened at the end of the book if you are among those who have finished. Would it be snowing in the Community? Why or Why Not?
Would a Black man like Barack Obama be among the Committee of Elders? Why or Why Not?
Would Jonas be sledding on a day like today? Why or Why Not? Keep the juices flowing and keep on reading!!!!!

Let's Keep on Moving

We are moving through each chapter of The Giver and exploring many new ideas about how the members of the community live in such a controlled environment. We have discussed the Assignments of Asher, Fiona, and soon, Jonas. We are understanding characterization and will begin talking about the primary characters ( who affect the plot) and the secondary characters ( who do not affect the plot but help us to understand the primary characters).
Over the weekend, students will read chapter 8 and do quarter notes. Also, we are constructing a bulletin board advertising The Ceremonies and the objects presented to each child as he or she advances to the next year.
Students who have completed the book are working independently on closing chapters, study of elephants, and writing persuasive essays about what happens at the end of the book. Great work, kids!

Students must "perfect" their banners tonight!

Enjoy the long weekend. Martin Luther King would be thrilled if he were alive today. I am sure he would attend the Inauguration of our next President!

We Are Moving Along

Team 7-2 began reading The Giver by Lois Lowry this past week. We are now on chapter 5 which is homework to be read over the weekend. The quarter notes for chapter 5 are due on Monday, January 12, and the students will also be taking a vocabulary test on the words from chapters 1-5. A Venn Diagram diagram for chapters 3-5 is also homework due on Monday. Since the chapters for this book are fairly short, the homework should not be too time-consuming.

Penny Books have been returned. They were great!

Any pen pal letters, yet?

The Giver

Yesterday, we began The Giver by Lois Lowry. This sci fi novel deals with a Community which exists devoid of choice. Jonas is an Eleven who is apprehensive now that the month of December is approaching. For homework, the team is reading each chapter and completing quarter notes in their vocabulary/note taking notebooks.

Tonight's homework is to read chapter 3 and complete quarter notes for that chapter. Students are also responsible for defining the vocabulary words and including the part of speech for each word on the list from yesterday. The students should know which words they are responsible for defining. The vocabulary test will be on Monday, January 12th. Keep reading!!