Week of October 27, 2008

I am really excited about our short descriptive writing assignment however let me mention your reading homework.

Reading is Thinking!  Read daily 30 minutes.  How can you relate to the character in your story?  How so?  Please write your responses in your Reading Response Journal.  This is a non-negotiable.

We reviewed what should be in a short story.  Remember to add dialogue and figurative language.

Your story should begin with a strong lead. Make sure you introduce your characters briefly in your introduction.  The 5 w's should be evident in your story. Be creative.  If your story isn't interesting to you then it won't be to anyone else. Please write your draft in your Writer's Notebook.  Your draft is due Friday, October 31, 2008 on looseleaf.  You must show evidence that you are writing your story daily.  Each day should show the date where you add details to your story.

You will present your story to the class at the end of this assignment.  I am concerned more about the quality of your story than the number of pages.

Week of 10/20/08

602/604- We reviewed why we have data binders. Please make sure you keep your binders up to date. Everyone should be aware of their state scores last year as well as their current progress. Everyone should be completed with Scantron by 10/21/08. Please make sure you add the results to your binders. We will meet weekly to confer about any questions you may have as well as your progress.

602/604 - You will receive feedback on your Friendly Letters. Some of you will be asked to revise and edit your papers again. Please comply if you want your grade to change. I will review the rubric used so you can understand and explain your results if asked. Remember everyone could reach a level 4 if you work at it.

Reading is Thinking! Read daily 30 minutes. Make sure you use the approved format for your summary. Please write complete neat sentences. Remember you must include details from the story to support your opinion of the main idea.

Since we were working on our goals on Friday. Questions 4-6 will be due on Tuesday 10/21/008. Why do you think the story is called "Raymond's Run?" If you could change the title would you? Explain why or why not? If you would, what would be the title? Explain. Due 10/21/08. I am extending the deadline for owed work for 10/21/08.

10/22/08 - Questions 7 and 8. Answer them in complete sentences. Please define the vocabulary words in the story in your notebook. Write a sentence for each.
You have created your characters. Now it's time to outline how you want to begin your story. Write an outline of what you want to write about your character. Think about the 5 w's.

10/23/08 - Review "Raymond's Run." Be prepared for a quiz on 10/24/08.
Review your outline. What should you add or delete? Revise

10/24/08 - Write a introduction for your story. Have a great weekend!

Week of 10/13/08

I apologize for the delay.  I informed you in the class what I expected for homework.  Just in case need a reminder, here it is:

Reading is Thinking!  Read 30 minutes daily.  Use the approved format for your daily responses.  Many of you fail to include supporting details in your responses.  I will not accept incomplete responses.  Your responses should be done in your RR Journals.

 602/604 - We are developing are characters this week.  Many of you created a character however you did not include all of the components of characterization.  You are expected to do this by Friday, 10/17/08.

We have reviewed goals in class.  Please make sure your data binders are up to date.  They should be in school with you daily.

10/16/08 - 602/604 You must answer questions 1-3 in complete sentences. (Raymond's Run)

10/17/08 - 602/604  You must answer questions 4-6 in complete sentences. (Raymond's Run)

602 - You received your progress reports on Wednesday, 10/15/08.  I will accept made up work until Friday, 10/17/08.

604 - You received your progress reports on Thursday 10/16/08.  You must return your progress report on Friday 10/17/08 signed by a parent/guardian.  I will accept made up work until Monday, 10/20/08.

Social Studies

604 - I realize we didn't finish section 2 last week.  Please complete Section 2 - 10/16/08.

10/17/08 - Please complete your hand out.  Be ready to present on Monday 10/20/08

Week of October 6-10 2008

October will be an exciting month.  We will determine what is a character, make self to text connections and write a short story.

Read everyday for 30 minutes.  Complete a response using the approved format in your Readers Response Notebook.

10/6 - Write a sentence for each vocabulary word (purgative, detached, poised, commenced, slack and covey).

We read a Day's Wait by Ernest Hemingway.  Answer questions 1-3 in complete sentences on page 85. 

In your Writers Notebook, Brainstorm 3 possible characters you would like to create.

10/7 - Answer question 4-6 in complete sentences on page 85.  

Writing: In your Writers Notebook, Choose 1 character.  What would your character look like?  What is your characters gender?  Do they have amazing powers?  What is special about them (personality)?

10/8 What do you think the title, "A Days Wait" means? (Explain)  Do you think it is a good title?  Why or Why not?  Please explain your question briefly.  If you were to give this story a different title, what would it be and why?

Writing: In your Writers Notebook,  Create a web about your character.  Please make sure you include appearance and personality. 

10/9 Enjoy your day off.  Please complete your homework assignments.  Please be prepared for class on Friday.  Test ( A Days Wait)  Be prepared to speak about the character you are creating.

10/10:  Raymond's Run Answer questions 1-3.  (You have a copy of the story)  After careful review, what should you add or change about your character.  Please make changes in your Writers Notebook.

604- We are examining how geography play an important role in the history of civilization.  

10/6: Please write a sentence for the following  vocabulary words: district, peninsula, monsoon, geography, fertile, pass, irrigate, transport, an subcontinent.

10/7: Please complete Section 1 in complete sentences.  Write the questions as well.

10/8: Please complete Section 2 in complete sentence.  Write the questions as well.

10/10: Please complete the handout (both sides)