QUICK HIT OVERVIEW - (short on time? - this quickly covers what we did in class as well as homework and other news)
* DLPs (completed in class)
* Reviewed this weeks vocabulary (completed in class)
* Ghost Stories (started in class, should be reviewed at home, will work on more in class tomorrow)
* HOMEWORK - Study for vocabulary quiz
* HOMEWORK - Complete entry for Reading Response - click here: to download a Reading Response
* Media Permission Slip - needs to be returned by Thursday 10/28 for media to be played in class
OUR DAY IN REVIEW - (provides a little more detail for you)
1.) We began class today with a couple DLPs (Daily Language Practice) these are typically sentences that I place in the overhead for students to correct while I take attendance and get the class organized. We often begins class with a DLP or a short writing assignment. They typical DLPs provided in the Pearson curriculum are pretty dry (to say the least) so I have been using Far Side comics that I have retyped with errors in the verbiage. Students correct these in their Language Arts notebooks and then we correct them as a group on the overhead. Afterward we discuss why they are funny - as the humor can often be sophisticated or tricky for them to understand at first.
Be sure to ask your child about DLPs as they are a lot of fun.....when they are Far Sides. :)
2.) After DLP we reviewed the weeks vocabulary which I have attached in this email. We review each word's correct definition, explain the meaning and how the word might be used in everyday language or where we might see it. This is done so students all have the same definitions in preparation for the quiz and next weeks reading.
Click here to link to: Hoot Vocabulary Week Four
3.) We started a new writing assignment in class - My Ghost's Story or The Scariest Thing I Ever Saw. This assignment has also been attached to this email for your review or in case your child has lost or misplaced it. The assignment is not considered a major writing assignment and will be completed mostly in class - provided students take advantage of class time.
Students can choose to write a fictional ghost story of their own creation OR can recount a non-fiction experience that was frightening to them. The non-fiction option does not have to be a spooky story, but can be any experience that was frightening to them. Directions and expectations for the writing assignment can be found in the attachment included in this email. I hope to have these completed in class tomorrow so that we can share them in class on Thursday.
Click here to link to: My Ghost's Story or The Scariest Thing I Ever Saw
4.) Permission Slips - I am asking for parent and guardian permission to show a Halloween Simpsons episode in class on Friday and also for permission to show segments of the movie Hoot in class once we finish the novel. Please review the following information and have your child return a signed permission slip - attached in this email. Thanks for your assistance and understanding. Please contact me with any questions or concerns you might have regarding either media presentation.
Click here to link to: Media Permission Slip
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
October 19, 2010
REMEMBER: Conferences begin this week. Be sure to ask your child about conference confirmation letters and check to see what time you are scheduled to conference. If your currently scheduled time is a problem, please contact the conferencing teacher so that they may reschedule with you.
Most teacher are available to meet before and after school on the days leading up to conferences this Thursday.
REMEMBER: There are half days of school on Thursday and Friday of this week - please plan accordingly.
We began class today with a Daily Language Practice followed by a verbal review of the vocabulary words. I verbally modeled the words in sentences and addressed questions about meaning and usage. Students were encouraged to change definitions in their notebooks as we reviewed the words.
However, I am providing a full list of the correct definitions here on my blog. REMEMBER - there is a vocabulary quiz at the end of the week. Encourage your child to review the words each night leading up to the quiz.
Hoot Vocabulary
Week 3
Chapters 10-14
Truss(ed) – to tie, bind, or fasten.
Beaker – a large drinking cup or glass with a wide mouth.
Recurring – occurring or appearing again.
Ballistic – to become overwrought or irrational, to have motion determined by ballistics
Exasperate (d) –to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely
Cowling – a streamlined metal housing or removable covering for an engine, esp. an aircraft engine, often part of or forming a continuous line with the fuselage or wing.
Gravitate – to have a natural tendency or be strongly attracted toward
Fugitive – a person who is fleeing, from prosecution, intolerable circumstances, etc.; a runaway
Subterranean –existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth; underground.
Commode – a low cabinet or similar piece of furniture, often highly ornamental, containing drawers or shelves, or a portable toilet, esp. one on a chair like frame with wheels, as for an invalid.
Terse (ly) –abruptly concise; rudely brief
Interrogate –to ask questions of (a person), sometimes to seek answers or information that the person questioned considers personal or secret.
Turbulence – violent disorder or commotion.
Inquire – to seek information by questioning; ask
Rebuke – to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.
Emblem –a sign, design, or figure that identifies or represents something.
Reconnaissance –a search made for useful information in the field, esp. by examining the ground and surrounding areas.
Salvage – property that is saved from danger.
Dilapidated –reduced to or fallen into partial ruin or decay, as from age, wear, or neglect.
Derelict – left behind or abandoned by its owner, a person without a permanent home.
Anticipate – to realize beforehand; foretaste or foresee.
After reviewing vocabulary we talked of the 'setting' and what the various settings for Hoot were. We followed this up by working on a setting worksheet. Students were given 10 mins to work on the sheet in class - whatever was not finished in class is homework tonight and will be reviewed tomorrow in class.
We finished class by reading Hoot. Students were given the option of reading aloud in a reading circle or silent reading.
Most teacher are available to meet before and after school on the days leading up to conferences this Thursday.
REMEMBER: There are half days of school on Thursday and Friday of this week - please plan accordingly.
We began class today with a Daily Language Practice followed by a verbal review of the vocabulary words. I verbally modeled the words in sentences and addressed questions about meaning and usage. Students were encouraged to change definitions in their notebooks as we reviewed the words.
However, I am providing a full list of the correct definitions here on my blog. REMEMBER - there is a vocabulary quiz at the end of the week. Encourage your child to review the words each night leading up to the quiz.
Hoot Vocabulary
Week 3
Chapters 10-14
Truss(ed) – to tie, bind, or fasten.
Beaker – a large drinking cup or glass with a wide mouth.
Recurring – occurring or appearing again.
Ballistic – to become overwrought or irrational, to have motion determined by ballistics
Exasperate (d) –to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely
Cowling – a streamlined metal housing or removable covering for an engine, esp. an aircraft engine, often part of or forming a continuous line with the fuselage or wing.
Gravitate – to have a natural tendency or be strongly attracted toward
Fugitive – a person who is fleeing, from prosecution, intolerable circumstances, etc.; a runaway
Subterranean –existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth; underground.
Commode – a low cabinet or similar piece of furniture, often highly ornamental, containing drawers or shelves, or a portable toilet, esp. one on a chair like frame with wheels, as for an invalid.
Terse (ly) –abruptly concise; rudely brief
Interrogate –to ask questions of (a person), sometimes to seek answers or information that the person questioned considers personal or secret.
Turbulence – violent disorder or commotion.
Inquire – to seek information by questioning; ask
Rebuke – to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.
Emblem –a sign, design, or figure that identifies or represents something.
Reconnaissance –a search made for useful information in the field, esp. by examining the ground and surrounding areas.
Salvage – property that is saved from danger.
Dilapidated –reduced to or fallen into partial ruin or decay, as from age, wear, or neglect.
Derelict – left behind or abandoned by its owner, a person without a permanent home.
Anticipate – to realize beforehand; foretaste or foresee.
After reviewing vocabulary we talked of the 'setting' and what the various settings for Hoot were. We followed this up by working on a setting worksheet. Students were given 10 mins to work on the sheet in class - whatever was not finished in class is homework tonight and will be reviewed tomorrow in class.
We finished class by reading Hoot. Students were given the option of reading aloud in a reading circle or silent reading.
Monday, October 18, 2010
October 18, 2010
REMEMBER: Portfolio Conferences begin this week - Thursday, October 21, 2010. However, some teachers (myself included) are available to meet on the days leading up to Thursday.
THURSDAY and FRIDAY this week are HALF DAYS - please plan accordingly.
If you are not aware of your conferencing time, please ask your child if they have received a conference confirmation sheet (which they may have forgotten they have) or contact your child's advisory teacher to determine when and with whom you are meeting with.
Today in class I returned vocabulary quizzes from last week which we reviewed as a group. These quizzes will be part of students conference portfolios as well as this weeks Reading Response. Students continue to struggle with completing and returning these on a consistent basis, which is bringing down grades.
On Monday's I review student notebooks and Reading Responses and continue to show students who have been repeat offenders for missing Reading Responses how it is impacting their grades.
After reviewing the quiz we spent the remainder of our first period together organizing and stuff portfolios and then got started on our vocabulary for this week.
HOMEWORK
Students were given class time to look up and define the following words. Any words not defined in class our homework and must be completed by class tomorrow. We will be having a quiz on these words on Thursday (for 1/2nd periods) and on Friday for (6/7th and 8/9th).
Truss(ed) –
Beaker –
Recurring –
Ballistic –
Exasperate (d) –
Cowling –
Gravitate –
Fugitive –
Subterranean –
Commode –
Terse (ly) –
Interrogate –
Turbulence –
Inquire –
Rebuke –
Emblem –
Reconnaissance –
Salvage –
Dilapidated –
Derelict –
Anticipate –
We ended our day by reading Hoot. We will be trying to complete chapters 6-10 in class this week so that we can have a Hoot quiz at the end of the week as well.
THURSDAY and FRIDAY this week are HALF DAYS - please plan accordingly.
If you are not aware of your conferencing time, please ask your child if they have received a conference confirmation sheet (which they may have forgotten they have) or contact your child's advisory teacher to determine when and with whom you are meeting with.
Today in class I returned vocabulary quizzes from last week which we reviewed as a group. These quizzes will be part of students conference portfolios as well as this weeks Reading Response. Students continue to struggle with completing and returning these on a consistent basis, which is bringing down grades.
On Monday's I review student notebooks and Reading Responses and continue to show students who have been repeat offenders for missing Reading Responses how it is impacting their grades.
After reviewing the quiz we spent the remainder of our first period together organizing and stuff portfolios and then got started on our vocabulary for this week.
HOMEWORK
Students were given class time to look up and define the following words. Any words not defined in class our homework and must be completed by class tomorrow. We will be having a quiz on these words on Thursday (for 1/2nd periods) and on Friday for (6/7th and 8/9th).
Truss(ed) –
Beaker –
Recurring –
Ballistic –
Exasperate (d) –
Cowling –
Gravitate –
Fugitive –
Subterranean –
Commode –
Terse (ly) –
Interrogate –
Turbulence –
Inquire –
Rebuke –
Emblem –
Reconnaissance –
Salvage –
Dilapidated –
Derelict –
Anticipate –
We ended our day by reading Hoot. We will be trying to complete chapters 6-10 in class this week so that we can have a Hoot quiz at the end of the week as well.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
October 14, 2010
Today we organized our work for portfolio conferences next week.
Afterward, we discussed the literary elements: Main Idea, Theme and Detail. We read a passage that talked about Kids Making A Difference by starting or joining charitable organizations.
After reading we identified what the main idea was and distinguishing it from themes and details that support the main idea.
IMPORTANT: Vocabulary Quiz tomorrow (10/15)!!! The words and definitions are on my blog in the last posting.
Have a great evening!
Afterward, we discussed the literary elements: Main Idea, Theme and Detail. We read a passage that talked about Kids Making A Difference by starting or joining charitable organizations.
After reading we identified what the main idea was and distinguishing it from themes and details that support the main idea.
IMPORTANT: Vocabulary Quiz tomorrow (10/15)!!! The words and definitions are on my blog in the last posting.
Have a great evening!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
October 13, 2010
Today we reviewed Week Two Vocabulary for Hoot which was homework last night. Listed below are the correct definitions that should be used to study for our end of the week vocabulary quiz on Friday.
I have encouraged students to review these words briefly every night leading up to Thursday. Then, on Thursday, students should have a family member quiz them on the words to determine which words need additional attention or practice for the quiz.
assertive - confidently aggressive or self-assured, aggressive
altercation - a heated or angry dispute; noisy argument or controversy
homicide - the killing of one human being by another
queasy - inclined to feeling sick in the stomach, squeamish
travesty - to imitate grotesquely or absurdly
surveillance - to keep watch over a person, group or thing
ominous(ly) - suggestive of evil or harm; foreboding; threatening
fervent(ly) - having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm,
incentive - something that incites or tends to incite to action or greater effort, as a reward offered for increased productivity.
dispatch - to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.
perpetrator(s) - one who commits a crime
sodden - soaked with liquid or moisture; saturated.
informant - a person who informs or gives information
scabrous - scaly, scabby or having a rough surface because of minute points or projections.
sprockets - a toothed wheel engaging with a conveyor or power chain
jeopardy - to put in harm or risk of or exposure to loss, harm, death, or injury
caustic(ly) - capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue
noncommittal - not committing oneself, or not involving committal, to a particular view, course, or the like
nonchalant(ly) - coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual
osprey - a large hawk that feeds on fish.
After reviewing vocabulary we discussed some of the themes involved with Hoot. In particular we discussed the theme of bullying and roles that bullies play in the novel. Students were then given a writing assignment that investigated why bullies behave the way they do and what students, teachers and parents can do to prevent bullying.
We finished the class by reading chapter six of Hoot.
There is no homework for tonight - other than students Reading Responses and studying for the vocabualry quiz this Friday (10/15).
I have encouraged students to review these words briefly every night leading up to Thursday. Then, on Thursday, students should have a family member quiz them on the words to determine which words need additional attention or practice for the quiz.
assertive - confidently aggressive or self-assured, aggressive
altercation - a heated or angry dispute; noisy argument or controversy
homicide - the killing of one human being by another
queasy - inclined to feeling sick in the stomach, squeamish
travesty - to imitate grotesquely or absurdly
surveillance - to keep watch over a person, group or thing
ominous(ly) - suggestive of evil or harm; foreboding; threatening
fervent(ly) - having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm,
incentive - something that incites or tends to incite to action or greater effort, as a reward offered for increased productivity.
dispatch - to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.
perpetrator(s) - one who commits a crime
sodden - soaked with liquid or moisture; saturated.
informant - a person who informs or gives information
scabrous - scaly, scabby or having a rough surface because of minute points or projections.
sprockets - a toothed wheel engaging with a conveyor or power chain
jeopardy - to put in harm or risk of or exposure to loss, harm, death, or injury
caustic(ly) - capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue
noncommittal - not committing oneself, or not involving committal, to a particular view, course, or the like
nonchalant(ly) - coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual
osprey - a large hawk that feeds on fish.
After reviewing vocabulary we discussed some of the themes involved with Hoot. In particular we discussed the theme of bullying and roles that bullies play in the novel. Students were then given a writing assignment that investigated why bullies behave the way they do and what students, teachers and parents can do to prevent bullying.
We finished the class by reading chapter six of Hoot.
There is no homework for tonight - other than students Reading Responses and studying for the vocabualry quiz this Friday (10/15).
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
October 5, 2010
Today we took a surprise practice-quiz on pronouns which we then corrected as a group.
After, we reviewed Week One vocabulary which I checked in class. REMEMBER - we will be having a vocabulary quiz on these words on FRIDAY 10/8. Please have your student review the words every night this week leading up to the quiz.
Wrapping up our time together we read the second and third chapters of Hoot in class.
After, we reviewed Week One vocabulary which I checked in class. REMEMBER - we will be having a vocabulary quiz on these words on FRIDAY 10/8. Please have your student review the words every night this week leading up to the quiz.
Wrapping up our time together we read the second and third chapters of Hoot in class.
Monday, October 4, 2010
October 4, 2010
Last week we started reading our first in class novel - Hoot - by Carl Hiaasen. We examined the book, read about the author, made some predictions and had a class discussion involving some of the students who have already read the book before I read the first chapter aloud to them.
Going forward - Monday's will be devoted to new vocabulary that can be found in our weekly readings. We will then have a quiz on these vocabulary words at the end of the week on Friday. Students are given the words at the start of class and then use the in class dictionaries to define the words - assuring that students are using the same definitions. However, if the students fail to complete the definitions in class - any remaining words are homework.
During class I will call up each student individually to collect Reading Responses, review notebooks and conference with students about their work and expectations.
This weeks vocabulary is included below.
Hoot - Week 1 - Vocabulary
ambush, skeptical, consternation, sinew(y), forthright(ly), vandalism, dogged(ly), snide(ly), gore(d), civilized, monetary, sarcasm, baleful(ly), disgruntled, wince, humidity, menace, provoke, dispatcher, vigorously
Going forward - Monday's will be devoted to new vocabulary that can be found in our weekly readings. We will then have a quiz on these vocabulary words at the end of the week on Friday. Students are given the words at the start of class and then use the in class dictionaries to define the words - assuring that students are using the same definitions. However, if the students fail to complete the definitions in class - any remaining words are homework.
During class I will call up each student individually to collect Reading Responses, review notebooks and conference with students about their work and expectations.
This weeks vocabulary is included below.
Hoot - Week 1 - Vocabulary
ambush, skeptical, consternation, sinew(y), forthright(ly), vandalism, dogged(ly), snide(ly), gore(d), civilized, monetary, sarcasm, baleful(ly), disgruntled, wince, humidity, menace, provoke, dispatcher, vigorously
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