Vocabulary
Week 23
1. lament – to feel or express sorrow or regret for, to mourn over
2. incompetent – lacking qualification or ability; not capable
3. harbinger – a person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another; a herald – anything that foreshadows a future event
4. capsize – to turn bottom up; overturn
5. oblivion – the state of being completely forgotten or unknown
6. disorient(ed) – confused as to time or place; out of touch
7. idle – not working or active; lazy; not in operation; futile
8. unwieldy– note easily handled or managed in use or action, as from size, shape, or weight; awkward
9. hooligan – a ruffian or hoodlum
10. ambitious – eagerly desirous of achieving or obtaining success, power, wealth or a specific goal
11. contrite – caused by or showing sincere remorse, sorrow, or regret
12. rankle – to continue to cause keen irritation or bitter resentment within the mind; to be painful
13. shenanigans – mischief, prankishness; trickery - tricks
14. rotund – round in shape; rounded, plump; fat
15. clique – a small, exclusive group of people
16. flabbergast – to overcome with surprise and bewilderment; astound
17. differentiate – to form, mark or treat differently; to change or alter; to make different
18. insight(ful)– an instant of understanding the true nature of a thing, perceiving the underlining truth of something.
19. charisma – a spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people
20. symbolic – something that serves as a representation or expression for something
21. recapitulate – to review by a brief summary, as at the end of a speech or discussion; to summarize
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, May 16th, 2011
Vocabulary – Week 23
lament
unwieldy
clique
incompetent
hooligan
flabbergast
harbinger
ambitious
differentiate
capsize
contrite
insight(ful)
oblivion
rankle
charisma
disoriented
shenanigans
symbolic
idle
rotund
recapitulate
lament
unwieldy
clique
incompetent
hooligan
flabbergast
harbinger
ambitious
differentiate
capsize
contrite
insight(ful)
oblivion
rankle
charisma
disoriented
shenanigans
symbolic
idle
rotund
recapitulate
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 22
1. derby – a horse race
2. cavalier – a horseman OR haughty, disdainful
3. fracas – a noisy, disorderly disturbance or fight; uproar
4. limbo – a place or state of transition or oblivion
5. grungy – ugly, run-down, filthy or dilapidated
6. pixie – a fairy, spite or elf
7. defunct – no longer in effect, use or functioning; no longer in existence
8. errant – deviating from the regular or proper course; straying
9. liability – money owed OR something that is disadvantageous
10. nonplus – a state of utter perplexity, puzzled, confusion
11. demoralize – to deprive of spirit, courage, discipline; do destroy morale
12. ungainly – not graceful, awkward; unwieldy; clumsy
13. logistics – the planning, implementation and coordination of the details of a business or other operation
14. opulence – wealth, riches or affluence; abundance, plenty
15. cauterize – to burn with a hot iron, electric current, fire for curative purposes
16. delectable – delightful, highly pleasing; enjoyable; delicious
17. clandestine – characterized or done in secrecy or concealment
18. loiter – to linger aimlessly or as if aimless in or about a place; to move slow or in an idle manner
19. virtuoso – a person who has special knowledge or skill in a field; a person who excels in music or art
20. bemoan (ed) – to express distress or grief over; lament
21. fixated – to focus ones gaze or attention on
Week 22
1. derby – a horse race
2. cavalier – a horseman OR haughty, disdainful
3. fracas – a noisy, disorderly disturbance or fight; uproar
4. limbo – a place or state of transition or oblivion
5. grungy – ugly, run-down, filthy or dilapidated
6. pixie – a fairy, spite or elf
7. defunct – no longer in effect, use or functioning; no longer in existence
8. errant – deviating from the regular or proper course; straying
9. liability – money owed OR something that is disadvantageous
10. nonplus – a state of utter perplexity, puzzled, confusion
11. demoralize – to deprive of spirit, courage, discipline; do destroy morale
12. ungainly – not graceful, awkward; unwieldy; clumsy
13. logistics – the planning, implementation and coordination of the details of a business or other operation
14. opulence – wealth, riches or affluence; abundance, plenty
15. cauterize – to burn with a hot iron, electric current, fire for curative purposes
16. delectable – delightful, highly pleasing; enjoyable; delicious
17. clandestine – characterized or done in secrecy or concealment
18. loiter – to linger aimlessly or as if aimless in or about a place; to move slow or in an idle manner
19. virtuoso – a person who has special knowledge or skill in a field; a person who excels in music or art
20. bemoan (ed) – to express distress or grief over; lament
21. fixated – to focus ones gaze or attention on
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 22
1. derby –
2. cavalier –
3. fracas –
4. limbo –
5. grungy –
6. pixie –
7. defunct –
8. errant –
9. liability –
10. nonplus –
11. demoralize –
12. ungainly –
13. logistics –
14. opulence –
15. cauterize –
16. delectable –
17. clandestine –
18. loiter –
19. virtuoso –
20. bemoan (ed) –
21. fixated –
Week 22
1. derby –
2. cavalier –
3. fracas –
4. limbo –
5. grungy –
6. pixie –
7. defunct –
8. errant –
9. liability –
10. nonplus –
11. demoralize –
12. ungainly –
13. logistics –
14. opulence –
15. cauterize –
16. delectable –
17. clandestine –
18. loiter –
19. virtuoso –
20. bemoan (ed) –
21. fixated –
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 21
1. symposium – a meeting or conference for the discussion of some subject, especially a meeting at which several speakers talk on or discuss a topic before an audience.
2. antics – a playful trick or prank
3. burgeon – to grow or develop quickly; to flourish
4. oscillate – to swing, turn or move to and fro, as a pendulum does
5. polymer – a compound of high nuclear weight derived either by the addition of other smaller molecules
6. abstain – to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy
7. snivel – to weep or cry with sniffling
8. prognosticate – to forecast or predict (something future) from present indications or signs; prophesy
9. naive – unaffected simplicity, unsophisticated, showing a lack of experiences or judgment
10. intervene – to come between disputing people or groups, to intercede or mediate
11. euphoria – a feeling of happiness, confidence or well-being
12. narcissistic – excessive fascination or love of oneself
13. mirth – jovial or amused, especially when accompanied by laughter
14. parcel – an object or container of something wrapped up or packaged; a portion or fragment
15. scruples – a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions
16. repute– estimation in the view of other; reputation
17. parasite – an organism that lives on or in an organism or another species, known as the host, from which the parasite obtains nutriment
18. scant – barely sufficient in amount or quantity; not abundant; inadequate
19. preponderance – superior in weight, force or influence, numbers
20. merciless – without mercy; having or showing no mercy
21. synapse – a region where nerve impulses are transmitted and received
Week 21
1. symposium – a meeting or conference for the discussion of some subject, especially a meeting at which several speakers talk on or discuss a topic before an audience.
2. antics – a playful trick or prank
3. burgeon – to grow or develop quickly; to flourish
4. oscillate – to swing, turn or move to and fro, as a pendulum does
5. polymer – a compound of high nuclear weight derived either by the addition of other smaller molecules
6. abstain – to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy
7. snivel – to weep or cry with sniffling
8. prognosticate – to forecast or predict (something future) from present indications or signs; prophesy
9. naive – unaffected simplicity, unsophisticated, showing a lack of experiences or judgment
10. intervene – to come between disputing people or groups, to intercede or mediate
11. euphoria – a feeling of happiness, confidence or well-being
12. narcissistic – excessive fascination or love of oneself
13. mirth – jovial or amused, especially when accompanied by laughter
14. parcel – an object or container of something wrapped up or packaged; a portion or fragment
15. scruples – a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions
16. repute– estimation in the view of other; reputation
17. parasite – an organism that lives on or in an organism or another species, known as the host, from which the parasite obtains nutriment
18. scant – barely sufficient in amount or quantity; not abundant; inadequate
19. preponderance – superior in weight, force or influence, numbers
20. merciless – without mercy; having or showing no mercy
21. synapse – a region where nerve impulses are transmitted and received
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 20
1. ingenious – characterized by cleverness or originality of invention or construction, clever
2. blanch – to whiten by removing color; to bleach
3. captivate – to attract and hold the attention of, or interest of, as by beauty or excellence; to enchant
4. exalt(ed) – to raise in rank, honor, power, character, quality; to elevate
5. deprecate – to express earnest disapproval of; to urge against or belittle
6. improvise – to compose and perform or deliver without previous preparation; to make or provide with whatever materials are available
7. credulous – willing to believe or trust too readily, especially without proper or adequate evidence; gullible
8. decibel – a unit used to express the intensity of a sound wave
9. farce – a light humorous play, where the plot exploits the situation more than the characters
10. brackish – slightly salty; having a salty or briny flavor
11. martyr – a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion, belief, principal, or cause
12. perennial – something that is continuing or recurrent
13. epitome – a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class
14. orient – to adjust with relation to ones surroundings
15. syndicate – a group of individuals or organizations combined or making a joint effort to undertake some specific job or carry out specific transactions or negotiations
16. novelty – the state or quality of being new, unique; newness
17. patron – a person who is a customer, client or paying guest; a person who supports with money a institution, event, the arts, charity or cause.
18. catty – slyly malicious; spiteful, catlike
19. proliferate – to increase in number or spread rapidly and often excessively
20. depreciate – to reduce the purchasing value of; to lessen the price of
21. grapple – to hold or seize another; to wrestle or engage in struggle with
Week 20
1. ingenious – characterized by cleverness or originality of invention or construction, clever
2. blanch – to whiten by removing color; to bleach
3. captivate – to attract and hold the attention of, or interest of, as by beauty or excellence; to enchant
4. exalt(ed) – to raise in rank, honor, power, character, quality; to elevate
5. deprecate – to express earnest disapproval of; to urge against or belittle
6. improvise – to compose and perform or deliver without previous preparation; to make or provide with whatever materials are available
7. credulous – willing to believe or trust too readily, especially without proper or adequate evidence; gullible
8. decibel – a unit used to express the intensity of a sound wave
9. farce – a light humorous play, where the plot exploits the situation more than the characters
10. brackish – slightly salty; having a salty or briny flavor
11. martyr – a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion, belief, principal, or cause
12. perennial – something that is continuing or recurrent
13. epitome – a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class
14. orient – to adjust with relation to ones surroundings
15. syndicate – a group of individuals or organizations combined or making a joint effort to undertake some specific job or carry out specific transactions or negotiations
16. novelty – the state or quality of being new, unique; newness
17. patron – a person who is a customer, client or paying guest; a person who supports with money a institution, event, the arts, charity or cause.
18. catty – slyly malicious; spiteful, catlike
19. proliferate – to increase in number or spread rapidly and often excessively
20. depreciate – to reduce the purchasing value of; to lessen the price of
21. grapple – to hold or seize another; to wrestle or engage in struggle with
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 25th, 2011
Language Arts Quick Hits
* Research Paper Rough Drafts - DUE TODAY 4/25 - Students research paper rough drafts were due today. I tried to take a moment and meet with each student individually to look over their rough draft and make comments. Students were then given time to make corrects and edits in class.
Students seem to be struggling most with introductions and conclusions as well transition sentences - logically transitioning from one paragraph to the next. Some
students are also struggling with how to best organize and group their information, which may be a product of weak or poorly crafted outlines. Have your student read
their paper out loud to you, making corrections as they read.
Students who had their rough drafts completed received full credit for their work, which has been updated in the online gradebook (please note that I was unable to get
through every rough draft today and will complete this process tomorrow.) Students who did not have their rough draft, or had incomplete rough drafts were docked
benchmark points.
* Research Paper Final Draft DUE: FRIDAY 4/29 - With rough drafts being completed and students making final edits, papers should be completed and turned in on time. If your student is unable meet this deadline, please contact me before Friday.
* Week 20 Vocabulary - Students were given time in class to complete the vocabulary which I have listed below in this email and will also post on my blog. I will be checking definitions tomorrow and we will have a quiz on Friday.
* Reading Responses - Reading Responses were collected today and new ones passed out. Remember, Reading Responses are a daily responsibility and missing responses are detrimental to a students overall grade. Students can always get an extra Reading Response from my classroom or download one from my blog.
* MAP TESTING - our next round of MAP testing will be next Monday and Tuesday and will take up the entire block on both days.
Vocabulary – Week 20
ingenious
decibel
syndicate
blanch
farce
novelty
captivate
brackish
patron
exalt(ed)
martyr
catty
deprecate
perennial
proliferate
improvise
epitome
depreciate
credulous
orient
grapple
* Research Paper Rough Drafts - DUE TODAY 4/25 - Students research paper rough drafts were due today. I tried to take a moment and meet with each student individually to look over their rough draft and make comments. Students were then given time to make corrects and edits in class.
Students seem to be struggling most with introductions and conclusions as well transition sentences - logically transitioning from one paragraph to the next. Some
students are also struggling with how to best organize and group their information, which may be a product of weak or poorly crafted outlines. Have your student read
their paper out loud to you, making corrections as they read.
Students who had their rough drafts completed received full credit for their work, which has been updated in the online gradebook (please note that I was unable to get
through every rough draft today and will complete this process tomorrow.) Students who did not have their rough draft, or had incomplete rough drafts were docked
benchmark points.
* Research Paper Final Draft DUE: FRIDAY 4/29 - With rough drafts being completed and students making final edits, papers should be completed and turned in on time. If your student is unable meet this deadline, please contact me before Friday.
* Week 20 Vocabulary - Students were given time in class to complete the vocabulary which I have listed below in this email and will also post on my blog. I will be checking definitions tomorrow and we will have a quiz on Friday.
* Reading Responses - Reading Responses were collected today and new ones passed out. Remember, Reading Responses are a daily responsibility and missing responses are detrimental to a students overall grade. Students can always get an extra Reading Response from my classroom or download one from my blog.
* MAP TESTING - our next round of MAP testing will be next Monday and Tuesday and will take up the entire block on both days.
Vocabulary – Week 20
ingenious
decibel
syndicate
blanch
farce
novelty
captivate
brackish
patron
exalt(ed)
martyr
catty
deprecate
perennial
proliferate
improvise
epitome
depreciate
credulous
orient
grapple
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 19
1. arson – a the malicious burning of another’s house or property, or the burning of one’s own house or property, as to collect insurance
2. calamity – a great misfortune or disaster, grievous affiction
3. lieu – in place of, instead of
4. medley – a mixture, or jumble
5. dubious – doubtful; marked by or occasioning doubt
6. robust – strong and healthy, hardy, vigorous
7. bedlam – a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion
8. pique – to affect with sharp irritation and resentment, especially by some would to pride.
9. squabble – to engage in a petty quarrel
10. avail – to be of use or value to; profit; advantage
11. vestige – a mark, trace, or visible evidence of something that is no longer present or in existence.
12. belittle – to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate
13. facile – moving, acting, working, proceeding; easily done or performed
14. meticulous – taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise
15. belie – to show to be false; contradict
16. lout – an awkward, stupid person, clumsy, ill-mannered poor; oaf
17. pugnacious – inclined to quarrel or fight readily; quarrelsome, belligerent
18. domineering – inclined to rule in a dominating fashion, overbearing; tyrannical
19. embody – to give form to, to personify or exemplify, to represen
20. marvel – something that causes wonder, admiration or astonishment
21. spurious – not genuine, or authentic, untrue
Week 19
1. arson – a the malicious burning of another’s house or property, or the burning of one’s own house or property, as to collect insurance
2. calamity – a great misfortune or disaster, grievous affiction
3. lieu – in place of, instead of
4. medley – a mixture, or jumble
5. dubious – doubtful; marked by or occasioning doubt
6. robust – strong and healthy, hardy, vigorous
7. bedlam – a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion
8. pique – to affect with sharp irritation and resentment, especially by some would to pride.
9. squabble – to engage in a petty quarrel
10. avail – to be of use or value to; profit; advantage
11. vestige – a mark, trace, or visible evidence of something that is no longer present or in existence.
12. belittle – to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate
13. facile – moving, acting, working, proceeding; easily done or performed
14. meticulous – taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise
15. belie – to show to be false; contradict
16. lout – an awkward, stupid person, clumsy, ill-mannered poor; oaf
17. pugnacious – inclined to quarrel or fight readily; quarrelsome, belligerent
18. domineering – inclined to rule in a dominating fashion, overbearing; tyrannical
19. embody – to give form to, to personify or exemplify, to represen
20. marvel – something that causes wonder, admiration or astonishment
21. spurious – not genuine, or authentic, untrue
Monday, April 11, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Language Arts Update (RESEARCH PAPER INFORMATION)
RESEARCH PAPER
Due: Friday, April 29th (or earlier if completed in advance)
Length: 5-7 pages, typed, double-spaced, not including bibliography
Supplies: 100 note cards, notebook for rough draft, clear plastic cover/binder for final draft
Scoring Rubric: Click here to view or download!
As you may be aware we started working on our research papers the week before spring break. This assignment is quite intensive and can be overwhelming for students who are absent, fall off task or procrastinate their efforts. This is especially true considering we will also be covering our regular language art curriculum (i.e. vocabulary, grammar, mechanics). To date, we have now spent over two weeks in the school's media center helping students get started by selecting manageable (but interesting) research topics, finding and citing sources, generating a bibliography and most recently reviewing proper outline format.
Click here to download a copy of the Brooks Media Center Research Schedule.
http://www.box.net/shared/foagsfp7ui
Students who were absent because of illness or holiday travels may need assistance getting up to speed. I am available before and after school and during most lunch periods to assist students - but they will have to find time on their own to go to the Oak Park Library or Brooks Media Center to locate source material and submit necessary benchmark materials.
I have reformatted much of the information presented/handed out by Ms. Nelson, who conducts the first portion of the research paper while we are in the media center. This is why this email has not arrived to you sooner. The documents included in this email will help you and your student understand the various steps they need to complete to stay up to speed and complete work in a timely fashion. Yesterday (4/4/2011) was our last day in the media center (during our regularly scheduled language arts class) - this means students will have to take their own initiative (with our help) to complete any portion of the research paper which should have been completed using our time in the media center and its resources.
It is important that students get up to speed as quickly as possible and stay on task, so that they can take advantage of time and opportunities presented to them in future classes. Obviously they will be unable to read, make note cards, or begin an outline if they don't obtain proper/pertinent source material (i.e. books, journals, articles, web content, ect.). Having this material is absolutely crucial for their success, and the more source material/information they have the easier it is to draft the paper. In addition, they are learning and must cite this information in a bibliography.
Following is an outline of benchmarks and resources to help you and your student:
Click here to download a copy of the 6th Grade Research Paper Scoring Rubric.
http://www.box.net/shared/j70ynsfurg
NOTES:
* The highest possible score for a research paper’s final draft is (20) twenty points – where a student receives a (4) four, the highest score, in each category.
* Students will receive additional points for staying on task and completing benchmark deadlines – for example: finding source materials, completing source cards on time, completing their Easybib.com bibliography on time, completing portions of their rough draft on time.
* Students who plagiarize work or submit work that is not their own will receive harsh penalties on their final grade for the research paper.
March 14th-18th - We started with a pre-quiz to see what students already knew about research papers. Then we discussed what a research paper is, why research papers are useful, and how they are used academically. We proceeded to read chapter 11 in our text books, which discusses the various steps and components of a research paper and even models an example of a good research paper. Students were directed to start thinking about topics that would be interesting to them. It was suggested that they pick a topic that is interesting to them, but that they know little about. The topic should not be too narrow or obscure (a'la painite), nor should it be too broad (World War II). A good topic will be interesting and accessible to the student and have multiple source materials that can be easily gathered and understood.
This is a link to download the pre-quiz we took on research papers.
http://www.box.net/shared/kl6usb6xqa
March 21-25 - Students have selected research topics and were introduced to the Brooks Media Center's resources. Ms. Nelson conducts these classes and explained what are considered quality/credible sources in both print and on the internet. Students were directed to find at least four sources on their research topics (2) two books/print sources,(1) one encyclopedia source, and (1) web/internet source. Obviously, it is strongly encouraged that students find additional source material outside of school - considering the limitation of the schools media center. Additionally, students who were unable to find sufficient source material were encouraged to change their research topic to something more manageable.
As students located source material they were taught how cite their sources using media source cards in the library. Filling out these cards was a benchmark requirement for the research paper. Citation cards can be acquired in the media center, however - I have also created a source card download that has an example of each type of source card as well as a website evaluation form.
If your student has missed either of these benchmarks they can download these forms from this email or my blog to complete and turn in. Students who were not absent or failed to take advantage of class time will be penalized for late work. Excused absences will be given extensions to complete benchmarks.
Download a copy of the blank source card examples here.
http://www.box.net/shared/7vcg3zcyrl
Download a copy of the website evaluation form here.
http://www.box.net/shared/o0oghy9stt
Students were encouraged to gather additional source material or review existing source material over the spring break so that they would be prepared to begin making note cards upon their return to school.
April 4th-8th - Students should have gathered all their source material and have it properly cited on citation cards. Students should have also completed website evaluation form and had any websites they are using as sources approved by a teacher. Ms. Nelson gave students a lesson on how to properly create and organize note cards. Students will be working on note cards in language arts this week, and will need to come to class prepared with all their source material, index cards or some other kind of note card and something to write with. The note cards will be key for students to effectively begin their research paper's rough draft.
NOTES:
* Note cards should contain facts from their source material and indicate which source it came from. Ms. Nelson modeled this process and students had to take notes on the process to before being allowed to use media center resources.
* Note card facts should not be complete sentences copied out of their sources material. This is because when it comes time to write the paper - short, incomplete blurbs will help student create sentences using their own words, rather then copying source material.
* Students should have roughly 20 note cards from each of their sources. 80 total cards is considered the minimum number of cards required to complete their outline and ultimately their research paper. This is a benchmark skill.
* Each note card should contain a different fact. There is no point for duplicate cards stating identical facts. The idea is to have a wealth of different information and facts to be organized into categories and eventually paragraphs.
Students were also taught how to create a bibliography using the website EasyBib.com. The process is very simple when students have their source cards filled out in advance. Students simply input the information on their source cards into the proper fields and the website saves and generates a printed bibliography. Completing a bibliography in the media center was also a benchmark task.
Directions to help you and your student complete these benchmarks outside of school can be downloaded here. This download includes step by step directions on how to use EasyBib.com, organizing note cards and how to use Webspiration (a program which helps organize facts/ideas into an outline).
I have put together a helpful guide on how to use EasyBib.com, Webspiration (for outlining), and how to organize note cards. This document should prove quite useful and address questions your student (or you) might have regarding organizing and formatting information for bibliographies and outlines.
Click here to view or download a copy of this helpful document.
http://www.box.net/shared/s671bah7l6
Please encourage your student to stay on task and use class time wisely. Additionally, I have encouraged students to begin writing as soon as they have completed their outline. Writing a paragraph or two each night is much more manageable then trying to type an entire paper in one or two evenings.
Thanks for all your help - please don't hesitate to contact me with further questions or comments. This email will also be posted on my blog.
Sincerely,
Mr. Madel
6.1 Language Arts
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
jmadel@op97.org
RESEARCH PAPER
Due: Friday, April 29th (or earlier if completed in advance)
Length: 5-7 pages, typed, double-spaced, not including bibliography
Supplies: 100 note cards, notebook for rough draft, clear plastic cover/binder for final draft
Scoring Rubric: Click here to view or download!
As you may be aware we started working on our research papers the week before spring break. This assignment is quite intensive and can be overwhelming for students who are absent, fall off task or procrastinate their efforts. This is especially true considering we will also be covering our regular language art curriculum (i.e. vocabulary, grammar, mechanics). To date, we have now spent over two weeks in the school's media center helping students get started by selecting manageable (but interesting) research topics, finding and citing sources, generating a bibliography and most recently reviewing proper outline format.
Click here to download a copy of the Brooks Media Center Research Schedule.
http://www.box.net/shared/foagsfp7ui
Students who were absent because of illness or holiday travels may need assistance getting up to speed. I am available before and after school and during most lunch periods to assist students - but they will have to find time on their own to go to the Oak Park Library or Brooks Media Center to locate source material and submit necessary benchmark materials.
I have reformatted much of the information presented/handed out by Ms. Nelson, who conducts the first portion of the research paper while we are in the media center. This is why this email has not arrived to you sooner. The documents included in this email will help you and your student understand the various steps they need to complete to stay up to speed and complete work in a timely fashion. Yesterday (4/4/2011) was our last day in the media center (during our regularly scheduled language arts class) - this means students will have to take their own initiative (with our help) to complete any portion of the research paper which should have been completed using our time in the media center and its resources.
It is important that students get up to speed as quickly as possible and stay on task, so that they can take advantage of time and opportunities presented to them in future classes. Obviously they will be unable to read, make note cards, or begin an outline if they don't obtain proper/pertinent source material (i.e. books, journals, articles, web content, ect.). Having this material is absolutely crucial for their success, and the more source material/information they have the easier it is to draft the paper. In addition, they are learning and must cite this information in a bibliography.
Following is an outline of benchmarks and resources to help you and your student:
Click here to download a copy of the 6th Grade Research Paper Scoring Rubric.
http://www.box.net/shared/j70ynsfurg
NOTES:
* The highest possible score for a research paper’s final draft is (20) twenty points – where a student receives a (4) four, the highest score, in each category.
* Students will receive additional points for staying on task and completing benchmark deadlines – for example: finding source materials, completing source cards on time, completing their Easybib.com bibliography on time, completing portions of their rough draft on time.
* Students who plagiarize work or submit work that is not their own will receive harsh penalties on their final grade for the research paper.
March 14th-18th - We started with a pre-quiz to see what students already knew about research papers. Then we discussed what a research paper is, why research papers are useful, and how they are used academically. We proceeded to read chapter 11 in our text books, which discusses the various steps and components of a research paper and even models an example of a good research paper. Students were directed to start thinking about topics that would be interesting to them. It was suggested that they pick a topic that is interesting to them, but that they know little about. The topic should not be too narrow or obscure (a'la painite), nor should it be too broad (World War II). A good topic will be interesting and accessible to the student and have multiple source materials that can be easily gathered and understood.
This is a link to download the pre-quiz we took on research papers.
http://www.box.net/shared/kl6usb6xqa
March 21-25 - Students have selected research topics and were introduced to the Brooks Media Center's resources. Ms. Nelson conducts these classes and explained what are considered quality/credible sources in both print and on the internet. Students were directed to find at least four sources on their research topics (2) two books/print sources,(1) one encyclopedia source, and (1) web/internet source. Obviously, it is strongly encouraged that students find additional source material outside of school - considering the limitation of the schools media center. Additionally, students who were unable to find sufficient source material were encouraged to change their research topic to something more manageable.
As students located source material they were taught how cite their sources using media source cards in the library. Filling out these cards was a benchmark requirement for the research paper. Citation cards can be acquired in the media center, however - I have also created a source card download that has an example of each type of source card as well as a website evaluation form.
If your student has missed either of these benchmarks they can download these forms from this email or my blog to complete and turn in. Students who were not absent or failed to take advantage of class time will be penalized for late work. Excused absences will be given extensions to complete benchmarks.
Download a copy of the blank source card examples here.
http://www.box.net/shared/7vcg3zcyrl
Download a copy of the website evaluation form here.
http://www.box.net/shared/o0oghy9stt
Students were encouraged to gather additional source material or review existing source material over the spring break so that they would be prepared to begin making note cards upon their return to school.
April 4th-8th - Students should have gathered all their source material and have it properly cited on citation cards. Students should have also completed website evaluation form and had any websites they are using as sources approved by a teacher. Ms. Nelson gave students a lesson on how to properly create and organize note cards. Students will be working on note cards in language arts this week, and will need to come to class prepared with all their source material, index cards or some other kind of note card and something to write with. The note cards will be key for students to effectively begin their research paper's rough draft.
NOTES:
* Note cards should contain facts from their source material and indicate which source it came from. Ms. Nelson modeled this process and students had to take notes on the process to before being allowed to use media center resources.
* Note card facts should not be complete sentences copied out of their sources material. This is because when it comes time to write the paper - short, incomplete blurbs will help student create sentences using their own words, rather then copying source material.
* Students should have roughly 20 note cards from each of their sources. 80 total cards is considered the minimum number of cards required to complete their outline and ultimately their research paper. This is a benchmark skill.
* Each note card should contain a different fact. There is no point for duplicate cards stating identical facts. The idea is to have a wealth of different information and facts to be organized into categories and eventually paragraphs.
Students were also taught how to create a bibliography using the website EasyBib.com. The process is very simple when students have their source cards filled out in advance. Students simply input the information on their source cards into the proper fields and the website saves and generates a printed bibliography. Completing a bibliography in the media center was also a benchmark task.
Directions to help you and your student complete these benchmarks outside of school can be downloaded here. This download includes step by step directions on how to use EasyBib.com, organizing note cards and how to use Webspiration (a program which helps organize facts/ideas into an outline).
I have put together a helpful guide on how to use EasyBib.com, Webspiration (for outlining), and how to organize note cards. This document should prove quite useful and address questions your student (or you) might have regarding organizing and formatting information for bibliographies and outlines.
Click here to view or download a copy of this helpful document.
http://www.box.net/shared/s671bah7l6
Please encourage your student to stay on task and use class time wisely. Additionally, I have encouraged students to begin writing as soon as they have completed their outline. Writing a paragraph or two each night is much more manageable then trying to type an entire paper in one or two evenings.
Thanks for all your help - please don't hesitate to contact me with further questions or comments. This email will also be posted on my blog.
Sincerely,
Mr. Madel
6.1 Language Arts
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
jmadel@op97.org
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Wednesday, March 9th 2011
Vocabulary
Week 18
1. armistice– a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the warring parties; truce
2. dilemma – a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives
3. chimera – a mythological, fire-breathing monster, commonly represented with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail
4. chimerical – a unreal; imaginary; visionary
5. fervent– having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm
6. innocuous – not harmful or injurious; harmless
7. obscure – (of meaning) not clear or plain; ambiguous, vague, or uncertain
8. humble – not proud or arrogant; modest
9. denizen – an inhabitant; resident.
10. fathom – to penetrate to the truth of; comprehend; understand: to fathom someone's motives.
a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements
11. biosphere – the part of the earth's crust, waters, and atmosphere that supports life.
12. backlash – a sudden, forceful backward movement; recoil, a strong or violent reaction, as to some social or political change
13. foregone – that has gone before; previous; past -determined in advance; inevitable
14. oblique – neither perpendicular nor parallel to a given line or surface; slanting; sloping
15. arrogate – to claim unwarrantably or presumptuously; assume or appropriate to oneself without right
16. demur– to make objection, especially on the grounds of scruples; take exception; object
17. fastidious – excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please: a fastidious eater
18. hectic – characterized by intense agitation, excitement, confused and rapid movement, etc.
19. indisposed – sick or ill, especially slightly: to be indisposed with a cold; disinclined or unwilling; averse
20. brusque – abrupt in manner; blunt; rough: A brusque welcome greeted his unexpected return
21. cavort - to prance or caper about; to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner; make merry.
Week 18
1. armistice– a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the warring parties; truce
2. dilemma – a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives
3. chimera – a mythological, fire-breathing monster, commonly represented with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail
4. chimerical – a unreal; imaginary; visionary
5. fervent– having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm
6. innocuous – not harmful or injurious; harmless
7. obscure – (of meaning) not clear or plain; ambiguous, vague, or uncertain
8. humble – not proud or arrogant; modest
9. denizen – an inhabitant; resident.
10. fathom – to penetrate to the truth of; comprehend; understand: to fathom someone's motives.
a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements
11. biosphere – the part of the earth's crust, waters, and atmosphere that supports life.
12. backlash – a sudden, forceful backward movement; recoil, a strong or violent reaction, as to some social or political change
13. foregone – that has gone before; previous; past -determined in advance; inevitable
14. oblique – neither perpendicular nor parallel to a given line or surface; slanting; sloping
15. arrogate – to claim unwarrantably or presumptuously; assume or appropriate to oneself without right
16. demur– to make objection, especially on the grounds of scruples; take exception; object
17. fastidious – excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please: a fastidious eater
18. hectic – characterized by intense agitation, excitement, confused and rapid movement, etc.
19. indisposed – sick or ill, especially slightly: to be indisposed with a cold; disinclined or unwilling; averse
20. brusque – abrupt in manner; blunt; rough: A brusque welcome greeted his unexpected return
21. cavort - to prance or caper about; to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner; make merry.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 18
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
armistice
denizen
demur
dilemma
fathom
fastidious
chimerical
chimera
biosphere
hectic
fervent
backlash
indisposed
innocuous
forgone
brusque
obscure
oblique
cavort
humble
arrogate
foreman
Week 18
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
armistice
denizen
demur
dilemma
fathom
fastidious
chimerical
chimera
biosphere
hectic
fervent
backlash
indisposed
innocuous
forgone
brusque
obscure
oblique
cavort
humble
arrogate
foreman
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 17
1. filibuster– the use of irregular or obstructive tactics by a member of a legislative assembly to prevent the adoption of a measure generally favored or to force a decision against the will of the majority.
2. cacophony – harsh discordance of sound; dissonance: a cacophony of hoots, cackles, and wails.
3. magnanimous – generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness: to be magnanimous toward one's enemies.
4. litany– a prolonged or tedious account: We heard the whole litany of their complaints.
5. sinister – threatening or portending evil, harm, or trouble; ominous: a sinister remark.
6. transcribe – to make a written copy, especially a typewritten copy, of (dictated material, notes taken during a lecture, or other spoken material).
7. plume – a large, long feather
8. prudence – caution with regard to practical matters; discretion; regard for one’s own interests
9. mortal – subject to death; having a transitory life: all mortal creatures.
10. lobbyist – a person employed by a particular interest to lobby
11. procession – the act of moving along or proceeding in orderly succession or in a formal and ceremonious manner, as a line of people, animals, vehicles, etc.
12. goad – something that encourages, urges, or drives; a stimulus.
13. echelon – a level of command, authority, or rank: the top echelon of city officials.
14. frowzy – dirty and untidy; slovenly
15. erroneous – containing error; mistaken; incorrect; wrong: an erroneous answer.
16. glower – to look or stare with sullen dislike, discontent, or anger.
17. incognito– having one's identity concealed, as under an assumed name, especially to avoid notice or formal attentions.
18. monarch– a hereditary sovereign, as a king, queen, or emperor.
19. mutable – liable or subject to change or alteration.
20. presage – something that portends or foreshadows a future event; an omen, prognostic, or warning indication.
21. brandish - to shake or wave, as a weapon; flourish: Brandishing his sword, he rode into battle.
Week 17
1. filibuster– the use of irregular or obstructive tactics by a member of a legislative assembly to prevent the adoption of a measure generally favored or to force a decision against the will of the majority.
2. cacophony – harsh discordance of sound; dissonance: a cacophony of hoots, cackles, and wails.
3. magnanimous – generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness: to be magnanimous toward one's enemies.
4. litany– a prolonged or tedious account: We heard the whole litany of their complaints.
5. sinister – threatening or portending evil, harm, or trouble; ominous: a sinister remark.
6. transcribe – to make a written copy, especially a typewritten copy, of (dictated material, notes taken during a lecture, or other spoken material).
7. plume – a large, long feather
8. prudence – caution with regard to practical matters; discretion; regard for one’s own interests
9. mortal – subject to death; having a transitory life: all mortal creatures.
10. lobbyist – a person employed by a particular interest to lobby
11. procession – the act of moving along or proceeding in orderly succession or in a formal and ceremonious manner, as a line of people, animals, vehicles, etc.
12. goad – something that encourages, urges, or drives; a stimulus.
13. echelon – a level of command, authority, or rank: the top echelon of city officials.
14. frowzy – dirty and untidy; slovenly
15. erroneous – containing error; mistaken; incorrect; wrong: an erroneous answer.
16. glower – to look or stare with sullen dislike, discontent, or anger.
17. incognito– having one's identity concealed, as under an assumed name, especially to avoid notice or formal attentions.
18. monarch– a hereditary sovereign, as a king, queen, or emperor.
19. mutable – liable or subject to change or alteration.
20. presage – something that portends or foreshadows a future event; an omen, prognostic, or warning indication.
21. brandish - to shake or wave, as a weapon; flourish: Brandishing his sword, he rode into battle.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 17
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
filibuster
prudence
erroneous
cacophony
mortal
glower
magnanimous
lobbyist
incognito
litany
procession
monarch
sinister
goad
mutable
transcribe
echelon
presage
plume
frowzy
brandish
Week 17
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
filibuster
prudence
erroneous
cacophony
mortal
glower
magnanimous
lobbyist
incognito
litany
procession
monarch
sinister
goad
mutable
transcribe
echelon
presage
plume
frowzy
brandish
Friday, February 18, 2011
February 18th, 2011
LANGUAGE ARTS QUICK HITS
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please except my apologies for my recent lack of communication. I have been under the weather and finally took a sick day yesterday. I thought that I had sent a Homework Alert and updated my blog in regards to this weeks homework and vocabulary, when in reality I have not. Again, please forgive this lapse. I have moved this weeks vocabulary quiz to next Tuesday 2/22/2011 (because of the three day weekend) and passed out hard copies of the vocabulary words and definitions. Additionally, I have included them in this email and updated my blog.
* President's Day - No school this Monday 2/21/2011
* ISATS Approaching - ISAT testing will begin February 28th. Please remind students that this testing is important for them and the school. Standardized
* Today we began class with a writing prompt that asked students what three objects they would take with them if they had to leave home and live on their own. Objects varied from extremely practical to sentimental to just plain silly. I shared my three objects as well and we wrapped up the exercise with a very interesting and informative conversation about credit cards, how they work, how credit card companies make money and the importance of not buying things you can't afford or pay for.
* We started reading D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths earlier this week as a group. Today students read independently and took an open book quiz on the myths about Hera, Hephaestus, Aphrodite and Ares.
* HOMEWORK - students who did not finish the open book quiz are to take the quiz and reading home to complete over the weekend.
* HOMEWORK - Reading Responses due Tuesday
Vocabulary
Week 16
1. ambiguous– open to or having several possible meanings or interpretations
2. blithe – very happy or cheerful; casual or indifferent
3. emissary – a representative sent on a mission or errand
4. haphazard – characterized by lack of order or planning, by irregularity, or randomness; determined by or dependent on chance; aimless
5. careen – to sway or cause to sway dangerously over to one side
6. meridian – a point or period of highest development, greatest prosperity or the like
7. atrocious – extremely or shockingly wicked, cruel, or brutal
8. cede – to yield or formally surrender to another
9. indigence – seriously impoverished condition, poverty
10. avarice – a desire to hoard wealth, uncontrollable greed
11. boast – to speak with exaggeration and excessive pride, especially about oneself
12. modicum – a moderate or small amount
13. drivel – childish, silly or meaningless talk or thinking
14. embezzle – to take or steal funds for one’s own use, as money or property entrusted to one’s care
15. emir – a chieftain, prince, commander, or head of state in some Islamic countries
16. averse – having a strong feeling of opposition, antipathy, repugnance; opposed
17. carcass – the dead body of an animal
18. fraught – filled with
19. bolster – to support or reinforce, strengthen
20. mordant – sarcastic
21. montage – the technique of combining in a single composition pictorial elements from various sources, as parts of different photographs or fragments of printing, either to give the illusion that the elements belonged together originally or to allow each element to retain its separate identity as a means of adding interest or meaning to the composition.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please except my apologies for my recent lack of communication. I have been under the weather and finally took a sick day yesterday. I thought that I had sent a Homework Alert and updated my blog in regards to this weeks homework and vocabulary, when in reality I have not. Again, please forgive this lapse. I have moved this weeks vocabulary quiz to next Tuesday 2/22/2011 (because of the three day weekend) and passed out hard copies of the vocabulary words and definitions. Additionally, I have included them in this email and updated my blog.
* President's Day - No school this Monday 2/21/2011
* ISATS Approaching - ISAT testing will begin February 28th. Please remind students that this testing is important for them and the school. Standardized
* Today we began class with a writing prompt that asked students what three objects they would take with them if they had to leave home and live on their own. Objects varied from extremely practical to sentimental to just plain silly. I shared my three objects as well and we wrapped up the exercise with a very interesting and informative conversation about credit cards, how they work, how credit card companies make money and the importance of not buying things you can't afford or pay for.
* We started reading D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths earlier this week as a group. Today students read independently and took an open book quiz on the myths about Hera, Hephaestus, Aphrodite and Ares.
* HOMEWORK - students who did not finish the open book quiz are to take the quiz and reading home to complete over the weekend.
* HOMEWORK - Reading Responses due Tuesday
Vocabulary
Week 16
1. ambiguous– open to or having several possible meanings or interpretations
2. blithe – very happy or cheerful; casual or indifferent
3. emissary – a representative sent on a mission or errand
4. haphazard – characterized by lack of order or planning, by irregularity, or randomness; determined by or dependent on chance; aimless
5. careen – to sway or cause to sway dangerously over to one side
6. meridian – a point or period of highest development, greatest prosperity or the like
7. atrocious – extremely or shockingly wicked, cruel, or brutal
8. cede – to yield or formally surrender to another
9. indigence – seriously impoverished condition, poverty
10. avarice – a desire to hoard wealth, uncontrollable greed
11. boast – to speak with exaggeration and excessive pride, especially about oneself
12. modicum – a moderate or small amount
13. drivel – childish, silly or meaningless talk or thinking
14. embezzle – to take or steal funds for one’s own use, as money or property entrusted to one’s care
15. emir – a chieftain, prince, commander, or head of state in some Islamic countries
16. averse – having a strong feeling of opposition, antipathy, repugnance; opposed
17. carcass – the dead body of an animal
18. fraught – filled with
19. bolster – to support or reinforce, strengthen
20. mordant – sarcastic
21. montage – the technique of combining in a single composition pictorial elements from various sources, as parts of different photographs or fragments of printing, either to give the illusion that the elements belonged together originally or to allow each element to retain its separate identity as a means of adding interest or meaning to the composition.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 16
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
ambiguous
cede
emir or amir
blithe
indigence
averse
emissary
avarice
carcass
haphazard
boast
fraught
careen
modicum
bolster
meridian
drivel
mordant
atrocious
embezzle
montage
Week 16
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
ambiguous
cede
emir or amir
blithe
indigence
averse
emissary
avarice
carcass
haphazard
boast
fraught
careen
modicum
bolster
meridian
drivel
mordant
atrocious
embezzle
montage
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, February 9th, 2010
LANGUAGE ARTS QUICK HITS
* Checked Week 15 Vocabulary - (yesterdays homework) and reviewed definitions with students citing words in real word examples and uses. Students who do not have the words completed receive a zero for the assignment because they are given an entire class period to get this work completed. Week 15 words and definitions are listed below in this email as well as on my blog. QUIZ - Week 15 vocabulary quiz will be this Friday 2/11/2011. I hope to play a review game with students tomorrow - however time will dictate if that is possible, please have students study and review words a little each evening leading up to Friday.
* Passed back Week 14 Vocabulary Quiz - quizzes were passed back and reviewed as a group. I then collected quizzes to be included in student conference portfolios. Grades have been entered in the online grade book for your review.
* Started review of our poetry unit. We discussed as a group the meaning and importance of history as well as the role it plays in our lives and culture. We discussed different types of poetry and techniques. I wrapped up this discussion by reading the sonnet XVIII Shall I Compare Thee to a Summers Day? by William Shakespeare and If by Rudyard Kipling.
* HOMEWORK - (Due tomorrow 2/10/2011) - Students were given a handout explaining how to write limericks and free verse poetry. We reviewed and read examples of both types of poetry and wrote examples of both as a class. Students were then given half a class to complete today's homework assignment which is to write two limericks and one free verse poem to be read aloud in class tomorrow. I will read students poems IF THEY ARE TYPED, otherwise students must read their own work. Please assist students with rhythm and rhyme schemes of limericks - which rhyme AABBA. Students struggled to understand the difference in rhythm in A lines vs B lines.
* REQUEST - please send students to school tomorrow with old magazines that can be cut up, used and discarded. I am specifically looking for magazines with colorful or interesting font selection. PLEASE SEND ME YOUR OLD MAGAZINES!
* HOMEWORK - READING RESPONSE - Due Monday 2/14/2011 - Parents and guardians please stay on top of your child's Reading Responses. Remember, the purpose of the Reading Response is to monitor and make certain students are reading at home. If students are getting frustrated with Reading Response I am open to other options - but they must discuss ideas/suggestions with me in advance. Simply not doing the work is not an option and will incur a zero grade - these zeros quickly add up and are detrimental to final language arts grades.
* Parent Teacher Conferences - I will be sending an update to parents and guardians I am conferencing with in the near future. The District is allowing teachers to make up conferences through several different venues including - a traditional face to face meeting, email, phone or even SKYPE (yes! we are equipped with Skype)
Vocabulary
Week 15
1. colossal – extraordinarily great in size, extent, or degree, gigantic; huge
2. dolorous – full of, expressing or causing great pain or sorrow; grievous; mournful
3. emblazon – to decorate with brilliant or bright colors
4. inherent – existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, part or quality
5. combustible – capable of catching fire and burning; flammable
6. menial – lowly and sometimes degrading
7. forensic – pertaining to, connected with, or used in courts of law or public discussion and debate; suited for argument
8. implacable – not to be appeased, mollified, or pacified, can’t be calmed down
9. embroil– to bring into discord or conflict; to involve in contention or strife
10. impish – mischievous, trouble making; characteristic of an imp
11. fraud – deceit, trickery, sharp practice, or breach of confidence, trying to gain profit or gain by unfair or dishonest advantage or practices
12. languid – sluggish or inactive, spiritless, weary, exhausted
13. emollient – having the power of softening or relaxing, soothing – (esp) to the skin
14. mania – excessive excitement or enthusiasm; craze
15. emote – to show or pretend emotion; to portray emotion in acting
16. fickle – likely to change, not constant or loyal
17. implicate – to show to be involved, usually in an incriminating manner: to be implicated in a crime
18. eminence – high station, rank, or repute; an elevated position
19. ingrate – an ungrateful person
20. insidious – intended to entrap or beguile, stealthily treacherous or deceitful
21. satire – the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like in exposing vice, folly or foolishness; a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision or ridicule
* Checked Week 15 Vocabulary - (yesterdays homework) and reviewed definitions with students citing words in real word examples and uses. Students who do not have the words completed receive a zero for the assignment because they are given an entire class period to get this work completed. Week 15 words and definitions are listed below in this email as well as on my blog. QUIZ - Week 15 vocabulary quiz will be this Friday 2/11/2011. I hope to play a review game with students tomorrow - however time will dictate if that is possible, please have students study and review words a little each evening leading up to Friday.
* Passed back Week 14 Vocabulary Quiz - quizzes were passed back and reviewed as a group. I then collected quizzes to be included in student conference portfolios. Grades have been entered in the online grade book for your review.
* Started review of our poetry unit. We discussed as a group the meaning and importance of history as well as the role it plays in our lives and culture. We discussed different types of poetry and techniques. I wrapped up this discussion by reading the sonnet XVIII Shall I Compare Thee to a Summers Day? by William Shakespeare and If by Rudyard Kipling.
* HOMEWORK - (Due tomorrow 2/10/2011) - Students were given a handout explaining how to write limericks and free verse poetry. We reviewed and read examples of both types of poetry and wrote examples of both as a class. Students were then given half a class to complete today's homework assignment which is to write two limericks and one free verse poem to be read aloud in class tomorrow. I will read students poems IF THEY ARE TYPED, otherwise students must read their own work. Please assist students with rhythm and rhyme schemes of limericks - which rhyme AABBA. Students struggled to understand the difference in rhythm in A lines vs B lines.
* REQUEST - please send students to school tomorrow with old magazines that can be cut up, used and discarded. I am specifically looking for magazines with colorful or interesting font selection. PLEASE SEND ME YOUR OLD MAGAZINES!
* HOMEWORK - READING RESPONSE - Due Monday 2/14/2011 - Parents and guardians please stay on top of your child's Reading Responses. Remember, the purpose of the Reading Response is to monitor and make certain students are reading at home. If students are getting frustrated with Reading Response I am open to other options - but they must discuss ideas/suggestions with me in advance. Simply not doing the work is not an option and will incur a zero grade - these zeros quickly add up and are detrimental to final language arts grades.
* Parent Teacher Conferences - I will be sending an update to parents and guardians I am conferencing with in the near future. The District is allowing teachers to make up conferences through several different venues including - a traditional face to face meeting, email, phone or even SKYPE (yes! we are equipped with Skype)
Vocabulary
Week 15
1. colossal – extraordinarily great in size, extent, or degree, gigantic; huge
2. dolorous – full of, expressing or causing great pain or sorrow; grievous; mournful
3. emblazon – to decorate with brilliant or bright colors
4. inherent – existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, part or quality
5. combustible – capable of catching fire and burning; flammable
6. menial – lowly and sometimes degrading
7. forensic – pertaining to, connected with, or used in courts of law or public discussion and debate; suited for argument
8. implacable – not to be appeased, mollified, or pacified, can’t be calmed down
9. embroil– to bring into discord or conflict; to involve in contention or strife
10. impish – mischievous, trouble making; characteristic of an imp
11. fraud – deceit, trickery, sharp practice, or breach of confidence, trying to gain profit or gain by unfair or dishonest advantage or practices
12. languid – sluggish or inactive, spiritless, weary, exhausted
13. emollient – having the power of softening or relaxing, soothing – (esp) to the skin
14. mania – excessive excitement or enthusiasm; craze
15. emote – to show or pretend emotion; to portray emotion in acting
16. fickle – likely to change, not constant or loyal
17. implicate – to show to be involved, usually in an incriminating manner: to be implicated in a crime
18. eminence – high station, rank, or repute; an elevated position
19. ingrate – an ungrateful person
20. insidious – intended to entrap or beguile, stealthily treacherous or deceitful
21. satire – the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like in exposing vice, folly or foolishness; a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision or ridicule
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 15
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
colossal
implacable emote
dolorous embroil fickle
emblazon impish
(also, what is an imp???) implicate
inherent fraud eminence
combustible languid ingrate
menial emollient insidious
forensic mania satire
Week 15
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
colossal
implacable emote
dolorous embroil fickle
emblazon impish
(also, what is an imp???) implicate
inherent fraud eminence
combustible languid ingrate
menial emollient insidious
forensic mania satire
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February 1, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 14
1. arsenal – a place for making and storing weapons (arms) and military equipment
2. asinine – extremely or utterly foolish
3. grievous – causing grief or great sorrow, serious
4. braise – to cook (meat) slowly in fat and with little moisture in a close pot
5. cache – a hiding place (esp.) for persevering provisions, a reserve, stash or stockpile
6. candor – unreserved, honest or sincere expression
7. carnage – great destruction of life, a slaughter or massacre
8. defame – to injure or destroy the reputation of by libel or slander
9. libel – a spoken or written statement or representation that gives an unjustly unfavorable impression of a person or thing
10. levity – a lack of seriousness
11. gander – the act of looking, a glance
12. impetus – a driving force, impulse, incentive
13. implore – to plead, beg or beseech
14. malleable – capable of being shaped with pressure
15. mangy – decayed, deteriorated or fallen into partial ruin because of neglect or misuse
16. maraud – to roam about and raid in search of plunder, to pillage
17. plunder– something taken by force or theft
18. congeal – to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing:
19. tawny – of a dark yellowish or dull yellowish-brown color
20. vestibule – a passage or hall between the outer door and the interior parts of a house or building.
21. soliloquy – an utterance or discourse by a person who is talking to himself or herself or is disregardful of or oblivious to any hearers present (often used as a device in drama to disclose a character's innermost thoughts): Hamlet's soliloquy begins with “To be or not to be.”
Week 14
1. arsenal – a place for making and storing weapons (arms) and military equipment
2. asinine – extremely or utterly foolish
3. grievous – causing grief or great sorrow, serious
4. braise – to cook (meat) slowly in fat and with little moisture in a close pot
5. cache – a hiding place (esp.) for persevering provisions, a reserve, stash or stockpile
6. candor – unreserved, honest or sincere expression
7. carnage – great destruction of life, a slaughter or massacre
8. defame – to injure or destroy the reputation of by libel or slander
9. libel – a spoken or written statement or representation that gives an unjustly unfavorable impression of a person or thing
10. levity – a lack of seriousness
11. gander – the act of looking, a glance
12. impetus – a driving force, impulse, incentive
13. implore – to plead, beg or beseech
14. malleable – capable of being shaped with pressure
15. mangy – decayed, deteriorated or fallen into partial ruin because of neglect or misuse
16. maraud – to roam about and raid in search of plunder, to pillage
17. plunder– something taken by force or theft
18. congeal – to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing:
19. tawny – of a dark yellowish or dull yellowish-brown color
20. vestibule – a passage or hall between the outer door and the interior parts of a house or building.
21. soliloquy – an utterance or discourse by a person who is talking to himself or herself or is disregardful of or oblivious to any hearers present (often used as a device in drama to disclose a character's innermost thoughts): Hamlet's soliloquy begins with “To be or not to be.”
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Language Arts Quick Hits
* Parent Teacher Conferences - THIS THURSDAY 2/3/2011 - If your scheduled time for this Thursday is problematic, please do not hesitate to contact your conferencing teacher and reschedule or pick a conferencing alternative such as a phone conference or an email.
* FINAL DRAFT OF PERSUASIVE PAPER - DUE TOMORROW - 2/1/2011 - Students have been given ample time and opportunity to complete their first persuasive essay. Four class periods were devoted to writing and editing these papers. Today in class I tried to review any students final/rough drafts that were typed. Please make certain that your student has completed and typed their paper for tomorrow. Papers are to be typed and printed (in black and white) using a 12pt font (Times New Roman. Ariel or Helvetica). Papers should include a proper heading with name, date and class information. Papers should also have a title, proper indentation and be properly double spaced. Finally, students rough drafts should be attached behind the final draft along with their T-Chart and any pertinent research they may have printed up. However, if information was not printed - it need not be included. Information regarding the papers content and outline can be downloaded here.
* HOMEWORK - ISAT Practice - A Taste of Freedom - DUE TOMORROW - 2/1/2011 - We have begun review extended responses for ISAT testing. Today in class I passed out a reading packet that asks students to write a comparison involving Harriet Tubman. We did the reading aloud and then discussed the importance of first paying attention to and understanding the writing prompt (the question being answered) and how sometimes with standardized tests the connections/comparisons are not always obvious - that sometimes the reading specifically requires us look for a deeper connection than what is at first evident. Students are to answer the multiple choice questions in the packet and attempt to write a short response to the reading based on the writing prompt. There is not length requirement to the assignment - rather I asked students to pay attention to form and mechanics. Students responses should have an introduction sentence, be divided into paragraphs, properly indented, well thought using examples from the text and their own insights, and finish with a strong conclusion. Sorry, I was unable to scan this assignment so it is unavailable for download.
* HOMEWORK - VOCABULARY WEEK 14 - DUE TOMORROW - 2/1/2011 - Students were given the entire second half of class to complete their vocabulary while I worked individually with students who had typed persuasive essays for me to review. If students applied themselves and stayed on task this assignment should have been completed in class and also allowed them time to work on their ISAT Practice. Week 14 Vocabulary is listed below.
* READING RESPONSES - Collected and Passed Out - Last weeks Reading Response was collected and Week 17 was passed out. Missing Reading Responses continue to drag down many grades. However - I will allow students to make up missing Reading Responses that are not excessively late. Excessively late Reading Responses can be made up with an extended book report. The idea here is to help students understand that doing the Reading Response is less work than that required to make up a missing Reading Response. Download a Reading Response here!
* Vocabulary Quizzes Passed Back - Last weeks vocabulary quiz was passed back and then collected to include in students portfolios for conferences. Grades have been posted in Gradebook.
* Potential Snow Day? - Please continue to monitor the weather situation over the next few days. A possible Snow Day Warning is in effect, although unlikely. The following message was sent out by the District Office:
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch for the area that could produce up to 18 inches of snow and create hazardous travel conditions tomorrow afternoon through Wednesday morning. We are monitoring the forecast very closely, and will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
At this time, all after school activities scheduled to end by 6 p.m. tomorrow will proceed as planned. If there is any change in the forecast that will push up the arrival of the inclement weather and/or produce more severe conditions than we anticipated, we will use SchoolMessenger (automated phone message and e-mail), e-mail and the district’s family of Web sites to send out an update about the status of these activities. This update will be disseminated no later than noon tomorrow.
Serious consideration will be given to canceling or postponing any activities scheduled to end after 6 p.m. tomorrow. A decision about these activities will also be made no later than noon.
As for the status of school on Wednesday, we will be monitoring the weather throughout the night on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning; and will work closely with the Village of Oak Park, districts 90 and 200, our buildings and grounds staff and our transportation provider to assess the state of our buildings and the travel conditions. If we determine that the conditions pose any significant threat to the safety of our students and staff, we will cancel classes for the day.
The final decision about the status of the school day will be made no later than 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday. News of this decision will be disseminated via SchoolMessenger (automated phone message and e-mail), the district’s family of Web sites, this e-mail group and the local media.
Vocabulary
Week 14
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
arsenal
levity
cache
candor
gander
implore
defame
malleable
vestibule
congeal
grievous
carnage
maraud
tawny
mangy
plunder
libel
soliloquy
braise
impetus
asinine
http://www.box.net/shared/uu0bsrjc8o
* Parent Teacher Conferences - THIS THURSDAY 2/3/2011 - If your scheduled time for this Thursday is problematic, please do not hesitate to contact your conferencing teacher and reschedule or pick a conferencing alternative such as a phone conference or an email.
* FINAL DRAFT OF PERSUASIVE PAPER - DUE TOMORROW - 2/1/2011 - Students have been given ample time and opportunity to complete their first persuasive essay. Four class periods were devoted to writing and editing these papers. Today in class I tried to review any students final/rough drafts that were typed. Please make certain that your student has completed and typed their paper for tomorrow. Papers are to be typed and printed (in black and white) using a 12pt font (Times New Roman. Ariel or Helvetica). Papers should include a proper heading with name, date and class information. Papers should also have a title, proper indentation and be properly double spaced. Finally, students rough drafts should be attached behind the final draft along with their T-Chart and any pertinent research they may have printed up. However, if information was not printed - it need not be included. Information regarding the papers content and outline can be downloaded here.
* HOMEWORK - ISAT Practice - A Taste of Freedom - DUE TOMORROW - 2/1/2011 - We have begun review extended responses for ISAT testing. Today in class I passed out a reading packet that asks students to write a comparison involving Harriet Tubman. We did the reading aloud and then discussed the importance of first paying attention to and understanding the writing prompt (the question being answered) and how sometimes with standardized tests the connections/comparisons are not always obvious - that sometimes the reading specifically requires us look for a deeper connection than what is at first evident. Students are to answer the multiple choice questions in the packet and attempt to write a short response to the reading based on the writing prompt. There is not length requirement to the assignment - rather I asked students to pay attention to form and mechanics. Students responses should have an introduction sentence, be divided into paragraphs, properly indented, well thought using examples from the text and their own insights, and finish with a strong conclusion. Sorry, I was unable to scan this assignment so it is unavailable for download.
* HOMEWORK - VOCABULARY WEEK 14 - DUE TOMORROW - 2/1/2011 - Students were given the entire second half of class to complete their vocabulary while I worked individually with students who had typed persuasive essays for me to review. If students applied themselves and stayed on task this assignment should have been completed in class and also allowed them time to work on their ISAT Practice. Week 14 Vocabulary is listed below.
* READING RESPONSES - Collected and Passed Out - Last weeks Reading Response was collected and Week 17 was passed out. Missing Reading Responses continue to drag down many grades. However - I will allow students to make up missing Reading Responses that are not excessively late. Excessively late Reading Responses can be made up with an extended book report. The idea here is to help students understand that doing the Reading Response is less work than that required to make up a missing Reading Response. Download a Reading Response here!
* Vocabulary Quizzes Passed Back - Last weeks vocabulary quiz was passed back and then collected to include in students portfolios for conferences. Grades have been posted in Gradebook.
* Potential Snow Day? - Please continue to monitor the weather situation over the next few days. A possible Snow Day Warning is in effect, although unlikely. The following message was sent out by the District Office:
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch for the area that could produce up to 18 inches of snow and create hazardous travel conditions tomorrow afternoon through Wednesday morning. We are monitoring the forecast very closely, and will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
At this time, all after school activities scheduled to end by 6 p.m. tomorrow will proceed as planned. If there is any change in the forecast that will push up the arrival of the inclement weather and/or produce more severe conditions than we anticipated, we will use SchoolMessenger (automated phone message and e-mail), e-mail and the district’s family of Web sites to send out an update about the status of these activities. This update will be disseminated no later than noon tomorrow.
Serious consideration will be given to canceling or postponing any activities scheduled to end after 6 p.m. tomorrow. A decision about these activities will also be made no later than noon.
As for the status of school on Wednesday, we will be monitoring the weather throughout the night on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning; and will work closely with the Village of Oak Park, districts 90 and 200, our buildings and grounds staff and our transportation provider to assess the state of our buildings and the travel conditions. If we determine that the conditions pose any significant threat to the safety of our students and staff, we will cancel classes for the day.
The final decision about the status of the school day will be made no later than 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday. News of this decision will be disseminated via SchoolMessenger (automated phone message and e-mail), the district’s family of Web sites, this e-mail group and the local media.
Vocabulary
Week 14
NOTE: Please make sure to write all the words in your notebook so that you do not lose or forget them. Any words you fail to define in class are homework. I will be checking words tomorrow and there will be a quiz on these words at the end of the week.
arsenal
levity
cache
candor
gander
implore
defame
malleable
vestibule
congeal
grievous
carnage
maraud
tawny
mangy
plunder
libel
soliloquy
braise
impetus
asinine
http://www.box.net/shared/uu0bsrjc8o
Friday, January 21, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 13
1. boon – something that promotes well being, a benefit or blessing
2. cadence – the measure or beat of a rhythmical flow
3. cantankerous – marked by ill humor, irritability, and determination to disagree
4. deliberate – to consider carefully, determine after careful thought
5. denote – to mark out plainly, to indicate or to make known
6. discord – lack of agreement or harmony, dissension
7. discourse – a verbal interchange of ideas, conversation or expression of thought
8. efface – to obliterate or obscure by or as if by rubbing out
9. embargo – a ban or prohibition of commerce or goods
10. emphatic – said with emphasis, or attracting special attention
11. garish – clothed in vivid colors, glitzy, flamboyant
12. irreverent – lacking proper respect or seriousness
13. malady – a disease or disorder of body or mind
14. mason – a skilled worker who builds with stone, brick, or concrete
15. mollify – to calm down, sooth in temper, appease, reduce in intensity
16. motif – a dominant idea or central theme (as in a work of art)
17. novice– one who is new or inexperienced or untrained
18. paragon – a model of perfection
19. permeate – to spread or diffuse about
20. rectify – to correct or make right
21. reproach – an expression of disproval, a cause or occasion of blame or disgrace
22. serene – calm, free and clear of trouble, storms or unpleasant change
23. vacuous - empty, blank, marked by an absence or lack of ideas or intelligence
Week 13
1. boon – something that promotes well being, a benefit or blessing
2. cadence – the measure or beat of a rhythmical flow
3. cantankerous – marked by ill humor, irritability, and determination to disagree
4. deliberate – to consider carefully, determine after careful thought
5. denote – to mark out plainly, to indicate or to make known
6. discord – lack of agreement or harmony, dissension
7. discourse – a verbal interchange of ideas, conversation or expression of thought
8. efface – to obliterate or obscure by or as if by rubbing out
9. embargo – a ban or prohibition of commerce or goods
10. emphatic – said with emphasis, or attracting special attention
11. garish – clothed in vivid colors, glitzy, flamboyant
12. irreverent – lacking proper respect or seriousness
13. malady – a disease or disorder of body or mind
14. mason – a skilled worker who builds with stone, brick, or concrete
15. mollify – to calm down, sooth in temper, appease, reduce in intensity
16. motif – a dominant idea or central theme (as in a work of art)
17. novice– one who is new or inexperienced or untrained
18. paragon – a model of perfection
19. permeate – to spread or diffuse about
20. rectify – to correct or make right
21. reproach – an expression of disproval, a cause or occasion of blame or disgrace
22. serene – calm, free and clear of trouble, storms or unpleasant change
23. vacuous - empty, blank, marked by an absence or lack of ideas or intelligence
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, January 20th, 2011
LANGUAGE ARTS QUICK HITS
* MAP TESTING COMPLETED - students completed their second round of MAP testing using the schools lap tops over the past two days in language arts. Results will help teachers identify strengths and weakness in both language arts and mathematics. This information will help educators better focus and address areas of need for students.
* PERSUASIVE WRITING - We spend the first half of class today reviewing the components of good persuasive writing as well as why it is important, how it is used in everyday life and some of the heated and interesting topics of debate in our society. We read from the text book and discussed the various elements of effective persuasive writing. COMING SOON - we will be starting a more serious persuasive writing paper that requires students to select a topic and defend it with clear, well supported evidence/facts.
* HOMEWORK - Because of the short week our regular schedule is a bit off. As a result we are doing our vocabulary today, but will not take the quiz for this round of vocabulary until next Friday 1/28. Students were given most of the second half of class to complete this work in class with a partner - a majority of students finish this work before they leave class, incomplete work will receive a zero. Week 13 Vocabulary is listed below in this email as well as on my blog.
* HOMEWORK - Reading Response due next Tuesday 1/25 - Students do not have to do Monday's entry. Reading Responses continue to bring down a lot of students language arts grade because they are missing or turned in incomplete or below standard.
* NO SCHOOL MONDAY - There will be no school Monday because a District Institute Day is schedueld.
Hoot Vocabulary – Week 13
boon
emphatic
mason
cadence
garish
mollify
cantankerous
irreverent
denote
deliberate
malady
paragon
novice
vacuous
permeate
efface
serene
rectify
embargo
reproach
reproach
--
Mr. Madel
6.1 Language Arts
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
jmadel@op97.org
* MAP TESTING COMPLETED - students completed their second round of MAP testing using the schools lap tops over the past two days in language arts. Results will help teachers identify strengths and weakness in both language arts and mathematics. This information will help educators better focus and address areas of need for students.
* PERSUASIVE WRITING - We spend the first half of class today reviewing the components of good persuasive writing as well as why it is important, how it is used in everyday life and some of the heated and interesting topics of debate in our society. We read from the text book and discussed the various elements of effective persuasive writing. COMING SOON - we will be starting a more serious persuasive writing paper that requires students to select a topic and defend it with clear, well supported evidence/facts.
* HOMEWORK - Because of the short week our regular schedule is a bit off. As a result we are doing our vocabulary today, but will not take the quiz for this round of vocabulary until next Friday 1/28. Students were given most of the second half of class to complete this work in class with a partner - a majority of students finish this work before they leave class, incomplete work will receive a zero. Week 13 Vocabulary is listed below in this email as well as on my blog.
* HOMEWORK - Reading Response due next Tuesday 1/25 - Students do not have to do Monday's entry. Reading Responses continue to bring down a lot of students language arts grade because they are missing or turned in incomplete or below standard.
* NO SCHOOL MONDAY - There will be no school Monday because a District Institute Day is schedueld.
Hoot Vocabulary – Week 13
boon
emphatic
mason
cadence
garish
mollify
cantankerous
irreverent
denote
deliberate
malady
paragon
novice
vacuous
permeate
efface
serene
rectify
embargo
reproach
reproach
--
Mr. Madel
6.1 Language Arts
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
jmadel@op97.org
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 12
1. Affiliate – to bring into close association or connection, associated with personally or in business
2. Depraved – evil, sinful, debased, reprobate, degenerate; dissolute,
3. Coup – a highly successful stroke, action or plan
4. Bereft – deprived of or lacking something
5. Glut – to supply with more than is needed or than can be handled
6. Indict – to charge with a fault or offense, to charge with a crime by finding of a jury
7. Lithe – easily flexed or bent, athletically slim or graceful
8. Maniacal – affected with or suggestive of madness
9. Manifest – readily or easily perceived by the senses and esp by sight, easily understood
10. Muster – to gather or cause to gather, to call forth or rouse
11. Officiate – to perform a ceremony, function or duty, to act in an official manner
12. Piety – fidelity t o natural obligations (as to parents); dutifulness to religion
13. Plausible – seemingly worth of belief
14. Quip – a clever remark
15. Quittance – something given in return, compensation, or retaliation, discharge from a debt or an obligation
16. Acrimonious – biting or sarcastic in feeling, language or manner, upsetting in purpose
17. beatific– giving or showing great joy or bliss
18. Spite – ill will with a wish to annoy, anger, or frustrate; petty malice
19. Malice – ill will, spite, spitefulness; animosity
20. Tepid – moderately warm, lukewarm, lacking enthusiasm or conviction
21. Conviction – a fixed or firm belief, the act of convicting someone to imprisonment
22. Thriftless – careless, wasteful, unable to handle money or resources
23. Intractable - not easily controlled
Week 12
1. Affiliate – to bring into close association or connection, associated with personally or in business
2. Depraved – evil, sinful, debased, reprobate, degenerate; dissolute,
3. Coup – a highly successful stroke, action or plan
4. Bereft – deprived of or lacking something
5. Glut – to supply with more than is needed or than can be handled
6. Indict – to charge with a fault or offense, to charge with a crime by finding of a jury
7. Lithe – easily flexed or bent, athletically slim or graceful
8. Maniacal – affected with or suggestive of madness
9. Manifest – readily or easily perceived by the senses and esp by sight, easily understood
10. Muster – to gather or cause to gather, to call forth or rouse
11. Officiate – to perform a ceremony, function or duty, to act in an official manner
12. Piety – fidelity t o natural obligations (as to parents); dutifulness to religion
13. Plausible – seemingly worth of belief
14. Quip – a clever remark
15. Quittance – something given in return, compensation, or retaliation, discharge from a debt or an obligation
16. Acrimonious – biting or sarcastic in feeling, language or manner, upsetting in purpose
17. beatific– giving or showing great joy or bliss
18. Spite – ill will with a wish to annoy, anger, or frustrate; petty malice
19. Malice – ill will, spite, spitefulness; animosity
20. Tepid – moderately warm, lukewarm, lacking enthusiasm or conviction
21. Conviction – a fixed or firm belief, the act of convicting someone to imprisonment
22. Thriftless – careless, wasteful, unable to handle money or resources
23. Intractable - not easily controlled
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Vocabulary
Week 11
1. arbor – a shelter formed of or covered with vines and branches
2. arbitrator – one chosen to settle differences between two people or parties in a problem, dispute or controversy
3. array – to dress or decorate splendidly, a variety or group
4. banal – lacking originality or freshness, ordinary, not unique
5. banter – good-natured, witty or joking conversation or speaking
6. baroque – marked by the use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements
7. barrage – a vigorous or rapid outpouring of things at once, the heavy concentration of fire or artillery
8. controversy – a clash of opposing views, struggle through expression of opposing views of claims
9. juxtapose – to put side by side
10. dispute – to engage in an argument or a verbal controversy
11. burnish – to make shiny by rubbing, polish
12. expedite– to carry out promptly or immediately
13. fraternize – to mingle with friends, to associate on close terms with members of a hostile group
14. mingle – to bring or combine together
15. contrived – lacking in spontaneous or natural quality, unoriginal
16. palpable – capable of being touched or felt
17. gregarious – liking companionship or being very social; tending to flock together
18. gripe – to complain with grumbling
19. impair – to diminish or lessen in quality, value, excellence or strength
20. indurate – physically or emotionally hardened
21. ineffable – incapable of being expressed in words
Week 11
1. arbor – a shelter formed of or covered with vines and branches
2. arbitrator – one chosen to settle differences between two people or parties in a problem, dispute or controversy
3. array – to dress or decorate splendidly, a variety or group
4. banal – lacking originality or freshness, ordinary, not unique
5. banter – good-natured, witty or joking conversation or speaking
6. baroque – marked by the use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements
7. barrage – a vigorous or rapid outpouring of things at once, the heavy concentration of fire or artillery
8. controversy – a clash of opposing views, struggle through expression of opposing views of claims
9. juxtapose – to put side by side
10. dispute – to engage in an argument or a verbal controversy
11. burnish – to make shiny by rubbing, polish
12. expedite– to carry out promptly or immediately
13. fraternize – to mingle with friends, to associate on close terms with members of a hostile group
14. mingle – to bring or combine together
15. contrived – lacking in spontaneous or natural quality, unoriginal
16. palpable – capable of being touched or felt
17. gregarious – liking companionship or being very social; tending to flock together
18. gripe – to complain with grumbling
19. impair – to diminish or lessen in quality, value, excellence or strength
20. indurate – physically or emotionally hardened
21. ineffable – incapable of being expressed in words
Monday, January 3, 2011
January 3, 2011
LANGUAGE ARTS QUICK HITS - 1/3/2011
* Thanks again to all of you who expressed kind words and understanding the week leading up to winter break - they were greatly appreciated. I hope that you and your families all had wonderful and memorable breaks and that the new year is filled with health and happiness.
* Today we started class by finishing the last 15mins of Hoot which we were watching before winter beak.
* HOMEWORK - (DUE: tomorrow 1/4/2011) after the movie, students were given the remaining 20 mins of class to begin (and possibly finish) an in class writing assignment. Students were tasked to write two paragraphs (8-10 sentences minimum) on the most interesting, exciting or memorable moment that happened to them or someone they know over the winter break. Students were specifically asked to use sensory words that would help a reader/listener - see, feel, taste, smell and hear what it was like during the experience being written about. Additionally, students were encouraged to write more than two paragraphs and to also type their work (although this is not necessary.)
* HOMEWORK - (DUE: tomorrow 1/4/2011) - Week 11 Vocabulary, listed below and also listed on my website. Students were given the entire second period to look up these definition in class and use extra time to complete the in class writing assignment. During this time I also called up students individually to review their notebooks, collect Reading Responses and inform them of their current grade.
* HOMEWORK - (DUE: Monday 1/10/2011) - New Reading Responses were passed out and the one handed out before winter break were collected. NOTE: Many students did not turn these in or 'forgot' them at home. As a result I am allowing an extra day to turn in missing Reading Responses. Download a Reading Response here!
* Parent Guardian FYI - the second round of parent teacher conference are about four weeks away! I have reminded students as well so that they can refocus on their work and improve grades before that time.
* Cold Weather - I remind students all the time, but be sure that students are properly dressed and zipped up to deal with the recent cold weather. Students are brought into the building in the winter, but should be dressed properly just in case!
* New Gifts - Again, I have reminded and warned students not to bring expensive gifts or gadgets to school for their protection and safety. If they should bring such things to school, I always recomend that they give them to to a teacher to hold on to for safe keeping during the day. I would encourage you to do remind them as well.
WEEK 11 VOCABULARY
arbor
controversy
contrive
fraternize
juxtapose
barrage
array
dispute
palpable
ineffable
burnish
gripe
mingle
expedite
impair
baroque
banter
indurate
gregarious
arbitrator
banal
Reading Response link: http://www.box.net/shared/4x0lj6aczf
Have a great evening and stay warm!
--
Mr. Madel
6.1 Language Arts
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
jmadel@op97.org
* Thanks again to all of you who expressed kind words and understanding the week leading up to winter break - they were greatly appreciated. I hope that you and your families all had wonderful and memorable breaks and that the new year is filled with health and happiness.
* Today we started class by finishing the last 15mins of Hoot which we were watching before winter beak.
* HOMEWORK - (DUE: tomorrow 1/4/2011) after the movie, students were given the remaining 20 mins of class to begin (and possibly finish) an in class writing assignment. Students were tasked to write two paragraphs (8-10 sentences minimum) on the most interesting, exciting or memorable moment that happened to them or someone they know over the winter break. Students were specifically asked to use sensory words that would help a reader/listener - see, feel, taste, smell and hear what it was like during the experience being written about. Additionally, students were encouraged to write more than two paragraphs and to also type their work (although this is not necessary.)
* HOMEWORK - (DUE: tomorrow 1/4/2011) - Week 11 Vocabulary, listed below and also listed on my website. Students were given the entire second period to look up these definition in class and use extra time to complete the in class writing assignment. During this time I also called up students individually to review their notebooks, collect Reading Responses and inform them of their current grade.
* HOMEWORK - (DUE: Monday 1/10/2011) - New Reading Responses were passed out and the one handed out before winter break were collected. NOTE: Many students did not turn these in or 'forgot' them at home. As a result I am allowing an extra day to turn in missing Reading Responses. Download a Reading Response here!
* Parent Guardian FYI - the second round of parent teacher conference are about four weeks away! I have reminded students as well so that they can refocus on their work and improve grades before that time.
* Cold Weather - I remind students all the time, but be sure that students are properly dressed and zipped up to deal with the recent cold weather. Students are brought into the building in the winter, but should be dressed properly just in case!
* New Gifts - Again, I have reminded and warned students not to bring expensive gifts or gadgets to school for their protection and safety. If they should bring such things to school, I always recomend that they give them to to a teacher to hold on to for safe keeping during the day. I would encourage you to do remind them as well.
WEEK 11 VOCABULARY
arbor
controversy
contrive
fraternize
juxtapose
barrage
array
dispute
palpable
ineffable
burnish
gripe
mingle
expedite
impair
baroque
banter
indurate
gregarious
arbitrator
banal
Reading Response link: http://www.box.net/shared/4x0lj6aczf
Have a great evening and stay warm!
--
Mr. Madel
6.1 Language Arts
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
jmadel@op97.org
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