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
Monday, January 31, 2011
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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