The week of February 25th-February 29th is going to be a busy one!
In language arts, ISAT preparation will be our main focus!!
1. On Monday, we will be reviewing how to prepare for and write a timed practice ISAT persuasive essay.
2. On Tuesday, students will then write a timed practice essay in class, using an ISAT formatted prompt. It will be scored and graded based on the standard ISAT rubric, and returned to students on Wednesday.
3. On Wednesday, we will review the graded essays, and then move on to reviewing how to take multiple choice tests, and how to write reading extended responses.
4. On Thursday, students will take a practice timed ISAT reading test, including MC questions and an extended response. Both tests will be scored and graded based on the standard ISAT rubric, and returned to students on Friday.
5. On Friday, we will discuss the MC and extended response results, and prepare to do one more practice run next week.......................
Repeat after me: "I love ISATS!!!!!!!" :)
In reading, we will be finishing the page turning novel, Monster, by Walter Dean Myers.
The students have done an excellent job acting as jury members, dissecting testimonies and weighing evidence. They are eagerly awaiting this week's verdict of whether the main character, Steve Harmon will be found guilty or innocent, and wondering how his life will change, depending on that verdict.
Tune in later this week to find out what happens....................................
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
What's Happening in Class?
I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing, fun Monday!
This week in language arts, we will be focusing on Wordskills unit 11. The unit will be introduced on Tuesday, and due on Friday. (book and quiz).
Additionally, we will begin our in-depth preparation for the ISAT test. 8th graders are testing in both reading and writing, and over the next three weeks, we will be working on every aspect of the test, making sure students feel comfortable and confident before taking the test.
This week we will focus on reading and answering multiple choice questions.
***ISAT tests are the week of March 10th.
In reading class, we will continue reading the novel, Monster. We are nearing the end of the novel. This week, the defense will rest, we will ear closing statements, and Steve's verdict will be read. Stay tuned to see what Steve's future holds!
This week in language arts, we will be focusing on Wordskills unit 11. The unit will be introduced on Tuesday, and due on Friday. (book and quiz).
Additionally, we will begin our in-depth preparation for the ISAT test. 8th graders are testing in both reading and writing, and over the next three weeks, we will be working on every aspect of the test, making sure students feel comfortable and confident before taking the test.
This week we will focus on reading and answering multiple choice questions.
***ISAT tests are the week of March 10th.
In reading class, we will continue reading the novel, Monster. We are nearing the end of the novel. This week, the defense will rest, we will ear closing statements, and Steve's verdict will be read. Stay tuned to see what Steve's future holds!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What's Happening in Class?
WOW! The 1960's debates are off to a great start!
The debates started last Friday, and I was impressed with many of the students' performances. There were some pretty challenging roles, and most handled them with grace and spunk! Grades are now posted if you want to see your point totals!
This week in language arts, in addition to performing debates, we will be focusing on several lessons from the ISAT Coach workbook, and we will be working on a 1960's culminating activity which requires students to develop an original piece of work based on the information gained during the unit. Explanation of the assignment is below:
Write an original poem revealing a personal point of view of the 1960's. Select from the given topics on your assignment sheet, or choose one of your own, equal to those suggested. Your poem must be at least 16 lines in length and may rhyme or be free verse. ***If you choose to write a rhyming poem, make sure it doesn't come across as silly or insincere.
We will then be sharing these poems in class and displaying them in the hallways for everyone to enjoy. I will also post a selected few on my blog!
This week in reading, in addition to performing debates, we will be selecting a new book report book (free choice fiction).
We will also continue to read and discuss the thought-provoking novel, Monster. Steve's future still lies in the balance. Based on the testimonies of several people, it does not look too promising for him. Stay tuned to see if his defense attorney can turn things around!
The debates started last Friday, and I was impressed with many of the students' performances. There were some pretty challenging roles, and most handled them with grace and spunk! Grades are now posted if you want to see your point totals!
This week in language arts, in addition to performing debates, we will be focusing on several lessons from the ISAT Coach workbook, and we will be working on a 1960's culminating activity which requires students to develop an original piece of work based on the information gained during the unit. Explanation of the assignment is below:
Write an original poem revealing a personal point of view of the 1960's. Select from the given topics on your assignment sheet, or choose one of your own, equal to those suggested. Your poem must be at least 16 lines in length and may rhyme or be free verse. ***If you choose to write a rhyming poem, make sure it doesn't come across as silly or insincere.
We will then be sharing these poems in class and displaying them in the hallways for everyone to enjoy. I will also post a selected few on my blog!
This week in reading, in addition to performing debates, we will be selecting a new book report book (free choice fiction).
We will also continue to read and discuss the thought-provoking novel, Monster. Steve's future still lies in the balance. Based on the testimonies of several people, it does not look too promising for him. Stay tuned to see if his defense attorney can turn things around!
Monday, February 4, 2008
What's happening in class?
I hope everyone enjoyed the three day weekend!! Snow days are fun! :)
***This week's schedule is readjusted because of last Friday's snow day. Below you will find the new plan of attack for Monday, February 4th through Tuesday, February 12th:
Monday = L.A. = Wordskills unit 10 (book corrected and quiz taken)
reading = LAST DAY OF RESEARCH in IMC for DEBATES!!
Tuesday = No School
Wednesday = L.A. and reading = Organizational day for debates. Schedule for debates decided, role playing requirements discussed, last minute preparation (information, questions, introduction speeches and bibliographies)
Thursday = Early dismissal (students dismissed at 11:30)
L.A. and reading = Read and discuss the novel, Monster.
Friday = L.A. and reading = DEBATES!!
Monday = L.A and reading = DEBATES!!
Tuesday = L.A. = DEBATES!!
reading = Correct ISAT Coach workbook pages 228-245.
***To get into the role of a strong debater, you may want to check out the movie, The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington. Click on the link below to read more about the movie!!
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809870043/info
***This week's schedule is readjusted because of last Friday's snow day. Below you will find the new plan of attack for Monday, February 4th through Tuesday, February 12th:
Monday = L.A. = Wordskills unit 10 (book corrected and quiz taken)
reading = LAST DAY OF RESEARCH in IMC for DEBATES!!
Tuesday = No School
Wednesday = L.A. and reading = Organizational day for debates. Schedule for debates decided, role playing requirements discussed, last minute preparation (information, questions, introduction speeches and bibliographies)
Thursday = Early dismissal (students dismissed at 11:30)
L.A. and reading = Read and discuss the novel, Monster.
Friday = L.A. and reading = DEBATES!!
Monday = L.A and reading = DEBATES!!
Tuesday = L.A. = DEBATES!!
reading = Correct ISAT Coach workbook pages 228-245.
***To get into the role of a strong debater, you may want to check out the movie, The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington. Click on the link below to read more about the movie!!
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809870043/info
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