I hope everyone had a fun, relaxing spring break!!!!!!!!!!
***I would like to introduce my spring 2008 student teacher, Mrs. Ann Ruvalcaba!! Mrs. Ruvalcaba comes to Lakeview from North Central College in Naperville. Mrs. Ruvalcaba has a history with Lakeview in that both her children attended Lakeview, and she was a fantastic teacher's aide at Lakeview a few years back, for approximately 2 1/2 years. She then decided to go back to school to get her teaching degree, and my students and I are very lucky to have her back in my classroom in the role of teacher!
Welcome back, Mrs. Ruvalcaba! We're happy you're here! :)
This week in language arts, we will be focusing on Unit 13 in Wordskills. We will introduce the unit on Monday. On Friday, unit 13 will be corrected, and there will be a quiz on the unit's 20 target words' definitions.
Additionally, we will be reviewing capitalization rules this week, including a daily focus of 4-5 rules, group practice of the rules during class, and individual practice each night.
This week in reading, we will continue reading the play, Romeo and Juliet, discussing and analyzing the plot, characters and language as we do. There will be a quiz on Acts I and II of the play this week, and all students will receive study guides and an in-class review to prepare for the play's first quiz.
***Here's to the hope that the month of APRIL will bring warmer weather!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
What's happening in class?
ISAT testing is OVER! :)
We have one short week before spring break!!!!
We'll be switching gears in L.A. by focusing on the exciting world of predicate adjectives, predicate nominatives, direct objects, and indirect objects. :)
In class we will review key concepts, and practice using P.A.'s. P.N.'s, D.O's and I'O's together, and then students will practice independently on nightly homework assignments.
In reading, we will continue reading Romeo and Juliet. We will finish ACT I on Tuesday, review ACT I (characters +plot) on Wednesday, and have a quiz on ACT I on Thursday.
I hope everyone has a fun, safe SPRING BREAK!! See you on March 31st..................
We have one short week before spring break!!!!
We'll be switching gears in L.A. by focusing on the exciting world of predicate adjectives, predicate nominatives, direct objects, and indirect objects. :)
In class we will review key concepts, and practice using P.A.'s. P.N.'s, D.O's and I'O's together, and then students will practice independently on nightly homework assignments.
In reading, we will continue reading Romeo and Juliet. We will finish ACT I on Tuesday, review ACT I (characters +plot) on Wednesday, and have a quiz on ACT I on Thursday.
I hope everyone has a fun, safe SPRING BREAK!! See you on March 31st..................
Friday, March 7, 2008
What's happening in class?
THE ISATS ARE HERE!!!!!!!!!
***The school wide focus the week of March 10th through March 13th will be ISAT testing.
My 8th grade L.A. and reading students have been working exra hard to prepare for this statewide test. *****Here's to doing an EXCELLENT JOB!!!
Due to testing, we will be working on an altered schedule, which means I will meet with only select classes each day. Therefore, though all my students will be accomplishing the same tasks this week, they will be doing so on different days.
In L.A. this week, we will be working on and grading Wordskills, unit 12.
In reading, we will be starting my favorite play, Romeo and Juliet!! This Shakespearian play has it all: LOVE! ROMANCE! DECEPTION! INTRIGUE! DESTRUCTION! DEATH! and HOPE!
We will be reading the modern version of the play, but I will be hi-lighting famous quotes in Shakespeare's language, and students will eventually be memorizing and performing these quotes.
The Romeo and Juliet unit will include the reading of the entire play out loud, with students choosing new parts each day, and indepth discussion of the play, including plot analysis, and character motivation.
Throughout the play, we will be noting similarities and differences between Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story. The unit will also consist of ACT 1 through ACT 5 quizzes, and a final comprehensive test.
Monday, March 3, 2008
What's happening in class?
I hope everyone enjoyed having Monday off!
The week of March 4th through March 7th will be short, but it will be action packed!
Once again, our focus will be ISAT preparation! When I say "ISAT!" You say "Preparation!" "ISAT!'......"Preparation!" Can't you just feel the excitement??!! :)
On Tuesday in L.A., we will review everything there is to know about writing a well developed personal narrative.
On Wednesday in L.A., students will write a timed personal narrative in class which I will grade based on a standard ISAT rubric.
On Thursday in L.A., students will take a timed ISAT reading test, complete with multiple choice questions and an extended response question. I will grade these as well, using a standard ISAT rubric.
On Friday in L.A., I will return both the graded personal narrative essays and the reading tests and we will discuss the results in preparation for the ISAT tests beginning on Monday, March 10th.
In reading, we have just begun a new combination unit, comparing Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story. We will be watching the 1961 Oscar Award winning musical this week, discussing it as we go.
Students will be provided with a detailed study guide for the movie, and on Friday, March 7th, they will take the West Side Story quiz. ***See the link below for interesting information on this fantastic musical!
http://www.westsidestory.com/
***As a reminder, the book report books students have had for three weeks, need to be read by Friday, March 7th!
The week of March 4th through March 7th will be short, but it will be action packed!
Once again, our focus will be ISAT preparation! When I say "ISAT!" You say "Preparation!" "ISAT!'......"Preparation!" Can't you just feel the excitement??!! :)
On Tuesday in L.A., we will review everything there is to know about writing a well developed personal narrative.
On Wednesday in L.A., students will write a timed personal narrative in class which I will grade based on a standard ISAT rubric.
On Thursday in L.A., students will take a timed ISAT reading test, complete with multiple choice questions and an extended response question. I will grade these as well, using a standard ISAT rubric.
On Friday in L.A., I will return both the graded personal narrative essays and the reading tests and we will discuss the results in preparation for the ISAT tests beginning on Monday, March 10th.
In reading, we have just begun a new combination unit, comparing Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story. We will be watching the 1961 Oscar Award winning musical this week, discussing it as we go.
Students will be provided with a detailed study guide for the movie, and on Friday, March 7th, they will take the West Side Story quiz. ***See the link below for interesting information on this fantastic musical!
http://www.westsidestory.com/
***As a reminder, the book report books students have had for three weeks, need to be read by Friday, March 7th!
Monday, February 25, 2008
What's happening in class?
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....................................
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....................................
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!
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