Ms. Allen’s Reading Corner

MONDAY:

Warm-Up: Complete word puzzle on overhead. Distribute “Editor-in-Chief” packets.
Class work: Distribute, introduce, and explain vocabulary units and weekly procedures. Guidelines and word lists were also distributed in class. The vocabulary #1 written assignment is as follows:

Your parents have sent you to a boarding school far, far away. This boarding school could be any kind of boarding school: military school, wizardry school, fine arts school, athletic training school, etc. After having been there for 2 weeks, you write your parent(s) a letter in which you describe the school, your classes, and the people you’ve met. Tell them what’s been going on since your arrival. Use your imagination. Be creative! Use specific details. Remember the minimum page length. Follow the format of a friendly letter (763). Be sure to include the heading for the letter. DUE THURSDAY.

Begin working on vocabulary #1 written assignment.
Homework: Work on vocabulary #1 written assignment (due Thursday).

TUESDAY:

Warm-Up: Complete “Quick Write” (16) in your literature book. (1/2 page minimum). Then read the remainder of page 16.
Class work: Introduce and read “Broken Chain” (17-24). Then answer ?’s 1-6 in CRS and complete the “Writing” activity on page 26. Turn in on wall by the period’s end.
Homework: Work on vocabulary #1 written assignment (due Thursday).

WEDNESDAY:

Warm-Up: Complete and check “Editor-in-Chief” #1 & #2.
Class work: Complete the following pages in your Holt Reader: Pages 6-18. Due by period’s end.
Homework: Work on vocabulary #1 written assignment (due Thursday).

THURSDAY:

Warm-Up: Complete and check “Editor-in-Chief” #3 & #4.
Class work: Take story quiz over “Broken Chain.” Then review vocabulary #1 in groups using written assignments.
Homework: Study for vocabulary #1 quiz.

FRIDAY:

Warm-Up: Return grades papers/Prepare paper for vocabulary #1 quiz.
Class work: Take vocabulary #1 quiz.  Introduce vocabulary #2 words and its related written assignment:

Yarns and tall tales:  Stories told in common language about impossible happenings.  Select a theme from one of the following or create a tall tale topic of your own and stretch it into an outrageous and unbelievable yarn:

* How an elephant’s trunk became the first fire truck.
* How a dinosaur’s sneeze started breezes.
* How a grandfather’s clock became the first wristwatch.
* How an anteater invented the first trumpet.
* How a tickle bone was discovered.
* How a spider became a spider monkey.
* How a hole became the Grand Canyon.

Be imaginative and use specific details.  Your tall tale should be told from third-person point of view, written in a simple dialect, and contain exaggeration.  Your tale’s hero or protagonist should be “larger than life.”  DUE THURSDAY. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES IN YOUR BINDER.
Homework:  Work on vocabulary #2 written assignment (due Thursday, 1/17).

MONDAY

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Take story quiz over “The Medicine Bag.”  Show & Tell:  Share the single item you would pass down to your child and read your written description.  (See homework assigned on Friday December 14th.)
Homework: None

TUESDAY:

Warm-Up: none
Class work: Begin watching film, Christmas on Division Street.
Homework: None

WEDNESDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Finish watching film, Christmas on Division Street. Discussion to follow as time permits.
Homework: None

THURSDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Class work:  Complete holiday puzzles and participate in holiday activities.
Homework: None

FRIDAY:

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!

MONDAY

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Continue watching film, Charley.
Homework: None

TUESDAY:

Warm-Up: What are the 3 most important things you can think of to ensure world peace? List your 3 choices and explain your reasons for each one. Be sure to explain the effect each of the things would have. (1/2 page minimum)
Class work: Read aloud the play, “The Day the War Stopped” (12-21) in READ magazine. Discuss related “Wrap-Up” (22) if time permits.
Homework: None

WEDNESDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Finish watching film, Charley. Discussion to follow as time permits.
Homework: None

THURSDAY:

Warm-Up: Coming of Age - “Today I’m and adult.” When will you say those words? In some families and cultures the passage into adulthood is marked by a ceremony, such as the Jewish bar mitzvah ot bat mitzvah ritual. In others, you’re recognized as an adult when you get a driver’s license, finish high school or college, or get your first job. Write about your own “coming of age.” Did it or will it include any special rituals? Who was or will be involved? Does more than one event mark adulthood for you? (1/2 page minimum)
Class work: Introduce and read “The Medicine Bag” (759-770). Then take related “Check Test” over the story.
Homework: Complete ALL of page 772, this includes the “Reading Check” box and ?’s 1-5. Answers should be in CRS.

FRIDAY:

Warm-Up:  Where do your grandparents live?  Do they or did they live with relatives,  on their own, ind a nursing home, etc.?  How often do you  get to spend time with  them?  Freewrite about your grandparent(s).    (1/2 page minimum)
Class Work:  Read “An Hour with Abuelo” (773-779).  Add the written work on page 780 (following the story) to your written work for “The Medicine Bag.”  This must be turned in by the period’s end.
Homework:  Grandpa’s father’s medicine bag contains several items of importance to him or to his people/his family.  Imagine, that like Martin, you have a pouch that you can open just once, to add one item to pass on to your child.  SHOW & TELL MONDAY.  You must have the following:

1.  actual item; photo of item; full-page, full-color illustration of item

2.  description of item and explanation of item’s significance/importance  This must be in final form.  Minimum lengths:  1/2 page if typed, 1 page if handwritten in ink.

MONDAY

Warm-Up: Would you rather be the most popular person in your school or the smartest person in your school? Why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of popularity? What are the advantages and disadvantages of intelligence? (1/2 page minimum)
Class work: Introduce and read Part 1 of “Flowers for Algernon” (32+). Homework: None

TUESDAY:

Warm-Up: What sacrifices to people make to fit in? List as many examples as you can.
Class work: Continue reading Part 1 of “Flowers for Algernon” (32-49). Take related “Check Test.” Discuss ?’s 3, 4, & 5 (50). Then begin reading Part 2 of “Flowers for Algernon.”
Homework: None

WEDNESDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Finish reading Part 2 of “Flowers for Algernon” (51+). Take related “Check Test.”  Working with a partner,  begin answering ?’s 1-11 and “Critical Response” #3 & #4 in CRS (248-249) in Ms. Allen’s blue literature book.
Homework: None

THURSDAY:

Warm-Up: Draw and label a plot peak for “Flowers for Algernon.”
Class work:  Continue working with a partner on yesterday’s written assignment: answer ?’s 1-11 and “Critical Response” #3 & #4 in CRS (248-249) in Ms. Allen’s blue literature book.  Turn in on wall when finished.  Then begin working individually on the story handout.
Homework: Story quiz over “Flowers for Algernon” tomorrow.

FRIDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Take story quiz over “Flowers for Algernon.”  Begin watching “Charly.”  Make inkblots.
Homework: None

MONDAY

Warm-Up: Think of a time when you learned a valuable lesson from an adult. Describe the experience in detail and tell what you learned. (1/2 page minimum)
Class work: Introduce and read “The Treasure of Lemon Brown”(729 - 738). Then take a “Check Test” over the story.
Homework: Answer ?’s 1-7 in CRS (740) on notebook paper.

TUESDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Participate in class spelling bee. Complete pages 230 - 243 of The Holt Reader, your reading workbook.
Homework: Finish the class work if you were unable to finish it in class. Story quiz over “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY:

Warm-Up: Everyone’s background is unique. Jot down some notes about your own background: where you live, the customs of your family, the beliefs you live by. What do you treasure most about your background? Explain.
Class work: Take story quiz over “The Treasure of Lemon Brown”
Homework: None

THURSDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Class work: Take extensive notes on writing introductions.
Homework: Write two original introductions: one using the anecdote technique and one using the description technique. Refer to your notes. Choose prompts from the handout you were given in class.

FRIDAY:

Warm-Up: Return graded papers and writing portfolios.
Class work: Share and collect original introductions. Then review introductory techniques discussed in class yesterday.  Write a 35-minute timed expository essay for the following prompt:

Writing Situation:  In the story “The Treasure of Lemon Brown,” Lemon Brown says,” Every man got a treasure.  You don’t know that, yo must be a fool!”  What is your treasure?

Directions for Writing:  Before you begin to write, think about what you value or treasure.  Perhaps your treasure is a gift you’ve received or a family keepsake.  Maybe it’s a souvenir from a memorable trip or experience.

Now write an essay to tell the reader what your treasure is and why it is special.  Support your ideas with examples and details.

Homework: None

MONDAY

Begin watching The Waltons:  A Thanksgiving Story.

TUESDAY:

Finish watching The Waltons:  A Thanksgiving Story.  Discuss story elements: setting, plot, conflict, theme, characterization as they relate to the film.

WEDNESDAY:

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

THURSDAY:

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

FRIDAY:

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

MONDAY

Veteran’s Day Holiday

TUESDAY:

Warm-Up: Return graded papers. Prepare to collect final forms of the original family metaphor poems.
Classwork: Share and collect poems. Review pre-writing stage of essays. Write a 35-minute timed expository essay on the following prompt:

Writing Situation: If you had to choose one season of the year as your favorite, which one would you choose?

Directions for Writing: Before you begin to write, think about the season you have chosen and why it is your favorite. You might be thinking about the weather, certain activities in this season, or both.

Now write an essay in which you explain why this one season of the year is your favorite. Support your ideas with examples and details.

Homework: None

WEDNESDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Classwork: Review comparisons: similes and metaphors. Introduce personification, take notes, and practice. Complete handout (both sides). Turn in on wall by period’s end
Homework: None

THURSDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Classwork: Review tricks for making writing more descriptive: use of specifics, comparisons, and sensory details. Create a sensory detail chart and describe the picture you are given in class.
Homework: None

FRIDAY:

Warm-Up: Return graded papers and Tuesday’s rough draft essays.
Classwork: Create a sensory detail chart for your favorite season. You may use the season about which you wrote on Tuesday or you may select another season. Your chart should consist of 5 columns: sights, sounds, smells, touches, tastes. You should list 10 items under each column. This is similar to what we did in class on Thursday. Then begin working on a new 5-paragraph outline. You may use your original outline as a springboard for the new one.
Homework: None

MONDAY

Warm-Up: If you were granted three wishes, what would they be? Explain. You may NOT wish for additional wishes : )
Classwork: Introduce and read “The Monkey’s Paw”(84-100). Then take a “Check Test” over the story.
Homework: None

TUESDAY:

Warm-Up: Complete a plot peak for “The Monkey’s Paw.” Share with a partner. Discuss.
Classwork: Complete the following on page 412 in Ms. Allen’s blue literature book: ?’s 1-8 in CRS, #1 “A Creative Response,” and #2 “A Critical Response.”
Homework: Story quiz over “The Monkey’s Paw” tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY:

Warm-Up: Complete first half of “Decomposition” puzzle on overhead.
Classwork: Turn in written work from page 412 if necessary. Take story quiz over “The Monkey’s Paw.” Watch the film “The Monkey’s Paw.” Homework: None

THURSDAY:

Warm-Up: What animal are you most like and in what ways are you similar to it?
Classwork: Participate in comparison activity. Review similes and metaphors.
Homework: Complete similes and metaphors handout on notebook paper. Due tomorrow for a grade.

FRIDAY:

Warm-Up: What musical instrument are you most like and why? In what ways are you similar to it?
Classwork: Share abd collect similes/metaphors handout.  Read “4 Daughters” (314) in Ms. Allen’s blue literature book.  Working with a partner, discuss ?’s 1, 2, & 4 on (314).
Homework:   Using “4 Daughters” as an example, write and original metaphor poem.

MONDAY

Warm-Up: Compile a list of your “Top Ten” terrors.
Classwork: Introduce and read “The Tell-Tale Heart”(536-542). Then take a “Check Test” over the story.
Homework: Complete “Reading Check” and answer ?’s 1-9 in CRS (544). Due tomorrow. Story quiz on Wednesday.

TUESDAY:

Warm-Up: Complete #24 and #25 of proofreading warm-ups on the overhead.
Classwork: Distribute Holt Reader to all students. Complete pages 174-181 (interactive reading) and page 183 (skills review) in your Holt Reader.
Homework: Finish today’s classwork if not finished by the period’s end.

WEDNESDAY:

Warm-Up: Complete Halloween puzzle.
Classwork: Complete Halloween activity.
Homework: None. Make sure you’ve completed the assignment from Tuesday: Complete pages 174-181 (interactive reading) in your Holt Reader.

THURSDAY:

Warm-Up:  Listen to  cassette on irony and take notes.
Classwork:  Discuss the types of irony.  Reread “The Tell-Tale Heart.”  While listening to the recorded story, circle the following in your Holt Reader: examples of all types of irony and examples of sensory description (especially that of sound and sight).
Homework:  Complete “Reading Check” and answer ?’s 1-9 in CRS (544) if you have not already turned in.  Also do (182-183) in your Holt Reader.

FRIDAY:

Warm-Up: None
Classwork: Take quiz over “The Tell-Tale Heart.”  Watch 30-minute film of “The Tell-Tale Heart”
Homework:  None

MONDAY

Warm Up: Review “I Am” assignment.
Classwork: Introduce film, A & E Biography: Edgar Allan Poe. Watch film and take notes for a participation grade.
Homework: Final form of “I Am” poem is due Tuesday. Follow the guidelines handed out in class on Friday. Your poem does NOT need to be illustrated.

TUESDAY:

Warm Up: Share and collect “I Am” poems.
Classwork: Introduce film, The Fall of the House of Usher. Begin watching film. Only morning classes meet today.
Homework: None

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Share and collect “I Am” poems.
Classwork: Introduce film, The Fall of the House of Usher. Begin watching film. Only afternoon classes meet today.
Homework: None

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: Review E.A.Poe.
Classwork: Conclude film, The Fall of the House of Usher.  Discuss the differences between the film and Poe’s original short story.
Homework: None

FRIDAY:

Warm Up: Complete “Word Game” on the back cover of the READ magazine.
Classwork: Read aloud “Cause of Death Unknown? in READ magazine.  Then read silently “Night Burial” (24-31).  Write a one-page continuation of the story.  Turn in on wall bey period’s end.
Homework: Finish the story continuation above if not completed in class.