Ms. Allen’s Reading Corner

MONDAY

Warm Up: Clear your desk of everything except your “I Can Make a Difference” essay or poem.
Classwork: Share and collect essays/poems. Check Friday’s workbook pages. Working with a partner, complete Ex. 9 (405) in textbook. Review compound subjects & verbs and take notes.
Homework: Complete workbook pages 53 & 54. Put ( ) around all prepositional phrases, underline the subject(s) once, underline the verb(s) twice. The do Exercises 14, 15, & 16 (406-408) in your textbook. Identify subject and verbs in Ex. 14 & 15. Follow the directions in your book for Ex. 16. QUIZ over subjects and verbs this Wednesday.

TUESDAY:

Warm Up: Complete “Word Associations” puzzle on overhead.
Classwork: Collect late “I Can Make a Difference” essays/poems. Check Monday’s homework assignment. Review hard-to-find subjects and take notes.
Homework: Do Exercises 22, 23, 24 & 25 (411-414) in your textbook. Put ( ) around all prepositional phrases very lightly in pencil then write the subject(s) and verb(s) on notebook paper. QUIZ over subjects and verbs moved to Thursday.

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Clear your desk of everything exceopt Ex. 22, 23, 24,& 25. We will check and correct answers.
Classwork: Complete additional practice Ex. 26, 27, & 28 (415) in your textbook. Class checks.
Homework: Do the following in your workbooks: Ex 1 & 2 (55), Ex 1 & 2 (56), Ex 1 (57), and Ex 1 & 2 (58). Put ( ) around all prepositional phrases then underline the subject(s) once and verb(s) twice. QUIZ over subjects and verbs moved to Friday.

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: Complete “Hink Pink” puzzle on overhead.
Classwork: Working with a partner, complete a “T-chart” of subject(s) and verb/verb phrases for the following workbook exercises: Ex. 2 (55), Ex. 1 (56), Ex. 1 (57), Ex. 1 & 2 (58). Turn in when finished. Begin writing the rough draft of an original “I Am” poem.
Homework: Test over subjects and verbs tomorrow. PTA’s Cultural Arts/Reflections Contest deadline has been extended to Friday, October 19th. You will receive a team coupon if you submit your entry into the contest. Remember that a parent’s signature on the entry form is required.

FRIDAY:

Warm Up: Complete “Hinky Pinky” puzzle on overhead.
Classwork: Introduce “I Am” poem.  Take test on identifying subjects and verbs.  Then begin writing the rough draft of an original “I Am” poem.
Homework: Final form of an original “I Am” poem is due on Tuesday, October 23rd.

MONDAY

FALL BREAK

TUESDAY:

FALL BREAK

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Clear your desk of everything except your agenda and binder. Return graded papers.
Classwork: Discuss the Reflections theme: I Can Make a Difference by. . . Take Thinklink test and begin homework assignment.
Homework: Begin writing an essay for the Reflections contest. Consider any times in the past when you made a difference. Perhaps there was an occasion when you did something that made a difference in your school, your family, your community, etc. Think about your future. What do you want to make of your life? What do you want to be when you grow up and why? Maybe there are some things you could do now, as a young person, to make a difference. ONLY your prewriting sheet (outline) is due tomorrow.

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: Complete “Word Follow-Up” puzzle on overhead.
Classwork: Check for essay prewrite page (outline) and then write the rough draft of your “Reflections” essay. Collect prewrite and rough draft. Introduce recurring theme poem.
Homework: Write an original recurring theme poem related to the Reflections theme: “I Can Make a Difference by . . .” Rough draft only is due tomorrow.

FRIDAY:

Warm Up:
Classwork: Check rough drafts of original poems and return rough drafts of essay. Review homework assignment for the weekend.  Review prepositions and take notes on the basic sentence and subjects & verbs.  Complete the following in your grammar workbook:  pages 49 and 52.  Place  ( ) around any prepositional phrases, then underline subjects once and verbs twice.  Due by period’s end.
Homework: Choose one of the two pieces and submit in final for a grade on Monday, October 15th. I encourage each of you to consider entering your Reflections piece into the school-wide contest. Entries must be submitted on Tuesday, October 16th. Remember that you must have two copies of your original work and a parent signature on the entry form.

MONDAY

Warm Up: Turn in your original letter to Paul Zindel, the author of The Pigman, if you didn’t finish it last Friday.
Classwork: Write a 35-minute times essay for the following prompt:

Writing Situation: We are surrounded by people who influence us. Some of these individuals are relatives, teachers, preachers, coaches, etc. We might even be influenced by people we’ve not actually met in person. Some may have had a positive influence; others may have had a negative influence. Who had influenced you?

Directions for Writing: Before you begin to write, think about how this person has influenced you.

Now write an essay to tell the reader about this influential person and explain in what ways he or she has influenced you. Support your ideas with examples and details.

Homework: None

TUESDAY:

Warm Up: Distribute student grammar workbooks.
Classwork: Introduce prepositions with “Paper Wad Activity.” Take notes and make index card “cheat sheet” of prepositions.
Homework: Do exercises 1, 2, & 3 (372-374) in your grammar textbook. Do NOT follow the directions in the book; instead, write all prepositional phrases and identify their objects by underlining or highlighting. Then complete (39 & 49 ) in your workbook.

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Complete “Word Chain” puzzle on the overhead.
Classwork: Check yesterday’s homework. Review prepositions.
Homework: Complete “Professional Phrases” handout. You may write on the handout : ) Follow the directions provided; however, you do not need to do the original 10 sentences at the end. Quiz over prepositional phrases tomorrow. You’ll also need your art supplies tomorrow.

THURSDAY:

Warm Up:  Clear your desk of everything except your “Professional Phrases” handout.  Then compare your answers with those of your partner.
Classwork:  Take quiz over prepositions.  Write an original prepositional phrase poem.  Due tomorrow. (25 points)  Requirements:  final form, full-page color illustration, minimum of 8 lines, each line must contain a prepositional phrase.
Homework:  Complete poem and all make up work.

FRIDAY:

Warm Up:
Classwork:
Homework:

MONDAY

Warm Up: Return graded papers if necessary.
Classwork: Collect study guide ?’s and answers for The Pigman. Discuss chapters 14 & 15.
Homework: Complete Activity #1 on notebook paper.

TUESDAY:

Warm Up: Collect remaining study guide ?’s and answers for The Pigman.
Classwork: Working with a partner, complete the following novel activities on notebook paper: #9, #14,#15, #17, #18. Turn in #9 & #14 before the period’s end. Then continue working.
Homework: None

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Return study guide ?’s and answers for The Pigman and yesterday’s classwork.
Classwork: Working with a partner, continue and complete the following novel activities on notebook paper: #9, #14,#15, #17, #18. Staple together and turn in #9 & #14 and #15 & #17 before the period’s end.
Homework: Complete Activity #1 and #18 on notebook paper. NOVEL TEST POSTPONED TO FRIDAY!

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: Complete graphic organizer (flow chart of plot) on the overhead.
Classwork: Orally review the novel, The Pigman, including an extensive discussion chapter 15.
Homework: NOVEL TEST FRIDAY!

FRIDAY:

Warm Up: Read “A Personal Note” (187-193) in the back of your novel.
Classwork: Take novel test for The Pigman. Return graded papers and collect hardback copies of The Pigman.
Homework: Write a friendly letter ro Paul Zindel, the author of The Pigman.  Tell him what you thought about his book. Tell him if you connected or related to any characters/situations/events in the story itself or about writing in general.  Be honest, be real!  Your letter must be a minimum of 1 page and follow the format of a friendly letter which includes a heading (hint, hint)

MONDAY

Warm Up: Return graded papers since Friday’s schedule was adjusted for two assemblies.
Classwork: Discuss chapters 6 & 7
Homework: Read chapter 8 and answer related study guide questions in CRS on notebook paper. Also, complete Activity #5.

TUESDAY:

Warm Up: “Look at me, world! Look at my life and energy and how glad I an to be alive! Lorraine imagines that this is how John feels as he roller skates through Beekman’s. What make John glas to be alive? What makes YOU feel glad to be alive? When the world looks at you, how does it see your life and your energy? Explain. (1/2 page minimum)
Classwork: Discuss chapter 8 and the read aloud chapter 9.
Homework: Read chapter 10 and answer study guide ?’s in CRS for chapters 9 & 10.

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Recall a time when you apologized to a friend, a family member, or an acquaintance. How did you feel before the apology? How did you feel afterward? Explain the situation in detail. (1/2 page minimum)
Classwork: Discuss chapter 10 and begin reading aloud chapter 11.
Homework: Finish reading chapter 11 and answer study guide ?’s in CRS for chapter 11. We’ll check Activity #5 tomorrow.

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: Do you think Mr. Pignati was justified in lying about his wife’s being alive? How did John and Lorraine react when they learned that Mr. Pignati’s wife was dead? Do you think they felt upset? Why? How do you react when you discover someone has lied to you? Explain a situation in detail. (1/2 page minimum)
Classwork: Check Activity #5. Discuss chapter 11 and begin reading aloud chapter 12.
Homework: Read chapters 12 & 13 and answer study guide ?’s in CRS for chapters 12 & 13.

FRIDAY:

Warm Up: Take a check test:  Activity #8 - Cause & Effect.
Classwork: Discuss chapter 13 and begin reading aloud chapter 14.
Homework: Read chapters 14 & 15 and answer study guide ?’s in CRS for chapters 14 & 15.

YOUR COMPLETED STUDY GUIDE ?’S ARE DUE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH.  REMEMBER YOUR ANSWERS MUST BE IN COMPLETE REFLECTIVE SENTENCES!  THE STUDY GUIDE IS WORTH 45 POINTS!

MONDAY

Warm Up: None
Classwork: Take notes on the prewriting stage of the writing process and practice outlining and organizing the essay.
Homework: Reexamine last week’s essay to learn if it follows the format discussed in class today. Students must complete an outline for the previously-written essay on a wish of your choice. If your essay doesn’t follow the format, please generate an outline using a new idea for that same topic. The only thing that is due tomorrow is the completed outline.

TUESDAY:

Warm Up: Discuss and review yesterday’s outline for the “wish”essay.
Classwork: Create a 5-paragraph outline for two different essay prompts. Then choose one of the two outlines and write this week’s expository essay. Staple and turn in both prewriting sheet and essay.
Homework: None

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Who is your best friend? Why is this person’s friendship important to you? 1/2 page minimum.
Classwork: Distribute copies of The Pigman and the related study guide. Introduce the novel by reading “The Oath.” Discuss the key story elements. Homework: Read chapters 1 & 2 and answer related study guide questions in CRS on notebook paper.

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: Complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting John and Lorraine. Use your novel to help you include as many specific details as possible.
Classwork: Discuss chapters 1 & 2. Read aloud chapter 3.
Homework: Answer the related study guide ?’s for chapter 3 in CRS on notebook paper. Then continue reading chapters 4-5 and answer related  study guide questions in CRS on notebook paper.

FRIDAY:

Warm Up: How do you express your individuality? Do you wear unusual clothes? Style your hair a certain way? Listen to certain kinds of music? Explain in detail. 1/2 page minimum
Classwork: Discuss chapters 4-5.
Homework: Read chapter 6 & 7 and  answer related  study guide questions in CRS on notebook paper.

MONDAY

LABOR DAY

TUESDAY:

Warm Up: Clear your desk of everything except your story continuation of “Charles.” Share endings in groups and choose one to share with the class. Classwork: Discuss “Charles” ?’s (79-80). Story quiz tomorrow. Take notes from conflict cassette. Complete conflict handout for a grade.
Homework: None

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Begin word puzzle “Double Trouble” on overhead.
Classwork: Begin working on Part 1: Using Specifics in the On Target workbooks. Complete Exercises 1 & 2 (5-6) on notebook paper. 
Homework: None

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: Finish word puzzle “Double Trouble” on overhead.
Classwork:  Continue working on Part 1: Using Specifics in the On Target workbooks. Complete Exercises 1 & 2 (5-6) on notebook paper.  Discuss Exercise 2 and complete Exercise 3 (7 “).  Begin Can You Tell the Difference? (7)
Homework:  Last week’s essay was returned in class.  Read your returned essay and identify vague, general words.  Highlight any general words on your essay that you think should be replaced with more specific words.

FRIDAY:

Warm Up: Return graded papers.  Create and decorate individual student portfolios to be kept in the classroom.
Classwork:  Finish “Can You Tell the Difference? (7) and complete Exercise 4 (8) on notebook paper.
Homework:  Revise last week’s essay by replacing vague, general words with very specific words.

MONDAY

Warm Up: Compare your plot peak of “The Right to the Streets of Memphis” with your partner. Are they similar? Discuss any differences.
Classwork: Review the plot peak of “The Right to the Streets of Memphis.” Listen to a story entitled “The Lady or the Tiger?” Then independently complete a plot peak for the story. Discussion to follow.
Homework: Art supplies are needed on Tuesday. Study for Wednesday’s quiz over your notes on plot.

TUESDAY:

Warm Up: Unfortunately we all struggle with internal conflict on a regular basis. We cannot escape it. What are some internal conflicts you’ve personally experienced over the years? Think about these specific events/obstacles/decisions/dilemmas. List as many as you can. Classwork: Review internal conflict and explain the “Inside ____’s Head” project. Begin working on your project in class.
Homework: Study for Wednesday’s quiz over your notes on plot. Continue working on your internal conflict project which is due on Friday, August 31st.

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Today in class you will be writing your first expository essay of the year. List at least 10 things you know about an essay - - its form/structure, the process for writing it, the do’s and the don’t’s, etc.
Classwork: Take plot peak quiz. Write a 35-minute timed expository essay.
Homework: Continue working on your internal conflict project which is due on Friday, August 31st.

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: Move to newly assigned seats.
Classwork:  Listen to plot cassette and take notes.  Read “Charles” (76-79) in my blue books.  Then take a “Chcek Test” over the story.  Begin answering ?’s 1-10 (79-80) in CRS.
Homework: Continue working on your internal conflict project which is due on Friday, August 31st.

FRIDAY:

Warm Up: Share and collect internal conflict projects.
Classwork:   Finish answering ?’s 1-10 (79-80) in CRS.  Turn in on the wall.
Homework: Write a 2-page story continuation for “Charles.”  Your ending must be written in 1st person point of view and past tense.  Remember that Laurie’s mom is the narrator, the “I” in the story.  Your story ending must begin with the following sentence:  “Charles?” the teacher said.  “We don’t have in Charles in kindergarten.”  Try to use dialogue (conversation) and properly punctuate it.  Due Tuesday, 9/4.

MONDAY

Warm Up: Complete puzzle “A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words”
Classwork: Complete “Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics Test.” Turn in when finished.
Homework: The final form of your original “If I Were in Charge of the World” poem is due Tuesday. Remember, it must be illustrated in color.

TUESDAY:

Warm Up: Collect original “If I Were in Charge of the World” poems. Continue with “4 Facts & a Fib.”
Classwork: Watch Power Point presentation and take notes on story elements.
Homework: None

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Fear often makes people do surprising things. Describe a personal experience in which fear influenced or affected your behavior in some way. Your entry must be a minimum of 1/2 page.
Classwork: Read “The Right to the Streets of Memphis.” (510) in the Moments book. Answer ?’s 1-4 (514) in CRS. Then, on the same notebook paper, answer ?’s 5-8 (handout) in CRS. Turn in on wall by the period’s end.
Homework: None

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: In “The Right to the Streets of Memphis” our narrator has a real conflict with some neighborhood kids. This is an example of Man vs. Man conflict. Write about a time when you had a struggle or problem with another person(s). 1/2 page minimum.
Classwork: Watch Power point presentation and take notes on conflict and the types of conflict.
Homework: Story quiz over “The Rights to the Streets of Memphis” tomorrow.

FRIDAY:

Warm Up: Complete word puzzle “More Picture Words” on overhead.
Classwork: Take a quiz over “The Right to the Streets of Memphis.” Take notes on plot and plot peak.
Homework:  Complete a plot peak for the story, “The Right to the Streets of Memphis.”  You’ll need your art supplies on Tuesday, 8/28.

MONDAY:

Welcome Back to School!!!
Extended homeroom today. Followed by shortened schedule

Warm Up: None
Classwork: Listen to The Teacher from the Black Lagoon. Discuss the story’s theme.
Homework: Write a one-page response related to the 1st day of school. It may be about any year’s first day. Journal entry must be 1 page minimum.

TUESDAY:

Welcome Back to School!!!
Extended homeroom today. Followed by shortened schedule

Warm Up: None
Classwork: Listen to The Teacher from the Black Lagoon. Discuss the story’s theme.
Homework: Write a one-page response related to the 1st day of school. It may be about any year’s first day. Journal entry must be 1 page minimum.

WEDNESDAY:

Warm Up: Complete word puzzle “Common Knowledge.”
Classwork: Watch “Welcome to 8th Grade” Power Point presentation.
Homework: Complete “Interest Inventory” handout. You MAY write on it. Due tomorrow.

THURSDAY:

Warm Up: Collect “Interest Inventory” homework from yesterday.
Classwork: Complete “Entry-Level Reading Test” on notebook paper. Turn in when finished.
Homework: Prepare your index card for “4 Facts & a Fib.”

FRIDAY:

Warm Up: Complete friendly letter editing practice handout.
Classwork: Take notes on the form of a friendly letter. Participate in the get acquainted activity “4 Facts & a Fib.”
Homework: None