The 8th grade class is getting ready to rumble--for the novel The Outsiders and for the ISAT test. We are reading the novel now and the tensions are building toward the climax--the rumble between the Socs and the Greasers. Who will win the fight or does anyone really ever win? We will soon find out. After the test, I have promised the students we will watch the movie and compare it to the novel, and they are very excited to see it.
In English class we are preparing for the ISAT which will be the first week in March. Concepts and strategies which we have been using and studying all year are being reviewed intensively now so that everyone will be ready to "rumble" when the time comes!
Plans are also under way for the 8th grade trip in May to Chicago. Please return the letter so that we can have an accurate count of those who plan to go. We also will be going to a career fair in April and the Mark Twain Cave in May. Registration for high school, pretests for that, and many more preparations are in store for the busy, busy 8th graders!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Do you have your book, your pencils, your brain?
English: It is hard to believe we are in our third week of school! Students have already published a self-portrait newsletter which can be viewed at the open house on September 14th. We are now composing the first narrative essay, a hopefully entertaining account of a day in the life of a special 8th grader.
Reading: We are reading several short stories in order to review the elements of fiction before beginning the novel unit. As I said in class, literature is life is literature. By reading about others' problems and successes, we can gain some insight into our own lives. We've read "Raymond's Run" and "Stop the Sun," but watch out! O. Henry's surprising "The Ransom of Red Chief" is next!
Reading: We are reading several short stories in order to review the elements of fiction before beginning the novel unit. As I said in class, literature is life is literature. By reading about others' problems and successes, we can gain some insight into our own lives. We've read "Raymond's Run" and "Stop the Sun," but watch out! O. Henry's surprising "The Ransom of Red Chief" is next!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Back to School!!
Welcome back to school!!! It has been an eventful summer. As most of you know by now, I fell and broke my leg in June, so my entire summer has been rehabilitating so that I could join you all this fall. I am happy to say I am walking again and ready to begin the new year.
Monday, May 2, 2011
May!!!
Spring has sprung!! Even though the school year is winding down, we have lots of learning activities still to come.
In English class, students have been divided into six different ethnic "families." After weeks of work, they are ready to prepare their final projects, a cooperative group presentation of everything from interesting facts to foods and dances. With the addition of the computers this year, I am expecting fantastic results.
In literature, we are comparing two short stories and will be writing a compare/contrast essay. Both stories deal with the subject of wishes. If you were granted three wishes, what would they be and why?
On May 11th a week from Wednesday, the eighth grade will be taking a field trip to the Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal courtesy of Talent Search. We just completed an author study of Mark Twain to prepare for this experience. Then on May 25th we have our eighth grade reward trip to Lake Williamson thanks to the fundraising abilities of the students. The fourth quarter reward pizza party will be May 26th followed by the awards assembly on May 27th and practice for promotion. At some point, the high school guidance counselor will be here to register the students for their classes. Look out North Greene High School!!!
We have a busy, exciting month ahead. Don't miss any school or you'll be left out!
In English class, students have been divided into six different ethnic "families." After weeks of work, they are ready to prepare their final projects, a cooperative group presentation of everything from interesting facts to foods and dances. With the addition of the computers this year, I am expecting fantastic results.
In literature, we are comparing two short stories and will be writing a compare/contrast essay. Both stories deal with the subject of wishes. If you were granted three wishes, what would they be and why?
On May 11th a week from Wednesday, the eighth grade will be taking a field trip to the Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal courtesy of Talent Search. We just completed an author study of Mark Twain to prepare for this experience. Then on May 25th we have our eighth grade reward trip to Lake Williamson thanks to the fundraising abilities of the students. The fourth quarter reward pizza party will be May 26th followed by the awards assembly on May 27th and practice for promotion. At some point, the high school guidance counselor will be here to register the students for their classes. Look out North Greene High School!!!
We have a busy, exciting month ahead. Don't miss any school or you'll be left out!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Countdown to ISAT
Can you believe that the first semester is over? We have already begun the countdown to the ISAT with only 35 class periods to review! As I told the students yesterday, I am not just going to "throw them to the wolves." With hard work and cooperation, everybody will be totally prepared when February 28th rolls around.
In Literature class, we have begun the novel The Outsiders, the best-selling young adult novel of all time. Since it also was made into a movie, we will be watching that version after reading the book and taking the test. Movie trailers can be viewed on Youtube.
Here's to a successful 2011!
In Literature class, we have begun the novel The Outsiders, the best-selling young adult novel of all time. Since it also was made into a movie, we will be watching that version after reading the book and taking the test. Movie trailers can be viewed on Youtube.
Here's to a successful 2011!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
December Plans
We are wrapping Christmas presents at home and wrapping up our how-to presentations in English class. I am always amazed by the knowledge shared by the students, and this year has been particularly amazing. With the addition of the computers, students have taken advantage of the keynote program in their presentations. It has added a whole new element to their speeches and I have been very impressed.
In Literature, we are finishing our literary circles books with many students completing their second, third, or even fourth books. After Christmas break, the whole class will be reading the novel The Outsiders. Click on the trailer for the movie to see what adventures are in store.
In Literature, we are finishing our literary circles books with many students completing their second, third, or even fourth books. After Christmas break, the whole class will be reading the novel The Outsiders. Click on the trailer for the movie to see what adventures are in store.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
