August 31, 2006
Today we read "I Will Be Drug Free" on page 153 of the grammar book. In addition, we analyzed the piece and discussed the types of techniques the author used to build his case.
All classes worked on DOL.
Posted by Hartnett at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)
There is a test tomorrow on persuasive writing. Please study the handout in your binders about persuasion.
2nd hour finished their presentations today and have no homework.
There will be no homework over the Labor Day weekend, so enjoy and have a safe and restful vacation!
Posted by Hartnett at 01:16 PM | Comments (0)
August 30, 2006
Final oral presentations will take place tomorrow. Thereafter, we will begin the persuasive writing unit.
Posted by Hartnett at 01:33 PM | Comments (0)
After reading our first editorial together in class, we analyzed the article by using the analysis form given earlier in the week. Below you will find some of the notes we wrote in class.
For tonight, all students are to use the editorial they brought to school today and analyze it themselves using an analysis form. Practice makes perfect...attempt all answers even if you are unsure. We will review your responses together.
THERE WILL BE A TEST ON FRIDAY ON THE PERSUASIVE WRITING HANDOUT. IN ADDITION, STUDENTS WILL HAVE A SMALL EDITORIAL TO READ, AND THEY WILL DO A PARTIAL ANALYSIS BY ANSWERING ONLY A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT IT.
Posted by Hartnett at 01:28 PM | Comments (0)
To all the parents who attended Open House last night, thank you, and it was a pleasure to meet all of you! I didn't get a chance to post last night, but for the most part, this should be updated on an almost daily basis. Please remember to e-mail me at carmen.hartnett@cobbk12.org for any questions you should have or need to communicate for any reason.
Thank you!
Posted by Hartnett at 07:09 AM | Comments (0)
August 28, 2006
Today we began our unit on persuasive writing. Below you will find a copy of the notes we presented and will continue to work on tomorrow. Students were also given a copy of these notes to keep in their binders.
For Wednesday, all students must bring an example of an editorial or letter to the editor from a newspaper or magazine.
Grammar text books were handed out this morning, and students are expected to keep them in their lockers for availability.
Posted by Hartnett at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
August 25, 2006
Hello!
I am posting a "Test" note written on my Promethean board. Whenever there are notes given/written in class, they will be automatically saved and posted on my blog. This will help if you are absent, away on vacation, or just missed them in class! I am hoping to begin Monday. PLEASE CHECK THE BLOG ON A REGULAR BASIS!
It works!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Hartnett at 02:06 PM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2006
Interviews are almost finished, and we have had a terrific time!
Beginning next week, students will be introduced to persuasive writing, editorial analysis, and the writing process. All this should take us to the end of the first nine weeks. We will also be reading "Flowers for Algernon" and holding a mock trial at its conclusion.
Enjoy today's photos!
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Posted by Hartnett at 07:34 PM | Comments (0)
August 23, 2006
All students need to have purchased or borrowed a copy of Conrad Richter's The Light in the Forest by the end of October. We will be working on a literary/research unit with this wonderful and captivating novel. More information will be given later, but I wanted to make sure to give everyone time to find a copy of the book. Please e-mail me if there are any questions about availability.
Posted by Hartnett at 05:18 PM | Comments (0)
Enjoy viewing your students at work and some of our wonderful guests!
Posted by Hartnett at 10:39 AM | Comments (0)
Eighth graders will not have Performance Series testing this fall, but will have the following:
CoGAT: September 6th & 7th
ITBS: September 11th-15th, and 18th
Please put these on your calendars!
Posted by Hartnett at 06:06 AM | Comments (0)
This week students began presenting their interviews/speeches. Visuals have ranged from dogs and guinea pigs to samples of homemade, edible delicacies! Students have shared their future goals, and so far we have professional shopper for the stars, interior designer, architect, doctor, teacher, impersonator, and even king of the world!
Those students still waiting to present need to be preparing and timing themselves at home. Make sure your presentations are at least 3 minutes long and creative!
Posted by Hartnett at 05:50 AM | Comments (0)
August 18, 2006
We made it to the end of the first week, and I'm pleased to report we all survived it!
Today students took the test on The Pearl and wrote their baseline essays.
All oral presentations will begin this coming Tuesday. Students who are having parents bring pets to school have been told what procedures to take.
Have a terrific week end and stay healthy!
Posted by Hartnett at 05:44 PM | Comments (0)
August 17, 2006
Test on The Pearl will be given to all classes tomorrow.
All students will write a baseline essay in class.
Dates on oral presentations will be determined as soon as we know if Performance Series testing is taking place next week. The core of the presentations have been worked on in class. Please make sure to read all of the directions and requirements!
2nd Hr.: Tomorrow we will finish literary analysis for The Pearl.
Posted by Hartnett at 01:58 PM | Comments (0)
August 15, 2006
Students worked on creating divider sections in their lang. arts binders. Please have these in class by Friday, since already we are organizing handouts and notes. The 5 sections are as follows:
1.D.O.L.
2. Literature
3. Grammar
4. Writing
5. Journal
Instructions and explanations were handed out for the oral presentations/interviews that will be given next week. Students are to brainstorm tonight for their topic, but will be creating the actual interview in class with a partner.
2nd Hour: Information on literary analysis was handed out and will be covered tomorrow. Students will use these to analyze The Pearl beginning Wed.
Cooperative groups will be formed.
REMINDER: Test Friday on The Pearl for ALL classes.
Posted by Hartnett at 01:56 PM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2006
Our first day went off without a hitch! We went over policies, procedures, and expectations. Many handouts, eighth grade and county , were given out. Some are to be returned filled out or signed by parents, students, or both. Please make sure to check all the material your child brings home tonight and go over them carefully.
A language arts syllabus was handed out and should be signed by students and parents and returned no later than Wednesday of this week.
AC Language Arts: In order to allow this syllabus to fit on one side of the paper only, the font size was changed. In so doing, the lines messed up, and you will notice some words were incorrectly divided at the end of the lines. Rather than killing more trees and reprinting them, I explained to the students what happened and decided to keep them as such.
*ALL LANGUAGE ARTS BINDERS ARE TO BE BROUGHT TO CLASS BY THIS FRIDAY. YOU WILL NEED 5 DIVIDERS.
*THE PEARL TEST WILL BE ON FRIDAY FOR ALL CLASSES.
GREAT FIRST DAY!
Posted by Hartnett at 01:23 PM | Comments (0)
August 10, 2006
Welcome back eighth graders! The new school year is here, and I am excited about all the adventures that lie ahead. This blog will be packed with information throughout the year, including homework assignments. Make sure to check it on a nightly basis.
Play my "Welcome" podcast.
Posted by Hartnett at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)
