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November 30, 2006
Students continued the research process. Most have almost finished gathering their information and will be ready for Monday. Below is a copy of the suggested questions students may want to answer about their topic.
Posted by Hartnett at 04:03 PM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2006
Students turned in The Light in the Forest literary analysis packets in addition to taking the final test.
Research in the media center continued for a second day.
Posted by Hartnett at 04:08 PM | Comments (0)
Students were in the media center for a second day today. They are researching, writing note cards, etc. Tomorrow they will be in the Mac Lab, so further access to the internet will be provided. Continued research is encouraged at home, as the time provided in school this week may not be enough.
Bibliography cards and note cards are due this coming Monday.
Posted by Hartnett at 04:06 PM | Comments (0)
November 20, 2006
We concluded reading The Light in the Forest. All analysis work will be reviewed and finished tomorrow.
Posted by Hartnett at 05:42 PM | Comments (0)
Quizzes were returned and explained. Those who scored below a 70 are to have them, and a note, signed by parents for tomorrow.
We did a review on the use of quotation marks.
Posted by Hartnett at 05:40 PM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2006
Students continued work on complex sentences. They have a quiz tomorrow and have been advised to study from the booklets.
No weekend homework.
Posted by Hartnett at 02:07 PM | Comments (0)
Students will have a quiz tomorrow on chapters 5-11. A plot chart will be distributed that needs to be completed by next week.
Please finish reading the last chapters of the book and complete the necessary work.
All work for The Light in the Forest will be due Tuesday, November 28th. A final test will be given on that day, as well.
Have a terrific weekend.
Posted by Hartnett at 02:05 PM | Comments (0)
November 14, 2006
The Light in the Forest continued) Literary analysis, chapter summaries, and journaling continue to be the main focus.
Homework: Read chapters 9 & 10 and complete the required work.
RESEARCH:
Please add the following list of web sites to the list already given:
http://www.owlstar.com/dailyheadlines.htm
http://www.nativeculture links.com/nations.html
http://www.indians.org/Resource/FedTribes99/fedtribes99.html
http://www.native-languages.org/languages.htm
http://www.kstrom.net/isk/maps/tribesbystate.html
http://www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs.html
http://hometown.aol.com/Donh523/navapage/index.htm
Posted by Hartnett at 05:05 PM | Comments (0)
Classes began work with complex sentences. Dependent and independent clauses were defined and discussed. Students were given booklets for adjectives and adverb clauses to use throughout the year.
Homework: Write five sentences using adjective clauses. Sentence must be written using the 5 relative pronouns.
Additional class notes on adjective clauses can be found below.
Posted by Hartnett at 04:57 PM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2006
Today, Mrs. Hendrix reviewed note cards, bibliography cards, and other valuable researching information. Students were to bring 100 index cards to begin preparing for the research unit after Thanksgiving.
Tomorrow we start working with clauses and complex sentences.
Posted by Hartnett at 01:23 PM | Comments (0)
Read chapters 7&8 for tomorrow and keep up with the chapter summaries and journal entries. Quizzes were returned.
Today Mrs. Hendrix reviewed note cards, bibliography cards, and other valuable researching information. Students were to bring 100 index cards to begin preparing for the research unit after Thanksgiving.
Posted by Hartnett at 01:21 PM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2006
We continued work on The Light in the Forest. Students took a quiz on chapters 1-4 this morning.
Enjoy...no weekend homework!
Posted by Hartnett at 01:52 PM | Comments (0)
Happy Friday!
Students are to type their final copy of the expository essay over the weekend; it is due on Monday.
Below is a copy of the editing checklist that was handed out in class.
Posted by Hartnett at 01:48 PM | Comments (0)
November 09, 2006
We continue work with The Light in the Forest. Students are keeping up with literary analysis components, chapter summaries, and journaling. There is a quiz tomorrow on chapters 1-4.
REMINDER: All students will need 100 5X3 index cards for the research unit coming in the near future. Mrs. Hendrix will be reviewing note cards and bibliography cards with all 8th graders on Monday.
Posted by Hartnett at 02:23 PM | Comments (0)
Students continue to work on their expository essays. Final copies are due on Monday.
We begin work on complex sentences next week along with a review by Mrs. Hendrix on research skills. Students will be need 100 3X5 index cards for their research unit, and I have heard they now sell them spiral bound and of different colors. Times, they are "a'changin" !
Students have asked to post these sample organizers for the introduction and conclusion. They know the meaning of the abbreviations!
Posted by Hartnett at 02:19 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2006
Students began work on the expository essay. This essay will be written in class this week. The rough draft will be typed at home over the weekend to be turned in on Monday the 13th. Students with computer issues are to handwrite the essay using ink and skipping lines.
(Click below for a copy of the instructions and the prompt,
ExpositoryFiveParagraphEssay-1.doc
..or simply view it below.)
Expository Five Paragraph Essay
PROMPT:
Earth is being evacuated due to environmental concerns. Individuals have been instructed to relocate with only THREE personal items. Choose three items; describe them in detail; explain the reasons you chose these, and finally, explain how they will benefit you on Mars, your new home.
ESSAY REQUIREMENTS:
1. Prewrite: Use columns
2. Rough draft: You must use graphic organizers for all three BP’s.
3. Transitions: You must include transitions in your essay. Use the handout for assistance.
4. Style builders: You must include at least a total of 4 style builders in the essay.
5. Compound sentences: You must include at least one compound sentence per BP.
6. High level vocabulary words: You must highlight 4 high level vocabulary words that you used.
7. Final copy: Your paper must be typed using 12 font, double-spaced in Times New Roman, with NO TITLE.
8. To turn in (The essay must be in the following order):
Final copy: Heading done MLA style
Rough draft
Prewrite
Assessment rubric
Posted by Hartnett at 04:44 PM | Comments (0)
Students began the unit on The Light in the Forest. Handouts were distributed covering chapter summaries, characterization, conflict, journaling, etc. Students know which ones need to be worked on nightly.
We began chapter one, but did not finish. Therefore, students must complete it and chapter 2 for Wednesday. In addition, they must summarize the chapters and complete the speculation journal.
If the book is owned by the student, it is suggested that they begin to highlight or underline vocabulary, descriptive passages, and so forth. This is information they will need for future use as explained in class.
Posted by Hartnett at 04:35 PM | Comments (0)
November 02, 2006
Students recited the 2 stanzas from "The Raven" that they had chosen earlier in the week. They all did a pretty good job! In addition, they completed transcribing stanzas from the same poem into prose. Tomorrow we will put them together and continue reading them as a complete story.
Test tomorrow! STUDY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Response to literature due tomorrow.
Posted by Hartnett at 04:42 PM | Comments (0)
First and third hours worked in literature circles involving Poe's stories and the element of tone. Tomorrow they will continue working on the expanded paragraph as described below.
Sixth and seventh hours continued working on the expanded paragraph. As a pre-write, they used the Venn diagram that listed similarities and differences between the stories they had read. Emphasis was put on the use of transitions and compound sentences. Tomorrow we continue with this lesson. Students will also be given a timed writing assignment that will mirror today's.
Posted by Hartnett at 04:39 PM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2006
Remember:
1. literature analysis due by Friday
2. recitation of 2 stanzas
3. test
Posted by Hartnett at 05:17 PM | Comments (0)
We have been presenting Poe projects since yesterday. I CANNOT believe the level of originality exhibited in most of the projects this year! From movies, posters, and costume designs, to portrayals of attorneys at the narrator's trial. Epilogues have been very Poe-like and gruesome to the max! I am thrilled to, once again, have my students out do any expectations I may have had regarding the projects. They are here for everyone's "enjoyment"...feel free to come visit!
Posted by Hartnett at 05:15 PM | Comments (0)
