Clear any book fines from our class by returning any books you still have, or otherwise checking them off with Ms. Dorsey, receiving a fine clearance slip and taking it to the financial office. Please clear these before Thursday!
If you're in a B-Day class, come with games and treats, and ready to do some service.
Think ahead about what you'll write in yearbooks on Thursday.
Make sure you don't miss Friday morning and the great videos made at our own school and starring our own faculty, staff, and students, and produced by Mr. Lyde.
That's an adjective, adjective, noun, preposition, and pronoun!
May you have a wonderful summer!
Remember to read, read, read! Reading good books can keep your mind active and your brain muscles in shape.
Check this blog occasionally. I'll hopefully post book recommendations and information about interesting activities that are going on in the area.
Just think! After Friday you are eighth graders! Woo-Hoo!
The teachers must have all grades turned in by the morning of May 26. You will receive your report cards (I've heard) on Friday.
B-Day students:
Since we have an extra day, we are going to have a service/party day.
We will do some cleaning and/or other service, then will have a party.
Bring games (board games, card games, etc.) if you'd like, or your class may want to play an outdoor game.
You may also bring commercial treats to share (no homemade).
We will correct your composition books on May 20/21. You must have your composition book in class that day. If you are planning to be absent, place your book in your class's top wire basket to be graded.
Composition Book Grading for Term 4 (See Class Blog for more details if you were absent.)
1. _____/5 subject-verb agreement exercise taped in and corrected (Boy in the Striped Pajamas)
“Inspired By” exercises – Imitate the poems, writing about a different subject – March 24/25 posts
2. _____5 The Red Wheelbarrow
3. _____5 Tiger, Tiger
4. _____5 Stopping by Woods
5. _____5 List sounds for a place you know well
6. _____5 Words and phrases to describe a pet or other animal when performing an action
7. _____5 Love That Boy
Three paragraphs for Internal Text Structure
8. _____5 Chronological
9. _____5 Sequence
10. _____5 Descriptive
11. _____/5 Facing a Bully Quickwrite
12. _____/5 subject-verb agreement sentences copied and corrected April 30 post
13. _____/5 Notes on “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”
14. _____5 Three similes from page 13 -- “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”
15. _____/5 QuickWrite from page 46 in literature textbook -- An Underdog
16. _____/5 Copy and correct subject-verb agreement sentences May 4/5 post
17. _____/5 Quickwrite for “Three Skeleton Key” – Details for a horror story
18. _____/5 Copy and correct subject-verb agreement sentences May 6/7 post
19. _____/5 Figurative Language in “Three Skeleton Key”
20. _____/5 Listing similes and other figurative language
21. _____/5 Poem – four stanzas of “I Know Three Skeleton Key.”
22. _____/5 Friendship Quickwrite
23. _____/5 Noticing Things Quickwrite (Before listening to the essay)
24 _____/5 A story about noticing things (After listening to the essay)
25. _____/5 Fairy Tales -- anything and then finish the one I read or tell how you would set another in modern times..
Here are some idioms -- a type of figurative language.
They are from the Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms by Marvin Terban.
Bed of Roses -- "Compared to my old school, American Fork Junior High is a bed of roses."
Meaning: a wonderful, pleasant situation
Cat Got Your Tongue? -- "Why don't you answer me? Cat got your tongue?"
Meaning: Is there a reason that you're not speaking?
Keep Something Under Your Hat -- "Mr. Wright said he'd tell me who won the class elections if I would keep it under my hat."
Meaning: to keep something secret
With Flying Colors -- "As expected, Braden passed his tests with flying colors."
Meaning: with ease and great success; in triumph
If you pull no punches, you hold nothing back. In the short story "Amigo Brothers," Felix and Antonio promise each other that they will "pull no punches" when they fight each other.
The picture above is from the movie Felix goes to see in the short story.
Extra credit opportunity: Bring me a common idiom for which you have written an original sentence. You may turn in up to five of these for two to three points each. You can find more idioms by asking adults or looking up idioms online. Sites for people who are learning English as a second language often have lists and explanations of idioms.
Composition Book -- Term 4
1. Editing Self-Starter: Subject-Verb Agreement exercise taped into composition books, edited carefully, and corrected together
2. We imitated several of these poems. You should have your imitations written in your composition book.
Love That Dog assignments in your composition book: Write a poem imitating "The Red Wheelbarrow." Write a poem imitating "Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright." Write a stanza imitating "Stopping By Woods": "Whose woods these are, I think I know. . . " List sounds you would hear in a place you know well. (Based on "Street Music.") Collect words and phrases you could use to describe a pet or another animal when it is sitting, running, sleeping, or performing some other action. Write a poem imitating "Love That Boy."
3. Writing paragraphs: (You should have written an example of each.)
Chronological
Sequence (not list)
Descriptive
_______________________________
Self-Starter for “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”:
1. Write in your composition book. Respond to this prompt (under writing) : (If you were absent, you may write these responses on lined paper and tape that into your composition book when you return.)
If you were facing a bully, would you
§run the other way?
§ get help from your friends and/or family?
§face your opponent and fight?
§ try to use logic and reasoning to reach an agreement?
§ use a strategy other than the ones listed above?
Explain what you would probably do and why? Or, if you have faced a bully in the past, write about what you did.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2. In your composition book (under writing), copy and correct these sentences from a student book-of-the-month project:
Underline the subject(s) in each sentence.
a. There is so many different creature’s.
b. There is 2 main characters.
c. The boys name is Marcus and the girls name is kyja.
3. Notes on "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" and 3 similes from page 13 (column 2) _________________________
Self-Starter: ("The Smallest Dragon Boy")
A. In your textbook, on page 46, read "Make a Connection" and "Quickwrite." Write the quickwrite in your composition book.
B. Subject-Verb Agreement exercise: Copy these sentences into your composition book, and make corrections.
1. That make Percy a target to monsters.
2. There's magic item's in the book.
3. Ares ask them to go and retreive his sword.
4. Grover get approval to become a searcher to search for Pan
May 6/7, 2010
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Self-Starter for “Three Skeleton Key” by George C. Toudouze
Step 1. Look at the title and illustration on page 65.
Step 2. Silently read page 64.
Step 3. Do the quickwrite on page 64. Write it in your composition book.
Step 4. Exercise for subject-verb agreement: Copy the following sentences into your composition book, and then make needed corrections: (Do not change verb tense.)
1) There is also magical creatures.
2) The characters was another thing I liked.
3) Each of the characters are completely different.
4) They decides to go to the new candy store that just opened down the street form there school.
Step 5a. In your composition book, write this heading:
Figurative Languagein “Three Skeleton Key.”
When you find a metaphor, simile, or other figurative language in the story, write it down, as well as the page number and column where you found it.
May 10/11 In your composition book, list as many similes and other figures of speech as you can.
Students worked on writing a poem -- "I Know Three Skeleton Key"
Your poem has four stanzas -- Each begins -- "I Know Three Skeleton Key"
"I Know Three Skeleton Key" Briefly and powerfully describe four things you see.
"I Know Three Skeleton Key" Briefly and powerfully describe four things you see.
"I Know Three Skeleton Key" Briefly and powerfully describe four things you see.
"I Know Three Skeleton Key" Briefly and powerfully describe four things you see.
May 12/13: In your composition book label entry "Friendship." Tell what friendship means to you, and/or describe a true friend.
May 14/17, 2010
1. Write in your composition book based on this prompt: We will read an essay about noticing things. This can also be called "being observant." How good are you at noticing things? What sorts of things do you notice and not notice? If you know anyone who is good at noticing things, tell us about him or her. Is being observant good or bad? Why? Also, what do you notice in our classroom that is new or different?
"I Know Three Skeleton Key" Poem -- Example by Tahza B.
(From the point of view of the lighthouse)
I know Three Skeleton Key.
I see the boat as it teases me --
Floating close, then backing off.
I see the horrible red hot coals
of the eyes of the rats.
I see all the pieces of the boat spring everywhere,
as the boat crashes into the rocks of Three Skeleton Key.
I see the the rats scurrying over the hard, cold ground.
I know Three Skeleton Key.
I hear the "crunch."
I hear the big waves crashing against the rocks.
I hear the horrible piercing screams of the rats as they make their way toward me.
I hear the frightened cries of the men as they too spot the rats.
I know Three Skeleton Key.
I smell the pulsating stench of the starving rats.
I can smell the ocean water as it meets the cold rocks.
I smell the horrible flesh stench of the rats' mouths.
I small the wet shreds of wood in the ocean.
I know Three Skeleton Key.
I feel the claws of the rats digging into my sides.
I feel the light wind blowing against me.
I feel the men's footsteps as they hurry to lock the doors.
I feel the rats gnawing at me.
May 24/25, 2010 Year-End Assessment and Test on Parts of Speech
If you are not going to be here, arrange with me to take the test before then.
For the year-end assessment, I suggest you go over your commonly confused words and prefixes and suffixes, and look through the blog to remind yourself of the things we've studied.
Your parts of speech packet (packet 1 for 50 points and packet 2 for 80 points) are due today if you have not already completed and handed them in.
If you need a copy of the packet materials or of the correcting keys, go to
Here is a chart that breaks down Lexile scores for seventh grade.
Below 550 is Below Grade Level, At Risk, Norm 1-6%
550 to 750 is Below Grade Level, Basic 1, Norm 6-21%
750 to 850 is Below Grade Level, Basic 2, Norm 21-34%
850 to 950 is At Grade Level, Low Proficient, Norm 34-49%
950 to 1025 is At Grade Level, Proficient, Norm 49-62%
1025 to 1100 is At Grade Level, High Proficient, Norm 62-76%
1100 and above is Above Grade Level, Norm 76% and above
We realize that the SRI test the students took is just one measure of their ability. However, it can be a helpful source of information.
With score of below 875 a student might be considered for a reading intervention class. We also look at CRT (State Core Test) and other scores, and in-class performance.
May 20/21, 2010 Last day to hand in late work and revisions. May 20 is the last day to clear book fines with me before the list goes to the financial office.
Finish Parts of Speech Packets. -- If you were not here, or if you did not finish your packets, you may finish them at home. They are available to upload (as a Word document) at our wiki. The correcting keys are also there to upload. Click the link below:
View PowerPoint on Subject-Verb Agreement (as a review) View a PowerPoint review of subject-verb agreement. Subject-Verb Agreement Test (If you weren't here and didn't take it ahead, arrange to take it after school.) Grading Composition Books. See needed entries here and if you were not here, arrange to have your composition book graded:
May 18/19, 2010
Self-Starter: Composition book entry -- Write about Fairy Tales -- about 1/2 page of anything related to fairy tales, then another half page to either finish the story Ms. Dorsey started reading, or to tell what would be different about a particular fairy tale if you placed it in modern times.
Students listened to part of the retold fairy tale "Hansel's Eyes" by Garth Nix (found in A Wolf at the Door and Other Retold Fairy Tales, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling.)
( A1 needs to take the lie/lay test.) -- Taken and corrected!
Work on Parts of Speech packets.
B1 watched nouns, pronouns, verbs
B2 watched nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjective, adverbs
Important notes: Book Fine Lists will be handed in tomorrow -- May 20th.
If you need a retake on lie/lay or plot, come to Cave Time.
Next time:
Grade composition books
Subject-Verb Agreement Test
Last day to hand in late work
May 24/25: Test on Parts of Speech and an Assessment covering all year. If you will not be here, arrange with me to take the tests before then.
The 19th is Locker-Check Day! Have your lockers cleaned and ready to be checked.
May 14/17, 2010
1. Write in your composition book based on this prompt: We will read an essay about noticing things. This can also be called "being observant." How good are you at noticing things? What sorts of things do you notice and not notice? If you know anyone who is good at noticing things, tell us about him or her. Is being observant good or bad? Why? Also, what do you notice in our classroom that is new or different?
2. Complete the lie/lay test:
B1 still needs lie/lay test. -- taken today and corrected.
B2 took the test, but did not correct it. They need to exchange and correct the tests -- corrected today.
B4 took the test, and corrected it. A1 needs to take the lie/lay test.
A2 took and corrected the test.
A4 needs to take the lie/lay test. Taken and corrected.
3. Discuss jounal entries and read an essay about noticing things by Patrick McManus.
4. Parts of Speech: Work on a new packet for learning about nouns, pronouns and adjectives.
B1 just got started on the packet.
B2 finished nouns.
B4
Parents:
Your student has or will receive an Internet Safety Card in English class on May 7 or 10. The card itself serves as a reminder to be careful on the internet. It also gives two websites students (and parents) should be aware of.
The first is a link to help students deal with cyberfullying and phishing scams, and remember the importance of not giving out personal information: http://www.netsafeutah.org/index.php
You'll probably want to browse through the videos available on many aspects of internet safety, and select some to watch with your child.
The second is an online resource that has games, homework help, and access to Pioneer Library. Yes, I just spent too much time playing the "Can You Find the Differences" games, but they're fun! http://www.uen.org/k12student/interactives.shtml
Book-of-the-Month Project is due: Book Quilt square. See assignment directions and grading sheet. Points will be deducted if you do not hand in the assignment sheet with the square.
You will be able to hand it in late until Friday afternoon, May 14. After that, late points will be deducted. Remember that May 21 is the last day to hand in late or revised work.
_____________________________________________________________________ Please return all books you've checked out from me -- and make sure I sign them back in -- by May 14. I'll hand in the list of fines soon after that.
In your composition book label entry "Friendship." Tell what friendship means to you, and/or describe a true friend.
Lie/Lay activity
LIE -To lie down is an act that can be attributed to the subject. There is no object of this verb, as the subject is doing the action without a receiver.
(Hint: substitute "recline." If "recline" works, then "lie" is also correct) Conjugation of LIE: lie (present tense) lay (past tense) will lie (future tense) lain (perfect tense) (use with have, had, has)
lying
Examples:
As I lie in the grass looking up at the sky, I see a blue dragon flying eastward.
Yesterday as I lay in the grass looking up in the sky, I saw a blue dragon flying eastward.
I will lie in the grass tomorrow, looking for the dragon to fly by again.
I have lain in the grass for three weeks, and haven't seen the blue dragon again. I have seen only yellow, red, and green dragons.
I have been lying in the grass so much, my clothes have all turned green.
LAY - Lay must have a direct object. One lays something down. (Hint: substitute "put." If "put" works, then "lay" is also correct.) Conjugation of LAY: lay (present tense) laid (past tense) will lay (future tense) laid (perfect tense) (use with have, had, has) laying
As I lay the blood-encrusted sword under my desk, Mr. Farnsworth walks into the classroom and asks me to come to the office.
The last time I laid my sword under my desk, no one noticed it there.
Next time I fight a battle before school, I will lay my sword in a safe, hidden place.
In the past I have laid my sword under a bush when I saw Mr. Green coming.
I was laying my sword under the bush when Mr. Dalley stepped up behind me.
Disclaimer: Students, do not bring your swords to school, even if you have been in a battle with a dragon that morning.
Could you label a plot outline with its parts? Could you fill in a plot outline for a story? (If you were absent, read the story, and ask me for the test paper. Cave Time would be the best time to do this.) For more on Plot, see May 4/5, 2010
Test on lie/lay. (If you were absent, see me for the test. Cave Time would be the best time to do this.)
B1 still needs lie/lay test. B2 took the test, but did not correct it. B4 took the test, and corrected it. A1 needs to take the lie/lay test. A2 took and corrected the test. A4 needs to take the lie/lay test.
Book-of-the-Month projects are due next time.
Return all books checked out from the classroom by this Friday, May 14.
The teacher shared a passage from The Shadow Thieves by Anne Ursu.
The teacher read Quick as a Cricket by Audrey Wood (a picture book of similes) to the class.
In your composition book, list as many similes as you can.
Figurative Language -- Lesson Power Point and Hall Walk
The PowerPoint taught the difference between literal and figurative, and taught seven techniques of figurative language:
onomotapoeia, metaphor, simile, alliteration, hyperbole, idiom, and personification
We looked at Figurative Language from the short stories we've read.
Students worked on writing a poem -- "I Know Three Skeleton Key"
Your poem has four stanzas -- Each begins -- "I Know Three Skeleton Key"
"I Know Three Skeleton Key" Briefly and powerfully describe four things you see.
"I Know Three Skeleton Key" Briefly and powerfully describe four things you hear.
"I Know Three Skeleton Key" Briefly and powerfully describe four things you smell.
"I Know Three Skeleton Key" Briefly and powerfully describe four things you feel.
[B2 needs to share their poems. ]
[A1 needs to do the gallery walk.]
[A4 needs to finish the gallery walk.]
Self-Starter for “Three Skeleton Key” by George C. Toudouze
Step 1. Look at the title and illustration on page 65.
Step 2. Silently read page 64.
Step 3. Do the quickwrite on page 64. Write it in your composition book.
Step 4. Exercise for subject-verb agreement: Copy the following sentences into your composition book, and then make needed corrections: (Do not change verb tense.)
1) There is also magical creatures.
2) The characters was another thing I liked.
3) Each of the characters are completely different.
4) They decides to go to the new candy store that just opened down the street form there school.
Note: B1, A1, A4 still need to do similes from "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi."] A1 did not do figurative language yet. B1, A1 did not start "I Know Three Skeleton Key."
Step 5a. In your composition book, write this heading:
Figurative Languagein “Three Skeleton Key.”
When you find a metaphor, simile, or other figurative language in the story, write it down, as well as the page number and column where you found it. Step 5b. Watch for the parts of the plot.
See the plot line we created for Three Skeleton Key here:
Don't forget to take the SRI if you haven't done it within the past couple of weeks. You may do it during CaveTime in Lab 223. Bring me your print out.
Finding figurative language in "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi"
[B2 and B4 found similes on page 13. B1, A1, A4 still need to do similes.] A2 needs to correct sentences. Look also at the use of lie/lay.]
Topics for today: Subject-Verb Agreement / Finding subject and verb in a sentence / Lie-lay verbs
Short Story -- Plot Line/Character B1 -- not yet covered character.
The Major Parts of a Plot: Exposition (introduces characters and setting and the basic situation) Rising Action (conflict and complications are shown) Climax (This is the highest point -- the point of greatest tension. At the point of climax, something important changes -- usually the conflict is resolved.) Falling Action (Tells what happens after the climax. This is a winding up Resolution -- How did everything end up. "And they all lived happily every after" is a resolution. In "Rikki-
Tikki-Tavi" the resolution tells us that from then on Rikki kept the garden free from snakes.
Self-Starter: ("The Smallest Dragon Boy")
A. In your textbook, on page 46, read "Make a Connection" and "Quickwrite." Write the quickwrite in your composition book.
B. Subject-Verb Agreement exercise: Copy these sentences into your composition book, and make corrections.
1. That make Percy a target to monsters.
2. There's magic item's in the book.
3. Ares ask them to go and retrieve his sword.
4. Grover get approval to become a searcher to search for Pan.
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C. Read the “Background” on page 46.
D. If you have time, read page 45 about metacognition.
