Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Common Grammar Errors

http://www.npr.org/2014/12/30/372495062/the-npr-grammar-hall-of-shame-opens-with-i-and-me
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Monday, December 22, 2014

Asking Questions



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Saturday, December 20, 2014

Verbs -- Comic



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Friday, December 19, 2014

Friday, December 19, 2014

Wed. Regular B-Day, Thurs. A-Day (Basketball games), Friday B2, B3 (B1 at games)  

Announcements and Reminders:

There will be NO cavetime on Thursday or Friday. 
Classes will be normal during B6-B8 and A2-A4.
The only seventh grade classes affected by the charity games will be B5 and A1.

Preparing to go to the Charity Games

  • The deadline for all late work and extra credit 
    • is December 19.

  • If you haven't yet signed up for your December book -- fantasy or science fiction -- sign up as soon as possible.  The project is due by January  6. 


B5:
1.  More on Theme:  
Find the theme in songs -- and sing along.

Sing-Along:
What would be a theme for this song?

* * * * * * * * * * * *
 2 .  More on Main Idea and Supporting Details:  Unscrambling!   Complete this sheet:
Check this AFTER you have done your best to unscramble the sentences and topics: 

Answer Key for Mixed Up Paragraphs


  • Complete the practice first, unscrambling one paragraph with its topic, topic sentence, supporting details, conclusion, and an alternate central idea that is too broad.
  • Then sort the sentences and topics on the other side. This time there are two paragraphs mixed in together for an extra challenge.  
 B5: Before you leave for the basketball games, leave this in the top wire turn-in basket. 


 3a.   If you have catching up to do, work on that. 

 3b.   If not, read your fantasy or science fiction book and/or do the 

 Christmas Mad-Lib (for those who are caught up)




B6:

1.  More on Main Idea and Supporting Details:  Unscrambling!   Complete this sheet:
Check this AFTER you have done your best to unscramble the sentences and topics: 

Answer Key for Mixed Up Paragraphs



  • Complete the practice first, unscrambling one paragraph with its topic, topic sentence, supporting details, conclusion, and an alternate central idea that is too broad.
  • Then sort the sentences and topics on the other side. This time there are two paragraphs mixed in together for an extra challenge.  
12  More on Theme:  
Find the theme in songs -- and sing along.

Sing-Along:
Frosty the Snowman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx7xrVZJoyA
What would be a theme for this song?



3. More on Theme and Main Idea

THEME:
The Country Mouse and the City Mouse
video: 

Find the story at :
or

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse


Create a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the cartoon  with the typed version of the story. 

Describe the country as it is shown in this fable:

Describe the city as it is shown in this fable: 

What is the theme?

B6 got to here._________________
NOW FOR CENTRAL IDEA:   (The BIG IDEA found in nonfiction)
read and practice finding central idea and supporting details



B7:
1.  More on Theme:  
Find the theme in songs -- and sing along.

Sing-Along:
Frosty the Snowman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx7xrVZJoyA
What would be a theme for this song?

2.  More on Theme and Main Idea

THEME: (The BIG IDEA found in stories, book, poems)
The Country Mouse and the City Mouse
video: 

Find the story at :
or

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse


Describe the country:

Describe the city: 

What is the theme?


NOW FOR CENTRAL IDEA:   (The BIG IDEA found in nonfiction)
read and practice finding central idea and supporting details


Watched video of The Outsiders to the point where Dally leaves the drive-in movies




If needed: 
  •   Reading from The Outsiders   

    B5:  Page 25 "Okay, I said. . .  " to page 31 page break
    B6: Page 26  "He'd leave you along if he knew you." -- none today
    B7: Page 22  "Dally merely shrugged and strolled off." to page 30, top
            Last time A1 starting on page 13, read through page 18






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The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse


The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
An Aesop's Fable

             Now you must know that a Town Mouse once upon a time went on a visit to his cousin in the country. He was rough and ready, this cousin, but he loved his town friend and made him heartily welcome. Beans and bacon, cheese and bread, were all he had to offer, but he offered them freely. The Town Mouse rather turned up his long nose at this country fare, and said: "I cannot understand, Cousin, how you can put up with such poor food as this, but of course you cannot expect anything better in the country; come you with me and I will show you how to live. When you have been in town a week you will wonder how you could ever have stood a country life."
          No sooner said than done: the two mice set off for the town and arrived at the Town Mouse's residence late at night. "You will want some refreshment after our long journey," said the polite Town Mouse, and took his friend into the grand dining-room. There they found the remains of a fine feast, and soon the two mice were eating up jellies and cakes and all that was nice. Suddenly they heard growling and barking.
        "What is that?" said the Country Mouse.
        "It is only the dogs of the house," answered the other.
        "Only!" said the Country Mouse.   "I do not like that music at my dinner."
        Just at that moment the door flew open, in came two huge mastiffs, and the two mice had to scamper down and run off.
        "Good-bye, Cousin," said the Country Mouse,
        "What! Going so soon?" said the other.

        "Yes," he replied;   [Here is stated the moral of the story.]


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Thursday, December 18, 2014

Christmas Mad-Libs

On any piece of paper, number one to twenty-nine, then list these words:

1. a common or proper noun noun that names an occasion or event such as a holiday, month, day of the week, celebration, et.
2. common noun
3. common noun
4. an -ing verb
5. common noun
6. plural common noun (Plural means more than one.)
7. common noun that is part of a house
8. proper noun -- name of a famous person
9. plural common noun that names a type of people
10. common noun that names a piece of furniture
11. common noun
12. an -ed verb
13.  common noun that names a part of the body (Be nice!)
14. common noun naming something that would be outside
15.  common noun naming noise (onomatopoeia)
16.  action verb
17.  common noun naming a piece of furniture
18.  common noun naming a part of the body  (Be nice!)
19.  common noun
20.  common noun naming an animal
21.  adjective (a word that describes)
22. adjective
23. proper noun naming a famous person
24.  common noun naming a material (such as plastic or wool or wood, etc. )
25. common noun
26.  common noun
27. common noun
28.  common noun naming a job or profession
29.  common noun naming an object that someone with the job in #28 would use


Here is the story to go with these.  Do not look at it until you have filled in all of the above words.

Christmas Mad-Lib Story





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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Charity Games


Schedule for Charity Games
December 18th and 19th
 No backpacks in the gym.
 Take care of personal needs before entering the gym. Once you are in the gym you are NOT to leave until the end of the game.
 NO saving seats. Sit close, no feet on the bleacher below, we need every inch.
 Students may only attend their grade’s game.
 Students are required to pay $1 each time they enter the gym for a period.
 NO CAVE Time on Thursday 12/18 or Friday 12/19.
 ALL proceeds from the games will be given to AFJH families who could use some extra help during this holiday season.

 Teachers will wait for the announcement from the office before sending  students to the boy’s gym.

Thursday, December 18th
A1 8:35-9:35 – 7th grade students only
A2 10:05-11:10 – 8th grade students only
NO GAMES DURING 3RD period – regular lunch schedule
A4 1:40-2:40 – 9th grade students only
**A4 will be the 9th grade girls against the women staff/faculty

Friday, December 19th
B1 8:35-9:35 – 7th grade students only
B2 10:05-11:10 – 8th grade students only
NO GAMES DURING 3RD period – regular lunch schedule
B4 1:40-2:40 – 9th grade students only
**B4 will be the 9th grade boys against the men staff/faculty
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Main Idea

 
TOPIC
    A topic is also called the subject.
    The topic of a paragraph is the subject that it's about.  To find the topic, ask yourself this simple question:  In general, who or what is this paragraph about?
     Your answer to this question will be the paragraph's topic.

Read the paragraph below.  As you do so, ask yourself, "In general, who or what is this paragraph about?"

          Several remedies for too much sun can be made right in your kitchen.  For instance, you can soothe a case of sunburn by spreading plain yogurt over the burnt area for ten minutes.  Or you can sit in cool bath water to which you have added a cup of vinegar or baking soda.  If your eyes have been irritated by the sun, cover them for five minutes with chilled tea bags or cotton soaked in milk.

Now, can you choose the letter of the item that you think is the topic.  Your answer should not be too broad or too narrow.
       a.  Using yogurt to soothe sunburn
       b.  Remedies for too much sun
       c.  Remedies

The topic, remedies for too much sun, is general enough to include all of the other ideas in the paragraph.
Using yogurt to soothe sunburn is too narrow to be the topic of the paragraph.  It covers only one of the remedies mentioned.
 Remedies is too broad.  It includes remedies other than those for getting too much sun.

MAIN IDEA (Central Idea)
     The main idea is a general idea.  It states the chief point of a paragraph. Very often, the main idea appears in a sentence called the topic sentence.  The rest of the paragraph consists of specific ideas and details that support and explain the main ideas.

   To find the main idea, ask yourself,  what is the author telling us about the topic?

     Think of the main idea as an "umbrella" statement.  Under the main idea fits all the other material of the paragraph.  The other material is specific ideas in the form of examples, reasons, facts, and other supporting evidence.

     The topic sentence will state the main idea: a general idea that includes, or covers the other material in the paragraph.




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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Wed. Regular B-Day, Thurs. A-Day (Basketball games), Friday B2, B3 (B1 at games)  

Announcements and Reminders:

There will be NO cavetime on Thursday or Friday. 
Classes will be normal during B6-B8 and A2-A4.
The only seventh grade classes affected will be B5 and A1.
  • The deadline for all late work and extra credit 
    • is December 19.

  • If you haven't yet signed up for your December book -- fantasy or science fiction -- sign up as soon as possible.  The project is due by January 6. 
  • If you did not do well on the Main Idea, Broader Idea, Narrower Idea assignment, ask for a new copy you can use to redo it.  You could come to Cave Time today to complete that.  
  • The Charity Basketball Games will be held this Thursday and Friday.  Seventh graders will attend the A1 and B1 games.  If you want to go, bring a dollar (or more).  
    • Come to class.  You will be excused when administration is ready.
    • It would be a good idea to stash your backpack BEFORE you come to class.
    • Use the restroom or get a drink BEFORE you go to the gym.  You will not be allowed out once you are in the gym.
    • Enjoy!
1.  More on Theme:  

Find the theme in songs -- and sing along.

Sing-Along:
Frosty the Snowman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx7xrVZJoyA
What would be a theme for this song?


2.iRead: Individual Reading--  Read your science fiction or fantasy book.

A1:   3.  More on Main Idea and Supporting Details:  Unscrambling!   Complete this sheet:
Check this AFTER you have done your best to unscramble the sentences and topics: 

Answer Key for Mixed Up Paragraphs
  • Complete the practice first, unscrambling one paragraph with its topic, topic sentence, supporting details, conclusion, and an alternate central idea that is too broad.
  • Then sort the sentences and topics on the other side. This time there are two paragraphs mixed in together for an extra challenge.  
A1/B1:
4.  Holiday learning experiences and catching up

Christmas Mad-Libs


B2, B3: 
3. More Main Idea 


  •   Reading from The Outsiders   -- We did not read today.

    B5:  Page 25 "Okay, I said. . .  " to page 31 page break
    B6: Page 26  "He'd leave you along if he knew you." -- none today
    B7: Page 22  "Dally merely shrugged and strolled off." to page 30, top
            Last time A1 starting on page 13, read through page 18


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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Announcements and Reminders:

 There will be NO cavetime on Thursday or Friday.
  • The deadline for all late work and extra credit is December 19.
  • If you haven't yet signed up for your December book -- fantasy or science fiction -- sign up as soon as possible.  The project is due by January  6. 
  • If you did not do well on the Main Idea, Broader Idea, Narrower Idea assignment, ask for a new copy you can use to redo it.  You could come to Cave Time today to complete that.  
  • The Charity Basketball Games will be held this Thursday and Friday.  Seventh graders will attend the A1 and B1 games.  If you want to go, bring a dollar (or more).  
    • Come to class.  You will be excused when administration is ready.
    • It would be a good idea to stash your backpack BEFORE you come to class.
    • Use the restroom or get a drink BEFORE you go to the gym.  You will not be allowed out once you are in the gym.
    • Enjoy!
  • (If you're going to the basketball games, check our class blog for more information about Main Idea.)
Wed. B-Day, Thurs. A-Day 

 1. iWrite:  Writing and finding topics and topic sentences/central ideas.

Sentence and Topic Unscramble

Example: 
1. A second difference is that while the M&M is a subdued brown, the Skittle is a vibrant orange color.

2. After I get through the candy shell, my M&M is smooth, while the Skittle is chewy.

3. First of all, the M&M is chocolate on the inside, but the Skittle is fruity inside.

4. I enjoy both candies even though they are very different from each other.

5. The differences between Skittles and M&Ms

6.  The Skittle and M&M that I hold in my hand both have a candy shell and are tasty, but they have several differences.


Sort:
Topic: _____

a)    ______
b)    ______
c)    ______
d)    ______



     The Skittle and M&M that I hold in my hand both have a candy shell and are tasty, but they have several differences. First of all, the M&M is chocolate on the inside, but the Skittle is fruity inside. A second difference is that while the M&M is a subdued brown, the Skittle is a vibrant orange color. After I get through the candy shell, my M&M is smooth, while the Skittle is chewy. I enjoy both candies even though they are very different from each other.


_____________________________

Writing and Finding Central Ideas

What is the topic?

What is the Central Idea/Topic Sentence?

Paragraph 1: Modeling
Topic: Important Information for Students Attending the Charity Basketball Games at American Fork Junior High

Central Idea: Students who plan to attend the charity basketball games at American Fork Junior High need to know this important information.

Find the topic using Repeated Words and Synonyms:

Paragraph 2: Writing it Together

Topic: How Children Can Tell Santa What They Want for Christmas.

Central Idea: There are several ways children can let Santa know what they want for Christmas. 

Find the topic usingRepeated words and synonyms:

Paragraph 3: Your Own under “Notes and QuickWrites.”

Topic: Why Santa Should Bring Me a ________ for Christmas

Write a complete sentence for your Central Idea/Topic Sentence.
Use three or more supporting details.
Use transition words.
Include a concluding sentence.

Underline your topic sentence.
Circle transitions.
Number your supporting details.
Double underline your concluding sentence.

__________________________

2.iRead: Individual Reading--  Read your science fiction or fantasy book -- when you have finished writing your paragraph. 

3.  More on Theme:  

Find the theme in songs -- and sing along.

      A.  Sing-Along with "Rudolph": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKoLVpdCJ04
             What is the theme -- the life lesson in Rudolph?

      B. Lyrics to  "Am I Wrong" by Nico and Vinz 
            1)  Read through the lyrics.
                     Fold your paper in half and write on the back of it 
                        what you think it means.
            2)  Watch the official video, then on the other side of the back 
                         write what you think it means now.
             3)  Watch a video that shows the singer/songwriters 
                       telling about what led to writing the song.
  What is the theme?  (Could there be more than one theme, or more than one way of stating the theme?)

              4) Write three themes from this song. 



Explaining where the idea came from --


(Main Idea-- How to Find  a Main Idea)



Themes for "Am I Wrong":
* Work hard to achieve your goals.
* Be yourself and don't let others tell you who you are.
* It's okay to be different-believe in yourself.
* The sky is the limit-chase your dreams.
* If you can dream it, it can happen.
____________________________ Themes from classes for "Am I Wrong":
It is your place to say what you feel.
Taking opportunities can lead to success.
Don't let others control your life.
Strive for your desires.
Don't let anyone tell you you're not good enough to accomplish your goal.
Don't let anyone tell you you're wrong about what you're doing. 
Follow your heart.
Do the things you want to do in your life. 
__________________
Don’t let the world change you; change the world.       
Follow your heart.
Be original.
Don’t be afraid to be different.
Never give up. 
Follow your own path and be yourself.
Follow your dreams.
No one believes in you more than you believe in yourself.
Don’t pay attention when people judge you.   
Once you choose the path you want, stick with it.
_________________________


You have a life: enjoy it.
Do what you want to do instead of what everyone else tells you to do.
Don’t let other choose how your life is; take the other path and let nothing stop you.
Do what you love.
If you stick with your goal, you can be on top of the world.
Take the opportunities that let you do what you want to do.

4.  Reading from The Outsiders -- if time.

B5:  Page 25 "Okay, I said. . .  " to page 31 page break


B6: Page 26  "He'd leave you along if he knew you." -- none today
B7: Page 22  "Dally merely shrugged and strolled off." to page 30, top
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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Announcements and Reminders:
  • The deadline for all late work and extra credit is December 19.
  • If you haven't yet signed up for your December book -- fantasy or science fiction -- sign up as soon as possible.  The project is due by January  6. 
  • If you did not do well on the Main Idea, Broader Idea, Narrower Idea assignment, ask for a new copy you can use to redo it.  You could come to Cave Time today to complete that.  
  • The Charity Basketball Games will be held this Thursday and Friday.  Seventh graders will attend the A1 and B1 games.  If you want to go, bring a dollar (or more).  
    • Come to class.  You will be excused when administration is ready.
    • It would be a good idea to stash your backpack BEFORE you come to class.
    • Use the restroom or get a drink BEFORE you go to the gym.  You will not be allowed out once you are in the gym.
    • Enjoy!
Before #1 -- Read from The Outsiders: 

A1 starting on page 13, read through page 18


1. iWrite:   Ponyboy says it really bothers him that Sodapop dropped out of school. 
Sodapop explains part of why he did on pages 17-18.   Consider, too, the situation the Curtis boys are in. 
Write an argument paragraph in the NOTES AND QUICKWRITES section of your composition book, arguing either that

    Sodapop made the wrong decision when he decided to drop out of school.
 or
    Sodapop made a good, understandable decision when he decided to drop out of school.
  • Audience:  Your classmates and teacher 
  • Purpose: Using writing to think through something, and  to share your experience and observations.  
  • Task: Write a  paragraph (or more if you wish) with 
    • a topic sentence,   (underline)
    • supporting details,  (number) You should have three or more supporting details to support the topic sentence you chose. 
    • and a conclusion.    (double underline)
    •      circle transitions -- You need at least one. 
  • Write in third person -- using he, she, her, his, him.
2. 1.iRead: Individual Reading--  Read your science fiction or fantasy book -- when you have finished writing your paragraph. 

3.  More on Theme:  

 Find the theme in songs -- and sing along.

       A.  Sing-Along with "Rudolph": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKoLVpdCJ04
             What is the theme -- the life lesson in Rudolph?

      B. Lyrics to  "Am I Wrong" by Nico and Vinz 
            1)  Read through the lyrics.
                     Fold your paper in half and write on the back of it 
                        what you think it means.
            2)  Watch the official video, then on the other side of the back 
                         write what you think it means now.
             3)  Watch a video that shows the singer/songwriters 
                       telling about what led to writing the song.
  What is the theme?  (Could there be more than one theme, or more than one way of stating the theme?)


Explaining where the idea came from --







Themes for "Am I Wrong":
* Work hard to achieve your goals.
* Be yourself and don't let others tell you who you are.
* It's okay to be different-believe in yourself.
* The sky is the limit-chase your dreams.
* If you can dream it, it can happen.




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