Being Kind Can Make You Happier

It makes sense!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/27/168128084/random-acts-of-kindness-can-make-kids-more-popular?utm_source=NPR&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20121227

Back to School in January 2013

By the end of the term:
1.  Expect a practice test and a final test on your prefixes and suffixes.  Use your magical study guide to prepare, or just study this chart:

Prefixes and Suffixes Chart 2011   -- This is a file to download.

2.  There will be more instruction on writing a complete paragraph, with emphasis on comparing and contrasting, and you will take a final test on that.  

3.  Your Basic 8, Book 4 project is due on the 7th (A-Day) and 8th (B-Day).  Have it ready to hand in.  

Here is your assignment: 

Fantasy-Sci Fi BOM Assignment 2012-12.doc

4.  Make sure you've completed and handed in any late or revised assignments by January 7th, which is the last day to hand in late or revised work.  

Tuesday/Wednesday, December 18/19, 2012

A1/B1:  Charity Basketball Games

Important Announcements: 
If you have not presented your SSR (Basic 8, Book #3), come after school on this Tuesday or Wednesday.

Take your SSR materials and your character cube, please.  

After we come back from our Christmas vacation, your Book #4 project is due within a few days.  Also we will take the final test on prefixes and suffixes, so make sure you know those.  Use your magical study guide.  

Prefixes and Suffixes Chart 2011   -- This is a file to download.

1. iRead:  Individual Reading and fill out your Reading Log 
             (not first period)
2.  Read The Giver (Hopefully finish.)
3.  iWrite:  Next Chapter   December 19, 2012
After finishing The Giver, in your compostion book write about what happens next. What would be in the next chapter -- Chapter 24)  of The Giver if there were one? 

Special Note:  According to Maika H, the community of The Giver apparently had mnemophobia, the fear of memories!


4. Grammar Lesson: Parts of Speech!


5. (if time) Work on summarizing with The Father Christmas Letters

I am summarizing  Father Christmas Letter 19 -- -- 
by J.R.R. Tolkien.

In-Class Reading of The Giver
Date Dec.   18/19	A1 page 155 top of page track 5 4:58	A3 p. 169 track 9 6:07	A4  page 161 top	B7 track 10 page 170	B8 to last paragraph in the book
to
	page 163 before going to basketball game Finished	Finished	Finished

Friday/Monday, December 14/17, 2012

• iRead and fill out reading log
• iWrite -- Santa Letters (Finish Magical Study Guide, if needed.)
• Finish Magical Study Guides, if needed.
• Central Idea Pretest
• The Giver

4. The Giver  and Symbolic Story Representation Presentations

In-Class Reading of The Giver
Date Dec.   10/11	A1   to page 143 -- Last paragraph	A3 to page152 --begin next at track 5	A4 to page 142 halfway down -begin track 1, 5:33	B7 to page 149 halfway down Track 3, 5:46	B8 to page  155 to page break Track 5, 5:33
Dec. 12/13	page 150, halfway down Track 4, 0:45	p. 156 begin at middle of page next time.	p.  begin at track 4 0:29	p.  begin at track 6 1:28 page 156	p.  begin at track 9, 1:03
Dec.  14/17	page 155 top of page track 5 4:58	p. 169 track 9 6:07	page 161 top	track 10 page 170	to last paragraph in the book

originally published 12/10/12

2012 SSR

Fun Facts and Short Videos about BOOKS!

You may not be able to watch these at school, but enjoy them at home -- especially the stop motion animation.

http://100scopenotes.com/2012/12/10/2012-childrens-lit-the-year-in-miscellanea/

Gift Ideas -- Books!

Parents:
Amazon has published their lists of best books of 2012.  Here are their picks for Middle Grade and Teens.  Please note that some of the teen books may more appropriate for high school students than  for seventh grade students because of "mature content and themes."

Middle Grade:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/b/ref=pe_253370_27189050_pe_b3/?node=5917240011

Teen:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/b/ref=pe_253370_27189050_pe_b4/?node=5917241011

Recommended Christmas Titles

These are books I recommend for Christmastime:

The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien -- These are letters that J.R.R. Tolkien wrote (I mean Father Christmas wrote) to Tolkien's children each year, complete with wonderful artwork and a Goblin alphabet.

Stubby Pringle's Christmas by Jack Shaefer  (actually a long short story, but sometimes published as a small book) -- This is the story of a young cowhand who has been isolated for two months at the farthest winter-line camp, and is headed to a Christmas Eve dance far down in the valley.  What will he do when he comes upon a small cabin holding a family in need on this Christmas Eve?

Of course, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
And The Night Before Christmas in whatever illustrated version you prefer.

Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Siebold -- This charming picture book tells the story of a dog named Olive who hears the famous song and thinks it must be about her!

The Mitten and others books by Jan Brett.  Much of the joy and storytelling is in the details of he artwork.

A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Edward Ardizzone -- a classic

e.e. cumming's "Little Tree" illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray

The Tomten and The Tomten and the Fox by Astrid Lindgren -- Lovely, lyrical picture books

Star Mother's Youngest Child by Louise Moeri, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck.  You may have heard this story (or seen a video of it) and not known that it was written by the famous author Pearl S. Buck.  Look of the edition with illustrations by Mark Buehner.

Caralyn and Mrk Buehner's snowmen books

On This Special Night by Claire Freedman and Simon Mendez -- picture book

Little Golden Books: (nostalgic for me)
The Littlest Christmas Tree by Thornton W. Burgess
Santa's Toy Shop
Mickey Mouse flies the Christmas Mail


For fun and perhaps to make us realize that sometimes we just need to slow down and spend some time with each other:  Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney







more to come

Wednesday/Thursday, December 12/13, 2012

Wednesday is 12-12-12!!!!!!

Reminders:  

• Have you presented your Symbolic Story Representation? --Past due
• Handouts in case you lose your own:  Print both to make up the packet. 
  Basic 8 3 Symbolic Story Rep.doc
  Symbolic Story Grading 8-3.doc

•  If you haven't yet received the assignment for the Book #4 project, pick one up from  the handout file at the back of the room. (blue)
• Have you handed in your Giver Argument Essay?  --Past due
• Have you signed up for your next book?  Basic 8, Book 4?  -- Sign-up is due by this Thursday.  Project is due Jan. 7-8. 
• Fantasy and Science Fiction Novels
• Defining Fantasy and Science Fiction
• Books Not Allowed for the Outside Reading Assignment
• The movie of The Hobbit comes out THIS WEEK.
• We have only two or three more classes before Christmas vacation.
• Charity Basketball games will be on the 18th and 19th during A1 and B1.  Save some dollars to bring! 
• The semester ends January 14. 

_____________________________________

1. iRead:  and fill out  your reading log
Have you signed up for your Basic 8, Book #4? 

(Symbolic Story Representation Presentations)

2. iWrite:  Not in Your Composition Book!    
Write a letter to Santa for a fundraiser

For each letter received, 

Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish,

 up to $1 million. 

http://social.macys.com/believe/?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-believe-_-n-_-n#/home
http://www.wish.org/help/macy_s_believe

Your letters could be "what I want for Christmas letters," or thank you letters to Santa, or other letters appropriate to send to Santa. 
Write as many as you wish.  I wonder which class will write the most?   

    All letters must be legible and show honest effort.

Optional:  Up to ten points of extra credit is available if you write a persuasive letter, convincing Santa that you belong on the "Nice List,"  not on the naughty list.   
                       Only one letter will receive extra credit.
That letter would need to include:

• A claim
• Three reasons with details as to why you are indeed NICE!
• A conclusion.

These letters and other  letters for this fundraiser must be handed in by the end of school on the 19th.  

3. Create a Magical Study Guide: 

Magical Study Guide for Prefixes and Suffixes

4. The Giver  and Symbolic Story Representation Presentations

In-Class Reading of The Giver
Date Dec.   10/11	A1   to page 143 -- Last paragraph	A3 to page152 --begin next at track 5	A4 to page 142 halfway down -begin track 1, 5:33	B7 to page 149 halfway down Track 3, 5:46	B8 to page  155 to page break Track 5, 5:33
Dec. 12/13	page 150, halfway down Track 4, 0:45	p. 156 begin at middle of page next time.	p.  begin at track 4 0:29	p.  begin at track 6 1:28	p.  begin at track 9, 1:03

5. Paragraph -- What's Missing?

            A day at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park may seem expensive. It is worth the price.  For the thirty-dollar adult admission, there is much to see and learn.   You can attend planetarium shows about planets and stars, earthquakes, weather, or other topics without further charge.  There's a shaking house that simulates the movement of three different magnitudes of earthquakes.  Visitors learn about the San Francisco earthquake, the causes of earthquakes, where fault lines run, and about how to be prepared for an earthquake. The academy has an extensive and beautifully designed aquarium that could by itself provide hours of viewing and learning.   There is the African hall with a variety of dioramas, some with mounted animals, and others with live animals, including an entire colony of African penguins.   They have the largest spherical rain forest exhibit in the world, with a spiraling walkway going up four stories from the underbrush to the canopy. There's  a living roof, carpeted with plants native to California, with walkways accessible to visitors.   At the working science labs you can learn about a variety of topics from the experts.   The cost of a day’s admission  is a worthwhile bargain.  

Jennica Dorsey and a new friend at the California Academy of Sciences  -- photo by Claudia Dorsey

Butterfly in the rainforest dome at the California Academy of Sciences  -- photo by Claudia Dorsey

go to 

6. Paragraph -- A Highlight of My Christmas Vacation

Return, if desired to 1. Paragraph -- A Highlight of My Christmas Vacation

or to

January 3/4, 2013 -- Thursday/Friday

4. Paragraph -- What's Missing?

            A day at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park may seem expensive, but it is worth the price.  Considering all that is available at the California Academy of Sciences, the cost of a day’s admission  is a worthwhile bargain.  

Looking down from a walkway inside the Rain Forest Dome at the California Academy of Sciences  -- photo by Claudia Dorsey

The Rainforest dome at the California Academy of Sciences            -- photo from http://www.calacademy.org/academy/exhibits/rainforest/

5. Paragraph -- What's Missing?

or to

January 3/4, 2013 -- Thursday/Friday

3. Paragraph -- What's Missing?

            A day at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park may seem expensive, but it is worth the price.  For the thirty-dollar adult admission, there is much to see and learn.   For instance, once you are in, you can attend planetarium shows about planets and stars, earthquakes, weather, or other topics without further charge.  Other exhibits about earthquakes include a shaking house that simulates the movement of three different magnitudes of earthquakes.  On that tour visitors learn about the San Francisco earthquake, the causes of earthquakes, where fault lines run, and about how to be prepared for an earthquake.  In addition, the academy has an extensive and beautifully designed aquarium that could by itself provide hours of viewing and learning.   There is also the African hall with a variety of dioramas, some with mounted animals, and others with live animals, including an entire colony of African penguins.   One of the most outstanding features is the largest spherical rain forest exhibit in the world with a spiraling walkway going up four stories from the underbrush to the canopy.  Above the entire building is a living roof, carpeted with plants native to California, with walkways accessible to visitors.   At the working science labs you can learn about a variety of topics from the experts.   

The Living Roof at  the California Academy of Sciences 
-- Photo by Jennica Dorsey

4. Paragraph -- What's Missing?

or to

January 3/4, 2013 -- Thursday/Friday

2. Paragraph -- -- What's Missing?

            For instance, once you are in, you can attend planetarium shows about planets and stars, earthquakes, weather, or other topics without further charge.  Other exhibits about earthquakes include a shaking house that simulates the movement of three different magnitudes of earthquakes.  On that tour visitors learn about the San Francisco earthquake, the causes of earthquakes, where fault lines run, and about how to be prepared for an earthquake.  In addition, the academy has an extensive and beautifully designed aquarium that could by itself provide hours of viewing and learning.   There is also the African hall with a variety of dioramas, some with mounted animals, and others with live animals, including an entire colony of African penguins.   One of the most outstanding features is the largest spherical rain forest exhibit in the world with a spiraling walkway going up four stories from the underbrush to the canopy.  Above the entire building is a living roof, carpeted with plants native to California, with walkways accessible to visitors.   At the working science labs you can learn about a variety of topics from the experts.   Considering all that is available at the California Academy of Sciences, the cost of a day’s admission  is a worthwhile bargain.  

The Morris Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences with surrounding water features. -- Photo by Claudia Dorsey

Go to 3. Paragraph -- What's Missing?

or to

January 3/4, 2013 -- Thursday/Friday

1. Paragraph -- A Highlight of My Christmas Vacation

This paragraph is based on an experience I had over Christmas Vacation 2012.  Instead of writing a narrative, I decided to state a claim and provide evidence to prove my claim.   

            A day at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park may seem expensive, but it is worth the price.  For the thirty-dollar adult admission, there is much to see and learn.   For instance, once you are in, you can attend planetarium shows about planets and stars, earthquakes, weather, or other topics without further charge.  Other exhibits about earthquakes include a shaking house that simulates the movement of three different magnitudes of earthquakes.  On that tour visitors learn about the San Francisco earthquake, the causes of earthquakes, where fault lines run, and about how to be prepared for an earthquake.  In addition, the academy has an extensive and beautifully designed aquarium that could by itself provide hours of viewing and learning.   There is also the African hall with a variety of dioramas, some with mounted animals, and others with live animals, including an entire colony of African penguins.   One of the most outstanding features is the largest spherical rain forest exhibit in the world with a spiraling walkway going up four stories from the underbrush to the canopy.  Above the entire building is a living roof, carpeted with plants native to California, with walkways accessible to visitors.   At the working science labs you can learn about a variety of topics from the experts.   Considering all that is available at the California Academy of Sciences, the cost of a day’s admission  is a worthwhile bargain.  

Jennica Dorsey in the walk-though rain-forest aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences  -- Photo by Claudia Dorsey

Go to   2. Paragraph -- -- What's Missing?

or to

January 3/4, 2013 -- Thursday/Friday

6. Paragraph -- A Highlight of My Christmas Vacation

What's wrong with this paragraph? 

            A day at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park may seem expensive, but it is worth the price.  For the thirty-dollar adult admission, there is much to see and learn.   For instance, once you are in, you can attend planetarium shows about planets and stars, earthquakes, weather, or other topics without further charge.  Other exhibits about earthquakes include a shaking house that simulates the movement of three different magnitudes of earthquakes.  On that tour visitors learn about the San Francisco earthquake, the causes of earthquakes, where fault lines run, and about how to be prepared for an earthquake.  In addition, the academy has an extensive and beautifully designed aquarium that could by itself provide hours of viewing and learning.   Another great aquarium is  the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Of course, we have our Living Planet Aquarium in Utah, but it's not nearly as large.  Once I got to see baby sharks there that had been born that day.  There is also the African hall with a variety of dioramas, some with mounted animals, and others with live animals, including an entire colony of African penguins.   One of the most outstanding features is the largest spherical rain forest exhibit in the world with a spiraling walkway going up four stories from the underbrush to the canopy.  Above the entire building is a living roof, carpeted with plants native to California, with walkways accessible to visitors.   At the working science labs you can learn about a variety of topics from the experts.   Considering all that is available at the California Academy of Sciences, the cost of a day’s admission  is a worthwhile bargain.  

Claudia and Jennica Dorsey at the Monterey Bay Aquarium           -- photo by a complete stranger, but on Ms. Dorsey's camera

Return, if desired to 1. Paragraph -- A Highlight of My Christmas Vacation

or to

January 3/4, 2013 -- Thursday/Friday

Monday/Tuesday, December 10/11, 2012

Reminders:  

• Have you presented your Symbolic Story Representation? --Past due
• Handouts in case you lose your own:  Print both to make up the packet. 
  Basic 8 3 Symbolic Story Rep.doc
  Symbolic Story Grading 8-3.doc

•  If you haven't yet received the assignment for the Book #4 project, pick one up from  the handout file at the back of the room. (blue)
• Have you handed in your Giver Argument Essay?  --Past due
• Have you signed up for your next book?  Basic 8, Book 4?  -- Sign-up is due by this Thursday.  Project is due Jan. 7-8. 
• Fantasy and Science Fiction Novels
• Defining Fantasy and Science Fiction
• Books Not Allowed for the Outside Reading Assignment
• The movie of The Hobbit comes out THIS WEEK.
• We have only three or four more classes before Christmas vacation.
• Charity Basketball games will be on the 18th and 19th.  Save some dollars to bring! 
• The semester ends January 14. 

iRead -- Quietly read and fill out your reading log.

iWriteRight: Reminder about -ate

Daleks Help with a Seventh Grade Suffix

iWrite -- Holidays-- Prewriting   December 10 or 11 
Create a chart comparing two different holidays.  What do they have in common, and what is different?  Your chart will look something like this.  Give yourself plenty of room.

A. Collect Holidays 
Create a list of all the holidays you can think of.

Hanukkah  
Veterans' Day
Christmas
4th of July
New Years
Groundhog Day
Buddy the Elf What's Your Favorite Color Day
Halloween
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Remembrance Day -- Pearl Harbor Day


 


B. Create your comparison/contrast chart.

Holiday #1 is __________ Unique to Holiday #1	Both #1 and #2 Share	Holiday #2 is _________ Unique to Holiday #2

Sample: 

Holiday #1 is  St. Patrick's Day Unique to Holiday #1	Both #1 and #2 Share	Holiday #2 is  Valentine's Day Unique to Holiday #2
Leprechauns shamrocks wear green or be pinched There aren't usually treats at school. People seldom exchange cards or gifts. Eat Irish food at home Some cities have parades. shamrocks	Both are  holidays. We don't get out of school for either one. Neither is a banking  (or post office) holiday. Both provide stores with opportunities to earn money. We celebrate both at our home.	Cupid hearts you don't have to wear red or pink, but many people do. Eat chocolate and other candies There may be treats and parties at school. People exchange Valentine cards or gifts. Sometimes those who are dating or married provide a special meal for their loved one roses and other flowers

The Giver -- The teacher summarized up to chapter 18 
Listen/Read from there on.  

In-Class Reading of The Giver
Date Dec.   10/11	A1  A1 to page 143 -- Last paragraph	A3 to page152	A4 to page 142 halfway down	B7 to page 149 halfway down Track 3, 5:46	B8 to page  155 to page break Track 5, 5:33
Dec. 12/13

Extra Credit:  See Ms. Dorsey to pass off any of the poems.
Find errors in published work. Show Ms. Dorsey or Ms. Bills. Also: Extra Credit	Extra Credit Poems	Extra Credit: Nothing in Heaven Functions As It Ought