Ms. Vickery

Thurs., 8/30

Sorry about yesterday's blog. I wrote one after 3rd period, but I must have saved it incorrectly. It's probably floating out there in space where lost emails and socks reside! Today, you took THE WAVE quiz which we noted last week. Then you completed a writing activity on our Bridge story. To recap yesteday's blog, be sure to tell your parents about the unique approach to the SAT study. Your notecards with illustrations and definitions are due on Thurs, 9/6. Other than your work on the notecards, there will be no homework tonight.

Tues., 8/28

Today in class after we diagrammed our DGP, we discussed the definition of "inference" and the critical nature of developing the skill both for school and life. We added the definition to our Buzzword list. Then we read the short story "On the Bridge". If you were absent today, you need to come in early to makeup the classwork and reading. For tonight, students are to explain the syllabus and get it signed, bring 3x5 notecards for tomorrow, and take notes on THE WAVE for our quiz on Thurs.

Mon., 8/27

Welcome to Monday! Today in class, we assembled and checked the writing process packet for the "beach" paragraph. Afterwards we turned in both the packet and the final copy of the paragraph. We began the DGP for week 1: Mon -Thurs. Come in early if you do not know how to write the DGP. Your WAVE quiz will be on Thurs.

Friday, 8/24

Thanks to all the parents who made the special effort to attend Open House last night. I appreciate your show of support and look forward to working with you and your student. Today, we discussed the concept of "syntactic maturity" as it applies to student writing progress. Then each student worked with a peer editor on the beach paragraph. The weekend assignment is to make final corrections, a clean copy, and a collection of all the pieces of the writing process we have used in this project. Also, students, don't forget to make your 8 corners for your books. Try to stay cool in this hot weather. See you on Monday!

Thurs., 8/23

Today we have had a writer's workshop as you matched your beach paragraph to the criteria that your peer editor will look for tomorrow. When you have finished with your revisions, please create a clean copy for your editor to read tomorrow. Remind your parents about Open House tonight and decide if you want to join the Latin program.

Wed., 8/22

Oops! I had to leave right after school yesterday before I usually write on the blog. As you students would say "my bad!". I try to write several times a week and usually everyday. Today you brought your 11 sentence beach paragraph to class. If you missed yesterday's lesson, I can help you before school on Thurs. AM. Tonight you are to correct the tenses in the paragraph and work on adding apt adjectives to your nouns. Tomorrow we will use peer editing to check your work. In some classes, we handed out books; we'll complete that process tomorrow. I'm looking forward to meeting your parents at Open House tomorrow evening.

Mon., 8/20

Today in class we shared the "hello" poems. For tomorrow, you need to sit quietly & visualize the beach. Then write a list of 20+ words: nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. You will use that list as we begin a writing assignment tomorrow.

Friday, 8/17

How organized are you? Very...if you were in class today. The notebook  sections are full of supplies, so that you are ready for all our plans. Ms. V shared her "Hello" poem & took questions. Remember to bring your final copy correctly written to share in class on Monday. Have a great weekend...and stay cool!!

Thurs., 8/16

Today in class, we discussed the snapshots & brushstrokes needed for a terrific writing piece. Then we reviewed the "Hello" poem assignment due on Monday the 20th. Tonight students are to work on the rough draft of the piece and make sure to complete the notebook organization for tomorrow's assignment.

Wed., 8/15

Wow! You shared some terrific symbol drawings in class today after we learned our first 3 buzzwords for the year. Tonight, please listen out for any examples of buzzwords that you hear tonight.