Dr. Williams

November 30

P1 and P3--Students continued to learn about research during lessons by Mrs. Inman in the media center.  Here are the directions for the project they will be working on tomorrow and Friday in class.  Download Research Passport Directions  HW--Continue to memorize the lines from "The New Colossus."

P2, P4, and P5--We began talking about specific elements of persuasive arguments using a PowerPoint and a note taking sheet.  Download Ethos Pathos Logos PowerPoint Notes  Download Ethos, Pathos, Logos 2011  Students will use this note sheet as they write persuasive pieces and as a study guide.

November 29

This is the last week to purchase YEARBOOKS!

P1 and P3--We went to the media center, and Mrs. Inman taught us about research skills.  HW--Find out where your ancestors came from for tomorrow.  Finish illustrating three lines from "The New Colossus" for tomorrow.  Memorize lines 11-15 for Monday.

P2, P4, and P5--Students used the text book to complete note sheets on persuasion.  These sheets will become their study guides. No homework.

November 28

Any student with missing tests or quizzes needs to come in before school tomorrow morning (Tuesday) to make the grade up.  Go to the cafeteria before 8:15, and they will let you back once I let them know I am ready for you.  If you come after 8:15, you may not be allowed to come back.  Check Pinnacle to make sure you know whether or not you have missing grades. 

P1 and P3--We are starting the next unit, Embracing the Dream, by looking at the American dream those entering the United States through Eilis Island had.  Today, we examined the poem, "The New Colossus."  Students participated in a discussion about the meaning of the poem.  They then picked 3 lines that they found interesting to illustrate.   HW--Memorize lines 11-15 for next Monday (12/5).  For Wednesday, you need to know about your family's history.  Which countries did your ancestors come from?  This will be the basis of some research later in the week.  Illustrations of the three lines are due Wednesday.

P2, P4, and P5--We are beginning the next unit on persuasion.  Introducing the unit today was a brainteaser about products and their slogans.  We then used a media disk that came with our text book to examine what makes effective advertising.  No homework.

November 18

Enjoy the holiday!  No homework for any class.

November 17

P1 and P3--Those who needed to review grammar from the pre-test were able to do so.  The other students worked on rewriting the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" matching the meter, syllabication, and parts of speech.  HW--Study for vocab quiz over lesson 5.

Here are the lyrics to The 12 Days of Christmas.  Click here and change the lyrics to include your new song. Download 12 days of Christmas Lyrics

 P2, P4, and P5--Students continued working on their expository news article.  If they finished, they wrote a poem about Thanksgiving.  HW--Study for vocab test lesson 45.

November 16

Don't forget, those who will be absent Friday can come in early tomorrow morning before 8:15 to take the test/quiz that will be given on Friday.  Students must check-in at the cafeteria before 8:15 before coming back to the room.

P1 and P3--Dialogue Pop Quiz; Students were given back their pretests for grammar.  They looked to determine which areas they need more practice in and have time this week to review those areas.  Those who finish reviewing are writing their own lyrics to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas.  The lyrics must match the meter, syllables, and parts of speech.  HW--Vocab squares due tomorrow.  Vocab quiz over lesson 5 will be Friday.

P2, P4, and P5--We reviewed how to write effective hooks for non fiction writing.  Students practiced writing hooks using each of the techniques given.  They then had time to finish their graphic organizer before starting their rough draft of the news article they are writing on "The Dog of Pompeii."  HW--Study for the vocabulary test on lesson 45 on Friday.

November 15

Yearbook--Bring your money by the 18th!

Not going to be here Friday?  Missed an assessment this week? You may come in before school on Thursday to take your test/quiz.  I don't want you to have to think about language arts over break!  P1 and P2--Lesson 5 Vocab Quiz; P3, P4, and P5--Lesson 45 Vocab Test  Students must check-in at the cafeteria by 8:15.  They should not arrive after that time!

P1 and P3--Students took a test over mythology characters.  They then had the rest of the class to work on their vocabulary squares to help prepare for the vocab. quiz this Friday.  This quiz will not be matching and will look more like the tests that we normally have.  HW--Study for vocab test on lesson 5.  Vocabulary squares due Thursday.

P2, P4, and P5--Students took an adjective test.  As they finished, they began filling in the 5 W graphic organizer about the story read yesterday in class.  HW--Study for the vocabulary test over lesson 45 which will be Friday.

November 14

Yearbook Sales--This Week!--$30.00

P1 and P3--Students took a pretest over grammar.  The results will be used to determine which areas the class and individuals need to work on.  HW--Study for mythology test tomorrow.  Use flashcards to help prepare.  Vocabulary squares for lesson 5 due Thursday.  Friday--Vocab quiz over lesson 5--This will NOT just be a matching quiz because we will not have a test over this unit due to the break next week.

I have finished grading the myths!  I really enjoyed reading them and will give them back either today or tomorrow so that students can look over their errors.  Grades are entered in Pinnacle already.

P2, P4, and P5--Why is news important?  In preparation for writinga news article, students read "The Dog of Pompeii" as well as a couple of non-fiction texts in our literature book.  As time permitted, they could begin completing a graphic organizer for the 5 W's--who, what, when, where, and why.  We will have mini-lessons on how to write leads and how to organize this type of non-fiction writing.  This assignment will be done entirely in class.  HW--Study for adjective test tomorrow.  Check the blog from Friday for resources to help with studying.  Students had a completed a study guide on Friday, and we checked it before they left for the weekend.  Lesson 45 Vocab test will be Friday.

November 11

P1 and P3--We practiced identifying adjectives using menus.   Students wrote different descriptions for menu items using stronger adjectives.  HW--Study flashcards for Tuesday's mythology test

P2, P4, and P5--Students took a matching vocab quiz.  They then completed a study guide for the test on Tuesday, and we checked it.  HW--Study for adjective test Tuesday and vocabulary test on Friday.

Review Options for Adjectives

http://www.quia.com/rr/845754.html

http://www.rhlschool.com/eng3n4.htm

http://www.english-zone.com/grammar/adjective3.html  Nouns Acting as Adjectives

http://www.english-zone.com/grammar/adjective-find01.html

http://www.superteachertools.com/jeopardy/usergames/May201118/game1304912578.php  Jeopardy Game

 

 

November 10

Grading Papers--All 5 classes turned in papers this week, so it will take me a little while to get them all graded.  Please be patient as I work to get them all carefully graded.

P1 and P3--Students took a quiz on the subordinate conjunction song.  We then reviewed adjectives before students began working on some practice sheets on adjectives. Download Adjectivereview 2010  Download Adjectivereview 2010 answers  HW--Remember, there will be a test on mythology characters next Tuesday!  Study flash cards.

P2, P4, and P5--Students finished typing their expository papers and printed them off.  HW--Study for the vocabulary quiz tomorrow.  Here are the words in case they get left at school.  Download Lesson 45 Words

Next Week--Adjective Test on Tuesday;  Vocabulary Test on Friday.