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8th Grade English Assignments

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of April 13 - April 17
 

Instructions for getting online -

If you are NOT using a Chromebook at home, you will need to do the following to login to your school Google account to access Google Classroom and all of the other Google apps:

  1. Open Chrome or another browser (but Chrome is optimal if you have it).
  2. If the Google homepage did not automatically open, go to google.com.
  3. Click on "Sign In"
  4. Enter your school email address:  (yourIDnumber)@my.hartdistrict.org (for example:  [email protected])
  5. Enter your supersecret password that you use to login to the classroom Chromebooks.
  6. Click on the waffle menu (9 squares) in the upper right corner to access Google Classroom, docs, sheets, slides, meet, chat, etc. 

If you have any questions about your grade or you would like to let me know that you have completed work that is currently missing, please email me at [email protected].

 
MONDAY    A new assignment is posted in Google Classroom.  It has three parts - complete a writing warm-up, do an IXL exercise, and finish Round Two of April Madness.  All are due today.  Everything is explained in Google Classroom. HOMEWORK:  Any missing or late work that needs to be done.
TUESDAY  Need a new book to read?  Here is a link to an amazing resource put together by our librarian Mrs. Fulleman.  https://4.files.edl.io/094d/03/26/20/213810-732fdb30-5697-416a-abff-8d14b9abac1f.pdf 
WEDNESDAY   See Google Classroom!  Another warm-up and the final round of April Madness (in honor of April being National Poetry Month) will be assigned.  There will either be another IXL exercise assigned or there will be something else assigned.  Stay tuned and check Google Classroom. HOMEWORK:  Any missing or late work that needs to be done.
THURSDAY  See Wednesday and keep checking in Google Classroom for all assignments and updates.
FRIDAY   Office hours for any questions are 9 am to noon.  After that, we have online meetings and teachers may not be available to answer questions during that time.  All work assigned is due today, if it hasn't been done already. Have a good weekend!
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of March 30 - April 3
 

Instructions for getting online -

If you are NOT using a Chromebook at home, you will need to do the following to login to your school Google account to access Google Classroom and all of the other Google apps:

  1. Open Chrome or another browser (but Chrome is optimal if you have it).
  2. If the Google homepage did not automatically open, go to google.com.
  3. Click on "Sign In"
  4. Enter your school email address:  (yourIDnumber)@my.hartdistrict.org (for example:  [email protected])
  5. Enter your supersecret password that you use to login to the classroom Chromebooks.
  6. Click on the waffle menu (9 squares) in the upper right corner to access Google Classroom, docs, sheets, slides, meet, chat, etc. 

If you have any questions about your grade or you would like to let me know that you have completed work that is currently missing, please email me at [email protected].

 
MONDAY    A new assignment is posted in Google Classroom.  It has two parts - complete a writing warm-up and read the poem on page 231 called "Teenagers."  After reading the poem, there is a short Google Form to complete.  That's it for today.  Both are due today. HOMEWORK:  Any missing or late work that needs to be done.
TUESDAY  Need a new book to read?  Here is a link to an amazing resource put together by our librarian Mrs. Fulleman.  https://4.files.edl.io/094d/03/26/20/213810-732fdb30-5697-416a-abff-8d14b9abac1f.pdf   And the annual Scholastic Book Fair is online this year!  There are books and items for all ages, everything is shipped to your home, free shipping on books-only orders of $25 or more, and 25% of the profits goes to the SV Library in the form of Scholastic Dollars for us to buy more books for our library.  Go to https://www.sierravistajuniorhigh.org/  select library, and home for more information.
WEDNESDAY   Two Daily Writing Warm-ups were posted on Monday.  If you didn't do the second one on Monday, please complete it today.  April Madness will hopefully be posted in honor of April being National Poetry Month.  
THURSDAY  See Wednesday and keep checking in Google Classroom for all assignments and updates.
FRIDAY   Office hours for any questions are 9 am to noon.  After that, we have online meetings and teachers may not be available to answer questions during that time.  All work assigned is due today, if it hasn't been done already.  Have a good Spring Break!  Please check out my message "Friday, April 3 - Please Read" in Google Classroom.
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of March 23 - March 27
 

Welcome Majestic Mountaineers!

We are about to embark on a three-week journey of "distance learning."  Before we start, I want to make sure everyone is able to access the lessons from home. The following instructions should help, but if you have questions, email me at [email protected].

Instructions for getting online -

If you are NOT using a Chromebook at home, you will need to do the following to login to your school Google account to access Google Classroom and all of the other Google apps:

  1. Open Chrome or another browser (but Chrome is optimal if you have it).
  2. If the Google homepage did not automatically open, go to google.com.
  3. Click on "Sign In"
  4. Enter your school email address:  (yourIDnumber)@my.hartdistrict.org (for example:  [email protected])
  5. Enter your supersecret password that you use to login to the classroom Chromebooks.
  6. Click on the waffle menu (9 squares) in the upper right corner to access Google Classroom, docs, sheets, slides, meet, chat, etc. 

To make sure that everyone stays up-to-date, I will always post all notices and information in three places: through Infinite Campus Messenger, on my website (go to sierravistajuniorhigh.org, the staff directory and then my name "Herr"), and in Google Classroom.


All assignments completed from today, March 16, will be included in the Quarter 4 grades.  Quarter 3 ends this Friday, March 20, so if you have any questions about your grade or you would like to let me know that you have completed work that is currently missing, please email me at [email protected].  Please note: the RC test we took Friday on My Brother Sam is Dead will be included in the Quarter 4 grade so that students who were absent can make it up and students who want to re-take it can do so.

I will be posting our first assignment - the Q3 District Performance Task - tomorrow, but I will "see" you Wednesday at 9 am for our first online class time! Of course, you can always email with questions at any time.

Mrs. Herr



 
MONDAY    A new assignment is posted in Google Classroom.  It has two parts - complete a writing warm-up and read the short story "Marigolds."  This story is in our textbook on page 213 and it can be read the "old-fashioned" way on paper, or you can log in to the electronic textbook.  (Directions for logging in are in Google Classroom and I will attach them below.)  With the e-textbook, students can follow along as the story is read to them.  This can be very helpful.  The e-textbook also has three short video clips to watch whSich can help with understanding the story.  HOMEWORK:  The warm-up is due today at midnight; please have the story read by Wednesday's class at 9 am.
TUESDAY   See Monday
WEDNESDAY   A second Daily Writing Warm-up was posted.  Both warm-ups (the one from Monday and today's) are due Friday.  Also posted was a worksheet on the figurative language in "Marigolds."  Students should have finished reading the story "Marigolds" by now.  This worksheet is also due on Friday. 
THURSDAY  See Wednesday and keep checking in Google Classroom for all assignments and updates.
FRIDAY   Office hours for any questions are 9 am to noon.  After that, we have online meetings and teachers may not be available to answer questions during that time.  All work assigned is due today.  Have a good weekend!
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of March 16 - March 20
 

Welcome Majestic Mountaineers!

We are about to embark on a three-week journey of "distance learning."  Before we start, I want to make sure everyone is able to access the lessons from home. The following instructions should help, but if you have questions, email me at [email protected].

Instructions for getting online -

If you are NOT using a Chromebook at home, you will need to do the following to login to your school Google account to access Google Classroom and all of the other Google apps:

  1. Open Chrome or another browser (but Chrome is optimal if you have it).
  2. If the Google homepage did not automatically open, go to google.com.
  3. Click on "Sign In"
  4. Enter your school email address:  (yourIDnumber)@my.hartdistrict.org (for example:  [email protected])
  5. Enter your supersecret password that you use to login to the classroom Chromebooks.
  6. Click on the waffle menu (9 squares) in the upper right corner to access Google Classroom, docs, sheets, slides, meet, chat, etc. 

To make sure that everyone stays up-to-date, I will always post all notices and information in three places: through Infinite Campus Messenger, on my website (go to sierravistajuniorhigh.org, the staff directory and then my name "Herr"), and in Google Classroom.


All assignments completed from today, March 16, will be included in the Quarter 4 grades.  Quarter 3 ends this Friday, March 20, so if you have any questions about your grade or you would like to let me know that you have completed work that is currently missing, please email me at [email protected].  Please note: the RC test we took Friday on My Brother Sam is Dead will be included in the Quarter 4 grade so that students who were absent can make it up and students who want to re-take it can do so.

I will be posting our first assignment - the Q3 District Performance Task - tomorrow, but I will "see" you Wednesday at 9 am for our first online class time! Of course, you can always email with questions at any time.

Mrs. Herr



 
MONDAY    Getting the hang of distance learning.  Try logging in and accessing all of your classes.
TUESDAY   Begin the Q3 District Performance Task.  Look for it in Google Classroom.  It should be done by midnight on SUNDAY.
WEDNESDAY   9 am to noon - online class time for English.  Work on the District PT and email me with questions.  We might be using Google Chat for this as well.
THURSDAY  Continue working on the PT, but you also have other classes to attend to online.
FRIDAY   Teacher office hours from 9 am to noon.  We can discuss the performance task and/or you can keep writing during this time.  The PT is due at midnight ON SUNDAY.
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of March 9 - March 13
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is THIS Friday, March 13 and will be on the book My Brother Sam is Dead. For extra credit, students can also test or re-test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY    Quick warm-up: two kinds of conjunctions; read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages 182-198; begin the drawing assignment which is due Thursday:  take ONE of the questions given in class and draw something that is connected to and/or represents the one question and answer you selected.  The drawing should fill an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of blank (no lines) paper.  It can be a scene from the book, a chart, graph or diagram, or an abstract representation.  HOMEWORK: finish reading chapter 13, up to and including page 198
TUESDAY   Quick warm-up: two kinds of conjunctions; finish My Brother Sam is Dead; return rubrics for the argumentative essay and discuss, especially because the district performance task essay is next week.  HOMEWORK: review the book - test is on Friday; finish the drawing (due Thursday).
WEDNESDAY   Read and discuss the article in our textbook called "Teens at Work" and the poem "My Mother enters the Work Force"  HOMEWORK: review the book - test is on Friday; finish the drawing (due tomorrow).
THURSDAY  Minimum Day.  Groups discuss the drawings and students complete an exit card about the discussion.  HOMEWORK: My Brother Sam is Dead test is tomorrow.
FRIDAY   My Brother Sam is Dead RC test;  complete two outlines on your argumentative essay as a way of reviewing skills needed for the performance task next week HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of March 2 - March 6
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is March 12 and will be on the book My Brother Sam is Dead. For extra credit, students can also test or re-test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY    Read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages 139-145; write the introduction and conclusion for your argumentative essay.  HOMEWORK: finish the essay if needed.  We have spent the last two weeks in class researching and writing this essay.
TUESDAY  Last day to complete the essay.  It is due at 3 pm.  We will be polishing it and making sure it is complete. HOMEWORK: none
WEDNESDAY   Read pages 146-158 (some of this may be assigned as homework).  Grammar warm-up (coordinating conjunctions).  Begin mini-project #1: written conversation.  HOMEWORK: read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages assigned in class
THURSDAY  Read pages 159-170 (some of this may be assigned as homework).  Grammar warm-up (coordinating conjunctions continued).  Finish mini-project #1: written conversation.  HOMEWORK: read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages assigned in class
FRIDAY   Read pages 171-181 (some of this may be assigned as homework).  Grammar warm-up (coordinating conjunctions - finish).  Begin mini-project #2: .  HOMEWORK: read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages assigned in class
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of February 17 - February 21
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is March 18 and will be on the book My Brother Sam is Dead. For extra credit, students can also test or re-test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY    No school
TUESDAY  Read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages 25 - 34; start a review of evidence collection by going to page 442 in the Student Electronic Textbook and clicking on Interactive Lesson: Reasons and Evidence.  HOMEWORK: finish chapter 2
WEDNESDAY   Read pages 38 - 50.  Complete the review on page 442 from Tuesday and then begin collecting your own evidence (see Google Classroom) HOMEWORK: read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages assigned in class
THURSDAY  Read pages 51-63; research for the essay. HOMEWORK: read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages assigned in class
FRIDAY   Read pages 64-76; research for the essay.  HOMEWORK: none, as long as you have enough evidence collected.
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of February 10 - February 14
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is March 18 and will be on the book My Brother Sam is Dead. For extra credit, students can also test or re-test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY    Step One in writing an essay: brainstorm about the topic and decide what you think.  (Chart - page 39, composition book); take the RC test; composition book check (page 37).  HOMEWORK: none
TUESDAY  Step Two in writing an essay: find your support.  Examine the sources given to you in Google Classroom.  Go to the library at the end of the period to get My Brother Sam is Dead.  HOMEWORK: none
WEDNESDAY   Warm-up: page 40 in the composition book; Read for 10 minutes followed by a quick discussion; start research for the essay.  HOMEWORK: read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages assigned in class
THURSDAY  Warm-up: page 40 in the composition book; Read for 10 minutes followed by a quick discussion; continue research for the essay. HOMEWORK: read My Brother Sam is Dead, pages assigned in class
FRIDAY   No school
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of February 3 - February 7
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Monday, February 10; however, students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY    Warm-up:  page 37, read for 10 minutes;  page 36 in the composition book: crafting a thesis and hook for an introductory paragraph. HOMEWORK: read for 20 minutes.
TUESDAY Warm-up:  page 37, type a practice introductory paragraph in Google Classroom. HOMEWORK: read for 20 minutes.
WEDNESDAY   Warm-up:  page 37, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion;  edit the introductory paragraph and discuss what makes a great hook, thesis, and transition statement. HOMEWORK: continue reading at home for 20 minutes .
THURSDAY  Warm-up:  page 37, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion; learn about propaganda techniques and how they could be used in an argumentative essay. HOMEWORK:  continue reading at home for 20 minutes.
FRIDAY   Warm-up:  page 37, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion; learn about propaganda techniques and how they could be used in an argumentative essay. HOMEWORK: none, but the RC test is Monday.  Do you need to finish your book???
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of January 27 - January 31
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Monday, February 10; however, students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY    Warm-up:  page 34, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion;  look at the team survey results for what students think they need to work on to be successful; try to focus on those goals while writing a paragraph (Google Classroom - "Practice Paragraph - Layered Elaboration") - due tomorrow at the end of class.  HOMEWORK: read for 20 minutes.
TUESDAY Warm-up:  page 34, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion;  look at the team survey results for what students think they need to work on to be successful; try to focus on those goals while writing a paragraph (Google Classroom - "Practice Paragraph - Layered Elaboration") - due today at the end of class.  HOMEWORK: read for 20 minutes.
WEDNESDAY   Warm-up:  page 34, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion; complete a chart that analyzes what strong evidence looks like.  HOMEWORK: continue reading at home for 20 minutes .
THURSDAY  Warm-up:  page 31, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion; learn about claim statements, hooks and write an introductory paragraph (Google Classroom). HOMEWORK:  continue reading at home for 20 minutes.
FRIDAY   Warm-up:  page 31, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion; finish the introductory paragraph and try a counter argument.  HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignments for the week of January 20 - January 24
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Monday, February 10; however, students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY     No school.
TUESDAY  Warm-up: page 31 in the composition book: sentences/grammar; Go over/grade the worksheet from Friday and last week's warm-ups. Copy thinking map on page 32 of composition book. HOMEWORK: Make sure you bring your RC reading book to class every day to read for 10 minutes and continue reading at home for 20.
WEDNESDAY   Warm-up:  page 31, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion; finish the thinking maps and use them to outline a practice paragraph. HOMEWORK: Make sure you bring your RC reading book to class every day to read for 10 minutes and continue reading at home for 20.
THURSDAY  Warm-up:  page 31, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion; discuss "elaboration layers"  HOMEWORK: Make sure you bring your RC reading book to class every day to read for 10 minutes and continue reading at home for 20.
FRIDAY   Warm-up:  page 31, read for 10 minutes, quick book discussion; using the outline and a template, write a practice paragraph that uses layered elaboration.  HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of January 13 - January 17
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Monday, February 10; however, students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY     Warm-up: page 28 in the composition book: sentences/grammar;  watch a BrainPop video on prepositional phrases; practice a TQE (thoughts, questions and epiphanies) class discussion. HOMEWORK: Make sure you have your composition book by Wednesday and a RC reading book by Thursday.
TUESDAY  Warm-up: page 28 in the composition book: sentences/grammar; complete a "bucket list" of prepositions (page 29 of composition book); TQE discussion on status symbols; begin reading Tom Sawyer, page 395 in the textbook.  HOMEWORK:  Make sure you have your composition book by Wednesday and a RC reading book by Thursday.
WEDNESDAY    Warm-up: page 28 in the composition book: sentences/grammar; check for composition books; read Tom Sawyer with a TQE discussion. HOMEWORK: check out a RC book for the next test
THURSDAY Warm-up: page 28 in the composition book: sentences/grammar; check for RC books; wrap-up Tom Sawyer; begin verbs. HOMEWORK: read for 20 minutes
FRIDAY   Warm-up: page 28 in the composition book: sentences/grammar; grammar worksheet; read an article in SCOPE magazine.  HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of December 16 - December 20
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Wednesday, This Week  and will be on the book Reaching Out.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.  (Due to recent events which caused us to lose important school time, this requirement does not apply this quarter.  It will apply for quarters 3 and 4.)
 
MONDAY     Warm-up: review the pages from homework reading; Read together pages 147-162; finish the bookmark and collect.  HOMEWORK: read pages 163-178
TUESDAY  Read pages 179 to the end on your own.  You can do this in class during the class Spelling Bee or as homework.  HOMEWORK:  Make sure you are done with the book and review as needed.
WEDNESDAY    RC test on Reaching Out; Start the STAR lexile test; visit the library to return books.  HOMEWORK: none
THURSDAY  Finish the STAR test.  HOMEWORK: none
FRIDAY   Teacher Work Day - no students.  Have a great break!  See you next year!!
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of December 9 - December 13
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Tuesday, December 17  and will be on the book Reaching Out.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY     District Performance Task Essay Test - this should NOT be worked on at home or at any time outside of class as it is a test.  Students will have some class time tomorrow and the opportunity at lunch and during Plainsman Progress Day after the early release to finish it. HOMEWORK:  none
TUESDAY  District Performance Task Essay Test (20 minutes).  Students may still come by at lunch and during PPD to finish up.  Read pages 58-68 of Reaching Out. HOMEWORK:  none
WEDNESDAY    Warm-up:  read Reaching Out pages 68-78;  Bookmarks (reading logs) will be passed out and discussed.  HOMEWORK:  read pages 78-92 of Reaching Out and complete the assigned bookmark portion.
THURSDAY Warm-up:  read Reaching Out pages 93-105;  Bookmarks (reading logs) will be discussed and checked.  HOMEWORK:  read pages 105-114 of Reaching Out and complete the assigned bookmark portion.
FRIDAY   Warm-up:  read Reaching Out pages 115-128;  Bookmarks (reading logs) will be discussed and checked.  HOMEWORK:  read pages 129-146 of Reaching Out  (no bookmark this time)
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of December 2 - December 6
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Tuesday, December 17  and will be on the book Reaching Out.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY     Warm-up:  read Reaching Out pages 41-46;  work on the compare/contrast informative essay:  continue and finish with research/note-taking for the paragraph on the poet's style.  HOMEWORK:  the essay and any work needed to complete it.  The paragraph on the poet's childhood should be done by now.
TUESDAY  Warm-up:  read Reaching Out;  work on the compare/contrast informative essay: finish writing the  paragraph on style.  HOMEWORK:  the essay, whatever doesn't get done in class.
WEDNESDAY    Warm-up:  read Reaching Out;  work on the compare/contrast informative essay:  we will write a quick introduction and conclusion to finish the essay. HOMEWORK:  the essay, whatever didn't get done in class - it is due now.
THURSDAY  District Performance Task Essay Test - this should NOT be worked on at home or at any time outside of class as it is a test.  Students will have class time Monday and Tuesday to finish it.  HOMEWORK:  none
FRIDAY   District Performance Task Essay Test - this should NOT be worked on at home or at any time outside of class as it is a test.  Students will have class time Monday and Tuesday to finish it.   HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of November 18 - November 22
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Tuesday, December 17  and will be on the book Reaching Out.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY     Warm-up:  read Reaching Out;  work on the informative essay:  students should have a poem and poet selected, and should have found that poet in World Book Advanced plus two other sources.  HOMEWORK:  the essay and any work needed to raise the progress report grade which is due now 
TUESDAY  Warm-up:  read Reaching Out;  work on the informative essay: students should take notes on the poet's childhood from all three sources; re-take on the RC test may be taken in class or at lunch today.  HOMEWORK:  the essay, whatever doesn't get done in class.
WEDNESDAY    Warm-up:  read Reaching Out;  work on the informative essay:  write an EBP on the poet's childhood.  We will review claim, evidence and elaboration.  HOMEWORK:  the essay, whatever doesn't get done in class.
THURSDAY  Warm-up:  read Reaching Out;  work on the informative essay:  take notes on the poet's poetry/what he or she is known for.  HOMEWORK:  the essay, whatever doesn't get done in class.
FRIDAY   Warm-up:  read Reaching Out;  work on the informative essay: write a paragraph on the poet's poetry/what he or she is known for.  HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of November 11 - November 15
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Wednesday, November 13 and will be on a book chosen by the student.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY     Veteran's Day Holiday
TUESDAY Warm-up: Copy notes (page 27) for our new novel Reaching Out.  We will read this in class; the RC test on this is Dec. 17.  Page 1-7 read today.  Introduce the next project - write an informative essay on a poet (due Nov. 22) and memorize one of this poet's poems to recite in class (due Dec. 11) HOMEWORK: read your RC book.  The test is TOMORROW
WEDNESDAY    Warm-up: make sure page 27 is done; RC test; find a poem and poet; return Foreshadowing EBP and discuss. HOMEWORK:  Work on the essay
THURSDAY  Read Reaching Out; start research on your poet's childhood. HOMEWORK: work on the essay
FRIDAY   Read Reaching Out; finish research on your poet's childhood. HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of November 4 - November 8
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Wednesday, November 13 and will be on a book chosen by the student.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY     Warm-up: prepositions worksheet on page 25 in the composition book; notes on foreshadowing (page 26 in the composition book) and read "The Monkey's Paw" page 105 in the textbook - look for examples of foreshadowing in the story.  HOMEWORK: read your RC book.  The test is next week - Nov. 13
TUESDAY Warm-up: prepositions worksheet on page 25 in the composition book; notes on foreshadowing (page 26 in the composition book) and read "The Monkey's Paw" page 105 in the textbook - look for examples of foreshadowing in the story.  HOMEWORK: read your RC book.  The test is next week - Nov. 13
WEDNESDAY    Warm-up: subjects and verbs; write an effective body paragraph on how foreshadowing was used in "The Monkey's Paw."  This will be done in Google Classroom.  Some students may need to finish this for homework.  HOMEWORK:  Read for 20 minutes
THURSDAY  Movie Day - Harriet Tubman.  Periods D and C will read a biography on Harriet in their textbook. HOMEWORK: Read for 20 minutes
FRIDAY   Warm-up: subjects and verbs; learn about and start brainstorming for Quarter Two's project: write an informative essay on a poet of your choice.  You will also need to memorize and recite one of the poet's poems.  HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of October 28 - November 1
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Wednesday, November 13 and will be on a book chosen by the student.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY     Warm-up: prepositions worksheet on page 22 in the composition book; elaboration stations group notes (page 23 in the comp. book)  HOMEWORK: read for 20 minutes - all students have checked out a book that they should be reading for the test on Nov. 13
TUESDAY  Warm-up: Prepositions worksheet; copy elaboration transition statements; watch a clip from the movie "Legally Blond" where the main character uses elaboration techniques. HOMEWORK:  Read for 20 minutes.
WEDNESDAY    Warm-up: worksheet on what makes you afraid; read "Scary Tales" on page 99 and finish the worksheet (due now); crossword puzzle "Now for the Nouns" HOMEWORK:  Read for 20 minutes
THURSDAY  Warm-up: "What I know about prepositions." Return narrative essays and discuss the grades; read/listen to "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Poe HOMEWORK: Read for 20 minutes
FRIDAY   Warm-up: Review composition book before taking the Preposition Quiz; Begin reading "The Monkey's Paw" on page 105 of the textbook; take notes on page 25 of composition book. HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of October 21 - October 25
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Wednesday, November 13 and will be on a book chosen by the student.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have three books to test on this quarter.
 
MONDAY     Warm-up:  Copy elaboration notes on page 23 in the composition book.  Watch "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street" and then practice elaboration for a pretend Effective Body Paragraph. HOMEWORK:  Bring your ID card and composition book to the library tomorrow.
TUESDAY  Meet in the library to find a reading book in your personal lexile range.  We will also read pages 18-20 in the textbook and search for great examples of similes and metaphors. HOMEWORK:  Read for 20 minutes.
WEDNESDAY    Warm-up: page 22 in the composition book - prepositions; go over yesterday's figurative language lesson; continue reading "My Favorite Chaperone" from page 21 in the textbook and answering questions on page 20 in the composition book. HOMEWORK:  Read for 20 minutes
THURSDAY  Warm-up: page 22 in the composition book - prepositions; continue reading "My Favorite Chaperone" and answering questions on page 20 in the composition book. Check these answers for a grade. HOMEWORK: Read for 20 minutes
FRIDAY   Warm-up: page 22 in the composition book - prepositions and check for a grade. Groups will practice elaboration techniques - page 23 in the composition book. HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of October 14 - October 18
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Monday and will be on a book chosen by the student.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have TWO books to test on between now and Oct. 14.
 
MONDAY    RC Test; Finish the narrative (due Thursday) and edit it using the Editing Rules in Google Classroom; complete the Poster Quotation Information assignment, also in Google Classroom.  HOMEWORK:  The poster is due Wednesday; the narrative is due Thursday.
TUESDAY  Return the Effective Body Paragraph assignment and discuss; complete the Poster Quotation Information assignment and discuss poster presentations; if there is time, students can work on their narratives or practice their poster presentations. HOMEWORK:  The poster is due Wednesday; the narrative is due Thursday. 
WEDNESDAY   Poster presentations begin.  Students can arrive before first period to turn in their posters.  Please make sure that the poster contest entry form is glued to the back of the poster.  HOMEWORK:  The quarter ends Friday - any missing work to complete and turn in?  Do you need to re-take your RC test?
THURSDAY     Make sure the narrative is turned in through Google Classroom; Poster presentations continue. HOMEWORK: The quarter ends Friday - any missing work to complete and turn in?  Do you need to re-take your RC test?
FRIDAY   Warm-up:  Prepositions worksheet; finish poster presentations; get back to reading "My Favorite Chaperone." pages 16-18.  HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of October 7 - October 11
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is October 14 and will be on a book chosen by the student.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have TWO books to test on between now and Oct. 14.
 
MONDAY   Fall Break - no school
TUESDAY  Notebook organization and missing work catch-up; read "My Favorite Chaperone" to page 16 and answer questions on page 20 in the composition book. HOMEWORK:  read for 20 minutes - the RC test is Monday; posters are due next Wednesday, Oct. 16
WEDNESDAY   Warm-up: page 21 in the composition book - Character and Dialogue; begin written narrative assignment - see Google Classroom for details. HOMEWORK:  read for 20 minutes - the RC test is Monday; posters are due next Wednesday, Oct. 16
THURSDAY     Review figurative language and continue with the narrative. HOMEWORK: read for 20 minutes - the RC test is Monday; posters are due next Wednesday, Oct. 16
FRIDAY   Review editing rules and finish the narrative.  HOMEWORK: the RC test is Monday; posters are due next Wednesday, Oct. 16
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of September 30 - October 4
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is October 14 and will be on a book chosen by the student.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have TWO books to test on between now and Oct. 14.
 
MONDAY    Finish the Effective Body Paragraph (see Google classroom) on the character Catherine.  Please follow the "Editing rules" in Classroom before turning it in.  HOMEWORK:  finish the paragraph, if needed, and read for 20 minutes.
TUESDAY  Read pages 3-5 in the textbook to begin the story "My Favorite chaperone."  Students working in groups will each complete a worksheet on this.  HOMEWORK:  read for 20 minutes
WEDNESDAY   Warm-up: continue the prepositions worksheet.  STAR test will be given.  This tests for a student's reading lexile.   HOMEWORK:  read for 20 minutes
THURSDAY     Warm-up: continue the prepositions worksheet.  Continue with "My Favorite Chaperone" Finish Tuesday's worksheet (#18 in the composition book). HOMEWORK: read for 20 minutes
FRIDAY   Warm-up: continue and finish the prepositions worksheet for a grade.  Learn more about lexile, share and discuss your RC book; short worksheet to share. HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of September 23 - September 27
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is October 14 and will be on a book chosen by the student.  Students can test on any book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.  Remember:  if you signed up for the Enriched English program, you have TWO books to test on between now and Oct. 14.
 
MONDAY    To the library to make sure every student has a book that they will enjoy reading.  HOMEWORK:  read for 20 minutes.
TUESDAY  Warm-up: prepositions worksheet - page 14 in the composition book.  Identify a common theme in literary texts. HOMEWORK:  read for 20 minutes
WEDNESDAY   Warm-up: continue the prepositions worksheet.  Begin an "effective body paragraph" about how the character Catherine in the novel Rules is a dynamic character.  We will finish this next Monday, September 30. HOMEWORK:  read for 20 minutes
THURSDAY     To the library to learn about the 8th grade annual poster contest.  In the classroom, learn about the paragraph that goes with the poster and is due with the poster on October 16.  HOMEWORK: read for 20 minutes
FRIDAY   We will practice "STEAL-ing" a character which will help students write their paragraph on Catherine.  HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of September 16 - September 20
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is Thursday and will be on the book Rules which we are reading in class.  Students can test on any other book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.
 
MONDAY    Warm-up: quick assessment on prepositions, subjects, and verbs.  Read Rules pages 167-180 - test on this book (and any others you have finished) on Thursday. HOMEWORK:  read your RELAX book.
TUESDAY  Warm-up: read Rules pages 180-190.  Get started (finally) on the Figurative Language mini-project (attached below and due Friday). Return narrative projects. HOMEWORK:  read your RELAX book
WEDNESDAY   Warm-up: Finish Rules pages 191-200. Plot chart on this book as a review for the test tomorrow.  Continue with the Figurative Language project. HOMEWORK:  read your RELAX book and work on figurative language mini-project
THURSDAY     MINIMUM DAY -  RC test on Rules, Continue with the Figurative Language project - due tomorrow.  HOMEWORK: read your RELAX book
FRIDAY   Return preposition assessment and review; collect figurative language project, complete a "one-pager" as practice for the upcoming poster contest. HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of September 9 - September 13
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is October 19 and will be on the book Rules which we are reading in class.  Students can test on any other book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.
 
MONDAY    Warm-up: Journal on page 8 - What advice would you give Catherine?  Read 89-93 and, on page 9, describe who, what, where, when why and how for those five pages.  Repeat three more times, every five pages, until you reach page 109.  HOMEWORK:  read your RELAX book.
TUESDAY  Warm-up: catch up on page 5 in the composition book - characterization and inferences; read Rules pages 110-119.  HOMEWORK:  read your RELAX book
WEDNESDAY   Warm-up: figurative language worksheet and mini-project - due Wed. Sept. 18; read Rules pages 120-135. HOMEWORK:  read your RELAX book and work on figurative language worksheet
THURSDAY     Preposition worksheet - page 10 in the composition book; read Rules pages 136-151. HOMEWORK: read your RELAX book; finish preposition worksheet if needed
FRIDAY   Check preposition worksheet; read Rules pages 152-166; work on the figurative language project.  HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of September 2 - September 6
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is October 19 and will be on the book Rules which we are reading in class.  Students can test on any other book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.
 
MONDAY    Labor Day Holiday
TUESDAY  Warm-up: prepositions, write a sentence on page 6 of your composition notebook; review what is needed for the narrative cartoon (due Friday); read Rules pages 41-50.  HOMEWORK:  finish the narrative - due Friday; read your RELAX book; notebook check on Friday
WEDNESDAY   Hand out the Enriched Letter to all students interested in joining the Enriched English program.  Please return this ASAP if interested. Read Rules pages 50-65; add to your notes and begin journals (page 8 in the composition book). HOMEWORK:  finish the narrative; read your RELAX book; get Enriched English letter signed if interested.
THURSDAY     MINIMUM DAY for Back-to-School Night.  Collect Enriched English letters; celebrate September birthdays; Read Rules pages 66-81 and continue with journals.  HOMEWORK:   finish the narrative; read your RELAX book; get Enriched English letter signed if interested.
FRIDAY   Collect narratives and Enriched English letters; notebook check; do page 5 in composition books about characterization inferences; read Rules pages 82-97 and continue with journals. HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of August 26 - August 30
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.  The next class testing date is October 19 and will be on the book Rules which we are reading in class.  Students can test on any other book any day at lunch or after school when they are ready.
 
MONDAY    Collect signed course orientations.  Social Contract Day  HOMEWORK:  read your RELAX book.
TUESDAY  Collect signed course orientations. Start reading the book Rules. Introduce the narrative project.  HOMEWORK:  read your RELAX book.
WEDNESDAY  Collect signed course orientations. Narrative project.  HOMEWORK:  read your RELAX book.
THURSDAY    Collect signed course orientations. Warm-up: prepositions; read Rules, narrative project.  HOMEWORK:   read your RELAX book.
FRIDAY   Collect signed course orientations - these are now considered late. Warm-up: July and August birthdays, read Rules, narrative project - due next Friday. HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of August 19 - August 23
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.
 
MONDAY    We started taking notes on narrative terms and will continue this through Wednesday.  Most students had composition books ready to go for these notes which is wonderful!  All students should have a composition book no later than Thursday.  In order to demonstrate these narrative terms, we are watching the movie Homeward Bound."  Today's notes were on characterization.  I have a copy of these notes in my room for any student who is absent.  HOMEWORK:  Make sure you have a composition book; read your RELAX book.
TUESDAY  Narrative notes continued: today it's all about plot.  HOMEWORK:  Make sure you have a composition book; read your RELAX book.
WEDNESDAY  Hopefully, this will be the last day for both the narrative notes and the movie.  HOMEWORK:  Make sure you have a composition book; read your RELAX book.
THURSDAY    We will be forming a social contract using the Capturing Kids Hearts program.  HOMEWORK:  Make sure you have a composition book; read your RELAX book.
FRIDAY  Warm-up:  prepositions worksheet (All worksheets will be glued into the composition book.)  Either finish the movie and/or review plot with a Kahoot! game and/or a Disney/Pixar short, short animation.  HOMEWORK: none
 
 

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Assignment

Assignments for the week of August 12 - August 16
 
*The main homework is to read for 20 minutes Monday through Thursday.  Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can throughout the year.  There are rewards (including extra credit) for reading offered throughout the year.  One-million-word readers are also invited to the 8th grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.  Students are required to read at least two books each quarter and take a Reading Counts test for each book read.
 
MONDAY    No students - work day for teachers
TUESDAY  The first day of school!  I will have a course orientation available next week.  The most important thing for now is to buy a composition book, hopefully by Monday.  For supplies, students only need a composition book, a pen or pencil, and a RELAX reading book.
WEDNESDAY  Warm-up: a quick "get-to-know-you survey"; brainstorming exercise on how to prevent writer's block
THURSDAY    Warm-up: write a letter to yourself documenting your life right now.  I will return it to you last last week of school as a mini time capsule.  An exercise to learn about prepositions.
FRIDAY  Special school-wide SUCCEED Day.