8th Grade Writing 3/24!

News: Today in the 8th Grade Writing class we practiced for our Harlem performance!

Homework: No Homework!

8th Grade Writing 3/15/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we are getting PARCC ready! Students will be spending the rest of the week doing PARCC practice so they are comfortable and ready to go!

Homework: Finish the Plants and Places story and questions!

8th Grade Writing 2/27/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we began presenting the child soldier/amnesty group projects. We will continue presentations tomorrow.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 2/24/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we began learning the dances for our Harlem Renaissance project. Students did a  great job listening and practicing today!

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 2/21/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class, students continued working on their child soldier/amnesty presentation. Today was the last in-class day to work. All other work must be done at home.

Homework: Finish presentation

8th Grade Writing 2/17/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students continued to work with their groups on their child soldier/amnesty presentation. Students will be preparing their presentations for the next couple of class periods.

Homework: No Homework!!

8th Grade Writing 2/10/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students took their final day to research child soldiers. They are focusing on the big question of, "Should child soldiers be given amnesty, and if so, under what conditions?"

Homework: No homework.

8th Grade Writing 2/8/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students continued their research on Child Soldiers. Today's focus was the overall big picture consequences that may come from granting child soldiers amnesty.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 2/3/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we continued our work with our child soldier unit. Today we did a picture walk and discussed students reactions to the different scenes photographed.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 2/2/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we began our Information unit on Child Soldiers. We watched two news clips with interviews of child soldier Ishmael Beah discussing some of the situations he went through. Students were then given time to write about their reactions to the topic.

Homework: Finish your half-page reaction in Google Classroom.

8th Grade Writing 2/1/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we brainstormed possible position paper speech topics.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 1/30/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students presented their Simulated Violence presentations with their groups. Overall, presentations went well and students were able to defend their positions.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 1/27/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students continued working on their Simulated Violence Group Presentation. All presentations are due Monday.

Homework: Finish your slides on your presentation.

8th Grade Writing 1/25/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students are in the process of researching the effects of simulated violence on youth. They will compile their notes and create a Google Slides presentation to present to the class.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 1/23/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we completed a flash draft writing activity. During the flash draft phase of writing, students spend time getting their thoughts down without focusing so much on revisions and putting in the research. This particular lesson teaches students that writing is bigger than what you are writing about, it's also about the process and planning.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 1/18/17

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we spent the class period discussing yesterday's debate-what stood out to the students, did anyone change their view, and final thoughts.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 1/9/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we finished a very enlightening and energetic class discussion about various topics.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 1/9/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we began a great discussion on topics that students randomly selected from the basket. No research has been completed yet. The discussion serves as an opening activity to Information Writing.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 1/5/17!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we participated in a roundtable discussion reflecting on first semester and what we can do better this semester to be more successful.

Homework: No Homework!!

8th Grade Writing 12/7/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students continued working on the Argument Essay. Throughout the week they will finish writing, peer edit, and turn in their essay by the end of class on Friday.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 12/4/16!

News: Students began writing their final Argument essay in class. The research for their topics was completed last week.

Homework: No homework! You will have this entire week of class to write, edit, and publish your essay.

8th Grade Writing 12/2/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing Class students continued their research on two possible argument writing topics that they may be interested in writing their essay about. They should have notes on the claim and the counter claim for each topic.

Homework: No homework, unless you need to finish researching. We will begin writing our essays in class on Monday.

8th Grade Writing 11/29/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we spent some time brainstorming possible Argument Writing topics and also deciphering which topics would present the best research.

Homework: No homework! We will research in class for the rest of the week.

8th Grade Writing 11/28/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students participated in mini debates to help prepare them to write their final Argument Writing essay. We began brainstorming possible topics to write about. We will finish tomorrow.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 11/22/16

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we broke into three different groups and discussed different topics. Students were supposed to state their view on a topic and back it up.

Homework: Choose one of the topics in Google Classroom and find an article to back up your thinking using direct text evidence. Your writing should be one-half page.

8th Grade Writing 11/18/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students began their "mini project" of working with a partner to create a fun and creative writing piece focusing on author's craft.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 11/17/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we began our study on Author's Craft. We watched a Keynote presentation and used the lyrics to Beyonce's song Halo to look for examples of author's craft. We then worked in groups to play "Claim It, Name It, Frame It!"

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 11/16/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students continued their focus on theme, but also shifted towards making a claim. For example, one claim that can be made about the short story All Summer in a Day is that Jealousy Can Make People Do Selfish Things. Students then used direct text evidence from the story to back up their claim and analyze it.

Homework: Finish your one-pager on Google Classroom and turn it in.

8th Grade Writing 11/15/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we read the short story "All Summer In a Day" by Ray Bradbury. Students took notes on the characters, setting, themes, and any other important information they found within the story. We then discussed their findings.

Homework: In Google Classroom, complete the All Summer in a Day #1 assignment. You are to use the theme, There's a Break in Every Storm, to write a half page explaining the theme. Don't forget to use good detail and direct text evidence.

8th Grade Writing 11/10/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing Class students continued to work on their literary analysis. We discussed in-text citation and how to thoroughly explain direct text evidence.

Homework: Work on you essay if you know you will not be done by the end of the hour on Monday.

8th Grade Writing Class 11/9/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we continued working on the Freedom Writers Literary Essay. Students have completed their planning sheet and are working on their rough draft.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 11/7/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we began the planning phase of our literary analysis. Students were given the checklist to use as a planning guide.

Homework: Finish planning and filling in the pieces on the checklist in Google Classroom.

8th Grade Writing 11/3/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we discussed theme and symbolism within Freedom Writers. We created a class list of both and students will use it to complete tonight's homework assignment. We will also be completing the Argument Pre-Assessment tomorrow in class.

Homework: In Google Classroom students will write a well-developed paragraph that explains one theme a piece of symbolism in Freedom Writers.

8th Grade Writing 10/31/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we finished "Freedom Writers" and discussed student's reaction to the movie. They were also given an assignment that will help them reflect on what they saw.

Homework: Freedom Writers questions in Google Classroom due tonight. Notes will be collected at the start of class tomorrow.

8th Grade Writing 10/27/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we continued watching Freedom Writers and discussing the important scenes that arose.

Homework: No homework

8th Grade Writing 10/25/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we continued watching Freedom Writers and taking notes. We also stopped and discussed important or confusing details along the way.

Homework: No homework! Students may bring a small snack to enjoy during the movie.

8th Grade Writing 10/20/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we finished watching the student's Community Matters PSAs. Overall, they turned out well and I'm very proud of the hard work students put in!

Homework: No homework! Tomorrow is the District Narrative Assessment.

8th Grade Writing 10/18/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students spent time recording their PSAs or editing them. All PSAs are due tomorrow so we can begin viewing them.

Homework: Finish PSA.

8th Grade Writing 10/17/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students continued to work on their PSA. Some are gathering pictures, while others are already recording.

Homework: Have all pictures ready to be put into your PSA. Tomorrow is the last day in class to work.

8th Grade Writing 10/14/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students began recording and/or creating their PSA. Students have the choice of which format they will be using. Some are trying PowToon, Moovly, Go Animate, Animaker, or even iMovie.

Homework: No homework

8th Grade Writing 10/12/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students have chosen their topics for their PSA. We will be watching example PSAs tomorrow and writing our scripts.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 10/11/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class began our discussion of the next Community Matters project. Student will be creating a PSA on their chosen topic.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 10/7/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students completed their final edits on their Community Mattes newscast and turned them in. We then analyzed the lyrics to "Girl on Fire" for narrative elements.

Homework: Choose your next writing topic.

8th Grade Writing 10/4/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we continued working on our community matters narrative piece. Students are focused on "telling the story of what happened" in their writing.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 10/3/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we began our Community Matters journalistic piece. Students are taking their notes and crafting a piece that speaks about an issue they feel is important in our community.

Homework: No homework unless you haven't returned your signed parent form. I need those back by tomorrow!!!!

8th Grade Writing 9/30/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we are finalizing the research for our community matters writing piece. Students had to find quotes and good details they can use to build a journalistic piece.

Homework: Finish taking notes.

8th Grade Writing 9/29/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students began taking notes on two different topics they feel are affecting our communities. After completing a class brainstorming session yesterday, students chose two topics from the list they were interested in and began finding information about the topics.

Homework: Finish notes on both topics you chose in Google Classroom.

Learning at Home: Parents, please read and sign the confirmation letter that lets me know that you are okay with the topic your child chose for their Community Matters piece.

8th Grade Writing 9/28/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we began our "Community Matters" topic. Students brainstormed topics centered on issues that they feel are plaguing our communities. Our current unit will focus on getting the students more involved in their writing from a journalistic point of view, while exploring matters of the heart and the world.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 9/27/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we spent some time peer editing each other's "spiced-up" writing. Students were given the checklist and looked through two other peers' writing to see if they could identify the items on the checklist. They were then given time to edit their own work.

Homework: Think about a cause in the community that is near and dear to your heart.

Learning at Home: Parents, please discuss with your child about any community issues that may be taking place that your child could possibly explore and write about.

8th Grade Writing 9/20/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we looked at two different songs, compared their theme and their writing styles. We spent some time re-writing Beyonce's "Single Ladies" so students can see how longer isn't always better, it's about crafting a strong narrative in a short amount of writing.

Homework: Re-write Single Ladies using the "extended version" like we did in class. the lyrics are attached. Rewrite it in couplets (every two lines).

8th Grade Writing 9/19/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we looked at ways to "punch up" short writing. We read and discussed the mentor text about a fight in gym class. We identified the various grace notes (higher-level vocabulary words) the writer used throughout the newscast.

Homework: Using the current events newscast from Friday take some time to edit and re-work your newscast using the guidelines we talked about in class today. Your newscast should contain grace notes, figurative language, details, and the 5Ws.

Learning at Home: After your child is done writing their newscast, have them read it to you and see if you can pick out the 5Ws, grace notes, and any figurative language they may have used.

8th Grade Writing 9/15/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we watched the recordings of each student's 30 second news clip and provided each other with feedback.

Homework: No homework!

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child to play their news cast for you so you can also provide some feedback for them.

8th Grade Writing 9/13/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class, students continued to research three current events and take notes so they will be able to use it to write their next newscast.

Homework: Make sure you complete your notes.

8th Grade Writing 9/7/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students used the observations they saw during our "News on the Move" tour yesterday to start writing newscast.

Homework: Finish your observation newscast tonight so we can edit during class tomorrow.

8th Grade Writing 9/6/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we did "News on the Move." We traveled around the school building and jotted down notes on what we saw.

Homework: Make sure you can identify the 5Ws in the information you jotted down.

8th Grade Writing 9/2/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we took some time to edit our "gossip news" newscast. Students not only proofread their own work, but also did some peer editing as well.

Homework: Make sure your newscast is corrected and ready to be graded. They should be turned into Google Classroom by Monday evening.

Learning at Home: Parents, please double check with your child and see if they turned in their newscast into Google Classroom.

8th Grade Writing 8/30/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we watched a clip of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Students identified the five Ws of the story. We then discussed a newscast from our text-set about a Brooklyn teenager saving a parking spot in a busy plaza for an elderly lady.

Homework: Using the following prompt:Last evening a Brooklyn teenager hopped off his bicycle near the intersection by the grocery store on 5th Avenue. He darted, on foot, into an empty parking spot nearby. ---finish writing the newscast creating the necessary details.

Learning at Home: Parents, please read through your child's newscast and see if you can identify the who, what, when, where, and why within it.

8th Grade Writing 8/29/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes, we began our work on investigative journalism. Students learned the importance of the 5 Ws (who, when, where, what, why) in any story. We also watched a clip of the Three Little Pigs and identified the 5 Ws in each scenario.

Homework: No homework.

8th Grade Writing 8/25/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we took some time to set up our journals that we will be keeping throughout the year and wrote our first quarter goals. We also started getting ready for tomorrow's Narrative Pre Assessment. Students were given the writing prompt and the option to start preparing tonight.

Homework: No Homework!

Learning at Home: Parents, please check in with your child about their Narrative Pre-Assessment. They should have an idea of what they plan on writing about.

8th Grade Writing 5/27/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we finished presenting our How To Speeches and/or My Time at LMS projects.

Homework: No Homework!!

Learning at Home: Enjoy your three day weekend!

8th Grade Writing 5/23 & 5/24/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students have been demonstrating their How To speeches. They have shown us various projects such as cooking projects, riding hover boards, and even building origami figures.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 5/19 & 5/20/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students are working on a choice between two projects-a how to speech or a google slides presentation called "My Time at LMS." 4th Hour students will start presenting on Monday 5/23, while 5th hour students will start presenting on Tuesday 5/24.

Homework: Finish projects and be ready to present on the day you signed up for!

8th Grade Writing 5/12/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students continued to record their music videos. Tomorrow will be their last class period to record, so if they need to record at home tonight they are more than welcome to do so.

Homework: Work on your video! Record at home if possible.

8th Grade Writing 5/9/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students began their new writing project. They will be working in groups of 3 to create a music video about a community matters topic of their choice. They will either create a beat in garage band or find the instrumental version of a song to use for their background music.

Homework: Have either your beat created in garage band or your instrumental music downloaded ready to go for class tomorrow. We will begin writing lyrics during tomorrow's class period.

8th Grade Writing 5/5/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes, some groups were able to present their newscast, and those who did not will do so tomorrow.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 5/2/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students continued to work on their group newscasts. Students will be memorizing their scripts and presenting them "live."

Homework: Work on your scripts!

8th Grade Writing 4/29/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes today we began a new group project. Students will be creating live newscasts about current events. They will research the event, write a script, and present their newscasts "live" to their peers.

Homework: Research your event and if possible, began writing your newscast. We will be presenting next week.

8th Grade Writing 4/27 & 4/28!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we have been discussing and learning about various community matters topics. Students have engaged in small group and whole class discussions. Each discussion on a new topic has been very enlightening and interesting to listen to.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 4/12/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing Classes we spent some time thinking and writing about a time we had to stand up for ourselves. Students created bullet point lists outlining the situation before we shared and discussed as a class.

Homework: Write a one-pager about a time you stood up for yourself or someone else. Include the background information on the particular situation, why you felt it was necessary to take a stand, and the final outcome.

8th Grade Writing 4/11/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we practiced Harlem performance speaking parts and the class dance. Students are supposed to have their lines and songs memorized by Friday.

Homework: No homework!!

8th Grade Writing 4/17/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we did a narrative review using character sketches. Students randomly picked emotions from the basket and had to write a short scene showing the emotion rather than telling what their character is feeling.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 4/6/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we took some time to write thank you letters to Veteran Jerry Hasty. This not only gave students practice with letter/narrative writing, it also gave them a chance to give back to a soldier that gave so much of himself to our country.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 4/5/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we spent some time brainstorming what we need to cover during fourth quarter. This quarter will be used for reviewing skills and covering some of the information the students want to learn more about.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 3/23 & 3/24!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students are sharing their group presentations with the class. They have worked hard very hard completing their research and putting that research into a Google Slides presentation.

Homework: No homework!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please allow your child to show you their presentation.

8th Grade Writing 3/22/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students are preparing to present their child soldiers and amnesty group presentations tomorrow. Students have completed research notes, chosen subtopics, and prepared presentations centering around "child soldiers should or should not be granted amnesty."

Homework: Practice your presentations and be ready to present tomorrow!

8th Grade Writing 3/18/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we continued taking notes on Child Soldiers and Amnesty. Students are using the text set provided on my website to take their notes. The note taking sheet is on Google Classroom.

Homework: Finish taking notes. All notes are due on Monday!

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child about the role of female soldiers that are kidnapped.

8th Grade Writing 3/16/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are studying child soldiers and amnesty. Students are currently researching and taking notes. The text set is available on my website.

Homework: Take notes on the note-taking sheet on Google Classroom.

8th Grade Writing 3/9/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students are presenting their propaganda ads to the class. They have turned in their ads to the drop box, but are verbally presenting their ads to "sell" their product to their peers.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Writing 2/5/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we brainstormed some possible topics students can write their position paper speeches on. I put a picture of the topics on the homepage of my website on the right-hand side!

Homework: NO Homework!

8th Grade Writing 2/2/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we continued our debate on complex topics. Students were asked to be open-minded and conscientious of each other's feelings before speaking. Overall, we had a great discussion, and students were very passionate about their views on topics!

Daily Grind: No daily grind tonight!

8th Grade Writing 1/27/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students are taking their research notes and turning them into a group Google Presentation. Students have been divided into for and against groups. Within their groups they have paired up and are creating a slide or slides with valid reasons to back up their respective claims.

Homework: Check in with your partner and complete your slide for tomorrow's presentation.

8th Grade Writing 1/25/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are continuing our research on the topic "Teens should/should not be allowed to play violent role-playing games." Students have read a newspaper article on a high school assassins game and are now finding articles to related to violent role-playing games to create their arguments.

Homework: If necessary, keep researching!

8th Grade Writing 1/14/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are watching the Great Debaters. This serves as our wrap up to our Argument Writing unit. Film sheets were sent home earlier with students. This particular movie allows students to see the true art of debate and how to acknowledge both sides of any argument in order to make your research stronger.

Daily Grind: No daily grind!

8th Grade Writing 1/11/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are getting ready for tomorrow's Middle of the Year (MOY) narrative assessment. Students should include one small moment, dialogue, conflict, action, and figurative language. This assessment will not go against their grade.

Homework: Look over the 8th grade narrative checklist on my website.

8th Grade Writing 1/5/16!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class students received their argument essays back along with any feedback I could provide. (5th hour will receive theirs tomorrow). Due to grades not being quite where I expected, they will be given the opportunity to make corrections and receive more points in order to boost their grade.

Daily Grind: No daily grind tonight!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a moment and review your child's essay and discuss any feedback they were given.

8th Grade Writing 12/17/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we have finally finished our argument essays and turned them in. For the last two weeks, students have worked hard researching topics and writing essays that included direct text evidence to support their side, but also was open-minded enough to show the other side's point of view as well.

Daily Grind: NO DAILY GRIND!!! However, students are allowed to bring in snacks tomorrow!!

8th Grade Writing 12/14/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students are continuing to work on their argument writing essays. Up to this point we have focused on well-written introduction paragraphs that include claims, possible counter claims, and an introduction to the topic they are writing about.

Daily Grind: Continue working on essay if your are behind. All essays are due at the end of class on Thursday.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a moment and check in with your child and see how far they have gotten on their essay. They should have their introduction paragraph and first body paragraph written at this point.

8th Grade Writing 12/11/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we discussed how to introduce counter claims and their placement within the essay. Students should introduce possible counter claims in the introduction paragraph, once in each of the two body paragraphs, and once in the conclusion.

Homework: Be sure your introduction paragraph is good to go. The checklist is on my website.

8th Grade Writing 12/8/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students are now researching a second topic in preparation to write their Argument Writing essay. Researching two topics gives students a choice on what they may want to write about.

Daily Grind: Keep researching if you did not get too far in class.

8th Grade Writing 12/3/15!

News In the 8th Grade Writing classes we discussed possible argument writing topics that students may want to write about. We made sure that each topic chosen was arguable and relevant. Students were then given the rest of the class to keep researching. Some students found they needed and/or wanted to change their topic. This is perfectly fine!

Daily Grind: No daily grind! We will keep researching in class.

8th Grade Writing 11/30/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are shifting our focus from specific themes to possible claims within text. We read the short story "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury and found the possible claims within it.

Daily Grind: No Daily Grind tonight!

8th Grade Writing 11/25/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we finished our literary analysis. Students were able to peer edit, make corrections, and turn in their written analysis.

Daily Grind: NO DAILY GRIND!! ENJOY YOUR BREAK!!

8th Grade Writing 11/24/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we spent the class period finishing up writing our literary analysis. Today was the last day in class to write. Tomorrow's class period will be used for peer editing and making corrections.

Daily Grind: Finish your literary analysis. The final draft is due at the end of class tomorrow.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a moment and proofread your child's paper.

8th Grade Writing 11/23/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are continuing our work on our literary analysis. Students have had the chance to ask questions, proof-read, and edit their writing piece. They will also have tomorrow's class period to finish up their writing.

Daily Grind: If you are not going to be able to finish writing in class tomorrow, then you should work on your literary analysis at home tonight.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take the time to go through your child's piece with them using the checklist.

8th Grade Writing 11/18/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are diving head first into our literary analysis. Students are writing a 5 paragraph piece. The first paragraph is the synopsis (summary) of the movie. Second, third, and fourth paragraphs analyze a theme, symbolism, text evidence from the movie, and two present day connections per paragraph. The fifth paragraph is the conclusion. This paragraph ties everything together and should give the reader a sense of closure.

Daily Grind: No Daily Grind Tonight.

Learning at Home: Parents, please look over the checklist with your child and discuss their plan for writing their literary analysis.

8th Grade Writing 11/13/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we discussed our Freedom Writers themes and present day connections. Students then had the rest of the class period to work on today's practice of theme, symbolism, present-day connections, and how all three relate to each other.

Daily Grind: Finish your paragraph if you didn't finish in class. It should contain your chosen theme, an explanation of the theme, movie evidence, a piece of symbolism and what it represents, and how it ties into your theme. Also, one present day connection.

8th Grade Writing 11/12/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are discussing and analyzing theme in literature. Students have learned about symbolism and will be connecting the dots between the two.

Daily Grind: Choose two different themes from the list, or you may choose one of your own, and explain the theme using movie/text evidence, and make a present day connection.

For each paragraph you should choose one theme. Explain what the theme means. Include movie/text evidence—this evidence should back up your explanation of the theme. Then, make a connection from your theme to present-day things that are happening.

Learning at Home: Parents, please discuss what themes your child plans to write about and any present-day connections that can be made.

8th Grade writing 11/9/15

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students took their Argument Writing Pre-Assessment.

Daily Grind: No Daily Grind tonight!

8th Grade Writing 11/3/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we discussed the various pieces of symbolism students found in the movie Freedom Writers. We also discussed some possible themes students will be able to use in the upcoming literary analysis.

Daily Grind: No Daily Grind tonight, however, have an idea of what you plan to write your RAFT about tomorrow.

8th Grade Writing 11/2/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we discussed symbolism, and how it is a symbol or object that represents or means something else. For example, a heart represents love. Students created a list of symbolic objects and their meaning from the movie Freedom Writers.

Daily Grind: Write two paragraphs in your composition notebooks-one paragraph should be about a book you are reading or have read. Give me a brief summary about the book, the piece of symbolism you chose, what it represents and why. For the second paragraph you should do the same thing, except choose a piece of symbolism from Freedom Writers, tell me what it represents and why.

Learning at Home: Parents, have your child tell you about symbolism and what something that's symbolic in your family and what it represents.

8th Grade Writing 10/28/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we turned in our first set of Freedom Writers questions. We then worked on and discussed the next set of questions that would help students to better understand the themes within the movie.

Daily Grind: Finish Freedom Writers #2 Questions.

8th Grade Writing 10/27/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we finished watching the movie Freedom Writers. We had a class discussion about thoughts, questions, and comments concerning the movie.

Daily Grind: Answer the Freedom Writers Questions found on my website. Questions will be due tomorrow at the beginning of class.

8th Grade Writing 10/21/15

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we began watching the movie Freedom Writers so students can begin to prepare for their next big assignment. While watching the movie, students are taking notes so they can be ready for class discussions and writing pieces.

Daily Grind: NO DAILY GRIND TONIGHT!!

8th Grade Writing 10/19/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes, students are continuing to prepare for tomorrow's narrative assessment. Today we went outside and found two different quotes on two different social issues to give students a "prompt" to write about.

Daily Grind: Think about which social issue topic you plan to write about tomorrow and create a story arc if necessary.

8th Grade Writing 10/16/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing Classes students are still practicing their narrative wiring skills. Today they used a non-fiction, social issue topic to create a realistic fiction piece. Within the story, a lesson must taught a character must show a change or change others.

Daily Grind: NO DAILY GRIND!!

Learning at Home: The 8th Grade Narrative checklist is also attached incase parents or students would like to review it.

8th Grade Writing 10/15/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing Classes students created another flash fiction story, but this time they used 500 words to create a new holiday. They had to describe the date of the holiday, how it is celebrated, if the holiday is state wide, country wide, or even nation wide.

Daily Grind: No Daily Grind

Learning at Home: Go over the narrative elements on the right side of my page so you are ready to write a realistic flash fiction piece tomorrow. This will help you get ready for next week's assessment.

8th Grade Writing 10/14/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are continuing our development of flash fiction. Students are given a limited amount of time and words to create a fully-developed narrative. Today's topic was a 400 word auto biography.

Daily Grind: NO DAILY GRIND TONIGHT!!

8th Grade Writing 10/13/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we had to shift gears and began writing flash fiction. Students were given a topic and a word count of 300 and were expected to create a story that contained all the narrative elements.

Daily Grind: No Daily Grind Tonight.

8th Grade Writing 10/9/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we continued with the planning of our school newspaper project. Students were assigned partners and which section of the newspaper they will be working on.

Daily Grind: NO DAILY GRIND TONIGHT!!

8th Grade Writing 10/7/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing Classes we are beginning a new project. We will be creating a school newspaper as a class. Today was a brainstorming session to decide exactly what type of newspaper we will be creating.

Daily Grind: Check out either a school newspaper or sj-r.com and just become familiar with the layout of a newspaper.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a look at the newspaper with your child and discuss the various features within it.

8th Grade Writing 10/6/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students were given a chance to catch up on assignments. At this point in the quarter we are a little ahead and they deserved the much needed brain break!

Daily Grind: NO DAILY GRIND TONIGHT!

Learning at Home: Parents take the night off and relax!

8th Grade Writing 10/2/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes students spent the class period finishing writing their Community Matters newscast. If anyone did not finish, they will be working on it over the weekend.

Daily Grind: Finish typing your newscast if necessary.

Learning at Home: Take a moment and listen to the news and see what global issues are being reported.

8th Grade Writing 10/1 & 10/2!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing Class students are spending time writing their Community Matters papers. They have chosen topics that are important to them, but also are global concerns and will turn those concerns into a newscast.

Daily Grind: Do more research if necessary.

Learning at Home: Tonight find out what causes are important to the family. Has anything in particular affected the family in some way?

8th Grade Writing 9/30/15

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we spent time narrowing down our community matters topics and did some research on those chosen topics. Students will be writing a complete newscast around their research.

Daily Grind: Complete any necessary research for your topic.

8th Grade Writing 9/29/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are trying to get to heart of issues we care about. Students have been brainstorming different topics that they really care about and would take a stand for. This brainstorming will lead them to find topics that communities outside of themselves will care about.

Daily Grind: Write down the one topic you care most about—what is your umbrella topic, and what is your inside story.

Learning at Home: Sit down with your parents and discuss different global topics they care about and why. This may lead you to find your passion as well.

8th Grade Writing 9/24/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are working on beefing up short pieces of writing. Students are learning that "fluff and stuff" may make their writing look longer, but it can take away from the meaning. In class we used song lyrics and re-wrote the song to get a better understanding of fluff and stuff.

Daily Grind: Using the lyrics to Alicia Keys' "Girl on Fire," rewrite the song just as we did in class using more explanation for each line.

Learning at Home: Parents give your song writing skills a shot and take your favorite song and re-write it using more explanation of what each line means.

8th Grade Writing!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing class we are working on spicing up our writing with '"grace notes." Students are taking everyday words and interchanging them with higher-level vocal words that sound more professional and academic.

Daily Grind: Finish your one paragraph newscast and be sure to include the 5W's, grace notes, and vivd detail about physical location.

Learning at Home: Banter back and forth with your child and see if they can change your words to a grace note.

8th Grade Writing 9/15/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are starting our "Research and Reporting" unit. Students will be researching either current events or events of the past they are interested in and recording as much detail as possible in order to write a newscast later.

Daily Grind: Research 3 events, past or current, and write down as many details about each event as possible. Use quick bullet points, not complete sentences.

Learning at Home: Parents, talk to your child about what's interesting to them in the news. Try researching an event together.

8th Grade Writing 9/9/15!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we did some class brainstorming on various types of news stories that we may read in the newspaper or see on TV. Students did a great job of coming up with over 20 types of newsworthy stories.

Daily Grind: Students need to choose 3 different types of news stories and write one newscast for each of the 3 different types.

Learning at Home: Parents and students watch the news together and discuss what made each of those stories newsworthy.

8th Grade Writing!

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we spent time working with partners reviewing last night's gossip newscasts. As one partner read their newscast, the other was listening to try to identify the 5Ws in their writing.

Homework: NO DAILY GRIND THIS WEEKEND!

Learning at Home: Students read your favorite newscast you wrote to your parents and see if they are able to identify the 5Ws in your writing.

8th Grade Writing 9/3/15

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we are discussing how to build news stories that cover the 5 Ws and also include believable details. Students have also been practicing writing newscasts from an un-bias standpoint.

Daily Grind: For today's Daily Grind, students need to take the information from the class "gossip" and develop five (5) different newscasts that include believable details and the 5 Ws.

Learning at Home: Parents and students, watch the news together and discuss how the actual news broadcast compares to what you're learning in class.

8th Grade Writing 9/1/15

News: In the 8th Grade Writing classes we discussed how every good news story includes the 5 W's: who, what, when, where, and why. Students are learning how to dig deep and find the important stories in the world around them.

Daily Grind (Homework): Students need to use the Brooklyn Teen Scenario starter and write two different newscasts that explains the "why" in the scenario. They also need to watch the top story during the news tonight and take some quick notes on how the news is reported, how much detail is given, and what type of language (vocabulary) is used.

Learning at Home: Parents watch the news with your child and discuss any observations you may make.

8th Grade Publications! 5/18 & 5/19

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes students are still working with their groups on their google presentations on granting child soldiers amnesty. Students have been working hard finding research, video clips, and pictures backing up their positions on the very complex topic.

Homework: Keep working on your presentations! We will present in front of the class next week.

8th Grade Publications! 5/11 & 5/12

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes students are beginning their final project on amnesty and child soldiers. They will be working in groups to create a Google Presentation that answers the question, "Should child soldiers be given amnesty?"

Homework: Work on researching for your presentation. Any article and/or video in the text set is acceptable.

8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are beginning our essay on child soldiers and amnesty. Currently students are doing research and having class discussions on the topic in order to gain a better understanding.

Homework: Finish taking notes on the Child Conflict Article

Learning at Home: Parents have an open discussion with your child about amnesty to get an understanding of how they feel.

8th Grade Publications! 4/30 & 5/1

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we have wrapped up our first information essay about role-playing simulated violence. Students spent the class period peer editing, comparing their essay to the checklist to make sure they had everything that makes a great information essay.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!! Students turned their essays in at the end of the hour.

8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we learned about the purpose and use of counter claims. Students learned different ways to introduce counter claims and also the rebuttal.

Homework: For homework students need to add in the counter claim and rebuttal to both body paragraphs, conclusion, and try to preview the counter claim in the introduction.

8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are busy fine tuning our simulated-violence essays. Students are currently working on adding the lasting effects and ethical stances to their writing.

Homework: Get as much of your essay done as possible without adding in the counter claim.

8th Grade Publications! 4/14 & 4/15

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are working on Information writing. During this genre of writing, we will be blending narrative, argument, and information writing together. Students began the unit with a partner debate on whether or not teens should be able to play violent role-playing games.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child what they believe are the lasting affects of violence on youth.

8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are still working on various position papers. Students spent time editing and perfecting their world topics position papers, and turned them in at the end of the hour.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK

8th Grade Publications 3/25 & 3/26!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are still working on the beginning phase of writing position papers. We are currently finding the pros and cons of worldly issues such as using athletes and celebrities as role models and how music can affect moods, beliefs, and choices.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!

8th Grade Publications 3/23 & 3/24

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are in the introduction phase of position papers. Students have written a one page response about being either for or against giving students homework. Today, they wrote another one-pager on putting toddlers in beauty pageants.

Homework: If students did not finish their one page response on being either for or against putting toddlers in beauty pageants, then that should be finished for homework.

Learning at Home: Students, please discuss with your parents the pros and cons of toddlers and tiaras.

8th Grade Publications!

News: Students have just finished taking their district assessment on Argument writing. We did a practice essay last week and went over the basic structure of an Argument essay. During the assessment students worked extremely hard and stayed very focused!

Homework: NO HOMEWORK THIS WEEK!! LET'S FOCUS ON PARRCC!

8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications class we are beginning a new Argument Writing assignment. Students played the four corner game to help them formulate a claim about a statement I gave to them.

Homework: Students need to find two articles, one that supports their claim and one to create a counter claim, then highlight the information they plan to use to write their argument essay.
Here are the statements students are using:
A-day---The legal driving age should be raised to age 18.
B-day---Television is very culturally and racially diverse.

Learning at Home: Parents, please have your child tell you their claim and back it up with support.

8th Grade Publications!

News: The 8th graders in Publications class are wrapping up their History Fair websites. Students were allowed to put on their final touches then put the url to their website in our 8th grade Google Doc. Our next step is writing the Process Paper.

Homework: No homework!

8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes, students are working on their History Fair websites. They are working incredibly hard to put their best effort forward in completing their projects.

Keep up the good works guys!

8th Grade Publications 1/26 & 1/27

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we have just began working on History Fair projects. Students are working with their partner and/or group to plan the layout of their webpages. We will continue to work on projects throughout the week.

Homework: Keep working on those websites!

8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes, students turned in their final draft of their Freedom Writers literary analysis. We also turned in this week's starter sheet.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

8th Grade Publications-Wednesday 1/14 & Thursday 1/15

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are building our literary analysis. Students used the class period to gather evidence from the movie and present day observations that will be used in their literary analysis of Freedom Writers. Students chose three themes the found in the movie and will use the evidence they gathered to back up their statements.

Homework: If students are not done planning their essay in their composition notebook, they must finish planning at home.

Learning at Home: Students share with your parents one of the themes you chose and the evidence you found to back up statement.

8th Grade Publications 1/12 & 1/13!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are continuing our work with a literary analysis. Students answered discussion questions related to the Freedom Writers movie, and we held a class roundtable discussion over the questions. Students also identified various themes that can be found within the movie.

Homework: No homework!!

Learning at Home: Students talk to your parents about which theme you identified within the movie and why.

12/8 & 12/9-8th Grade Publications!

News: Students read a newsela article on governmental practices and disagreements behind the three-finger Hunger Games Salute. While reading, students took notes, wrote higher-level questions, and wrote a robust summary.

Homework: If notes were not finished in class, then they are to be completed for homework.

8th Grade Publications 12/1 & 12/2!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are finalizing our news broadcasts. Students have come up with realistic scenarios, written scripts, and recorded themselves performing live newscasts.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child about their newscast and what scenario they chose.

8th Grade Publications! 11/19 & 11/20

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we have wrapped up the Brooklyn teenager scenario newscast. Students are now starting their next narrative which will be a live broadcast of a newscast they will write with a partner.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child what they plan on doing their live broadcast on and why they chose that particular scenario.

8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th grade Publications classes we are continuing to build our newscasts about the Brooklyn teenager saving a parking spot for an elderly woman. Students have crafted leads for their newscasts and are currently working on building their body paragraphs.

Homework: Build your body paragraphs for your newscast and be sure to relate them back to your lead paragraph. It may take two or three well-written paragraphs to get the job done. Be sure to use details to build your stories.

Learning at Home: Parents have your child read their lead paragraph to you as if they are news reporters. This will help them understand how tone is wrapped into their writing.

8th Grade Publications Wednesday-11/5/14

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes students are working on finding topics that are important to them and their age group, that they can also find and convey a deeper meaning about. The deeper meaning should be a life lesson/theme about the topic that would be important to the community.

Homework: In your writer's notebook, create a list of five topics that are important to you and what the deeper meaning is that you want to convey.

Learning at Home: Parents, please talk through your child's chosen topics and see if they are able to convey a deeper meaning about the topic to you.

8th Grade Publications!! 10/27 & 10/28

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are still working within the narrative genre. Students are in the process of writing a short story based on cafeteria food. Stories are required to have a developed setting, imagery, be written in first person, use figurative language, have a narrative hook, use dialogue, and contain a conflict.

Homework: Finish short story before next class period.

10/22 & 10/23---8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are taking our topic brainstorming to the next level. Students have written a half page on three different topics that are important to them, and now they are finding ways to raise the awareness about their topics so that it is important to the community.

Homework: Complete a concept map on the topic that is most important to you.

Learning at Home: Parents please talk to your child about their concept map and how all ideas on the map are related.

8th Grade Publications 10/20 & 10/21

News: The 8th graders in the Publications classes have wrapped up their community matters narratives and are now beginning to brainstorm ideas for their next one. Students came up with three ideas they care about and wrote a half-page on each idea discussing why they chose the topic they did and a little bit about what they know about the topics.

Homework: No homework, unless students didn't finish writing in class. Writing will be collected at the start of the next class period.

Learning at Home: Parents ask your child to see their writing, and have a discussion with them about the topics they chose.

8th Grade Publications 10/14 & 10/15

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are finishing up our first published pieces. This week is our conference week, where I can sit down one-on-one with each student and discuss the strengths and needed improvements of their pieces.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK THIS WEEK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please have your child explain to you how to build a story within a story.

Monday 10/6-Wednesday 10/8---8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are still working on our Community Matters papers. Students are working on making each section as publish-worthy as possible!

Homework: Keep working on your papers. Check my homepage for guidelines and must haves within your paper.

8th Grade Publications! Wednesday 10/1 & Thursday 10/2

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we have been working on turning our short newscasts into longer nonfiction narrative writing pieces. We learned that longer pieces include more detail, the use of grace notes, a great beginning, as well as a clever ending.

Homework: Students need to choose a topic from the class created list located on the right side of my home page. After selecting a topic, students need to have an informal interview with someone who is knowledgable about their chosen topic. Be sure to take notes and include some interesting quotes you would like to include in your writing piece.

Learning at Home: Parents please help your child decide on a topic that is right for them.

8th Grade Publications! 9/29 & 9/30

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes, students have been working very hard on perfecting their newscasts. They have used checklist, observations, and each other to come up with the perfect report.

Homework: Students are to write four (4) newscasts that are ready to be published. They should use the "How to Make Short Writing Pack a Punch" checklist, the 5 W's, and any mini lessons we have had to double check their newscasts. The newscasts should be typed in a Pages document ready to be printed at the start of the next class period.

8th Grade Publications- 9/24 and 9/25

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are continuing to look at vivid language that includes plenty of imagery so our writing comes to life. Students are using mentor text and checklist to examine writing and see if all necessary components are included to make short writing pack a punch.

Homework: Students are to use the "Techniques for Making Short Writing Powerful"checklist to thoroughly read the mentor text "Fight in Gym Class" and make sure all four bullet points are included in the writing. In their writer's notebook, students will create a list of all four bullet points from the checklist and tell if each element is included.

Monday 9/22 & Tuesday 9/23 7th Grade Health

News: In the 7th Grade Health classes, students have been reviewing for their upcoming Chapter 15 test. This chapter was over personal care. Students learned all about skin, hair, nails, eyes, ears, and teeth.

Homework: Study for test!

8th Grade Publications 9/22 & 9/23

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are looking at vivid language that helps spice up writing. We looked at the lyrics of popular songs and broke them down so students were able to see what writing looks like without a little "perking up."

Homework: Students have to look up the lyrics to a song and choose a book and make a list of the vivid language they find. This can be done on a Pages document.

Monday 4/21 and Tuesday 4/22-8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are still working on creating our historical fiction books. Students have researched historical events, people, and eras they would want to consider writing about. Today they actually began writing their stories.

Homework: No assigned homework, but stories are due at the end of class on Wednesday for A-Day and Thursday for B-Day.

Monday 2/24/14-8th Grade Publications

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes students completed day 1 of their two-day assessment. Today's assessment included multiple choice, text-dependent questions, and a comparison of two texts.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Monday 2/17 & Tuesday 2/18-8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes students are still practicing on writing a narrative that is not personal. Students read the short story "Flowers" by Alice Walker and were instructed to finish the story. This type of narrative writing is an extension of the text keeping the storyline and character traits the same.

Homework: Complete the ending to the story and be ready to turn it in at the beginning of class.

Monday 2/10/14-8th Grade Publications

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes students were given the opportunity to peer edit each other's character traits writing before turning it into the dropbox.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Monday 2/3/14 Tuesday 2/4/14-8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are moving ahead with Narrative writing. We are in the process of comparing two different texts by Langston Hughes, "Thank You, Ma'am" and "Madam and the Rent Man." Students have completed character trait charts for each of the stories and will be using those charts to complete their writing pieces.

Homework: Students need to complete the character trait writing piece. The writing should be two well-developed paragraphs that addresses all parts of the prompts. The prompt is on my website, but it is also attached here.

Tuesday 1/28 & Wednesday 1/29-8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are moving forward with Narrative writing. Students are learning how to a write narratives that are not personal, but that stay within a given storyline using the same character traits as the original text.

Homework: Students need to complete the character traits chart for both Roger and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Students need to have at least 5 traits and 5 pieces of text evidence for each character.

Friday 1/24/14-8th Grade Publications

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes we began our unit on Narrative writing. Students will be learning how to write a narrative that is not personal. We will be focusing on characterization and development of setting. As a class we read Langston Hughes' "Thank You, Mam" and started working on coming up with character traits for the characters.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Wednesday 1/22/14-8th Grade Publications

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications class we played around with a new application on our laptops called Kahoots. This fun app. brought out the competitive side in students, but also allowed us to work on hand-eye coordination, speed, and memory.

Homework: No Homework!!

Thursday 11/6/14 & Friday 11/17/14-8th Grade Publications

News: Today and Friday in the 8th Grade Publications classes we are taking a minute to make some revisions on History Fair papers. Those students who will be moving on to Regionals had the class period to start making the suggested corrections on their original paper.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

8th Grade Publications! 1/14 & 1/15

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are beginning to learn how to continue the ending of a narrative text while keeping the same character features. Students read A Private Peaceful Passage and were responsible for writing the end of the story.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Tuesday 1/14/14

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are beginning our unit on Narrative writing. Students have read the excerpt "A Private Peaceful Passage." They have read the passage a few times, annotated the text, and now have wrote their own ending to the story.

Homework: If students did not finish their story ending in class then it needs to be finished for homework.

Wednesday 1/8/14 & Thursday 1/9/14-8th Grade Publications!

News: In the 8th grade Publications classes we are easing into second semester. We went over the student's History Fair papers and grades. Students were allowed to ask questions about grades and anything else they had questions about. I also introduced the History Fair projects to the class. Projects are not required. It is completely up to the student, as it will have to be completed on the student's own time.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Wednesday 12/4/13-8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th grade Publications classes we are still moving forward with History Fair. Students are in the process of peer editing each other's papers in preparation for student-teacher conferences and editing.

Homework: No homework, unless your paper is not completely written.

Learning at Home: Just want to say a quick thank you to parents for taking the time to read, edit, and respond to your child's History Fair paper!

Tuesday 12/3/13-7th Grade Health

News: In the 7th Grade Health class we continued watching the documentary "Super Size Me." Students have been keeping notes on interesting facts they find throughout the movie.

Homework: No Homework!!

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child about the dangers of eating too much fast food.

Wednesday 11/20/13-8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th Grade Publications class we looked at everyone's introduction paragraph of their History Fair paper as a class. Constructive criticism and helpful feedback was offered to the writer of the paper.

Homework: Students need to keep working writing their papers tonight. I would like to have rough drafts done by Friday.

Tuesday 11/12/13-8th Grade Publications

News: Today in the 8th grade Publications classes we worked on citing our sources in easybib.com. This website will help students cite their sources in the MLA format so they will be able to use it with their research paper.

Homework: No homework

Tuesday 11/5/13-8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th Grade Publications class we are diligently working on perfecting our thesis statements. Students have turned in their 200 facts and are beginning to write their research papers.

Homework: For homework students need to write the first page of their research paper. The end of the introduction paragraph should contain the thesis statement.

11/4/13-8th Grade Publications!

News: Today n the 8th Grade Publications class we worked on writing thesis statements. Students looked at sample thesis statements and began working on a thesis statement graphic organizer.

Homework: Students need to complete the first three claim boxes on the graphic organizer. There should be three versions of a thesis statement written.

Learning at Home: Please check in with your child and see how they are doing with writing their thesis statements.

10/23 & 10/24-8th Grade Publications

News: On Wednesday and Thursday in the 8th Grade Publications classes we are continuing our research for our History Fair topics. I am also conferencing one-on-one with each student to help them work on their thesis statements.

Homework: No homework on Wednesday, but every student will be taking their notecard folder home on Thursday.

10/22/13-8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we have begun working on thesis statements. Students wrote a rough draft thesis statement in class after watching a short Powerpoint presentation. The thesis statements will continue to be tweaked as we go.

Homework: For homework students need to write two additional thesis statements tonight. We will choose the most appropriate one tomorrow in class and work on fixing it up.

Today in 8th Grade Publications!

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes we kept moving forward with research. Students are identifying primary and secondary sources they are using to complete their research.

Homework: The third set of 50 facts (150 total) is due tomorrow. Students need to research tonight in order to meet the deadline.

Today in 8th Grade Publications

News: In the 8th Grade Publications classes we are still busy researching. Students have a deadline on Friday to have completed 150 facts. A remind 101 text has been sent out to parents. Also, permission slips for the field trip on Monday 10/21, to the Lincoln Presidential Library, were sent home on Friday. Please return signed permission slips to school ASAP.

Homework: KEEP RESEARCHING!!!!

L

1010/13-8th Grade Publications

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes we continued researching. Students are working hard trying to locate facts they will be able to use in their research paper.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!! Tomorrow is snack day so students may bring a snack to class.

Today in 8th Grade Publications!

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes students turned in their 100 facts (due dates are posted on the right hand side of my homepage). Students also continued researching. They are doing a great job and working very hard!

Homework: NO HOMEWORK, unless you were behind with your 100 facts.

Learning at Home: Parents please check in with your child and see how their research is coming along.

Monday 9/23-8th Grade Publications

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes students continued researching their History Fair topics. Students must have 100 facts done by Friday 10/4.

Homework: Some students need to play catch up and research at home.

Learning at Home: Parents, please check in with your child and see where they are in their research.

Today in Publications!

Today in the 8th grade Publications class we continued researching for the History Fair. Students have been using websites and research books to find facts pertaining to their topic.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK

9/23/13

News: The 8th Grade Publications classes are still moving forward with History Fair. Students submitted their first 50 facts for grading today. Each 50 facts is worth 100 points.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please check in with your child and ask them how History Fair research is going for them.

Friday the 13th!

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications class we got ourselves prepared to begin researching. Students created source card folders and templates that will help them keep their researched facts organized. We will officially begin researching on Monday 9/16.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Thursday 9/12/13-Learning in 8th Grade Publications!

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications class we had an in depth discussion about paraphrasing vs. plagiarism. Students were shown examples of plagiarism, "patch work paraphrasing," and true paraphrasing. Students then paraphrased an article on the Jane Addams by themselves and again with their table mates.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child to explain the difference between paraphrasing and plagiarizing.

9/11/13-Today in 9th Grade Publications!

Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes we finished setting up the notecard file folders that will be used during our History Fair research. We also discussed plagiarism and paraphrasing.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Today in the 8th Grade Publications!

News: Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes we continued our research on our top three topic choices. Students have been given three class periods to research topics and try to narrow down their final topic choice.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child which topic they are leaning towards!

Thursday 8/29

Today in the 8th Grade Publications classes we went to the library to conduct a "book browse." Students looked over the different books that may be used to complete their History Fair projects. They filled in a History Fair Topic worksheet that will be used as a guide in narrowing down their topic choices in order to come up with their final topic.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK

Monday 8/26

News: Today in Publications we put the finishing touches on our mandalas. Tomorrow students will be presenting their mandalas to their classmates.

Homework: If students did not finish coloring their mandala in class, then they need to finish it tonight for homework.

Thursday 8/22

Today in the Publications class we began our first mini project, the Mandala. Students learned the difference between a sign and a symbol. They then brainstormed symbols that could represent things that they felt were important in their lives. Students will then be using those symbols to create a Mandala that shows their inner selves.

Flowers by Alice Walker

Writing a Thesis Statement

Paraphrasing vs. Plagiarism

Hunger Games Salute

Thrown Away Lunches

To Grade or Not to Grade?

Read the article about a teacher who does not give grades to her early elementary school students. Take Cornell Notes on the article, write a summary, and on a blank Pages document write a paragraph expressing how you feel about her policy and if you think it would possible to implement the policy into middle school. Why or why not?