Friday, January 30, 2015 & RACING THE GREAT BEAR GUIDED READING SHEET

Today we corrected Simple Solutions #47 and continued to review how to diagram sentences to find the simple subject & simple verb making it easier to determine phrases, adjective and adverb clauses.
We reviewed infinitives, participles and gerunds.
Next week Friday will be a BIG test on the 8 parts of speech AGAIN.  This time we're aiming for 100%.

We read "Ottonah" and  began "Racing the Great Bear".  Ottonah's guided reading had to be completed by the end of class and handed in.  "Racing Bear" is due Monday.  A short quiz on the two folktales will be given.

Figurative Language Menus, John Henry, Structural Analysis Vocabulary & peer evaluations were collected.
Missing assignment sheets were reviewed as the quarter ended to be sure grades are correct.

Homework:
SS #48
Test Corrections on SS test 11 are due Monday  RETESTS are TUESDAY AM or PM
Finish reading "Racing the Great Bear" in your green literature book and complete the guided reading.

                   “Racing the Great Bear”  retold by Joseph Bruchac (crw2014) p. 919

Define folk tale.
What events cause the chief to offer a strand of wampum beads to the men of the village?
Why do young men in the village make fun of Swift Runner?
In this story, what is the meaning of “parties” on page 921
Paraphrase “I am of two minds”
Why do the Seneca men go to visit the Onondaga village?
How could the disappearance of the Seneca men threaten the peace among the Five Nations?
What other explanation does the chief offer for their disappearance?
What is foreshadowing? How does Swift Runner’s ability to string the bow might foreshadow future events.
What items does Swift Runner’s grandmother give him?
What conflicts does Swift Runner have to face?
Swift Runner falls asleep after receiving a visit from Nyagwahe in the middle of the night (p.924)  What does this suggest about how Swift Runner has changed during the story?
What does the changed appearance of Nyagwahe suggest about the final outcome of the chase?
Why does Nyagwahe appear smaller than before?
Would you spare Nyagwahe’s life as Swift Runner does? Why or why not?
Analyze Swift Runner’s character.  What are his traits? Cite evidence.
What are the conflicts in this story?  Can you determine the three and explain?
Summary	Create a 5-6 sentence summary of the story.

Thursday, January 29th, 2015 ALUMNI NIGHT!

Greetings...sorry for the late post; just got home from Alumni Night -- wonderful turnout -- lovely to see former graduates --lots of words of advice for the Class of 2015!!

Today we corrected Simple Solutions #45 and 46.  We received TEST #11 back and went over the answers.  Princeton & Yale continued reading "Ottonah," a folktale from the Inuits.  Harvard finished genealogy reports.

Tomorrow the Menus will be collected (All) and final evaluations of peers (Harvard).

Homework:

Structural analysis of "chromo,"  "ped,"  "poly" and "a".  Define, find 5 words with definitions and part of speech.  (your paper should be folded into four boxes).  On the back write two sentences using some of your words.

SS #47

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Today we created a flash card for the genre: folk tales.
Figurative language test corrections were handed in.
Genealogy reports continued and students completed peer evaluations of their reports.

Princeton began listening to Ottonah, a folk tale from the Inuits

Homework:
Simple Solutions #46
Binder signature
Figurative Language Menu Project due

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 & John Henry Guided Reading Sheet

Today we wrote "recommendations" to help the Class of 2015 meet their high standards of Being College and Career Ready.
We took notes on Folk ballads, listened and discussed "John Henry" in our Green literature book.  We began working on a guided reading sheet (please note the change in page #s 954, 956).  We also watched a YouTube clip of the ballad being sung.
A dramatic reading of the poem just has to be explained on the back; demonstration of your proposed reading of the poem would be extra effort.
We took our Simple Solutions test #11 and handed in our Pecos Bill guided reading sheet.
Papers were handed back.  Figurative Language retakes were given after school.

Homework:
Simple Solutions #45
Figurative Language test corrections due tomorrow
John Henry guided reading

Long term:  (1st grade of 3rd quarter in Reading).
Your 3 1/2 week Figurative Language Menu is due Thursday.  (Students have had one "meal" to complete each week -- this week should only include preparing it for submission).

Define “folk tale”
What are the characteristics of ballads?	Ballad is a kind of narrative song & has been a popular form of storytelling for centuries.  They are characterized by regular stanzas, refrains and other repetitions, and strong story lines involving romance, tragedy, historical events, & the exploits of rebels, outlaws, or underdogs.
Look online & find the names of two other ballads.
Repetition is used.  Give an example.  What is the effect of using repetition?
Define “foreshadowing”
Can you find any words that show the use of this technique?	(think about the last line of each stanza on 956, 57, 58).
What is the internal conflict in this story? Explain.
What is the external conflict in the story? Explain.
What is the climax?
What is the theme?
Cite evidence to prove your inference about the theme.
Dramatic reading	Determine how you would complete a dramatic reading. (Assign parts, practice & present to the class a dramatic reading of John Henry -- Extra Effort)
Portrait pg. 957	Why do you think the artist portrayed John Henry smiling? Would it be different if he was frowning or glaring?  Compare the portrait with the text, is the artist’s point of view similar to that of the author?  (answer in a good paragraph on the back).
Summary	Summarize the story in four to six sentences on the back.

Monday, January 26, 2015 & Pecos Bill Guided Reading

Today we completed a "free write" journal entry.
We corrected the Simple Solutions Review Guide.  We went over our Figurative Language tests.
We took notes from our Literature book on the oral tradition & focused on tall tales as we read "Pecos Bill."
Genealogy reports continued.

Homework
Study for Simple Solutions Test #41-44
Finish guided reading worksheet for "Pecos Bill" using your green literature book.
Write out test corrections for your figurative language test (due Wednesday)
Retakes tomorrow morning 7:15 or after school at 2:45.

PECOS BILL retold by Mary Pope Osborne (page 959)   crw2014

Define the genre: tall tale.
Give at least four examples of exaggeration in the story.
Use of dialect is part of the author’s style. Give two examples of dialect used.
Find two similes. Explain the meaning.
Find hyperbole. Explain the meaning.
Characterization: Give quotes from the story to describe Bill. What can you infer about Bill from these quotes?
Find examples of personification.  Explain the meaning.
These are examples of figurative language. Explain what they mean.	1.     Having a ball?”  2.     “she was dying” to?
Grammar Review	Identify the main clause and the dependent clause in each sentence. 1.      Although Pecos Bill is human, he was raised by a pack of coyotes. 2.     “Pecos Bill” is a tall tale because it relies on exaggeration for humor. 3.     Before he met the cowpoke, Bill thought he had a tail like any other coyote. 4.     Pecos Bill punched the rattlesnake so that it wouldn’t strike him.
Why does Pecos Bill name the colt the “Widow Maker?
	Write a summary of the story in four to five sentences on looseleaf.

Friday, January 23rd, 2015 with MENU for Figurative Language Listed

We took our figurative language and literary device assessment.  We corrected Simple Solutions #44. Students reported on their genealogy.  Classmates produced evaluations.
All make-up work was due today.

Homework:
Review guide for SS lessons 41-44.
Figurative Language Menu (due 1/29/15)
Hale School -- its affect on my future were collected today.  Late essays taken only Monday.

Figurative Language/Literary Techniques – Assignment Menu (choose one from each meal of the day to complete your meal – highest possible points = 315)
Breakfast (choose one)	Lunch (Analysis)	Dinner (Application)
(90) Complete guided review sheet – definition & examples of figurative language with illustration	(75) Using “Paul Bunyan & Babe, the Blue Ox” on pages 934-937, find 5 examples of figurative language; list & identify.	(75) Write 5 of your own sentences using 5 different literary techniques or figurative language.  Highlight and label the technique.
(90) Create a paper study tool for review  (game/foldables/etc.) (3 team members may work together and submit if a game)	(90)  Using “Pecos Bill” on pages 959-965, find 7 examples of figurative language; list & identify	(90) Write a story describing a pet using 8 types of literary techniques and figurative language. Highlight each and label.
(105) Create a computer review – power point, jeopardy game, etc. (Print a copy for submission or email crickman-wi@cps.edu) (3 team members may work together and submit)	(105) Using at least three sources (copy lines that contain examples of figurative language and literary techniques). Ten examples required; each must be a different technique. List sources & create a code.	(105)Write a story describing a favorite present ever received using 10 types of literary techniques and figurative language. Highlight each and label.

Figurative language & literary techniques
Adage allegory alliteration allusion analogy anecdote antithesis aphorism assonance cliché connotation consonance denotation	euphemism flashback foreshadowing homonyms homophones hyperbole idiom imagery irony jargon metaphor (extended metaphor) onomatopoeia oxymoron	paradox personification pun satire simile symbolism synecdoche understatement

8th Grade Reminders:
$1.00 for 8th grade basket for Alumni Night
Deposit for Field Trip/Luncheon due 2/6
Father-Daughter Dance money due 1/29
Box tops for Education collection
Food drive for the Chicago Food Depository; bring in non-perishable food items or cash donations

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Today we completed two review games preparing for Friday's test on figurative language and literary devices/techniques.  We corrected SS #43.  We examined Aesop & his fables & took some notes in our red notebook.   We began genealogy reports.

Homework:
Study for your figurative language and literary devices/techniques.  (SEE Wednesday evening for Study guide!.
Simple Solutions #44.
Work on your Menu.

Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 & Study Guide

Today we continued creating flash cards for literary devices -- aphorism, antithesis, symbolism, satire, homophones etc.
We corrected SS #42.  Test Corrections on #10 were collected.
We assembled & checked in our Genealogy reports & created our peer evaluation sheet.

Homework:
Binder signature
SS 43
review figurative language & literary techniques for Friday's test
Work on figurative language menu

STUDY GUIDE:
imagery                                    metaphor                                    personification
synecdoche                              alliteration                                   symbolism
simile                                       onomatopoeia                             analogy
anecdocte                                cliche                                          euphemism
idiom                                       jargon                                          oxymoron
pun                                         understatement                              flashback
foreshadowing                        satire                                             irony
verbal irony                             connotation                                  denotation
etymology                                assonance                                   consonance
synonyms                                antonyms                                      homophones/homonyms
allusion                                    hyperbole              

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Today we completed purple journey entry #8 (Yale/Princeton) #9 Harvard.   Defining pun, anecdote, adage and personification, giving an example and drawing a picture.
Yale & Harvard listened to Mark Twain's "A Fable." and all read an excerpt from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.
We reviewed current events, corrected SS #41, and discussed strategies for determining word meaning.

Homework:
SS #42
Genealogy projects due tomorrow
Test Corrections #10 due tomorrow


Field Trip/Luncheon $ deposits due by 2/6/2015.

$1.00 from each student due for 8th grade basket for Alumni Night!

BONUS OPPORTUNITY:
   Watch the President's State of the Union.
    List a minimum of five items he is proposing that still be accomplished by Congress working together.

Friday, January 16th, 2015

Today we continued discussing and creating flash for literary devices/techniques:  adage, allegory, allusion
We shared SciFi free verse "riddle" poems and guessed the descriptions.  We discussed our homework -- structural analysis using "trans" and "un."  We reviewed root words and affixes that we have studies:  frag, frac, cede, lum, credere, contra, audi, bene, dem

Harvard & Yale listened to "Roughing It" by Mark Twain and paraphrased his witty statements.
Princeton worked in teams to paraphrase and listened to "The Fable" by Twain.

Simple Solutions Tests were passed back and correct answers were reviewed.

Homework:
Simple Solutions Test corrections due Wednesday (retake opportunities: Tuesday am, pm or Wednesday am);
 Current events (Paris, France or free speech issue and world response) due Tuesday (go on newsela, read article and take quiz).
 Genealogy Projects DUE WEDNESDAY.
 Figurative Language Menus DUE 1/29/15.


8th Grade Field Trip/Luncheon deposit due
2/6/15 ($57.50 1/2  or 115.00 full)

EXTRA EFFORT OPPORTUNITY #3:
    Research Allegory (find two and cite the source)  and list five Adages and list source.
       

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Today we continued reviewing and creating flashcards for figurative language.
We defined 10 vocabulary words from "Roughing It" by Mark Twain.  We read the introduction on 794.
(Princeton listened to the story.)
Yale began discovering who Mark Twain was and examining his work.

Homework:
Due tomorrow:
   Structural Analysis -- "trans"   and "un"  (due Friday)
  Write a riddle poem modeled on May Swenson's poem "Southbound on the Freeway" pg. 587.  Pick something on earth and create a free write poem describing through the eyes of an alien.  Write the answer to the riddle on the back of your paper. (due Friday)
  Work on your Figurative Language Menu (due 1/29)
   Work on genealogy project (due 1/21)
   Due Tuesday:
     Current Events (newslea or internet or newspaper): topic "free speech"  tragedy in France.
 


EXTRA EFFORT:
Opportunity #2:
  Find 5 paradoxes and explain why it is considered a paradox.  Provide source of your information

Check tomorrow for opportunity #3!

8th GRADE NEWS UPDATE

Greetings:

   Students brought home a handout yesterday from our 8th Grade Committee regarding payment options and due dates for fees for the 8th Grade Trip & Luncheon.
   Full payment 2/6/2015  $115.00
or
   1/2 payment 2/6/2015  $57.50
   balance due at end of February $57.50

   Box Top contest is underway --  bring your box tops for education.

   8th Grade Graduation Pictures:  February 19th
Boys must be dressed in a shirt and tie; sport coat optional.
Girls must be appropriately dressed (not too short, not too low, not too tight).

   Student Council FOOD DRIVE  "Share Your Love."  Bring in canned goods, boxed goods or $$ for the Chicago Food Depository.  Food Drive runs 2/2 to 2/6/2015.

Wednesday January 14, 2015

Today we discussed & created flashcards for Puns and Paradox.  We reviewed figurative language & confirmed the creation of review cards -- we added cards for Figurative Language/Figures of Speech and Literary Devices/Techniques -- Analogy.  We reviewed euphemisms and spent some time with partners creating them.
We reviewed answers to the SciFi test.
We took the Simple Solutions Test #10.
Yale finished reading Orson's Welles Readers' Theatre.
Princeton & Harvard:  began learning about Mark Twain and his life experiences which influenced his work.

Homework:
  Structural Analysis -- "trans"   and "un"  (due Friday)
  Write a riddle poem modeled on May Swenson's poem "Southbound on the Freeway" pg. 587.  Pick something on earth and create a free write poem describing through the eyes of an alien.  Write the answer to the riddle on the back of your paper. (due Friday)
  Work on your Figurative Language Menu (due 1/29)
   Work on genealogy project (due 1/21)



WEB BLOG EXTRA EFFORT --

If you're on the webblog, here's an opportunity for bonus points.

1.  Research online or be creative yourself and list ONLY 10 puns.  If you find information online, you must site your source.

2. CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR OPPORTUNITY #2

Tuesday, January 13th, 2015

Today we created a flashcard for "Anecdote."  We reviewed with partners: simile, metaphor, idioms, cliche',
alliteration, imagery, & onomatopoeia.  We corrected Simple Solutions 39 & 40, and our review sheet.  We recorded notes on Reflexive and Intensive pronouns.  We took our Science Fiction test.

Homework:
    Study for Simple Solutions Test #37-40 (10).
    Genealogy projects (due 1/21/15)
    Figurative Language Menus -- you should be working on your second activity -- due 1/29/15

Monday, January 12, 2015

Today we created a flash card:  Figurative Language -- Cliche'
We corrected SS #37 & 38.
We took grammar notes on Lessons 37-40.
We finished our  Readers' Theatre on Orson Welles spoof on Halloween.

Homework:
Review worksheet for Grammar lessons 37-40.
Study for SciFi test tomorrow.
Figurative Language Menu (due 1/29/15)
Genealogy Project (DUE 1/21/15)

Friday, January 9th, 2015

Today we completed a DO NOW where we learned the term "understatement" and its meaning.  We examined an example and identified parts of speech.
We read an informational text article about the existence of other life forms and completed a 7 to 8 sentence summary beginning with a lead and a thesis statement that included the title and author.
I met with each student and went over their current grade & cummulative average. We also discussed the family tree theme chosen & data collected.  Students received their tag board paper to complete the final project.  I collected Book reports and biographies.

Homework:
Simple Solutions #40
Figurative Language Menu (continue working on it)
Genealogy project (continue your work)

SciFi test was postponed until Tuesday.


OTHER NEWS:

Box Top contest begins Monday -- bring in those Box Tops for Education!
Spelling Bee contestants were chosen.  Spelling Bee is Tuesday, January 13th.

Thursday, January 8th, 2015

Hope you're staying warm....but spending some time catching up....maybe reading!

Here are some study guides:

Science Fiction Test -- tomorrow
      Know the components of SciFi (use your notes to study)
      Literary devices:  alliteration, smile, imagery, onomatopoeia, metaphor
      SciFi authors:  Jules Verne, George Orwell, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur Clarke, H.G. Wells


Continue Simple Solutions #39.

Wednesday, January 7th, 2015

Greetings all.
Hope you are staying warm.
I've updated the computer; for some reason the author study grades had not appeared for Yale & Princeton.  Everything is in now except for those late SciFi Holiday stories handed in this week.
Check your grades; your papers and see me Thursday.
Remember report cards are only two 1/2 weeks away!

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015

Today we completed a Journal entry:
   * we copied and discussed the Enduring Understandings and Essential Questions for our unit on Classic American Authors (Mark Twain and Jack London)
   *test corrections for SS#9 were collected
   *The Figurative Language/Literary Techniques Menu was handed out.  Choose three activities.  Due Date will be set soon -- this is a two-week project & first grade of the 3rd quarter.  Work on learning two to three terms per evening.
   *we began our last SciFi story:  Orson Welles

Homework:
   Tuesday: Simple Solutions Lesson 37
   Wednesday: Simple Solutions Lesson 38
   Thursday: Simple Solutions Lesson 39
   Friday: Simple Solutions Lesson 40

Begin an activity on your Figurative Language Menu.
Study for SciFi test on Thursday:
    *study notes in your red notebook
    *know your authors and their works
Book report due when you return (original duedate 1/7)
Genealogy report drafts due Friday 1/9


Homeroom: 215 -- finish reading the Science Fiction article from SCOPE "Welcome to the Future" and complete two questions on looseleaf.  Provide thoughtful answers written in complete sentences.
 
 

Monday, January 5th, 2015

Happy 2015, Class of 2015!

Monday, 1/5/15
Today we created a journal entry in our purple journal.
"The stories I could write..."  We bullet pointed 20 different topics of stories we could write from personal experience.

Princeton read "The Secret" and together we created a summary of the article remembering to use the title, author & a lead.
Yale retold the story, "The Secret" and together created a summary.
Harvard worked on a summary of the article & compared it to those generated.

All sections corrected their Simple Solutions Test #9.
Graded papers were handed back and missing assignment sheets were passed around.  Any missing from 12/15 to 12/19 are due by Friday 1/9 for partial credit.

Homework:
Simple Solutions Test #9 corrections;  copies of the test correction sheet were handed out, but the master is available on my staff page.
Book reports due Wednesday 1/7/15.
Drafts of the Genealogy biography & sketch of the illustration with information are due on Friday 1/9/15.
Take some time to study your notes; review flash cards.
MAP testing in Math begins tomorrow.  Reading in two weeks
All novels checked out from Mrs. Williams' collections need to be returned by Wednesday.
Tomorrow is a Simple Solutions Book check --  if you've lost it, bring $12.00 for a new copy.


ROOM 215 - don't forget your progress report slips -- they need to be signed & returned.