Wednesday, April 25, 2007
E.O. Smith Poet Visits
As part of her Senior Project, local Senior Devin K. shared her love of poetry with my lucky kids. On the first day, Devin shared some of her own performance poetry and reviewed some of the basics of poetry. Students wrote Haiku poems to warm up their brains. Devin visited a couple more times and encouraged and taught seventh and eighth graders to write poems based on vivid memories. From being pulled down the road by a huge dog on a leash (but I did not let go...) to playing softball, the imagery was great. We read William Carlos Williams' poem "This is Just to Say" and Ken Koch's "Variations on a Theme by William Carlos Williams" and then proceded to write our own "non-apologies." Students wrote about their fabulous selves in some ego-boost poems. Today, we covered groups of desks with sheets and a candle and hosted our own coffee house. Some classes opted to create a "Slam" and welcomed judging and scoring while others preferred to just share their work. It was a great day and a neat opportunity for me. Thanks so much to Devin for sharing her amazing talent us!
Friday, April 13, 2007
Units of Study
Eighth Grade
Eighth graders cover a variety of topics, from a parts of speech review unit to a new classic, "Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay go on Vacation."
Parts of Speech Review
Culminating in a fun, whole-class project, eighth graders review the parts of speech through note-taking, daily homework and quizzes. At the end of this unit, students form groups and create a review game for their class. This fun in-class project results in internalization of the parts of speech and their subcategories because when we teach a topic, we also learn it!
Persuasive Writing
In addition to a variety of journal prompts and other writing samples, eighth graders create a guide for persuasive writing. Guides may take the form of a Power Point presentation, a written handbook, or an oral presentation. Not only are students practicing the skills they acquire, they share their knowledge with others.
Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay go on Vacation
Incorporating writing and research, eighth graders determine where Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay will head to for a long-weekend getaway. This projet spans several months and starts with researching a vacation site. Upon choosing the location, students compose formal letters to solicit information. When the information arrives, it is studied and compiled into a brochure. Accompanying the brochure must be a several page persuasive letter to Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay enticing us to visit the selected spot.
Novels
The highlight of the eighth grade year is when we read Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. This incredible story encourages great class discussion about racism, prejudice, social opinions, friendship, family and what it means to be a hero. Families are strongly encouraged to read this amazing book with their eighth grader.
If time permits, eighth graders study Michelle Magorian's novel, Goodnight Mr. Tom. This wonderful book focuses on British evacuees at the start of World War II. The discussions we have are passionate and interesting.
Shakespeare
As the year ends, Shakespeare begins. This extremely fun, informative and opinion-altering unit includes the study of Shakespeare's world, history and sense of humor. Students complete research, perform his work and are exposed to "Bill the Bard" in a unique way. While students are exposed to the language of the time, the majority of this unit is studied in modern language.Eighth graders read Twelfth Night and/or A Midsummer Night's Dream in the dramatic form and other Shakespearean classics in prose form.
Seventh Grade
Study Skills
Seventh graders review the sections of a textbook and how to use them effectively in their studies. Topics include maps, illustratins, graphs and charts, glossary and index, table of contents. We also discuss organizational techniques and other ways to study successfully.
Elements of the Short Story
Through short stories like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant, Mark Twain's The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs and Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart, we explore the elements of a short story. Topics include Freytag's Pyramid, conflict, mood, plot, setting, theme, tone and characterization.
Persuasive Writing
Students are encouraged to develop their persuasive writing skills through a variety of mediums. Experience with word processing, tools like MyAccess, and Connecticut Mastery Test-like prompts, helps seventh graders improve their writing through practice. Promts may be linked to the unit of study or may be issued independently.
Drama
Through the reading and performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, students study the elements of drama. Topics include stage setting, scripting, performance. In addition to reading and performing this classic tale, students enjoy watching a feature film version for comparison.
Novels
Seventh graders read whole-class novels in language arts as well as short stories and plays. Together we explore utopian society through Lois Lowry's The Giver. To help prepare students' for the eigth grade curriculum, we also study Mildred Taylor's, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry. If there is additional time, we also enjoy John Steinbeck's The Pearl.
Poetry
The exploration of poetry includes topics such as figurative language, techniques of poetry and the opportunity to write a variety poems in various form (haiku, cinquain). Students are exposed to poetry from the classics to the modern.
Creative Writing
As the year draws to a close, seventh graders indulge themselves in a creative writing unit. Together we create a book that includes samples of students' writings and/or drawings.Throughout the year both seventh and eighth graders study vocabulary, grammar, spelling, writing mechanics and a plethora of other topics.
Eighth graders cover a variety of topics, from a parts of speech review unit to a new classic, "Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay go on Vacation."
Parts of Speech Review
Culminating in a fun, whole-class project, eighth graders review the parts of speech through note-taking, daily homework and quizzes. At the end of this unit, students form groups and create a review game for their class. This fun in-class project results in internalization of the parts of speech and their subcategories because when we teach a topic, we also learn it!
Persuasive Writing
In addition to a variety of journal prompts and other writing samples, eighth graders create a guide for persuasive writing. Guides may take the form of a Power Point presentation, a written handbook, or an oral presentation. Not only are students practicing the skills they acquire, they share their knowledge with others.
Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay go on Vacation
Incorporating writing and research, eighth graders determine where Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay will head to for a long-weekend getaway. This projet spans several months and starts with researching a vacation site. Upon choosing the location, students compose formal letters to solicit information. When the information arrives, it is studied and compiled into a brochure. Accompanying the brochure must be a several page persuasive letter to Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay enticing us to visit the selected spot.
Novels
The highlight of the eighth grade year is when we read Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. This incredible story encourages great class discussion about racism, prejudice, social opinions, friendship, family and what it means to be a hero. Families are strongly encouraged to read this amazing book with their eighth grader.
If time permits, eighth graders study Michelle Magorian's novel, Goodnight Mr. Tom. This wonderful book focuses on British evacuees at the start of World War II. The discussions we have are passionate and interesting.
Shakespeare
As the year ends, Shakespeare begins. This extremely fun, informative and opinion-altering unit includes the study of Shakespeare's world, history and sense of humor. Students complete research, perform his work and are exposed to "Bill the Bard" in a unique way. While students are exposed to the language of the time, the majority of this unit is studied in modern language.Eighth graders read Twelfth Night and/or A Midsummer Night's Dream in the dramatic form and other Shakespearean classics in prose form.
Seventh Grade
Study Skills
Seventh graders review the sections of a textbook and how to use them effectively in their studies. Topics include maps, illustratins, graphs and charts, glossary and index, table of contents. We also discuss organizational techniques and other ways to study successfully.
Elements of the Short Story
Through short stories like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant, Mark Twain's The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs and Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart, we explore the elements of a short story. Topics include Freytag's Pyramid, conflict, mood, plot, setting, theme, tone and characterization.
Persuasive Writing
Students are encouraged to develop their persuasive writing skills through a variety of mediums. Experience with word processing, tools like MyAccess, and Connecticut Mastery Test-like prompts, helps seventh graders improve their writing through practice. Promts may be linked to the unit of study or may be issued independently.
Drama
Through the reading and performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, students study the elements of drama. Topics include stage setting, scripting, performance. In addition to reading and performing this classic tale, students enjoy watching a feature film version for comparison.
Novels
Seventh graders read whole-class novels in language arts as well as short stories and plays. Together we explore utopian society through Lois Lowry's The Giver. To help prepare students' for the eigth grade curriculum, we also study Mildred Taylor's, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry. If there is additional time, we also enjoy John Steinbeck's The Pearl.
Poetry
The exploration of poetry includes topics such as figurative language, techniques of poetry and the opportunity to write a variety poems in various form (haiku, cinquain). Students are exposed to poetry from the classics to the modern.
Creative Writing
As the year draws to a close, seventh graders indulge themselves in a creative writing unit. Together we create a book that includes samples of students' writings and/or drawings.Throughout the year both seventh and eighth graders study vocabulary, grammar, spelling, writing mechanics and a plethora of other topics.
Classroom Expectations
A. Class Preparation- You will need to bring the following to class:1. Loose-leaf binder: You will be taking notes in class and will want a place to store those notes as well as your returned homework, tests and quizzes. I recommend you save everything as you can expect to see it all later on quizzes and tests.
2. Textbook- Unless otherwise indicated you must have your textbook with you at all times. Textbooks must be covered. When we read novels, you must bring your novel to class with you.
3. Pen or pencil- it is important that you are always prepared for class. Please sharpen your pencil before class starts. You may use blue ink, black ink or pencil. Work done in colors other than blue, black or pencil will be returned ungraded.
B. Grades- Your grade for the marking periods and for the year will be determined by your performance on tests, quizzes and pop quizzes, homework, papers, writing samples, journal work and the "daily oral language" activities we perform in class. You will also be expected to participate in class discussions and when required, present in front of the class.
C. Homework- Homework in language arts will often consist of reading and writing. Our class discussions will be based on the material you were assigned to read the previous evening. Writing assignments will be collected and you may have the opportunity to share your work with the class.
1. Failure to complete homework will result in your being assigned to the eighth period homework study. Late work will be due the day after the assigned homework study. It is your responsibility to get the work to me. 2. Homework will not be accepted later than the date it is due without a note from a parent.
D. Journals- Students will complete writing prompts on a regular basis. These prompts are your opportunity to answer some questions candidly. They are not scored for editing or writing, but for completion and effort. Journals are collected periodically (typically every two weeks.)
E. Additional Information-
1. Participation: I am a firm believer that you get from class exactly what you put into it. Participation will affect your grade. 2. Attitude: Your attitude is important to your success in language arts. Be positive and try new things this year.3. Extra credit: As a rule I do not assign extra credit. In special circumstances I may allow you to do extra credit. Please see me with your specific details and reasons for wanting extra credit. Extra credit will only be allowed if you have worked hard during the marking period but are still struggling. I will not approve extra credit work in place of work that you simply did not do.
F. Questions & Concerns- Please always ask questions if you have them. There are no "stupid" questions. If you don't understand something, please ask for help. I am available during the day or after school for extra help. If you have concerns about language arts, please come to me. We need to address any and all issues before they become bigger problems. Please do not wait until the last minute.
G. A note on plagiarism and cheating. In language arts we do a lot of writing projects. This makes it necessary to address the issue of plagiarism. Webster defines plagiarism as: "to take ideas, writings etc. from another and offer them as one's own." Plagiarism is considered cheating and will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating will immediately receive a zero for their work. If you feel you are under too much pressure to do your own work, see me before you resort to cheating.
2. Textbook- Unless otherwise indicated you must have your textbook with you at all times. Textbooks must be covered. When we read novels, you must bring your novel to class with you.
3. Pen or pencil- it is important that you are always prepared for class. Please sharpen your pencil before class starts. You may use blue ink, black ink or pencil. Work done in colors other than blue, black or pencil will be returned ungraded.
B. Grades- Your grade for the marking periods and for the year will be determined by your performance on tests, quizzes and pop quizzes, homework, papers, writing samples, journal work and the "daily oral language" activities we perform in class. You will also be expected to participate in class discussions and when required, present in front of the class.
C. Homework- Homework in language arts will often consist of reading and writing. Our class discussions will be based on the material you were assigned to read the previous evening. Writing assignments will be collected and you may have the opportunity to share your work with the class.
1. Failure to complete homework will result in your being assigned to the eighth period homework study. Late work will be due the day after the assigned homework study. It is your responsibility to get the work to me. 2. Homework will not be accepted later than the date it is due without a note from a parent.
D. Journals- Students will complete writing prompts on a regular basis. These prompts are your opportunity to answer some questions candidly. They are not scored for editing or writing, but for completion and effort. Journals are collected periodically (typically every two weeks.)
E. Additional Information-
1. Participation: I am a firm believer that you get from class exactly what you put into it. Participation will affect your grade. 2. Attitude: Your attitude is important to your success in language arts. Be positive and try new things this year.3. Extra credit: As a rule I do not assign extra credit. In special circumstances I may allow you to do extra credit. Please see me with your specific details and reasons for wanting extra credit. Extra credit will only be allowed if you have worked hard during the marking period but are still struggling. I will not approve extra credit work in place of work that you simply did not do.
F. Questions & Concerns- Please always ask questions if you have them. There are no "stupid" questions. If you don't understand something, please ask for help. I am available during the day or after school for extra help. If you have concerns about language arts, please come to me. We need to address any and all issues before they become bigger problems. Please do not wait until the last minute.
G. A note on plagiarism and cheating. In language arts we do a lot of writing projects. This makes it necessary to address the issue of plagiarism. Webster defines plagiarism as: "to take ideas, writings etc. from another and offer them as one's own." Plagiarism is considered cheating and will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating will immediately receive a zero for their work. If you feel you are under too much pressure to do your own work, see me before you resort to cheating.
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