Welcome to 8th Grade Humanities! It is going to be a busy year with the intention of getting you ready for high school.

September 7--We made it through the first day! Nice job, everybody. Tonight's homework is to define the word "tolerance". Give me a synonym and antonym, and then use tolerance correctly in a sentence. This is due tomorrow.

I will collect the Humanities Syllabus signed by you and your parents on Thursday. Please take time to go over this with your parents, so they understand the expectations of the class.

Your Facebook assignment (you will be given this tomorrow) will be due on Friday, Sept. 10.

September 8--Facebook sheets given out. Four sections to be filled in with your "favorites". These can be anything. You will need a picture for the middle spot. These should be written in pen and colored. Due 9/10

Gave Life Comic Strip--create a comic of your entire life or a moment in your life. These can be serious, funny, anything you would like. They should be completed in pen, colored in, and give your stick figures clothing. Due Mon., 9/13

September 9--Vocabulary Words to be defined by Tuesday, 9/14: aloofness, bicker, bootlegging, cunning, detached, doggedly, dumbfounded, eluded, fiery, groggy, hysterics, manslaughter, nonchalant, ornery, peroxide, reformatory, reluctantly, resignedly, self-preservation, slouch, suffocate, sullenly, territory, tuft, unceasingly, vital. Make sure that YOU understand the definition you are writing down for the vocab. Otherwise, you really aren't understanding the vocab. If there are words that you do not understand in the definition, look them up for understanding!

We read Ch. 1 (pd. 2/3) and most of Ch. 1 (pds. 4/5, 7/8) of The Outsiders. Students are to keep a list of the characters in the book, and then as we read the book write about those characters. How are we introduced to them, how do they change throughout the book, how do they overcome obstacles, how do they fit in to their group(s), how do they relate to the other characters. This information will be used to help write a character analysis at the end of the book. Please have the chapter finished and the characters' information started thus far, by Monday.

Friday, Sept. 10--Watched "9/11".

How to Assignment--You are going to give detailed instructions on "How to..." something. You may pick anything except a two item sandwich (since we did this example in class.) You will need to write out ALL of the instructions, assuming that your audience doesn't know ANYTHING about how to complete the task you are explaining. This is due on Mon., 9/13.

September 13--Tonight's homework is read SS, Ch. 1, Sec 3 (p. 39 - 43) and write three main ideas for each sub-section. That should be a total of 21! Don't forget to finish your vocab words with definitions that you understand. Both are due on Tuesday.

Tuesday, Sept. 14-Discussion of Ch. 1, Sec. 3 and the main ideas you found. Complete Ch. 2 of The Outsiders, and update any characters in your journal? What are the various attitudes of the characters? We will read Ch. 3 on Wednesday.

Gave a vocab "pop-quiz". Using the vocab that you completed, fill in the correct word in a given sentence. This should be a good indicator as to whether the definitions you gave help you to understand a word and then use it in a sentence. 

Wednesday, September 15--Went to the library to check out "Outside Reading Books". We will always read during second period on Fridays. Sometimes assignments will be connected to these books, and other times they will not.

Assigned the Outsiders Map. Create the town that Ponyboy lives. As we read the book, add to this map the important places that exist. Keep in mind how the town is divided by groups and who goes where. I will spot check these on Friday to ensure you have labeled the places through the first three chapters. So far, we have identified: East side, West side, railroad tracks, Jay's, The Dingo, Rusty's, The Way Out, drive-in movie theater, drugstore, football field, high school, library, parking lot, and gas station.

Assigned a map of the United States that needs to be completed with States and Capitals labeled. We will have a test over this later next week. This map is due on Monday, 9/20.

Thursday, Sept. 16 and Friday, Sept.17--My apologies for not updating sooner. On dThursday, we read SS Ch. 2, Section 1, and completed what we could of the Taking Notes chart at the beginning of the chapter. We will continue to add to this as we read the remainder of the chapter. We also read The Outsiders Ch. 3 and started Ch. 4. Students should have completed Ch. 4 on Thursday night. On Friday, we reviewed the Vocab "quiz", talked about definitions and how to choose the correct vocab word for sentences. Homework--Create your own sentence for the 20 vocab words that were on the quiz. These are due on Tues., 9/21. We read a portion of Ch. 5 in The Outsiders, and we will finish this on Monday.

States and Capitals Test on Thursday, 9/23. I will give students a blank map and they are to fill in state and capital names for all 50.

September 20--Students copied a list of their 50 capitals and states. They should use this as a study tool for the test on Thursday, and I will give them back their filled in maps tomorrow.

I finished reading Ch. 5 to the class, and they are responsible to read Ch. 6 on their own today in class and finish it tonight, if necessary. They should continue to keep notes on their characters in their spiral.  For Social Studies, we read Ch. 2, Sec. 2 and they are to write down any information that they think should be added to their note taking sheet for the chapter. We will go over this tomorrow, but I expect them to come with ideas prior to class. 

One more item...I gave back their first vocab quiz on Friday. They are to write out their own sentences (20) using the vocab words that were on the quiz. We went over the correct answers in class on Friday, so they should have the correct words for their sentences. This is due tomorrow. 

Tuesday, September 21--pop-quiz on The Outsiders, Ch. 6. Reviewed the chapter.  Reviewed Ch. 2, Section 2 and talked about the main ideas. Completed more information on the Taking Notes for the Chapter sheet. If you are absent, get this information from someone who was here today. Tonight's homework: Page 58, Complete the Taking Notes and Main Ideas. This should be done in complete sentences.

Wednesday, 9/23--Today we read Ch. 7 in The Outsiders. Lots of characters are sharing their true feelings, so there should be some great information to add to your character information, in your spirals.  We also worked on a map of the explorers journeys. If you were absent, you can pick up a copy of this tomorrow.

If you were absent for the pop-quiz over Ch. 6, you will make this up tomorrow, after your States and Capitals test.

Yes, this is a reminder that the States and Capitals test is tomorrow! I will provide a map of the US with a star in each state. You will need to write down the state name and the capital name. Spelling DOES count. 

Thursday, September 24--Students wrote out their schedules to give to parents for tonight's Open House. We hope to see you drop by from 6:30 - 8:00 this evening!

State and Capital Test was given today. Students received new vocab words that need to be defined and used in a sentence. These will be due on Tuesday, 9/29. The words are: mimicking (v), recurring (v), divert (v), abruptly (adv), aimlessly (adv), conformity (n), reputation (n), menace (n), contracted (v), stupor (n), delirious (adj), bewilderedly (adv), clad (v), liable (adj) circumstances (n), veered (v), vast (adj), vaguely (adv)

The Outsiders--Read Ch. 8 and 9 by tomorrow (had class time to work on this).

Monday, September 27--On Friday, we read SS Ch. 2, Sec. 3 and finished up the Chapter Taking Notes (Pretty Chart). If you were absent, please make sure to get this information from someone in class.

Today--Handed out the There, Their and They're Homework. This is due on Wednesday. On Wednesday, students will be tested over Ch. 1, Sec. 3 and Ch. 2. We will review some in class, but students should also review the chapters at home. Take advantage of the end of section questions, key terms, and the end of chapter Review Questions.  On Friday, we will have a test over The Outsiders. Students may use their book for the test.

By tomorrow, students should be ready to read the last chapter in The Outsiders, Ch. 12.

This just in...students are bringing home their States/Capitals test for parent signatures. Periods 4/5, and 7/8 should get them signed tonight, and Periods 2/3 should get them signed tomorrow night (I forgot to tell 2/3 today!). Thank you!

Tuesday, September 28-- Finished reading The Outsiders, and the final essay assignment for the book was handed out. Gave time to work on study guide information for the Social Studies test tomorrow.

I have been called for Jury Duty today, and I am not sure what the rest of the week will bring. Tests will be given as planned!

Thursday, September 30--Yesterday, students took the Social Studies test and had time to work on The Outsiders final paper. The typed, double-spaced rough draft is due on Tuesday, October 5. Students must bring this to class on that day, or they will receive a "0" for a homework assignment. The final paper is due on Thursday, October 7, also typed and with the rough draft attached. I WILL NOT accept any papers after Thursday. If students are not going to be here on Thursday, the paper needs to be turned in early, dropped off to school on Thursday, or emailed to me as an attachment by Thursday, October 7. Again, I will not accept any papers after Thursday. Students were informed of this when the assignment was given.

Today, students worked on their final The Outsiders map. It is a bird's eye view of the 29 places that should be labeled on the map. There needs to be a key, and it needs to be colored with colored pencils. Everything should be included on one side of the paper. If a key needs to be completed on the front side of an 8 1/2 X 11 piece of paper, that's ok with me! In addition, students should choose three scenes from the story and create a "bubble picture" for each of these. These will be drawn as if we are looking straight at the scene. These final maps are due on Wednesday, October 6.

I gave The Outsiders final test a day earlier than I had planned, for the simple reason that we are scheduled to take Easy CBM tomorrow. The test can go home, and I will not collect it until Monday, but it needs to be turned in on Monday. I am really looking for answers to be thought out, thorough and with specific details. Answers should be given in complete sentences, spelling DOES count (as always) and I expect students to proofread their answers before they turn the test in to me.

Friday, October 1--Today, students took the easyCBM test and had SSR. Please remember the upcoming assignments that are due:

Monday, October 4--The Outsiders final test and Challenge Option (for those interested).

Tuesday, October 5--Rough Draft of The Outsiders Final Essay. This is to be typed, double- spaced, 12 point font. Students need to come with this to class, or they will receive a "0" for a homework grade. We will edit and revise in class that day. Bring your graphic organizer too!

Wednesday, October 6--The Outsiders Map, colored with key is due. All of the points for the map have been posted on the white board in class.

Thursday, October 7--Final, typed copy of The Outsiders paper, with the rough draft attached. I will NOT accept this late, so it needs to be dropped off to school on the 7th, emailed to me as an attachment on the 7th, or turned in early. If it is emailed to me, I will send back a quick confirmation, so you know I received it. If there is no confirmation, I did not receive it.

Enjoy your sunny weekend! It may be one of the last for awhile!

Monday, October 4--Today we did an activity that should help with The Outsiders papers. Using another story, I showed students what type of specifics I will be looking for with their papers. I do not want surface writing about their characters. I am looking for a statement to be made about the character and then some back up to support their statements. The rough drafts are due tomorrow, typed, and if this does not come to class as instructed, they will receive a "0" for a homework grade, and they will miss out on the next step of the paper. There is no additional homework for this evening, so concentration should be placed on their paper.

Tuesday, October 5--Spent a lot of time going over the rough drafts for The Outsiders paper. To ensure that students have all of the required information, we used colored pencils to highlight their rough drafts. I will do my best at explaining it here, but I might suggest that if they were absent they call a friend or make arrangements to come and talk to me during 2nd lunch or before school on Wednesday. After school will not work since we have conferences.

#1 color--highlight the grabber sentence in the first paragraph and the sentence that leaves the reader wondering in the last paragraph.

#2 color--highlight the sentence in which you introduce the three characters in the first paragraph and make a conclusion about the characters in the last paragraph.

#3 color-Highlight your thesis sentence that appears in the first paragraph and your re-stated thesis sentence in the last paragraph.

#4 color--Highlight the transition words or statements in the paragraphs. For transition words, you should have them at the beginning of paragraph 2, paragraph 3, paragraph 4 and paragraph 5. Transition sentences would be appropriate at the end of paragraph 2/beginning of paragraph 3, and the end of paragraph 3/beginning of paragraph 4.

For the middle paragraphs, you were to give me three SPECIFIC examples of how each character changes. In addition, you were to choose three quotes from the book to use. One quote should be used for each of the middle paragraphs. So...

#5 color--highlight the first specific example in EACH of the three paragraphs.

#6 color--highlight the second specific example in EACH of the three paragraphs.

#7 color--highlight the third specific example in EACH of the three paragraphs.

#8 color--highlight the three quotes, one in EACH of the three paragraphs.

At this point, your entire essay should be colored, and you know that if you do not have certain colors in certain paragraphs, then you are missing required information. This missing information needs to be added to your essay before your final draft is turned in on Thursday. The final draft needs to be typed, double spaced, 12 pt. font, and your rough draft MUST be attached. You will not receive a passing grade without the rough draft. Read it out loud to proofread it. See if sentences flow, or are they awkward? Remember, do NOT tell me what the paper is going to be about...I will find that out when I read it. 

REMEMBER...The Outsiders final maps are due tomorrow. See above for instructions.

October 7--Yesterday we did our first Timed Readings and answered the corresponding questions. We will do these once a week to practice and improve at recalling facts, understanding ideas, vocabulary in context, distinguishing fact from opinion, sequencing, making inferences, and understanding main ideas. We also finished reading Ch. 3, Sec. 1 in the SS. The Outsiders finished essays are due today (Thursday), and they will NOT be accepted late. This information is on the handout that students received when the assignment was given, and they have been reminded in class a number of times.

There is no homework for the weekend! I hear the crowd roar! We are working, in class, on the projects on pages 74 and 75. We will continue this on Monday. 

Monday, October 11--Students had time to complete the exercises from p. 74 and 75. They need to be ready to present to the class on Wednesday, and I will not give any additional class time to complete this.

New Vocab words that need to be defined and used in a descriptive sentence are: seize, tyranny, representative, majority, women, woman, loose, lose, then, than, where, wear and were. While some of these words should already be understood, I am seeing in students' writing that they are not being used properly. In addition, kinda and sorta need to be eliminated from their writing, as they are not words. Vocab is due Wednesday, October 13.

Permission slips for The Outsiders need to be returned no later than Wednesday. 

Tuesday, October 12--We had a visit from April of the DPLS today, and she had some great ideas for outside reading books! Students read Ch. 3, Sec. 2, and are to answer the Taking Notes, Main Ideas and Critical Thinking questions. These need to be done in complete sentences. In addition, they should add to their 13 colonies chart.

Permission slips for The Outsiders are due by tomorrow.

Thursday, October 14--Wow! What an emotional day with Rachel's Challenge! Ask you child about today's assembly and what their thoughts are! It was pretty powerful and led to some amazing conversations!

Yesterday I assigned Ch.3, Sec. 3 and students were to write two sentences for each of the red subsections. At this point, Ch. 3 has been read, and students should also have their 13 colonies written (chart on p. 68) with the dates the colonies were established. They will be tested over these colonies in sequential order. We are looking at the test to be late next week...exact date coming!

Today, we wrote some responses to the assembly, went over Ch. 3, Sec 2 homework, and didn't get as far as I had planned. Tomorrow, we will watch The Outsiders. If I did not get a child's permission slip by yesterday at 3:30 pm, they will not be allowed to watch the movie, and I will have a separate assignment for them to complete. 

Friday, October 15--Watched The Outsiders. Great movie to end a great unit! No homework this weekend! Next week we have the ACT EXPLORE TEST on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I have decided that we will continue our Social Studies through Chapter 4 before we have a test. The two chapters tie together well. So, there will NOT be a SS test next week, as I said there may be in class yesterday. 

Tuesday, October 19--Yesterday there was a sub. Students were informed about the ACT Explore Test that they will be taking this week. New vocab words need to be defined and used correctly in an 8th grade worthy sentence. The words are, and they are due on Wednesday:

threw, through, though, thought, farther, further, accept, except, affect, effect, already, all ready, beside, besides, because, cause

Students were given class time to complete the 13 English Colonies Map handout. This was to be labeled and colored, with the questions answered.

Using your book, answer the three questions from below. You should create solid, thought out answers, written in paragraph form. Make sure to answer all parts of the question.

1. What financial advantages would a joint-stock company have over a single investor as a sponsor of a new colony in the Americas?

2. How were the Pilgrams and the Puritans alike or different in their reasons for coming to America and in their relations with Native Americans?

3. How did a proprietary colony differ from a royal colony?

REMEMBER...answers are about a paragraph long, not one to two sentences. Be thorough and specific with your answers. Include the question in your answer.

Today...students are taking the ACT Explore English and Reading tests. 

Friday, October 22--ACT tests are completed, and we will return to a more normal week next week!

Yesterday, students were given some time to work on answering questions #4 and #4 (Theme and Analyzing Causes) on page 89 in SS. They were also to complete the Interpreting Graphs on page 89. I said I would collect these today (Friday), but there was not time. So, I WILL collect these on Monday.

Today we read Ch. 4, Sec. 1 in Social Studies, and we went over the first 13 colonies with their establishment dates. Students will need to know these for the next test. 

Monday, October 25--Vocab for this week...pick 15 words that you have missed out of our Vocab thus far, and write a new sentence, using the word correctly. If you do not have 15 words that you have missed, take words in which your sentence has challenges with spelling, punctuation, etc. If you still do not have 15 words, come see me and you will only do sentence for those words/sentences that there were problems. These are due on Wednesday.

Reviewed Ch. 4, Sec. 1, and then divided the class into three groups. Each group has a remaining section from Ch. 4. (Sec. 2, 3 or 4). Students have been given a Guided Reading sheet and have been instructed to complete this, after reading the section. Tomorrow they will have time to talk to their teams and determine what information they will need to teach the rest of the group. We will "jigsaw" the remainder of Ch. 4, and I will insert information as needed. Students may certainly read the other sections, if they would like to do so.

Tuesday, October 26--The Guided Reading Sheets for Ch. 4, Sect. 1 are due tomorrow. Vocab is also due tomorrow.

We are going over proper usage of commas, and students are to be writing in their spiral the different "rules" to follow. In this same spiral, they should have their Goals for Writing and Vocab Goals. This spiral is going to be used as a reference tool. Before work is turned in, they should go back to these goals to make sure they have done what they said is important to do with a piece of writing or their weekly vocab.

Groups had class time to work on their presentations for the Ch. 4 sections. Tomorrow, they will present in class. 

Monday, November 1--Not sure what happened to the information I typed on Thursday/Friday, but it isn't here now....

Today, students completed a Comma Quiz. They could use their notes that are in their writing journal, and they were instructed to look back at those notes for assistance.

We also went over the Ch. 4 review sheets that I gave them last week. They were instructed to come to class with those completed, and we would go over the answers. For those that did not complete the study guides, they were not privy to the answers, and they were given time to work on their work. 

The following questions may, OR MAY NOT, be on the test on Wednesday. They would be good to answer thoroughly because they can help in a variety of ways.

1. Why did the Navigation Acts encourage smuggling? (Ch. 4, Sec. 1)

2. What were the main reasons why Jamestown survived and prospered? Ch. 3, Sec. 1

3. What was the significance of Bacon's Rebellion? Ch. 3, Sec. 1

4. Cause and Effect of King Phillip's War--What were the reasons for the conflict? What were the effects to Native Americans and Europeans? Ch. 3, Sec. 2

Tuesday, November 2--OAKS Reading Test today. The State of Oregon says that a score of 231 meets the 8th grade benchmarks, and a 241 exceeds the benchmarks. The high schools require at least 235 for students to NOT have to take a reading class in high school. A score of 234 and less will place students in the reading class. There are two additional opportunities to take the test this year. In addition, students who exceed the 8th grade test will be offered the chance to take the 10th grade benchmark test later in the year. Please ask your child what their score was today!

Tomorrow is our Ch. 3 and Ch. 4 Social Studies test. Students have work that they can/should be studying from to prepare. In addition, they were told weeks (approximately 3 - 4) ago that they will need to know the names of the original 13 colonies with their important dates, and they will need to know which region of colonies they were in-New England, Southern or Middle.  We have had extended response questions that would be good to study from also. I have heard some grumbling that there are other tests tomorrow, and I think it is important to know that students were informed of this test last week. There has been plenty of time to study, and if they are waiting until tonight, that probably was not a good choice.

Challenge Option has been offered, and the due date is November 29. This will be worth a maximum of 10 points, and in order to take part in next trimester's investment challenge option, students MUST complete this one. Challenge Option is NOT accepted after November 29, even if a student is absent. Arrangements will need to be made to get it to me by that date.  I will attach a copy of the assignment to my school web page (this is a first, so hopefully it will work). I will not have additional copies to give out, if students lose them. Students may decided how they would like their points to be given. They may choose to put all points toward Language Arts, or Social Studies, or they can split them. We will do what benefits the student's grades the most. 

Thursday, November 4--Yippee! I just figured out how to attach files to my website (not schoolnotes account, but the website you can access through the Cascade website). So, you will find attachments for the two challenge options that are available. One (The Cow Book) was offered today. I did not give out hard copies because you are now able to download them from home! I hope you find this useful, and I will try to start attaching all in class assignments that have a handout.

The tests will be handed back tomorrow. I am noticing that there are students who either have a hard time memorizing, or they have chosen not to do so. It's not like "the good ole days" when memorizing was required in a number of subjects. So, taking this into consideration, for those students who scored a "D" or lower on the Colony, Dates, Regions section of the test, I will be offering a re-take for that portion only. There will be an assignment which needs to be completed over the weekend, and students may take the retake on Tuesday during second lunch, or after school. These are the only two times available, and I will not offer it at another time. For those with first lunch, you will not be able to take it during your lunch because I have a class, and I will not leave you without supervision in the hall to test. If you are unable to make these times, I would strongly recommend that you complete the other two challenge options that have been offered. I am not offering make-up for any other section of the test.

Friday, November 5--

If you scored a 26 or below on the Colony, Region, ImportantDate portion of the test, you may retake that portion on Tuesday, November 9,during 2^nd lunch or after school. These are the only times that this will be offered. In order to participate inthe retake, you must fill in the names of the 13 colonies on the three mapsthat are provided on my website:

http://web.bend.k12.or.us/lisa.fenter/Fenter_Cascade_Humanities/

In addition, you must create a timeline, on a separate pieceof paper, or at the bottom of one of the handouts, with the important dates andname of the colony associated with that date. I will review these on Monday,November 8, to ensure you have labeled it correctly. If you have not completedthis by Monday, at the beginning of class, you will not be eligible to retakethe test.

Your scores for the Colony, Region, and Important Datesportions of the test will be averaged and reflected in your test grade.

Monday, November 8--We went over the use of the semicolon (;) today, and wrote three examples in the writing journals, that everyone should be keeping! Also, we read Ch. 5, Sec. 1. Students are to answer the three Review Questions on page 136 (1 - 3). We are going to complete this chapter fairly quickly, and there will not be a test over this chapter. The goal is to get through the American Revolution by winter break. Vocab words that were given today include:

borrow, lend, chose, choose, complement, compliment, continual, continuous, past, passed, quiet, quite, quit, vary, very, verbiage.

Tuesday, November 9--Pop-quiz of 6 questions over Ch. 5, Sec. 1. Read Ch. 5, Sec. 2, and students are to complete a table that I gave them.

Fill in the Reasons and the Effects. This is due tomorrow. Remember, Vocab (definitions and sentences) are also due tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 10--Read Ch. 5, Sec 3 today and completed another Phunny Stuff grammar activity. There is a handout that goes with Ch. 5, Sec 3 and the other side is a review of vocab for the chapter. You do not have to complete B. Analyzing  Points of View  or C. Writing.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend! Thank a veteran for all they have done, do, or perhaps will do to protect our country!

Monday, November 15--I collected the Ch. 5 handout from Wednesday. There were a lot of people that did not have these finished today...

We handed out the Helping Hands information. Students have a packet to go over with parents, and I would like to see this signed before Friday. If you are not going to be here on Friday, please get it signed and show me before you are gone. If your child has lost the packet, you can find it on my school website in a pdf form to print.

We started a KWL chart for Ch. 6. This chapter will have some events that need to be memorized for the test. We will probably test over Ch. 6 and Ch. 7 the week prior to Winter Break. Start making flashcards NOW, so that you can review a little each night and build upon your knowledge.

New vocab words for this week need to be defined and used correctly in a sentence. I also want to see part of speech written down because I am seeing nouns being used as verbs or adverbs--in essence, they are being used incorrectly. If a student has to write what part of speech the word is, I am hoping they will then use it correctly in the sentence. It is worth a try! I apologize that I do not have these words tonight--they are on the board, and I am at home. I will update them first thing in the morning. 

Tuesday, November 16--Vocab from yesterday is:

garrison, vicious, treason, agitators, sloth (not the animal), lascivious, subversion, vile, wrath, cordial, cipher, apprentice, cholera, recalcitrance, plunder, grimace, forage, commissary.

Today we finished reading Ch. 6, Sec 1 and took KWL notes over the chapter. 

On Friday, we will be having our fall "campfire". Students will share the following with the class:

1. What are you thankful for and why?

2. Tell about a family tradition, holiday tradition, or a story about yourself--this can be funny, serious, or interesting.

These stories need to be written or typed up, and they are to be turned in on Friday. If you are not going to be here on Friday, you will need to turn these in early because we are not going to have make-up campfires after the break. If you do not present, or turn in your stories, you will receive a "0" for the assignment.

Also, Helping Hands need to be signed by parents/guardians. I would like to have these by Friday, at the latest. I will just check you off when I have seen a signature.  Thank you for going over these with your family.

Wednesday, November 17--Today we went for book talks about the Battle of the Books. I would encourage all to participate this year! We can arrange for Challenge Option to be offered for those who participate and read the books!

We also went over questions to ask for Helping Hands and some phone etiquette! Take advantage of some time next week and volunteer!

HOMEWORK FOR TONIGHT--READ CHAPTER 6, SECTION 2. You do not have to take notes, but you should be prepared for discussion tomorrow. We will base our notes off of the discussion, so show up with it having been read! You never know what might Pop Up!

Thursday, November 18--gave time for students to go back and take notes, based on our KWL style of note taking, for Ch. 6. Sec. 2. Four additional events need to be added to the sequencing of events. In addition the following people will be important for the Chapter:

James Otis, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, William Pitt, Sons of Liberty, Crispus Attucks, Daughters of Liberty, John Adams, John Dickinson, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Dr. Samuel Prescott, William Dawes, George Washington, Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold, Thomas Jefferson

Students will need to know who these people were, a famous quote from the book (if there is one), and why they are important. Again, these people are from the entire chapter, so we may not have been introduced to them yet, but we will be by the end of chapter 6. 

Monday, November 29--Last four days of the trimester! Today we read part of Ch. 6, Sec. 3 in class, and added one additional event leading to the rev. War. Tonight students need to finish reading the Section, and there are two additional events that need to be added. Also, we started My Brother Sam is Dead. Please complete Ch. 2 before coming to class tomorrow. I am going to ask that a good portion of this book be read at home. We are going to finish it and write a response paper before going out on winter break...be warned. I am hoping to have the assignment prepared by Wednesday.

Tuesday, November 30--Students read Ch. 3, 4, and 5 in My Brother Sam is Dead (MBSID from here on out), and they have six questions to answer from the reading.

We went over last night's SS reading and added to the events leading to the Rev. War. We will have a test over Ch. 6 next Tuesday, December 7! For those that have not made flashcards for the events, get those done NOW, and start studying. Continue completing the information (Who are they? What was a famous quote, and what did it mean? Why are they important) for the people on the board. See above (November 18) for a list of these people. 

Wednesday, December 1--Tonight's homework is to read Ch. 6 and 7 in MBSID. Might see a pop-quiz over the reading tomorrow! I WILL be assigning some reading to be done over the weekend. I would like to see us finish the book either Wednesday or Thursday (at the latest) of next week.

We finished Ch. 6, and added the last two events leading up to the Revolutionary War. Students need to get the people finished. I will go over these on Monday, but really students should get these finished up as soon as possible, so they have something to study over  the next few days.

I also went over the Final Writing Assignment for My Brother Sam is Dead. This can be downloaded from my website. The rough draft is due on Monday, December 13, and the final will be due on Wednesday, December 15. Late papers will not be accepted--they need to be turned in early, dropped off to school, or emailed (as an attachment) no later than 3:30 pm on Wednesday. I will always send a confirmation email back IF I receive a paper. If you do not hear from me, I did not hear from you. Students do not have to finish the book prior to starting their paper. They can already get ideas started for a graphic organizer.

Thursday, December 2--For the test on Tuesday, be prepared to answer the four Critical Thinking questions from the chapter. These can be found on p. 146, 151, 157 and 165. They should be answered in a paragraph of 5 - 7 sentences. Be sure to include the Think About portions to strengthen your answers! Make these strong!!

Over the weekend, read through Chapter 11 (XI). We should be able to finish MBSID by Tuesday of next week. This will give you plenty of time to get your rough draft written by December 13. 

Monday, December 5--New trimester! After today, I will start a new page for Trimester 2 work. Since there is a Social Studies test tomorrow, I thought it would be best to leave this up for now.

Read Chapters 12 and 13 (XII and XIII) today in class, and students are responsible to read Chapters 14 and the Epilogue by Wednesday. Rough drafts of the essay will be due on Monday, December 13. We went over in class today another way to great a graphic organizer. For those who are absent today, you can either come in during 2nd lunch or after school to go over this, if you would like. Otherwise, I would use a graphic organizer that will work for you.

Remember, tomorrow is the SS Ch. 6 test. You will need to know the 14 events leading up to the American Revolution, the 17 people that played a major role in these events, and the essay questions from the Critical Thinking Questions.