LANGUAGE ARTS---GRADE 8

                     WEEK OF JUNE 16, 2008

TUESDAY: PERIODS 1.2.4: Roots Quiz #2: "neo" to "cede." Know one meaning for each root. Be able to use each root in a word.  Period 6: no class. ALL CLASSES: Animal Farm movie, Part deux. We'll compare/contrast the key scenes in the movie to those in the novel. Remember to turn in your copy of the novel if you have not yet done so.

THURSDAY: MOVING UP CEREMONY. Congratulations to all of my 8th graders--white, red and blue. It has been my pleasure to teach all of you this year. Have a safe, fun-filled summer, Masco Class of 2112.

                       WEEK OF JUNE 8 ,2008

MONDAY: READING DUE IN ANIMAL FARM: Period 1-pp.48-56. Period 2: pp.  61-72. Period 4: No reading due today. Period 6: pp. 54-63. Period 7: Chapter 2. We will go over these pages,;a quiz is possible. We'll continue reading in the novel and fill in Character and Revolt of the Animals sheets.

WEDNESDAY: Reading due: Period 1: pp. 70-76; Period 2: pp. 89-97; Period 4: 98-109. Period 6: pp. 84-91              Period 7: pp.56(last paragraph)-65(first paragraph)

All Classes: Please bring your copy of Animal Farm with you to class today.

                       WEEK OF JUNE 2, 2008

TUESDAY: PERIOD 2 AND PERIOD 6 POETRY COFFEEHOUSES. PLEASE BRING ALL FOOD, LAVA LAMPS, ETC. TO ME BEFORE SCHOOL TODAY. REMEMBER: NO NUTS IN ANY FOOD ITEM!!!                     Periods 1 , 4 and 7: Finish any work necessary on People Poems.  Go over reading in Animal Farm : Period 1: pages 29-39 due today. Period 4: pages 61-72 due today. Period 7: We will begin reading the novel today.

THURSDAY: PERIOD 1, PERIOD 4, AND PERIOD 7: POETRY COFFEEHOUSES TODAY. SEE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER "TUESDAY" ABOVE.                Periods 2 and 6: Go over reading in Animal Farm. Period 2: Pages 31-44 due today. Period 6: Chapter 2 due today.  READING IN ANIMAL FARM  due Monday, June 9: Period 1 -Read pp. 48-56. Period 7- Read Chapter 2. Periods 2 and 6: Check schoolnotes for weekend reading after our class on June 5.  Period 4: No reading due.

                             WEEK OF MAY 19, 2008

MONDAY: Periods 1 and 2: Athlete poems. Tracking exercise. Hand out and  go over Rubric for People Poem. Period 4: Tracking exercise. Pass out and go over rubric. Collect sense poems. Baz Luhrman poem :"Sunscreen." Introduction to Orwell's Animal Farm. Assignment: Read Chapter 1 for Wednesday.(pp.25-35) Periods 6 and 7: Tracking Exercise. Collect sense poems. Baz Luhrman poem. Hand out and go over rubric. Choose Masters of Ceremony for Poetry Coffeehouse.

WEDNESDAY: Periods 5,6,7:MCAS.  Period 4:Tracking Exercise. Choose Masters of Ceremony for Poetry Coffeehouses. Check up on reading of pages 25-35 in Animal Farm. Read novel in class. Periods 1 and 2: Tracking Exercise. The Sense Poem. Choose Masters of Ceremony for  Poetry Coffeehouse.

FRIDAY: ALL CLASSES: REPORT TO LIBRARY, NOT TO  B124. BRING YOUR RUBRIC AND YOUR PHOTO WITH YOU.

                     WEEK OF MAY 12, 2008

TUESDAY: Periods 1 and 2: MCAS. PERIODS 4,6,7: Tracking Exercise. Penny Exercise: Looking at the familiar in a new way.

ALL CLASSES: Remember that your Roots Quiz #! ("anthrop" to "meter") is on Thursday, May 15. Periods 1 and 2: Remember to bring you pennies in today.

THURSDAY: All classes: Roots Quiz #1. Tracking Exercise. PERIODS 1 and 2: Penny Exercise. Looking at the familiar in a new way. PERIODS 4,6, 7: Continue Poetry unit. "1949," The Sense Poem.

UPCOMING EVENTS: We will be meeting in the library beginning on Friday, May 23 to begin our People Poems. If I do not already have your photo, please bring it with you today. We will also meet in the Library on Wednesday, May 28 and Friday, May 30(if needed).

                      WEEK OF APRIL 28, 2008

TUESDAY: PERIODS 1 AND 2:  Collect essays on "A Horseman in the Sky." Tracking Exercise. Begin notes on Poetry Unit. Announce prefix quiz #3("il" to "un") Your quiz will be on Monday, May 5(PERIOD 1-NOTE THE CHANGE)  We'll go over these prefixes on Thursday. PERIODS 4,6,7: Tracking exercise. Finish Poetry Notes. Handouts: "Gone Forever," Poets' Ideas on Poetry, Triangle Poem, Cinquain. Your prefix quiz is in Thursday!!! Know 2 meanings for all prefixes except for "semi." Know 3 meanings for "semi."                            ALL CLASSES: 36 Pooetic Moments due on Thursday. PERIOD 4: Notebook collection on Thursday.

THURSDAY: PERIODS 4,6,7: Prefix Quiz #3("il" to "un") .  Tracking Exercise. The Triangle poem. PERIODS 1 and 2: Go over prefixes. Finish poetry notes. Tracking exercise. ALL CLASSES: 36 poetic moments due. PERIOD 4: Notebook collection.   ALL CLASSES: Bring in photo for People Poem on Monday, May 5.                  

 WEEK OF APRIL 14, 2008

MONDAY: PERIODS 1 AND 2: REVIEW FOR UNIT TEST ON THE  SHORT STORY. Test is on Wednesday, Periods 4,6,7: Essays on short story due. Tracking exercises. Announce prefix quiz #3: "il, im, in ,ir" to "un." Quiz is on Friday, April 18.    7 prefixes, 15 meanings.

WEDNESDAY: PERIODS 1 AND 2: UNIT TEST ON THE SHORT STORY. Periods 4,6,7; Go over prefixes for quiz on Friday. Introduction to the Poetry unit; Repetition, refrain. rhyme, rhyme scheme.

FRIDAY: Periods 1 and 2: Go over prefixes for quiz after vacation("il" to "un") Essays on the short story are due. 30 poetic moments are due. Introduction to the poetry unit.   Period 4,6,7: Prefix Quiz # 3. Continue notes and handouts on the poetry unit. 30 poetic moments due today.

TO ALL MY STUDENTS, HAVE A WONDERFUL VACATION.

                     WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2008

TUESDAY: Period 1: Tracking exercise: "buy." Question sheet on Jackson's "The Lottery." Period 2: Tracking exercise: "Boy." Questions 1-10 after "A Horseman in the Sky." Begin "The Lottery." Note: Your notebooks are being collected  today.Periods 4,6,7: Tracking exercise: "boy." Review for Unit Test on the Short Story. Test is on Thursday for periods 4,6,7

THURSDAY: Period 1: Review for Unit Test on the short story. Essay portion of this test will be on Monday, April 14. (Early Release.) Remainder of test will be on Wed April 16.          Period 2: Finish "The Lottery." Complete question sheet on the story. Review for the unit test on the short story will be on Monday, April 14. Unit test will be on Wednesday, April 16. Periods 4,6,7: Begin poetry unit. Origins of poetry. Use of repetition which separates poetry from prose. Note: if you took your essay from the unit test home to complete, it is due back to me today.

                     WEEK OF MARCH 31, 2008

Monday: Announce Prefix quiz # 2. ("a, ab" to "em, en.") There are only 5 prefixes, but they have multiple meanings. Know all 14 meanings for these prefixes. Be able to use each prefix in one word. Quiz is on Friday, April 4. Periods 1 and 2: Finish notes. Begin reading "A Horseman in the Sky." Periods 4,6,7: Finish "A Horseman in the Sky." Answer questions 1-10 on  Pages 82-84. Assignment: study for quiz. Continue poetic moments. 18-19 are due on Friday.

WEDNESDAY: Go over prefixes. Tracking Exercise. Periods 1 and 2: Finish "A Horseman in the Sky." Do questions 1-10 on pp. 82-84. Periods 4,5,7: Read Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery."

FRIDAY: Prefix Quiz #2. Tracking exercise. Periods 1 and 2: Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery." Periods 4,6,7: Finish "The Lottery." Discuss, using handout of 9 questions. Poetic Moment check---18-19 moments are due today. PERIOD 1: Notebook collection today. PERIOD 2: Notebook collection is on Tues. April 8.

                      WELCOME 8 BLUE TEAM!!!

                       WEEK OF MARCH 24, 2008

TUESDAY: PREFIX QUIZ #1.("BENE" TO "SUB.") Know one meaning for each prefix. Be able to use each prefix in a word. Tracking exercise. Continue notes on the short story: Setting, plot, crisis, conflict, climax, theme, characterization, irony, foreshadowing. NOTE: 7-8 poetic moments due today.

THURSDAY: MCAS for periods 1-3. Periods 4-7: Tracking exercise. Finish notes on the short story. Begin reading "A Horseman in the Sky."  ALL CLASSES: Continue daily poetic moments.

TUESDAY: Welcome to class; description of course. Handouts: Prefix sheet, Expectations sheet, notebook, tracking exercise, folder. Do tracking exercise: "about." Explanation of poetic moments.(do one every day for homework) (8 due on Tuesday, March 25)Announce Prefix Quiz #1("bene" to "sub.") Know one meaning and one example for each prefix. Quiz is on Tuesday, March 25.  Begin notes on the short story: Twain, Poe and Hawthorne.

THURSDAY: Go over prefixes for quiz. Share poetic moments. Tracking exercise: "any." Continue notes on the short story. Finish authors; begin Elements of the Short Story.

                       WELCOME 8 RED TEAM!!

                        WEEK OF MARCH 10, 2008

MONDAY: READING IN ANIMAL FARM DUE TODAY(THERE MAY BE A QUIZ): Period 2: pages 45-53(Chapter lll); Period 3:pages 42-49; Period 4:pages 35-44; Period 5: Pages 45-53(Chapter lll); Period 6: Pages 38-53. We will go over these pages and fill in your character and revolt of the animals sheets.

WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY: Check Schoolnotes on Monday and  Wednesday nights for the reading assignments for these 2 days. I'll update Schooolnotes after our classes on Monday and on Wednesday.  A SPECAIL THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR MAKING THE POETRY COFFEEHOUSES SUCH A SUCCESS!!!!

                        WEEK OF MARCH 3, 2008

TUESDAY:PERIOD 2,4,6 POETRY COFFEEHOUSES!!! PLEASE BRING ALL FOOD, LAVA LAMPS, ETC. TO ME BEFORE SCHOOL, IF POSSIBLE.  REMEMBER: NO NUTS  OR NUT PRODUCTS IN ANY FOOD ITEMS .HOMEWORK FOR THESE PERIODS: Period 2: read Chapter 1 in Animal Farm for Thursday, March 6. Periods 4 and 6: Read pp. 25-38 in Animal Farm for Thursday, March 6.  Periods 3 and 5: Pages 27-38 in Animal Farm due today. We'll go over these pages and continue reading the novel.  Your Poetry Coffeehouses are on Thursday.

THURSDAY: PERIODS 3 AND 5 POETRY COFFEEHOUSES!!! PLEASE BRING ALL FOOD, ETC. TO ME BEFORE SCHOOL, IF POSSIBLE. REMEMBER: NO NUTS OR NUT PRODUCTS IN ANY FOOD ITEM.         Periods 2,4,6: We'll go over the reading listed in Tuesday's entry above, and continue reading in Animal Farm.

                        WEEK OF FEBRUARY 25, 2008

WELCOME BACK FROM VACATION!  I HOPE  YOU ARE ALL RESTED AND HAPPY

MONDAY and WEDNESDAY:ALL CLASSES: GO TO LIBRARY, NOT TO B124. BRING YOUR PHOTO AND YOUR RUBRIC WITH YOU. I'LL BRING YOUR PHOTO IF YOU HAVE GIVEN IT TO ME. WE'LL BEGIN AND FINISH THE PEOPLE POEMS  IN THE LIBRARY.

FRIDAY: TWO CLASSES WILL HAVE THEIR POETRY COFFEEHOUSES.(WE'LL DECIDE WHICH CLASSES ON WEDNESDAY) THE OTHER CLASSES WILL BEGIN ORWELL'S ANIMAL FARM AND WILL HAVE THEIR COFFEEHOUSES NEXT WEEK.

                        WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008

TUESDAY: PERIOD 2: Roots quiz #2("neo" to "cede"). All Periods: Tracking Exercise. Finish the Sense Poem. The Circle Poem.

THURSDAY: Hand out rubric for People Poem. (Please bring this rubric and your photo to the LIBRARY on Feb. 25, the day we return from vacation. We will begin writing your poem on  the 25th.  We will also meet in the LIBRARY, not in the classsroom, on the Wednesday after vacation.)  Today: Tracking exercise. Intro to Orwell's Animal Farm. Please check schoolnotes on Friday, Feb.15 for the pages you need to read in the novel over vacation. Have a safe, wonderful winter break.

                        WEEK OF FEBRUARY 4, 2008

MONDAY: Announce Roots quiz #2("neo" to "cede.")("capt" and "cede" are on the back of the root sheet) Quiz is Friday, Feb. 8. We will go over the roots on Wednesday.  Tracking exercise. Continue poetry unit: The Athlete Poems. Compare in style, theme and form. PERIOD 4: Any students who did not hand in their notebooks, please do so today. ALL CLASSES: Bring in the shiniest penny you can find on Wednesday. Bring in your photo for People Poem if you have not yet done so.

WEDNESDAY: Go over roots. Penny Exercise for classes that have finished the Athlete Poems. Classes not yet at this point will do penny exercise on Friday. The penny exercise asks the students to look at the familiar in a new way, and to record what they see.

FRIDAY: Roots Quiz  ("neo" to "cede")for all classes but Period 2(Period 2 has an assembly today--your quiz is on Tuesday, Feb.12.) Penny Exercise for classes that have not yet done it. Sense poem for the other classes.

                        WEEK OF JANUARY 28, 2008

TUESDAY: Tracking exercise. Go over roots for quiz on Thursday. ("anthrop" to "meter") Know one meaning for each root. Be able to use each root in a word.   Continue poetry unit. Finish cinquains. The concrete poem. Remember to bring in your photo for the "People Poem" if you have not yet done so.

THURSDAY: Roots Quiz #1("anthrop" to "meter.") Tracking  Exercise. Continue poetry unit: The Athlete Poems.

                        WEEK OF JANUARY 22, 2008

TUESDAY: PREFIX QUIZ #3("IL,IM,IN,IR" TO "UN"). Know multiple meanings for each prefix. Be able to use each prefix in one word. 38 poetic moments are due, and will be checked. Period 5: your notebooks will be collected for a letter grade. All Classes: Remember to bring in a photo(s) with a person or with people in it by Thursday, Jan.24. (Period 2, I'll go over this with you today.)                Continue poetry unit: The Triangle Poem.

THURSDAY: ALL CLASSES: THE PHOTO FOR YOUR PEOPLE POEM IS DUE TODAY. (Not the poem, just the photo.)  Tracking Exercise. Continue Poetry Unit: The Cinquain.  ALL MAKE-UP WORK FOR PROGRESS REPORTS IS DUE TODAY.

                        WEEK OF JANUARY 14, 2008

TUESDAY: PERIODS 3 AND 6: Unit test on the Short Story. If you choose to take the creative essay home to complete, it is due back to me on Thursday, Jan. 17.   Periods 2,4,5:Essays from your unit test are due today. Tracking exercise. Introduction to the poetry unit.  NOTE: All Classes: Prefix Quiz #3 is on Tuesday, Jan. 22. ("il, im, in, ir" to "un.") Know 2 meanings for all prefixes except for "semi." Know 3 meaning for "semi." We will go over these prefixes on Thursday. NOTE: All classes should have at least 30 poetic moments in their notebooks today.  Continue poetic moments. Study for prefix quiz.

THURSDAY: Essays due for periods 3 and 6. All Classes: Tracking Exercise. Continue in poetry unit. Complete introduciton and begin handouts.  All Students: Continue poetic moments. Study for prefix quiz.

                        WEEK OF JANUARY 7, 2008

TUESDAY:PERIODS 2,3,4,5: REVIEW FOR UNIT TEST ON THE SHORT STORY. Be able to define all of the elements of the short story(setting, plot,etc.) and discuss in relation to "A Horseman in the Sky."  PERIOD 3: Collection of notebooks. PERIOD 6: Finish Jacksons' "The Lottery." Begin review for short story test, time permitting. Collection of notebooks for any who didn't turn them in last Friday. ALL CLASSES: Continue daily poetic moments.

THURSDAY: PERIODS 2,3,4,5: Unit Test on the Short Story. PERIOD 6: Finish review on Short Story test. Your test will be Monday, Jan. 14. NOTE: Due to assembly today, Period 3 will have test on the short story next Monday.

                       WEEK OF JANUARY 1, 2008(YIKES!!!)

WEDNESDAY: ALL CLASSES WILL HAVE PREFIX QUIZ #2(ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR BEFORE THE BREAK.)("a,ab" to "em, en") Know 3 meanings for every prefix except "anti." Know 2 meanings for "anti." Be  able to give one example for each prefix.   Tracking exercise. Classes which have not finished the questions following "A Horseman in the Sky" will do so today.Other classes will begin Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery."

FRIDAY: Finish Jackson's "The Lottery." Begin review for test on the short story. Tentative date for test: Thursday, Jan 10.

                       WEEK OF DECEMBER 17, 2007

MONDAY: (Periods 2,3,4,5) 1. Tracking Exercise: "better." 2. Hand back and go over prefix quizzes. 3. Continue notes: Elements of the short story; Introduction to "A Horseman in the Sky"; begin reading story.  Note: Prefix quiz # 2 is on Friday, Dec. 21.( "a, ab" to "em, en"). These prefixes have more than one meaning. We will go over these prefixes on Wednesday.  PERIOD 6: Due to early dismissal  last Thursday, your prefix quiz  # 1 is today ("bene" to "sub")  2. Tracking exercise:"better." Notes: Elements of the Short Story.  ALL CLASSES: Continue daily poetic moments( 15 due on Friday, Dec. 21.)

WEDNESDAY: 1. Go over prefixes ("a, ab" to "em, en") for quiz on Friday. 2. Tracking exercise: "boy." 3. Continue reading "A Horseman in the Sky." If completed, do questions 1-10 on pp. 81-83.

FRIDAY: 1. Prefix quix # 2.  2. Finish "Horseman" if not yet completed. Apply elements of the short story to "A Horseman in the Sky."   15 poetic moments will be checked today.

HAVE  A WONDERFUL, SAFE VACATION.

TUESDAY: 1. Go over prefixes ("bene" to "sub" ) for quiz on Thursday, Dec. 13. Know one meaning for each prefix; be able to use each  prefix in a word.     2. Tracking exercise.   3. Continue introduction to the short story: Poe, Twain, Hawthorne. Elements of the short story.  Assignment: Study prefixes. Continue writing one "poetic moment" daily.

THURSDAY: 1. Prefix Quiz # 1.    2. Tracking exercise.             3. Continue notes on the Elements of the Short Story. Begin reading the short story, "The Horseman in the Sky." Assignment: Continue poetic moments.

                      WEEK OF NOVEMBER 26, 2007

TUESDAY: ALL CLASSES:  READING DUE TODAY(CHECK UNDER ENTRY FOR NOVEMBER 21) Tracking Exercise. Continue reading in Animal Farm. The slaughter of the animals. the reworking of the commandments.

THURSDAY: Animal Farm: The movie. Compare and contrast the characters/major events of the movie to the novel. Please turn in all make-up work and make up all quizzes/tests by end of extra help today, if possible.

                      WEEK OF NOVEMBER 19, 2007

MONDAY: ALL CLASSES: ROOTS QUIZ #2("NEO" TO "CEDE") Know one meaning for each root. Be able to use each root in a word.  HOMEWORK DUE TODAY: READING IN ANIMAL FARM:  Period 1: pages 56-60 due. Period 3: pages 56-60 due. Period 4: Pages 51-53 due. Period 5: Pages 56-60 due. Period 7: pages 48-53 due.  In -class work: We'll continue reading the novel and fill in the Cast of Characters and the Revolt of the Animals sheet.

WEDNESDAY: Tracking exercise. Continue reading in  Animal Farm.  I will update this schoolnote if any reading is assigned over the Thanksgiving break.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! UPDATE:  READING DUE ON MONDAY, NOV.26:

PERIOD 1: READ PAGES 73-80. PERIOD 3: READ PAGES 69-76. PERIOD 4: READ PAGES 69-76. PERIOD 5: READ PAGES 56-60. PERIOD 7: READ PAGES 67-72. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

                     WEEK OF NOVEMBER 12, 2007

TUESDAY: PERIOD 1 and 3:  HOMEWORK DUE:Finish reading chapter 1 of Animal Farm.  In class: Continue reading in Animal Farm. The death of Old Major; the rise of the pigs.  Periods 4,,5,7: Introduction to Orwell's Animal Farm. Totalitarianism and Utopia; the beast fable. Begin reading the novel.   ALL CLASSES: Announce Roots quizx #2("neo" to "cede") Quiz is on Mon. Nov. 19. 

THURSDAY: Go over roots("neo" to "cede") for quiz on Monday, Nov. 19. Continue reading in Animal Farm. Tracking Exercise.

                      WEEK OF NOVEMBER 5, 2007

TUESDAY: PERIODS 1 AND 3: POETRY COFFEEHOUSES!!! PLEASE BRIING ALL FOOD AND OTHER ITEMS TO ME BEFORE SCHOOL TODAY, IF POSSIBLE.    REMEMBER::: NO NUTS, PEANUT OIL, PEANUT BUTTER, ETC.,  IN ANY FOOD ITEM

PERIODS 4,5,7: Finish up any editing of People Poems. Conclude poetry unit.  Your poetry coffeehouses are  on Thursday, November 8. See note  above on food items. 

THURSDAY: PERIODS 4,5,7: POETRY COFFEEHOUSES.  PLEASE BRING ANY FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS TO ME BEFORE SCHOOL TODAY. NO NUTS, PEANUT OIL PEANUT BUTTER, ETC. IN ANY FOOD PRODUCT PLEASE

PERIODS 1 AND 3: Finish andy poem readings that there was not time for on Tuesday. Introduction to Orwell's Animal Farm.

                     WEEK OF OCTOBER 29, 2007

MONDAY: All Classes: Report to Library to begin work on your People Poem. Bring your phots(s) with you. I will distribute the rubrics and booklets of poems from previous classes to inspire you.

WEDNESDAY: All Classes: Report to Library. Continue work on People Poems.  BOO!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

FRIDAY: If necessary, final trip to Library. You will know at the end of Wednesday's class whether we will meet in the Library or in B124. If no further Library work is necessary, we will wrap up any loose ends from the poetry unit in preparation for next week's Poetry Coffeehouses.

                       WEEK OF OCTOBER 22, 2007

TUESDAY:  All students: Bring in a shiny penny (or pennies)  to class today.We are going to do a poetic(writing) exercise called: Looking at the familiar in a new way. Those who have not handed in their triangle poems or cinquains, please do so today.  Notebook collection today for periods 3 and 4.

THURSDAY:Tracking exercise. Depending upon class period: Finish the Athlete poems, or do Oates' "1949" and the Sense Poem. REMEMBER: All classes meet in the library on Monday, OCt. 29 and Wednesday, Oct. 31(BOO!)  We will be writing your people poems, so bring your photo(s) and your rubric, which will be handed out today, with you. Notebook collection for period 7.

                      WEEK OF OCTOBER 15, 2007

MONDAY(Early Release): 1. Hand out Root sheets. Roots Quiz #1 will be on Friday, Oct.  19. ("anthrop" to "meter"). Tracking exercise.  Continue poetry unit: Periods 1,2,5: The Cinquain(in-class exercise)  Periods 3 and 7: Begin Poetry handouts. PERIODS 1 and 7: Poetic moment check.  ALL CLASSES: Bring in your photo for People Poem if you have not yet done so.

WEDNESDAY: Tracking exercise. Go over Roots for quiz on Friday. Know one meaning for each root. Be able to use each root in a word.  Continue Poetry Unit.

FRIDAY: Roots Quix # 1("anthrop" to "meter".) Tracking exercise. Continue poetry unit: Concrete Poems. Assignment for each day: Continue daily poetic moments.

GO RED SOX!!!!!

                      WEEK OF OCTOBER 8, 2007

TUESDAY: Tracking Exercise. Hand back and go over Unit tests. Go over prefixes ("il,im,in,ir" to "un") for quiz on Thursday, Oct. 11.   Know 2 meanings for all prefixes except for "semi."  Know 3 meanings for "semi." Be able to use each prefix in a word.  Continue introduction to Poetry Unit. Rhythm and Images  NOTE: If you have not yet handed in your essay on "A Horseman in the Sky, " please do so today.  ASSIGNMENT: Find a photo(s) with a person, a pet, or a group of people in it that means a lot to you. Please bring the photo(s) in on Thursday.

THURSDAY: Prefix Quiz # 3. Tracking Exercise. Continue poetry unit: "Gone Forever," Poets' Ideas on Poetry, The Triangle Poem. (Handouts)

                          WEEK OF OCTOBER 1, 2007

TUESDAY:Full period  test on the short story. Be able to define all of the elements of the short story and apply them to "A Horseman in the Sky."  Essay may be completed at home, as long as it is returned to me on Thursday, Oct. 4.      27 poetic moments are due and will be checked today.

THURSDAY: Any essays brought home on Tuesday are due today.  Conclude discussion of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery." The nature of and the danger of  blind adherence to ritual.  Tracking exercise. Begin Poetry unit, time permitting.

                     WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2007

MONDAY: Tracking exercise:'better"(backwards). Finish reading "A Horseman in the Sky." Questions 1-10 at  end of story. Hand back prefix quizzes for all classes and notebooks for period 1. Period 3: I'll be collecting your poetic moment notebooks today.

WEDNESDAY: Review elements of the short story and apply to "A Horseman in the Sky." Test on short story elements and on  "A Horseman in the Sky" will be on Tuesday,October 2. Period 4: I'll be collecting your notebooks today.

FRIDAY: Tracking exercise:"boy." Read and discuss Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery." The danger of ritual. Assignment: Study for Unit test on Tuesday, October 2.

                     WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2007

NOTE!!! The prefix quiz originally scheduled for Friday the 14th will now be given on Wednesday the 12th, due to the Jewish holy day. 

MONDAY: Go over prefixes ("bene" to "sub") for quiz on Wednesday. Tracking Exercise: "about."  Continue introduction to the American short story writers of the 19th century. Share poetic moments.  Handout: poetic moments from last year's eighth graders.  Continue writing your poetic moments each night.

WEDNESDAY:  Prefix Quiz #1. Tracking Exercise: "any." Introduction to the elements of the short story.(Plot, character, theme, irony, foreshadowing, conflict, crisis, climax.) Share poetic moments.

FRIDAY: Tracking exercise: "better." Hand back and go over quizzes. Introduction to the Civil War and to  "A Horseman in the Sky" by Ambrose Bierce. Begin reading the short story. Assignment: Continue poetic moments. Begin studying prefixes for Quiz #2 ("a, ab" to "em,en") for quiz on Thursday, September 20.

                   WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2007

THURSDAY: Introduce class to Language Arts. Give out and explain handouts. Announce Prefix Quiz # 1("bene" to "sub"). Know one meaning for each prefix. Be able to use each prefix in a word. Quiz is on Friday, Sept. 14. We will go over the prefixes on Monday.

Assignment: Write One poetic moment each day. Nine due on Friday, Sept. 14. (These moments will be fully explained in class.) Read one thing each day that was not assigned to you. Be prepared to discuss whatever you have read. This could be a chapter in a book, an article in the sports section of the newspaper, an article in a magazine, etc.

                      WEEK OF JUNE 11, 2007

 MONDAY: PERIODS 5 and 7: POETRY COFFEEHOUSES. Please meet in library.PERIODS 1,2,4: Bring Animal Farm to the Library. We will continue reading the novel where we had left off, and fill in a "Cast of Characters" sheet.

WEDNESDAY: After rehearsal for Moving Up Day, any remaining classes report to our usual room. Bring Animal Farm with you. I will be collecting the novel at the end of each class.

FRIDAY: Eighth Grade Moving Up Day. A heartfelt "Well done" to all of my students.  Please return all copies of Animal Farm to me if you have not yet done so.

                     WEEK OF JUNE 4, 2007

TUESDAY:Periods 1,2,4, 5 ,7: Please hand in final copy of  People  Poem if you have not yet done so. Tracking Exercise. Animal Farm--the rebellion, the introduction of the pigs(Napoleon, Snowball, Squealer) Chapters 2 and 3. NOTE: ALL CLASSES meet in Library on Thursday. PERIODS 1,2,4: POETRY COFFEEHOUSES are on Thursday, June 7. Periods 5 and 7: We will use literature circles to continue work in Animal Farm on Thursday. Bring the novel with you to library.ASSIGNMENT:Periods 1,2,4: Read up to page 63(last paragraph) in Animal Farm for Monday, June 11.  Period 5: Read up to page 68, last paragraph, for Thursday, June 7. Period 7:Read up to page 63 for Thursday, June 7.

THURSDAY:Periods 1,2,4: POETRY COFFEEHOUSES. Please bring all food to me in library before school.  (NO NUTS IN ANY FOOD) Bring your poem to the Library with you if I do not have it. Bring photo if you need it.        PERIODS 5 and 7: Bring Animal Farm with you to LIbrary. Your Coffeehouses are in the Library on Monday, June 11.  

 WEEK OF MAY 29. 2007

WEDNESDAY: Laptops will be in class again for students to complete People Poems. Bring rubric and photo with you to class. Let's hope the poltergeist that came with the computers last Friday has been banished from B124, and that we can all log on before class is over!  NEW INFO.(5/30/07) :GOOD NEWS: I have reserved the downstairs computer lab for periods 1 and 5. I have reserved the Library for period 2. Periods 4 and 7 will meet in our usual room.

FRIDAY: Introduction  to Orwell's Animal Farm. The role and the nature of government in our lives; Orwell's hatred of both totalitarianism and utopia.  Begin reading the novel.  NOTE: Poetry Coffeehouses will be in the library on Thursday, June 7. Please bring all items for coffeehouse to me in the library before school on that day. (food, lava lamps, etc.) Remember:NO NUTS IN ANY FOOD YOU BRING IN.  This includes peanut oil, peanut butter, etc.

                     WEEK OF MAY 22, 2007

WEDNESDAY: MCAS(periods 5,6,7)   Periods 1,2,4: Finish viewing "Sorry, Wrong Number." Compare DVD version to the radio play we read earlier this trimester.  Wrap up circle poem work.

FRIDAY: Begin work on People Poem. Laptop computers will be available for all students. Please bring your rubric and your photo to class with you.  We will have the laptops again on Wednesday, May 30 to complete the People Poems. Have a wonderful, safe Memorial Day weekend.

MAY 17

Off to middle child's graduation from Notre Dame. Will update Schoolnotes as soon as I return,     GO IRISH!!                   

WEEK OF MAY 14, 2007

NOTE THE CHANGE: On THURSDAY, my PERIOD 1 class: Go to C220(Ms. Lupa's room.) PERIOD 2: GO to Mrs. Whitson's room(C201). (This room is in the 8 White wing) All other classes will be held in our regular room. 

TUESDAY: Periods 1 and 2: MCAS. Periods 4,5,7: Tracking Exercise. Continue Poetry Unit: Depending upon class, The Athlete Poems or the Circle Poem.

THURSDAY: Tracking Exercise. Hand out and go over rubric for People Poem. Finish poetry unit: Baz Luhrmann's "Sunscreen."

                     WEEK OF MAY 7, 2007

MONDAY(EARLY RELEASE): 1. Tracking exercise. 2. Hand out Root sheets. Roots Quiz #1  ("anthrop" to "meter")will be on Friday, May 11. Know one meaning for each root. Be able to use each root in a word. Check on  photos for  those students who have not yet shown them to me. Periods 4 and 7: Notebooks due for those who have not yet received a letter grade for poetic moments. Finish poetry work on the Athlete Poems. Period 7: your cinquains(poems) are due today.  All Classes: Bring in the shiniest penny you can find on Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY: 1. Tracking exercise. 2. Go over roots for quiz on Friday, May 11.  Continue poetry unit: depending upon class period, finish Athlete Poems or do the Penny Exercise.(Looking at the familiar in a new way.

FRIDAY: Roots Quiz #1("anthrop" to "meter). 2. Tracking exercise.  Continue poetry unit: The Penny Exercise.

                       WEEK OF APRIL 30, 2007

TUESDAY: Prefix Quiz #3: "il, im, in ir" to "un." Know 2 meanings for all prefixes except for "semi." Know 3 meanings for "semi." Be able to use each prefix in a word.     Tracking Exercise. Continue with poetry unit. The Cinquain(handout poetry exercise.) The  concrete poem. 41 poetic moments due today. These will be checked. Bring in your photo(s) for the "People Poem" today or  on Thursday.

THURSDAY: Tracking exercise. Continue Poetry unit. The Athlete poems. Examine poems with both rhythm and rhyme, with either rhythm or rhyme, and  with neither rhythm nor rhyme. Continue writing poetic moments.  All make-up work is due today for progress reports.(The earlier in the day, the better)

                      WEEK OF APRIL 23, 2007

Welcome back from vacation . Hope you all weathered the Nor'easter with minimal disruption to your lives.

MONDAY: In-class reading of "Sorry, Wrong Number." Discussion of the nature of the radio play; yes, once there was life without television. Devices needed for a radio production that are not needed when one can see the scenes.

WEDNESDAY: Announce Prefix Quiz number 3.("il" to "un.") Quiz will be on Tuesday, May 1. These prefixes have multiple meanings.  Tracking Exercise. Students: hand in any short story test essays that have not yet been turned in.  Continue Introduction to the Poetry Unit. In-class poetry exercises.

FRIDAY: Go over prefixes for quiz on Tuesday. Tracking Exercise. Continue poetry exercises: The Triangle Poem. (handout)  The cinquain(handout)   Assignments for this week: Continue daily poetic moments. Study for prefix quiz. Those students who were absent for the review and did not complete their short story test, please do so before school, during lunch, or after school this week.

                     WEEK OF APRIL 2, 2007

NOTE: Due to my illness today,(April 4) the short story test for all classes has been moved to Tuesday, April 10.

MONDAY: Periods 1,,4,5,7: Finish review for short story test. Test is on Wednesday, April 4.    Period 2: Prefix Quiz #2--"a,ab" to "em,en." Begin review for short story test. Your short story test will be on Tuesday, April 10.               All Classes: Poetic moments will be checked on Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY: Periods 1,4,5,7: Unit Test on the Elements of the Short Story and "A Horseman in the Sky."  Be able to define all of the Elements of the short story and apply them to "A Horseman in the Sky." Period 2: FInish review, if necessary. Introduction to Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery." 

FRIDAY: All Classes: Tracking Exercise.  Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery."  The nature of and the danger of ritual.       

                     WEEK OF MARCH 26, 2007

TUESDAY: Review prefixes for Thursday's quiz.("a, ab" to "em, en.") These prefixes have more than one meaning! Know 2 meanings for "anti." Know 3 meanings for "a, ab," "de," "dis" and "em."  NOTE; PERIOD 2: Your quiz will not be until Monday, April 2.    Periods 1,4,5,7: Begin reading "A Horseman in the Sky."  Period 2: Go over prefixes. Finish notes on the short story.

THURSDAY: Periods 1, 4, 5,7: Prefix Quiz #2. Poetic Moment check. Have 14-15 moments ready for today. Finish "A Horseman in the Sky." Do questions 1-10 on pp. 84-85 following story. Period 2: Begin reading "A Horseman in the Sky." Your  prefix quiz is next Monday. Have 19-20 poetic moments ready to be checked  that Monday.

                     WEEK OF MARCH 19, 2007

Welcome to Language Arts Eight Blue!!!

MONDAY; Prefix Quiz--"bene" to "sub." Know one meaning for each prefix. Be able to use each prefix in a word.  4-5 poetic moments are due. These will be checked.   Tracking Exercise. Introduction to the Short Story.  Continue daily poetic moments.

WEDNESDAY: (following MCAS) Tracking Exercise. The Elements of the Short Story-Setting, Plot, Character, Irony, Foreshadowing. Continue  daily poetic moments.

FRIDAY: Tracking exercise. Sharing of poetic moments. Introduction to "A Horseman in the Sky" and the Civil War.  Continue daily poetic moments.

                      Week of March 5, 2007

MONDAY: Tracking Exercise:"could." Check-up on reading in Animal Farm. (Chapters 1 and 2 for periods 2,4,5,7. Chapters 1-3 for period three.) Continue reading in Animal Farm. The rise of the pigs; problems between Snowball and Napoleon. Reading will be assigned for homework, depending upon  how far we get in class. This will be updated on Monday afternoon.

UPDATE: ASSIGNMENTS:Periods 2,4,5: Read up to page 73 in Animal Farm for Wednesday. Periods 3 and 7: Don't forget Poetry Coffeehouses on Wed. Period 3: Read up to page 83 for Friday. Period 7: Read pp. 56-73 for Friday.

WEDNESDAY: Periods 3 and 7:POETRY COFFEEHOUSES. Please bring all items for coffeehouse to me before school. NO PEANUTS, PEANUT OIL, PEANUT BUTTER in any food item.  Periods 2,4,5: Continue reading in Animal Farm. The Battle of the Cowshed.  Napoleon and the puppies. Reading in the novel will be assigned for homework. This will be updated on Wed. afternoon.

                     WEEK OF FEBRUARY 26 2007

TUESDAY: Periods 2,3,4,5: Final edit on People Poems. Hand in final copy of poem today. The Circle Poem.  NOTE: Periods 2,4,5: Your Poetry Coffeehouses are on Thursday, March 1. Please bring in all food, lava lamps, etc. to me before school on Thursday. Masters of Ceremony: Make sure you have the names of your classmates' poems for the coffeehouse. REMEMBER: NO NUTS, PEANUT BUTTER, PEANUT OIL, etc. in any food you bring in.  PERIOD 3: Your coffeehouse will be next Wednesday, March 7. PERIOD 7: Go to Library today, not to B124. Your coffeehouse will be on Wed. March 7.

ASSIGNMENTS: Periods 2,4,5: Read to page 44 in Animal Farm for class on Monday,  March 5.   Period 3: Read to page 34 in Animal Farm for Thursday, March 1.   Period 7: Do final edits for People Poems for class on Thursday, March 1.

THURSDAY: Periods 2,4,5: POETRY COFFEEHOUSE!!  Period3: Introduction to Orwell's Animal Farm.     Period 7: Finish all work on People Poems. The Circle Poem. Introduction to Orwell's Animal Farm.

ASSIGNMENT: Periods 2,4,5,7: Read up to page 44 in Animal Farm for Monday. Period 3: Read Chapter III in Animal Farm for Monday.

                     WEEK OF FEBRUARY 12, 2007

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY: All classes go to middle shcool library, not to B 124. We will begin work on our People Poems on Tuesday, and complete the poems on Thursday. Please bring your photo and your rubric with you to the library.   If there is a snow day on Wednesday, report to the library on Friday.

Masters of Ceremony for each of my classes, please see me the the beginning of your class period with me on Tuesday. I will give you a copy of the class list. When you have completed your own poem, please get the poem titles from the students on your list.

                     WEEK OF FEBRUARY 5, 2007

MONDAY: Penny Exercise: Looking at the familiar in a new way Remember to bring in a shiny penny if you have not already done so.(Early Release Day)

WEDNESDAY: Choose Masters of Ceremony in each class for up-coming Poetry Coffeehouses. Give out and discuss rubric for People Poem. Continue Poetry Unit: Period 2 and 7: Sense poem. Periods 3 and 5: "Circle Game" and the Circle Poem.Period 4: "Glory Days, " "May, 1949," The Sense Poem.

FRIDAY: Field trip to Macbeth at Merrimac College. NOTE: All Classes: Next Tuesday and Thursday: Meet in Library, not in B124, to begin writing People Poems. Bring your photo and your rubric with you each day. If I have your photo, I will bring it with me.

                     WEEK OF JANUARY 29, 2007

TUESDAY: Roots Quiz #1-"anthrop" to "meter." Know one meaning for each root. Be able to use each root in a word.  Tracking Exercise.   34 Poetic Moments due today--these will be checked; have your notebook with you.   Continue Poetry Unit: Periods 2 and 3: The Athlete Poems. Analysis of meaning and structure.  Periods 4,5,7: Finish cinquains. Concrete poems(handout and text)

THURSDAY: Tracking Exercise. Periods 2 and 3: The Sense Poem. Periods 4,5,7: The Athlete Poems.  Assign: All Classes: Bring in a shiny penny for our next class for an exercise in seeing the familiar in a new way.  Next week we will be going to the library to begin our "People Poems." More to follow on this.

                      WEEK OF JANUARY 15, 2007

WEDNESDAY: Periods 2 and 3: Tracking Exercise. Finish any work on triangle poems. The cinquain(In-class poetry exercise.) The Concrete Poem. Photo for People Poem is due today. 35 Poetic moments due today.    Periods 4,5,7: Prefix Quiz #3("il, im, in, ir" to "un.") Tracking Exercise. Finish introduction to Poetry Unit--rhythm,alliteration.   Begin poetry handouts.  Photo for People Poem is due today.

FRIDAY: Periods 2 and 3: Hand out Root sheets.  Begin studying roots("anthrop" to "meter" ) for quiz on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Tracking Exercise. Continue concrete poems-p. 137 in Reading and Understanding Poems.  Periods 4,5,7: Hand out root sheets(see Periods 2 and 3 above.) Tracking Exercise.  Triangle Poem(In-Class Exercise.)                   

                         WEEK OF JANUARY 8, 2007

MONDAY: PERIODS 2 and 3: Hand back unit tests and poetic moments. Tracking exercise. Introduction to poetry unit: Background and definitions.(Rhyme, rhythm, Images, etc.) Assignment: Continue poetic moments. Begin studying for Prefix Quiz #3- ("il, im, in, ir"-"un"). Know multiple definitions for each prefix. Be able to use each prefix in a word. We will  go over these prefixes on Wed. Quiz is on Friday, Jan.12.                       PERIODS 4,5 and 7: Finish review for unit test on the short story. Test is on Wednesday.  Tracking exercise. Begin introduction to the poetry unit. Your quiz on prefixes("il,im.in.ir" to "un") will be on Wednesday, Jan 17. We will go over these prefixes on Friday, Jan 12.  

WEDNESDAY: Periods  2 and 3: Go over prefixes for quiz on Friday. Tracking exercise. Continue intro to Poetry Unit. In-class poetry exercise: The Triangle Poem.     PERIODS 4, 5, and 7: Unit test on the short story. Notebook collection to grade poetic moments. Have 30 moments ready for today.  Assign: begin to look over prefixes "il,im,in,ir" to "un"" for quiz next Wednesday.

FRIDAY:PERIODS 2 and 3: Prefix Quiz #3. Tracking exercise. Continue poetry unit. The cinquain(in-class poetry exercise.)   PERIODS 4,5,7: Go over prefixes for quiz on Wednesday. Tracking exercise. Continue poetry unit- DefinitionsThe Triangle Poem.

                     WEEK OF JANUARY 2, 2007

TUESDAY: Periods 2 and 3: Review for unit test on the short story. Test is on Thursday, January 4.  26 Poetic moments are also due on Jan. 4 for periods 2 and 3. These will be corrected and graded.       Periods 4,5,7: read Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery."  Work on question sheet after completing the story.

THURSDAY: Periods 2 and 3: Full period unit test. Be sure to have your notebook containing your poetic moments with you. You need 26 poetic moments.       Periods 4,5 7: Finish question sheet on "The Lottery."   Begin review for short story test. If review is completed, test will be on Monday, Jan 8. If not, test will be on Wed. Jan 10.  Periods 4,5,7: Have your notebook containing your poetic moments with you on Monday, Jan. 8. You should have 29 moments. These will be corrected and graded.

HAPPY 2007 to all of my students!!

                      WEEK OF DECEMBER 18, 2006

TUESDAY: Prefix Quiz  #2 ("A.AB" TO "EM, EN.")  Know 3 meanings for every prefix except "anti." Know 2 definitions for "anti."  Tracking Exercise. Continue reading "A Horseman in the Sky."   Do questions 1-10 on pp. 83-85 in class.  NOTE: Poetic Moments will be checked today. You should have 12-13 moments.

THURSDAY; Tracking exercise. Finish questions after "A Horseman in the Sky" if not completed on Tues. Introduction to Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery."   The nature of Ritual.  To all of my students: Have a wonderful vacation. Continue daily poetic moments.

                      WEEK OF DECEMBER  11, 2006

MONDAY: Prefix Quiz("bene" to "sub") Know one definition for each prefix; be able to use each prefix in a word.  Tracking exercise: "better." Check poetic moments--5-6 moments due today.  Continue notes on the short story. Poe, Twain, Hawthorne. The Elements of the short story.

WEDNESDAY: Tracking Exercise. Introduce prefixes for quiz #2("a, ab" to "em,en.") Quiz will be on Tuesday, Dec. 19) These prefixes have more than one meaning  Introduction to the Civil War and to "A Horseman in the Sky."

FRIDAY: Tracking Exercise:"boy." Go over prefixes for quiz on Tuesday. Begin reading "A Horseman in the Sky."(pp. 75-83 in Reading and Understanding the Short Story.) 

Assignment: Continue daily poetic moments(6 per week)

                      WEEK OF DECEMBER 4, 2006

TUESDAY: Periods 2,3,4,5,7: Welcome to Language Arts, Eight Red.  Introduction to course. Handouts: Prefix Sheet, Expectations Sheet, Notebook, Folder.  Assignment: begin studying prefixes"bene" to "sub"(one meaning, one example for each prefix) for quiz on Monday, Dec. 11. We will go over the prefixes on Thursday, Dec. 7.  Write one "poetic moment" each day. 5-6 poetic moments due on Monday, Dec. 11. (These "moments" will be explained in class today.)

THURSDAY: 1. Tracking exercise--"about." 2.  Go over prefixes for quiz on Monday 3.Sharing of poetic moments. 4.  Introduction to the short story--authors, and elements of the short story.

                     WEEK OF NOVEMBER 27, 2006

NOTE:See week of Nov. 20(below) for reading assignment due Monday, Nov. 27

MONDAY: Tracking Exercise. Continue reading in Animal Farm. The puppies return. The expulsion of Snowball. The building of the windmill. The slaughter of the animals.

WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY:Animal Farm: the movie. After viewing the movie, we will discuss the differences between the novel and the movie. Why do you think these changes were made? How would Orwell feel about the ending of the movie?

                      WEEK OF NOVEMBER 20, 2006

NOTE: Specific reading assignments  in Animal Farm by class: PERIOD 1 , PERIOD 3 and PERIOD 5:Read through page 83(finish through Chapter 6); PERIODS 4 and 7: Read through page 72(finish through Chapter 5) Be ready to discuss your reading in class on Monday, Nov. 27.

TUESDAY: Roots Quiz #2("neo" to "cede"); Tracking Exercise. Continue reading in Animal Farm. Napoleon, Snowball and Squealer. The 7 Commandments of Animalism.

     Begin filling in "Cast of Characters" sheet and "Causes of the Revolt" sheet. Assignment: Reading in Animal Farm. Specific reading asignments will be announced in class on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and will vary from class to  class.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of my students!!!

                      WEEK OF NOVEMBER 13, 2006

MONDAY: PERIODS 4 and 7: POETRY COFFEEHOUSES!!! Please bring all items for coffeehouse to me before school. Bring your poem to class, if I don't already have it.  Try to be early to class, if possible. We only have about 30 minutes, due to early realease.  Any unpresented poems will be presented at the beginning of class on Wed.                                            PERIODS 1,3,5: Present any remaining poems. Introduction to Orwell's Animal Farm:Totalitarianism and Utopia.

WEDNESDAY:PERIODS 1,3,5: Begin reading Animal Farm. Use of animals-why?  Role of Old Major.      PERIODS 4 and 7: Finish Poetry Coffeehouses. Introduction to Orwell's Animal Farm.   ALL CLASSES: Announce Roots Quiz #2 ("neo" to "cede.") Quiz is on Tuesday, Nov.21.

FRIDAY: ALL Classes: GO over roots for quiz on Tuesday, Nov. 21. Continue reading in Animal Farm. Introduction of Boxer and Clover. Treatment of the animals which leads to revolt.

 Week of November 6, 2006

MONDAY: Periods 1,3,4, and 5:Meet in library  to finish any editing of People Poems. If you have already completed your poem, bring your circle poem sheet and work on the circle poem.   PERIOD 7: Meet in classroom(B124) and we will go to assembly.

WEDNESDAY:PERIODS 1,3,5:POETRY COFFEEHOUSES!!! Please bring any and all items for coffeehouse(food, lava lamps, etc. ) to me before homeroom. Masters of Ceremony: Make sure to bring your student lists with you if you have not already given them to me.        REMEMBER: NO NUTS in any food item!!!                 PERIOD 4 : We will complete any work on the people poem in class(B124) and complete the circle poems.  Time permitting, introduction to Orwell's Animal Farm.               PERIOD 7: Go to Library to finish work on People Poem.

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY: ALL CLASSES: MEET IN MS LIBRARY TO WORK ON PEOPLE POEM. BRING YOUR RUBRIC AND YOUR PHOTO WITH YOU. I'LL BRING YOUR PHOTO IF YOU HAVE GIVEN IT TO ME.  BRING YOUR IMAGINATION AND THE POET'S EYE YOU'VE DEVELOPED THROUGH ALL OF YOUR POETIC MOMENTS!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN...

                     LANGUAGE ARTS--GRADE 8 

                     Week of October 23,2006

MONDAY: Tracking exercise. Penny Exercise: Looking at the familiar  in a new way.(REMEMBER to bring  shiny PENNY to class today)  Distribute Root sheet for quiz on Friday. Quiz will be on "anthrop" to "meter." Assign: begin studying roots; continue poetic moments.

WEDNESDAY: Tracking Exercise. Go over roots for quiz on Friday.(Know one meaning for each root; be able to use each root in a word.)  The sense poem.  Choose Masters of Ceremony for Poetry Coffeehouse. Continue Poetic Moments; Continue studying for Roots Quiz.

FRIDAY: Roots Quiz #1: "anthrop" to "meter." Finish sense poems. Tracking Exercise. Check on poetic moments.  Note:  On Tuesday, Oc t. 31, meet in MS library, not in B124. Bring your photo with you for your "People Poem."  If I have your photo, I'll bring it to the library for you.

 LANGUAGE ARTS---GRADE 8

                    Week of October 16, 2006

TUESDAY: Prefix Quiz #3: "il, im, in, ir" to "un." Know two meanings for every prefix except "semi." Know three meanings for "semi." Be able to use each prefix in a word.    Tracking exercise. Continue poetry unit: Finish cinquains, begin concrete poems.("Landscape Poem, " Weather Poem," and concrete poems in text.)  Period 3: Remember to bring in your photo today.  All classes: Hand in photos, notebooks,  essays, and any other make-up work no later than today.

THURSDAY: Tracking exercise. Begin Athlete Poems: "To an Athlete Dying Young," "Ex-Basketball Player," "Glory Days." Compare/contrast the poems, both in their structure and in their content.  Assign: continue poetic moments.

                    WEEK OF OCTOBER 9, 2006 

Wednesday: Periods 1,4,5,7: Tracking Exercise. Announce prefix quiz #3("il, im, in,ir-"un.") Quiz will be on Tuesday, October 17. We will go over these prefixes on Friday, Oct. 13.  Begin poetry handouts: "Gone Forever," Poets' Ideas on Poetry, New Yorker cartoon, The triangle poem.  Due today: any short story test essays that haven't been passed in, any poetic  moments that have not yet received a letter grade.  Remember to bring in a photo or photos for your "People Poem" on Friday, Oct. 13.  PERIOD 3: See above, but today we begin the introduction to the Poetry Unit. 

FRIDAY: Go over prefixes for Prefix Quiz #3(Tuesday, Oct. 17)  Tracking Exercise. Photo(s) for "People Poem" due today. Periods 1, 4, 5,7: Continue poetry handouts: The Cinquain(in-class poetry exercises)  Assign: Study for prefix quiz("il,im,in,.ir"-"un.") Continue poetic moments. PERIOD 3: See above, but we will begin poetry handouts today.  

                  LANGUAGE ARTS--GRADE 8

                   WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2006

TUESDAY: Periods 1,4,5,7: Conclude discussion of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery."  Tracking exercise:"boy." Begin review for the short story test.  NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE: Short Story Test is now scheduled for Wed. Oct 4, not Mon. Oct. 2.  Period 3: Read "The Lottery."  Discussion of questions(handout). 

THURSDAY: Periods 1,4,5,7: Finish review for short story test. Tracking exercise: "buy."  Introduction to the poetry unit. Origins of poetry. What separates poetry from prose?   PERIOD 3: Finish discussion of "The Lottery." Tracking exercise: "boy." Begin review for short story test.   

                     LANGUAGE ARTS---GRADE 8 

                      WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2006 

MONDAY;(Early Release): Tracking exercise: "better."  Go over prefixes ("a,ab" to "em, en") for quiz on Wednesday. There are 5 prefixes, but 14 meanings. Conclude any notes on the short story. Depending upon class, begin or continue reading "A Horseman in the Sky."

WEDNESDAY: Prefix quiz #2.  Know 3 meanings for all prefixes except "anti." Know 2 meanings for "anti."  Be able to use each prefix in a word. Tracking exercise: "boy." Continue reading "A Horseman in the Sky."  TIme permitting, do questions 1-10 on pp. 81-83. Homework check:   Have 12-13 poetic moments completed in your notebook.

FRIDAY: Tracking exercise: "but." Discussion of "A Horseman in the Sky." Importance of border state setting; use of irony and foreshadowing, Bierce as an anti-war writer.

ASSIGN: Continue poetic moments each day. Read one thing each day for enjoyment.

 LANGUAGE ARTS--GRADE 8 

                      WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2006

TUESDAY:Prefix Quiz #1: "bene" to "sub."  Tracking Exercise: "about." Poetic Moment check: you should have 5-6 moments by today.  Continue short story notes: Elements of the short story.(Setting, plot, character, theme, irony, foreshadowing.)

THURSDAY: Tracking exerise:"any."  Finish notes on short story. Begin reading "A Horseman in the Sky."(pp. 75-81 in Reading and Understanding the Short Story. Announce next prefix quiz ("a, ab" to "em, en") Quiz will be on Wednesday, September 20. Tese prefixes have more than one meaning. Assignment: Continue daily reading and daily poetic moments.

                     LANGUAGE ARTS---GRADE 8

                     WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2006

WEDNESDAY: Welcome to Language Arts!  Handouts: Expectations sheet, Prefix Sheet, Composition Notebook, Folder. Introduction to the course. Explanation of handouts. Announce first prefix quiz: Tuesday, Sept. 12. Quiz will be on the prefixes "bene" to "sub." Students need to know one meaning for each prefix and should be able to use each prefix in a word.  We will go over the prefixes on Friday, Sept. 8.   Assignment: begin studying prefixes, read one thing for pleasure each day( a short story, an article from the sports section,  a poem,etc.), do one "Poetic Moment" in your compositon notebook daily. Students will be introduced to the "Poetic Moment" in class today.

FRIDAY: Go over prefixes for quiz on Tuesday. (Students will also have some time before the quiz to quiz each other on the meanings of the prefixes.)  Share poetic moments and thoughts on yesterday's reading for pleasure choice.  Begin the introduction to the short story unit.  Assignment: continue poetic moments daily, continue studying for prefix quiz.

                            Week of June 5, 2006

TUESDAY: All Classes: Roots Quiz #2("neo" to "cede.") Tracking Exercise. Continue reading in Animal Farm. The rise of the pigs, the rising discontent of the animals,  the return of the dogs.  Handout: "It's a zoo out there!"

THURSDAY: All Classes: Tracking Exercise. Begin filling out handout distributed on Tuesday.  Continue reading in  Animal Farm.  The Battle of the Cowshed, the expulsion of Snowball.
        

                         Language Arts--Grade 8

                         Week of May 30, 2006

WEDNESDAY: All periods: Announce Roots Quiz #2 ("neo" to "cede.") Quiz is on Tuesday, June 6. Know one meaning for each root. Be able to use each root in a word.  Tracking exercise.  Continue reading in Animal Farm.   The rise of the pigs, the ignorance and innocence of the "lower" animals.   Begin to fill in handouts, "The Cause of the Rebellion" and "The Cast of Characters." 

FRIDAY: All Periods: Go over roots for quiz on Tuesday. Tracking Exercise. Continue reading in Animal Farm. Problems between Napoleon and Snowball, Mollie's mistakes, The taking of the puppies.  Continue filling out Cast of Characters and Causes of Rebellion sheets.          

Language Arts---Grade 8

                      Week of May 22, 2006

MONDAY:PERIODS 2 AND 7: POETRY COFFEEHOUSES. DROP OFF ALL FOOD, LAVA LAMPS, ETC. BEFORE SCHOOL.  REMEMBER: NO NUTS IN ANY FOOD BROUGHT IN . IF YOU HAVE STILL NOT GIVEN ME A COPY OF YOUR POEM, PLEASE HAVE IT WITH YOU. BRING IN YOUR PICTURE IF IT IS NEEDED TO HELP EXLAIN YOUR POEM. GET READY TO HAVE A GREAT POETIC EXPERIENCE!   Periods 3,5,7: Finish any work necessary on People Poems. Your coffeehouses are on Friday, June 26.  Tracking Exercise. Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game." Circle poem.

WEDNESDAY: Periods 5 and 7:No class due to MCAS.  Periods 2,3,4: Introduction to George Orwell's Animal Farm. Totalitarianism and Utopia. "Double Speak" and euphemisms.

FRIDAY: PERIODS 3, 4 and 5: POETRY COFFEEHOUSES. SEE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER MONDAY(ABOVE)     Periods 2 and 4: Introduction to George Orwell's Animal Farm.See Wednesday  (above).

                    Language Arts----Grade 8

                      Week of  May 15, 2006 

The Sheehans have been flooded out of their home, so I may not have a chance to update this when the exact date is determined for our return to Masco after the Great Flood of 2006.  the hotel we're staying at doesn't have wireless. I would like to postpone the Period 4 Coffeehouse originally scheduled for May 18 to the Week of May 22, As soon as the schedule is set, I'll let you know the exact date. I hope you're all weathering the storm well.  We'll finish any "People"poems in my classes this week, and then do an exercise with pennies-looking at the familiar in a new way. All classes bring in a shiny penny or pennies this week.

 Language Arts---Grade 8

                      Week of May 8, 2006

MONDAY: Roots Quiz #1 ("anthrop" to "meter"--know one meaning for each root.)  Tracking Exercise.  Continue Poetry Unit: "May, 1949," "Annabel Lee," "I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died."  The Sense Poem.  Period 4: Bring in the shiniest penny you can find.

WEDNESDAY: All Classes meet in Library to begin "People" Poem.  Bring your photo and your rubric with you. (Rubric will be handed out on Monday, May 8)

FRIDAY: See Wednesday, May 10. Try to finish at least the first draft of your poem today.