Laurie Hartnett

May 6-7: Block 1: Finishing work with empathy seen in Peace Corp stories and transitioning to Holocaust Unit books and empathy connection. Blocks 2 and 5: chapter 11 CFRs and read chapter 12. Block 3: Debates on Friday and Monday. PRACTICE!! Block 4: Finishing discussion of Peace Corps stories and empathy and starting Holocaust book, Devil’s Arithmetic.

May 5- Block 1: Read “Ilunga’s Harvest” and answer the questions given in class. Block 2: Read chapter 10 and write 2 CFRs each for chapters 9 and 10. Block 3: Continue with debate preparation. Block 4: Finish first three questions as follow up to “Ilunga’s Harvest”.Block 5: Chapter 10 and 3 CFRs and define vocab.

April 30- Block 1: All “empathy” scripts should be done. Skits presented tomorrow.    Block 2: Read chapter 8 and write 3 CFRs. Blocks 3,4 and 5 see yesterday’s assignments. 

April 29- Block 1: No class today. Block 2: Read chapter 8 and write in your LRL whether you believe Richard is more influenced by his nature or by his environment and experiences (nurture). Block 3: Review debate notes and read half of P.R. #16. Block 4: Read to the bottom of page 5 in “Ilunga’s Harvest” and highlight vocabulary words that you don’t know. Block 5: Read chapter 9 and write 2 CFRs.

April 28- Block 2 : No class today. Block 3: Debate notes- three good reasons for each side with support from the book. Block 4: Write about three examples of empathy in the world. Block 5: Read chapter 8 and write 2 CFRs. (You should have 2 CFRs each for chapters 6,7 and Block 1: Empathy scripts should be completed.

April 23-24 BLock 1: Write a paragraph about whether you believe a person can develop empathy. Think about our discussion in class. Explain your ideas. Block 2: 11 contextual sentences using the B.B. vocabulary. Block 3: Finish P.R. # 14 and write a one page (or more) reaction to the chapter. Read P.R. #15 also. Block 4: No homework. Block 5: 11 contextual sentences, if not done. Also, read chapter 7 and write two CFRs each for chapters 6 and 7.

April 22- Block 1: See last night’s homework. Block 2: Finish character analysis. Block 3: Read to page 185 and write a 1/2 to 1 page response in your LRL. Block 4 Finish correcting sentences in exercise 1. Block 5: Finish reading chapter 6. Quiz on chapters 5 and 6 tomorrow…..

April 21- Block 1: 15 sentences with corrected parallel construction (on separate paper). Block 2: no class today; you should have read through chpater 5 of Black Boy. Block 3: 11 contextual sentences on separate paper. Block 4: Create a misplaced modifier sentence. Block 5: Read through chapter 5; continue character analysis

April 10- Block 1: Misplaced modifier sentences corrected. Block 2: Vocabulary words diefined (#s 26-39) LRLs due tomorrow. Block 3: Vocabulary word list defined. LRLs due tomorrow. Block 4: none Block 5: LRLS due tomorrow.

April 9- Block 1: Complete metaphor alliteration list from “I Have a Dream”. Block 2: 4 CFRs. Block 3: 4 CFRs. Block 5: see yesterday’s hmwk.

April 8- Block 1: Check yesterday; no class today. Block 2: Read chapter 4; be ready to discuss. Block 3: Finish evidence for character analysis. Block 4: Complete “I Have a Dream” work if not done yet. Block 5: Parent signature on vocabulary test and 4 CFRs for chapter 4 in Black Boy.

April 7- Block 1: Finish “I Have a Dream” work. Block 2: Study for vocabulary quiz Block 3: Flowers for Algernon character analysis (six characters) Block 4: Finish “I Have a Dream” by MLK to find metaphors etc. Block 5: Read chapter 4 and be ready to discuss.

March 27- Block 1: Write two sentences with misplaced or dangling modifiers. Block 2: Chapter 2, Black Boy CFRs and review vocabulary definitions. Block 3: Catch up on work! We will start Progress Report 13 next class. Block 4: none Block 5: Review vocabulary.

March 26- Block 1: Remember parent signatures on the pronoun quiz! Also, write “show not tell” sentences. Block 2: Ten vocabulary sentences. Finish chapter 2 of Black Boy. Block 3: Progress Report # 12 and 3-4 CFRs. Block 4: No homework. Block 5: Definitions should be complete         through #20

March 25- Block 2: Explain the paragraphs on pg. 37 and define the next 10 words. Block 3: Quiz tomorrow. Block 4: Pronoun quiz tomorrow. Block 5: Read most of chapter 2 and be ready to discuss next class.

March 24- Block 1: Parent signature on quizzes. Block 2: no class. Block 3: LRLs are overdue for some students. Also, choose either # 2 or # 4 on the question sheet to answer. Block 4: Review pronouns and finish pronoun packet if not done. Block 5: Define the next ten vocab. words and explain the quote starting “Whenever…” on the second page in chapter 2.

March 17-19- Block 1: Explain, give an example for and give your opinion about the following quote- “Moral principles can never be compromised; they can only be abandoned.” Block 2 and Block 5: Ten contextual sentences and finish chapter 1. Block 3: Read P.R. # 11 and write 4 CFRs. Block 4: Write ten sentences, using the pronouns asked for in class.

March 13- Block 1: Review notes. Pronoun test on Monday. Block 2: none. Block 3: 4 CFRs in your LRL Block 4: none. Block 5: Read to page 18 in Black Boy.

March 12- Block  1: Pronoun paper, exercises 1-6. Block 2: No homework. Block 3: Read through P.R. #9. Block 4: Pronoun work in class. Block 5: Read to page 19 in Black Boy

March 10- Block 1: Write sentences with the following pronouns. Be sure to underline the pronoun asked for in each sentence. 1. 1st, objective, sing., 2. 2nd, nom., sing., 3. 3rd, poss., plural, 4. 3rd, objective, sing., 5. 1st, objective, plural, 6. 2nd, poss., plural, 7. 1st, nom., plural, 8. 3rd, nom, sing., 9. 1st, poss., plural, 10. 3rd, poss., sing. Block 2: Finish the article and highlight

March 4- Blocks 1, 3 and 4: No homework. Blocks 2 and 5: Read and highlight the first two pages of “The Jim Crow Era”.

March 3- Block 1: Ten creative sentences -underline the personal pronoun and its antecedent. Blocks 2-5: no homework

February 26- 29-Block 1: NOTE: Some students have still not had their tests signed. Also, finish the following statement: ” When I am in 9th grade I expect to…” Think about your expectations for yourself. Write two or more paragraphs. Block 2: Finish reaction to the Amelia Earhart quote. Block 3: See Feb. 25. Block 4 and 5: No homework.

February 25- CMT practice this week. Block 3: After having the debate on individuality and conformity and viewing the movie, “Pleasantville”, write about the cost and benefit of conformity as seen in the movie. Use examples from the movie to suppport your ideas. Block 1, 2 and 5: No homework. Block 4: No class today.

February 14-15- Blocks 2 and 5: Answer the following question in a paragraph or two. What does the “Pleasantville” world show us about the cost and benefit of conformity and individuality? Use specifics from the movie to support your ideas. Block 3: Since we didn’t finish the movie, you do not need to respond. However, check the extra credit page to do the response.

February 12-15, 2008-Blocks 2,3 and 5 will finish their debates this week and have follow-up discussions. Block 1 has completed Flowers for Algernon and will view and discuss the movie, Charly, based on the book. hidden word : chocolate Block 4 has completed The Pearl and will begin CMT prep.

February 11, 2008- Block 1: Essay due tomorrow. Blocks 2,3 and 5 debate work and debate reflections due. Block 4: Test on Tuesday.

February 8, 2008- Blocks 2,3 and 5: Practice for debates. (See below). Block 1: Test on Flowers for Algernon on Monday. Block 4; No class on Monday; test on The Pearl on Tuesday.

February 7, 2008- Block 1: No class today. Debate reflection (rubrics) are due. We will finish FFA on Friday. The test is next week. Block 2: The first debate re. individuality or conformity in a society will be tomorrow. Prepare notes and PRACTICE; be sure to have your “debate tools” ready- definitions, quotes, metaphors, historical and current event references etc. hidden word: query Block 3: Prepare for debate (see Block 2). Your debate is Monday. Block 4: Write a final reaction of the book, The Pearl, in your LRL. Take home essay question will be given in class tomorrow. Final book test will be next Tuesday. Block 5: Same as Block 2

February 5, 2008- Block 1: First debate teams must fill in their debate reflection papers. Block 2: Research for your debate teams. Consider quotes, historical examples, literature, movies etc. hidden word : pundit Blocks 3 and 5: Same as block 2.

February 3, 2008- Blocks 1,2,3,5: Finish creative writing assignments from the “Writing” magazine.

January 29, 2008- Block 1: DEBATE tomorrow! Prepare notes and practice your arguments. Block 2: Essay due Thursday: Is society better off when its citizens are more individualistic or when they conform. Use information from class discussion and from your notes. Block 3: Strengthen your debate notes. Sides will be given tomorrow. hidden word: fanagle Block 4: Tomorrow we will finish the first debate and start the second. PRACTICE your arguments. Block 5: Debate notes due.

January 28, 2008- Block 1: Debate notes need to be finalized. You will be placed in your debate groups next class. Block 2: Essay prewrite is due; it should be thorough and include specific examples. Block 3: Debate notes need to be MORE complete and include specific examples. Block 4: The Pearl debate starts tomorrow; bring your notes. Block 5: Debate notes.

January 25, 2008- Block 1:Debate notes for Monday. Block 2: Essay prewrite notes (on graphic organizer). Block 3: Debate notes. Block 4: Practice for debate on The Pearl by studying notes and practicing arguments for your team. Block 5: no class on Friday; check homework assigned on Thursday.

January 24, 2008- Block 2: Finish the story and write a paragraph to explain how it relates to our discussion re. individuality and conformity. Block 3: Finish peer response sheet (third column). hidden word: cranberries Block 4: Review debate notes and strengthen your arguments. Block 5:  Tomorrow you will be writing an essay about whether or not society benefits more when people are indiviualistic or more conformist.

January 23, 2008- Block 3: Finish “The Pedestrian”. How does it relate to our discussion about individuality and conformity? (Answer should be complete.) Block 4: Finish the graphic organizer to prepare for the debate. Be sure to include page references. Block 5: Review the story, “The Pedestrian”. Write  3 thought provoking comments on the peer response handout.  today’s hidden word: kangaroo Block 1: Finish and review debate notes started in class. Include specific page references about C.G.’s experiences and memories.

WEEK OF JANUARY 15-22 is the 8th grade Arica Unit. There are no regular classes at this time. Students must complete tasks assigned for the region and country in their groups.

January 10, 2008- Blocks 2 and 5: Define “individuality” and “conformity”. Be prepared to discuss in class. Block 3: Write a one page essay to support one of the following: It is important for a society that people to be ‘individuals’. OR It is important for a society for people to conform. SUPPORT YOUR IDEAS. Block 4:Take home quiz due tomorrow. Block 1: Write 3 reasons for each side of the debate. Add some support.  ……………….(Hidden hmwk word today- limes!)

January 9, 2008- Block 1- Finish notes started in class re. C.G. and reasons for both sides of debate issue (his brain surgery). Block 2- Tomorrow we will share ideas about the quotes. You should have thorough explanations for both in your LRL.  Block 3- Define “individuality” and “conformity” to prepare for the debate.   Block 4- Finish chapter 3,4 take home quiz. You may use your book and notes as needed.  Block 5- No class today.  (hidden phrase for today: potato pancakes ;))

January 8, 2008-   Block 2- No homework. District writing prompt in class.      Block 3-Explain the two quotes given in class (Donne: “No man is an island…” and Thoreau:”If a man does not keep pace…”). Also, explain how they are different.    Block 4- Review chapter 4 of The Pearl. Tomorrow we will have questions to answer about chapters 3 and 4.    Block 5-No homework. Block 1- No class today- remember to do homework assigned yesterday!

January 6, 2008- Block 3 had a writing prompt today; therefore, no homework. Tomorrow we start debate unit! Block 4 homework (in the LRL) is to write two reasons ideas each for the following: 1. Kino should get rid of the pearl and 2. Kino should keep the pearl. Think about our class discussions. Block 5 also worked on the district writing prompt- no homework. Block 1- List of questions re. the reading and critical thinking ideas related to the reading. Choose one of the ones mentioned in class to answer; use your book and other sources to thoroughly answer. Block 2 did not have class today.

January 5, 2008
District reading and writing assessments continue for Blocks 2, 3 and 5. Therefore these classes have no additional homework at this time.
Block 1 continues reading and LRL work for Flowers for Algernon. LRLs will be turned in on Monday, January 7th. Be sure all assigned work is in your LRL! We will prepare for our debate re. C.G. surgery this week.
Block 4 is still reading The Pearl. Be sure your LRL is complete. We will prepare for our debate about Kino’s decision this week.

JANUARY 2, 2008  WELCOME BACK!!!  District Reading Assessments were given today; therefore, there is no homework for Blocks 2 and 3.

Block 1- Students should update their LRL work (including PR#13 CFRs). I wll collect the LRLs tomorrow. REMEMBER there are five assignments in your LRL that will be graded!!

Block 4- Write ten contextual sentences using ten words of your choice  from chapters 2 and 3.

Try this site for practice with pronouns!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/interestsentences/pronouns/game.shtml

HOMEWORK Dec. 18, 2007

Block 1 and 2- No homework. (Parent signatures on pronoun quiz for Blocks 2 and 3 if you haven’t gotten it yet.)

Block 3- Read “Gift of the Magi” and underline/ highlight vocabulary words you do no know. After you read the story define 12 vocab. words. Also, define “irony” (use the dictionary and information from class). Answer: What is the irony in the story”. All work should be in your LRL.

Block 5- Parent signatures on pronoun quiz. Also, write 10 contextual sentences from “The Last Leaf” vocabulary list.

Block 4- No class today. Review The Pearl for reading comprehension.

HOMEWORK- Dec. 17, 2007

Block 1- Find a quote about “normal” and explain it in your LRL.

Block 2- 1. Pronoun quiz signatures. 2. 10 contextual sentences using “The Last Leaf” vocabulary. NOTE: Go to “Beyond L.A.” (extra activities) page for follow-up pronoun work.

Block 3- same as Block 2

Block 4- Chapter 3 (The Pearl): write 4 comments in your LRL if not finished in class. LRLs will be exchanged tomorrow for others to respond.

Block 5- No class today.

HOMEWORK- Dec. 14, 2007

Block 1- No homework. Update LRL- any missing work. LRLs will be turned in on Tuesday. Also, reread chapter/P.R. #12 to strengthen understanding.

Blocks 2,3 and 5- Quiz signatures(Blocks 2 and 5 only). Vocabulary from the story, The Last Leaf and questions about Behrman’s “masterpiece” should be done.

Block 4- Read chapter 3 in The Pearl. We will discuss it on Monday.

HOMEWORK-Dec. 13, 2007 Half day (snow): No homework

HOMEWORK- Dec.12,, 2007

Block 1- Read P.R. # 12 in Flowers for Algernon. Be ready to discuss tomorrow.

Block 2- Finish reading The Last Leaf by O’Henry. Choose 12 of the vocabulary words you highlighted and define them using context clues and a dictionary.

Block 3- No class today.

Block 4- No homework today.

Block 5- Define 10 words from The Last Leaf. Put the definitions in your LRL.

HOMEWORK- Dec. 11, 2007: no homework

HOMEWORK- Dec. 10, 2007

Block 1- Read to p. 88. No LRL work tonight.

Block 2- No homework.

Block 3- Study for pronoun quiz.

Block 4- Chapter 2 vocabulary: define the six words given.

Block 5- Pronoun quiz tomorrow.

HOMEWORK- Dec. 7, 2007

Block 2- No class today. Sentence work from last night should have been passed in to the homework basket. Review pronoun material for the pronoun quiz on Monday

Block 1- Finish character analysis. React to the quote on p. 71 (”One of the most important reasons for….). Include what Charlie’s quote means and your opinion.

Block 3- Review pronoun material for the quiz on Monday and write ten sentences using the guidelines given: 1.3rd, obj., singular 2. 1st, poss., plural 3. 2nd, nom., singular 4. 3rd, nom., plural 5. 1st, obj., plural 6. 2nd, poss., plural 7. 3rd, poss., singular 8. 1st, nom., plural 9. 1st. obj., singular 10. 3rd, nom., singular.

Block 4- Finish chapter 2 and write a reaction to the chapter in your LRL. Be sure to include YOUR ideas about the events and characters.

Block 5- No class on Monday. Review pronoun material for quiz on Tuesday.

HOMEWORK- Dec. 6, 2007

Blocks 2 and 5- Write ten sentences using the designated personal pronouns: 1. 3rd, obj., singular 2. 1st, poss., plural, 3. 2nd, nom., singular, 4. 3rd, nom., plural 5. 1st obj. plural 6. 2nd , poss., plural . 7. 3rd., poss., sing. 8. 1st, nom., plural 9. 1st, obj., sing. 10. 3rd, nom., sing.

Block 3- No homework

Block 4- The Pearl vocabulary

Block 1- No class today.

HOMEWORK-Dec. 5, 2007

Block 4- Finish chapter 1 of The Pearl and write a one page reaction (your thoughts and feelings about what happened) in your LRL.

Block 5- Study the pronoun sheet to prpare for the pronoun “relay race”.

HOMEWORK- Dec. 4, 2007

Blocks 3 and 5- Review pronoun information.

Block 2- Write ten “problem pronoun” sentences and correct them.

Block 1- Finish P.R. #9 and write a reaction (your thoughts about the reading) in your LRL.

Block 4- no class today

HOMEWORK- Dec. 3, 2007

Block 1- No additional reading. Students who were late with CFR’s MUST have them done.

Blocks 2 and 3- Review pronoun chart and notes.

Block 4- No homework.

Block 5- No class today.

HOMEWORK- Nov. 30, 2007

Block 1- No class today. See homework from yesterday.

Block 2-Review personal pronouns. Lesson continues on Monday.

Block 3-Review personal pronouns.

Block 4-No homework.

Block 5-Review personal pronouns.

HOMEWORK- Nov. 29, 2007

Block 1- 1. Read to page 45 and write 4 CFRs in your Literature Response Log (LRL’s) and 2. parent signature on quiz

Block 2- No class today

Block 3-Parent response to “goodenuffur” comments (graded)

Block 4- May continue “The Diner” creative writing if needed

Block 5- 1. Parent signature on quiz and 2. Review personal pronoun chart

HOMEWORK- Nov. 28, 2007

Block 1- Read Flowers for Algernon up to Progress Report 8

Block 2- No homework but could review the pronoun chart.

Block 3- There was no class today.

Block 4- Revise or add to journal quote if you need to.

Block 5- Revise or add to journal quote if you need to.

November

The focus for most of November will be on subject verb agreement and understanding verbs. A pronoun unit will follow. Students who need extra help in addition to classroom instruction should see me.

October 29-

We are starting this week with the district reading assessment . All students will be getting back their Hound of the Baskervilles quizzes to be signed by parents.

October 15, 2007-October 26, 2007

We will be continuing our study of suspense and mystery as students write their own endings to “The Whole Town’s Sleeping” (see the extension activities page: “Beyond L.A.”). We will also look at mytery elements in the Sherlock Holmes mystery, “The Hound of the Baskervilles”. We will focus on viewing and listening techniques as we watch the film based on Doyle’s book.

October 9, 2007- October 12, 2007 Welcome back 8^th graders!!!This week we will be examining the different levels of reading comprehension, using examples from literature we have read as well as other content area materials. The four levels we will define and learn more about are: *initial *interpretive *personal connection *critical stance/thinkingAlso this week we will define “suspense” and think about ways authors create it as we begin some mystery stories and try our hands at some mystery writing! The first story we will read is, “The Whole Town’s Sleeping”, by Ray Bradbury. As we read we will look at how he adds suspense in his writing.September 24, 2007 to October 5, 2007This week we will be reading the play, “The Wave” which is based on a real story about a teacher who tries to help his students understand what had happened in Nazi Germany as a student in the class asks, “How come nobody stopped them?”. We will read the play and discuss how quickly the students in the school get caught up in the movement, “the wave” and how they sacrifice their individual freedom to be part of the group.The quote we will examine as a follow up is:“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” - Edmund BurkeThe mini-unit of play and discussion coincides with work in the other L.A. class and in Social Studies to help the students prepare for their D.C. trip and visit to the Holocaust
Museum. A more complete unit on the Holocaust will be studied later this year in Language Arts and Social Studies when we study World War II.Week of September 17, 2007We will finish discussion of” David Swan” by Nathaniel Hawthorne and start a new quote: “To travel hopefully is better than to arrive”. Hopefully this will initiate some good classroom discussion and lead into our reading of Thomas Wolfe’s “The Far and the Near”.In addition most blocks will have accompanying vocabulary words to look up. Be sure to include the part of speech and use the story for context clues before looking them up in the dictionary. Following our sharing of the meanings students will be writing contextual sentences using the words.NOTE: Great discussion!! We actually looked at the “opposite” of the quote and how we could see it in our lives!