Monday, October 31, 2011

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Monday, October 31st

There is no warm-up today. Please take out something to write with.

Today, we are going to read "The Tell Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe.

Before we read, we are going to learn a little bit about Edgar Allan Poe, and look at some of the vocabulary that we will see in the story.

After we read, we will look at the plot structure of the story, and discuss character traits.

You have no homework tonight, unless you have not yet completed both your outline, and your draft of the DtWT essay.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Friday, October 28th

BACK TO NORMAL SCHEDULE TODAY!

Warm- Up Pages 8&9 in Science World- "World's Fastest Car"

1) How fast do they hope this car will go?
2) What types of engines are in the car?
3) How do the wheels on this car differ from normal car wheels? Why do they use this material?
4) What is one thing about the design of this car that surprised you? Would you take a ride in this car?

Check-in: Where are we in our writing? We need to be finishing our draft, and beginning the revision process- hopefully starting our final copies today!

RADaR: Replace... Add... Delete... and Reorder...
Using RADaR to revise our writing.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wednesday, October 26th

*Science World Warm-Up
Read the article "Big Dig" on pages 2-3, and answer the questions below:

1) How long have they been working on the Gotthard Base Tunnel?
2) Where is this tunnel located?
3) How much shorter will this tunnel make the route between Zurich and Milan?
4) If the excavation for the tunnel is finished now, how come they won't be able to open it until late 2017?

*Finish discussion about DtWT scenario 1, start the writing process by brainstorming and outlining.

HOMEWORK: Finish your brainstorm, and your outline. Be prepared to write draft 1 in class tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Tuesday 10/25 (Shortened Class Periods)

Please hand in your letters and signed expectations sheets when you walk in!

1) WARM UP: Red Ribbon Week

What does Red Ribbon Week mean to you? How can you prevent drugs from becoming a negative impact on your life? How can you help others to do the same? Why is this an important cause?
Please write about this until I ask you to stop.

2) DTWT Introduction/ Scenerio 1

No Homework tonight!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Letter Questions

For those of you who did not finish writing your letters in class, here is the task and the questions:


¡Task: Write a letter to me introducing yourself, and asking questions that you may have.
1)It must be at least 3 paragraphs and follow the format of a friendly letter.
2)It must answer the following questions:
Who are you?
What is your favorite school subject?
What activities do you do outside of your regular academics?
What do you want to get out of English class?
What is your goal for English class this year?
How can I help you to be successful?

Don't forget to get your expectations sheet filled out and return it tomorrow as well!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Introductions

     Hello, and welcome to my class blog! I am so glad that I get to meet each one of you, and have the rest of the year to spend teaching you and working with you on writing, reading, and other English Language Arts skills. Together, we will complete many rigorous reading and writing assignments, and have lots different opportunities to share our work. Throughout the year you will work hard reading and writing as you build a portfolio of your work. 
     I want you to know that I am here for you, and will give you all of the tools that you need to be successful both in my class and on the STAAR Test, but it is you who needs to use those tools and work hard in order to earn your success. I will always be available for extra help, and you need to be responsible for scheduling a meeting with me if you would like extra help with something, or if you are falling behind.
     Please take a moment tonight to review my expectations sheet with your parents/guardians at home. Also, make sure that you fill out the bottom portion, and have it signed. This will be your first homework grade, and needs to be returned tomorrow.
      I look forward to each day that we get to spend reading and writing together, and know that we are going to have a great year!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Hughes