Weekly Updates

Weekly Updates Information Center

Although lesson plans change by the day and even by the hour on occasion, we intend to keep this page up-to-date with weekly information pertaining to our classroom instruction and upcoming assignments for Language Arts.

Information may vary from class to class; however, our general objectives and weekly syllabus will be kept on this page. If you have any questions about the information you find on this page, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Week 36: May 20-24, 2019

  • Whole Class Novel and Argument Study: Avi's Nothing But the Truth
      • Book Turn In
  • Paper Return, Binder Organization, and Binder Checks (Take home binders on Tuesday, May 21)
  • Analogies: Mini-Lesson and Daily Practice
  • Quickwrites: Silhouette Stories and Personal Narrative Exploration
  • Independent Reading Time: Get a head start on the summer reading assignment!
  • Summer Reading Project 2019: Parent Awareness Letter and Summer Reading Project Instructional Packet Review


Week 35: May 13-17, 2019

  • All missing work, quiz retakes, and revisions are due by Friday, May 17th!
  • Whole Class Novel and Argument Study: Avi's Nothing But the Truth
      • Class Discussion: Cause and Effect Flowchart
      • Literary Analysis Assessment
  • Summer Reading Project 2019: Introduction of Parent Awareness Letter and Summer Reading Project Instructional Packet
      • Parent Awareness Letter Signature Slips DUE by Monday, May 20


Week 34: May 6-10, 2019

  • Word Roots Focus 8: Practice Packet Turn-In; Digital Quiz
  • Whole Class Novel and Argument Study: Avi's Nothing But the Truth
      • Book Group Meeting Expectations: Whole Class Novel Study Page
      • Reader's Response Extended Thinking Quickwrite
      • Class Discussion: Cause and Effect Flowchart
      • Return to the Argumentative Writing Guide and begin argumentative practice prompts
      • Meeting #3 (Thursday, 5-9-19, for Block 1 and Friday, 5-10-19, for Blocks 2-5)
      • Literary Analysis Assessment scheduled for next week (May 13-17th)


Week 33: April 30-May 3, 2019 (No Class on Monday - Teacher In-Service)

  • Word Roots Focus 8: Practice Packet Check-In; Quiz Next Week
  • Whole Class Novel and Argument Study: Avi's Nothing But the Truth
      • Novel Materials, Pacing Guides, Discussion Protocols, and Book Group Meeting Expectations: Whole Class Novel Study Page
      • Class Discussion: Cause and Effect Flowchart
      • Preview and Discuss Notes: Argumentative Writing Guide and Practice Prompts
      • Meeting #2 (Thursday, 5-2-19, for Block 1 and Friday, 5-3-19, for Blocks 2-5)
      • Meeting #3 (Thursday, 5-9-19, for Block 1 and Friday, 5-10-19, for Blocks 2-5)


Week 32: April 22-26, 2019 (iReady Reading Testing)

  • Word Roots Focus 8: Introduce Root, Preview Practice Packet, and Determine Check-in & Quiz Dates
  • Whole Class Novel and Argument Study: Avi's Nothing But the Truth
      • Novel Materials, Pacing Guides, Discussion Protocols, and Book Group Meeting Expectations: Whole Class Novel Study Page
      • Meeting #1 (Thursday, 4-25-19, for Block 1 and Friday, 4-26-19, for Blocks 2-5)
      • Meeting #2 (Thursday, 5-2-19, for Block 1 and Friday, 5-3-19, for Blocks 2-5)
      • Meeting #3 (Thursday, 5-9-19, for Block 1 and Friday, 5-10-19, for Blocks 2-5)


Week 31: April 15-19, 2019 (iReady Math Testing)

  • Elements of Fiction Literary Analysis Essay Revision, Editing, and Self-Assessment
      • Essay Drafts DUE Monday, 4-15-19; Final Essays and Self-Assessed Rubrics DUE Wednesday, 4-17-19 (Blocks 1-3) and Thursday, 4-18-19 (Blocks 4-5)
  • Introduction of Whole Class Novel and Argument Study: Avi's Nothing But the Truth
      • Family Awareness Letter and Pacing Options #1 and #2
      • Annotation Journal Expectations
      • Book Group Meeting Expectations
      • Novel Distribution and Annotation Journal Modeling (Thursday, 4-18-19, for Block 1 and Friday, 4-19-19, for Blocks 2-5)


Week 30: April 8-12, 2019 (CMAS Schedule Week 2; Baby Hayes is due this week - when will she arrive?)

  • Independent Reading and Research Finalization
      • Multi-Genre Project #2 DUE Monday: Small Group Presentations, Gallery Walk, Self-Assessment, and Turn In Procedures
      • Annotated Bibliography DUE Wednesday (if applicable to your individual class)
  • Elements of Fiction Literary Analysis Essay Instruction and Work Time: Quotation Instruction, Drafting, Revisions, and Color-Coding
      • Essays DUE Monday, 4-15-19
  • 8th Grade Registration Assembly on Friday


Week 29: April 1-5, 2019 (CMAS Schedule Week 1)

  • CMAS: Schedules, what to bring/what not to bring, and test navigation features
  • Independent Work Time Priorities: Multi-Genre Project #2 and Annotated Bibliography (if applicable)
      • UPDATED: Multi-Genre Project #2 DUE Monday, 4-8-19
  • Elements of Fiction Literary Analysis Essay Instruction: Outline, Drafting, and Quotation Instruction
      • Essays DUE Monday, 4-15-19


Spring Break: March 25-29, 2019


Week 28: March 18-22, 2019

  • Elements of Fiction Literary Analysis: O. Henry's "After Twenty Years" Comprehension Discussion
  • Elements of Fiction Literary Analysis Essay Instruction
  • Independent Reading and Research Project: Multi-Genre Project #1 DUE; Multi-Genre Project #2 Check-In
      • UPDATED: Multi-Genre Project #1 DUE Monday, 3-18-19
      • UPDATED: Multi-Genre Project #2 DUE Monday, 4-8-19


Week 27: March 11-15, 2019

  • Student-Led Conference Signature Slips DUE
  • Word Roots Focus 7: Practice Packet Turn-In; Digital Quiz
  • Word Roots Focus 8: Will be assigned in April after CMAS testing (see Word Roots Resources page for more information)
  • Elements of Fiction Literary Analysis: pre-reading activity, read and annotate O. Henry's short story "After Twenty Years," and complete a comprehension check to demonstrate understanding (check for understanding has been postponed to next week due to two snow days)
  • Elements of Fiction Literary Analysis Essay Instruction (postponed to next week due to two snow days)
  • Independent Reading and Research Project: Multi-Genre Project #1 DUE; Multi-Genre Project #2 Assigned
      • UPDATED: Multi-Genre Project #1 DUE Monday, 3-18-19
      • UPDATED: Multi-Genre Project #2 DUE Monday, 4-8-19


Week 26: March 4-7, 2019

  • Binder Organization and Preparation for Student-Led Conferences
  • Word Roots Focus 7: Practice Packet Check-In; Quiz Next Week
  • Elements of Fiction Application Practice: Class Review and Discussion with "The Winner"
  • Elements of Fiction Assessment of Learning (Two Days)
  • Independent Reading and Research Project: Multi-Genre Project #1 Check-In, Project #1 due next week


Week 25: February 25-March 1, 2019

  • Word Roots Focus 6: Practice Packet Turn-In; Digital Quiz and Sentence Application Assessment
  • Word Roots Focus 7: Introduce Root, Preview Practice Packet, and Determine Check-in & Quiz Dates
  • Elements of Fiction Application Practice: "The Winner" with three different reading purpose instructions and discussion questions for partners
  • Reading Log #15 DUE on Lesson 4: Research Update Report Form and Self-Assessment
  • Independent Reading and Research Project Next Steps: Research Collection and Multi-Genre Project Options; Return to Long Term Planning Dates


Week 24: February 19-22, 2019

  • Word Roots Focus 6: Practice Packet Check-In; Quiz Next Week
  • Elements of Fiction Review
  • Reading Log #14 DUE on Lesson 4: Research Update Report Form and Self-Assessment
  • Reading Log #15 ASSIGNED on Lesson 4: Research Collection Document #4


Week 23: February 11-15, 2019

  • Word Roots Focus 5: Practice Packet Turn-In; Digital Quiz and Sentence Application Assessment
  • Word Roots Focus 6: Introduce Root, Preview Practice Packet, and Determine Check-in & Quiz Dates
  • Elements of Fiction Part 2: Notes
  • Elements of Fiction Review
  • Reading Log #13 DUE on Lesson 4: Research Update Report Form and Self-Assessment
  • Reading Log #14 ASSIGNED on Lesson 4: Research Collection Document #3


Week 22: February 4-8, 2019

  • Word Roots Focus 5: Practice Packet Check-In; Quiz Next Week
  • Independent Reading and Research Project Teacher Check-Ins
  • Elements of Fiction Part 1: Introduction and Notes
  • Reading Log #12 DUE on Lesson 4: Research Update Report Form and Self-Assessment
  • Reading Log #13 ASSIGNED on Lesson 4: Research Collection Document #2


Week 21: January 28-February 1, 2019

  • Word Roots Focus 4: Practice Packet Turn-In; Digital Quiz and Sentence Application Assessment
  • Word Roots Focus 5: Introduce Root, Preview Practice Packet, and Determine Check-in & Quiz Dates
  • Independent Reading and Research Project Introduction and Family Approval Forms (must be returned by Monday, 2-4-19)
  • Reading Log #11 DUE on Lesson 4: Complete Calculations, Report Form, and Self-Assess
  • Reading Log #12 ASSIGNED on Lesson 4: Research Collection Document #1


Week 20: January 22-25, 2019

  • Word Roots Focus 4: Practice Packet Check-In; Quiz Next Week
  • Figurative Language and Poetic Devices Assessment of Learning (Day 3 and 4)
  • Reading Log #10 DUE on Lesson 4: Complete Calculations, Report Form, Annotate Paragraph, and Self-Assess
  • Reading Log #11 ASSIGNED on Lesson 4: Bookmark Selections, Preview Annotation Collection and SWBS Summary


Week 19: January 8-11, 2019

  • Mentor Text Quickwrites: Complete "The Road Not Taken"
  • Word Roots Focus 4: Introduce Root, Preview Practice Packet, and Determine Check-in & Quiz Dates
  • Second Semester Success Letter: Signatures Due
  • Figurative Language and Poetic Devices Assessment of Learning (Day 1 and 2)
  • Reading Log #9 DUE on Lesson 4: Complete Calculations and Collection Document, Report Form, and Sticky Note Extended Thinking Prompt
  • Reading Log #10 ASSIGNED on Lesson 4: Bookmark Selections, Preview Character Analysis Prompt & Response Expectations, and Read Exemplars


Week 18: January 8-11, 2019

  • Mentor Text Quickwrites: "Cotton Candy" and "The Road Not Taken"
  • Second Semester Success Letter: read, annotate, and discuss in class; signatures required
  • Figurative Language and Poetic Devices: Discuss Gary Soto's "Oranges" and Application Practice; Assessment of Learning will begin next week to demonstrate knowledge of figurative language, poetic devices, and comprehension of poetry
  • Reading Log #9 ASSIGNED on Lesson 4: Independent Reading Rate Assessments in class, Bookmark Selections, and Annotated Sticky Notes


Winter Break: December 22, 2018-January 7, 2019


Week 17: December 17-21, 2018 (Retakes on Word Roots Focus 3 must be done by Wednesday, 12/19/18)

  • Mentor Text Quickwrites: "Tree Heartbeat" and "Autobiography in Five Short Chapters"
  • Jolly Grammar Lesson - Figurative Language and Poetic Devices; Application and Annotation Practice with the poem "Oranges" by professional writer, Gary Soto
  • First Semester Independent Reading Reflection


Week 16: December 10-14, 2018 (All missing work is due no later than Friday, 12/14/18)

  • Word Roots Focus 3: Practice Packet Turn-In; Digital Quiz and Sentence Application Assessment
  • Mentor Text Quickwrites: "My Room" and "The Swingset"
  • Jolly Grammar Lesson - Figurative Language and Poetic Device Notes; Application and Annotation Practice with the poem "Afternoon Beach"
  • Reading Log #8 DUE on Lesson 4: Bookmark Selections, Reading Response Annotations and Objective Summary, and Time Management Table


Week 15: December 3-7, 2018

  • Word Roots Focus 3: Practice Packet Check-In; Quiz Next Week
  • Finalize Assessment of Learning: Annotation Assessment, Check for Understanding Assessment, and Informational Paragraph Writing Assessment
  • Reading Log #7 DUE on Lesson 4: Bookmark Selections, Character Analysis Friend or Enemy Reading Response, and Time Management Table
  • Reading Log #8 ASSIGNED on Lesson 4: Bookmark Selections, Reading Response Annotations and Objective Summary, and Time Management Table


Week 14: November 26-30, 2018

  • Quickwrite: "The Compass" or "Winter"
  • Word Roots Focus 3: Introduce New Root, Preview Practice Packet, and Determine Check-In & Quiz Dates
  • Assessment of Learning: Annotation Assessment, Check for Understanding Assessment, and Informational Paragraph Writing Assessment
  • Reading Log #7 ASSIGNED on Lesson 4: Bookmark Selections, Character Analysis Friend or Enemy Reading Response, and Time Management Table


Thanksgiving Break: November 19-23, 2018


Week 13: November 12-16, 2018

  • Word Roots Focus 2 Retakes (Deadline: November 16, 2018)
  • Continue Annotation Practice and Gradual Release of Responsibility with a Thematic Text Set (fictional short story, article, and poetry)
  • Anticipating An Assessment: Annotation Study Guide
  • Reading Log #6 DUE on Lesson 4: Bookmark Selections, Annotation Collection (with self-assessment), and Somebody Wanted But So Summary Expectations (Recommended - Time Management Table)


Week 12: November 5-9, 2018 (International Towne Field Trip Week - Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday)

  • Word Roots Focus 2: Practice Packet Turn-In; Digital Quiz and Sentence Application Assessment
  • Continue Annotation Practice and Gradual Release of Responsibility with a Thematic Text Set (fictional short story, article, and poetry)
  • Reading Log Resources: Character Traits Resource Guide and Writing Guide for An Informational Paragraph (Notes, Transitions, Outline Structure, and General Rubric)
  • Reading Log #5 DUE on Lesson 4: Bookmark Selections and Character Analysis Reading Response Expectations Due (with paragraph labeling and self-assessment) (Recommended - Time Management Table)
  • Reading Log #6 ASSIGNED: Bookmark Selections, Annotation Collection, and Somebody Wanted But So Summary Expectations (Recommended - Time Management Table)


Week 11: October 29-November 2, 2018

  • Word Roots Focus 2: Practice Packet Check-In; Quiz Next Week
  • Continue Annotation Practice and Gradual Release of Responsibility with a Thematic Text Set (fictional short story, article, and poetry)
  • Reading Log #4 DUE on Lesson 4: Bookmark Selections and Annotation Collection Reading Response Expectations (Recommended - Time Management Table)
  • Reading Log #5 ASSIGNED: Bookmark Selections and Character Analysis Reading Response Expectations (Recommended - Time Management Table)
  • Writing Guide for An Informational Paragraph (Notes, Transitions, Outline Structure, and General Rubric)


Week 10: October 22-26, 2018

  • Turn In Student-Led Conference Form Slips
  • Writer's Notebook Quickwrite: "Choose Kindness" article and writing prompt options
  • Word Roots Quiz Result Analysis Process
  • Word Roots Focus 2: Introduce New Root, Preview Practice Packet, and Determine Check-In & Quiz Dates
  • Annotation Guide for Literary and Nonfiction Text
  • Probable Passage Pre-Reading Activity to Activate Background Knowledge & Prediction Skills
  • Annotation Practice and Gradual Release of Responsibility with a Thematic Text Set (fictional short story, article, and poetry)
  • Reading Log #4 ASSIGNED: Bookmark Selections and Annotation Collection Reading Response Expectations (Recommended - Time Management Table)


Week 9: October 15-17, 2018 (Dinosaur Ridge Field Trip, Only Two Days of Lessons; End of Quarter 1)

  • Word Roots Focus 1 Practice Packets Due
  • Word Roots Focus 1 Quiz and Sentence Application Assessment
  • Student-Led Conference Forms and Binder Organization


Week 8: October 8-12, 2018

  • Language Study Quiz (Application of Learning - Basic Parts of Speech (noun, verb, adverb, and adjective), Word Roots B(root, prefix, and suffice), Nouns (general, specific, proper, concrete, and abstract), and Sentence Types (simple, compound, and complex; dependent and independent clauses; coordinating and subordinating conjunctions)
  • Language Study Quiz Post-Quiz Reflection: learn to review and analysis quiz scores; determine next steps
  • Composition Notebooks: "Now more than ever..." Quickwrite
  • Word Roots Focus 1, Flashcards, and Quizlet Study Tools
  • Independent Reading Habits Continue
  • Independent Reading Log #3 Bookmark Tracker and Two Purposeful Sticky Notes Due (Self-Selected Goal Time Goal)


Week 7: October 1-5, 2018

  • Composition Notebooks: "The box..." Quickwrite
  • Language Quiz Announcement and Review of Notes
  • Word Roots Focus 1 and Application Practice of Jolly Grammar Sentence Types
  • Word Roots Focus 1 Study Tools - handmade flashcards (Quizlet options will be provided next week)
  • Independent Reading Habits Continue
  • Independent Reading Log #2 Bookmark Tracker and Two Purposeful Sticky Notes Due (Self-Selected Goal Time Goal)
  • Reading Log #3 (Expectations, Goal-Setting, Bookmark Tracker, and Purposeful Sticky Notes)


Week 6: September 24-28, 2018

  • Jolly Grammar Nouns Practice Due (Concrete and Abstract)
  • Composition Notebooks: Cover Page, Tables of Contents, and "Sometimes at dusk..." Quickwrite
  • Jolly Grammar Sentence Types (Simple, Compound, Complex; Advanced Lesson - Compound/Complex)
  • Sentence Types Manipulative Practice Pieces
  • Independent Reading Habits Continue
  • Independent Reading Log #1 Bookmark Tracker Due (Self-Selected Goal and Reader's Thinking Notes)
  • Reading Log #2 (Expectations, Goal-Setting, and Bookmark Tracker)
  • Reading Rate Calculations and Practice Problems


Week 5: September 17-21, 2018

  • Jolly Grammar Nouns (Concrete and Abstract)
  • Jolly Grammar Sentence Types (Simple, Compound, Complex; Advanced Lesson - Compound/Complex)
  • Letter Instruction (Late Letters, Unprepared Letters, Re-Take Letters, and Re-Grade Letters)
  • Independent Reading Habits
  • Independent Reading Bookmark Tracker Due (with self-selected goal)
  • Reading Log #1 (Expectations, Goal-Setting, and Bookmark Tracker)


Week 4: September 10-14, 2018

  • Continue Classroom Policy and Procedure Notes
  • Classroom Policy and Procedure Quiz
  • "Just Right" Reading Book Notes
  • Independent Reading Habits
  • Independent Reading Rate Assessment, Calculations, and Goal-Setting
  • Independent Reading Bookmark Tracker (with self-selected goal)


Week 3: September 4-7, 2018

  • Proper Email Etiquette Lesson and Email Assignment
  • Complete Word Roots Introduction
  • Classroom Policy and Procedure Notes


Week 2: August 27-31, 2018

  • Classroom Technology - Bookmark Class Website, Join Google Classroom, and Add Google Calendar
  • Emergency Procedures in Classrooms 3048-3049
  • Word Roots Introduction
  • Summer Reading Project Requirements Review
  • Summer Reading Project "Show and Tell" Day


Week 1: August 20-24, 2018

  • Complete Introduction to Language Arts handouts
  • Getting to Know You Question Cards
  • Recap Summer Reading Project Requirements and "Show and Tell" Due Date
  • Assemble and Organize Supplies (binders, dividers, composition notebooks, supply bags, etc.)
  • Read, Annotate, and Discuss Class Letter and Signature Page Requirements


Week 0: August 17, 2018

  • Welcome to Language Arts!
  • School Supply Reminders
  • Symbolic Name Tags