8th Grade English Language Arts

Thursday, September 19, 2019:

Today we took notes on symbolism & allegories in our spiral notebooks. We also completed a pre-reading activity in which we made predictions about LOTF based on powerful quotations from the book. We began reading chapter 1 as well. We will finish the chapter tomorrow!

Here is a link to the notes if you didn't get everything copied.

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019:

Today we completed a gallery walk for Lord of the Flies. We discussed various statements and decided whether we agreed or disagreed with each. I REALLY appreciated those of you who were actively involved in the discussions; I think you made some fantastic points and you'll see the connections to LOTF a bit better! Great job.

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Here is the presentation from BTSN. Thanks to everyone who came!

Tuesday, September 17, 2019:

I'm sorry I could not be here today; I missed you all dearly! With the sub, you worked on some background information and pre-reading activities with our guest teacher. Turn these in by this Friday if you didn't finish it in class! Thanks for being so amazing for our guest teacher!

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Monday, September 16, 2019:

Today we worked together in groups on a deserted island challenge; this will help you get an idea of the setting of our novel, Lord of the Flies.

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Friday, September 13, 2019:

Today we worked on our activities to demonstrate our understanding of "The Lottery". Make sure you finish these for homework if you did not finish in class.

Here is a link to an online copy of "The Lottery" for those that were asking. :)

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Thursday, September 12, 2019:

Today we discussed what the author's purpose was in writing "The Lottery". Thanks to those active participants in our discussions. We began our choice activities to demonstrate our understanding. We will finish these up tomorrow.

Here is a link to an online copy of "The Lottery" for those that were asking. :)

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019:

Today we read "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. I want you to think about this story tonight and what message the author might have been trying to communicate to her readers. Bring your thoughts for discussion tomorrow.

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019:

Today we continued our iReady testing. Thanks for working hard & doing your best!

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Monday, September 9, 2019:

Today we began our iReady testing. Thanks for your diligent work. We will finish this up tomorrow!

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Friday, September 6, 2019:

Today we took our Broken Chain test. We also finished up our one-pagers. If you didn't finish, finish it this weekend!

Homework: Finish final draft of one-pager if not completed in class.

Thursday, September 5, 2019:

Today we continued working on our rough draft/graphic organizer for the one-pager of "Broken Chain". Finish this up for homework tonight!

Homework: Read for 30 minutes. Finish graphic organizer if not completed in class.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019:

Today we completed our plot organizer. If you did not finish this, it's now homework. We also begun working on our rough draft/graphic organizer for the one-pager of "Broken Chain". We will continue this tomorrow!

Homework: Read for 30 minutes. Finish plot organizer if not completed in class.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019:

Today we updated our spiral notebooks with information regarding plot elements, types of conflict, and vocabulary for our short story. We read "Broken Chain" by Gary Soto. We will continue with some of those activities tomorrow.

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Monday, September 2, 2019:

LABOR DAY- NO SCHOOL

Homework: Kindness challenge due tomorrow.

Friday, August 30, 2019:

Today we finished the documentary, Bully. We also answered the post-viewing questions. If you didn't finish those, they are due Tuesday at the beginning of class. Don't forget to complete the kindness challenge and bring your 1.5 page reflection on Tuesday! Have a GREAT 3 day weekend. :)

Homework: Kindness challenge due next Tuesday

Thursday, August 29, 2019:

Today we began watching the documentary, Bully. I know this can be difficult to watch, but it's an important message that we can all learn something from. We will finish this up tomorrow.

Homework: Read for 30 minutes. Kindness challenge due next Tuesday

Wednesday, August 28, 2019:

Today we went over information about book projects. Please come chat with me if you have questions! We also went over the kindness challenge, which is due next Tuesday.

Homework: Read for 30 minutes. Kindness challenge due next Tuesday

Tuesday, August 27, 2019:

Today we worked on our analysis of the kindness story & poem. We also began researching random acts of kindness. If you did not finish the analysis, it is homework tonight.

Homework: Read for 30 minutes. Finish analysis of story/poem if you did not complete it in class.

Monday, August 26, 2019:

Today we took some notes on theme, read a story and poem focused on kindness, and began analyzing the texts. We will finish this up in class tomorrow. Thanks for those of you who participated in class.. it is very much appreciated. Remember, what you put into this class is what you'll get out of it. :)

Homework: Read for 30 minutes.

Friday, August 23, 2019:

Today we continued working on our introduction Google slides project. So excited to see these and learn more about each of you. Remember to have your independent reading book with you by Monday!

Homework: Have a fun, safe, fantastic weekend!

Thursday, August 22, 2019:

Today we finished our KING code posters in groups and presented them to the class. Congrats to those of you who won! We also visited the library. Be sure you have an independent reading book by this Monday! We began our Google slides introducing ourselves as well. See you tomorrow with all of your materials, response letter, and syllabus!

Homework: Signed syllabus and response letter due this Friday, 8/23.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019:

Today we worked together in table groups to brainstorm our own classroom expectations based on the KING code. Thanks for your participation! Be sure to turn in your graphic organizer from that activity (I've put some in the grade book already). Don't forget to have your materials by Friday (including a planner and an independent reading book).

Homework: Signed syllabus and response letter due this Friday, 8/23.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019:

Today was an awesome second day! Thanks for your participation. Today we did an ELA "escape room" and learned more about our expectations and procedures. Be sure you get your syllabus signed by a parent/guardian. Remember to bring all of your supplies and materials to class by Friday!

Homework: Signed syllabus and response letter due this Friday, 8/23.

Monday, August 19, 2019:

It was so nice to meet all of you today! I am looking forward to an awesome year. We completed a student survey, made a name card (so I can learn your names ASAP), and completed a stations activity. We also started our first week feedback form. I am really enjoying responding to all of your questions/comments.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow! :)

Homework: None!