Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't updated the site in a while. The end of the marking period is quickly approaching. That being said, we still have a lot to. Here's some of what's coming up.
12/28 and 10/29- Castle Learning assessment on the laptops.
10/30-11/1- Mid-Unit task on Inside Out and Back Again.
11/4-11/8- Cumulative Writing Assignment on Inside Out and Back Again.
Stay posted for more details.
Today, all classes are taking the STAR Literacy Assessment in the computer lab. This test is taking the place of the Scantron assessment that we have done in previous years. Beginning tomorrow, all classes will be starting part II of the novel.
Today, we began working on the students' social studies essential question essay. (Yes, social studies. The way I figure it, writing is writing, no matter what the class) It is important that they develop a firm understanding of the elements of a good essay. We went over the introduction as well as an outline for the body of the essay.
If you need extra help, please refer to the link on the right side of the page, "Help with Writing Essays." Here's the question, in case parents are interested:
How did the events during the Reconstruction era effect politics, economics, and society as a whole? Are these effects still evident today? Due Friday, October 11.
Today, blocks 1,2, and 3 finished reading the article, "The Vietnam Wars," by Tod Olson. It gives a brief history of Vietnam's resistance against several colonial powers, up to its reunification in 1975.
Block 3 has a packet to finish on "plot" and "setting" that is due on Wednesday.
Extra Credit Opportunity!! Due Friday, 9/27
Above, is an example of Vietnamese currency. In a well developed paragraph, explain the following:
Who is the man on the bill, and what is his significance to Vietnamese history?
Today, blocks 1,2, and 3 read pages 4-9 from Inside Out and Back Again. Students were introduced to the "Quick Write" format and were asked to answer the following prompt:
What kind of person is Ha? Use specific evidence from the text to write a paragraph in which you discuss one of Ha's personality traits.
Keep the following in mind:
• Have I answered the prompt completely?
• Is the evidence I provided relevant and complete?
• Does my paragraph include the following?
– A focus statement
– At least three pieces of specific evidence from the text
– For each piece of evidence, an analysis or explanation: what does this evidence mean?
– A concluding sentence
Today and tomorrow, I am introducing our first book of the year, Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai. Here's a link to her author page. http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/36544/Thanhha_Lai/index.aspx
Enjoy!
New Vocabulary:
**inference- a determination based on evidence
panic- uncontrollable fear
desperate- extreme need
quantities- amounts
clashes- fights
haste- with quickness
poignant- intense
affidavit- a sworn statement
consulate- government official in a foreign country
