Vocabulary and finishing up grammar study guides

Today I gave the second vocabulary test using the week 2 words.  Then we will finish up the grammar study guides and students will be allowed to study for their grammar test which will be tomorrow October 1.

Grammar Study Guide

Today we went back to grammar and began our Grammar Study Guides.  We reviewed Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives and we went on to Verbs.  If you missed class today, see Mrs. Dewalt for your study guide.  You will find the answers in the purple Grammar books.  They start on page 514.  Vocabulary test for week 2 is Monday. Don't forget to study.

Selection Test for "Everyday Use"

Today students complete the selection test handout for the story "Everyday Use."  Students handed it in to be graded.

Finished Everyday Use

Yesterday we finished reading Everyday Use.  We completed characterization webs for each character which were turned in.

"Everyday Use"

We continued reading the short story today.

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

Today we talked about traditions and heirlooms.  Students complete a quick write from page 69 of the literature book.  We then discussed what life was like for African Americans in the 1960s and how things were rapidly changing.  We talked a bit about heritage and the civil rights movement.  We then began to read the story.  Hopefully we will be able to finish the story tomorrow.  There was no homework, unless vocabulary has not been completed.  Then finish the vocabulary and sentences as homework.  

Another make-up day

Since even more students were out today for the EOC Algebra test and because many of my students did NOT complete their vocabulary for homework like they were supposed to, I gave them one more day to finish up.  Tomorrow we will be working on a short story called, "Everyday Use," by Alice Walker.

Tuesday

Because there were many students taking the Algebra EOC, students were allowed to finish their word maps and the sentences that were due for homework. They were also asked to complete any makeup work at this time.

Vocabulary Re-take, New vocabulary

Today we retook the vocabulary test. We then got new vocabulary words:

Cowering

Doctrines

Earnest

Furtive

Mercilessly

Oppress

Organdy

Rifling

Sidle

Tottering

FOR HOMEWORK students are to create a wordmap for each of these words which includes the definition of the word, a synonym or an antonym (they need to label which it is), an original sentence that uses the word, and a picture that reminds them of the word.  Students should then, on a separate piece of paper, copy each of their original sentences to turn in.  This does not mean that they only should complete the sentences because I will be checking on Tuesday to make sure that their wordmaps are complete.  

Two Kinds

Today we finished the story "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan.  We then did two different worksheets on the short story.  See Mrs. Dewalt for the worksheets if you missed class today.  Remember to study for the vocabulary week 1 retest.  

Two Kinds

Today we are reading the story "Two Kinds," by Amy Tan.  See Mrs. Dewalt for a copy or it can also be found on the internet at:  http://olsen-classpage.wikispaces.com/file/view/TwoKindsfulltext.pdf

Two Kinds

Today we complete an Anticipation Guide for the short story "Two Kinds'" by Amy Tan.  We then had a class discussion about our answers.  We watched a short youtube video about the author.  You can find it at the website:  http://www.sanjuan.edu/webpages/rhaak/welcome.cfm?subpage=125929

This is a copy of the Anticipation Guide.  Answer the questions and give reasons why you chose the answer that you chose.


Anticipation Guide for “Two Kinds” and “The Third Level”
If you agree with a statement below put a YES next to that number. If
you disagree with the statement write NO next to that number. Write
a reason why you feel the way you do.


_____ 1. Life for our parents was simpler, more peaceful than life for
               us (teens) today.
_____ 2. Most people yearn to escape their everyday pressures.
_____ 3. Psychiatrists have fewer personal problems than most
               people.
_____ 4. Conflict between children and their parents is inevitable.
_____ 5. Daydreaming is a healthy way to avoid reality.
_____ 6. The world is becoming more dangerous / stressful with
               every decade.
_____ 7. Parents live vicariously through their children, expecting
               them to fulfill the dreams they didn’t achieve.
_____ 8. It is difficult to find your own identity at times.

FAIR Testing on Monday--report to room N18 instead of room 401

We will be FAIR Testing on Monday--report to room N18 instead of room 401.  Please bring headphones or earbuds if you don't want to use school provided headphones.  If you were out and missed the Vocab/Grammar Quiz on Friday, be prepared to take it on Tuesday in class.

FCAT Reading Practice

Today we did an FCAT Reading Practice called "Flying Snakes."  If you were absent, you need to ask Mrs. Dewalt for a copy.  Complete the reading and questions that follow.  Homework:  Study for Vocabulary/Grammar Quiz tomorrow.

Writing Prompt

Today in class we completed the county-wide writing prompt.  Study your vocabulary words and grammar for the quiz on Friday!!!

County-wide writing prompt tomorrow

Tomorrow we will be completing the first of three county-wide writing prompts that will be given throughout the year.  It will be just like the FCAT writes.  Today in class we went over the rubric and discussed elements that should be included in their papers.  We talked about introduction, body paragraphs, conclusions, transition words, and what not to do in their papers.  Students received their vocabulary back and are able to correct the sentences if they do not like the grade they received.  I notified students who have not turned it in yet, that they still need to do so or they will receive a zero for the assignment.  They should all study the grammar and vocabulary as we will be having a quiz on it on Friday!