Tuesday DEC 18th

I hope everyone had a great Snow Day yesterday!

Remember we meet for our midterm on Thursday! It will be 60 scantron questions and a short-answer essay question pertaining to "Akeelah and the Bee" (and these questions were already discussed in class---there are no surprises on the mid-term....please come prepared! STUDY :)

Edline Grades

I will post all new Edline Grades on Monday. This will allow students to see their grades prior to the midterm. The midterm test will count as two test grades toward their second term grade.

Friday DEC 14th

Today we continued watching "Akeelah and the Bee". Remember that you need to cafefully watch the movie so you are able to answer one of the essay questions that we discussed yesterday on your mid-term.

Again, for the remainder evenings, I hope that you are studying and preparing a good study guide. You may choose to use the back of the small slip of paper I gave you as a "Cheat sheet". This cheat sheet, however, may not include any information that will help you answer the essay question.

Thursday DEC 13th

Today we began watching "Akeelah and the Bee". Remember that you need to cafefully watch the movie so you are able to answer one of the essay questions that we discussed yesterday on your mid-term.

Again, for the remainder evenings, I hope that you are studying and preparing a good study guide. You may choose to use the back of the small slip of paper I gave you as a "Cheat sheet". This cheat sheet, however, may not include any information that will help you answer the essay question.

Wednesday Dec 12th

I unveiled today the movie you will be watching for the next few days: "Akeelah and the Bee".

From this, you will respond to one of three short answer essay questions on your mid-term exam.

I gave you a preview of what the questions will pertain to and you took notes. You may start to think and organize a response. However, you may not use your midterm cheat sheet to include any of your prethinking.

Homework:
Keep studying for the Midterm!

Tuesday Dec 11

Today we discussed how to address the envelopes for our business letters

Next I gave you a small square-sized handout with the information that will be on your mid-term. We discussed what you can expect to see on it.

You had the remainder of the hour to start making a review sheet.

MONdaY DEceMBER 10tH

Today we did a few things: I discussed what you need for tomorrow for the final of the business letter. Next you wrote a reflection on your writing. This was turned in at the end of the hour.

Homework:
Your final copy of your business letter is due tomorrow. You must bring in 2 copies of the final version (one will be mailed and one will be given to me to grade). You must also bring a stamp and an envelope. Finally, you must also make a copy of the rubric below.

RUBRIC FOR THE BUSINESS LETTER

____/ 25 pts. Properly edited (correct spelling/punctuation/grammar)

____/ 24 pts. 8 Parts of the Business Letter (correct format / spacing/ info)

____/ 50 pts. Proper Body (includes proper tone and specific reasons you liked/did not like the product/service

____/ 5pts. Includes the Rubric

_____/ 106 pts. GRAND TOTAL

Friday DEC 7th

Today you had the opportunity to edit your rough drafts of your business letter. Look on the blog Monday for the rubric. Your final copy with the rubric will be due on Tuesday.

Homework:
Page 531

THURsDAy DeC 6th

Today I gave a rather long lecture about Business Letters. With the lecture you had a handout and you were to take notes as I spoke.

Homework:
You need to come to class with a TYPED rough draft of your business letter (the ENTIRE letter, not simply the body of the letter).

Things to remember:

• proper TONE
• do NOT ask for anything (coupons, free stuff, etc.)
• all 8 parts of the business letter
• the signature should be 4 blank lines (enough for you to personally sign it)

Wednesday DEC 5

Today you corrected and I collected your Mastery Grade assignment from last night.

Next you took your test.

Homework:
Make sure you have your business address in class tomorrow. See Monday's entry for the full explanation.

Tuesday DEC 4th

Today we corrected and collected last night's homework.

Next you had the hour to review and ask questions as needed.

Class/Homework:
Page 527 and 528 Parts A, B, C, D (it will be corrected/collected tomorrow for a Mastery Grade)

Your test over adverbs/adjectives is tomorrow! Make sure to study!

Monday DEC 3rd

Today we corrected 521, and 524.

Next I talked to you about your next writing assignment. For Thursday you will need an address of the customer service dept. of a company where you have truly liked their product/service or of a company that you have had a problem with their product or service. You will either receive 10 points for having it or a 0 for not having it.

Class/Homework:
Page 525, answers only
Page 526 Part A and Part B (if the sentences need corrections, correct it and write out the new sentence. If the sentence is already correct, write "Correct")

Looking Ahead:
Monday (see homework above)
Tuesday: an in-class review (will be homework if you do not finish in class)
Wednesday: test over adverbs
Thursday: You will need the mailing address (see directions above). We will have a lecture on how to write a proper business letter.

Friday November 30th

Today we corrected last night's homework.

You also had a chance to turn in your Princess Bride final package (Final draft, Work Cited page and rubric--stapled in this order) today. If you did not turn it in today for 4 points extra credit, you MUST turn it in Monday.

Finally you took a short quiz and received a short book work assignment.

Homework:
Bookwork: page 524, rewrite the paragraph for part B.
Check Point, follow the directions.
PAPER: if you did not hand in the Princess Bride paper today for extra credit, it is due MONDAY.

Thursday NOV 29th

Today we discussed a few more things about parenthetical citations and how to correctly add them to your paper, noting proper formatting.

Next we corrected the rest of the bookwork homework from when Mrs. Hardy was with you on Monday and Tuesday.

You had the remainder of the hour to work on the new book work assignment and continue revising your paper.

HOMEWORK:

• BOOKWORK: page 521 #1-10 answers only, #11-15 write out the sentence


• FINAL PAPER: copy the rubric below on a separate sheet of paper. Your final paper will include the best version of your paper, your Work Cited page, and a copy of the rubric. This is due on MONDAY, DEC. 3rd. You have the option of turning it in tomorrow, FRIDAY NOV. 30th for 4 points extra credit!


• SHORT QUIZ TOMORROW: There will be a short quiz tomorrow on determining between adverbs and adjectives. What is the difference between adverbs and adjectives? If you were given sentences, could you find the adjective or adverb and tell what word/words it modifies?

*******************************

The Princess Bride Rubric

____paper is clearly structured and organized (your evidence is clearly explained and is not just "plunked" in your paper) (30 pts.) (paper should end up being about 1 1/2 to 2 pages in length)
_____ paper has been edited for punctuation and grammar (20 pts.)
_____ paper uses the "inverted thesis" structure in the introduction and the conclusion is simply your intro reworded (20 pts.)
_____ paper includes proper MLA style (including proper heading format and work cited page) (10 pts.)
_____ paper includes at least 2 parenthetical citations per body paragraph and they are formatted correctly (24 pts.)
_____ paper includes a copy of the rubric (6 pts.)

_________/11o Points Total

Wednesday Nov 28th

Monday and Tuesday I was not at school. The guest teacher said that our class was considerably chatty. I was not happy to find this report. Monday and Tuesday you had an book work assignment to work on in class. These two assignments are due tomorrow (Thursday). We will be checking them as a class and you will turn it in.

Today in class you had your rough draft of your Princess Bride paper with the Work Cited Page. You were able to edit to papers and have your paper edited by two editors.

Homework:
For full credit tomorrow: you must bring in your old rough draft and a new fresh copy with the changes you made this evening. Use the advise of your editors. Additionally, read your paper to mom or dad! Make sure it all makes sense :)

Also, make sure you have your bookwork from Monday/Tuesday Night!

Tuesday Nov. 20th

Today you had the hour to work on your rough draft. Many of you had great questions to ask as you began writing.

Class/Homework
When you return to school on Monday you will need a COMPLETED, TYPED rough draft.

It should have:

• 5 paragraphs
• 2 citations per body paragraph
• a separate page that will be your Work Cited page

Monday Nov 19th

Today we discussed how your outline translates directly to your rough draft. We also talked about MLA heading and parenthetical citations. Finally you took notes on how to write a Work Cited page. Use your red MLA book to help you out at home if you need it (pages 35 and 5 are good places to start). With the remaining time, I allowed you to begin writing your rough draft.

Class/Homework:
Your entire typed rough draft, along with the Work Cited page is due when we return from break, Nov. 26th.

Thursday NOV 15th

Today you took notes on how to write an inverted introduction. If you took good notes, you should have no trouble with your homework this weekend. Next we discussed how to write a conclusion and what you should have in it and what you cannot have in it.


Homework:
On your outline, include the A, B, and C for your introduction and conclusion and have it written out for Monday. I will be making sure that you have it written down for points toward your grade. On Monday we will be writing the rough draft in class. COME PREPARED!!!

Wednesday NOV 14

Today we graded Part 2 of the review.

Next you took your test.

You have no homework this evening.

Come to class tomorrow WITH YOUR COMPLETED OUTLINE. If I returned your outline and you received less than a 44, I would revise your outline! Make the changes I advised you to make on the outline! I am not going to recollect it for a grade, but I will definitely look at it if you want me to....

Tuesday Nov 13

Today we corrected last night's homework.

Next you worked on your review for tomorrow's test with plenty of time to ask questions.

Class/Homework:
Page 509-510
Part A--follow the directions
Part B--S=, V=, PA=
Part C--follow the directions
Part D--follow the directions, answers only
Part E--follow the directions, rewriting the sentence correctly

YOUR TEST IS TOMORROW COVERING THE MATERIAL FROM pages 495-510! Make sure you study!

Monday NOV 12th

Today we corrected your book work from last week and I collected it.

Next I collected your completed outlines.

Finally I assigned Part One of your Review on adjectives. Your test is on Wednesday.

Class/Homework:
Page 507 Part B
Page 508 Part A & Part B

LOOKING AHEAD
Monday: Review Pt. 1
Tuesday: Review Pt. 2
Wendesday: Test
Thursday: discussion over Inverted Thesis statements and conclusions
Friday: Meadowbrook Theatre/"A Christmas Carol"
This Weekend: writing your introduction and conclusion (due Monday--you will need to hear the lecture on Thursday before you attempt this though...)

Thursday Nov 8

Today we corrected last night's homework. You added to this homework and it is due on Monday:



Page 504 & 506 notes

Page 504 #1-10 answers only, Page 507 #1-10 answers only



Next we discussed outlines for the Princess Bride paper. I showed you how your graphic organizer translates directly to your outline. Please use the worksheet on Edline as a guideline for your own outline.



Class/Homework:

• Page 504 & 506 notes
  Page 504 #1-10 answers only, Page 507 #1-10 answers only


• Completed outline, TYPED, with MLA heading for the Princess Bride paper. Again, please use the sample that is on Edline to help you!

Wednesday NOV 7

Today we corrected last night's homework and I collected it along with Monday night's homework.

Next you did a short lesson on comparative/superlative adjectives.

Class/Homework:

• Page 502 Part A #1-12 answers only, Page 503 Part B rewrite the paragraph, and the Check Point.
• Make sure all of your evidence is found for your paper, using the rectangles. Make sure you have at least 2 direct quotes as evidence and 1 paraphrase. All 6 rectangles must be filled and must have the page number(s) next to them. You will need this tomorrow as we talk about inverted thesis statements and outlines!

TUESDAY Nov 6th

Today we discussed direct quotes and paraphrases. I showed you an example today if I wanted to prove if Vizzini was a mean-spirited character, how I would do that with a direct quote and how I would do that with a paraphrase:

PARAPHRASE
Vizzini is a mean-spirited character, especially when he is talking to Fezzik. In one instance when he addresses Fezzik, in order to show his anger, he gets eerliy quiet (135).

DIRECT QUOTE
Vizzini is a mean-spirited character, especially when he is talking to Fezzik. In one instance, "the Sicilian lost control. It was terrifying when he did it. With most people, they scream and holler and jump around. With Vizzini, it was different; he got very very very quiet, and his voice sounded like it came from a dead throat" (135).

Next we discussed predicate adjectives. You took some notes from page 499.

Class/Homework:
DUE WEDNESDAY Page 499 #1-10 answers only

DUE THURSDAY All evidence to prove your character has those character traits you chose to fill in to the ovals on your paper. All of the evidence belongs in the rectangles on your graphic organizer/brain web I gave you on Monday. In order to complete it properly, you MUST HAVE (for the minimum) 2 direct quotes as evidence, and 1 paraphrase. The rest can be a combination. You MUST also include page numbers for the evidence.

Monday NOV. 5th

Today we began discussing your paper on the Princess Bride. You will be writing a character analysis.

I gave you a brainweb with some possible character traits on the back. You must have chosen a character and filled out three character traits you want to prove your character displays in the book. Remember, by proving them, you must be able to relate scenes from the book and have the exact page #'s they occur on.

Next we discussed our next unit of grammar: adjectives (page 496).

Class/Homework:

• Character BrainWeb with chosen character and 3 traits due TUESDAY
• Page 497 Page 497 Part A #1-12 in addition to the page directions, also tell which word it modifies, Part B #13-17 follow the directions in the book due TUESDAY

Thursday Nov. 1

Today we finished watching the Princess Bride.

Next week come prepared with your Princess Bride worksheets as we will begin the planning stages for the character analysis paper.

No Homework for you this weekend! Have fun, rest, and relax...but prepared to work on Monday!

Wednesday OCT 31

Today we watched the second part of the Princess Bride and you turned in chapter 8 questions!

Tonight, have fun and be safe if you are trick-or-treating.

You have the optional extra credit that I gave you in class today. If you are choosing to do it, it must be handed in tomorrow!

We will finish watching the Princess Bride tomorrow in class. You may bring a small snack with you if you wish.

Tuesday OCT 30th

Today we began watching The Princess Bride.

Don't forget that you have to finish the last Princess Bride worksheet this evening and turn it in tomorrow!!

P.S. if you would like, you may bring in a small snack to eat as we continue watching the movie tomorrow.

Monday OCT 29th

Today we discussed the questions from Chapters 6 & 7 of the Princess Bride.

We also shared some roller coaster paragraphs that you wrote this weekend.

Class/Homework
You now have the final worksheet to finish the book! Make sure this worksheet is ready to hand in on Wednesday (in other words, the worksheet is DUE ON WEDNESDAY)!

Also, we are going to begin to watch the movie tomorrow! If you would like, you may bring in a small personal treat to eat so you can have it while we watch the movie!

Friday OCT 26th

Today we reviewed what it means to be a "good paragraph". We discussed the elaboration worksheet and reviewed what you read about with the "Show Don't Tell" information.

Next you read a horrible paragraph about a roller coaster. Here it is below:

Roller coasters are really fun. They are usually very tall and go very fast. My favorite roller coaster is the Millennium Force at Cedar Point. It is so scary. I think that is the loudest I have ever screamed in my entire life. When I go back to Cedar Point I will probably ride that ride 10 times in a row. I just hope I don’t throw up.

Taking on the role as editors, you offered ways we could improve this paragraph.

Next you began writing a revised version. Finally I shared a new-improved version. You pointed out many things you liked about it.

Homework
In addition to the Chapter 6/7 Princess Bride questions, you must write a paragraph describing a roller coaster experience. Your paragraph should be at least 250 words. This should be a final draft (you may type it or hand write it).

Thursday OCT 25

Today I explained a few items to you and let you get to work.

DUE ON FRIDAY:
Elaboration Worksheet
In addition, read pages 262-264 on "Show Don't Tell"

DUE ON MONDAY:
Chapter 6 and Chapter 7 questions of the Princess Bride. Make sure to include page numbers. We will discuss everything from these worksheets on Monday

Tuesday OCT 23rd

Today we reviewed the paragraph assignment you finished the other day from page 250. Many of you still weren't grasping the concept of "good topic sentences"....so we did a little review together. If you have any further questions, please feel free to set up a quiet time when we can discuss.

Class/Homework
Next I gave you an assignment on Elaboration. It begins with reading pages 254-257 & 258-259. Then you are to follow the directions on the handout that I gave you. This assignment is due at the beginning of the hour on Friday.

You also had a small amount of time to finish the questions for Chapter 6 of the Princess Bride. This is due at the beginning of the hour on Thursday.

Monday OCT 22

Today I collected your homework assignment from Friday.

Next I gave you the next set of questions for Chapters 6 and 7 of The Princess Bride. The questions for Chapter 6 must be completed by the time you come to class on Thursday. Remember that we do not meet as a class on Wednesday due to retreat.

Class/Homework
Chapter 6 questions for the Princess Bride due on Thursday

Friday OCT 19th

Today we discussed the test you took yesterday and reviewed the terms "unity" and "cohesion". Next we read about another term relating to paragraphs: " elaboration". Through our discussion and examples given, you should all now have a good understanding of the three main components of a good paragraph. I expect you to start using these techniques in your writing!

Class/Homework:
Page 250
Part A #1-4
Part B (read the directions and follow ALL of them)
Part C---choose # 1 OR #3 to write about

MAKE SURE WHAT YOU WRITE HAS UNITY, COHESION, and ELABORATION!

Wednesday OCT 17

Today with our shortened class time, you were able to continue working on Princess Bride worksheet #5 that is due at the beginning of the hour on Friday.

STUDY FOR YOUR QUIZ TOMORROW!

Tomorrow you will need to be ready to take your quiz! This is the last grade I am entering for the marking period! Bring your grammar book with you!

If I were you, I would make sure to study the following things:

• exaggeration--what is it and how is it used in The Princess Bride
• unity and coherence of paragraphs
• know the characters of The Princess Bride and be able to describe them
• know a few vocabulary words from The Princess Bride (vulpine, deduce, diabolical, unfathomable, lethal, smitten, hovel)
• from our discussions, understand that good authors make characters in their novels relatable to our lives. If asked, do you know and can you explain a character in The Princess Bride that you relate to?

Tuesday Oct 16th

Today we discussed the questions and portions of the Princess Bride from Worksheet 4.

Next I handed out Princess Bride Worksheet 5 which will be due at the beginning of the hour on Friday.

Tomorrow in class you will have the shortened period to continue working on Worksheet 5 (remember that we have a 1/2 day tomorrow!).

On Thursday you will have a quiz covering pages 1-149 in the Princess Bride. Also know what "unity" and "coherence" are from our discussion on Friday. Also know these vocabulary terms from the Princess Bride worksheets: vulpine, diabolical, deduce, lethal, smitten, unfathomable, hovel.

Monday OCT 15

Today we discussed the paragraph assignment assigned to you on Friday. I collected these along with Princess Bride Worksheet 3.

Next I gave you the remaining time to complete Princess Bride Worksheet 4--the Fezzik questions.

Homework:
We will be discussing and I will be collecting Princess Bride Worksheet 4 tomorrow! Make sure it is complete!

Friday OCT 12

Today we took a look at paragraphs on page 243. We read and discussed as a class about the components of good paragraphs: unity and cohesion. Make sure you know what "unity" and "cohesion" means (you may need to know later on a test :)

Classwork/Homework
Next you began to complete the paragraph exercise on page 245/246. Make sure you read and follow the directions. This is due Monday.

On Monday I will also collect Princess Bride wkst. 3. I also expect that you will have completed Princess Bride wkst. 4 up through Inigo (you do not have to read/answer questions for the Fezzik portion yet).

Thursday OCT 11

We did not meet today due to Theatre Thursday. Please see Wednesday for homework.

Wednesday OCT 10

Today we began by acting out a short scene in class of the Princess Bride. Thank you to those who participated with speaking parts and those of you who participated in discussion and with your thoughtful questions.

The worksheet I handed out yesterday (Princess Bride Wkst. 3) will be due at the beginning of the hour on MONDAY because tomorrow we are not meeting. (Instead you will be at your "Theatre Thursday" movie for Spirit Week).

Today I handed out Princess Bride Wkst. 4. On this worksheet, all the work for the questions about the Announcement and Inigo are due at the beginning of the hour on Monday.

Have a great evening! See you tomorrow at Theatre Thursday!

Tuesday OCT 9th

Today you had the hour to read pages 63-81. You were also given a new worksheet to follow these pages.

Tomorrow in class we will be discussing up thru page 77 and doing some reading aloud as class.

Your worksheet is due at the beginning of the hour on Thursday. An extra copy of the worksheet can be found on EdLine.

Monday October 8

Today we did a little bit of reading aloud with The Princess Bride! We had a chance to discuss the certain parts and motivations for certain characters behaving as they do.

There will be NO HOMEWORK (don't cheer too loud) tonight.

Come in tomorrow ready to continue reading!

FRIDAY October 5

Today you had the class period to read. Thank you all for enduring the heat so well; I am really hoping next week we will actually see signs of FALL! :) Fall = Mrs. Ehle's favorite time of year!

Homework:
Make sure you finish the Princess Bride worksheet that covers pages 33-59 (indicated at the top). We will be discussing these pages on Monday to make sure everyone knows what is going on! I will also collect the worksheet.

Thursday OCT 4

Today students came to class and continued to read the Princess Bride. Worksheet covering pages 1-30 is due tomorrow by the end of class.

I also passed out a second worksheet today covering pgs. 33-59. This worksheet is due on Monday.

Copies of both worksheets are posted to EdLine.

Wednesday OCT 3

Today we went through the rest of the Introduction section of the Princess Bride.

By your reaction and discussion with me today in class, I think we are all on "the same page" and we all understand what is happening.

Now it is time to read "the good parts" of the story :)

Homework for tonight:
DUE THUR. 10/4: Read to page 39. Stop at the interesting graphic on the page
DUE FRI 10/5: make sure the worksheet is completed for class. We will open discussing the answers.

**On the left hand side of the page, under "HELPFUL WEBSITES" is a link to DICTIONARY.COM. This will be a helpful link to finish the defintions portion of your worksheet.

TUESDAY Oct 2

Today we began by talking about the Princess Bride in class.

Next we did some reading and discussing together. I know the first portion of the book is "hard to get into"...but I promise it gets much more fun here on out!

NO HOMEWORK THIS EVENING!

MONDAY October 1

Today we used our class time to look at a section of the IOWA test that many students have trouble on: the MAPS and DIAGRAMS section.

Everyone took part in answering questions from this section and then we picked apart those questions that the majority of you had trouble on.

Classwork/Homework:
In order to begin tomorrow with The Princess Bride, I would like you to come in to class knowing answers to a few questions. I would suggest googling these names to help you find the answers.

1) Who is S. Morgenstern and what else has he authored?
2) Who is William Goldman and what else has he authored?
3) Read the Introduction to The Princess Bride. I warn you, it may be a bit confusing. But just try your best and I will help make more sense out of it tomorrow in our discussion!

Thursday Sept 26

Today we corrected your Mastery Review assignment and I collected it.

Next you took your test!

Have a great Friday off! See you Monday!

Looking Ahead:
You will need your Princess Bride books Monday!

Tuesday Sept. 25

Today we began by correcting last night's homework.

Next we took a look at possessive nouns! Make sure you memorize those rules! It will be helpful when you take your test on THURSDAY.

Classwork/Homework:
Page 417 check point #11-15
Page 420/421 #1-10 (answers only), #11-20 (answers only) and Part C--rewrite the paragraph


LOOKING AHEAD
Tomorrow you will have a guest teacher! I will expect that you are on your best behavior. She will correct with you the homework from this evening and collect it along with the homework from the previous two evenings.

Next she will be giving you a MASTERY GRADE REVIEW assignment. This will be due on Thursday.

Your test will be on Thursday too! Make sure you study!

MONDAY Sept 24

Today we discussed the predicate noun notes you took on Friday and then graded the TRY THIS problems.

Next we added some singular and plural work on Page 418 in the way of notes.

You had generous class time to get your assignment either started or finished.

Class/Homework:
Page 416 #6-10
Page 417 #16-20, you only need to note the subjects and predicate nouns
Page 417 Check Point #1-10
Page 418 #1-10

Looking Ahead:
Your test on this unit is slated for Thursday!

FRIDAY Sept. 21st

Today we began by correcting last night's homework and answering any questions you had. Then I collected it.

Next you took a mini-quiz covering subjects, verbs, indirect and direct objects.

After you finished the test you took notes on Predicate Nouns on page 416. Then you attempted problems from PART A #1-5 (answers only) and problems #11-15 (write out the sentences). If you did not finish this in class, it is now your homework!

On Monday we will discuss what you read about and continue on with the unit.

Have a terrific weekend!

Thursday Sept. 20

Today we corrected last night's homework and I collected the assignment from Tues. and Wed. evening.

Next we discussed indirect objects.

Class/Homework:
Page 414-415
#1-15--I changed the directions. I would like you to identify the Subject (S), Verb (V), DO (direct object) and IO (indirect object).

#16-18--follow the directions given

Part C page 415--Choose only 5 people and use the sentence given. Do this within your homework. On a separate sheet, be creative and draw the person with the item you have chosen to give them. Then, put the sentence on the top or the bottom of your paper.

Wednesday Sept 19

Today we corrected our class/homework from yesterday.

Next we discussed nouns as direct objects.

Class/homework:
Page 412 #1-10
#11-15
Page 413 Check Point #1-15

TUESDAY September 18 & a WRITING CONTEST OPPORTUNITY

I hope you enjoyed your Monday off! Now it is back to some more grammar work :)

I passed back your tests today. If you still have questions on ones that you have wrong, I invite you to bring a bag lunch tomorrow and meet me in 305 for a study session. Remember: this information will probably appear on your mid-term, so it pays off to learn it now!

Next we started our next unit on NOUNS!

Classwork/Homework:
Page 409 #1-10 (you do not have to do #11-15)
Page 410 #1-5
Page 411 #1-10

WRITING CONTEST OPPORTUNITY.
Click on the link http://www.walden.com/fanlib/entryform.php and find out about a writing contest through Walden Media (makers of children's films like The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

FRIDAY Sept 14th

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Today we corrected the second part of the review and then you took your test!

For the weekend....((drum roll.....)) YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO ENGLISH HOMEWORK!!!!

Enjoy your weekend, but come back Tuesday (remember: no school Monday!) ready to get into a new unit!

Thursday Sept 13

Today we corrected your mastery review assignment from yesterday.

Next you did part 2 of the review.

Classwork/Homework
Page 400 & 401
Part F -- #56-70
Part G -- # 71-80
Part H -- #81-90
Part I --#91-100
Part J--#101-105

TOMORROW IS YOUR TEST!!!!

Wednesday Sept 12

Today we did the first part of the review.

Class/Homework:
Page 398/399
Part A --- #1-10
Part B --- #11-20
Part C --- #21-30
Part D --- #31-45
Part E --- #46-55

TUESDAY September 11

Today we corrected last night's assignment. You kept this work and added to it what we discussed today: run-ons!

Class/Homework:
Page 396 #1-10, #11-20
Page 397 Check Point Part A, Part B--follow the directions given in the book

LOOKING AHEAD:
We will review tomorrow and Thursday in class for Friday's Test!

MONDAY Sept 10

Today we did a short review of what you have been learning in this unit.

Next we corrected the weekend's homework and I collected pg 385, 387, 388, and 391.

Finally we discussed "there" in sentences as well as run-ons and fragments.

Classwork/Homework:
Page 392 #1-10
Page 394 #1-10 Part A
Part B, rewrite the paragraph correctly.

Friday, Sept. 7

Today we corrected last night's homework and discussed any issues you had with it.

Next I passed back your first homework assignment and your Friendly Letter. I further discussed how I grade and some of my shorthand remarks that I use to grade your papers with. If you ever have questions as to the comments that I put on your papers, PLEASE SEE ME! I am more than happy to explain them to you!

Then we took a look at the new work on page 388 and 390 and you jotted down some helpful notes.

Classwork/Homework:
Page 388 #1-10 answers only
Page 390 #1-10 answers only

I will collect this work along with Thursday's homework on Monday.

Thursday Sept 6

Today we started class with a free write entitled "My Funniest Memory". We will be using these in a further class so make sure to keep track of it in your folder.

Next we corrected last night's assignment and I collected it along with the assignment we corrected yesterday.

Finally we discussed compound sentences and types of sentences.

Class/Homework:
Page 385 #1-10
Page 385 #11-20
Page 387 #1-10

WEDNESDAY Sept. 5th

Today I collected your final draft of your friendly letter. Next we corrected last night's homework assignment.

Finally we began a new discussion on verbs. We started on 378 with action and state of being verbs and moved on to 380 with helping verbs.

Class/Homework:
pg. 378 notes, pg. 379 Part A #1-10 A.O.
pg. 380/top of 382 notes, pg. 381 part A #1-10 A.O.,part B #11-20 A.O.
pg. 382 Part A. #1-10 A.O.

**I will be collecting last night's homework that we checked today as well as the assignment above tomorrow for credit.

TUESDAY September 4

Today you received your textbook! We discussed understanding sentences beginning on page 374.

I also checked to make sure you did your homework. I looked for a signature on your draft from someone who read your work at home.

Classwork/Homework:
You had plenty of time to begin the bookwork in class. In case you didn't finish it though, it is now homework. Page 374 #1-15, Page 377 #1-15 and #16, 20. Each part requires answers only.

The other part of your homework is to finish your friendly letter. The final copy is due tomorrow WITH THE RUBRIC! You need to copy the rubric below, paste it in a word document, and hand it in along with your Final Draft (typed, of course!)

RUBRIC FOR THE FRIENDLY LETTER

___/20 gives clear details for all the paragraphs given in the directions

___/20 clearly edited (grammar/mechanics)

___/5 includes rubric attached to the BACK

___/10 includes all 5 parts of the Friendly Letter

____/55 TOTAL POINTS

Thursday, August 30th--

Today (if you finished your homework from last night) you were involved in two editing sessions. This means you received feedback from two of your peers on your letter.

And again, thank you all for being so great during all of this hot weather. Hopefully it will be a little better next week.

Homework:
This weekend, the only thing you have to do with your Friendly letter is have mom or dad or a grandparent or someone in your family read and edit your letter.

Your final draft will be due next Wednesday. I will post the rubric next Tuesday.

Have a terrific holiday weekend!

WEDNESDAY (boy was it a hot one today!)

Thank you for concetrating your best in class today; it sure was a hot one!

Today we discussed the 5 parts of a Friendly Letter. In addition to discussing the parts, I shared a friendly letter that I wrote you! I hope it gave you an opportunity to know me better.

Here is a copy of the letter:

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29125 Evergreen
Southfield, MI 48076
August 28, 2007

Dear 7th Grade Writing Students,
My name is Jennifer Lynn Ehle and I am excited to begin my fourth year teaching at Shrine Catholic Academy. It seems as thought I have been in school forever. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. After my four years at the University of Detroit Mercy, I traveled to County Clare, Ireland for a summer to study photography. When I returned, I decided to attend the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) to earn my masters in education. After living in White Lake, Detroit, Hamtramck, Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, and Washington state, I now take residence in Southfield, Michigan.
My family is very important in my life. My father and stepmother live in Commerce Township, Michigan, and have for the past 15 or so years. My mother passed away three years ago, but her spirit is always with me. My brother, Jason, lives in Clarkston as well as my stepsister, Nichole. Nichole also has four children, which means I am Aunt Jenny to three nephews and one adorable niece. I recently married a wonderful man, Aaron. We now live together with our two cats, Bailey and Murphy. I am sure you will hear me talk about my family throughout the year! Everyone in my family likes to joke and all have very good senses of humor. My brother Jason and I usually hit the theatre when a new comedy comes out. Some of our favorites include “Blades of Glory” with Will Farrell and “What About Bob?” with Bill Murray. I guess you could say that my family is somewhat competitive too. We enjoy good rounds of tennis and frisbee golf. We also own quite a few board games. Aaron and I have been playing a lot of Battleship and Clue lately.
I have many interests and hopefully many will be apparent as I teach this year. I have a great love for photography and visual arts. I enjoy film, theatrical performances, live music, and the like. I like to read mostly contemporary fiction, and write, mostly poetry and short stories. I also enjoy traveling. This past summer Aaron and I went on a cruise to the Mediterranean, porting in Spain, Sicily, three cities in Italy, and France. I came back with 15 rolls of film! It was one of the most amazing vacations I have ever been on. In my free time you can find me riding my bike, viewing a movie on the big screen, shopping at the GAP or Target, capturing a few photos with my Pentex, working out at the Farmington YMCA, or gearing up lesson ideas for you!
As for English, I love teaching writing and literature. I think I was very fortunate to have excellent writing teachers throughout school and college. I remember many of the interesting and creative ideas they brought to me, and I hope this year to share them with you. My goal for this year is to make writing something you actually like to do, instead of it being a chore. In order to accomplish my goal, I will try my very best to present the information in a creative, yet challenging manner. Also, I will need each and every one of you to participate by listening attentively and by asking questions when you have them.
I hope this letter provided some information about me to help you get to know me better. I look forward to a terrific year and reading your letters as well.

Most Sincerely,

Mrs. Ehle

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Now it is your turn! You are going to write me a letter! Here are your directions:

Writing a Friendly Letter

In this assignment you will be writing a friendly letter to me. Each letter must include a heading, salutation, body, closing, and signature. This letter must be typed and double spaced with a point size of 10-12 (no lower or higher please). Please use Times New Roman or Tahoma as your font. Here are the subject matters for each paragraph:

• The 1st paragraph will contain an introduction (name, age, previous school, where you were born, where you currently live, or anything else that you would consider introductory information).
• The 2nd paragraph will contain information about your family life (# of members, pets, what you like to do as a family, vacations you have been on, or, again, anything you would like to tell me about your family).
• The 3rd paragraph will contain information about your hobbies and interests (favorites, abilities/gifts/talents, what you do in free time, favorite subject in school, etc.)
• The 4th paragraph will contain information specifically about writing/english. Tell me what your goals are for this class. Why do you like English? Or why don’t you like English?
• The 5th paragraph Give a small summary/closing to your letter. In addition, you may chose to add two “P.S. questions” and pose them to me.

HOMEWORK:

Today in class you began your rough draft of your friendly letter to me. You need to finish your rough draft tonight at home. Make sure you have included all 5 parts and that it is double spaced either on notebook paper or typed. Realize that eventually you will have to type it all for your final anyway, so typing your rough draft may not be a bad idea. But I will except either handwritten or typed for tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will have very important editing sessions. If your rough draft is not complete tomorrow you will not only miss the points for the homework, but also the points for the editing session during class. You will not be invited to the editing session if you have nothing to edit!

Tuesday!

Today you all did an excellent job making displays for your poems.

No HOMEWORK...unless you were unable to finish it during the hour. If you could not finish it, you need to make sure it is in my mailbox before the 8:00 bell tomorrow morning.

Monday, AUGUST 27th Class

Today I think I got everyone's names down...(at least I hope...quiz me tomorrow :)

Next we discussed your homework and many of you shared great examples of vivid lines for your 5 sense poem about the first day of school.

Afterward you chose one sentence of the two you created for each sense and began a "trial fina copy" including appropriate line breaks/indentations.

HOMEWORK:
Finish this "trial" final copy and make sure you have it in class. You also need to bring in any art supplies you need to create your display for your FINAL COPY tomorrow in class. You may bring markers, construction paper, scissors, glue, magazines to cut...whatever you need to make it the most creative piece you can!

Friday Aug. 24th

Today I we discussed the rest of the syllabus. You must take it home this weekend and have it signed by mom or dad. Please make sure that they read it!

Next we discussed your 5 senses and poetry. Remember, the more specific you are with your descriptions, the more vivid the scene will be to the reader.

Homework:
For Monday--bring in a brainstorm of your First Day of School poem. Your brainstorm should include all 5 senses and 2 vivid descriptions for each sense.

Welcome to 7th Grade English!

Hello! I hope you had a great day at Shrine Academy! Tomorrow we will continue with the syllabus and make sure that you understand all of the requirements and my expectations for you in class.

HOMEWORK:
Come tomorrow with your syllabus, your notebook, and a pen...and as always your agenda.