Mrs. Cruz's 7/8 Language Arts Blog

Week of January 30 – February 3 . . . Start of Marking Period #3

bcscruz — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:52:10 +0000

Mon., 1/30/12 . . . Start of Marking Period #3

Due: Typed draft of the Theme section of the literary analysis paper
In Class: Check in Theme section and whole class conference Point of View and Theme section of the literary analysis paper using the same conference sheet from last class. Introduce the conclusion section of the literary analysis paper. Use conference sheet to guide you on how to write the conclusion of the literary analysis paper. Use computers to begin/continue drafting.
Homework: Entire typed draft of the entire literary analysis paper w/conclusion - due Tues., 1/31/12

Tues., 1/31/12

Due: Entire typed draft of the literary analysis paper with conclusion
In Class: Work on revising draft of literary anlysis paper.
Homework: New, revised draft of literary anlysis paper – due Wed., 2/1/12 or Thurs., 2/2/12. Make sure you have access to a digital copy of your apper. You will need it today.

Wed., 2/1/12 or Thurs., 2/2/12

Due: New, revised typed draft of literary analysis paper.
In Class: PP #14: Participial Phrases (two pages). Access Criterion. Review Criterion and Sci-fi Paper Assignment. Show assignment and sample using Interactive Projector. One-half of students - (or whoever has access to a computer) – Input completed, revised draft into Criterion and start making additional revisions using the feedback from Criterion. Other half of students – peer conferenceing using the “new” conference sheet. Mid-way through class switch. Continue to use Criterion at home to make additional revisions/corections. You may submit 10 times.
Homework: New, revised, typed copy of the literary analysis paper with all revisions completed – due Fri., 2/3/12.

Fri., 2/3/12

Due: New, revised, typed copy of the literary analysis paper with all revisions completed
In Class: Check in new, revised paper from Criterion. Begin teacher conferences and continue with peer conferences. Work on revisions.
Homework: Work on final copy of the literary analysis paper – due Tues., 2/7/12.

Week of January 23 – January 27

bcscruz — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:47:48 +0000

Mon., 1/23/12

Due: Typed draft of the Character section of your literary analysis paper
In Class: Check in and whole class and peer conference the Character section of the literary analysis paper using the same conference sheet from last class. Review page 6 Setting in the Elements of the Novel packet. Discuss how to write the third body section of the paper (Setting) using the questions at the bottom of the page as the guide. Use computers to begin/continue drafting.
Homework: Typed draft of the Setting section of the literary analysis paper – due Tues., 1/24/12

Tues., 1/24/12

Due: Typed draft of the Setting section of the literary analysis paper
In Class: Check in and whole class and peer conference the Setting section of the literary analysis paper using the same conference sheet from last class. Review page 7 Plot Structure in the Elements of the Novel packet. Discuss how to write the fourth body section of the paper (Plot Structure) using the questions at the bottom of the page as the guide. Use computers to begin/continue drafting.
Homework: Typed draft of the Plot Structure section of the literary analysis paper – due Wed., 1/25/12 or Thurs., 1/26/12

Wed., 1/25/12 or Thurs., 1/26/12

Due: Typed draft of the Plot Structure section of the literary analysis paper
In Class: PP# 13: Participial Phrases. Check in and whole class and peer conference the Plot Structure section of the literary analysis paper using the same conference sheet from last class. Review page 8 Point of View in the Elements of the Novel packet. Discuss how to write the fifth body section of the paper (Point of View) using the questions at the bottom of the page as the guide. Use computers to begin/continue drafting.
Homework: Typed draft of the Point of View section of the literary analysis paper – due Fri., 1/27/12

Fri., 1/27/12 . . . 1/2 Day . . . End of Marking Period #2 . . . 1/2 day

Homework: Point of View Draft
In Class: Check in Point of View section of your literary analysis paper using the same conference sheet from last class. Review page 9 Theme in the Elements of the Novel packet. Discuss how to write the sixth body section of the paper (Theme) using the questions at the bottom of the page as the guide.
Homework: Typed draft of the Theme section of the literary analysis paper – due Mon., 1/30/12

Week of January 16 – January 20 . . . 4-Day Week

bcscruz — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:44:30 +0000

Mon., 1/16/11 . . . No school. MLK Day

Tues., 1/17/11

Due: Reading of novel should be completed by start of class today. Note Card #2 and Vocabulary Assignment #2.
In Class: Check in Note Card #2 and Vocabulary Assignment #2. Get into literature circle groups and discuss. Introduce Elements of the Novel literary analysis paper. Pass out and review rubric. Focus on introduction section. Pass out Plot Line handout. Discuss how to write the introduction paragraph(s) and the thesis statement for this paper. Use computers to begin drafting.
Homework: Typed draft of the introduction of the literary analysis paper – due Wed., 1/18 or Thurs., 1/19

Wed., 1/18/11 or Thurs., 1/19/11

Due: Typed draft of the introduction of the literary analysis paper
In Class: PP #12: Participial Phrases. Check in typed draft of the introduction to the literary analysis paper. Whole class conference, then peer conference using the conference sheet. Review page 10 Genre in the Elements of the Novel packet. Discuss how to write the first body section of the paper (Genre) using the questions at the bottom of the page as the guide. Use computers to begin/continue drafting.
Homework: Typed draft of the Genre section of the literary analysis paper – due Fri., 1/20

Fri., 1/20/11

Due: Typed draft of the Genre section of the literary analysis paper
In Class: Check in and whole class and peer conference the Genre section of the literary analysis paper using the same conference sheet from last class. Review page 5 Character in the Elements of the Novel packet. Discuss how to write the second body section of the paper (Character) using the questions at the bottom of the page as the guide. Use computers to begin/continue drafting.
Homework: Typed draft of the Character section of the literary analysis paper – due Mon., 1/23

Week of January 9 – January 13

bcscruz — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:22:27 +0000

Mon., 1/9/12 . . . Science fiction novel reading – Week #2 of 2.

Due: First 1/2 of novel should be read. Note Card #1 and Vocabulary Assignment #1.
In Class: Review Elements of the Novel “Point of View.” Get into literature circle groups. Share Note Card #1 and Vocabulary assignment #1. Teacher check in of assignments. Teacher summary reflection for first 1/2 of the novel with small groups. Read and do discussion reflection and discussion of reflection question.
Homework: Novel reading.

Tues., 1/10/12

Due: None.
In Class: Review Elements of the Novel “Theme.” Get into literature circle groups. Read and do discussion reflection and discussion of reflection question.
Homework: Novel reading.

Wed., 1/11/12 or Thurs., 1/12 12

Due: None.
In Class: PP #11: Participial Phrases. Review Elements of the Novel “Genre.” Get into literature circle groups. Read and do discussion reflection and discussion of reflection question.
Homework: Novel reading.

Fri., 1/13/12

Due: None.
In Class: Get into literature circle groups. Read and do discussion reflection and discussion of reflection question.
Homework: Finish reading of novel and complete Note Card and Vocabulary Assignment #2 – due Tues., 1/17 (no school on Mon., 1/16)

Week of January 3 – January 6 . . . 4-day week

bcscruz — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 03:44:32 +0000

Mon., 1/2/11

No school today. Happy New Year!

Tues., 1/3/11 . . . Week #1 of 2 for science fiction novel reading

Due: None.
In Class: Pass out handout Literature Circles for Science Ficiton Unit overview. Review two-week schedule with students. Pass out Elements of a Novel packets. Review introductory pages and element “Character.” Pass out novels and get into literature circles groups. Give vocabulary and note card assignment handout. Divide reading of novel into two weeks and write on individual overview sheets. Meet in literature circle groups. Read and do discussion reflection and discussion of reflection question.
Homework: Read novel AND complete question/prompt #1 (5 – 8 sentences) – due Wed., 1/4 or Thurs., 1/5

Wed., 1/4/11 or Thurs., 1/5/11

Due: Question/prompt #1
In Class: PP #10: Participles. Review Elements of the Novel “Setting.” Share question/prompt #1. Get into literature circle groups. Read in literature circle groups. Return to class. Pass out vocabulary and note card assignments for weeks 1 and 2. Pass out question/prompt #2, complete and discuss.
Homework: Read novel.

Friday, 1/6/11 . . . School spelling bee today.

Due: None.
In Class: Review Elements of the Novel “Plot.” Get into literature circle groups. Read and do discussion reflection and discussion of reflection question.
Homework: Read novel. Do Note Card and Vocabulary Assignment #1 – due Mon., 1/9.

Week of December 12 – December 16

bcscruz — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 02:42:38 +0000

Mon., 12/12

Due: Thumbnail Sketch assignment and sci-fi novel or novel money
In Class: Collect novel $. Check in Tumbnail Sketch assignment. Split small groups into pairs/partners to work on Pixton. Give Screen Names and Passwords. Introduction to Pixton. Directions on Pixton. URL, How to Videos on Characters, Background and Props. Use FreeStyle – 6-Panel Comic. Sign Ups for Classroom Holiday Parties for Fri., 12/16.
Homework: Study for Relative Clause Test for FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 and turn in PP 1 – 9 and Test Review – due Fri., 12/16 (New Date and New Test Review)

Tues., 12/13

Due: None.
In Class: Work on Sci-Fi Pixton comic.
Homework: Study for Relative Clause Test for FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 (NOTE: THIS IS A NEW TEST DATE. MAKE SURE TO COMPLETE PAGE 1 AND PAGE 2 OF THE NEW TEST REVIEW ALONG WITH PP 1 – 9)

Wed., 12/14 or Thurs., 12/15

Due: None.
In Class: Continue working on Pixton comic. Study for Relative Clause Test for FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 (NOTE: THIS IS A NEW TEST DATE. MAKE SURE TO COMPLETE PAGE 1 AND PAGE 2 OF THE NEW TEST REVIEW ALONG WITH PP 1 – 9)
Homework:
A. Print a color copy of your cartoon AND Post a digital copy to your wiki page. To do this you need to: 1)Take a screen shot of your cartoon. 2)Save it in PowerPoint. 3)Crop it and then enlarge it. 4)Save it as a .jpg. 5) Post on your Digital LA Wiki page.
B. Study for Relative Clause Test for FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 (NOTE: THIS IS A NEW TEST DATE. MAKE SURE TO COMPLETE PAGE 1 AND PAGE 2 OF THE NEW TEST REVIEW ALONG WITH PP 1 – 9)

Fri., 12/16

Due: Hard copy of your cartoon and posted to your wiki page. RELATIVE CLAUSE TEST RESCHEDULED FOR TODAY
In Class: Turn in a hard copy of your cartoom. Take the Relative Clause Test AND PP 1 – 9 and NEW test review. Do the Quia SciFi Pretest. Holiday parties and finish Pixton comics. Post comics to Digital LA Pages and print a hard copies for each person.
Homework: None. Have a nice, relaxing winter break! See you next year!

Week of December 5 – December 9

bcscruz — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:29:04 +0000

Mon., 12/5

Due: None.
In Class: Make small groups of 4 -5. Pass out copies of “Puppet Show,” “Lose Now, Pay Later,” “The Star Beast,” “Minister without Portfolio,” or Dark They Were and Golden-Eyed.” Pass out “Science Fiction and Literary Focus” handout. Pass out “Plot Line Defined” handout. Review. Read copied stories in small groups. Start Science Fiction and Literary Focus” ws – plot line summary, vocabulary, comprehension, and literary focus sections
Homework: “Science Ficition and Literary Focus” handout – due Wed., 12/7

Tues., 12/6

Due: None.
In Class: Book talks by Mrs. Truesdell. Pass out Science Fiction Novel Selection sheets. Choose novel and make novel groups. Novel money or novel due on Mon., 12/12.
Homework: Sci-Fi Short Story worksheet – due Wed., 12/7

Wed., 12/7

Due: Sci-Fi Short Story worksheet
In Class: Do ProProse Relative Clause Test Review. PP 1 - 9 and Test Review - due Wed., 12/14 or Thurs., 12/15. Relative Cluse TEST on PP 1 – 9 on Wed., 12/14 or Thurs., 12/15. Check in sci-fi short story worksheet. Discuss with short story group. Start plot line assignment.
Homework: Plot line – due Thurs., 12/8. PP 1 - 9 and Test Review - due Wed., 12/14 or Thurs., 12/15. Relative Cluse TEST on PP 1 – 9 – Wed., 12/14 or Thurs., 12/15.

Thurs., 12/8

Due: Plot Line Assignment for Short Story
In Class: Check in Plot Line Assignment. Discuss with short story groups. Teacher conference with each short story group. Introduce Pixton Comic Assignment and Thumbnail Sketches. Work in short story groups.
Homeowork: Classroom Spelling Bee – Fri., 12/9. Thumbnail sketches – due Mon., 12/12. Novel $ or Novel – due Mon., 12/12.

Fri., 12/9

Due: None.
In Class: Classroom Spelling bee. Work on Thumbnail Sketches with short story groups.
Homework: Thumbnail sketches – due Mon., 12/12. Novel $ or Novel – due Mon., 12/12.

Week of November 28 – December 2

bcscruz — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:02:22 +0000

Mon., 11/28

Due: None. Welcome back.
In Class: Do science fiction pretest. Use laptops to explore question: What is science fiction? Take 15 minutes to develop a presentation of the information you find. Your group will have 2 minutes to present back to the whole class.
Homework: None.

Tues., 11/29

Due: None.
In Class: Pass out essential questions. Review and compare handout definition with what they learned yesterday. Open textbook to page 549 – 552 to science fiction overview. Watch “Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.” How does this movie fit (and not fit) the definition of science fiction. Tell 8th graders what they will miss tomorrow. Give 8th graders worksheets for what they will miss in class on Wed/Thurs.
Homework: None.

Wed., 11/30 or Thurs., 12/1 . . 8th Graders Explore Testing 11/30 (9:00 – 11:00) and 12/1 (9:20 – 11:00) . . . 8th graders will miss hour #2 on Wednesday and hour #3 on Thursday. Be sure to get the classwork you will miss today.

Due: None.
In Class: ProProse #9. Read “Rain, Rain Go Away” ws. on pages 555-563.
Homework: “Rain, Rain Go Away” ws – due Fri., 12/2

Fri., 12/2

Due: “Rain, Rain Go Away” ws
In Class: Check “Rain, Rain” ws. Pass out classroom spelling bee lists. Classroom spelling bees next Fri., 12/9. Research Poe in small groups, report back to whole group, and read Tell Tale Heart. Classroom spelling bees next Fri., 12/9
Homework: None. Classroom spelling bees next Fri., 12/9

Week of November 21 – 22 (2-Day Week)

bcscruz — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:34:46 +0000

Mon., 11/21 . . . 8th Graders at Seaholm – 11:30 – 2:30 (Load busses at 11:00)

8th Graders will miss hours #3 – #7

Due: FINAL hard copy of the Historical Newspaper (Cause and Effect ) Article with rubric, outline, drafts, and conference sheet(s).
In Class: Collect FINAL hard copy of Historical Newspaper (Cause and Effect ) Article with rubric, outline, drafts, and conference sheet(s). Make sure article is posted to your LA Digital Portfolio page. Do Writing Portfolio Reflections.
Homework: None.

Tuesday, 11/22 . . . 8th Graders ot Groves – 12:00 – 2:20 (Meet in central location at 11:15. Then. load busses at 11:30)

8th Graders will miss hours #4 – #6.

Due: None.
In Class: Work on anything not completed yesterday. Post partner’s newspaper article to their wiki page if not posted.
Homework: None. Happy Thanksgiving.

Week of November 14 – November 18 . . . Conferences

bcscruz — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:45:47 +0000

Mon., 11/14/11

Due: “Cause-and-Effect Outline” handout. Each student should have their own outline.
In Class: Check in and quick conference “Cause-and-Effect Outline” for focused event. Introduce Microsoft Publisher. Introduce rubric. Show sample article. Work with partner on designing Historical Newspaper Article using Microsoft Publisher.
Homework: Historical Newspaper Article – hard copy and posted to LA Digital Portfolio - due Mon., 11/21

Tues., 11/15

Due: None.
In Class: ProProse # 8 - S, RC, V+. Hand out historical newspaper article sample for students to reference as they design their articles. Work with partner on designing Historical Newspaper Artcile using Microsoft Publisher.
Homework: Historical Newspaper Article – hard copy and posted to LA Digital Portfolio - due Mon., 11/21

Wed., 11/16 or Thurs., 11/17 . . . (1/2 day Thurs., 11/17) . . . Wednesday – conferences 5 - 8; Thursday – conferences 1 – 4 and 5 – 8.

Due: None.
In Class: Print out hard copy of first draft of historical newspaper article to be conferenced today. TEACHER conference. Also, use conference sheet #1 to have your article conferenced – two times by peers. Work with partner on revising Historical Newspaper Article using Microsoft Publisher.
Homework: New, revised and improved Historical Newspaper Article – hard copy – due Fri., 11/18

Friday, 11/18

Due: New, revised and improved hard copy of historical newspaper article.
In Class: Do self-conference using Conference Sheet #2. Work with partner on revisions and final copy of Historical Newspaper Article.
Homework: Historical Newspaper Article - FINAL hard copy, all drafts and prewriting due to Mrs. Cruz on Monday. Post FINAL copy to LA Digital Portfolio - due Mon., 11/21/11