Tonight's Homework...
1.) Outsiders Theme Movie Trailer
At this point, you should be at steps 4-6 in the process.
Project presentations January 3, 2013
TIME Magazine Person of the Year
Remember your "20th century influential person" essay? Time magazine has announced this morning the winner of their "Person of the Year" award... guess who?
TIME Magazine 2012 Person of the Year
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
1.) Outsiders Theme Video Trailer
You should at least be at steps 3 and 4 by now.
Project due date has been shifted to January 3, 2013.
Want to honor the innocent victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School?
Mrs. Smith loves this idea and plans to give it a try:
NBC News: "26 Acts of Kindness"
Want to join me? Perform a sincere act of kindness and post your act on the door to room A101.
Many people are performing acts of kindness that relate the the interests and hobbies of the victims. To learn more about who these children and teachers were, visit: http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/2012/12/17/conn-victims-lively-youngsters-devoted-adults/UHmq81UCCbrIHc1tUa2a5N/story.html
1.) Outsiders Theme Video Trailer
You should at least be at steps 3 and 4 by now.
Project due date has been shifted to January 3, 2013.
Want to honor the innocent victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School?
Mrs. Smith loves this idea and plans to give it a try:
NBC News: "26 Acts of Kindness"
Want to join me? Perform a sincere act of kindness and post your act on the door to room A101.
Many people are performing acts of kindness that relate the the interests and hobbies of the victims. To learn more about who these children and teachers were, visit: http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/2012/12/17/conn-victims-lively-youngsters-devoted-adults/UHmq81UCCbrIHc1tUa2a5N/story.html
Don't forget...
Thursday, December 20, 2012!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
1.) Outsiders test
As described today in class, the 100-question Outsiders test scheduled for tomorrow is formatted this way:
Qs 1-21 = matching (characters, item/vocabulary)
Qs 22-31= quotation identification
Qs 32-63 = true/false
Qs 64-100 = multiple choice (mostly plot, some critical thinking)
If you followed along in class, participated in class discussion, kept up with all blog work, you should be prepared for this test.
For those who wish to review the plot (or were absent for a particular chapter), visit http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/outsiders/ to read summaries of each chapter. "Sparknotes" provide a super "extra tool" for students studying a text; however, Sparknotes should never be a replacement for actually reading a text.
2.) Outsiders video project -- due January 2, 2013
Today we assigned topics, began brainstorming theme statements. You should be using characters, events, conflicts in the book to help define/reveal/shape your theme statement. Make progress this week, finish before Friday afternoon, and free yourself for a fun vacation free of schoolwork!
1.) Outsiders test
As described today in class, the 100-question Outsiders test scheduled for tomorrow is formatted this way:
Qs 1-21 = matching (characters, item/vocabulary)
Qs 22-31= quotation identification
Qs 32-63 = true/false
Qs 64-100 = multiple choice (mostly plot, some critical thinking)
If you followed along in class, participated in class discussion, kept up with all blog work, you should be prepared for this test.
For those who wish to review the plot (or were absent for a particular chapter), visit http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/outsiders/ to read summaries of each chapter. "Sparknotes" provide a super "extra tool" for students studying a text; however, Sparknotes should never be a replacement for actually reading a text.
2.) Outsiders video project -- due January 2, 2013
Today we assigned topics, began brainstorming theme statements. You should be using characters, events, conflicts in the book to help define/reveal/shape your theme statement. Make progress this week, finish before Friday afternoon, and free yourself for a fun vacation free of schoolwork!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
1.) All Outsiders journals due Monday.
2.) Outsiders Video Project
Pick your project partner and select three "topics" from the list of theme words handed out in class today. You will be assigned one of your choices on Monday. Review the instructions (handed out today in class) for this project.
3.) Outsiders Test on Tuesday.
4.) Yankee Book Swap Thurday.
5.) Outsiders film on Friday.
1.) All Outsiders journals due Monday.
2.) Outsiders Video Project
Pick your project partner and select three "topics" from the list of theme words handed out in class today. You will be assigned one of your choices on Monday. Review the instructions (handed out today in class) for this project.
3.) Outsiders Test on Tuesday.
4.) Yankee Book Swap Thurday.
5.) Outsiders film on Friday.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
1.) Essay #6 is due tomorrow for ALL seventh graders
All Hurleys and Smiths are expected to present evidence of vomit, outlining, drafting. Be prepared to highlight the parts of your house. Aim to meet all the expectations of our TODL/S and MUGS scoring guide.
2.) The Outsiders Reader Response Journals due Monday for ALL seventh graders
All Hurleys and Smiths should be prepared to submit a total of seven entries on Monday, December 17.
3.) The Outsiders Movie Trailer
Who will be your creative partner for this project? You may collaborate with any student (Smith or Hurley) who has English class the same block as you do. Teams of two only.
Before you begin your Outsiders Movie Trailer project, it's necessary that you understand what THEME means. Hopefully today's class helped you better understand THEME. Can you now explain THEME to another student?
If you are interested in reviewing the brief THEME video from today's class and adding to your notes, here it is:
Video: "How to Find a Theme"
1.) Essay #6 is due tomorrow for ALL seventh graders
All Hurleys and Smiths are expected to present evidence of vomit, outlining, drafting. Be prepared to highlight the parts of your house. Aim to meet all the expectations of our TODL/S and MUGS scoring guide.
2.) The Outsiders Reader Response Journals due Monday for ALL seventh graders
All Hurleys and Smiths should be prepared to submit a total of seven entries on Monday, December 17.
3.) The Outsiders Movie Trailer
Who will be your creative partner for this project? You may collaborate with any student (Smith or Hurley) who has English class the same block as you do. Teams of two only.
Before you begin your Outsiders Movie Trailer project, it's necessary that you understand what THEME means. Hopefully today's class helped you better understand THEME. Can you now explain THEME to another student?
If you are interested in reviewing the brief THEME video from today's class and adding to your notes, here it is:
Video: "How to Find a Theme"
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
1.) Essay #6: Hero
All vomit, outline, drafting due Friday.
2.) We will be collecting Outsiders Reader Response Journals on Friday.
3.) Twenty Minute Habit. Log.
Want to read other teenagers' reactions to The Outsiders?
TEEN INK: The Outsiders
1.) Essay #6: Hero
All vomit, outline, drafting due Friday.
2.) We will be collecting Outsiders Reader Response Journals on Friday.
3.) Twenty Minute Habit. Log.
Want to read other teenagers' reactions to The Outsiders?
TEEN INK: The Outsiders
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
1.) Essay #6 (Hero) due Friday.
See yesterday's blog post for complete details. Vomit, outline, essay drafts!
2.) The Outsiders
- Some classes are only pages away from the end of the novel. You may choose to read the final pages of The Outsiders, if you class is very near the end.
- Smart students will spend time tonight organizing their Reader Response Journal entries. Mrs. Smith will be collecting them on Friday.
- Food for thought: "Theme" is a message about life revealed through a work of fiction. What messages about life does S.E. Hinton seem to be suggesting through her book The Outsiders? We will be exploring the themes of The Outsiders later this week.
3.) Twenty-Minute Habit, Log.
Remember: when you finish reading a book, you are a more interesting person.
Are YOU reading this blog? Prove it!
Look at this photograph:
Create an original, funny caption for this photograph.
Use "quotation marks" around your caption.
Neatly write your caption on an index card.
Post the index card on the door to A101.
Remember to write your name on your work!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Tonight's Homework ...
1.) Essay #6: "Hero"
Heroes have special qualities that people admire. Heroes give us examples of the courage and strength it takes to face difficult situations and challenges in life.
Think of someone who is your personal hero. In a well-developed long composition, describe this person and explain three qualities you most admire about him or her.
Due Friday, December 14, 2012
3.) Grade Seven ELA Yankee Swap, Thursday, December 20, 2012
An interesting spin on Mr. Hurley's conversation about movies worth seeing...
Films kids must see before age ten, according to child psychologist Kairen Cullen
1.) Essay #6: "Hero"
Heroes have special qualities that people admire. Heroes give us examples of the courage and strength it takes to face difficult situations and challenges in life.
Think of someone who is your personal hero. In a well-developed long composition, describe this person and explain three qualities you most admire about him or her.
Due Friday, December 14, 2012
- Topic: My hero
- Thesis: (Identify your hero and include the THREE qualities you most admire about him or her.)
- Evidence of brainstorm
- Evidence of outline (remember to label TOPIC and THESIS up top)
- Evidence of drafts (at least two)
- Introduction technique
- Properly placed thesis statement (the roof!)
- Topic sentences (load-bearing walls!)
- Supporting Details (support studs!)
- Specific Examples (nails, screws, bolts!)
- Transitions (carpenter glue!)
- Conclusion technique
- All-star title (use strategies we've practiced)
- Flawless MUGS
3.) Grade Seven ELA Yankee Swap, Thursday, December 20, 2012
An interesting spin on Mr. Hurley's conversation about movies worth seeing...
Films kids must see before age ten, according to child psychologist Kairen Cullen
Friday, December 7, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
The Outsiders: Journal Entry #7
Please use websites on this link below to collect 20 "nuggets" of information about The Outsiders author S.E. Hinton's life and literature.
Who is S.E. Hinton?
 |
| American author S.E. Hinton as a teenager. |
Please use websites on this link below to collect 20 "nuggets" of information about The Outsiders author S.E. Hinton's life and literature.
Who is S.E. Hinton?
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
1.) Golden Passage: The Outsiders Chapters 1-6
Follow instructions issued in class on Tuesday to prepare your "Golden Passage" poster due tomorrow.
2.) The Outsiders Reader Response Journal
Be sure you have SIX entries in your Reader Response Journal for The Outsiders. You will print all of your entries and submit them when we finish the novel.
3.) Twenty-Minute Habit
Remember the chart we gave you proving what's possible when kids increase their daily reading habit to 60 minutes? Why not be THAT KID?!?!
4.) Grade Seven ELA Yankee Book Swap, December 20.
1.) Golden Passage: The Outsiders Chapters 1-6
Follow instructions issued in class on Tuesday to prepare your "Golden Passage" poster due tomorrow.
2.) The Outsiders Reader Response Journal
Be sure you have SIX entries in your Reader Response Journal for The Outsiders. You will print all of your entries and submit them when we finish the novel.
3.) Twenty-Minute Habit
Remember the chart we gave you proving what's possible when kids increase their daily reading habit to 60 minutes? Why not be THAT KID?!?!
4.) Grade Seven ELA Yankee Book Swap, December 20.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
1.) The Outsiders Comprehension Packet
This packet, issued in class today, will count as Reader Response Journal Entry #6.
2.) Golden Passage: The Outsiders Chapters 1-6
Follow directions issued in class yesterday to prepare your golden passage poster for Friday.
3.) Twenty-Minute Habit, Log.
Remember, you are still expected to be reading for at least 20 minutes each day. Log your title(s), number of minutes, and discoveries.
4.) Grade Seven ELA Yankee Book Swap, Thursday, December 20!
1.) The Outsiders Comprehension Packet
This packet, issued in class today, will count as Reader Response Journal Entry #6.
2.) Golden Passage: The Outsiders Chapters 1-6
Follow directions issued in class yesterday to prepare your golden passage poster for Friday.
3.) Twenty-Minute Habit, Log.
Remember, you are still expected to be reading for at least 20 minutes each day. Log your title(s), number of minutes, and discoveries.
4.) Grade Seven ELA Yankee Book Swap, Thursday, December 20!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
The Outsiders Golden Passage (from Chapters 1-6)
S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders is packed with quotations and descriptions that make the novel memorable. Some passages are so beautifully written that it's easy to forget S.E. Hinton was a teenager when she wrote the book. Just like a gold medal is awarded for excellence, a "golden passage" is special because it's the most memorable part of a text.
In your opinion, which portions of Chapters 1-6 are "golden"?
Review the instructions given in class today and prepare your "Golden Passage" poster exactly as directed.
Due Friday, December 7, 2012.
The Outsiders Golden Passage (from Chapters 1-6)
S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders is packed with quotations and descriptions that make the novel memorable. Some passages are so beautifully written that it's easy to forget S.E. Hinton was a teenager when she wrote the book. Just like a gold medal is awarded for excellence, a "golden passage" is special because it's the most memorable part of a text.
In your opinion, which portions of Chapters 1-6 are "golden"?
Review the instructions given in class today and prepare your "Golden Passage" poster exactly as directed.
Due Friday, December 7, 2012.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Tonight's Homework...
The Outsiders Reader Response Journal (Entry #5):
Review the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" presented in Chapter Five. This poem was written by American author Robert Frost, who grew up in nearby Lawrence, Massachusetts. Grab your copy of The Outsiders! Spend time tonight examining this poem and decoding its meaning.
You'll find this task easier if you...
- Use a dictionary to define words that are unfamiliar to you.
- Draw a line at each "stop sign." Decode the message in each sentence.
Once you are confident you understand the poem, prepare a typed journal entry that answers with supporting detail and specific examples BOTH questions below:
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Our annual holiday tradition is back! Choose an age-appropriate book that you believe your peers would enjoy. Wrap it up and bring it to our swap! Remember: no one is expecting you to buy a brand new book; choose a used book from your personal shelf (not your sibling's, parent's or Smith/Hurley's!). Local libraries often sell used books for cheap money, and that's a great way to purchase an inexpensive copy of an old favorite. Which book will you bring to swap at our holiday celebration?
The Outsiders Reader Response Journal (Entry #5):
Review the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" presented in Chapter Five. This poem was written by American author Robert Frost, who grew up in nearby Lawrence, Massachusetts. Grab your copy of The Outsiders! Spend time tonight examining this poem and decoding its meaning.
You'll find this task easier if you...
- Use a dictionary to define words that are unfamiliar to you.
- Draw a line at each "stop sign." Decode the message in each sentence.
Once you are confident you understand the poem, prepare a typed journal entry that answers with supporting detail and specific examples BOTH questions below:
- What seems to be Robert Frost's message in this poem?
- How does Frost's poem relate to the characters and ideas of The Outsiders?
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Our annual holiday tradition is back! Choose an age-appropriate book that you believe your peers would enjoy. Wrap it up and bring it to our swap! Remember: no one is expecting you to buy a brand new book; choose a used book from your personal shelf (not your sibling's, parent's or Smith/Hurley's!). Local libraries often sell used books for cheap money, and that's a great way to purchase an inexpensive copy of an old favorite. Which book will you bring to swap at our holiday celebration?
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