Mrs. Matejka Has Moved

Please visit her new blog with Goochland County Public Schools here.

A Wonderful Journey

What a beautiful journey this past year has been.  I have loved working with all of you and have loved more teaching your children.  I have been blessed this past year. Thank you for your continued love and support.

To all of you (my students), you have a special gift, use it to the best of your ability and you will go far!!!

Have a super summer.

Love,
Mrs. Matejka

Do Now Entries-Due May 21

Matejka

Language Arts 7

Last Nine Weeks

Do Now Prompts

1. Describe someone who is a hero to you and explain why.

2. If I were the teacher, I would….

3. What class do you enjoy most and why?

4. If you could be a guest star on a TV show, what would it be and why?

5. What would you do if you could travel anywhere free in the world?

6. What would you do if you woke up one morning to find yourself invisible?

7. What is your favorite television show and why?

8. What would you do if you were the teacher and everyone forgot their homework?

9. What would you do if you were able to communicate with animals?

10. What is your favorite kind of weather? Why?

11. Write about what you wanted to do this past weekend, but didn't get to do.

12. What have you owned that is a precious treasure to you? What makes it so special?
    
    

Week of May 6-10, 2013

Monday, May 6, 2013

SOLs:  English-ALL

Presentations of 100 Points Projects

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

SOLs:  English-All

1. Do Now-Make additional flash cards
2. SOL Jeopardy
3. Finish National Treasure

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

SOLs:  English-All

1. Do Now-What would you do if you were the teacher and everyone forgot their homework?
2. SOL Jeopardy
3. Give students short story to read and to analyze with elements to find and define.
4. Put on board

Thursday, May 9, 2013

SOLs:  English-All

1. Do Now-What is your favorite television show and why?
2. SOL Jeopardy
3. Play pass the can, pick one topic for discussion, and write a short response in your notebook
4. Give students a list of journal entries for the 9 weeks.

Friday, May 10, 2013

SOL Exam Day

Review History SOL Game (for Mrs. Wickline)

Pass the Can Game

SOL Testing

Good luck to our kids as they endeavor on their SOL journey this week.  Seventh grade testing is as scheduled:

Tuesday, May 7 - Math SOL
Friday, May 10  - English SOL (woohoo!)
Wednesday, May 15 - History SOL

I will be making pumpkin and chocolate chip muffins for my TA on Friday!

Week of April 29-May 3, 2013

Lesson Plans

Week of April 29-May 3, 2013

  

Monday, April 29, 2013

SOLs: English-7.1, 7.4, 7.5

1. Do Now-What would you do if you woke up one morning and found yourself invisible?
2. SOL Jeopardy
3. Give students two non-fiction articles, find elements of the article, using crayons
4. 100 Points Project

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

SOLs:  English-All SOLs

1. Do Now-Pages 53-55 in Reading Advantage
2. Activities for Review with Pronouns and Adjectives
3. Sample SOL test

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Sub Plans-Writing Prompt

Thursday, May 2, 2013

SOLs:  English-All SOLs

IA Test

Friday, May 3, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-What would you do if you could travel free any place in the world?
2. SOL Jeopardy Review
3. Read Short Story, have students find elements
4. 100 Points Project

Out sick

I was out today and will be out tomorrow, Tuesday, April 30th, due to illness.  I evidently have some sort of upper respiratory infection with a temperature over 100 since Saturday evening. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow.  I just wanted to let my parents (and students) know what is happening.  Thank you so much!

Week of April 22-26, 2013

Lesson PlansApril 22-26, 2013

Monday, April 22, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5, 7.6

Homework-Vocabulary Quiz Wednesday

1. Do Now-If you could guest star on any TV show, what would it be and why?
2. Discuss the week
3. Do “Find the Details”, assisting students with finding the main idea. (page 4)
4. Introduce the 100 points project.
5. Have students begin on project.
6. Notebook Check on Vocabulary

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Exploring Comprehension Skills (pages 92-93)
2. Go over Thesis Statements in PowerPoint (no notes)
3. Do activity on finding the thesis statement
4. Have students cut and paste, making flashcards for SOL review
5. If time, finish vocabulary

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5, 7.6

1. Do Now-What class do you enjoy the most and why?
2. Vocabulary Quiz
3. 100 points project
1. Borrow I-pod touches for students to use for research

Thursday, April 25, 2013SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.8, 7.9

Writing Day

Writing Situation

Most teens do not wish to be supervised or watched over by their parents as they shop and hang out with their friends at the mall. However, many shop owners in malls are complaining of disorderly and disruptive teens being loud and bothering shoppers. Mall owners say teens hang

out in large groups and get into trouble. Many malls now require teens to be with an adult while they are there.

Do you agree or disagree with having to take your parents with you to the mall? What is your opinion on this issue?

Directions for Writing

Write a letter to the mall owners explaining you opinion on the issue. Be sure to convince the mall owners of your opinion by including specific details to support your position.

Friday, April 26, 2013
SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5, 7.6

1. Do Now-A Misspelled Tail (Advantage Reading)
1. Have students underline wrong word usage
2. SOL Jeopardy review with flashcards
3. 100 Points Project

100 Points Project-Due May 6

100 POINTS PROJECT

Your project is worth 100 points, and how you get those 100 points is going to be up to you.  Each task is assigned a starting point value. If you do the task and do it well you can earn those points. If you do the task but do not put all your effort into it, you may not earn all of the points assigned to that task. The goal is to complete enough tasks to earn 100 points or more.

10 Point TASKS (Written tasks must be a minimum of two paragraphs.)

A. If you could change places with one of the characters in the novel which one would it be? Why would you pick this character? Use specific examples and details from the story and write a short explanation.

B. Move the setting of the story by changing the time and the place. Explain how this would change the novel. Give examples from the story.

C. Write a poem that tells about a piece of the story: the plot, a character, the setting, the conflict, or the theme.  Write a brief explanation of the poem and what it means to the novel. Your poem must be a minimum of ten lines long.  Your explanation must be one paragraph. 

D. Which one of the characters would make a good friend? Explain why you would pick this character. Give specific examples from the story.

E. If you could give any character in the novel a present to help them in the story, what would you give them and why? Explain how this would help the character using details from the story. 

20 Point TASKS (Written tasks must be a minimum of three paragraphs)

A. Write and perform a TV commercial to sell your novel. Use details from the story in your commercial.  A written copy must be handed in.

B. Write a letter to the author explaining your thoughts about the novel. Be sure to tell what you liked, what you did not like, and how you connected to the characters in the novel.

C. Create a new character to add to the novel. Describe this character and tell what role they would play in the novel.  Please give specific examples from the novel where they would be added or make an impact.

D. Create a book mark that illustrates the story. On the back of the book mark pick five words that describe the novel and write a short reason for each word. Each reason must be two sentences long.  Make sure the title and author of the books are on the bookmark.

E. Create a collage using magazine pictures and words that describe your novel. You should fill a standard size piece of white paper.  Write a brief explanation of your collage.  Your explanation needs to be one paragraph long.

F. If you had written the book which part would you have written differently? Explain how you would have written it and how it would have made a difference in the story.

30 Point TASKS

A. Interview a character. Write the interview questions and the answers the character would give in the interview. You must have at least 15 open ended questions and answers.

B. Create a travel poster or brochure inviting people to come visit the setting of your novel. Include five quotes from the novel that talk about the setting.

C. Pick a familiar melody (EX: “Mary had a Little Lamb” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It”) and change the lyrics so they tell about the novel. (minimum of four verses or stanzas)

D. Write a “Dear Abby” style advice column for a chosen character. Write letters from the character asking for advice based on the problems they face in the novel. Respond back with advice that you would give them to help with the problem. You must have at least four letters, two asking for help and two longer ones giving advice.

E. Draw a picture of one of the characters in the novel and base your picture on descriptions you find in the novel. Using quotes from the book point out different things about the character on your picture. You must have at least ten quotes for your picture.

40 Point TASKS

A. Summarize the plot of the novel by creating a cartoon version of the novel. Use at least twelve frames to tell the story of the book. Use color and words.

B. Design the front page of a newspaper with headlines and a story about what happened in the book. There must be at least one picture on the front page. BE CREATIVE! 

C. Create a visual time line of the events in the story. Use several pieces of connected paper to draw the time line and add the events using short blurbs and pictures. You must have at least 20 events from the story.

D. Is there something mentioned in your book that you would like to know more about? (EX: the main character’s favorite animal is tree frogs and you want to know more about this animal) Research that topic and write a report about it. Make sure you include a paragraph explaining why you picked this topic and how it relates to your novel. I must approve your topic before your begin.  NO PLAGARIZING!! 

E.  Create a Facebook page for a character in the novel.  You are NOT creating a real Facebook page, but instead using a plain white sheet of paper to create something that looks like a Facebook page.  Include current status, likes and dislikes, relationship status, a wall post that describes the character’s conflict (a minimum of two paragraphs), another post on the character’s wall from a different character (a minimum of one paragraph), a profile picture (you draw it), and anything else you feel belongs on your characters wall. 

50 point TASKS

A. Pretend you are a character from the story and write a diary for the character explaining the events of the story as seen from his or her point of view. Include what happens as well as how they felt during this time. You must have at least 8 diary entries. These entries must be at least two paragraphs long.

B. Research and write a report about the author of the novel. Include information about their life and books they have written as well as a photo of the author. NO PLAGARIZING!!

C. Create a time capsule for your novel. The time capsule must have at least fifteen objects in it that represent something about the novel. Each item must have a short written explanation describing why it is related to the novel. You should tell as much about the novel through your time capsule as possible. Include a letter explaining where you would bury the time capsule and why.

D. Create a news show about the novel. Your newscast must be at least three minutes long and include information about the novel. When you present it to the class you should be dressed like a news reporter (no jeans or t-shirts). You must also create a visual aid to accompany your newscast.

E.  Memorize and perform a speech a character makes in the novel.    Wear some type of simple costume and have simple props.  See me if you need help picking a speech. 

Lesson Plans April 15-19

Lesson Plans

Week of April 15-19, 2013

Monday, April 15, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-If I were the teacher I would…..
2. Review myths, legends, folktales, and fairytales
3. Have students read the folktale, "Half Chicken"
4. Questions to answer after reading
1. What is the setting of the story?
2. Who are the characters in the story?
3. What literary devices does the author use in the story?  Underline examples with crayons.
4. What is the moral of the story?
5. Was there fantasy or magic in this story?  Explain.
6. What was the conflict in the story and how was it resolved?
7. Write two FAT questions for the story.
5. Vocabulary-two words
6. Vocabulary Quiz on Friday

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Pages 52-55 in Exploring Comprehension Skills
2. Brainpop on regular and irregular verbs
3. PowerPoint on irregular/regular verbs
4. Activities
5. Vocabulary

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle
2. Explain foreshadowing
3. Foreshadowing activities with powerpoint
4. Read short story with foreshadowing.
1. Find examples
2. Two FAT questions
5. Vocabulary

Thursday, April 18, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.8, 7.9

Writing Day-Here's the last part of a newspaper story:

Neighbors called police when they noticed the pink, gooey substance oozing from all the doors and windows of the modest ranch home.  Now write the first part of the story.

Friday, April 19, 2013

SOLs:  English-All

1. Vocabulary Quiz
2. SOL Review in computer lab

Week of April 8-12, 2013

Monday, April 8, 2013
1.  Do Now-Davy Crockett Biography and Questions
2.  Students are to work on their vocabulary words and 5 activities..  Students should have a total of 7 words completed.
3.  Notebook Check.
VOCABULARY QUIZ FRIDAY

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

1. Do Now (in their Journal notebook)-Describe someone who is a hero to you and explain why. (Give them about 5 minutes)
2. Read aloud the legend of Grendel.
3. Have students answer the questions at the end of the story (in their seated groups).
4. Have students complete the word find for the following words:
1. Grendel
2. Hrothgar
3. Viking
4. Denmark
5. Beast
6. Warriors
7. King
8. Monster
9. Teeth
10. Demon
11. Danes
12. Beowulf
5. Have students text code the article
6. Have students summarize each paragraph.
7. If time remains, they are to work on their next vocabulary word with 5 activities.

*They can do this on the back of their stories.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

MAPS Testing

Thursday, April 11, 2013

MAPS Testing

Friday, April 12, 2013

1.  Vocabulary Quiz

2.  Writing Day.

Here's the last part of a newspaper story.

Neighbors called the police when they noticed the pink gooey substance oozing from all the doors and windows of the modest ranch home.

Now write the first part of the story.

Week of March 25-29, 2013

Monday, March 25, 2013

Snow Day!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

1.  Do Now-Write a thank you note to a friend who gave you onion and garlic flavored chewing gum.

2.  Go over new vocabulary.

3.  Have students create words with roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

4.  Go over words created.

5.  Have students start the 5 activities per word.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Writing Day-He turned the key in the lock and opened the door.  To his horror he saw.....

*Brainstorm ideas

*Write rough draft

*Peer Edit

*Final copy - for homework

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Watch the movie National Treasure to reinforce myths, legends, and folktales.  Students will have a writing assignment that goes along with the movie.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Holiday!!!

Week of March 18-22, 2013

Monday, March 18, 2013

SNOW DAY

VOCABULARY TEST FRIDAY!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 7.9

1.  Do Now-What would you do if you were locked in your favorite store overnight?

2.  Homonym Review Activity 

3.  Finish Greek Mythology reading assignment

4.  Work on Vocabulary

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.5

1.  Do Now- Reading Comprehension

2.  Brainpop video to review Myths

3.  Introduce Folktales/Fairytales (PowerPoint) - notes

4.  Have partners read the stories of "Cinderella" and "Babe the Blue Ox"

5.  Have students complete the compare/contrast chart of the two

Thursday, March 21, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.3, 7.8, 7.9

Writing Day-You are walking through a field with your best friend....you spot a flower and pic it up.  It gives you super powers......

Friday, March 22, 2013

SOLs:  7.1, 7.4

Vocabulary Test

March 11-15, 2013

Lesson Plans

Week of March 11-15

Monday, March 11, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-My favorite childhood game was/is…..
2. Figurative Language Jeopardy
3. Go over writing prompt on the board
4. Have students partner and begin working on writing prompt
5. Homework-Figurative Language Test
6. Homework-Vocabulary Test on Friday

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Review/Study
2. Figurative Language Test
3. Finish Writing Assignment on TV

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.8, 7.9

       1.    Do Now-Why I deserve more privileges at home (or away from home).

2.  Finish Writing Assignment
3.  Denotation/Connotation PowerPoint

Thursday, March 14, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.5

1. Do Now-What is the best birthday present you have ever received?
2. Introduce Greek Myths
3. Allusions to myths using the I-pods
4. Go over
5. Begin reading in groups Greek myths

Friday, March 15, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.3, 7.4,  7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Reading Comprehension Activity
2. Finish Round Robin of Greek myths
3. Go over
4. Work on Vocabulary Unit

Vocabulary Test next Friday

Do Nows for Nine Weeks #3

Matejka's Literary Notes

Nine Weeks 3

Do Nows

1. What is your definition of "freedom?"  How does it apply to your life?

2. Which foreign country would you like to visit and why?

3. If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be and what would you talk about?

4. If you could build a robot to do anything, what would be its special qualities and what would it do for you?

5. Talk about a cool store or your favorite place to shop.

6. One time when I got lost……

7. If I could be someone else, I would be…

8. This really bugs me…

9. I got caught…..

10. If you could sing and/or dance with any celebrity, who would it be and why?

11. Write about a toy you've held onto since you were a little kid.

12.  Build a poem

13. List or tell about 5 things you would like to do on your next birthday.

14. If and when I raise children, I will never….

Project Day

February 25-March 1

Week of February 25-March 1, 2013

Monday, February 25, 2013SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Study time for Vocabulary Quiz
2. Vocabulary Quiz
3. What If writing activity (writing grade)

Tuesday, February 26, 2013SOLs: English-7.1, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Reading Comprehension (pages 81-82)
2. Grammar lesson
3. Review contractions
4. Brainpop video on singular/plural nouns
5. Notes on Singular Nouns
6. Activities for review (white boards)
7. Notes on Plural Nouns
8. Activities for review (white boards)

Wednesday, February 27, 2013SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.5

1. Do Now-Build a Poem (on PowerPoint)
2. Review similes, metaphors, personification, alliteration
3. PowerPoint activity on metaphors (for review)
4. Onomatopoeia
5. Review meaning and activities
6. Review Hyperbole and meaning
7. Hyperbole Activity on PowerPoint (page 21 of figurative language notes)

 Thursday, February 28, 2013SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.5, 7.8, 7.9

1.       Do Now-Prepare for project presentations

2.       Project Presentations (Fiction)

Friday, March 1, 2013SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 7.9

1.  Do Now-Free Write
2. Sample poem
1. Students must find examples of figurative language studied
3. Overview of a Poet’s technique on PowerPoint
4. Forms of Poetry notes on PowerPoint
5. Do Limerick activity

Week of February 18-22

Week of February 18-22, 2013

Monday, February 18, 2013

School Closed for Holiday

Tuesday, February 19, 2013
SOLs: English-7.1, 7.4, 7.5

1. Do Now-If you could sing and/or dance with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
2. 2^nd and 3^rd- Introduce Figurative Language PowerPoint and have students fill in the flip book.  Go over various links to outside sources on the internet.
3. Finish alliteration activity.
4. 4^th and 5^th-Introduce alliteration activity.  Complete illustrations with sentences and review.
5. Finish for homework.
6. *Vocabulary Quiz on Friday

Wednesday, February 20, 2013
SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Reading Comprehension (pages 76-77)
2. Read aloud and answer
3. Review quotation marks, prefixes, suffixes,  and homophones
4. Introduce contractions
5. Contractions activities with white boards

6.  Work on vocabulary

 Thursday, February 14, 2013
SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.5

1.       Do Now-Write about a toy you’ve held onto since you were a little kid.

2.       Review personification (powerpoint)

3.      Have students complete personification activity

4.      Review Onomatopoeia

5.      Do activity

6.      Finish Vocabulary

Friday, February 15, 2013
SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Study time for Vocabulary Quiz
2. Vocabulary Quiz
3. What If writing activity

Week of February 11-15

Monday, February 11, 2013
1.  Test-Literary Elements
2.  Handout book report ideas, DUE FEBRUARY 28.
3.  Work on Vocabulary

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
1.  Do Now-I got caught...
2.  Review quotation marks.
3.  Using prefixes and suffixes to build new words (semi-vocab review) PowerPoint
4.  Go over
6.  Vocabulary-work on next 5 activities for a word

Wednesday, February 13, 2013
1.  Do Now-Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle
2.  Introduce Poetry
3.  Brainpop video
4.  Review...
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Alliteration
Onomatopoeia
5.  Extensive definitions on Simile/Metaphor
6.  Use Whiteboards to do activity on poetry

Thursday, February 14, 2013
Writing Day-Biopoem

Friday, February 15, 2013
1.  Do Now-"Good Smells"
2.  Answer Questions
3.  Introduce Personification and Alliteration
4.  Show sample poems
5.  Have students complete alliteration activity on PowerPoint

Instead of a Book Report-DUE February 28

Instead of a Book Report

Please choose ONE of the following to complete for your book chat.  This will be due on Thursday, February 28^th.  I will not be taking late work.

1.  Heroes and superheroes.  Select two or three people your character would think of as a hero or superhero. Describe the characteristics of the hero and why those characteristics would be important to your character. Also describe which characteristics your character would most want for himself/herself that

the hero or superhero possesses. (This should be written in a two to three paragraph thought-out paper.  TYPED!)

2. Talk show invitation. Select a character, think about his or her involvements and experiences, then figure out which talk show would most want your character on as a guest. What would they want the character to talk about? Who else would they invite on the show to address the issues the character is involved in? Write up the correspondence between the talk show host and the character in which the host explains what the character should focus on while on the show. After the show, have them exchange one more letter mentioning how they felt about what happened. (This should be a well though-out process, and should be TYPED!)

3. Movie recommendations. From all the movies you’ve seen in the last couple of years, pick five you would recommend that your character see. Give a brief summary of each movie and explain why you think the character should see it. (TYPED!)

4.  Scrap book. Think about all the kinds of mementos you would put in a scrap book if you had one. Then create a scrap book for your character, cutting out pictures from magazines or drawing the mementos he or she would have in a scrap book. Think about Willie in The Crazy Horse Electric Game by Chris Crutcher. He would probably have something in his scrapbook to represent his baby sister, his love of baseball, his accident, his experiences in L.A., and so on.

Week of February 4-February 8

Monday, February 4, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5

1. Do Now-If I could be someone else, I would be……
2. Review “The Bully”
3. Review parts of the plot
4.  Present PowerPoint with notes on Conflict
5. Read “”Beyond the Ordinary”, introducing Science Fiction
6. Answer questions
7. Read “Just Before Recess” (classwork grade)
1. List the main characters-give an adjective to describe each
2. Setting-When? Where? Duration?
3. What is the biggest conflict in the story?
4. What kind of conflict is this?
5. Is this an internal or external conflict?
6. What is the theme in the story?
7. What is the climax in the story?

Tuesday, February 5, 2013SOLs: English-7.9

1. Do Now-“Race Against Death”
2. Answer questions
3. Review semi-colons
4. Give notes on PowerPoint on Quotation Marks
5. Do two activities on Quotation Marks
6. Review
7. Go over and read all vocabulary words
8. Have students work on ONE word with activities (classwork grade)

Wednesday, February 6, 2013SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5

1. Do Now-This really bugs me….
2. Review Conflict
3. Give notes on “theme” from Elements PowerPoint
4. Read “It’s a Crime”, and “Whodunit”
5. Mystery theme, answer questions
6. Have students write their own mystery, share

 Thursday, February 7, 2013
SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5      1.       Do Now-Read “Wilma Could Run” (page 41)

2. Review elements of short stories, have students define setting, indirect/direct characterization, how do we analyze a character, elements of plot, etc
3. Define Adventure
4. Read about Adventure and Abdi’s Adventure
5. Students are to be adventure authors
6. If time, work on vocabulary

Friday, February 8, 2013SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.4, 7.5

       1.       Do Now-Crossword Puzzle on Vocabulary

2. Read “Odd Occurrence” and answer questions
3. Have students work on Elements of Fiction study guide
4. Go over
5. Test on Monday on Literary Elements

                       

Week of January 28-February 1

Week of January 28-February 1

Sorry I am running late, I have had a VERY sick little boy at home!

Monday, January 28, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5

1. Do Now-One time when I got lost….
2.  Present PowerPoint with notes on Plot
3. Take notes on parts of a plot, diagram of a plot, and techniques of a plot
4. Read “The Bully”
5. Text Codes
6. Describe physical appearance of one of the characters.
7. Describe relationship with other characters.
8. Describe Personality.
9. Exit-What is the setting of the story?

Tuesday, January 29, 2013
SOLs: English-All

IA-Pretest

Wednesday, January 30, 2013
SOLs:  English-All

IA-Pretest

Thursday, January 31, 2013
SOLs:  English-7.4

1.       Do Now-Read “Race Against Death”

2.       Answer Questions

3.      Introduce new vocabulary unit

4.      Have students create three words with roots, guess meanings

5.      Pick two words to begin doing five activities on.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Writing Day

                        Jack and Jill went up the hill
                        To fetch a pail of water
                        Jack fell down and broke his crown
                        And Jill came tumbling after  
There is too much left out of the story.  Who were Jack and Jill?  How did they go up that hill?  Did they walk?  Ride a horse?  Drive in a car?  Why did they need a pail of water?  Why didn’t they just turn on a faucet?  What make Jack fall down?  How far did he fall?  How serious was his “crown” injury?  What made Jill tumble?  Was she hurt?

Week of January 21-25

Monday, January 21, 2013

No School-Holiday

Tuesday, January 22, 2013
SOLs: English-7.4

Vocabulary Test

Wednesday, January 23, 2013
SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.5

1. Do Now-Talk about a cool store or your favorite place to shop.
2. Review character and characterization.
3. Read “The Elevator”
4. Complete plot diagram
5. Double entry journal, including text codes on the story.
6. Have students find one particular character and write the following
1. Physical appearance description
2. Describe personality
3. Relationship with other characters
4. Does the character change?
7. Exit question-What is the setting of the story?

 Thursday, January 24, 2013
SOLs:  English-7.8, 7.9

Writing Day

Friday, January 25, 2013

SOLs:  English 7.1, 7.5

1.  Do Now-Read “Race Against Death” in Exploring Comprehension Skills 
2.  Answer Questions  
3.  Present PowerPoint with notes on Plot  
4.  Take notes on parts of a plot, diagram of a plot, and techniques of a plot  
5.  Short story by Stephen King 
6.  Complete plot diagram  
7.  Double entry journal, including text codes on the story.  
8.  Have students find one particular character and write the following  
     a.  Physical appearance description  
     b.  Describe personality  
     c.  Relationship with other characters  
    d.  Does the character change? 
9.  Exit question-What is the setting of the story?

Vocabulary Test

Please do not forget there is a vocabulary test on Tuesday, January 22nd!

Week of January 14-18

Monday, January 14, 2013

SOLs: English 7.1, 7.2, 7.5, 7.6

1. Do Now-“The Empty Hand” and the “Karate” story (pages 21-22, Exploring Comprehension Skills
2. Review Setting
3. Review Elements to look for in “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” on board
4. Read “The Secret Seventh Grade Cake Baker”
5. Students are to write down the following:
1. Who are the characters?
2. What are the settings?
3. What is the conflict in the story?
4. What is the climax?
5. What is the resolution?
6. Write two big FAT questions on the story.
6. If time, work on vocabulary.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.8, 7.9

1. Do Now-Journal Entry- If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be and what would you talk about?
2. Review subordinate and independent clauses (activity)
3. Introduce semicolons (Powerpoint).
4. Activity on semicolons.
5. Have students continue working on vocabulary.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013SOLs: English 7.1, 7.2, 7.5, 7.6

1. Do Now-Journal Entry-If you could build a robot to do anything, what would be its special qualities and what would it do for you?
2. Continue PowerPoint on Literary Elements
3. Read aloud “Knowing Your Place”, short story in Reading Advantage book (page 77)
4. Answer questions
5. Have students find the following:

1. Who are the characters?
2. What are the settings?
3. What is the rising action?
4. What is the conflict in the story?
5. What is the climax?
6. What is the resolution?
7. Write two big FAT questions on the story.

6. Work on vocabulary if time permits.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

SOLs:  English-7.1, 7.2, 7.5, 7.6

1.       Do Now-page 84 in Exploring Comprehension Skills

2.       Read Short Story “Broken Chain” by Gary Soto

8. Who are the characters?
9. What are the settings?
10. What is the conflict in the story?
11. What is the climax?
12. What is the resolution?
13. Write two big FAT questions on the story.

3.  Vocabulary Jeopardy

Friday, January 18, 2013

SOLs:  English 7.4

Vocabulary Test