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.