Tuesday, June 29, 2010
READ, READ, READ
Reminding you that you should read as much as possible this summer. Check out TD Bank, as they are paying you to read! Happy Summer, Be Safe! 8 weeks to go!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Reminders
Extra Credit for Roll of Thunder may still be turned in. I've moved the due date back to June 10th. Please look at old posts for more information.
Guiding Questions due June 8th.
Roll of Thunder Final Exam June 10th.
Writing...we will be working on the Science Fair on Monday and Tuesday, June 7th and 8th. Please bring any necessary materials to writing class. We will work on writing the procedures out. Thanks.
Guiding Questions due June 8th.
Roll of Thunder Final Exam June 10th.
Writing...we will be working on the Science Fair on Monday and Tuesday, June 7th and 8th. Please bring any necessary materials to writing class. We will work on writing the procedures out. Thanks.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Roll of Thunder Guiding Questions due June 8th
Guiding Questions
Chapter 1
How are the African-Americans students treated? Do you think this is fair? Explain.
What happened to the Berry family? What does this event tell you about racism in the South in the 1930s?
Would you like to be friends with the Logan children? Why or why not?
Chapter 2
Why has Mr. Morrison come to live with the Logans?
What danger did the African-American people in the community face because of their color?
What might it feel like to be the victim of hatred?
Chapter 3
Why does the driver of the white children’s school bus splash the Logan children with mud?
How do the children get their revenge on the white bus driver and his passengers? Do you think it was right?
What might it feel like to be the only person in town to have a big, fancy car?
Chapter 4
What is your first clue that T.J. is big trouble? Do you think it’s wise that Stacey is friends with him?
How do you think Stacey felt when he had to tell his parents about his fight with T.J.?
What does Cassie learn about her family from Big Ma?
Chapter 5
Why does Big Ma park the wagon far away from the entrance to the market in Strawberry?
Do you think Cassie should have demanded that Mr. Barnett wait on them at the store? Why or why not?
How do you think Cassie felt at the end of her day in Strawberry?
Chapter 6
Why does Big Ma try to stop Cassie from telling Uncle Hammer about their day in Strawberry?
Mama tells Cassie, “Baby, we have no choice of what color we’re born or who our parents are or whether we’re rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we’re here.” What do you think she means by this?
Would you rather have Papa or Uncle Hammer as your father? Why?
Chapter 7
How do you think Uncle Hammer felt when he saw T.J. wearing Stacey’s new coat?
Why does Mr. Jamison agree to put up the credit for the black families to shop in Vicksburg?
How do you know that Mr. Morrison had a hard, painful life?
Chapter 8
Papa tells Cassie, “There are things you can’t back down on, things you gotta take a stand on. But it’s up to you to decide what them things are.” What things do you think Cassie must take a stand on? Why?
Do you think it was a good decision for Cassie to take revenge on Lillian Jean? Is it okay to do mean things if you feel you have been treated unfairly?
How do you think Mama felt when Kaleb Wallace fired her from her teaching job?
Chapter 9
Would you spend time with the Simms boys? Why or why not?
How was Papa injured? Why do you think this happened?
What do you think with happen at the end of the book?
Chapter 10
Why do you think the bank suddenly wants the Logans to pay their mortgage in full?
Do you think the Logans’ troubles with the Wallaces are over? Why or why not?
What do you think will happen to T.J. in Strawberry?
Chapter 11
How did T.J. get so badly injured?
Would you have helped T.J. if you had been in Stacey’s place? Why or why not?
What do you think will happen to the Avery family, especially T.J.?
Chapter 12
What is your first clue that Papa set the fire?
Papa says, “This thing’s been coming a long time, baby…” What do you think he means by this?
How can you tell that the Logans are a close and loving family?
How would you feel if you were T.J.?
Chapter 1
How are the African-Americans students treated? Do you think this is fair? Explain.
What happened to the Berry family? What does this event tell you about racism in the South in the 1930s?
Would you like to be friends with the Logan children? Why or why not?
Chapter 2
Why has Mr. Morrison come to live with the Logans?
What danger did the African-American people in the community face because of their color?
What might it feel like to be the victim of hatred?
Chapter 3
Why does the driver of the white children’s school bus splash the Logan children with mud?
How do the children get their revenge on the white bus driver and his passengers? Do you think it was right?
What might it feel like to be the only person in town to have a big, fancy car?
Chapter 4
What is your first clue that T.J. is big trouble? Do you think it’s wise that Stacey is friends with him?
How do you think Stacey felt when he had to tell his parents about his fight with T.J.?
What does Cassie learn about her family from Big Ma?
Chapter 5
Why does Big Ma park the wagon far away from the entrance to the market in Strawberry?
Do you think Cassie should have demanded that Mr. Barnett wait on them at the store? Why or why not?
How do you think Cassie felt at the end of her day in Strawberry?
Chapter 6
Why does Big Ma try to stop Cassie from telling Uncle Hammer about their day in Strawberry?
Mama tells Cassie, “Baby, we have no choice of what color we’re born or who our parents are or whether we’re rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we’re here.” What do you think she means by this?
Would you rather have Papa or Uncle Hammer as your father? Why?
Chapter 7
How do you think Uncle Hammer felt when he saw T.J. wearing Stacey’s new coat?
Why does Mr. Jamison agree to put up the credit for the black families to shop in Vicksburg?
How do you know that Mr. Morrison had a hard, painful life?
Chapter 8
Papa tells Cassie, “There are things you can’t back down on, things you gotta take a stand on. But it’s up to you to decide what them things are.” What things do you think Cassie must take a stand on? Why?
Do you think it was a good decision for Cassie to take revenge on Lillian Jean? Is it okay to do mean things if you feel you have been treated unfairly?
How do you think Mama felt when Kaleb Wallace fired her from her teaching job?
Chapter 9
Would you spend time with the Simms boys? Why or why not?
How was Papa injured? Why do you think this happened?
What do you think with happen at the end of the book?
Chapter 10
Why do you think the bank suddenly wants the Logans to pay their mortgage in full?
Do you think the Logans’ troubles with the Wallaces are over? Why or why not?
What do you think will happen to T.J. in Strawberry?
Chapter 11
How did T.J. get so badly injured?
Would you have helped T.J. if you had been in Stacey’s place? Why or why not?
What do you think will happen to the Avery family, especially T.J.?
Chapter 12
What is your first clue that Papa set the fire?
Papa says, “This thing’s been coming a long time, baby…” What do you think he means by this?
How can you tell that the Logans are a close and loving family?
How would you feel if you were T.J.?
Monday, May 24, 2010
Week of May 24-28
Grammar:
We have a grammar quiz, tomorrow May 25th on conjunctions and interjections. Please review...as this is an easy 18 points. Our test on Chapter 6 will be this Friday, May 28th. Please study prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
Reading:
Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry is going well. We just had a quiz on Chapters 1-3 and got the vocabulary for chapters 4-5. Please review these words. We are going to have to work hard to finish this book on time and some of the reading will have to be done at home. I will keep you posted on the dates for the next couple of quizzes for Roll of Thunder. Please remember there is extra credit for the final exam. Please scroll down on my blog to find it.
We have a grammar quiz, tomorrow May 25th on conjunctions and interjections. Please review...as this is an easy 18 points. Our test on Chapter 6 will be this Friday, May 28th. Please study prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
Reading:
Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry is going well. We just had a quiz on Chapters 1-3 and got the vocabulary for chapters 4-5. Please review these words. We are going to have to work hard to finish this book on time and some of the reading will have to be done at home. I will keep you posted on the dates for the next couple of quizzes for Roll of Thunder. Please remember there is extra credit for the final exam. Please scroll down on my blog to find it.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Week of May 17-21
Reminder: We are DSTP testing this week in Science and Social Studies. Please get a good night sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.
Thursday, May 20th we will have a quiz on prepositions. Please review lessons 1 and 2 from Chapter 6. It will be short and sweet...but it is important that you study.
Friday, May 21st we will have the vocabulary quiz for chapters 1-3 of Roll of Thunder. We will begin the comprehension part...but that may continue on Monday. Please, please study your vocabulary words. They were given to you over a week ago.
Thursday, May 20th we will have a quiz on prepositions. Please review lessons 1 and 2 from Chapter 6. It will be short and sweet...but it is important that you study.
Friday, May 21st we will have the vocabulary quiz for chapters 1-3 of Roll of Thunder. We will begin the comprehension part...but that may continue on Monday. Please, please study your vocabulary words. They were given to you over a week ago.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Roll of Thunder Extra Credit
Please complete one of these extra credit items to earn points to be added to your Roll of Thunder Final Exam. You may not earn over a 100%, but it could help your grade.
Final Exam Extra Credit Due June 4th
1. A Look Back How did the Depression look? Locate photos from the Depression
Era that would illustrate the mood or events of the story. You may
use the photos to create a photo essay or collage, or you may
simply display your chosen photos and talk about them. One source you may want to use is Brother, Can you spare a Dime: The Great Depression, 1929-1933, by Milton Meltzer.
2. Picture This Students can create an illustration of one of the important experiences that contributes to Cassie’s maturing during the course of the novel. Or you can illustrate one of the events that lead up to T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. (I don’t want to give it away.)
3. Free T.J. Draw and caption a political cartoon relating to a situation in the novel, such as the differences in schools for blacks and whites, the night men’s excursions, or T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. Don’t forget that political cartoons usually contain satire.
4. Mapping Create a map of the fictional Spokane County. Include the Logan’s farm, fields, forest, and house; Harlan Granger’s plantation and the Averys’, Simmses’, and Berrys’ house; the two schools and the Great Faith Church; the road and the bridge; the Wallace’s store; Smellings Creek; and any other locations in the novel.
5. Jim Crow Laws Write a one page paper explaining Jim Crow laws. Research these laws and write about how they affected the Logans in their day-to-day activities.
Final Exam Extra Credit Due June 4th
1. A Look Back How did the Depression look? Locate photos from the Depression
Era that would illustrate the mood or events of the story. You may
use the photos to create a photo essay or collage, or you may
simply display your chosen photos and talk about them. One source you may want to use is Brother, Can you spare a Dime: The Great Depression, 1929-1933, by Milton Meltzer.
2. Picture This Students can create an illustration of one of the important experiences that contributes to Cassie’s maturing during the course of the novel. Or you can illustrate one of the events that lead up to T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. (I don’t want to give it away.)
3. Free T.J. Draw and caption a political cartoon relating to a situation in the novel, such as the differences in schools for blacks and whites, the night men’s excursions, or T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. Don’t forget that political cartoons usually contain satire.
4. Mapping Create a map of the fictional Spokane County. Include the Logan’s farm, fields, forest, and house; Harlan Granger’s plantation and the Averys’, Simmses’, and Berrys’ house; the two schools and the Great Faith Church; the road and the bridge; the Wallace’s store; Smellings Creek; and any other locations in the novel.
5. Jim Crow Laws Write a one page paper explaining Jim Crow laws. Research these laws and write about how they affected the Logans in their day-to-day activities.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May Updates
Parents please be on the look out for some important papers going home in the Thursday folder. One specifically is about the new book we will be reading in class...Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. We will begin reading this book on Monday, May 10th when I return to school. The other paper coming home is about the need for volunteers for assistance with formal. Parents please contact me via email mmuldoon@pca.k12.de.us or return the paper that is coming home Thursday if you are available to help with formal.
Reminder!!! Final Drafts of the Autobiographical Incident are due on Monday, May 10th. This is to have been typed...as per Ms. Wessell. Please make sure your son/daughter stays in at recess this week if you do not have a computer at home. This is a major grade for the third trimester. Currently, students only have one writing grade and that is their Adjective/Adverb test. Please spend time on this major assignment. Good Luck.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday!!!!
Mrs. Muldoon
Reminder!!! Final Drafts of the Autobiographical Incident are due on Monday, May 10th. This is to have been typed...as per Ms. Wessell. Please make sure your son/daughter stays in at recess this week if you do not have a computer at home. This is a major grade for the third trimester. Currently, students only have one writing grade and that is their Adjective/Adverb test. Please spend time on this major assignment. Good Luck.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday!!!!
Mrs. Muldoon
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
DSTP
As we enter the month of March...all we can think about is the dreaded DSTP. While I am out on my maternity leave, I ask that each student put forth their best effort on the DSTP. Eat a healthy breakfast, get a good night's sleep, and try your best. Each one of you has the potential to do very well if you take your time and use all of the "good reader" strategies that we have learned this year.
Remember to stop while you are reading a use the strategies. If you wait until you are finished the passage, you may not remember what you have read. Pick various stopping points during the passage and ask yourself a question, clarify what you have read, make predictions, summarize the section, visualize the scene, and evaluate what you have read. Jot down notes while you are reading and use a highlighter to highlight important sections or vocabulary words that you are unfamiliar with.
Remember when you are answering questions to use the words in the question in your response. If they are asking you what motivated the main character to act the way he did, your answer should begin..."The main character was motivated by..." Remember the list of no-no words from Mrs. Bullen. These words should not be used in reading and writing responses. Use the characters' names. Do not refer to them as he or she.
When you are completing a major writing piece, remember to have an introduction that restates the question, three details that support your main idea, and a conclusion paragraph. Mrs. Jilek and the substitute will show you some sample DSTP writing pieces. As you look at these, notice that the shorter responses did not score as well. Please also use the scrap paper for your rough draft. And when you are allowed...use a dictionary and thesaurus to help.
Good Luck and above all TAKE YOUR TIME:)
Remember to stop while you are reading a use the strategies. If you wait until you are finished the passage, you may not remember what you have read. Pick various stopping points during the passage and ask yourself a question, clarify what you have read, make predictions, summarize the section, visualize the scene, and evaluate what you have read. Jot down notes while you are reading and use a highlighter to highlight important sections or vocabulary words that you are unfamiliar with.
Remember when you are answering questions to use the words in the question in your response. If they are asking you what motivated the main character to act the way he did, your answer should begin..."The main character was motivated by..." Remember the list of no-no words from Mrs. Bullen. These words should not be used in reading and writing responses. Use the characters' names. Do not refer to them as he or she.
When you are completing a major writing piece, remember to have an introduction that restates the question, three details that support your main idea, and a conclusion paragraph. Mrs. Jilek and the substitute will show you some sample DSTP writing pieces. As you look at these, notice that the shorter responses did not score as well. Please also use the scrap paper for your rough draft. And when you are allowed...use a dictionary and thesaurus to help.
Good Luck and above all TAKE YOUR TIME:)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Week of February 8-12
Writing-
All research papers have been turned in and are in the process of being graded. The next writing assignment will be a persuasive letter. Students are also working on Chapter 3 Pronouns in their Language Network book. The most recent quiz on lessons 4-7 did not go as well as expected. Please remind your son or daughter to study daily and bring their grammar books home. There are also links to the right of my page for activities to complete on Chapter 3. Many students need extra practice with lesson 6 interrogative and demonstrative pronouns. The chapter 3 test will possibly be as early as next week. Please study at home.
Reading 8A-
Our last nonfiction story is about Roberto Clemente. Please make sure that you are studing the vocabulary words. After this story, we will have a unit test. The date is still to be determined.
Reading 8B and 8C-
Students as I said on Friday...our assessment on High Tide in Tuscan will be as soon as we return from the snow. If that is tomorrow...then we will have the assessment tomorrow. Please review the vocabulary words and examples from the text for the chart.
All research papers have been turned in and are in the process of being graded. The next writing assignment will be a persuasive letter. Students are also working on Chapter 3 Pronouns in their Language Network book. The most recent quiz on lessons 4-7 did not go as well as expected. Please remind your son or daughter to study daily and bring their grammar books home. There are also links to the right of my page for activities to complete on Chapter 3. Many students need extra practice with lesson 6 interrogative and demonstrative pronouns. The chapter 3 test will possibly be as early as next week. Please study at home.
Reading 8A-
Our last nonfiction story is about Roberto Clemente. Please make sure that you are studing the vocabulary words. After this story, we will have a unit test. The date is still to be determined.
Reading 8B and 8C-
Students as I said on Friday...our assessment on High Tide in Tuscan will be as soon as we return from the snow. If that is tomorrow...then we will have the assessment tomorrow. Please review the vocabulary words and examples from the text for the chart.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Research Paper Rubrics: Paper Due NO LATER THAN 1/27/10
8th Grade Technology Requirements
· Create a report with either Microsoft Word or Open Office
· A bibliography in MLA format (Students will get a sheet explaining this at a later date.)
· One inch margins
· Double spaced and 12 point font
· Title/cover page with title, name, date, and section number (in the center of the page)
· If you would like to include pictures…do not put them on the title/cover page. You can include a page at the end of your report for pictures. (Do not tape/glue them...they should be cut and pasted onto a word document.)
· Utilizing at least one resource from UD LibSearch databases
· Utilizing one text based resource (i.e. book, encyclopedia, or magazine)
Science Rubric
Accuracy- All information is historically accurate and found using all reliable sources.
Early Life and Death- Report includes accurate information about the life and death of subject.
Major Accomplishments- At least one major accomplishment in science is described in detail.
Education- Education is described in detail and is accurate.
Writing Rubric
-Presents the results of a careful investigation on a topic. -Uses pertinent evidence from multiple well-chosen sources to develop and support ideas.
-Includes a strong introduction with a clear thesis.
-Logical pattern of organization and clear transitions.
-Regularly credits sources of information.
-Summarizes ideas in a conclusion.
-Provides a correctly formatted bibliography in MLA format. -Very few errors in grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Week of January 4-8
Research Paper...The final due date for the research papers is on Wednesday, January 27th. But I will begin collecting them on Monday, January 25th. The final date for turning in an outline is this Wednesday, January 6th. We will begin drafting our research paper this week as well. Remember students can earn extra credit by visiting their local library and presenting proof to the teacher. All students received a requirements sheet for the research paper in December. This is a MAJOR grade for the trimester and an eighth grade requirement for writing, science, and technology.
In the next week we will be learning how to create our works' cited or bibliography page. If your son/daughter needs more help they can visit http://www.easybib.com/ . MLA format is free and that is the one that we are using. Easy bib will practically create the bibliography for you...and since it has to be typed anyway, why not check it out.
In grammar, we are beginning chapter 3 on Pronouns. We will have homework twice this week on pronouns, so please check your agendas. Don't forget to check out the grammar practice off of McDougal Littell's website. Use the links to the right of this page.
In reading we are starting our unit on Nonfiction. Students will be getting new vocabulary words this week and have vocabulary homework Tuesday night. In the next few weeks we will also be having our mid-year benchmark test.
In the next week we will be learning how to create our works' cited or bibliography page. If your son/daughter needs more help they can visit http://www.easybib.com/ . MLA format is free and that is the one that we are using. Easy bib will practically create the bibliography for you...and since it has to be typed anyway, why not check it out.
In grammar, we are beginning chapter 3 on Pronouns. We will have homework twice this week on pronouns, so please check your agendas. Don't forget to check out the grammar practice off of McDougal Littell's website. Use the links to the right of this page.
In reading we are starting our unit on Nonfiction. Students will be getting new vocabulary words this week and have vocabulary homework Tuesday night. In the next few weeks we will also be having our mid-year benchmark test.
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