12/05 - 12/16/2011

District Midterms - 12/06 - 12/09
This test will be recorded in Gradespeed for the 3rd six weeks. The student's score will be interpreted as it relates to the IB grading system.

English 8 Midterm - 12/13 - 12/14
Students should be diligently studying for the midterm. They have had extensive exposure to the exam material. The students have been afforded every opportunity to be successful such as multiple tutorial sessions after school, a study guide and one-on-one question and answer sessions. Therefore, I expect them to do well!

AR Points
The week of 12/12 will be the last opportunity to take AR test. Students, please make sure you are testing at every opportunity to increase your AR grade. Remember, every point helps!

Of Mice and Men (PreAp)
Multimedia Characterization Projects are due 12/09 by 11:59pm - No Excuses!
Email to kstreams@houstonisd.org or kstreams4@yahoo.com

Assignments in Gradespeed
The assignments that will be assessed and recorded this six weeks are listed in Gradespeed. Students, please check Gradespeed as often as needed for updates.

Tutorial Schedule & Gradespeed Update

Tutorial Schedule

Characterization Project - Tuesday 12/06 - 325p to 515p (PreAp Only)

Midterm Review - Thursday 12/08 - 325p to 430p (PreAp & Academic)

Midterm Review - Monday 12/12 - 325p to 430p (PreAp & Academic)

Gradespeed Update

Gradespeed will be updated by Sunday 12/11. If you are missing an assignment, please check gradespeed.

*Please make sure you are studying the midterm. Retakes for substandard grades will be given after the Winter break and by appointment only.*

11/28 - 12/02/2011

3rd Six Weeks Assignments & Assessments

• Checkpoint - Meaningful Sentences with Phrases
• Characterization - Of Mice and Men
• Ch. 1 - 3 - Of Mice and Men
• Ch. 4 - 6 - Of Mice and Men
• Middle of the Year (District) Assessment
• English Midterm (x2)
• Of Mice and Men - Characterization Multimedia Project
• AR Points

Have you taken an AR test?

Students, please remember an AR grade will be recorded during the 3rd six weeks. Please refer to page 25 in the notebook for AR details.

 

Of Mice and Men - Chart Check

Understanding Figurative; Analysis & Responding to Literature; Vocabulary in Context

(Ch. 4 - 6) - 11/29 & 11/30

 

District Assessment - Wednesday 12/07

Reading Comprehension (2 Passages/30 Questions)

 

English 8 Midterm

A comprehensive semester midterm will be given Tuesday, 12/12 & Wednesday, 12/13 during the student's class period. The students were given a study guide to work through as it will prepare them for the midterm. The students should use their composition notebook to complete the study guide. The midterm will not exceed 40 questions. Tutorials will be designed to cover the concepts on the midterm.

 

*Tutorials - THURSDAY 325pm - 5pm*

 

Of Mice and Men - Characterization Multimedia Project
Students received a detailed instruction sheet. It is located on page 40 of the composition notebook. Below is a brief description of the project's parts.

Part I – Creating a Web

• Create a Character Web for one character.
• Describe the character with six different traits
• You must provide text evidence for each character trait.
• See the list of character traits for examples.  

Part II – Using Character Terms to describe your character

• Is your character dynamic or static? Provide an explanation.
• There is no sentence minimum or maximum. However, your answer must be thorough and display a depth of knowledge. Refer to rubric – Criterion A

Part III – Concrete Object with Abstract Representation

• Select an object that best represents your character.
• Then, explain the abstract idea that is represented by the object. 
•   Example: Object: Heart; Abstract Idea: Love
• Explain how the object and abstract idea represent the character.
• There is no sentence minimum or maximum. However, your answer must be thorough and display a depth of knowledge. Refer to rubric – Criterion A

How do I present my understanding?

• Glogster or PowerPoint
• Email PowerPoint or Glogster to kstreams@houstonisd.org by 11:59pm 12/09/2011
• The subject of the email MUST include your name and class period. Example: Charles Bennett B2

 

11/21 - 22/2011 *Thanksgiving Break*

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 

Recommended Purchase (Not Required)

Chapter 5 - 11/21 & 11/22

Chapter 5 Chart: Students will explore the following concepts -

• Figurative Language & its Purpose
• Meaning Text (Quote/Context/Commentary)
• Vocabulary (Based on Context Clues)

Locating Phrases & Creating Meaningful Sentences

• Complete handout - due 11/28

11/07 - 11/18/2011

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 

Recommended Purchase (Not Required)

*Email Ms. Streams about book rentals.

 

Ch. 1 - 3 - Readings Completed!

Chapter charts which include the concepts below should be completed as well.

• Drawing as Thinking
• Precis Summary
• Open Ended Response (Level 2 Questions)

Checking Understanding; Analysis & Responding to Literature (Ch. 1 - 3) - 11/15 & 11/16

 

Character Analysis - Indirect vs. Direct Characterization
Distinct Character Traits & Textual Support - 11/10 - 16

 

Futher readings to be completed as detailed below:

Chapter 4 - 11/17 & 11/18

Chapter 5 - 11/21 & 11/22

Chapter 6 - 11/29 & 11/30

 

Chapter 4 - 6: Students will explore the following concepts -

• Figurative Language & its Purpose
• Meaning Text (Quote/Context/Commentary)
• Vocabulary (Based on Context Clues)

*REMINDER - Of Mice and Men Assessments - 3rd Six Weeks 

• Multimedia Project
•  Short Essay - Motifs

Have you taken an AR test? - Students, please remember an AR grade will be recorded during the 3rd six weeks. Please refer to page 25 in the notebook for AR details.

 

 

Meaningful Sentences with Phrases

Create; Combine; Imitate; Expand; Understand its Purpose

• Participial Phrases
• Infinitive Phrases
• Appositive Phrases
• Prepositional Phrases
• Gerund Phrases
• Absolute Phrases

*PHRASE RESOURCE DRAWER - page 26 of the composition notebook


3rd Six Weeks Progress Report
The following assignments will contribute to the overall 3rd six weeks average:

• Of Mice and Men Characterization
• Of Mice and Men Ch. 1 - 3
• Meaning Sentences with Phrases - Checkpoint

PARENT UNIVERSITY

Grady Middle School

8th Grade Parent University

Monday, November 7th, 6pm

Super Important Information 

 How to Apply for High School

10/24 - 11/04/2011

2nd Six Weeks Assessments & Assignments

• Definition Essay (A)
• Definition Essay (B)
• Resources (B)
• Do Try this at Home (B)
• Phrases & Types of Sentences (C)
• Organization (B)
• Stop the Sun (B)
• Of Mice and Men (A)

Use the list above to determine, if you are missing any assignments. If there are any questions about the assignments above, please come by my room Thursday after school for tutorials.

*Tutorials - THURSDAY 325pm - 5pm*

Composition Notebooks - Thank you for purchasing your child's school supplies! The composition notebook is a guide, study aide, informational, practice log, reference, etc for students in English 8. Students are not prepared for class nor functional in any aspect of the course if they do not have this notebook. Please be mindful that students should use this notebook with most if not all of their homework assignments. When checking your child's agenda each night, please also ask to view their notebook. As of today, there are 29 completed pages in the notebook.

• Composition Notebook Organization Check - Monday, 10/31/2011

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 

Recommended Purchase (Not Required)

*Email Ms. Streams about book rentals.

Ch. 1 - 11/01 (A); 11/02 (B)

Ch. 2 - 11/03 (A); 11/04 (B)

Ch. 3 - Read over the weekend (Tentative) 

Students will explore the following concepts in Ch. 1 - 3

• Symbolism
• Characterization
• Figurative Language & its Purpose

Assessing Understanding & Responding to Literature - Ch. 1 - 3

• Drawing as Thinking
• Precis Summary
• Open Ended Response (Level 2 Questions)

*REMINDER - Of Mice and Men Assessments - 3rd Six Weeks 

• Multimedia Project
•  Short Essay - Motifs

 Definition Essay - How is a hero defined? - Due date 10/26 (A&B)

• Students and Parents - Please be mindful that it takes time to read and fairly assess each student's essay (184 students). Students will be informed of their grade no later than Monday, 11/07/2011. If a student is required to red0 their essay or make any corrections, they will be notified by Friday, 11/04, so that their weekend can be dedicated to revising/editing their essay.
• Resources (3) - Due 10/28 - The students were asked to turn in three major resources used to develop the essay. The resources should have been annotated, and all questions answered thoroughly.

Have you taken an AR test? - Students, please remember an AR grade will be recorded during the 3rd six weeks. Please refer to page 25 in the notebook for AR details.

10/17 - 21/2011

*PROGRESS REPORT #2 - October 21, 2011*

Phrases & Types of Sentences - Assessment - Monday 10/17
Students, please use the study guide and any notes in your composition notebook to study for the assessment. *Friendly Reminder - Your completed study guide is your ticket to take the assessment.

• Locating Prepositional Phrases & Determine its Part of Speech
• Identify & Utilize Infinitive Phrases
• Understand the parts of a Complex Sentence
• Differentiate between a Simple Sentence, Compound Sentence & a Complex Sentence

Definition Essay - How is a hero defined? - Due date 10/26 (A&B)

• Drafting Lab(10/20 - 21) - Students will complete a large portion of their essay in class with occasional teacher input. Students should complete their drafts over the weekend. On Monday, 10/24, the students will be able ask general last minute questions about the essay.
• Final Draft Requirements:
• (PreAp) 500 - 750 words/ (Academic) 150 - 350 words
• Typed 
• Line Spacing - Double spaced
• Font Size - 12pt. 
• Font Style - Times New Roman
• Proper heading in the header of the essay
• Resources (3) - Due 10/28 - Students will turn in the annotated resources they used to develop their essay.

Composition Notebooks - Thank you for purchasing your child's school supplies! The composition notebook is a guide, study aide, informational, practice log, reference, etc for students in English 8. Students are not prepared for class nor functional in any aspect of the course if they do not have this notebook. Please be mindful that students should use this notebook with most if not all of their homework assignments. When checking your child's agenda each night, please also ask to view their notebook. As of today, there are 26 completed pages in the notebook.

• Composition Notebook Organization Check - (A) 10/25 & (B) 10/28

Upcoming Class Novel - Recommended Purchase (Not Required)
BEGIN READING - (A) 10/25 & (B) 10/28
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Ch. 1 - 3 to be completed by 11/04/2011

Students will explore the following concepts - 

• Common Themes
• Motifs
• Symbolism
• Characterization
• Figurative Language & its Purpose
• Carefully Crafted Syntax & its Purpose
• The Great Depression as a result of the Roaring 20's

Of Mice and Men Assessments - Multimedia Project, Short Essay(explaining the Motifs), 4 Square Response to Literature (3rd Six Weeks)

 

 

Upcoming Assignments

• Fredrick Douglass - TPDASTT
• Do Try this at Home - Paraphrasing, Vocabulary, Figurative Language

Graded Work/Feedback - Students received their graded work with feedback this week. Please remember the 7 day (calendar) rule applies to any assignment with a score lower than 5.

10/10 - 14/2011

Phrases & Types of Sentences - Assessment - Monday 10/17
Students, please use the study guide and any notes in your composition notebook to study for the assessment. *Friendly Reminder - Your completed study guide is your ticket to take the assessment.

• Locating Prepositional Phrases & Determine its Part of Speech
• Identify & Utilize Infinitive Phrases
• Understand the parts of a Complex Sentence
• Differentiate between a Simple Sentence, Compound Sentence & a Complex Sentence

Definition Essay - How is a hero defined? - Tentative due date 10/26 (A&B)

• Organizing Resources
• Applying the Resources - (O.E.R.) How can the resources be used as support?
• Understanding how to use multiple resources to convey one central idea
• Separating from main stream influences and reflecting upon personal beliefs
• Creating a draft (10/20 - 21) - Students are permitted to have laptops in class for essay drafting purposes. (This allowance caters to the student who prefers to draft out their essay immediately using a computer rather than the pen and paper drafting method.)

Upcoming Class Novel - Recommended Purchase (Not Required)

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 

Ch. 1 - 3 to be completed by 11/04/2011

Students will explore the following concepts - 

• Common Themes
• Motifs
• Symbolism
• Characterization
• Figurative Language & its Purpose
• Carefully Crafted Syntax & its Purpose
• The Great Depression as a result of the Roaring 20's

Of Mice and Men Assessments - Multimedia Project, Short Essay(explaining the Motifs), 4 Square Response to Literature (3rd Six Weeks)

Curious about AR? - Please check page 25 of your child's composition notebook on Monday, 10/17. Your child has been informed about this process and its requirements. However, as a reminder, an information sheet will be given to them and should be stored in their composition notebook.

Composition Notebooks - Thank you for purchasing your child's school supplies! The composition notebook is a guide, study aide, informational, practice log, reference, etc for students in English 8. Students are not prepared for class nor functional in any aspect of the course if they do not have this notebook. Please be mindful that students should use this notebook with most if not all of their homework assignments. When checking your child's agenda each night, please also ask to view their notebook. As of today, there are 24 completed pages in the notebook.

Progress Reports & Graded Work Feedback

Progress reports will be sent home Friday, 10/21. Therefore, Gradespeed will be updated by Wednesday, 10/19. Your child will receive their graded work with feedback on Tuesday 10/17 (A)/Wednesday 10/18 (B). Please check Gradespeed and ask your child to view their work.

Welcome to English 8

In order to keep parents and students informed of the class happenings on a regular basis, a blog has been created for the Language A/English 8 course. I have found that a blog is more user-friendly, accessible as well as provides an informal way of communicating the class instructional outline. 

 

The blog will give a brief overview of the class' routine such as the objectives being covered; an instructional outline; a list of the homework responsibilities. I will do my best to update the blog frequently. However, please note that students are required to copy these items in their daily agenda.

 

Please be aware that plans are subject to change as the student's academic and instructional need vary. Please use the blog as a guide to support your child's learning.

 

Thank you for your continued support! 

K.Streams

 

10/03 - 07/2011

Phrases & Types of Sentences - Grammar Unit of Study
Understanding the differences between coordination and subordination
Writing complex sentences
Writing with various phrases; Understanding the purpose of phrases within a sentence

Analyzing Poetry
TPDASTT - Method for analyzing poetry (pg. 17 of the notebook)
Understanding the author's purpose
"A Man" & "Moco Limping"

Nonfiction Essay
Understanding the four W's
Annotating Text
Levels of Questions
Love Triumphs


Response to Literature
Open Ended Response - Structure & Format

Definition Essay
Gathering resources
Brainstorming ideas
Framing and introduction
Writing a thesis statement
Drafting the body of an essay
Developing a conclusion

Upcoming Unit Assessments

Phrases & Types of Sentences Unit Assessment - October 17th (Gator Day)
The assessment will cover the following:

• Simple Sentences
• Compound Sentences
• Complex Sentences
• Prepositional Phrases
• Infinitive Phrases
• Appositive Phrases

Students have been given and will continue to receive notes and assignments that review these concepts. Students are expected to use the notes and assignments (in the notebook) to prepare for the assessment.

Writing a Definition Essay - TBA

Write a definition essay using the example format - What defines a hero?

The essay must fulfill the following requirements:

• 500 - 750 words
• Typed 
• Double spaced
• 12pt. font
• Times New Roman
• Proper heading in the header of the essay
• Resources used in the footer of the essay

Students have and will continue to analyze a variety of text: poems, fictional short stories, non-fiction essays. Students will use these resources to formulate their opinions of a hero. Students are permitted to bring their laptops to class on 10/13-14 as this day will be used to draft their definition essay. Based on their progress and comprehension of this task, an essay due date will be set.