Ms. Xeni's ELA Blog

Christopher Durang WebQuest

2012-01-03T13:31:00.003-05:00

Here is the link for the Christopher Durang WebQuest. The questions will be given out in class and can be linked to in Skedula.

The link to the questions is here.

Of Mice and Men Audio

2011-11-15T21:01:00.003-05:00

If you'd like to listen to Of Mice and Men as an aid to your reading, here is the link to the audio. You will find the individual chapters as well as the whole book available for download and for listening to online.

HOWEVER, the audio is NOT a substitute for reading. It's just to help you if you're having trouble. And, remember, there will be no audio on the Regents exam or on any test I give you. Don't use the recording as a crutch.

For help with the references and vocabulary in Of Mice and Men, click on this link.

Of Mice and Men WebQuest

2011-11-13T23:09:00.000-05:00

You are about to embark on a WebQuest to discover what life was like in the 1930s. Of Mice and Men is set in California during the Great Depression. It follows two migrant workers, George and Lennie, as they struggle to fulfill their dreams. In order to better understand their plight, you will be exploring several websites to increase your background knowledge before getting into the book. Check out the websites listed below to help you answer the following questions.

Questions Answer the question assigned to your group after using the websites to conduct your research. Your group should have a well‐developed paragraph response for your question. For each question, you should reference at least two of the sources to get all of the points.

Group #1 What are the geographical features of the Salinas Valley? What kinds of jobs are available there?
Group #2 What were the main features of the Great Depression? (What are the basic, most important facts?)
Group #3 What were some of the causes of the Great Depression?
Group #4 How did the Dust Bowl/Great Depression affect California?
Group #5 Who were migrant workers and how did the Great Depression affect them?
Group #6 What were some of the struggles that migrant workers faced?

Websites Use the entire class to complete your research, spending at least a few minutes at each relevant website.

Migrant Workers:
http://www.neabigread.org/books/grapesofwrath/teachers/grapes_handout03.pdf
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/afctshtml/tsme.html
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/fsahtml/fachap03.html

Dust Bowl/Great Depression:
http://www.neabigread.org/books/grapesofwrath/teachers/grapes_handout01.pdf
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rails/timeline/index.html
http://www.neabigread.org/books/grapesofwrath/grapes03_context.php
http://www.english.illinois.edu/MAPS/depression/photoessay.htm

Salinas Valley, California:
http://www.ci.salinas.ca.us/visitors/history.cfm
http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Belmont_HS/mice/cal2.html
http://www.salinas.com/

Tennessee Williams WebQuest

2011-11-13T15:14:00.002-05:00

DRAMA STUDENTS:

Below are links for the Tennessee Williams WebQuest. The WebQuest worksheet can be found as an attachment in Skedula.

http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/clsc9.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Williams

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/tennessee-williams/about-tennessee-williams/737/

http://www.olemiss.edu/mwp/dir/williams_tennessee/index.html

Why no posts?

2011-10-30T12:40:00.004-04:00

Why hasn't Ms. Xeni been posting to her blog? Because she's now linking to all her assignments and related readings using Skedula. To access her assignments, please log into pupilpath.skedula.com using your personalized log-in information. If you don't have this information, please go the front office to request it.

"A&P" by John Updike

2011-09-27T22:18:00.003-04:00

I promised a link to the audio version of "A&P" but had never put it up. Here it is!

Homework for September 8-9/September 12-16

2011-09-11T21:50:00.003-04:00

Homework for Grade 9

Name Assignment (due Friday, September 9 for 901; due Monday, September 12, for 902 and 903)

Write a paragraph about the connotation and denotation of your name. Due Tuesday, September 13, for all classes.

Work on the rough draft of your Name Project. [worksheet and due dates will be posted shortly]

Homework for Credit Recovery

Copy of "Ransom of Red Chief" story here.

Complete "Ransom of Red Chief" worksheet.

Quiz on "Ransom of Red Chief"

Summer ShakeUp Theater Program!

2011-07-17T23:04:00.003-04:00

If you are interested in attending the Summer ShakeUp Theater Program, click on this link to register: http://shakespeareinthepark.org/programs-for-teens/summer-shakeup/.

It's a one-day event that starts at 10 AM on Saturday, July 23, by the Queensboro Bridge. (It takes about an hour to get there from the Parkchester Station.)

2011-07-06T19:43:00.002-04:00

2nd-quarter Credit Recovery

Due Wednesday, July 6: Copy of "A Retrieved Reformation" plus questions and vocabulary sheets.

4th-quarter Credit Recovery

Copy of "Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry

Due Wednesday, July 6: Copy of "Ransom of Red Chief" Vocabulary Worksheet

Due Wednesday, July 6: Copy of "Ransom of Red Chief" Questions

For BOTH classes:

Rough Draft due Monday, July 11: Assignment Sheet and Rubric for "Ransom of Red Chief" Critical Lens (you may use the same assignment sheet for "A Retrieved Reformation")

Instructions for Writing Critical Lens Essay (you may use the same assignment sheet for "A Retrieved Reformation")

Revised draft due Tuesday, July 12.

Final draft due Wednesday, July 13, at the start of class.

Summer School Critical Lens Essay

2011-07-05T18:56:00.004-04:00

Please look below for links to "The Ransom of Red Chief" or "A Retrieved Memory" work.

Also, if you'd like to listen to the stories, the recordings are below!

"The Ransom of Red Chief" Audio Recording:

"A Retrieved Memory" Audio Recording:

Credit Recovery Information and Documents

2011-06-18T15:05:00.005-04:00

Copy of "Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry

Due Thursday, June 16: Copy of "Ransom of Red Chief" Vocabulary Worksheet

Due Thursday, June 16: Copy of "Ransom of Red Chief" Questions

Rough Draft due Monday, June 20: Assignment Sheet and Rubric for "Ransom of Red Chief" Critical Lens

Instructions for Writing Critical Lens Essay

Revised draft due June 21.

Edited draft due June 22.

Final draft due June 23.

Homework for June 6-10

2011-06-05T23:29:00.003-04:00

Here is a link to the Odyssey Narrative Project and Rubric. A partial draft is due on Wednesday, June 8. The final draft is due Tuesday, June 14. More detailed information is available in the rubric and project description.

Homework for May 31-June 3

2011-05-30T22:13:00.003-04:00

Make-up work! Students will be given an opportunity to make up missed on-line Odyssey quizzes in class on Wednesday, June 1.

Homework for May 23-27

2011-05-22T17:34:00.000-04:00

See homework for May 16-20.

Homework for May 16-20

2011-05-15T21:28:00.002-04:00

Critical Lens assignment due Wednesday, May 25. Click here for this assignment!

In addition, Book IX (9) Questions are due on Monday, May 23. There will also be a quiz on the past week's reading and notes on May 23!

Homework for May 9-13

2011-05-08T15:29:00.004-04:00

Due Wednesday, May 11: One-page response to the following prompt: In The Odyssey, Telemachus's life changes profoundly after his father goes to war. Write about a time when the challenges faced by an adult in your life created challenges for you as well. In addition, relate your experiences to Telemachus's. How did your experiences differ? How were they similar?

Other homework to be announced. Keep working on questions in packet (see below)!

Homework for May 2-6

2011-05-01T18:43:00.003-04:00

We will begin reading The Odyssey by Homer this week.

Confused? Need to look at some summaries? Here's a link to some basic information about each book [chapter]. It's not enough to help you pass a quiz but enough to give you an idea of what's going on!

On Monday, May 9, you will be quizzed on Book I of The Odyssey. The quiz will include questions based on your notes for the week. Click here for the questions (not just for Book I, but for all books of The Odyssey assigned in class!). The notes appear below.

Homework for April 27-29

2011-04-26T20:13:00.003-04:00

Wednesday: Please complete the "Is Batman an Epic Hero?" worksheet by next class. (Due Thursday for 491, 492, and 493; due Friday for 494.)

If you have not turned in the Critical Lens Essay, you MUST do so no later than THIS week. (See details below.)

There will be a quiz on the conventions of the epic, the characteristics of the epic hero, and Homer on MONDAY, May 2.

Click here for a link to this week's Power Point presentations. You'll need this information for the quiz.

Homework for April 11-15

2011-04-09T11:50:00.001-04:00

The Critical Lens Project is due on Thursday, April 14, for 391, 392, and 393, and on Friday, April 15, for 394.

Click here for the link to the Critical Lens Project guidelines.

In addition to the final draft of the essay, you must turn in:

notes taken during the movie version of Romeo and Juliet
draft of introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion with evidence of revision and editing

In addition, there will be a unit test that will cover the following concepts as they relate to Romeo and Juliet:
Blank verse

Heroic couplet
Prose
Pun
Oxymoron
Soliloquy
Aside
Monologue
Protagonist
Foil
Theme
Motif
Chorus
Prologue
All vocabulary covered during the poetry unit

Homework for April 4-8

2011-04-03T20:58:00.000-04:00

The "Reacting to Act V" questions are due on Monday, April 11. (Scroll down to find the link to the packet.)

Homework for March 28-April 1

2011-03-28T06:28:00.002-04:00

Questions for Act IV are due on Monday, April 4. Questions for Act V will be due on Monday, April 11. However, we STRONGLY suggest you answer the questions for Act V BEFORE the test next week!

Forgot Romeo and Juliet at school?

2011-03-20T21:30:00.003-04:00

Don't worry! You can link to the entire play online at http://shakespeare.mit.edu/romeo_juliet/.

Homework for March 21-25

2011-03-20T20:48:00.002-04:00

Monday: Complete Character Analysis Worksheet. Due Thursday for 391, 392, and 393; due Friday for 394.

Reminder: Act III Questions are due on Monday, March 28, for ALL classes. (See link below.)

Homework for March 14-18

2011-03-13T15:16:00.001-04:00

We will be reading Act III this week. The questions for Act III will be due the Monday that follows the day we finish Act III. Please see the link under "Homework for March 7-11" for a copy of the questions for all the acts. You should be working on the questions as we go along!

Other homework for the week will be announced.

Homework for March 7-11

2011-03-06T20:18:00.002-05:00

We will be reading Act II this week. The questions for Act II will be due the Monday that follows the day we finish Act II. Please see the link under "Homework for March 7-11" for a copy of the questions for all the acts. You should be working on the questions as we go along!

Homework for February 28-March 4

2011-03-05T06:19:00.005-05:00

Monday: No homework.

Tuesday: Create an outline based on pages 6-16 in your edition of Romeo and Juliet. You will take a brief quiz on this material on Thursday, March 3 (all classes except 394), or Friday, March 4 (394).

Wednesday: Catch up on any reading that you find confusing in Romeo and Juliet.

Thursday/Friday: The Romeo and Juliet packet includes questions for each act.

Answers are due on the Monday AFTER we finish reading an act in class. For example, if we finish an act on Thursday, March 3, questions are due Monday, March 7. If we finish on a Monday, answers are not due until the following Monday!

Homework for February 14-17

2011-02-14T18:30:00.002-05:00

Monday: Choose a statement on your Romeo and Juliet Anticipation Guide and explain in a paragraph why you agree, disagree, or are neutral about the statement of your choice.

Tuesday: Finish Shakespeare Webquest section, if necessary. Create a worksheet that will teach your classmates the information you have found.

Shakespeare Webquest Link

Wednesday: Worksheets are due in class.

Thursday: No homework.

Homework for February 7-11

2011-02-07T18:14:00.003-05:00

Monday: Work on rough draft of poet bio and rough drafts of poem analyses.

Tuesday: Same as Monday.

Wednesday: Poetry Biography and Analysis project due; poetry unit test tomorrow.

Thursday: No HW over weekend.

Homework for January 31-February 4

2011-01-30T17:16:00.004-05:00

A major poetry project is due next Thursday, February 10. The rubric, biography worksheet, and poem analysis worksheet follow below. Students should have their poem analyses done by Monday, February 7.

Rubric and Task Description for Poetry Project

Poet Biography Research Worksheet

Poem Analysis Worksheet

Homework for January 18-21

2011-01-17T18:42:00.003-05:00

Tuesday: Finish lyric poem analysis. (You can download your group's poem here; you can download the analysis sheet here.) Due Wednesday, January 19.

MAKE-UP WORK
The quarter ends on January 31. Students in Ms. Xeni and Ms. Megan's ELA classes will be given an opportunity on Thursday, January 27, to make up missed Of Mice and Men quizzes.

Other late work should be turned in as soon as possible!

Many people have not turned in their Of Mice and Men packets. The questions and charts appear below.

Chapter Questions

Plot Chart

Character Chart

Homework for January 10-14

2011-01-09T18:38:00.003-05:00

Tuesday: Complete "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" worksheet. Due Wednesday, January 12.

Thursday: Complete "Interview" worksheet. Due Tuesday, January 18.

Homework for January 3-7

2011-01-02T18:32:00.001-05:00

Monday: No homework.

Tuesday: No homework.

Wednesday: Complete Consonance and Assonance Worksheet. Due Thursday, January 9.

Thursday: Complete "Strawberries" poetry analysis worksheet. Due Monday, January 10. (Available in class.)

Homework for December 13-17

2010-12-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

Monday: No homework.

Tuesday-Thursday: TBA

Homework for December 6-10

2010-12-06T08:58:00.002-05:00

Monday: Work on adding quotations to your rough draft.

Tuesday: Work on improving your introduction and conclusion.

Wednesday: Continue working on draft.

Thursday: Final draft due on Monday, December 13. You must also turn in 1) your rough draft, 2) your long paragraph, and 3) your informal outline.

Homework for November 29-December 3

2010-11-28T20:45:00.002-05:00

Monday: Complete the informal outline for your upcoming paper. Due tomorrow, Tuesday, November 30.

Tuesday: Turn your outline into a paragraph. Due tomorrow, Wednesday, December 1.

Wednesday: Study for tomorrow's unit test on Of Mice and Men. Also, work on expanded outline for essay, due Monday.

Possible Tasks for the Of Mice and Men Literary Analysis Essay
1. Select a character in Of Mice and Men and explain what his or her experiences reveal about the important themes in the book.
2. Select one of the important themes in Of Mice and Men and explain how the theme is revealed through the experiences of at least three characters in the book.
3. Choose one of the motifs in Of Mice and Men and explain what it reveals about one or more of the themes in the book.
*4. Curley’s wife is never named in the book. In an essay, explain the significance of this omission. Some (but not the only) questions to consider: What does it reveal about Curley’s wife and her status in society? What might it reveal about John Steinbeck and his attitudes?
*5. To what degree does George exercise free will? To what degree is his fate determined by circumstances beyond his control? In an essay, consider the natural and social forces that help defeat George. In addition, consider the choices he makes and the weaknesses within his own character that contribute to his defeat.
*These are more challenging tasks.

Tuesday:

Homework for November 22-24

2010-11-22T14:19:00.003-05:00

Monday: No HW. If you'd like to work on the in-class screenplay assignment, here are the questions to help you with your planning:

Who are your George and Lennie? How do they know each other? What is their dream?
What work do they do? Where do they look for work? What happened at their last job?
Who is your screenplay’s Candy? What is his disability? What kind of pet does he have?
Who is your screenplay’s Crooks? Why is he discriminated against by the others?
Who is your screenplay’s Curley? What are his interests?
What is “Curley’s wife” like? What are her dreams?

Tuesday: No HW.

Wednesday: No HW.

Homework for November 15-19

2010-11-15T09:09:00.004-05:00

Monday: 191 and 192: Read Chapters 5 & 6 in Of Mice and Men. Then answer questions in packet (including character and plot charts) and write a 4-step summary of EACH chapter (two summaries total). Due Wednesday, November 18.

193 and 194: Read Chapter 4 in Of Mice and Men. Then answer questions in packet (including character and plot charts) and write a 4-step summary of the chapter. Due Thursday, November 19.

Tuesday: See Monday.

Wednesday: TBA

Thursday/Friday: TBA

Homework for November 8-12

2010-11-08T05:50:00.003-05:00

Monday: 191 and 192: Read Chapter 3 of Of Mice and Men. Also answer the Chapter 3 questions and create a summary for the chapter using the 4-Step Summary Method. Due Wednesday, November 10.

193 and 194: Read Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men. Also answer the Chapter 2 questions and create a summary for the chapter using the 4-Step Summary Method. Due Wednesday, November 10.

Wednesday: Read Chapter 4 of Of Mice and Men. Also answer the Chapter 4 questions and create a summary for the chapter using the 4-Step Summary Method. Due Wednesday, November 15.

193 and 194: Read Chapter 3 of Of Mice and Men. Also answer the Chapter 3 questions and create a summary for the chapter using the 4-Step Summary Method. Due Wednesday, November 15.

Helpful Of Mice and Men Links

2010-11-03T08:22:00.002-04:00

Click on Of Mice and Men Student Survival Guide for helpful vocabulary, allusions, and idioms.

Click here for an audio download of Of Mice and Men.

Homework for November 1-5

2010-11-01T13:38:00.009-04:00

November 1: Independent Reading Book Project due Wednesday, November 3. (This project was assigned in September; please check September homework assignments for a link to the project.)

Also, complete the Of Mice and Men Anticipation Guide and related writing assignment. Due November 3.

November 2: No school for students due to Election Day.

November 3: No homework.

November 4: Read Chapter 1 of Of Mice and Men. Also, complete Chapter 1 questions and turn in your 4-Step Summary of Chapter 1 (completed in class). Due Monday, November 8.

Click here for the Of Mice and Men Packet.

Click here for the Of Mice and Men Character Chart.

Click here for the Of Mice and Men Plot Mountain.

2010-10-26T21:38:00.001-04:00

Link here to the Of Mice and Men webquest.

Homework for October 25-29

2010-10-24T18:08:00.002-04:00

Monday: The final draft of the Literary Analysis Essay is due tomorrow, October 26. In addition, the Evidence Chart, Body Paragraph Outlines, and Rough Draft must be turned in!

Tuesday-Thursday: To be announced.

Homework for October 18-22

2010-10-18T06:12:00.005-04:00

Monday: Expand outlines for 3 body paragraphs by adding additional explanations and quotations. Due Tuesday, October 19.

Wednesday: Write an introduction for your essay and turn your outlines into body paragraphs. Draft with introduction and body paragraphs due Thursday, October 21, for 192, 193, and 194; due Friday, October 22, for 191.

Thursday: Catch up on any missing work.

Homework for October 12-15

2010-10-11T20:07:00.003-04:00

Tuesday: Bring a copy of the story you have selected to analyze for your Literary Analysis Essay. Due Wednesday, October 13.

Wednesday: Complete the Evidence for Literary Analysis Essay Worksheet if you have not finished it in class. Due Thursday, October 14.

Thursday: Complete a (very) rough draft of the Literary Analysis Essay. Due Monday, October 18. Click here for a copy of the Literary Analysis Essay Rubric.

Homework for October 4-8

2010-10-04T22:00:00.005-04:00

TEST THIS WEEK! There is a unit test on the various literary devices we've studied. A list of the relevant terms will be provided in class. Students should not just know definitions. They should also be able to identify the devices in stories or passages and analyze how they are used.

Monday: All classes will finish the "Brownies" Metaphor/Simile Character chart. 193 and 194 need to re-read "Brownies" as well as complete a plot mountain, summary, and two-sentence summary for the story. Quiz tomorrow!

Tuesday: Read Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" as well as complete a plot mountain, summary, and two-sentence summary for the story. Quiz tomorrow!

Study Questions for "The Cask of Amontillado" (optional)
1. Who has the narrator vowed to take revenge on? Why? 2. How does Montresor get his victim to follow him? 3. On the walk the two men discuss Montresor's family motto. How is this foreshadowing the future? What does it foreshadow? 4. How does Montresor take his revenge?

Wednesday: Study for test tomorrow.

Thursday: No homework.

Banned Books Week

2010-09-29T20:10:00.008-04:00

This week is Banned Books Week. See (and go on to read) the Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books, 2000 and 2009!

Homework for September 27-October 1

2010-09-26T14:39:00.004-04:00

Monday through Tuesday: See Thursday's assignment for the previous week.

Wednesday: Complete theme chart for a story for ONE of the following: "Everyday Use," "The Scarlet Ibis," or "The Lottery." Due Thursday for all classes except 191 (due Friday).

Thursday: No homework.

Homework for September 20-24

2010-09-26T14:30:00.008-04:00

Monday: Read "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker by Wednesday, September 22. Complete a plot mountain, summary, and two-sentence summary of the story.

Tuesday: No homework.

Wednesday: Complete a Character Analysis Chart by tomorrow.

Thursday: For next week, students will have to read several stories and complete a plot mountain, short summary, and two-sentence summary for EACH of them. The stories and due dates follow below:
191, 192, 193, 194: Read "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst by Monday, September 27.
191, 192, 193, 194: Read "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson by Tuesday, September 28.
191 and 192: Read "Brownies" by ZZ Packer by Wednesday, September 29. [This story is not available online; please get a copy from Ms. Xeni.]

Homework for September 13-17

2010-09-12T21:54:00.011-04:00

Monday: 1) Quiz on class rules, rewards, and procedures tomorrow! 2) Parent Letter should be signed and returned by Wednesday, September 15.

Tuesday: Bring in signed Parent Letter tomorrow, Wednesday, September 15. Read "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury by Thursday, September 16.

Wednesday: Read "All Summer in a Day" by tomorrow. [See link to story above.] Also, bring in independent reading book in no later than Monday!

Click here for information about the Independent Reading Project, due November 3. Plan ahead!

Thursday/Friday: No homework over weekend, but bring in independent reading book in no later than Monday!

Homework for September 8

2010-09-12T21:50:00.003-04:00

Wednesday: ELA Information Sheet, completed by a parent or guardian, is due Monday, September 13.

Also, the following supplies are required in class by Monday, September 13:
1) One section in a three-ring binder
2) Dividers
3) Loose-leaf paper
4) A two-pocket folder
5) Pencils
6) Pens (black and dark blue only)
7) Assignment pad
8) Book for independent reading

Homework June 14-18

2010-06-14T06:18:00.009-04:00

Persuasive Letter Form Link

Homework June 7-11

2010-06-14T06:18:00.001-04:00

Because of the shortened week, there will be no homework assigned this week.

Homework for June 1-4

2010-06-01T05:40:00.002-04:00

Tuesday: Finish the chapbook project, which is due for ALL classes TOMORROW! A copy of the assignment and rubric follow below.

Link to Chapbook Assignment and Rubric

Wednesday and Thursday: To be announced.

Homework for May 24-28

2010-05-23T18:27:00.002-04:00

Monday-Friday: Work on your Chapbook Project, due Wednesday, June 2! Details follow below.

Chapbook Project Link

Monday: Revise at least 1 poem by Tuesday.

Tuesday: Revise 1 more poem by Wednesday.

Wednesday: Revise your last 2 poems by Thursday.

Thursday: Work on project, including the draft of your title page and table of contents.

Homework for May 17-21

2010-05-15T22:38:00.005-04:00

Monday: "Lies" Poem due tomorrow.

Tuesday: "Color" Poem due tomorrow.

Wednesday: "I Used to/But Now" poem due tomorrow.

Thursday: "Everything" Poem due Monday.

Homework for May 10-14

2010-05-09T10:10:00.005-04:00

Monday: No HW. Make up any missed work. (Missed work is posted in my room and updated each week!)

Tuesday: Comparisons poem worksheet is due Wednesday.

Comparison Poem

Wednesday: No HW.

Thursday: "Sound Poems" poems due Thursday. (Worksheet will be posted shortly.)

Sounds Poem

Friday: No class--6th-grade bowling trip!

Homework for May 3-7

2010-05-03T08:38:00.003-04:00

Homework will be light this week because of the upcoming math exam.

Monday: No homework.

Tuesday: No homework.

Wednesday: No homework.

Thursday: "I Wish" poem is due on Monday, May 10, for all classes.

iseempoemworksheet

Homework for April 26-30

2010-04-25T20:16:00.003-04:00

Monday and Tuesday: There will be no homework due on these days due to the ELA exam. Just get some sleep!

HOWEVER, there is a poem due on Thursday for Poem in Your Pocket Day, April 29. Please start looking for a poem you really like and would like to share with others!

Wednesday: Bring in a poem for Poem in Your Pocket Day. Due tomorrow!

Thursday: Home Reading Log due next Thursday.

Homework for April 19-23

2010-04-19T08:51:00.004-04:00

THE STATE ELA EXAM STARTS MONDAY, APRIL 26! ONLY 5 MORE SCHOOL DAYS TO PREPARE!

Monday: Complete questions 31-33 in the "Sample 2005, Book 3" Packet. The link to the packet is below. Due tomorrow.

Sample Test 2005, Book 3 (Birds and Catfish)

Tuesday: Complete question 34 (the essay) in "Sample 2005, Book 3" Packet. The link is above. Due Wednesday.

Wednesday: To be announced.

Thursday: To be announced.

Homework for April 13-17

2010-04-11T16:06:00.012-04:00

Only 10 more school days until the ELA exam!

Link to Book 2 January 14-17, 2008, Listening Packet ("Bat in the Refrigerator")

Link to Listening Passage (in case you were out when we took the notes)

Monday: Skullies (6C) and B-Unit (6B): Complete questions 27 and 29 in your Listening and Reading Packet. Due tomorrow.

Slim Shadies (6A) and Disobeyers (6D): No HW.

Tuesday: Skullies (6C) and B-Unit (6B): Complete question 30 (the essay) in your Listening and Reading Packet. Due tomorrow.

Slim Shadies (6A) and Disobeyers (6D): Same as Skullies/B-Unit homework for Monday.

Wednesday: Skullies (6C) and B-Unit (6B): Homework to be announced.

Slim Shadies (6A) and Disobeyers (6D): Same as Skullies/B-Unit homework for Tuesday.

Thursday: All classes: Complete the "Lydia's Lasso" packet. Due Monday, April 19.

Book 2 Sample Test 2005 Listening Packet ("Lydia's Lasso")

"Lydia's Lasso" passage, in case you weren't in class when I read it

Homework for April 8-10

2010-04-06T15:51:00.002-04:00

Wednesday: A "Practice Multiple Choice Packet" will be given out today to all classes. Please read "Penguins Are Funny Birds" in packet and complete all questions if not done in class.

Link to "Practice Multiple Choice Packet"

Also, please complete and turn in Vacation Packets if they were not completed over the break.

Thursday: Please read "Lost!: A Revolutionary Tale" in packet and answer questions if not done in class.

Friday: No HW.

Homework for March 22-26 . . . and the Vacation!

2010-03-22T17:23:00.003-04:00

NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, I have been unable to post assignments on the blog for the past two weeks. I am trying to remedy the problem. In the meantime, please pick up assignments in class!

Monday: All classes should complete the Alliteration and Onomatopoeia Worksheet. Due Wednesday.

Tuesday: Half day. No homework.

Wednesday: Study for test tomorrow. Complete review worksheet.

Thursday: Vacation Packets will be given out. These are VERY IMPORTANT preparation for the New York State ELA Exam. Due on April 7!

Homework for March 15-19

2010-03-16T10:53:00.004-04:00

Monday: Continue Home Reading Log. Due Thursday.

Tuesday: All classes except Skullies: Complete "Willow and Ginkgo" Worksheet. Due tomorrow, March 17.

Willow Ginkgo

Skullies: Complete "My Day" worksheet. Due tomorrow, March 17.

My Day

Wednesday: Complete metaphor worksheet. [I had trouble posting these. They are available in class.] Complete HRL for tomorrow.

Thursday: No HW.

2010-03-08T06:47:00.000-05:00

Paul Bunyan Link

Homework for March 8-12

2010-03-07T20:31:00.002-05:00

Monday: All classes: Continue HRL. Work on any missing work. (If you need a list of missing assignments or the assignments themselves, please speak to Ms. Xeni!)

Tuesday: All classes: Complete worksheet. (It will be posted shortly.) Due tomorrow, Wednesday, March 10.

Wednesday: All classes: Study for test on myths, fables, folk tales, fairy tales, tall tales, and legends. Personification, first-person point of view, third-person point of view, third-person omniscient point-of-view, and narrator are other concepts that may appear on the test!

Also, HRL is due tomorrow!

Thursday/Friday: Start new HRL!

Here Are Some Cool Myth Cartoons

2010-03-04T16:38:00.001-05:00

http://www.abc.net.au/arts/wingedsandals/storytime/

Homework for March 1-5

2010-02-28T21:32:00.002-05:00

Monday: Slim Shadies and Skullies: Read "The Three Little Pigs." Also, use today to catch up on any missed work. Due Tuesday.

Pigs Compare Contrast

B-Unit and Disobeyers: Read "The Crane Maiden" and "Aunt Misery." Due Tuesday.

Crane Maiden

Tuesday: Slim Shadies and Skullies: Complete the compare and contrast chart in your packet. Due Wednesday.

B-Unit and Disobeyers: Complete the compare and contrast chart in your packet. Also, complete the multiple-choice questions. Due Wednesday.

Wednesday: All classes: Complete compare and contrast essay in packet. Due Thursday.

Thursday: No homework.

Friday: Field Trip!

Homework for February 22-26

2010-02-21T20:43:00.004-05:00

This is a good week to catch up on Home Reading Logs, which many students have not been handing in. If you need a copy, please ask for one in class, or print one out from this web site! (Check under the September homework assignments on this blog for a copy!)

Monday, February 22: Complete Personification Worksheet. Due tomorrow.

personificationws

Tuesday, February 23: Short Responses Fable Worksheet is due tomorrow.

Short Response Fable

Wednesday, February 24: Please complete the Puppet Autobiography. It is due Monday. See below.

Puppet Auto Bio

Thursday: No homework due to shortened day.

Homework for February 8-12

2010-02-07T19:54:00.008-05:00

Some classes did not receive the Home Reading Log last week. They will receive the reading log this week and will be responsible only for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday on the log.

Monday: Create a Graphic Organizer to prepare for the unit test on Thursday. More information follows below:

Number the Stars Test Preparation [test is on Thursday, February 11]

1. There will be about 10 multiple choice questions on the test and may include questions about

events in the novel

characters and character traits

conflicts (external and internal) in the novel

themes in the novel

symbols

the book’s genre (historical fiction)

2. You will NOT have to write an essay on the test. You WILL need to complete a graphic organizer for the prompt below.

Study the two themes below.

Courage means doing the right thing even though you’re scared to.

Young people can change the world.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Test Preparation [test is on Thursday, February 11]

1. There will be about 10 multiple choice questions on the test and may include questions about

events in the novel

characters and character traits

conflicts (external and internal) in the novel

themes in the novel

symbols

the book’s genres (historical fiction and fable)

2. You will NOT have to write an essay on the test. You WILL need to complete a graphic organizer for the prompt below.

Study the two themes below.

Fences may divide us, but love and friendship unite us.

Good people will do the right thing even during evil times.

Write an essay in which you tell which theme better fits the book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Use details from the story to support your answer.

In your answer, be sure to

· choose one of the two lessons

· explain why this lesson is appropriate to the story

· use details from the story to support your answer

Tuesday and Wednesday: Field trips!

Thursday: Test on Number the Stars or Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Home Reading Logs are due.

Homework for February 1-5

2010-01-31T21:05:00.004-05:00

The Home Reading Log is baaaaaaaack!!!! It is due on Thursday, February 4.

Monday: Continue Home Reading Log. Please finish the conflict worksheet, which is available below. (For students reading The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Parts II and III of the worksheet follow in a second document!) Due Tuesday, February 2.

Conflict Sample NTS

bitspconflict

Tuesday: Continue HRL.

We worked on Short Response Questions in class. Here are the worksheets. (The first is for Number the Stars; the second is for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.)

Number the Stars Short Responses

Boy in the Striped Short Responses

Wednesday: Work on essay prompt. Continue HRL. Both due tomorrow, February 4.

Essay Assignment for Number the Stars

Essay Assignment for Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Thursday/Friday: Continue HRL.

Homework for January 25-29

2010-01-24T21:05:00.004-05:00

Monday: Continue reading in Number the Stars (all classes except Brainiacs); continue reading in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Brainiacs only). All classes should continue to work on their question packets and vocabulary.

Tuesday and Wednesday: Continue working on packets for Number the Stars or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Packets due Thursday, January 28.

Thursday/Friday: Home Reading Log is due NEXT Thursday!

Students are reading according to their own personalized schedules. However, ALL students must be finished with their books no later than TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, AND their packets no later than THURSDAY, JANUARY 28!

Homework for January 19-22

2010-01-18T20:20:00.003-05:00

Because students are reading their novels and answering questions in their packets, we are NOT keeping track of reading in the Home Reading Logs!

Tuesday through Friday: Continue reading in either Number the Stars (all classes except Brainiacs); continue reading in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Brainiacs only). All classes should continue to complete their question packets and vocabulary.

Students are reading according to their own personalized schedules. However, ALL students must be finished with their books AND packets NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, JANUARY 26!

Homework for January 11-15

2010-01-09T21:00:00.006-05:00

There is NO Home Reading Log due this week. Students will all read their novels this week and fill out the packets instead! (The packets appear below, one for Number the Stars, the other for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.)

numberthestarspkt height="500" width="100%" > value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=25001421&access_key=key-1oqdxy7t2taqwqapzy8p&page=1&version=1&viewMode=list">

BintheSP Packet

Monday: All classes EXCEPT Brainiacs will read Ch. 5 & 6 in Number the Stars, answer the Ch. 5 & 6 questions, and complete the appropriate vocabulary section on the Context Clue organizer. Due Tuesday, January 12.

Brainiacs will read Ch. 6 & 7 in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, answer the Ch. 6 & 7 questions, and complete the appropriate vocabulary section on the Context Clue organizer. Due Tuesday, January 12.

Tuesday: All classes EXCEPT Brainiacs will read Ch. 7 & 8 in Number the Stars, answer the Ch. 7 & 8 questions, and complete the appropriate vocabulary section on the Context Clue organizer. Due Wednesday, January 13.

Brainiacs will read Ch. 8 & 9 in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, answer the Ch. 8 & 9 questions, and complete the appropriate vocabulary section on the Context Clue organizer. Due Wednesday, January 13.

Wednesday: All classes EXCEPT Brainiacs will read Ch. 9 & 10 in Number the Stars, answer the Ch. 9 & 10 questions, and complete the appropriate vocabulary section on the Context Clue organizer. Due Thursday, January 14.

Brainiacs will read Ch. 10 & 11 in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, answer the Ch. 10 & 11 questions, and complete the appropriate vocabulary section on the Context Clue organizer. Due Thursday, January 14.

Thursday: All classes EXCEPT Brainiacs will read Ch. 11 & 12 in Number the Stars, answer the Ch. 9 & 10 questions, and complete the appropriate vocabulary section on the Context Clue organizer. Due Tuesday, January 19.

Brainiacs will read Ch. 12, 13, & 14 in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, answer the Ch. 12, 13, & 14 questions, and complete the appropriate vocabulary section on the Context Clue organizer. Due Tuesday, January 19.

Homework for January 4-8

2010-01-03T18:42:00.001-05:00

Home Reading Logs for this week are due on Thursday, January. Only the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday boxes need to be filled this week!

Monday: The run-on sentences worksheet, posted below, is due tomorrow, Tuesday, January 5.

Run on 1

Tuesday: Continue Home Reading Log.

Wednesday: Masterminds, Geniuses, and Smarties: Read Ch. 1 & 2 in Number the Stars, answer appropriate questions, and define vocabulary. Due tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7!

Brainiacs: Read Ch. 1 & 2 in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, answer appropriate questions, and define vocabulary. Due tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7!

Thursday/Friday: Masterminds, Geniuses, and Smarties: Read Ch. 3 & 4 in Number the Stars, answer appropriate questions, and define vocabulary. Due Monday, January 11.

Brainiacs: Read Ch. 3, 4, & 5 in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, answer appropriate questions, and define vocabulary. Due Monday, January 11.

Homework for December 21-22

2009-12-20T19:47:00.004-05:00

Due to the shortened week, the Home Reading Log is optional. Please use this as an opportunity to turn in missing Home Reading Logs and other past-due homework!

Monday: Please bring in the 5 Ws worksheet and the Slide Show Planner tomorrow. They will be collected as part of your Holocaust Slide Show project. The project itself, created on Google docs, should be shared with me at xfragakis@archimedesacademy.org by Tuesday, December 22.

Tuesday: A Vacation Packet will be handed out today. It should be completed by Monday, January 4.

Wednesday: This is a half-day with a modified schedule. ELA classes will not meet.

Homework for December 14-18

2009-12-13T20:19:00.003-05:00

Home Reading Logs are due this Thursday!

Monday: Please complete the Mad Lib word list. Due tomorrow!

Tuesday: Continue your Home Reading Log.

Wednesday: Please complete your Presentation Graphic Organizer. Also, the Home Reading Log due tomorrow!

Thursday: If you have a computer, work on your Holocaust Biography project over the weekend.

Holocaust Biographies

2009-12-08T10:52:00.001-05:00

Link to Holocaust Biographies

Wacky Web Tales (click on link below)

2009-12-07T01:08:00.000-05:00

Click here for Wacky Web Tales

Homework for December 7-11

2009-12-06T23:04:00.003-05:00

Home Reading Logs are NOT due this Thursday. If you have been keeping track on your HRL, you can turn it in for extra credit this week!

Monday: Please complete the Mad Libs homework. It will be passed out in class! Due Tuesday, December 8.

Tuesday: Finish the K and W columns on your K-W-L chart. (K=What you know about the Holocaust; W=What you want to know). Due Wednesday.

Brainiacs: Also, please start reading selection "What Will Happen to Me Now That the Nazis Are Here?" from Survivors: True Stories of Children in the Holocaust.

Wednesday: No homework.

Thursday: Continue Home Reading Logs!

Homework for November 30-December 4

2009-11-29T19:25:00.005-05:00

As always, the Home Reading Log should be completed EVERY DAY! It's due on Thursday!

Monday: Due Tuesday, December 1, for Masterminds, Geniuses, and Smarties: Please use the following 11 spelling words in a paragraph:

to
too (also)
two (the number)
threw (like a football)
through
son (someone’s child)
sun (gives off heat)
bored (nothing to do)
board (you write on this)
off (opposite of on)*
of*

Extra Words for Brainiacs: their, there, they're

Due Tuesday, December 1 for Brainiacs: Same assignment as for Masterminds, Geniuses, and Smarties but you must use the words in a very short story that includes all the elements of a plot (exposition, rising action, etc.).

Tuesday: Continue Home Reading Log. Complete Jeopardy Question worksheet.

Jeopardy Questions

Wednesday: Home Reading Log due tomorrow. Study for tomorrow's Vocabulary and Spelling Test! The vocabulary that will be tested is listed below. You should have the definitions in your Reader's and Writer's Notebook!

1. sentence
2. sentence fragment
3. horror
4. mystery
5. fantasy
6. science fiction
7. adventure
8. plot
9. exposition
10. rising action
11. climax
12. falling action
13. resolution
14. setting
15. conflict
16. foreshadowing
17. suspense
18. dialogue
19. transitions
20. thesaurus
21. synonym
22. antonym
23. figurative language*
24. metaphor*
25. simile*
*Brainiacs only

*Brainiacs only.

Thursday/Friday: Continue Home Reading Log over the weekend.

Homework for November 23-25

2009-11-22T09:54:00.008-05:00

NOTE: The Home Reading Log for this week is due on TUESDAY, not Thursday, because of the shortened week!

Monday: Tomorrow, you must turn in the following assignments:
1) Final draft of short story or comic book.
2) Rough draft of short story or comic book.
3) Plot Mountain for your story or comic book.
4) Home Reading Log.

Tuesday: No homework. Enjoy your break!

Homework for November 16-20

2009-11-15T17:49:00.004-05:00

Home Reading Logs are due, as always, on Thursday! Students should be reading every day!

Monday: Dialogue Punctuation Worksheet is due tomorrow. Also, please edit dialogue in your short stories.

Dialogue Punctuation Worksheet height="500" width="100%" > value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=22584494&access_key=key-4s5gnt2ow0iq8chxbug&page=1&version=1&viewMode=list">

Tuesday: Please revise the lead for your story.

Wednesday: HRL is due tomorrow.

Thursday/Friday: Revise short story/comic book using Peer Editing Checklist. REMINDER: Final draft of story is due on Tuesday, November 24.

Scary Story Rubric

Homework for November 9-13

2009-11-08T20:12:00.002-05:00

Home Reading Log is due, as usual, on Thursday!

Monday: All classes should complete their "show, don't tell" charts for their Plot Mountain Charts. Students should take each bubble on their plot mountain and expand it by adding details that "show" instead of "tell." If the assignment is completed correctly, each bubble will be expanded into about a half-page on loose-leaf paper. The total assignment should yield at least 2-1/2 pages of writing on loose-leaf! The Exposition, Rising Action, and Climax bubbles are due on Tuesday, November 10.

Tuesday: Please complete the "show, don't tell" charts and include dialogue. Due Thursday, November 12.

Wednesday: No school. Home Reading Log due tomorrow.

Thursday: No homework except HRL.

Homework for November 2-6

2009-11-01T20:09:00.017-05:00

Here are pumpkins that Ms. Xeni and her husband, Alex, carved this weekend!

The HOME READING LOG is due every week on THURSDAY. It should include summaries or observations for reading completed on Thursday, the weekend, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday!

Monday: Complete Fragment Correction Worksheet #2. Due Wednesday, November 4.

Tuesday: NO SCHOOL.

Wednesday: Write a first draft of your short story (it can be scary but does not have to be!) using the Plot Mountain graphic organizer. Even if you are planning to write a comic book, you need to complete this graphic organizer as your first step! Due Thursday, November 5.

Thursday: Masterminds, Geniuses, and Smarties: Read "The Hook" and write a new ending for it. (It should be at least one paragraph long.) Due Monday.

Brainiacs: Write two paragraphs comparing and contrasting the ending of the story version of "All Summer in a Day" and the ending of the movie version.

Homework for October 26-30

2009-10-25T21:38:00.005-04:00

Monday: Homework for Masterminds, Geniuses, and Smarties: Complete 6-10 on p. 244 of Fragment Worksheet in Reader's and Writer's Notebook. Due Tuesday, October 27. Continue Home Reading Log.

Homework for Brainiacs: Complete Exercise 4, 1-10 on pp.245-246. Continue Home Reading Log.

Tuesday: Add all vocabulary from plot mountain worksheet to the vocabulary section of your Reader's and Writer's Notebook. Due tomorrow, Wednesday, October 28. Continue Home Reading Log.

Brainiacs: Also, please read "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury.

Wednesday: Finish your Response to Literature paragraph. Continue Home Reading Log, which is due tomorrow, Thursday, October 30.

Thursday: Come up with three more "What if . . ." situations for homework. Due Monday, November 2.

Homework for October 19-23

2009-10-18T20:41:00.008-04:00

Monday: No homework except to continue Home Reading Log.

Tuesday: Sentence Fragment Homework. Please complete Exercise 2, 1-10, on p. 242. Due Wednesday, October 21. Continue Home Reading Log.

Wednesday: Home Reading Log due tomorrow, October 22.

Thursday: Continue Home Reading Log.

Obama Poster Maker

2009-10-14T16:53:00.003-04:00

Hey, Brainiacs (and other classes that might be interested)! Here's the Obama Poster Maker I mentioned. You can add any message you would like.

Obama Poster Maker

There's another web site where you can upload your own photo and make it look "Obamaish."

http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/

Homework for October 13-16

2009-10-13T12:59:00.002-04:00

Tuesday: Write ten sentences using the spelling words from the list below. The homework is due Wednesday, 10/14. Continue HRL. Vocabulary and Spelling Test on Monday, October 19.

Spelling Words
1. embarrassed
2. first
3. I [not i]
4. loose [not tight]
5. lose [not win]
6. problem
7. tired [sleepy]
8. tried [made an effort]
9. trouble
10. writing

Vocabulary
theme--an idea that keeps coming up in a book, movie, poem, etc.
nonfiction--a genre based on facts, real events, and real people
fiction--a genre that describes imaginary situations and people
realistic fiction--fiction that's like real life
autobiography--the story of a person's own life; this genre usually deals with many events]
memoir--a genre that deals with a specific event or time in a person's life
narrative--writing that tells a story
conflict--the problem in a story
sensory details--writing that uses the five senses
lead--the opening sentence or sentences in an article or story

Parts of a Paragraph:
topic sentence--tells what the main idea of the paragraph is
details--gives information that supports your main idea (there are usually three of these)
concluding sentence--reminds your reader what the paragraph really means

Wednesday: Continue HRL. Due tomorrow, 10/15. [Other homework may be posted.]

Thursday/Friday: Continue HRL. Study for Vocabulary and Spelling Test on Monday, October 19.

Book Wizard Link!

2009-10-13T12:57:00.001-04:00

Here is a link to the Scholastic Book Wizard. You can find books similar to the books you already like using this link!

Scholastic Book Wizard

Homework for October 5-9

2009-10-04T21:27:00.006-04:00

Monday: Write 3 leads for your memoir and choose one to add to your draft. Continue revising your draft. Bring draft with revised lead to class on Tuesday, October 6.

Five Kinds of Leads

Tuesday: Work on paragraphing; also, make any final cuts and additions to your draft. Due Wednesday, October 7.

Wednesday: Edit your draft. Editing should include corrections to spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and paragraphing. Due Thursday, October 8. HRL also due.

Thursday: Choose a title for your memoir. Prepare final copy of your memoir on loose-leaf, single-spaced. Due Friday, October 8. [PLEASE NOTE: Geniuses and Smarties do not have class on Friday. They MUST stll turn in the assignment by the end of school, FRIDAY!]

Memoir Rubric (2009-2010)

Friday: No homework except HRL. Congratulations on finishing your memoir!

Homework for September 29-October 2

2009-09-28T22:04:00.014-04:00

Tuesday: Work on "Show, Don't Tell" charts in Reader's and Writer's Notebook for Top Bun Paragraph paragraph; due Wednesday, September 30. Continue Home Reading Log (HRL); due on Thursday, October 1.

Top Bun Paragraph

Tell Show Chart (Ms. Xeni's Example)

Wednesday: THIS IS A HEAVY HOMEWORK DAY--PLAN AHEAD! Work on "Show, Don't Tell" charts for Hamburger Patty Paragraph and Bottom Bun paragraph; both due Thursday, October 1. Continue Home Reading Log (HRL), also due Thursday, October 1.

Thursday: Add details from your Sensory Details Chart (which we'll work on in class) to all three of your Show, Don't Tell Charts. Then re-copy your revised charts onto loose-leaf, skipping a line between every line. This is due MONDAY, OCTOBER 5! It is VERY important--I repeat, VERY important--that you have it ready on Monday!

Sensory Details

Homework and Classwork for September 21-25

2009-09-20T13:33:00.011-04:00

Monday: Continue Home Reading Log. Due Thursday, September 24. Pick an idea for your memoir and write down as many details about it as you can. You will need to be able to tell your partner the story tomorrow.

Tuesday: Finish Beginning-Middle-End Hamburger graphic organizer. Due Tuesday, September 22. (The organizer will be posted shortly!)

Hamburger Graphic Organizer

Wednesday: Continue Home Reading Log. Due tomorrow, Thursday, September 24. Use the paragraph graphic organizers to write the "top bun" paragraph for your memoir. Due Thursday, September 24.

Paragraph Graphic Organizer

Thursday: Continue Home Reading Log. Use the paragraph graphic organizers to write the "hamburger patty" and "bottom bun" paragraphs for your memoir. Due Tuesday, September 29.

Friday: See Thursday's homework.

Spelling Sites!

2009-09-20T13:28:00.004-04:00

These are great sites for practicing spelling!

funbrain.com spelling: This site is good for practicing random words.

spellingcity.com: This site offers a great way to practice words that you know you have trouble with.

Homework for September 14-18

2009-09-14T21:15:00.006-04:00

Monday: Students will be keeping weekly reading logs. The Home Reading Log is due every Thursday in class.

Home Reading Log

Tuesday: Continue keeping track of reading on the Home Reading Log.

Wednesday: Free write for one page in the Reader's and Writer's Notebook about a time you didn't fit in. Continue keeping track of reading on the Home Reading Log. (If you were not in class, complete a brainstorming web on the topic of "A Time I Didn't Fit In")

Brainstorming Web

Thursday: Continue reading and start new Home Reading Log sheet. Continue working on "Fitting In" story.

Friday: Continue keeping track of reading on the Home Reading Log.

Homework for September 9-11

2009-09-08T20:51:00.003-04:00

Wednesday: Please return information sheet and bring in supplies no later than Monday, September 14.

Grade 6 ELA Information Sheet

The supplies are as follows:
2 marble composition books
pens (black or blue ink) and pencils
1 two-pocket folder
loose-leaf paper

Thursday: Please bring in an independent reading book no later than Monday, September 14.

"That's how we handle things."

2009-06-26T08:39:00.005-04:00

Ms. Xeni's living group, the Hopper Girls, had advice to give to next year's seventh graders.

Homework for June 22-26

2009-06-21T22:17:00.001-04:00

No homework this week EXCEPT to bring in any books you borrowed from the classroom library or from Ms. Xeni this year!

Homework for June 15-19

2009-06-14T16:31:00.008-04:00

PLEASE NOTE!!! The Book Trailer Project is due Thursday, June 18. It must be emailed to Ms. Xeni (see instructions below) no later than 9 PM on June 18. Homework is to work on the project.

Projects should be emailed to Ms. Xeni at xfragakis@archimedesacademy.org any time on Wednesday, June 17. (If you need an extension, please speak to Ms. Xeni as soon as possible.)

Instructions for Sharing Your Book Trailer with Ms. Xeni

When you are completely done with your Book Trailer . . .

1)Click Preview/Save one last time and make sure the version you want to send has been saved!

2)Click on Publish.

3)Name the book trailer whatever you want.

4)Click the “Public” button.

5)Click the “Send to” button.

6)Write xfragakis@archimedesacademy.org in the email box.

7)Click Send!

JayCut.com Instructions!

2009-06-08T23:22:00.002-04:00

Jay Cut Instructions height="500" width="100%" > value="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=16238053&access_key=key-1pzq3u1bgot0w9xllg8a&page=1&version=1&viewMode=">

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Homework June 8-12

2009-06-08T05:55:00.004-04:00

Day 1: Work on your book trailer at home, tech, or AIS. You should have uploaded all your photos and music and completed all your text slides. (For 6C, skip to Day 2 homework.)

Day 2: Please arrange all your photos, text slides, and music in JayCut.com. You should be done uploading photos, creating text slides, and uploading music at this point!

Day 3: If you have internet access, continue using JayCut.com to add transitions and effects to your book trailer. If you are behind, ask your AIS teacher or tech teacher whether you can use the computer to work on the project.

Day 4: Please edit any confusing sections and add finishing touches to your book trailer.