Mrs. Worthington

The WRITE~SPOT! (August 10 ~ 14)

 

Welcome to the Write~Spot!

You have reached your AC Language Arts blog.

Thank you for visiting and being a part of your writing community.

 

Today is Monday, August 10, 2009

 

SAT Word Gem for the Day . . .    Famished

 

Homework . . .

1.      Prepare your “ACLA Pocket-Folder” according to the guide sheet. I provide the first quarter folder and you provide the folders for the following quarters. Due tomorrow. (You can buy them for 10 cents now, but soon the price goes up.) You will need three~~a new folder for each quarter.

 

2.      Bring a DEAR book every day for the next 179 days. You should always have a new book to begin as you near your current book’s ending words.

 

3.      Be prepared to discuss and write about your summer-reading novel, Old Yeller.

 

4.      Finish your letter to me from the point of view of your sixth grade teacher. Due Thursday.  You may turn this in early. This assignment is written by hand—not a computer submission.

 

 

5.      Chat with your parents about a “DROP~SPOT.”  Remember, in this class there is no “calling home” to ask your parents to bring forgotten items. “Deliveries” interrupts the class and takes away from instructional time.

 

 

Class work . . .

Activity #1

Write a letter to me from your sixth-grade teacher’s point of view.

What does your sixth-grade teacher write about you? Be sure to add a P.S. at the end of your letter.

o   Paragraph #1:  Introduction

o   Paragraph #2:  Your teacher tells of your reading, writing, speaking, thinking strengths.

o   Paragraph #3: Your teacher tells of you area(s) that are in need of improvement.

o   Paragraph #4 Your teacher closes the letter with some tips on how to assist you in reaching your goals.

o   PS: Your teacher says: “Be sure and tell_____________ I said______________.

 

Activity #2

Fill out your ID Card that remains with me. It has biographical information, health concerns I should know about, tips for how I can assist you in learning, and you about the things you are interested in. You ask me a question.

 

Activity #3

Group discussion:   What are the arts of language?

What do you do in language arts? How do the language arts impact your other classes? What are your strengths and needed areas of improvement in the arts of language?

 

Activity #4

Supplies for Class ~

What are the supplies that are needed for this class? What should you bring to class each day?

Read the handout and share this with your parents. Bring your writing tools to class each day for the rest of the year.

 

Activity #5

Desk Preparation ~

When you enter your ACLA class you should give top priority to preparing your desk for learning. This means only LA items on your desk and all other items tucked under your desk. Your agenda should be inside of your desk along with your DEAR book. All other items should be under your desk.

GIRLS: No purses on your desk and water bottles under your desk. Never should there be hair brushing, searching around in purse, nor applying make-up.

  

 

Write~On!

Mrs. Worthington

Chief-in-Charge-of-Classy-Work!

 

 

MABRY

IS A 

NO~GUM  ZONE!

Write~Spot! (May 11~15)

Welcome to your language arts blog!

Wednesday is Field Day and a time for outdoor fun with friends.

Remember to . . .

• put your name on personal items
• wear sunscreen and bring some to "redo" at lunchtime
• drink water and more water!  :)
• NO POWER DRINKS
• bring extra drinks. You will come in for lunch and can get your second liquid supply or fill up water bottles.
• Wear comfortable shoes. NO FLIP FLOPS for the day.
• Beach towels to sit on are fine, but use tape and put your name on it. I suggest an old one and not a towel that is new.
• purses should not go outside--leave in your locker.

Remember to consider the dress code even during Field Day. 

Not too tight,

Not too low,

Keep it right for where you are.

Use good judgment; make good choices!    

REMINDER:

Last year there were some students drinking from  another student's drink bottle. This is not

healthful and should be on your taboo list! Please come prepared or ask for a pass to get a drink.

HOMEWORK:

1. You have a comma handout with comma rules (8) and you are to write a sentence

   demonstrating you know how to apply each rule. This is part of your language arts final.

2. Rather than one long test, the final in language arts will be divided into smaller sections, for    example one section is on commas, one will be on narrative/ descriptive  writing in which you describe yourself by writing a paragraph about you in which you begin with three adjectives that are descriptive of you.

3. You have spelling words to study.

_________________________________

We are doing a quick read of Old Yeller and will be "Reading Like a Writer" as we view segments of this novel. You have surprised me by the how well you can write using the technique of foreshadowing just like the author of Old Yeller does so well.

On Thursday, we will view how the author, Fred Gibson, uses the "Power of Three" to make sentences interesting. He uses dialect to make his characters believable. We will look at idioms that were common of the times (Right after the Civil War) and discuss the meaning. Remember, idioms are a big part of building your vocabulary.

PREVIEW OF WHAT IS TO COME:

We will be focusing on Mark Twain and Tom Sawyer the last week of school.

You may want to do some investigation on your own by looking on line.

We will read a writing by his daughter when she was about your age; she writes about her father.

We will see a short video about Mark Twain that tells about his life.

You will be reading a Discovery Booklet about Mark Twain. The pictures and captions are packed with interesting Twain facts.

My favorite part of this author study is reading episodes from his famous novel Tom Sawyer.

_________________________________________

Write~On!

Mrs. Worthington

Welcome to the Write Spot (May 4~8)

Welcome to your language arts blog.

By now you should have your "8th Grade Prep Folder"

ready and have 25 quotes gathered for your cover sheet.

__________________

You should have finished The Giver ( . . . or the book Izzy that was assigned to a few.)

By Wednesday, you should have brought your Writing and Grammar text to put in your locker.

This week is Book Fair and you will visit the fair on Tuesday; you may purchase books at that time.

___________________________________________________________

Add this to your eighth grade folder.

It is not a live link; you will have to copy the URL address.

This article explains what the making of a complex sentence and how to identify a subordinate clause (i.e., an independent clause).

The Subordinate Clause

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/subordinateclause.htm

____________________________________________________________

Homework . . .

ALWAYS~ you should have written in your agenda. If you do not have a Mabry agenda, you should have a notebook which you have dedicated to an agenda. A piece of individual paper will not do.

Monday: ~

1. You are adding a 5 paragraph essay about you and three adjectives that describe you. Each adjective should be the topic for a paragraph. This essay goes in your "Eighth-Grade Prep Folder."

This folder will serve as part of the fulfillment for your final grade. Attach all assignments to this folder and all of the resource sheets handed out. It is your responsibility to keep it organized.

2. HANDOUT about complex sentences, pages 23 and 24 to be completed THIS evening.

REMEMBER, when you are given a handout in a class, it is your responsibility to look to see if there is a back portion. Do the back UNLESS the teacher says: "Do not do the back at this time."

3. On Tuesday this class is scheduled to go to the media center for 15-20 minutes to view/buy books at the Mabry Book Fair. If you do not have money but find a book you would like to discuss buying with your parents, I will give 5-minute passes tomorrow. Passes will NOT be given to purchase novelty items such as pencils, posters, erasers, etc.

Tuesday:

1. You need an agenda. If you do not have a Mabry Agenda, you need a spiral notebook or a commercial agenda in which you have  all of your subjects. This must be written VERY clearly and rush avoided. Have your agenda or place on the floor where it is easy to grab. Make notations when you hear something to remember. DO NOT WAIT FOR  THE TEACHER TO SAY: "Now, write this down."

Remember, you are working on being independent about your personal responsibilities.

2. BY NOW . . . you should have a folder that has 25 quotes as a cover sheet and 35 pages attached to it. You should have paper in the back pocket.

 At this time you should have finished and placed in your folder:

• "Thank You Ma'm" short story by Langston Hughes
• An article on technical writing,
• An article on rules about using number words or the numeral.
  
• Your practice for filling out an application for a job as part of your technical writing study.
• Spelling list of no-miss words dated 5/5/2009
• By 5/6 you should have your essay with three adjectives describing you in the front pocket.
• You should have a Response Packet in your folder that has an MLA heading and dated warm-up writings.
• Poem: "Three Blind Men and the Elephant." Write a response in which you "capture" the meaning of this poem. FOR BONUS. . . you may add the following:This is a poem that is a wonderful discussion poem; if you share this with an adult in your family, and you both share ideas and thoughts about it -- you may bring a note from your parent(s) and earn extra bonus points.
  

REMINDER TIP TO THE WISE STUDENT. . .

There are very few of you who are coming into the class and preparing your desk by having two sheets of paper out and other language arts items available and other items off of your desk. Many of you are sitting at your desk with books piled high or with nothing on your desk. THIS IS NOT THE MESSAGE YOU WANT TO GIVE. Please give the message that you are proactive and know what is expected. DO NOT WAIT TO BE TOLD THOSE TASKS THAT ARE PART OF THE DAILY ROUTINE.

Gum is direct violation of school rules and will not be taken lightly.

REMINDER to the girls . . .

Purses on the floor and not on the desk top.

Brushing hair and putting any form of make-up in class is not appropriate. Lotion and chapstick are included. These are private tasks that should be taken care of in the bathroom at appropriate times.See me at the beginning of class before you enter if you have to have a bathroom pass and cannot take care of needs during the regular locker exchange times. (However, by planning ahead, you should really have time.)

Jeans with holes and pajama bottoms are not appropriate for school setting.

Modest blouses should be worn.

Write~Spot! (March 23-27)

4/29/2009

Technical Writing . . .

Essential Questions . . .

·         How can technical writing help you to solve problems in your life and community? (i.e., create social change).

·         How can technical writing allow you to make a difference?

·         How can technical writing allow you to be an agent of change?

·         How can technical writing help you to solve problems in your life and community? (i.e., create social change).

·         What are the conventions of modern technical communications?

·         What is technical writing/editing?

·         How do you do technical writing the right way?

·         What is involved in the process of developing information products?

·         How does a technical communication begin and how does it continue to an end product?

·         What skills must a good technical writer have?

·         How does a writer convey information through technical writing?

·         How do writers create a positive tone?

·         Technical writing at its best: What are the elements of good writing?

·         What are some examples of technical writing?

Some examples of technical writing include:

·         Journal articles

·         Brochures

·         Business Plans

·         Grant Proposals

·         Documentation

·         Online Help

·         Web sites

 

·         What traits does a professional looking document have? What makes a document look professional?

·         What products (i.e. deliverables) do technical writers produce?

·         What is the role of a technical writer?

·         What do technical writers do?

·         What precautions must technical writers take? (e.g., Avoid wordy and ambiguous prose)

·         Why is audience analysis important when writing a technical piece?

·         How do you find out information about your audience?

·         How does technical writing differ from other modes of writing?

·         Why is precision in technical writing important?

(e.g., If something is described incorrectly, readers may at improperly, causing mistakes or even raising issues of liability.)

·         What skills does a good technical writer need?

o    A good technical writer must have strong language skills

o    A good technical writer must understand the highly evolved conventions of modern technical communications.

o    A good technical writer must understand their audience and purpose for writing.

o    A good technical writer can create informational media about a complicated technical subject, or task, in ways that almost anyone can clearly understand.

4/25/09

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

Announcing the YOUNG WRITERS' CAMP.

This will take place at Kennesaw Mountain High School.

The final day's celebration on the campus of Kennesaw State University.

This camp is for rising 6th grade through rising 9th grade students

$150.00 per student (Online registration)

SEE DETAILS: www.kmwp.org

ACCESS ONLINE REGISTRATION at www.kennesaw.edu click on KSU Mall - click on Kennesaw Mountain

Writing Project (17th bullet under "stores") and follow prompts or go directly to

https://epay.kennesaw.edu/C20923_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=33

(See Mrs. Worthington for a handout if you are interested.  :)

_______________________________________________________________________________

Study-Skill Tip:

Remember to bring all of your assignments and materials to school each day. An interesting observation is that students who are conscientious about being prepared are those students who think ahead-- and are often the students who receive high grades. Students who are "sluggish" about bringing in materials and walk into class with only one pencil and little paper are often those students who show little interest and have lower grades. Being prepared each day leaves a lasting impression about your work habits. Work hard at being prepared and show your instructors that you are proactive and manage your classes responsibilities like a champ.

Study-Skill Ideas:

• You may want to have a DROP~SPOT at your house where you always place items that are to go with you to school in the morning. For example, it may be near the door in which you leave in the morning. You can even leave yourself a Post-it note on top of your backpack if there are items not in that pile but are very critical for your class.
• Have you prepared your new folder we are calling "The 8th Grade Prep Folder?" This pocket folder has 25-pages attached and a cover sheet that has 25-famous quotes.
• YOUR FOLDER (or any project) SHOULD NOT BE . . . delivered by your parents. There are some who have called home, without my permission, to ask parents to deliver forgotten items. This causes classroom disruption, your time out of class, parents having to drop what they are doing. A delivered assignment is not considered to be on time. Turn your assignment in the following day.

_____________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

All media materials are to be turned in this FRIDAY.

If you are in the middle of a book, you may need to think about the pace you need to read to reach the last page.

ALSO . . . if you have lunch charges, you need to chat with your parents and pay your account.

Paying for your charges is an important life-lesson: It is important that you keep track of the items you charge. In the adult world you must pay charges in a timely way to avoid having your credit-line assessed as not being trustworthy. See if you can keep your credit in high standing.

READ~ON!

:)

Homework:

1.You need to do a search on Google

and download an article on the topic

of "technical writing." Add this to the back of your "8th Grade Prep Folder."

2. You need to download the short story

"Thank You Ma'm" by Langston Hughes.

You are to punch holes in this and attach it to your 8th grade

folder. On Friday we will be reading and doing a literature analysis on this writing.

3. You need, by now, to have your "8th-Grade Prep Folder"

prepared. You are to have 25 quotes by famous people as a cover sheet.

See the model I have if you do not have a clear picture of this.

REMEMBER:  You can not have more than three quotes by any one person.

This is a qrade for initial preparation and will also be a part of the language arts final assessment.

NOTE: If you do not have computer access to quotes, check the local library for books on quotes and do write the quotes neatly, or you may see me and come in early to use the computer or my quote books.

__________________________________

4/30/2009

More information about technical writing . . .

Technical Writing is . . .

• Technical writing is communication to convey a particular piece of information to a particular audience for a particular purpose.
• “The process of gathering information from experts and presenting it to an audience in a clear, easily understandable form.” 

~ The Society for Technical Communication

• “Technical writing and editing is an umbrella term for any sort of professional communication. It’s the interface between your ideas and the rest of the world.”

                     ~ The Society for Technical Communication                                                                               

• Technical writing is a specialized, structured way of writing.
• Technical writing translates complex technical concepts into simple language to enable a specific user or set of users to perform a specific task in a specific way. (Thus, audience analysis is a key feature of all technical writing.)
• “Technical communications is the delivery of technical information to readers (or listeners or viewers) in a manner that is adapted to their needs, level of understanding, and background.”
• Technical writing is presentation of information that helps readers solve a particular problem.
• Technical writing and editing is an umbrella term for any sort of professional communication.
• Technical communicators write, design, and/or edit proposals, manuals, web pages, lab reports, newsletters, and many other kinds of professional documents.
• Technical writing presents information in a manner that best suits cognitive and psychological needs of the readers, so they can respond as the author intended.
• Technical writing is a form of written communication
• Technical writing is writing that explains complex ideas to technical and nontechnical audiences
• What is Technical Writing/Editing?

“Technical writing and editing is an umbrella term for any sort of professional communication. It's the interface between your ideas and the rest of the world. Whether your business is computer, consulting, science, or service; for-profit, non-profit, or independent...you use technical writing, and you didn't even know it!   A technical writer/editor is someone who enjoys putting finger to keypad and creating the text to go along with the concept. We have a sense of the precise, the clear, and the uncomplicated. We focus on the communication, so you can focus on the concept. Today, technical communications text includes not only the written word on paper, but also in softcopy and online. Rather than spending valuable time learning the skills needed to produce these texts, you can use a freelance writer/editor (me!) to do that for you.”

 

• Technical writing translates complex technical concepts into simple language to enable a specific user or set of users to perform a specific task in a specific way. (Thus, audience analysis is a key feature of all technical writing.)
• “Technical communications is the delivery of technical information to readers (or listeners or viewers) in a manner that is adapted to their needs, level of understanding, and background.”
• Technical writing is presentation of information that helps readers solve a particular problem.
• Technical writing and editing is an umbrella term for any sort of professional communication.
• Technical communicators write, design, and/or edit proposals, manuals, web pages, lab reports, newsletters, and many other kinds of professional documents.
• What is involved in the process of developing information products?
• How does a technical communication begin and how does it continue to an end product?
• Technical writing presents information in a manner that best suits cognitive and psychological needs of the readers, so they can respond as the author intended.
• Technical writing is a form of written communication
• Technical writing is writing that explains complex ideas to technical and nontechnical audiences
• Technical writers gather information from existing documentation, and from subject matter experts. Technical writers may not be subject matter experts (SME).

 

 

Vocabulary . . .

1.    Stakeholders

2.    Technical writing

3.    Technical communicators

4.    Precision

5.    Audience analysis

6.    Professional documents

7.    Ambiguous prose

8.    Audience awareness

9.    Document

10. Professional appearance

11. Specialized information

12. Proposals

13. Reference documents

14. White papers

15. A Free-lance writer

16. Positive tone

17. Euphemisms

18. Fax

19. Tone

20. Memorandum

“Every memorandum will leak. Every memorandum marked 'confidential' will leak even faster."

--Robert Reich,
former U.S. secretary of Labor

 

21. Effective end-user manuals

22. The Society for Technical Communication (STC)

a.    The largest technical writing association

 

 

Take care,

Mrs. Worthington

Write~Spot Language Arts Blog (20 ~24)

Welcome to your language arts blog!

Big reminders for this week:

1. CRCT begins on Tuesday so plan for a good night's sleep.
2. Eat a healthful breakfast that supports good thinking.
3. Bring at least 2 WOODEN pencils that are SHARPENED to your homeroom class.
4. Bring a DEAR reading book that you are sure is an interesting read for you. Plan so you do not have to say: "I finished my book because I was at the end." If such might be the case, think ahead and have two books.

Monday . . .

Prepare your "Eighth-Grade Prep Folder." You will use this for the rest of this year.

In class students were to take notes on how to receive an "A." Refer to these notes.

This folder will house reference materials we will use the latter part of seventh as well as serve as resources that will be background information needed for 8th grade. You will need WIDE-LINED paper attached and also WIDE-LINED paper in the back pocked.

The cover page is what you see when you first open your folder.

Your cover sheet may be one or two pages, and it should have 25 quotes by famous people that are meaningful to you and may be used as part of some of the writings you do. Have no more than three quotes by the same person. Each quote should tell who originated the statement. For this assignment the quotes are to be positive and optimistic. You may use your computer or write by hand in a high quality manner.  (Please do not send an E-mail asking me to print out your assignment; merely write quotes carefully by hand, do in ink, and plan so your coversheet is presented well.) Remember, using  the computer is not required.

_____________________________

Take charge of your learning . . .

Tuesday will be the Reading CRCT. A good plan is to d0 a Google search;

type in  CRCT Test Practice + Georgia, and try some of the practice tests.

These practice tests will give you an idea of the types of questions you will have in your different

subjects.

____________________________

Tuesday:

Reading CRCT Test today.

Introduction of Technical Writing. What is Technical Writing?

You are to bring an example of Technical Writing. We will discuss what this may "look" like.

Tonight you are to ask your parents if they have a sample of technical writing from their work that they can donate to our class collection.

Remember -- two sharpened wooden pencils to homeroom. Actually, this should be what you bring daily to class. I bet if you go to class prepared and get your desk ready before the teacher asks you to--you are someone who thinks ahead, takes charge of your education, and has good grades!

You have a writing project that is due a week from tomorrow and is about The Giver. We will be discussing this again to make sure your questions are answered. Keep your handout available and begin this assignment today so you are not rushing. It is a multipart assignment and is designed to NOT do in one setting. Please keep this in mind.

You are to organize a new and last folder for language arts. It is a folder that will focus on

preparation for study skills in the eighth grade. There will be resources that will help you in the eighth as well as in the seventh.

Your cover sheet for this folder should have 25 quotes by famous people. There are examples for you to view in class today. You need 25-35 pieces of WIDELINED paper that should be attached.

REMEMBER-enter the room and prepare your desk. That means clear your desk of NONlanguage arts items, take out two sheets of paper, any ongoing assignments, and have your language arts grammar workbook. Of course, have you personal reading book and The Giver.

We are going to read Old Yeller, a historical fiction classic novel and will start that Monday. I have copies, but you may enjoy having your own.

Mrs. Worthington

Wednesday

1. We are going to read a short story classic in class called "Thank You, Ma'm" by Langston Hughes the next time we are in class.

For homework, download this story and  attached it to your "Eighth-Grade-Prep Folder." 

(If you would like to do a Random Act of Kindness, you may make an extra copy and I will give to students who may not have a working computer and bring a note.) 

Along with enjoying a famous short story by Langston Hughes, we will use his piece for

identifying parts of speech, writing style, and enjoy the fun of reading a writing with dialect conversation.

2. Do a search and find information about Langston Hughes.

If you do not have a computer, you must bring a note from your parents and let me know this is why you did not do this homework assignment. With a note you will not receive a late grade.

Write 16 facts or more about Langston Hughes. This should be written in cursive that is not too big nor too small. SKIP a line between each fact. NO rushed writing. Take your time to present high-quality work.

3. Write one of your essays for The Giver. You should complete a draft of ESSAY one.

Tomorrow, revise and do the final copy of this first essay.

4. Participation/Extra points for those who turn in 5 or more different brochures

or different examples of technical writings that I may keep for display. 

See me if you would like to do this option. Thank you for doing a little extra!

5.Folder: 8-Grade Prep Folder will have been explained to all classes today.
This should have a cover sheet that has 25 famous quotes and the author identified.
No more than 3 quotes by the same person should be included. Quotes can be found by doing a quote search Online.

The folder should have 35 pages attached. WIDE LINED PAPER only.

There should be 10 sheets always kept in the back pocket. Fill this pocket in the evenings.

You should have your own paper and not be borrowing. Show responsibility by bringing your materials.

                 

Thursday

Friday

Write Spot News!

Welcome to your language arts blog!

This week there is a breakfast celebration for students who made the honor roll!

Continue to read The Giver. Think about how different our society is and the importance of memories.

Also think about the different conflicts that appear in this novel.

By Monday you should be past chapter 15.

Make sure your name is on the novel. Put your name on the inside as well as the outside--perhaps on the bottom edge.

________________________

Some of you have folders that are in organized shape and some of you have folders that

are very messy. All papers should be attached to the binder and not just in a pile.

Please take care of this.

_______________________

Please, bring a pouch with writing "tools." This means about 4-5 pencils, colored pencils,

an eraser, Post-its, etc. Paper is always a must. Some of you are ripping paper out of a notebook and then pulling the edge off. Please, please, bring regular WIDE-lined paper to class.

______________________

Bring your grammar workbook to class each day to class. Write down in your agenda

the pages that are to be read, studied and completed.

Note to Parents:

You may want to check the folder organization and to see if your child is filling out his/her agenda in an organized manner.

You may want to note if your child is reading a variety of kinds of genre. Is your child reading only at school or is your child reading at home and when there is opportunity? Maybe we can encourage increased reading both at school and at home. :)

Write~Spot (March 23~27)

Welcome to the Write~Spot!

Reminders:

Bring your literature book and grammar workbook to class each day.

Bring The Giver novel to class.

Remember to come into class quickly and prepare your desk without teacher reminders.

_________________________

Behavior Tips:

NO CELL PHONES should be visible.

No gum; follow the rules.

Dress Code . . .

Save the jeans with holes for home.

Girls dress modestly and follow dress code.

Class Preparation . . .

You should come to class prepared each day with paper and writing materials.

Borrowing should not be taking place. You need to be responsible and prepared.

Girls, purses go on the floor and do not remain on desks. Make-up and hair brushing is not for the classroom.

_________________________

Academic Reminders . . .

Study for pronoun quiz on Wednesday.
You may use your Flip Chart Notes. This is an early check.

Giver quiz will be on Wednesday. Chap. 1~6.

Read The Giver. Go as far as you can.

_________________________

Monday:

1. Have Winter Folder by Monday.

2. Pronoun quiz Wednesday

3. Read The Giver. See agenda for exact chapter readings.

4. Grammar pages due tomorrow. See agenda for recording of exercise and pages.
5. YOU ARE TO HAVE AN AGENDA . . . please make sure you record correctly.

Tuesday:

After a brief class meeting we will go to the media center for

a lesson on a lesson on media/technology use.

Mrs. Hendrix discussed Skills Tutor and media information.

Continue to read The Giver.

Wednesday:

Continue to read The Giver novel. You should be on chapter 10. You may go past chapter 10.

Prepare for the pronoun test. Read and do all pages in the grammar workbook.

Read and review pronoun pages in WAG book for test study.

Daily Oral Language handout for study. Test on Tuesday.

PREPARE AN AGENDA IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A MABRY AGENDA. USE A SPIRAL NOTEBOOK ~ SEE HANDOUT.

Parent Notes and Tips . . .

Some students are not organizing their papers, and they are using their agendas to store a collection of papers. Agendas should not have any papers kept in them. All papers are to be in a binder or folder.All papers should be attached in their binder or neatly placed in the pocket of their language arts folder.

Many students are not taking their agendas home and not taking their personal reading books home. Agendas should be at home in the evenings. You may want to ask your child to see their agenda.

The agenda square should not just be filled with "NO HOMEWORK." The square should have a comment about what is being covered in class or some notes to remember. Academic squares should not ever be blank. ALL students should have an agenda. If they do not have a Mabry agenda a handout is provided today with directions on how to make an agenda using a pocket folder. (Plain paper with two pockets and brads).

Welcome to the Write Spot!

Thank you for visiting the Write Spot.

We have a regular schedule this week.

Monday notes . . .

Bring the book The Giver to Class each day to class.

Also bring your grammar workbook (FOCUS: Pronouns and Punctuation Sections).

We will be looking the poetry section in the literature text this week. Bring your literature text.

Welcome to the Write Spot (March 9~13)

Welcome to the Write~Spot!

Thank you for checking your language arts blog.

We are back to a regular schedule for this week!

Monday’s Homework:

1.      SEE the HANDOUT for writing the sentences discussed below.

You are to write 10 sentences, using a date, proper adjectives and titles. Make sure you look     carefully to see which words should be capitalized. Formatting should always be considered important when doing assignments. Skip lines between all parts. You need an MLA heading.

                                    REMINDERS . . .

This assignment is to be written in cursive.

This is not a paper that is typed.

NOTE:  If you cannot write in cursive, do in print;

however, write a letter to me and let me know what your cursive skills are like. We will make arrangements for a time when I can help you so you are familiar with both manuscript (print) AND cursive.

Staple your note to me to your paper.

How to get an A on your paper:

1.      Leave a space between each part or your paper.

2.      Pay attention to where the margins are.

3.      Avoid letters that are too large or too small.

4.      Form letters correctly. ( I will not be reading words because "I know what you mean.")  Each word must be written correctly so it appears to be spelled correctly.

5.      Remember to proof your paper before you turn it in. Nearly all words are spelled for you.

You will be going to the Mac Lab this week to enter your  8th grade writing paper into  Eval-U- Writer. This will provide you with additional feedback on some aspects of your writing.

 REMINDERS: By now, you should have turned your research paper in.

Welcome to the Write Spot! (February 16-20 )

Students continue to write research papers.

Typed paper (DRAFT) is to be finished on Friday.

NOTE:  If a computer typing is not possible, the draft should be written on notebook paper, skipped lines, and VERY neatly written. This is not a draft that is a first writing. This is a well crafted paper that is close to finish. (A parent note is required saying that a typed version is not possible.)

On Friday, students do peer editing with teacher guiding items to view.

On Thursday students will receive a helping checklist they should use for viewing their own draft.

Students should keep all drafts and each draft should be labeled as a draft. These will be turned in with the final paper.

Final paper is to be turned in on February 24.

NOTE: If it is not possible for the student to type this paper at home, I am available for a before school session or after-school session to do this. Please contact me via Email and we can arrange a time.

Monday:

Work on research paper. Introduction should be completed by today.

Tuesday:

Work on research paper. Second paragraph of research paper which describes the problem.

Wednesday:
Work on research paper. Third paragraph of research paper which tells the causes and the effects of  the problem.

Thursday:
Work on research paper. What solutions took place?
Write the closing of your paper. You should have your typed draft by tomorrow. This should be well written and you should have looked it over carefully. Tomorrow we will peer edit and continue to self edit.

Friday:

To be announced.

____________________________

HELP NEEDED?

For MLA help go to Purdue + OWL and this will give you very clear guidelines
for writing an MLA

paper.

__________________________

Students should be viewing Daily Oral Language

sentences for CRCT review and enrichment.

Students have a handout to use as a guide.