English 8

 

August 25-29: I will make daily updates to my web page for the rest of the 
year, but I will just summarize this first big week.
We have had many activities, especially focusing on "inquiry" skills, which, 
along with reading and writing, will be a major focus for this year. Our 
activities included: interviewing each other with creative questions, 
reviewing the most important policies in the planner, reading the disclosure 
statement (using effective reading strategies), and talking about the people 
who built this beautiful schooL.  Free reading started on Friday.
HOMEWORK AND DUE DATES: Supplies due Tuesday, September 2. (See disclosure 
statement.)
Signed disclosure statement due Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Interview with someone who has worked on the school, ten questions (seven of 
your own).  Due Wednesday, Sept. 3.
SCHOOL PICTURES WILL BE TAKEN WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 3.

     MONDAY, September 2: We started with an "Admission Ticket" on which 
students had to write one thing they learned last week.  It was a quick an 
effective to review, and they remembered very important ideas. I collected 
blue disclosure forms, which were due today. We then organized with our 
binders with sections for reading, vocabulary/spelling/grammar, inquiry, 
returned homework. Everyone has to name his/her own fifth section with a 
symbol that could stand for writing and creativity.  We had fun brainstorming 
several ideas (like puzzle, hurrican,and dynamite).
HOMEWORK: Complete your ten-question interview with a worker on the building. 
Choose a name for your fifth section, and be ready to explain to the class 
why you chose it.
     TUESDAY, September 3: We started with a D.O.L. in Section 2 of our 
binders, then handed in our interviews with workers. Students had a chance to 
explain what they chose to name their fifth section (a symbol for writing and 
creativity). I explained the first Reading Record.  Students need to read a 
total of 60 minutes and fill out the worksheet, writing one word for each 
minute they read (a summary of what was read).  Parents need to sign the form 
right below the student's summary. (Oh yes, we also had school pictures 
taken.)
HOMEWORK: Reading Record is due Monday.



 \