Welcome to Ms. Amanda's class website. Here you will be able to find classroom themes, homework assignments, tips, and resources.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Breaking Stalin's Nose HW and Quiz on Monday, 12/10

I am extremely excited to begin working on this new book.  I am very impressed by the level of detail in the reactions to author Eugene Velchin's website.  I'm sure some of the information was surprising, shocking, or even upsetting.  Please continue to visit the site as we read to review historical aspects of the book. http://www.eugeneyelchinbooks.com/breakingstalinsnose/synopsis.php

We are going to be doing the reading homework a little differently.  We will be reading most of the chapters in class (since they are short) and annotating in our books when we come across unknown words or have insightful reflections.

We will also begin a literary analysis sheet in class.  Today we did one example together analyzing the setting and its influence on the character's actions, choices, behaviors, and feelings.

The form will be attached to the assignment on NetClassroom.  Students are expected to complete at least one additional quote and interpretation like the example we did in class.  So you can ignore the part of the HW coversheet that says to fill in three more examples.  You only have to complete at least one. :)

Please ask if you have any questions about how to complete it.

Be on the lookout for examples of propaganda!  We'll talk about it in class next week. :)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

C2, Vocab HW and Test on 12/3

This week we began writing sentences using our words.  Many of you did an excellent job relating our vocab words to current events, like the calamitous Hurricane Sandy and how we should comport ourselves while playing sports.  Add sentences to our Wallwisher site!  Click twice on the board below to add a sticky note. :)




Vocab Lists This Week (Check your email for the actual PDFs of the vocab lesson)

C12

D12

E12

To prepare for the next test, I recommend going to the site and reviewing the previous units so that you are prepared for the review questions on the test (worth 10% of your test grade).  

Vocab list C12 should review C7, C8, C9,  C10, C11- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_c.php.  

Vocab list D12 should review D7, D8, D9, D10, C11- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_d.php.  

Vocab list E12 should review E7, E8, E9, E10, E11- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_e.php.  

Homework 

You are expected to...

-complete all the worksheets in the vocab packet (hint: use the notes we took during class to help you on the "completing the sentence" section.)

-create flashcards for the words using the specified set-up displayed on the back of the cover sheet.  You do not have to handwrite them.  They can be created digitally or with additional copies of the worksheet definitions, sentences, synonyms, & antonyms.  They DO need to have all the required information.



-study for the test on your own using your flashcards, playing vocabulary taboo, or visit www.vocabtest.com or www.vocabularyworkshop.com (see my vocabulary page for more information on how to access the games -http://msamandadesilva.blogspot.com/p/vocabulary.html).

As extra credit, you may...

-choose one of the options on the back of the cover sheet.  One satisfactorily-completed extra-credit option will earn you an extra 10% on that homework assignment, and it only has to use 10 words!  This is an opportunity to let your creativity shine while you use the words.

Test 

The vocab tests will have a spelling section and a multiple-choice section.

The spelling will consist of 20 words and each word will be worth 1 point each.

All Future Vocab Tests Except Review Tests
After this first week of vocabulary, the vocab tests will have a review section.  So there will be 35 questions on the unit assigned for that week.
      -about 5 definitions
      -about 7 synonyms
      -about 8 antonyms
      -about 15 sentences

There will also be 10 review questions from all the words from the previous lessons covered that school year each worth 1 point.
      -about 5 definitions
      -about 5 sentences

So it is extremely important to keep your flashcards and review previous lessons often or play the online games for the previous lessons frequently to keep those words fresh in your memory.

Parents, please help encourage your child to use these words in conversations they have with you, look for examples of these words in the books, radio, TV, movies, etc you come into contact with.  This will not only positively reinforce the definition and examples of the word, but it also will show how they are actually used in the real world! :)

Please ask if you have any questions!

P1 & P2, The Hunger Games Final Project Instructions

Even though the final project for each class is due on two different days, the instructions apply to both.

Please pick one of the circled options in the packet and develop a creative, thorough, appropriate demonstration of your comprehension of the text.

Whichever project you choose, be sure you follow all the instructions and include the indicated number of quotes.  Remember that to cite correctly, you should include the quote in quotation marks and the page number.

You also should have a works cited page at the back where you include any websites, images, videos, analysis that helped you design your project.  This could include resources that gave you inspiration or that provided you with images.  It does not need to be a formal works cited page, but I do encourage you to apply what you learned last year.  The first citation for all of you should be Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games.

While I do encourage you to do individual projects, you may discuss ideas with your peers.  You may ask for input or advice on what you could include.  Just be sure that you do not give your work to others or copy others' work.

If you are interested in working with a group or on a project that is not circled, please email me or talk to me to get approval before beginning.

Also, have fun with this project!  Let your creativity shine!  I can't wait to see them!

For both classes, the PDF is on NetClassroom.

P2's project is due Tuesday, 11/27.

P1's project is due Monday, 12/3.

   

Monday, November 19, 2012

Breaking Stalin's Nose - Visiting Eugene Yelchin's Website

Please visit Breaking Stalin's Nose author's website to learn more about the world Eugene Yelchin describes.  Click on three of the headings and closely explore the images and text on the page.  Do not pick "Home" or "Synopsis."

Write/Describe your reaction to those sections on this post.  Use the following points to help you compose your response.

-identify the section
-summarize what it says
-any interesting facts
-any surprising information
-do you agree or disagree with what it stated

http://www.eugeneyelchinbooks.com/breakingstalinsnose/synopsis.php

You must post your reaction by Friday, November 30.

Friday, November 16, 2012

P2, Vocab HW and Test on Thursday, 11/29



Another great week of vocabulary!  I must say that I am impressed by those of you ingenious scholars who are including these weekly vocab words in your writing and daily language!  Keep it up!  That's the way to really develop your vocabulary and move the meanings into your long term memory!  

Vocab Lists This Week (Check your email for the actual PDFs of the vocab lesson)

C11

D14

E2

To prepare for the next test, I recommend going to the site and reviewing the previous units so that you are prepared for the review questions on the test (worth 10% of your test grade).  

Vocab list C11 should review C7, C8, C9, & C10- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_c.php.  

Vocab list D14 should review D10, D11, D12, & D13- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_d.php.  

Vocab list E2 should review E1- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_e.php.  

Homework 

You are expected to...

-complete all the worksheets in the vocab packet (hint: use the notes we took during class to help you on the "completing the sentence" section.)

-create flashcards for the words using the specified set-up displayed on the back of the cover sheet.  You do not have to handwrite them.  They can be created digitally or with additional copies of the worksheet definitions, sentences, synonyms, & antonyms.  They DO need to have all the required information.



-study for the test on your own using your flashcards, playing vocabulary taboo, or visit www.vocabtest.com or www.vocabularyworkshop.com (see my vocabulary page for more information on how to access the games -http://msamandadesilva.blogspot.com/p/vocabulary.html).

As extra credit, you may...

-choose one of the options on the back of the cover sheet.  One satisfactorily-completed extra-credit option will earn you an extra 10% on that homework assignment, and it only has to use 10 words!  This is an opportunity to let your creativity shine while you use the words.

Test 

The vocab tests will have a spelling section and a multiple-choice section.

The spelling will consist of 20 words and each word will be worth 1 point each.

All Future Vocab Tests Except Review Tests
After this first week of vocabulary, the vocab tests will have a review section.  So there will be 35 questions on the unit assigned for that week.
      -about 5 definitions
      -about 7 synonyms
      -about 8 antonyms
      -about 15 sentences

There will also be 10 review questions from all the words from the previous lessons covered that school year each worth 1 point.
      -about 5 definitions
      -about 5 sentences

So it is extremely important to keep your flashcards and review previous lessons often or play the online games for the previous lessons frequently to keep those words fresh in your memory.

Parents, please help encourage your child to use these words in conversations they have with you, look for examples of these words in the books, radio, TV, movies, etc you come into contact with.  This will not only positively reinforce the definition and examples of the word, but it also will show how they are actually used in the real world! :)

Please ask if you have any questions!

P1, Vocab HW and Test on Wednesday, 11/28



Another great week of vocabulary!  I must say that I am impressed by those of you ingenious scholars who are including these weekly vocab words in your writing and daily language!  Keep it up!  That's the way to really develop your vocabulary and move the meanings into your long term memory!  

Vocab Lists This Week (Check your email for the actual PDFs of the vocab lesson)

Green 5

C11

D14

E2

To prepare for the next test, I recommend going to the site and reviewing the previous units so that you are prepared for the review questions on the test (worth 10% of your test grade).  

Vocab list C11 should review C7, C8, C9, & C10- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_c.php.  

Vocab list D14 should review D10, D11, D12, & D13- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_d.php.  

Vocab list E2 should review E1- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_e.php.  

Homework 

You are expected to...

-complete all the worksheets in the vocab packet (hint: use the notes we took during class to help you on the "completing the sentence" section.)

-create flashcards for the words using the specified set-up displayed on the back of the cover sheet.  You do not have to handwrite them.  They can be created digitally or with additional copies of the worksheet definitions, sentences, synonyms, & antonyms.  They DO need to have all the required information.



-study for the test on your own using your flashcards, playing vocabulary taboo, or visit www.vocabtest.com or www.vocabularyworkshop.com (see my vocabulary page for more information on how to access the games -http://msamandadesilva.blogspot.com/p/vocabulary.html).

As extra credit, you may...

-choose one of the options on the back of the cover sheet.  One satisfactorily-completed extra-credit option will earn you an extra 10% on that homework assignment, and it only has to use 10 words!  This is an opportunity to let your creativity shine while you use the words.

Test 

The vocab tests will have a spelling section and a multiple-choice section.

The spelling will consist of 20 words and each word will be worth 1 point each.

All Future Vocab Tests Except Review Tests
After this first week of vocabulary, the vocab tests will have a review section.  So there will be 35 questions on the unit assigned for that week.
      -about 5 definitions
      -about 7 synonyms
      -about 8 antonyms
      -about 15 sentences

There will also be 10 review questions from all the words from the previous lessons covered that school year each worth 1 point.
      -about 5 definitions
      -about 5 sentences

So it is extremely important to keep your flashcards and review previous lessons often or play the online games for the previous lessons frequently to keep those words fresh in your memory.

Parents, please help encourage your child to use these words in conversations they have with you, look for examples of these words in the books, radio, TV, movies, etc you come into contact with.  This will not only positively reinforce the definition and examples of the word, but it also will show how they are actually used in the real world! :)

Please ask if you have any questions!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

P2, The Hunger Games HW and Test on Wednesday, 11/14


Sorry, I am posting this late.  I'm excited to discuss the conclusion of the story tomorrow.

Visit NetClassroom for the PDF of the new Hunger Games Ch. 25-27 HW.  

Be sure to follow the directions as stated on previous posts and click on the links to see lists/charts of themes.

As a fun, extra activity, reflect on the part of the story in which you were so engrossed that you could not put the book down.  Briefly describe the part and explain why you felt that way.  Click on the link below to add the sticky note. :)


P1, The Hunger Games Ch. 25-27 HW and Test on Tuesday, 11/20

What an eventful couple of chapters!  We will discuss the HW tomorrow after our writing test.

Please keep in mind that the next HW and test is the day before you begin your Thanksgiving break.  If you know that you will not be here that day, please arrange to take the test before you go.  It will be quite a lot of work to take that test and complete the final project for the book.

Visit NetClassroom for the PDF of the new Hunger Games Ch. 25-27 HW.  

Be sure to follow the directions as stated on previous posts and click on the links to see lists/charts of themes.

As a fun, extra activity, reflect on the part of the story in which you were so engrossed that you could not put the book down.  Briefly describe the part and explain why you felt that way.  Click on the link below to add the sticky note. :)
http://wallwisher.com/wall/engrossedinhg


C2, Vocab HW and Test on Tuesday, 11/20


Another great week of vocabulary!  I must say that I am impressed by those of you ingenious scholars who are including these weekly vocab words in your writing and daily language!  Keep it up!  That's the way to really develop your vocabulary and move the meanings into your long term memory!

Keep in mind that our next test is the Tuesday before you have a Thanksgiving Break.  Please let me know if you will not be here that day so we can arrange for you to take the test before you go.  

As a fun extension to your vocab, click on the link below to show one of your words in action!  You will earn 2% extra credit for every word and link you post (up to 10%)!




Vocab Lists This Week (Check your email for the actual PDFs of the vocab lesson)

C11

D11

E11

To prepare for the next test, I recommend going to the site and reviewing the previous units so that you are prepared for the review questions on the test (worth 10% of your test grade).  

Vocab list C11 should review C7, C8, C9, & C10- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_c.php.  

Vocab list D11 should review D7, D8, D9, & D10- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_d.php.  

Vocab list E11 should review E7, E8, E9, & E10- http://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_workshop/level_e.php.  

Homework 

You are expected to...

-complete all the worksheets in the vocab packet (hint: use the notes we took during class to help you on the "completing the sentence" section.)

-create flashcards for the words using the specified set-up displayed on the back of the cover sheet.  You do not have to handwrite them.  They can be created digitally or with additional copies of the worksheet definitions, sentences, synonyms, & antonyms.  They DO need to have all the required information.



-study for the test on your own using your flashcards, playing vocabulary taboo, or visit www.vocabtest.com or www.vocabularyworkshop.com (see my vocabulary page for more information on how to access the games -http://msamandadesilva.blogspot.com/p/vocabulary.html).

As extra credit, you may...

-choose one of the options on the back of the cover sheet.  One satisfactorily-completed extra-credit option will earn you an extra 10% on that homework assignment, and it only has to use 10 words!  This is an opportunity to let your creativity shine while you use the words.

Test 

The vocab tests will have a spelling section and a multiple-choice section.

The spelling will consist of 20 words and each word will be worth 1 point each.

All Future Vocab Tests Except Review Tests
After this first week of vocabulary, the vocab tests will have a review section.  So there will be 35 questions on the unit assigned for that week.
      -about 5 definitions
      -about 7 synonyms
      -about 8 antonyms
      -about 15 sentences

There will also be 10 review questions from all the words from the previous lessons covered that school year each worth 1 point.
      -about 5 definitions
      -about 5 sentences

So it is extremely important to keep your flashcards and review previous lessons often or play the online games for the previous lessons frequently to keep those words fresh in your memory.

Parents, please help encourage your child to use these words in conversations they have with you, look for examples of these words in the books, radio, TV, movies, etc you come into contact with.  This will not only positively reinforce the definition and examples of the word, but it also will show how they are actually used in the real world! :)

Please ask if you have any questions!