HOMEWORK HOTLINE
Mr. George's English 7 Class
My Favorite Quote:
"It's the Attitude and not the Aptitude that determines one's Altitude!"
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Keys to Student Responsibility and Success:
• Record assignments before leaving class.
• Check that you are organized and have all of your work before leaving each day.
• Call a friend if you are unclear on an assignment-- a "study buddy".
• Show up to class on time and ready to learn.
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Above all, try to be respectful, responsible and helpful-- and I'll try to do the same.
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IF THERE'S "NO HOMEWORK" >>>>>>> REMEMBER, THERE'S STILL 25+ MINUTES OF READING EACH NIGHT!
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IF ABLE TO, STUDENTS WHO ARE ABSENT SHOULD BE CHECKING FOR WHAT THEY'RE MISSING.
(Print out the HW Hotline page and use it as a checklist!)
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6/10: Finish TSB and be prepared to turn in Symbol's Packet. We will watch a great video
6/9: Read Chapter 25/26 TSB; Symbols packet due Friday; Final Test on TSB Monday (online)
6/7: Read Chapter 22 TSB and complete vocabulary part of studyguide
6/4: Read chapter 21 TSB
6/3: Geese HW Sheet
Note: To tighten "security" on the TSB chapter 16-20 test, I did give it in class, on the computers, in the library. It was still open book.
6/2: Same as yesterday: Studyguide for Chapters 16-20 is due on Thursday--with the "Letter to Mom" writing activity. Keep working on the Symbols Packet as you will encounter many of the symbols in these chapters.
6/1: Studyguide for Chapters 16-20 is due on Thursday--with the "Letter to Mom" writing activity. Keep working on the Symbols Packet as you will encounter many of the symbols in these chapters. The Online quiz will be posted Thursday night to take "open book" at home. Although it is open book, be sure to read the chapters first.
5/27: none--reading chapters 16/17 optional
5/26: No HW if you finished Adversity Packet in class-- "Baseball Day" tomorrow!!!
5/25: none
5/24: Chapter 1-13 TSB Test on Wednesday. Finish TSB 10-15 studyguide and writing activity due Wednesday. Restate/Separate Paper.
5/21-23: Chapter 15 TSB, Vocabulary Page in Packet 10-15, Keep working on Symbols Packet due at end of novel.
5/20: Chapter 13: TSB, Spirit Bear Symbols Packet due when we are finished with novel. Work on little by little. Be sure to include page numbers of scenes/events you reference.
5/19: Chapter 12 TSB for tomorrow and Spirit Bear Symbols Packet due when we are finished with novel. Work on little by little. Be sure to include page numbers of scenes/events you reference.
5/18: None
5/17: No Homework as we have Colonial Day tomorrow. Please dress appropriately for cool morning air and/or possible light rain. Sweaters and light jackets make for nice removable layers. If rain predominates, the stations will be moved inside.
5/14: Studyguide 6-9 due Monday ; Questions 1-7 and Questions for Discussion 1-4 on separate paper and restate, please! Take "open book" TSB 1-3 online test at Classmarker.com (Google it so you get there). If not working--I will provide you with paper version on Monday. It should work--very few problems with this site. However, don't panic if it does not--I'll see ya Monday!!!
5/13: Read Chapter 8 for Tomorrow and finish studyguide6-9 for Monday
Quiz on Chap 1-5 vocab tomorrow--Friday
5/7-5/9: Chapter 1-5 Studyguide due Monday
5/6: Chapter 1-5 Studyguide due Monday
5/5: Complete Tlingit Background Questions--short answer okay. Read rest of Chapter 2 in Spirit Bear
5/3: Animal Totem Assignment
4/30--None
4/29-- None
4/28-- None
4/27: ELA TEST TOMORROW--BOOK 2: Listening Passage/Note Taking -- 4 multiple choice and 2 short responses & Editing Paragraph. I provided students with some last minute rule sheets we've covered this year as well as some practice paragraphs with solutions. Great job today--one more day--we're almost there. COMING SOON: Touching Spirit Bear--a great novel to wrap up the year!!!!!
4/26: ELA TEST TOMORROW--BOOK 1: 4-5 Reading Passages/26 multiple choice/2 short responses Good night's sleep, breakfast, (2) #2 pencils! You're ready for this, guys!!! You've taken 4 different NYS Practice Tests with exposure to lots of different kinds of questions and passages. You've practiced your short responses and looked at numerous state samples. Just use the strategies I've taught, try your best--that's all I ask!!! See you tomorrow!
4/23: ELA Test on Tuesday/Wednesday--study ELA terms and complete editing packet.
4/21: ELA Editing Practice Sheets ELA Test on Tuesday and Wednesday next week
4/20: ELA Editing Practice Packet
4/19: ELA Exam NEXT TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY-- 4/27 and 4/28, Study "ELA Terms to Know" for next week's exam, Editing Practice Sheet
4/16: ELA Editing Practice Packet--mark the errors
4/15: Final Copy of Risk Poem (see your partner checklist for requirements)
4/14: Capitals packet for tomorrow; Final Copy of Poem with revisions due Friday. Students on D.C. trip poem due Monday
4/13: Adjectives worksheet; Poem typed up for partner to check in class
4/12: HW: Complete Adjective/.Adverbs Packet; Typed "Risk" Poem for Wednesday
4/1 Vacation: ELA 2008 Book 1
3/31: Figurative Language Packet due tomorrow--2 original examples in cursive for each term.
3/30: Brainstorm ideas for "Risk" poem; Begin working on Figurative Language packet--class time will be provided tomorrow--it will be due on Thursday.
3/29: Answer questions about "Swinging the River" and complete editing practice.
3/26-3/28: Titles Practice
3/25: Titles Wkst Practice; Review Wksts on Apostrophes/Quotations for tomorrows quiz; Book fair tomorrow
3/24: Finish apostrophes hw and quotations wkst for tomorrow--test on Friday on quotations and apostrophes
3/23- none
3/22: Finish Grammar Packet on Quotation Marks, Apostrophes, Colon, Semicolons
3/17: Memorize Poem and complete Poem Study for Friday
3/16 HW: Memorize poem for Friday and complete your poem study.
3/11 HW: Bring apostrophes flashcards to class for quiz--don't forget; Gazzette essay for extra credit due tomorrow; choose poem to be memorized by Monday; bring poem to class tomorrow if you've already chosen it.
3/10 HW: Apostrophes Practice/Cut & Study Flashcards, Gazzette Essay for Extra Credit (typed & double spaced) Choose memorized poem for Monday. Memorize by next Friday.
3/9 HW: Musher info due--printo out or hand copied from website; G'pa/G'ma Extra Credit Essay due Fri.; find 15+ line poem to memorize.
3/4 Today we reviewed the answers of ELA #1 and discussed test stragies that would have led to fewer mistakes.
HW: Quiz tomorrow on homonyms--use sheets to study.
3/3 HW: To, Two, Too worksheet Quiz on homonyms Fri.
3/1 Today students were presented with a lesson on the NYS ELA 7th Grade Exam. They received a packet that includes all of the basic information about the test --it will take place on April 27th and 28th. We will continue reviewing until then.
HW:: ELA Packet Questions 1-17
2/26 Today, students finished open book test on Woodsong.
HW: ELA Packet Read and anwer questions-- DONT do 1,2,3--story for those not included. Answer all other multiple choice and write paragraph.
2/22 Welcome Back! Today, students turned in their vacation homework--thanks to those who encouraged their children to complete it. It was only two chapters in the book and a few multiple choice questions. We discussed the chapters and I assigned the next segment of reading--the author refers to it as "The Race", which is his account of racing in the Iditarod. The Iditarod race begins in 11 days and we will be following it as a class--it's fun! Can't wait!
HW: Read "The Race" Days 1-6 and answer multiple choice questions.
Handouts: Studyguide for "The Race"
2/12 Today was a big assessment day. I gave a quiz on commas and scored their Woodsong studyguide HW as a quiz.
HW: Read Chapters 7 and 8 in Woodsong and answer multiple choice questions
2//11 Today, we discussed the quiz on Woodsong Chap 1-3 and then reviewed the comma practice to be ready for tomorrow's test.
HW: READ CHAPTER 6 and do questions for 4 and 6 in packet
2/9 Today, we learned and reviewed four comma rules--interrupters, series, compound and openers. We discussed chapter 2 of Woodsong.
Handouts: Comma Packet
HW: 16 cursive sentences demonstrating comma rules (in packet) Read Chapter 3 of Woodsong-- have multiple choice packet finished. Study for Friday's comma test on first four rules.
Upcoming Assessment: Comma test on Friday; Know rules, both lists of conjunctions (AAAWWUBBIS/FANBOYS), and be able to punctuate using four comma rules.
2/8 Today, we wrapped up watching Ironwill--a Disney movie depicting a dogsled race--great film and typical "happy ending" Disney. We began the novel, Woodsong by Gary Paulsen a very different account of the outdoors and dogsledding.
Handouts: Chapters 1-3 Studyguide
HW: Read Chapters 1 and 2 and answer multiple choice questions in packet.
2/3 MAGAZINE DUE TOMORROW--ASSEMBLED AND READY TO TURN IN AT BEGINNING OF CLASS! NO LATE MAGAZINES ACCEPTED! THEY LOOK GREAT CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM!!!
1/28-1/31 Students have checklist and should complete items for magazine accordingly.
1/27 Final Draft the Compare/Contrast paragraph for your topic. Work on Magazine Contents! Magazine due on Wednesday (next week)
1/20:
Today, I had a few students put their papers under the lights and we used a checklist to discuss the success of their research paragraphs. I gave them time to begin their appearance paragraph for their second animal.
HW: Polished draft of both appearance paragraphs--typed or in cursive. (double space or skip lines depending so we can revise)
1/19:
Today, I modeled an appearance paragraph on the cheetah reminding students about order of information, topic sentence, and transition words. Students began a draft for the appearance of one of your animals.
HW: Write rough draft of appearance for animal one. Skip lines, fronts only, pencil and respect margins
1/15
Today, we took a spelling test to choose the first round of students for the spelling bee. Winners will be announced next week. Then I gave back the research assessments for our week in the library. The students have "compare-contrast" packet to complete for weekend homework.
HW: Compare/Contrast Packet pages 16-23
1/12 150 notecards by Thursday's class--we are DONE with the research--now we gwet writing!!!
1/7: KEEP READING AND RESEARCHING-- 60+ notecards by Monday, please
1/6 Today, students shared some of their questions they developed and we talked about effective research questions. We developed some effective search terms and I provided them with a sample of a note card. Students learned how to record source information and assign source numbers.
Handouts: Notes from presentarion showing steps for taking notes from sources
HW: 15 note cards on either animal (or both) using their internet sources. (cards should be properly formatted)
1/5 Today , we reviewed the magazine project at the beginning of class. I showed them a thesis statement and modeled one for them and then they in turn drafted their own. They will recopy in cursive (or type) for homework. We discussed the idea that good research springs from asking good questions, then seeking their answers. I modeled some good questions for them and then asked them to come up with questions of their own for their topic and animals.
Handouts: Thesis and Development Sheet
HW: 10 animal questions, thesis recopied, 6 intewrnet articles
1/4: Welcome Back and LET THE ANIMAL RESEARCH BEGIN!
Today, knowing that the students wouldn't be worth much (energy wise), I did most of the talking. I compared our class to a magazine publishing company and explained that they would each be creating an animal magazine much like the Ranger Rick animal magazine. I presented the overall project (via powerpoint) and gave them a sense of what the end product might look like and what my expectations are. I also showed them the final grading sheet and talked about the importance of use of school and library time as well as meeting deadlines. The effort along the way is the key to success on this project. Last minute writers and magazine makers may NOT get the grade they expect--especially if their effort along the way is suspect. The students received a copy of the presentation for their binders and I
explained that I would be staying after most Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays in the library for the next three weeks.
HW: First Magazine Deadline: 3 internet articles per animal for a total of 6 due on Wednesday. Get notecards (at least 200) for Wednesday's class
1/5
Today, I reviewed the magazine project and then had students write a thesis statement and begin developing questions to begin "wondering". To help them with organizatioun, students were provided a large envelope for all of their research worksheets, articles, and materials.
12/14: Today we finished watching the IMAX movie on Dolphins-- a movie that models the research process which begin with a topic and asking questions. I collected their Community Essays and let them work on their commas packet.
Handouts: Comma packet
HW: First three rules for commas--complete pages of packet and write sentences in cursive.
12/11: Watched IMAX Dolphins movie and collected Reading Journals
HW: Community Essay due on Monday-- typed asnd double spaced.
12/10: Today, students were able to choose working on their essays or reading logs.
HW: Reading Log due tomorrow--last 5 entries. Community Essay due on Monday--typed and double spaced (Cursive with note from parents is acceptable)
12/9: Happy Snow Day!!!
12/8: Today, students worked on their body paragraphs.
HW: Continue writing and revising
12/7
Today, we looked at student introductions for their Community Essaya and reviewed the two requirements for a good introduction--the hook and the thesis. Students conferenced with a partner and then I asked for a few volunteers to go under the lights so we could conference them as a class.
HW: Type up the introduction and write the body paragraph--the plan!!!
12/2
Today, we played a review game to review for tomorrow's capitals test. I collected the Reading Logs.
HW: Study for the Capitals Test!
12/1
Today, we continued our review of capitals--test on Thursday.
HW: Review sheet; Reading log check #2 tomorrow
Handouts: Review sheet, Rules for Capitals sheet
Upcoming Assessment: Capitals test Thursday
11/30
Today we reviewed our last two rules for capitals and I gave out a review sheet for classwork and homework. I reminded students that their Reading Log is due on Wednesday--another 5 summaries. I will give them a test on Capitals on Thursday.
HW: Capitals Review Sheet--both sides. Complete both "Write" sections and be sure to use 10 different rules in each assignment.
Long Term: Capitals Test on Thursday, Reading Log progress checks and due date: Wed (12/2) Whole packet due: Fri (12/11)
Happy Thanksgiving!
11/24
A lot due tomorrow. "Pick your Poison" Day. Students could choose what they wanted to work on today, and I was at my desk available for support.
HW: "Plan" for project due tomorrow--in packet.
Long Term: Reading Log progress checks and due date: tomorrow Wed (11/25), Wed (12/2) Whole packet due: Fri (12/11)
11/23: Three day week, everybody!!!
Today, students took a short quiz on rules for capitals, and we went over their weekend homework. I took students through an example of the essay they will write after break and had them start piecing together the plan surrounding their idea to help the community. Thank you to parents who are helping their child think of an idea--some of them have been very clever and unique.
HW: "Plan" for project due Wednesday--in packet.
Long Term: Reading Log progress checks and due date: this Wed (11/25), Wed (12/2) Whole packet due: Fri (12/11)
11/20-11/22: Students Received Report Cards Today--please sign envelopes and return. Check Demographic Sheet, too.
Today, we added two more to our list of capitals rules, and I assigned another 4 rules to study for the weekend. We talked about ideas for the commnunity essay and I got the feeling that, in at least two of the classes, some students have not spent much time looking at the packet of 365 ideas. I'll help kids with ideas but NOT if I don't think they've done any prep on their end. Nonetheless, students need an idea for Monday--do or die. I met with each student about the book they've chosen for their Reading Log and helped them arrive at a plan for completing 15 entries. Students had time to read or work on their weekend homework.
Handouts: Capitals Weekend HW Packet
HW: Complete Capitals packet (no write section); Idea for essay ready to go for Monday--talk it up at home!!!
Upcoming Assessment: Monday Quiz on Capitals (rules so far) (NOT counting the packet this weekend)
Long Term: Reading Log progress checks and due date: Wed (11/25), Wed (12/2) Whole packet due: Fri (12/11)
11/19: Today, we reviewed the capital letters rules and went over the capitals homework page. To review the caps rules so far, I put up some powerpoint slides to check for understanding. We transitioned to their community essay project and I gave them a packet they will use to develop their essay. Right now, we're still in the idea stage and I'm encouraging students to talk over the project with family and friends to keep looking for that "gem" of an idea--perhaps one that combines a little of the student (their interests, hobbies, their talents) with a way to help improve the community. One student today who is a diver thought of holding a diving show/competition with her team to entertain the elderly--not a bad idea!
Handouts: Essay Packet; Capitals wkst
HW: Keep gathering community essay ideas; complete both sides of capitals worksheet. Bring book and reading log to class tomorrow
Upcoming Assessment: Monday Quiz on Capitals rules so far.
Long Term: Reading Log progress checks and due date : Wed (11/25), Wed (12/2) Whole packet due: Fri (12/11)
11/18: Today, we reviewed the first two rules for capitals and learned about proper and common nouns. I gave out the Reading Log assignment and deadlines for each stage of this longterm assignment. Students will bring in their books on Friday for me to check. We watched a short video clip from the movie "Pay it Forword" where a teacher asks each student to find a way to change or improve their world for the better. I gave each student a packet of 365 ideas of how to change their community and asked them to talk to parents, neighbors and friends about ideas they have to make their community a better place.
Handouts: Reading Log packet and 365 ideas packet
HW: Bring fiction book to class by Friday; write down 6 ideas to change/imporve the community on separate paper; "Mount Everest" Page in their Capitals packet.
Long Term: Reading Log progress checks and due date : Wed (11/25), Wed (12/2) Whole packet due: Fri (12/11)
11/17: Today, we finished up our discussion of the short story, "My Friend, Flicka". The kids liked the story and did quite well with the open ended questions that were assigned. We had a great discussion about the story, its characters and its messages. We then did an offbeat activity where students tried to decipher a paragraph that had no rules for spelling, punctuation or capitalization. If students figured it out, they received a small but sweet treat. The point being that we NEED rules in our language--so I shouldn't hear kids asking , "Why do we have to know this stuff?"
Handouts: Capital Packet
HW: Complete first two pages of packet--all work can be done in the packet.