In January the 8th graders will begin the 1960's unit in language arts. Within the 4 week unit, students will watch informational videos and participate in class discussions involving the important events within the decade. Students will also research a particular topic and participate in a formal debate.
I hope everyone has a relaxing holiday! Enjoy the valuable time you have with family and friends! See you in the new year!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
THE OUTSIDERSIn reading class we have finished reading the novel The Outsiders. The students really enjoyed the book and did well through out the unit. The students did an activity today in which they wrote a paragraph about which character they were most similar to in the novel. We will beginning the Mythology unit.
Friday, November 20, 2009
week of November 23
During the short week of November 23, the 8th grade reading classes will be finishing The Outsiders. We will be reviewing for the final test on Monday and the test will be on Tuesday. We will also be picking out our next book report book.
I hope everyone has something to be thankful for! Have a wonderful extended weekend!!!
Friday, November 13, 2009
week of November 16
In reading class the 8th graders will be finishing The Outsiders. As usual, it has been enjoyed by all the students and they have been to excited to read it everyday. After we take the final test, we will be watching the movie.
In language arts we are continuing to write persuasive essays. We have taken the students through each part of the writing process. Today we worked on the first body paragraph and we will continure with the second and third body paragraphs and conclusion early in the week. The rough draft will be due on Wednesday.
In language arts we are continuing to write persuasive essays. We have taken the students through each part of the writing process. Today we worked on the first body paragraph and we will continure with the second and third body paragraphs and conclusion early in the week. The rough draft will be due on Wednesday.
Monday, November 9, 2009
week of November 9
This week in language arts we will begin writing our third essay of the year, a persuasive essay. This essay follows the same format as the expository essay (Character Sketch). It does not require any research because the students write about something they are already familiar with.
Also, the polished draft of the Character Sketch is due Tuesday, November 10. This is worth 10 points. Students need both their graded final draft and polished draft to earn the 10 points.
In reading we are continuing to read The Outsiders. We will taking a quiz on Chapters 6-8. Students will be quizzed on vocabulary and comprehension of the novel.
In RtI, we will be focusing on context clues. We will be doing an activity with vocabulary from The Outsiders which will help them on Tuesday's quiz.
Also, the polished draft of the Character Sketch is due Tuesday, November 10. This is worth 10 points. Students need both their graded final draft and polished draft to earn the 10 points.
In reading we are continuing to read The Outsiders. We will taking a quiz on Chapters 6-8. Students will be quizzed on vocabulary and comprehension of the novel.
In RtI, we will be focusing on context clues. We will be doing an activity with vocabulary from The Outsiders which will help them on Tuesday's quiz.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
week of November 2
The 8th graders have finished the second essay of the year, the expository, so we will be taking a short break form writing to focus on grammar. Today we began subject/verb agreement and will continue in that content area for the majority of next week. We will be taking the quiz on Thursday.
In reading class we have finished half of The Outsiders. The students have really enjoyed reading this novel which has been a favorite for many years. We will continue to read every day and our next quiz we be early in the week of November 9.
In reading class we have finished half of The Outsiders. The students have really enjoyed reading this novel which has been a favorite for many years. We will continue to read every day and our next quiz we be early in the week of November 9.
Friday, October 16, 2009
In language arts we finished our first essay which was a narrative and will already begin the next essay, expository writing. Beginning Monday, we will discuss the format for a expository essay and explain the important components of a well written essay. We will take a "step-by-step" approach, focusing on one component each day.
In reading we will be continuing to read The Outsiders in class and will be taking our first accelerated reader test on Monday.
Explore retakes will be taken Monday!
Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated next week. The students will take part in an assembly Tuesday morning which focuses on peer pressure, the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and bullying.
In reading we will be continuing to read The Outsiders in class and will be taking our first accelerated reader test on Monday.
Explore retakes will be taken Monday!
Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated next week. The students will take part in an assembly Tuesday morning which focuses on peer pressure, the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and bullying.
Friday, October 9, 2009
EXPLORE Test
The Explore Test will be given on Wednesday, October 14 during first through fourth period. Downers South High School uses this test to help place students in the correct class their freshman year. It is very important to do as well as you can on this test. Get plenty of sleep on Tuesday night and eat a good, healthy breakfast in the morning. Remember to bring a calculator and #2 pencils (preferably not mechanical) to your first period class.
Enjoy the three day weekend!!!
Enjoy the three day weekend!!!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Verbs in LA
The 8th grade students will be reviewing verbs in Language Arts class.
1. Action and Linking Verbs
2. Helping verbs and Verb phrases
3. Verb Tenses
4. Regular and Irregular Verbs
There will be a quiz on Friday.
1. Action and Linking Verbs
2. Helping verbs and Verb phrases
3. Verb Tenses
4. Regular and Irregular Verbs
There will be a quiz on Friday.
Friday, September 25, 2009
week of September 28
In reading and language we have just wrapped up several activites. We completed our "Short Story" unit is which we read "The Tell Tale Heart", "The Dinner Party", "The Monkey's Paw", "Raymond's Run" and "The Lady or the Tiger". The students learned a large number of vocabulary words in addition to extensive discussion of the plot and theme of each story. Students also presented their story board book reports. In language arts this week we worked on our second essay of the year, a narrative essay. We coverd different metods to write introductions and the important elements of a well written essay. Rough drafts are due on Monday.
Next week we will be picking our next book report book, read "Flowers for Algernon" and review how to incorporate dialogue into daily writing.
Next week we will be picking our next book report book, read "Flowers for Algernon" and review how to incorporate dialogue into daily writing.
Friday, September 18, 2009
RtI
Welcome to RtI Reading. I am one of the language arts/reading and resource teachers here at Lakeview. This is my tenth year at Lakeview. This year I have my own reading and language arts class and also co-teach reading and language arts with Miss Cerney in the regular classroom. I am looking forward to working with your child this year.
The goal of the RtI Reading Program is to teach the student the skills he/she needs in order to be successful in reading. I will be working closely with the 8th grade team and teaching the students reading comprehension strategies to use in all of his/her classes. In the regular language arts and reading classroom students will be writing narrative, persuasive and expository essays. Time will also be spent in the RtI class to assist your child with their daily writing. I like to think of the class as an opportunity to provide your child with useful tools that will help them become more successful readers and writers which will not only help them this year but also prepare them for high school.
The students will be formally assessed twice a month using a program called AIMS Web. This will give us a closer picture as to whether or not the student is making progress. I will also be assessing the students on a daily basis, whether it’s listening to their comments during a group discussion, working with them one on one to check for understanding, or having them read aloud to make sure they’re reading fluently. This close monitoring will help to determine the progress so that at the end of the first trimester, both the parents and I can sit down and discuss what may be working and what we need to change. Whatever the result, the main goal is for the student to achieve success in reading and writing not only in the classroom but in their daily life.
NOTES: Students are expected to have a notebook exclusively for this reading class. Students will be allowed to keep the notebook in the classroom at all times.
STUDENT PREPARATION: Students are expected to arrive on time to class with the necessary supplies/materials for class. For this specific class, students must always have their assignment notebook and their language arts/reading supplies. Although we will be using a textbook in class, the books will remain in the classroom at all times.
If you have any questions or concerns about the RtI Reading Program, please do not hesitate to contact me at lschuyler@ccsd66.org or call 630-783-5022.
The week of September 21:
Social Studies quiz on Tuesday
Math Quiz Tuesday
Short Story test on Friday
Golf Trip on Friday
The goal of the RtI Reading Program is to teach the student the skills he/she needs in order to be successful in reading. I will be working closely with the 8th grade team and teaching the students reading comprehension strategies to use in all of his/her classes. In the regular language arts and reading classroom students will be writing narrative, persuasive and expository essays. Time will also be spent in the RtI class to assist your child with their daily writing. I like to think of the class as an opportunity to provide your child with useful tools that will help them become more successful readers and writers which will not only help them this year but also prepare them for high school.
The students will be formally assessed twice a month using a program called AIMS Web. This will give us a closer picture as to whether or not the student is making progress. I will also be assessing the students on a daily basis, whether it’s listening to their comments during a group discussion, working with them one on one to check for understanding, or having them read aloud to make sure they’re reading fluently. This close monitoring will help to determine the progress so that at the end of the first trimester, both the parents and I can sit down and discuss what may be working and what we need to change. Whatever the result, the main goal is for the student to achieve success in reading and writing not only in the classroom but in their daily life.
NOTES: Students are expected to have a notebook exclusively for this reading class. Students will be allowed to keep the notebook in the classroom at all times.
STUDENT PREPARATION: Students are expected to arrive on time to class with the necessary supplies/materials for class. For this specific class, students must always have their assignment notebook and their language arts/reading supplies. Although we will be using a textbook in class, the books will remain in the classroom at all times.
If you have any questions or concerns about the RtI Reading Program, please do not hesitate to contact me at lschuyler@ccsd66.org or call 630-783-5022.
The week of September 21:
Social Studies quiz on Tuesday
Math Quiz Tuesday
Short Story test on Friday
Golf Trip on Friday
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Welcome Back!!!
This year has gotten off to a great start! I am looking forward to another exciting year. In the past I have co-taught with Mrs. Boyer (formally Miss Lepley) in her reading and language arts class. Although I enjoyed working with her, all good things must come to an end and I am now have the priveledge to co-teachwith our new 8th grade teacher, Miss Cerney, who previously taught 4th grade and Prairieview.
In reading the students have begun reading short stories from the literature book. We have read "The Dinner Party" and "The Lady or the Tiger" and will read "Raymond's Run" next. We will continue the unit for the next couple of weeks then read our first novel of the year. The students also picked a book they are reading for their first book report. This book must be read by Tuesday, September 15.
In language arts, the students have already had a couple opportunities to shart thier work in class. First, they wrote a essay about an important choice that they had to make and this week, they are presenting their "Me Bag" speeches. This speech allows me, as well as the rest of the class, to learn more about each student. Before beginning our first essay, we are going do some work in grammar and focus on nouns.
Curriculum night is scheduled for Thursday, September 10 at 6:45. I am looking forward to seeing you there!
In reading the students have begun reading short stories from the literature book. We have read "The Dinner Party" and "The Lady or the Tiger" and will read "Raymond's Run" next. We will continue the unit for the next couple of weeks then read our first novel of the year. The students also picked a book they are reading for their first book report. This book must be read by Tuesday, September 15.
In language arts, the students have already had a couple opportunities to shart thier work in class. First, they wrote a essay about an important choice that they had to make and this week, they are presenting their "Me Bag" speeches. This speech allows me, as well as the rest of the class, to learn more about each student. Before beginning our first essay, we are going do some work in grammar and focus on nouns.
Curriculum night is scheduled for Thursday, September 10 at 6:45. I am looking forward to seeing you there!
Friday, May 8, 2009
THANK YOU
Thank you to all the parents for all the delicious lunches, snacks and desserts during Teacher Appreciation Week!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Today in language arts the students started working on their "Poetry Portfolio." Each student's portfolio well be based on a theme of their choice and within the portfolio show how the theme relates to them self. The students are given class time for the remainder of the week to work on their portfolio however they need to spend time at home putting it into final draft. The portfolio is due on Tuesday, April 21. It must be free of error and typed. Requirements and a break down of how the portfolio will be graded is listed below.
THEME PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
***Your theme portfolio will be based on a theme which you chose. Everything in your portfolio will be a reflection of that theme and how it relates to you. This is meant to be a personal, reflective project.
****This assignment will be due on Tuesday, April 21st, and will be worth 130 points.
You must include the following in your portfolio:
1. A cover which includes your theme and your name
2. A formal introduction of at least 200 words which explains why you chose your theme, how it relates to you, and what you hope to accomplish through this project.
3. A table of contents which organizes your entries
4. At least two poems you have selected from a published author
5. At least two original poems you have written
6. At least one slogan (original or published)
7. The lyrics from at least one song
8. A literary excerpt (short story or novel)
9. An analysis of each entry explaining why you chose it, how it relates to the theme, and in turn, how it relates to you
10. A formal closing of at least 200 words which explains your feelings about your portfolio, and what you think you accomplished through doing the project
11. A bibliography including each borrowed piece of literature or music
***This project should be FREE OF ERRORS, attractive, professional looking, and must be typed. ( If computers are available, some class time will be designated for this).
PORTFOLIO GRADING SHEET
SELECTIONS - 35 PTS.
ANALYSES - 35 PTS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS - 5 PTS.
INTRODUCTION - 20 PTS.
BIBLIOGRAPHY - 5 PTS.
CONCLUSION - 20 PTS.
CREATIVITY AND EFFORT - 10 PTS.
TOTAL - 130 PTS.
THEME PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
***Your theme portfolio will be based on a theme which you chose. Everything in your portfolio will be a reflection of that theme and how it relates to you. This is meant to be a personal, reflective project.
****This assignment will be due on Tuesday, April 21st, and will be worth 130 points.
You must include the following in your portfolio:
1. A cover which includes your theme and your name
2. A formal introduction of at least 200 words which explains why you chose your theme, how it relates to you, and what you hope to accomplish through this project.
3. A table of contents which organizes your entries
4. At least two poems you have selected from a published author
5. At least two original poems you have written
6. At least one slogan (original or published)
7. The lyrics from at least one song
8. A literary excerpt (short story or novel)
9. An analysis of each entry explaining why you chose it, how it relates to the theme, and in turn, how it relates to you
10. A formal closing of at least 200 words which explains your feelings about your portfolio, and what you think you accomplished through doing the project
11. A bibliography including each borrowed piece of literature or music
***This project should be FREE OF ERRORS, attractive, professional looking, and must be typed. ( If computers are available, some class time will be designated for this).
PORTFOLIO GRADING SHEET
SELECTIONS - 35 PTS.
ANALYSES - 35 PTS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS - 5 PTS.
INTRODUCTION - 20 PTS.
BIBLIOGRAPHY - 5 PTS.
CONCLUSION - 20 PTS.
CREATIVITY AND EFFORT - 10 PTS.
TOTAL - 130 PTS.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Week of March 23
PERSUASIVE SPEECHES BEGIN TUESDAY AND CONTIMUE THROUGH FRIDAY !!!!
Below is a copy of the requirements for the speech the 8th graders will be giving. On the day of their speech they need 2 copies of their outline and a bibliography (all typed).
1. The speech must be 4-5 minutes long. YOUR GRADE WILL DROP A FULL GRADE IF YOU DO NOT STAY WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TIME FRAME.
2. You must use your OUTLINE, placed on NOTECARDS, to deliver your speech.
3. Eye contact is crucial for persuasion. Do not read from your note cards. Use them as a guide only. Reading your speech will result in a grade NO HIGHER than a D.
4. You must have a catchy introduction and a solid conclusion. DO NOT use the words "My speech is on..." or "I'm going to try to persuade you..." in your introduction, nor "I have just given you..." or "I have just told you..." in your conclusion.
5. Your persuasive purpose or intent must be CLEAR. It should be stated in your thesis statement, which is the last sentence in your introduction. Take a stand on an issue and convince your audience to side with you.
6. Be prepared to go on the day you are assigned. Failure to present your speech at that time will result in a ZERO.
7. You will be graded on delivery, length of speech, and persuasiveness.
8. Give me your final draft outline and bibliography on the day you deliver your speech, right before you begin speaking. You will need 2 copies of your outline. One typed to give to me, and one placed on note cards to use during your speech.
9. You must use at least five sources for your speech. You may not use two of the same source. For example, you may not use two Newsweek magazines.
10. You should use approximately 10 pieces of borrowed information in your speech, citing your source for each borrowed piece of information.
11. You will have approximately 5 class periods to do research. Any additional research must be done on your own time.
12. Speeches will begin on Monday, March 16th. Good luck!!!!!!
Below is a copy of the requirements for the speech the 8th graders will be giving. On the day of their speech they need 2 copies of their outline and a bibliography (all typed).
1. The speech must be 4-5 minutes long. YOUR GRADE WILL DROP A FULL GRADE IF YOU DO NOT STAY WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TIME FRAME.
2. You must use your OUTLINE, placed on NOTECARDS, to deliver your speech.
3. Eye contact is crucial for persuasion. Do not read from your note cards. Use them as a guide only. Reading your speech will result in a grade NO HIGHER than a D.
4. You must have a catchy introduction and a solid conclusion. DO NOT use the words "My speech is on..." or "I'm going to try to persuade you..." in your introduction, nor "I have just given you..." or "I have just told you..." in your conclusion.
5. Your persuasive purpose or intent must be CLEAR. It should be stated in your thesis statement, which is the last sentence in your introduction. Take a stand on an issue and convince your audience to side with you.
6. Be prepared to go on the day you are assigned. Failure to present your speech at that time will result in a ZERO.
7. You will be graded on delivery, length of speech, and persuasiveness.
8. Give me your final draft outline and bibliography on the day you deliver your speech, right before you begin speaking. You will need 2 copies of your outline. One typed to give to me, and one placed on note cards to use during your speech.
9. You must use at least five sources for your speech. You may not use two of the same source. For example, you may not use two Newsweek magazines.
10. You should use approximately 10 pieces of borrowed information in your speech, citing your source for each borrowed piece of information.
11. You will have approximately 5 class periods to do research. Any additional research must be done on your own time.
12. Speeches will begin on Monday, March 16th. Good luck!!!!!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
week of March 16
The 8th graders have begun preparing for the persuasive speech that they will give before spring break. They have choosen their topics and are ready to research on Monday. Begining this weekend would be even better. The following is the handout the students received to help them during their research.
SPEECH RESOURCES
_____ Encyclopedia (Choose only one.)
World Book Online OR Wikipedia OR Print version
_____ I.P.A.C. Keyword Search – May need to do several
searches with different keywords or key phrases
_____ Gale Virtual Reference Library – Link on Lakeview
Library Webpage Password = library
Magazine and Newspaper Articles – Links on
Lakeview Library Webpage
_____ Middle Search – Be sure to check Full Text
ID = lakeview Password = imc
_____ eLibrary ID = 08-16488 Password = bigchalk
_____ First Search
ID = 100117136 Password = JAR6NXDAX
_____ Internet Search Engine – Use keywords and key phrases
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ON THIER EXCITING VICTORY OVER WESTVIEW!! THEY ARE NOW ON THEIR WAY TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ON FRIDAY AT OLD QUARRY AT 7:30! GOOD LUCK!!!
SPEECH RESOURCES
_____ Encyclopedia (Choose only one.)
World Book Online OR Wikipedia OR Print version
_____ I.P.A.C. Keyword Search – May need to do several
searches with different keywords or key phrases
_____ Gale Virtual Reference Library – Link on Lakeview
Library Webpage Password = library
Magazine and Newspaper Articles – Links on
Lakeview Library Webpage
_____ Middle Search – Be sure to check Full Text
ID = lakeview Password = imc
_____ eLibrary ID = 08-16488 Password = bigchalk
_____ First Search
ID = 100117136 Password = JAR6NXDAX
_____ Internet Search Engine – Use keywords and key phrases
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ON THIER EXCITING VICTORY OVER WESTVIEW!! THEY ARE NOW ON THEIR WAY TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ON FRIDAY AT OLD QUARRY AT 7:30! GOOD LUCK!!!
Friday, March 6, 2009
ISAT testing has come to an end! It has been a long week for both the students and teachers and it is now time to get back to our regular routine. In Language Arts the students will beging to prepare for the persuasive speech they will give before spring break. They will receive detailed information Monday regarding the requirements for the speech and will have some time to research in class However, more research is necessary at home.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Week of March 2
ISAT testing will be held Tuesday, March 2 - Friday, March 6
All the 8th graders have done extensive preparation for the ISATs in reading, language and math. Over the past week we have been happy with the work they have produced.
To all 8th graders:
You have been working hard in class all week to prepare for the ISATs. There are now just a few, simple things that you can do to make sure your testing experience will be a success!
1). Get enough sleep! We are testing the first 3 periods of the day and you do not want to be tired. So put away the videos games and cell phones and go to sleep at a decent hour!!
2). Eat breakfast. Eating something in the morning will give you energy that you need to focus on the test. Grab a healthy breakfast like eggs or healthy cereal (not Fruit Loops). If you are not a morning eater, at least grab a piece of toast or a granola bar.
3). Come prepared! You need at least 2 -#2 pencils(with erasers) and a calculator. Also bring your silent reading book so you have something to do if you finish before time is up.
4). Concentrate while taking the test. Read each problem, story or question carefully and remember the "test taking tips" that we reviewed in class.
GOOD LUCK !!!
All the 8th graders have done extensive preparation for the ISATs in reading, language and math. Over the past week we have been happy with the work they have produced.
To all 8th graders:
You have been working hard in class all week to prepare for the ISATs. There are now just a few, simple things that you can do to make sure your testing experience will be a success!
1). Get enough sleep! We are testing the first 3 periods of the day and you do not want to be tired. So put away the videos games and cell phones and go to sleep at a decent hour!!
2). Eat breakfast. Eating something in the morning will give you energy that you need to focus on the test. Grab a healthy breakfast like eggs or healthy cereal (not Fruit Loops). If you are not a morning eater, at least grab a piece of toast or a granola bar.
3). Come prepared! You need at least 2 -#2 pencils(with erasers) and a calculator. Also bring your silent reading book so you have something to do if you finish before time is up.
4). Concentrate while taking the test. Read each problem, story or question carefully and remember the "test taking tips" that we reviewed in class.
GOOD LUCK !!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
week of February 23
ISAT testing March 3 - 5.
The ISAT test will test the 8th graders in the areas of reading, writing and math. Next week, in reading and language arts classes, we will review and practice writing persuasive essays and personal narrative. We will also focus on a writing an extended response to a give piece of reading material. In math, we will also be reviewing, including how to write an extended response answer.
The ISAT test will test the 8th graders in the areas of reading, writing and math. Next week, in reading and language arts classes, we will review and practice writing persuasive essays and personal narrative. We will also focus on a writing an extended response to a give piece of reading material. In math, we will also be reviewing, including how to write an extended response answer.
Friday, January 30, 2009
week of February 2
In reading and language arts will be reading the story Flowers for Algernon and begin practicing for ISATs that are in March. In math we will be taking the Geometry test in two parts. Monday will cover sections 8.1 - 8.5 and Tuesday will cover 8.6-8.8. Students are allowed to have one notecard of notes (front only) for each day.
PACK THE PLACE is Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5. Come support the girls and boys basketball teams!!
PACK THE PLACE is Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5. Come support the girls and boys basketball teams!!
Friday, January 16, 2009
week of january 19
In reading class we will be finishing The Outsiders. Overall, as expected, the students have really enjoyed reading this novel. The final test will be on Friday, January 23. In language arts on Monday we will be reviewing the format for a play. This will help the students prepare to write their own play in class. Students will work in groups to create a play which includes a character list, scene descriptions and an overall theme. Students will be given class time to work on their plays and presentation will begin later in the week of January 26. Students will be given a rubric and list of expectations on Tuesday, January 20.
Reminder....the Ball room dance will be on Friday, January 23 in the afternoon!
Reminder....the Ball room dance will be on Friday, January 23 in the afternoon!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Happy 2009!
Hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday season and was able to relax and enjoy some time with your family. In reading we are continuing to read The Outsiders and should finish in the next few weeks. In math the 8th graders took the test for Chapter 6. On Monday we will be beginning Chapter 8.... Geometry!!!!
Due to the snow day on the Friday before break, the Ballroom Dance has been rescheduled for Friday, January 23 in the afternoon. Also, on your calendars, mark down that graduation pictures for January 29.
Due to the snow day on the Friday before break, the Ballroom Dance has been rescheduled for Friday, January 23 in the afternoon. Also, on your calendars, mark down that graduation pictures for January 29.
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