week of September 27

Last week in 1st period language arts, we learned about simple subjects and complete subjects of a sentence. We also continued to practice writing well detailed sentences. Next week we will focus on simple predicate and complete predicate. Students will also do the third lesson in their spelling book. The unit and sentences will be assigned on Monday. Both, as well as the test, will be on Friday, October 1.

In 3rd period reading, we are continuing to read some short stories. We finished "Arthur's Thanksgiving Emergency" and focused on inferencing skills throughout the reading. Next week we will be reading "Lee Bennett Hopkins Interviews Daniel Manus Pinkwater" and focus on sequencing. During the week of October 4 there will be a short story test on the four stories we read as well as the vocabulary. Book report journals are due on Thursday, September 30.

In 8th period math, we have finished chapter one of the text. Next week, students will focus on addition and subtraction word problems. We will discuss the process of answering word problems and focus on how to solve them, as well as recognize key words.

week of September 13

In 1st period language arts, the students finished learning about nouns as well as plural nouns, common and proper nouns and possessive nouns. Next week, we will begin working with verbs. We will do activities that involve action verbs, linking verbs and verbs of being. Students will also be expected to be working on their second lesson of their spelling books. The unit and sentences will be due on Friday. We will be taking the test on Friday also.

In 3rd period reading class we will begin reading "The Mad Puppet" aloud in class. Students also have a silent reading book that they should be reading independently or at home with their parents. As they read, students should be filling out a reading log which includes the major events and a personal response for each entry. No book report will be assigned for this first book just a review of their reading log.

week of September 6

In 8th grade language arts class the students finished thier first essay the "Choices Essay" and presented thier first presentation of the year. Each students presented a "Me Bag" speech which required them to bring in 6 objects that represented them. I always enjoy this assigment because it is a great way to get to know all of them a little better! Next week we will begin grammar and the wonderful world of nouns.

In reading class we began the short story unit and read "The Lady or the Tiger." After reading the students were asked to write an ending to the story. Next week we will read "Raymond's Run."

On Friday all the 8th graders will go on a field trip to Irons Oaks. At Irons Oaks each homebase will work together to solve physical activities. This is a great way for the students to get to know each other, work together and have an enjoyable day. Remember to dress appropriate for the weather and to bring a sack lunch and a drink.