week of November 1

In language arts class (1st period) we have been working extensively on writing a well developed paragraph. We have been focusing on topic sentences and descriptive supporting sentences. Before focusing on writing multiple paragraphs, we will be spending time learning about verbs. We will be focusing on action verbs (physical and mental), verbs of being, linking verbs, verb tenses, helping verbs and verb phrases, and irregular verbs.

In reading class (3rd period), we spent time focusing on the skill of "main idea". Through supplementary activities, we practiced recognizing the main idea of paragraphs, as well as short stories. The class also practiced finding the information that supported the main idea of what they read. Accelerated reading tests need to be taken in my room by Thursday, November 4.

In math class (8th period) we learned and practiced multiplication, multiplication with decimals, and multiplying money. Next we will focus on long division with and without remainders. We will also practice using the skills we have learned to solve word problems.

week of October 11

In reading class, 1st period, we will read one more story ("Laughing Gas) before taking a test on the stories we have read. The test will cover "The Mad Puppet","Teeny, Tinny, Tinny Visitors", "Aurthur's Thanksgiving Emergency","Lee Bennett Hopkins," and "Laughing Gas." Students will be tested on vocabulary, characters, on comprehension of the stories. The test and review will be during the week of October 18.

In language arts class, we will continue to focus on writing well developed paragraphs. This week we practiced recognizing and writing topic and supporting sentences. We will now practice putting them all together.

In math, 8th period, we will learn and practice multiplying a 3 digit number by 1,2 and 3 numbers....without a calculator!

***The eighth graders will be taking the Explore Test on Wednesday, October 13 during 1st - 4th periods. Make sure you get a good night's sleep Tuesday night and eat a healthy breakfast Wednesday morning!!!

week of October 4

In first period language arts class, the students will be focusing on recognizing a topic sentence within a paragraph and writing an effective topic sentence. This is the first step to take before writing a well developed paragraph then a well developed essay or story.

In third period reading class, we will be focusing on the main idea of a pragraph and short story. Next week we will be preparing for the test over the first four stories we read in the reading book. The test will be on Thursday, October 14 and will cover vocabulary, characters and comprehension of the stories.

In eighth period math, we will be continuing to do word problems. Last week we focused on recognizing important information and key words within addition and subtraction problems. This week we will focus on multiplication and division problems. On Friday, students will be expected to recognize what operation to use to solve a problem based on the information learned in class.