Wednesday, October 15

8th Language Arts:

TP: Journalists answer the why and how questions when writing a news story.

*Students worked on their investigative journalism article.

Homework:

Practice broadcast (adult signature on practice check)

Moby Max (70% or higher on three)

World History:

LT: Explain armor and weapons used by knights 

*We went over the reading guide that was due on Wednesday.

*We talked about knights and watched a movie about the weapons and armor used by knights.

Homework:

None

Journalism:

LT: Write an article for the school paper.

*Students worked on their school paper articles.

Tuesday, October 14

8th Language Arts:

TP: Journalists find the why and how of a news story.

*Students worked on their investigative journalism story. Students will also present these as a news broadcast on Friday and Monday.

Homework:

Moby Max (3 @ 70% or higher)

Be ready to share your investigative journalism piece on Friday.

World History:

LT: Explain the feudal system in the Middle Ages.

*We spent some time looking at current events at the beginning of the hour.

*We talked about the feudal system during the Middle Ages.

Journalism:

LT: Write an article for the school paper.

*Students revised their scenario news stories.

*Students worked on their school paper articles.

Homework:

We will print the final scenario articles tomorrow, so make sure changes are made by then.

School paper rough drafts (1200 characters with spaces) are due on Tuesday, along with 4 pictures (NOT from the computer).

Monday, October 13

8th Language Arts:
TP: Journalists focus on the why and how when writing a news story.
*Students did research for their investigative news story.
*While they were researching, they completed the investigative story chart.
Homework:
Finish chart (unless waiting for an interview)
Moby Max

World History:
LT: Identify the role money and/or religion played in the Muslim empire.
*Students filled in an outline sheet for a writing assignment about the role money and/or religion played in the Muslim empire.
*Students worked on a Middle Ages reading assignment.
Homework:
Finish reading packet

Journalism:
LT: Brainstorm and choose a school paper topic
*Students brainstormed school paper topics as a class.
*Students picked their school paper topic.
*Students completed the article brainstorm sheet for their article topics.
Homework:
ON on Friday
School paper rough drafts due on Tuesday (10/21)

Friday, October 10

HAPPY HOMECOMING!! THIS WEEKEND, PLEASE BE SAFE, RESPONSIBLE AND MAKE GOOD CHOICES. RETURN WITH HONOR ON MONDAY!!!

Friday, October 10

8TH Language Arts:

TP: Journalists investigate the why and how of a news story.

*Students began working on their investigative journalism assignment.

*Students began sharing their nursery rhyme news stories.

Homework:

Moby Max (3 @ 70% or higher) due on Friday.

World:

Muslim empires test today.

*After the test, the students worked on a Middle Ages map.

Journalism:

LT: Use 5Ws and H to write a news story.

*Students wrote news stories loosely based off of nursery rhymes.

Thursday, October 9

HOMECOMING TOMORROW. WEAR YOUR GREEN AND WHITE!!

8th Language Arts:
TP: Journalists use 5Ws and H to write news stories.
*Students looked at a biased news story and highlighted problematic words and phrases.
*Students completed nursery rhyme news stories.
Homework:
Moby Max (3 @ 70% or higher)

World History:
LT: Understand the rise of the Ottoman Empire
*We finished up notes about the Ottoman Empire.
*Students reviewed for the test tomorrow.
Homework:
Test tomorrow over Muslim empires and basic beliefs of Islam.

Journalism:
Test today.
*Students took test and then brainstormed ideas for the school paper.

Wednesday, October 8

8th Language Arts:
TP: Journalists use the 5Ws and H to write a news story.
*Students created news stories based loosely off of a nursery rhyme of their choosing.
Homework:
Print school news story
Moby Max (3 @ 70% or higher)

World History:
LT: Understand the rise (and fall of some) of the Muslim empires.
*We went over the homework worksheet.
*We took notes about the Muslim empires.
Homework:
None

Journalism:
LT: Review news story elements, interviews, quotations and law and ethics.
*Students highlighted biased and subjective words in a news story.
*Students worked on their review sheets for the test tomorrow.
Homework:
Test tomorrow

Tuesday, October 7

I was absent today.

8th Language Arts:
Students finished news stories and worked on Moby Max.

World History:
Students worked on 10.3 and 10.5 worksheet. This was homework.

Journalism:
Students finished review posters.

Monday, October 6

8th Language Arts:
TP: Students expand on news stories basic details.
*Students chose one of their two news stories to write. Students typed and expanded their news story.
Homework:
Three Moby Max stories at 70% due on Friday.

World History:
LT: Understand the division within the Muslims and understand the growth of the Muslim empire.
*Students explored current world events.
*We talked about the caliphs following Muhammad and the split between the Sunnis and Shiites.
Homework:
None

Journalism:
LT: Review basic news story components.
*Students watched an interview about interviews with Katie Couric.
*Students created review posters to cover important news story elements.
Homework:
Test on Thursday over news stories, interviews, and legal and ethical considerations when writing a news story.

Thursday, October 2

8th Language Arts:
TP: Students look for any patterns and/or anything unusual and write about it.
*Students acted as reporters and looked around the school to find any patterns or anything unusual that could be used as a news story.
*Students shared story ideas.
Homework:
Moby Max: 3 tests at 70% or higher.

World History:
LT: Understand the developments and beliefs of Islam.
*Students worked through a reading guide about the development of Islam.
*We filled in two graphic organizers about the development and beliefs of Islam.
Homework:
Finish reading guide if you didn't do it in class.


Journalism:
LT: Write a story based on the interview information.
*Students worked on scenario rough drafts.
Homework:
Rough draft due on Monday (if not finished in class).

Wednesday, October 1

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers and writers consider and identify the 4Ws when reading and writing a news article.
*Students went through five articles and identified the 4Ws.
Homework:
Moby Max: 3 tests at 70% or higher.

World History:
Byzantine empire and rise of Russia quiz day.

Journalism:
LT: Apply interview skills to gain information about a news story.
*We continued the scenario interviews today. Roles switched today.
Homework: 
Q and A interviews due on Tuesday. 
ON 5 due on Friday. 

Tuesday, September 30

8th Language Arts:
TP: Students write about what they observe immediately.
*We began our journalism unit today.
*We talked about the 4Ws and students wrote about the million page scenario that Mrs. Brower relayed to the class.
Homework:
Moby Max: 3 tests at 70% or higher

World History:
LT: Understand the rise of Russia.
*We finished the notes about Russia.
*Students worked on review questions for Byzantine Empire and rise of Russia notes.
*Students received Rome tests.
Homework:
Byzantine empire and rise of Russia quiz tomorrow.

Journalism:
LT: Apply interview skills to gain information about a news story.
*We began our scenario interview assignment today. Some students were characters and some were reporters. Roles will switch tomorrow.
Homework: 
Q and A interviews due on Tuesday. 
ON 5 due on Friday.

Monday, September 29

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers look for sign posts when reading.
*Students took a reading assessment.
*Students practiced with MobyMax.
Homework:
Moby Max: 3 tests at 70% or higher

World:
LT: Understand the rise of Russia
*We watched a Crash Course video about Russia.
*Students took notes about the rise of Russia.
*Students completed map of Russia.
Homework:
Finish map for 9/30

Journalism:
LT: Identify important components of interviews.
*Students worked on an interview reading guide.
*Students received the Q and A assignment.
*Students read 3 example articles.
Homework:
Finish reading guide
Q and A interview due on 10/7

Friday, September 26

This weekend, please be safe, responsible and make good choices. Return with honor on Monday!!

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers look for signposts in order to enhance their reading.
*Student council speeches and elections were this morning.
*Students took vocab quizzes.
*We reviewed sign posts for reading quiz on Monday.
*Students logged pages and minutes.
*Students read and worked on bookmarks and charts.
Homework:
Reading quiz (thick questions, aha moments, contrasts/contradictions)
Contrast/contradiction bookmarks
Aha chart

World History:
LT: Gain an understanding of the Byzantine Empire.
*Students presented their slideshows to the class.
*Students worked on map of Russia.
Homework:
NONE :)

Journalism:
LT: Create a news story using pictures.
*We talked about the power of the media and social media.
*Students created stories using images given to them.
Homework:
Final copy of choice news story due on Monday.

Thursday, September 25

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers support their literary supports.
*We went over the aha moments in Hunger Games.
*Students looked for literary supports in their own reading.
Homework:
Reading log check
Work on bookmarks and aha chart
Vocab quiz

World History:
LT: LT: Gain an understanding of the Byzantine Empire.
*Students worked on Byzantine Empire slideshows.
Homework: Slideshows ready to present on Friday.

Journalism:
LT: Identify legal and ethical aspects to consider when writing a news story.
*Students worked on law and ethics reading guide.
*Students peer edited choice inverted pyramid article.
Homework: ON4 due on Friday
                       Final choice article due on Monday.

Wednesday, September 24

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers look for signposts when they are reading.
*We read an excerpt from Esperanza Rising.
*Students read the second chapter of Hunger Games.
*Students looked for aha moments in both excerpts.
Homework:
Vocab
Read 140 mins/wk + look for aha moments

World History:
LT:  Gain an understanding of the Byzantine Empire.
*We corrected the movie sheet from yesterday. (Engineering an Empire: Byzantine Empire)
*Students worked on Byzantine Empire slideshow in their groups.
Homework:
Students will present slideshows on Friday. Students have Thursday to finish research and work on slideshows.

Journalism:
LT: Write an inverted pyramid article.
*Students worked on choice inverted pyramid article.
Homework:
Rough draft of choice article is due on Thursday.

Tuesday, September 23

8th Language Arts:

TP: Good readers look for aha moments in the text.

*Vocab packets were checked.

*Students leveled inferences based on complexity.

*We talked about aha moments in text. We read excerpts from Crash and looked for aha moments.

*Students worked on finding aha moments in their own books.

Homework:

Read 140 mins/week. Look for aha moments and fill out sheet.

Vocab

World History:

LT: Gain understanding of the Byzantine Empire.

*Students watched a documentary about the Byzantine Empire.

Homework:

Complete Byzantine Empire worksheet (got this on Monday after the test).

Journalism:

LT: Write an inverted pyramid news story.

*Students worked on their choice inverted pyramid news story.

Homework: Rough draft of choice story due on Thursday.

Monday, September 22

8th Language Arts:
TP: Good readers infer facts at a complex level while reading.
*Students finished group activity about contradictions and inferring.
*Students worked on vocab packets and read.
Homework:
*Read 140 min/ week
*Vocab packet

World History:
 Test today :).
Homework:
Byzantine Empire worksheet due on Wednesday.

Journalism:
LT: Write an effective headline.
*Students worked on a headline writing activity using four articles and magnet words.
Homework:
Outside news on Friday

Friday, September 19

Thursday, I was absent.

Language Arts worked on vocab packets and reading.

World History watched the Mankind Empires:Rome movie and worked on their review sheets.

Journalism students worked on their inverted pyramid news stories.

Friday:

8th Language Arts:
TP: Good readers infer facts at a complex level while reading.

*Students took the vocab quiz.

*Students submitted pages for million page challenge and reading logs were also checked.

*Students read a short story and looked for contradictions and contrasts. In groups, students compared contradictions and worked at drawing inferences. This activity will continue on Monday.

Homework:

Read

World History:

LT: Identify causes for the fall of Rome.

*We went over the Decline and Fall of Rome questions.

*Students identified what they thought was the biggest reason for the fall of Rome and then wrote about it. These went up around the room and students read them, voting on the three they thought were the best reasons/ explanations.

Homework:

Test on and review sheet due on Monday.

Journalism:

LT: Write an inverted pyramid news story.

*Students peer edited the Jeanay DeMars news story.

*Students fixed DeMars news story.

*Students worked on choice inverted pyramid news story.

Homework:

Final copy Jeanay DeMars due on Monday.

Inverted pyramid news story rough draft due on Tuesday.

Wednesday, September 17

8th Language Arts:
TP: Good readers look for contrasts and contradictions while they are reading.
-We read the story Yes Ma'am and looked for contrasts and contradictions.
-Students read their own books and look for contrasts and contradictions within the story.
Homework:
140 pages/ week (fill out the bookmark)
Vocab

World History:
LT: Identify the causes for the decline of Rome.
-We talked about the decline of the Western Roman Empire.
-I checked the chart they completed for homework (causes of decline).
-We talked about the reasons for the decline (and also brainstormed the good and bad of Roman roads).
-Students worked on the Decline of Rome questions (working on applying the details).
Homework:
Decline of Rome questions are due (use notes and 5.5 if necessary)

Journalism:
LT: Write an inverted pyramid article.
-Students worked on their Jeanay DeMars articles.
-Students began research for their choice inverted pyramid articles.
Homework:
Outside News on Friday

Tuesday, September 16

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers push themselves to high levels of thinking.
*Talked about higher level thinking when reading 
*We did an IRA and students wrote responses to questions asked.
*Students created an ending to the short story we read.
Homework:
Vocab 
Read 140 mins/week

World History:
LT: Understand the history, teachings and beliefs of Christianity
*We talked about Christianity today.
*Students compared Christianity and Judaism.
*Students read about the causes of the fall of Rome.
Homework:
Chapter 5, Section 5: Complete causes of fall of Rome chart (list military, social, political and economic causes).

Journalism:
LT: Write an inverted pyramid article.
*We talked about direct, indirect and partial quotations today.
*Students worked on inverted pyramid rough drafts and also checked their leads.
Homework:
Rough draft due on Wednesday.

Monday, September 15

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers push themselves to high levels of thinking.
*Talked about higher level thinking when reading 
*We did an IRA and students wrote responses to questions asked.
*We went over the new set of vocabulary words.
*Students had some time to read their books.
Homework:
-Read 140 mins/ week
-Vocab packet

World History:
LT: Understand the history, teachings and beliefs of Judaism.
-We talked about Judaism today.
-Students researched Jewish holidays (when, what's celebrated and traditions)
Homework:
Finish research if it wasn't finished in class

Journalism:
LT: Write an inverted pyramid news story
-Students worked on their inverted pyramid news story today.
-We went over direct, indirect and partial quotations.
Homework:
Inverted pyramid rough draft due on Wednesday.

Friday, September 12

This weekend, please be safe, responsible and make good choices. Return with honor on Monday!

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers push themselves to high levels of thinking.
*Talked about higher level thinking when reading
*Took vocab quiz
*Submitted pages for million page challenge and checked reading logs
*Read books
*Evaluated reader response yesterday to look for high level thinking (purple sheet)
Homework:
Read (140 min/ week)
Purple half sheet

World History:
LT: Understand Roman culture and achievement
       Navigate online textbook
*We finished talking about Roman culture and achievements
*Students completed the online textbook orientation worksheet
Homework:
Online textbook orientation worksheet

Journalism:
LT: Write an inverted pyramid news story
*Students turned in outside news worksheet and leads identification activity.
*Students ordered facts for Jeanay DeMars inverted pyramid activity.
Homework: 
Outside news due next Friday. 

ONLINE TEXTBOOK: WORLD

Link to online textbook:

World Book

Million Page Challenge

Million Page Challenge

Thursday, September 11

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers can respond to and write about the thick questions they created.
*We talked about 9/11.
*We went over the vocab.
*We talked about our five finger class contract.
*Students responded to one of their thick questions.
Homework:
Vocab packet
Vocab quiz
Reading log with signature
One page response to thick question

World History:
LT: 1. Reflect on the events of 9/11
       2. Explain what happened in the colosseum
       3. Describe Roman achievements
*Watch clips of 9/11 and reflect on events
*Watched Ben Hur clip
*Talked about why colosseum and entertainment declined
*Went over Roman achievements

Journalism:
LT: Define and identify the leads used in a news story
       Apply news story essentials
       Write an inverted pyramid article
*Checked and fixed pre-assessment news story
*Worked on inverted pyramid story by ordering facts
*Worked on lead identification activity
Homework:
Lead identification activity (due Friday)
Outside news (due Friday)

Wednesday, September 10

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers recognize there are different levels of thick questions.
*We went over the vocab homework.
*We talked about different levels of thick questions and students did a group activity to practice that.
*Students practiced writing their own level 3 and level 4 thick questions.
Homework:
Vocab page
140 minutes reading/week
4 thick questions (level 3 or 4)

World History:
LT: Explain what happened in the colosseum
*We watched a couple of documentary clips about the colosseum.
Homework:
None

Journalism:
LT: Define and identify the different types of leads and structures used in news stories.
       Identify and apply news story essentials
*Students corrected their pre-assessment news stories.
*Students worked on the lead identification assignment.
Homework:
Outside News assignment due Friday
Lead identification due Friday

Parent Open House Survey

Parent Open House Survey

Tuesday, September 9

8th Language Arts:
TP:Readers ask thick and thin questions as they read.
*We reviewed the vocab homework.
*We talked about thick and thin questions to ask while reading.
*I read a passage and students thought about, and wrote, thick and thin questions based on the passage.
*Students created their own questions based on their own books.
Homework:
-vocab packet
-140 mins/week of reading

World History:
LT: Explain Julius Caesar's importance to Rome
      Explain what happened in the colosseum
 *Students turned in their homework.
*Students did a quick write about the Julius Caesar learning target.
*We talked about a few emperors, some good, some bad.
*We began watching a documentary about the colosseum and gladiators.
Homework:
None

Journalism:

LT: Define and identify the different types of leads and structures used in news stories.

       Understand and apply news story essentials
*We finished news story notes today, focusing on the structures that can be used.
*Students read articles and labeled the type of lead and structure used.
Homework:
Outside News on Friday

  

Monday, September 8

8th Language Arts:
TP: Students work together to accomplish goals.
*We took part in the Million Page Challenge! Keep track of your pages.
*We went over the Vocab 1 packet.
*Students had a few minutes to read.
Homework:
*140 minutes of reading outside of class per week
*Vocab packet

World History:
LT: 1. Understand characteristics of the Roman republic
       2. Explain Julius Caesar's importance to Rome
*Students worked on Roman republic webquest
*Students worked on a reading packet and questions about Rome and Julius Caesar
Homework:
*Webquest
*Reading packet and questions

Journalism:

LT: Define and identify the different types of leads and structures used in news stories.

       Understand and apply news story essentials

*Students practiced 1st and 3rd person writing.

*We went over news story notes that included the different types of leads.

Homework:

Outside News due Friday

Friday, September 5

8th Language Arts:

TP: Readers visualize the story they are reading.

*Today, we finished our interactive read of "Popularity."
*Students spent time reading their books, focusing on visualizing the plot and characters.

Homework:
140 minutes/ week of reading
Signed planner


World History:

LT: Review key elements of Ancient Civilizations, through Greece
       Identify characteristics of the Roman Republic

*We finished the Ancient Civilizations review
*Students worked on a web activity about the Roman Republic

Homework:
None

Journalism:

LT: Understand and apply the news story essentials

*Students turned in their pre-assessment stories and outside news worksheets
*Students on the three article assessment chart
*We went the news story essentials.
*Students completed the obj/subj activity and the first/third person activity.

Homework:
Complete three story chart if not finished

Republic to Empire: webquest

Rome

Ancient Supercity

Thursday, September 4

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers consider complexity when they choose a book.
*We did an interactive reading activity using "Popularity."
*Students chose books for the reading workshop.
Homework:
You need to read 140 minutes a week. Each week, your log must be signed by a trusted adult. I will be checking the log on Fridays (starting next Friday). 

World History:
LT: Review key facts about Ancient Civilizations, up through Greece.
*We did a rise of civilizations slideshow review. Students completed a chart based on each slide as we went through the slideshow.
Homework:
None

Journalism:
LT: Understand the difference between hard and soft news. Define news and what makes news news.
*We completed the defining the news worksheet (notes).
*Students will write a reflection about what makes news news.
*Students will find three articles, two hard, one soft, and answer questions about the news stories they found.
Homework:
-2 copies of pre-assessment news story (printed before class)
-Outside News worksheet

World history time map

Time map

Wednesday, September 3

8th Language Arts:
TP: Readers recognize that books have different complexities.
*We created a book ladder based on text complexities in groups. We also talked about what makes a text complex.
Homework:
One page minimum in MEAD. Respond to the following questions:
When choosing a book, what are some reasons you might choose one complexity over another?
When might a reader choose a book that is an "easy read" for him or her?
What are some things a person could do to select a book of appropriate complexity?

World History:
LT: Identify the two themes that lead to all conflict in World History.
*Students took the pre-common assessment. We talked about the two themes of conflict in World History. Students also practiced their geography skills.
Homework:
none

Geography website

Journalism:
LT: Understand the outside news activity.
*We talked about the outside news activity.
*Students wrote their pre-assessment news story.
Homework:
*Two copies of the pre-assessment news story are due on Friday. These should be printed out before class.
*Outside News 1 is due.

Welcome Back-9/2

Welcome Back!!

8th Language Arts:
Today we did a reading inventory and speed reading activity. Please bring a MEAD notebook tomorrow.

World History:
Today, we went over the course outline and took a quick quiz covering world history facts. Please bring a #2 pencil tomorrow.

Journalism:
We went over the course outline and did interview paragraphs.