Homework - Week of December 17th

Thursday, December 20th

Social Studies: 
Due Friday.  Watch whatever TV shows you normally watch.  When you do, write down the name of the show you are watching.  Record the number of times you see someone in possession of a weapon of any sort.  You can decide whether to just include handguns or all types.  Just make sure you specify what you are keeping track of.

If you do not watch television, no problem.  Write a quick letter with this information and have a parent/guardian sign it.  You will receive full credit for this assignment.

Writing:
6A - Continue working on answering your philosophical question.  By Friday, you should have at least four paragraphs as follows: Introduction paragraph, paragraph containing the pro side of the philosophical question, paragraph containing the con side of the philosophical question, and conclusion. This is where you include your perspective, thoughts and philosophical belief (your attempt at answering the question).

6B - If you are prepared for your Friday math test (Ms. Halleron), You have the option of working on your first draft of this assignment.  I will not penalize anyone who does not turn this in until after the break.  The final copy won't be collected until the first full week of 2013.  In other words, you have time to complete this assignment!



Wednesday, December 19th

Social Studies: 
Due Friday.  Watch whatever TV shows you normally watch.  When you do, write down the name of the show you are watching.  Record the number of times you see someone in possession of a weapon of any sort.  You can decide whether to just include handguns or all types.  Just make sure you specify what you are keeping track of.

If you do not watch television, no problem.  Write a quick letter with this information and have a parent/guardian sign it.  You will receive full credit for this assignment.

Writing:
6A - Continue working on answering your philosophical question.  By Thursday, , you should have at least two paragraphs outlining your personal point of view.  You should also begin to incorporate details and opinions from other sources (the research you should have been doing in class this afternoon).

6B - If you are prepared for your Friday math test (Ms. Halleron), You have the option of working on your first draft of this assignment.  I will not penalize anyone who does not turn this in until after the break.  The final copy won't be collected until the first full week of 2013.  In other words, you have time to complete this assignment!


Monday, December 17th

Writing:
As an extension of what we are learning in Social Studies (philosophy), continue to brainstorm on your philosophical statement you will be writing about.  

Tuesday objective: Have a minimum of 10 brainstorm ideas listed in your writing journal.  Next, organize the brainstorm thoughts into a logical sequence.  Once you rearrange (or number the order of your brainstorm ideas), you can start writing in paragraph form.  

Your challenge: make sure your voice brings out your passion and deep thinking thoughts.  Use the posters in the classroom to help direct whether you should make your writing expository, or persuasive.  

Homework - Week of December 10th

Friday, December 14th 

Writing:
Next week, we are going to be writing about an extension of what we are learning in Social Studies: Philosophy.   This weekend, think of a philosophical statement (just a statement) that you would like to write about.  Example: What came first, the chicken or the egg.


Thursday, December 13th

Social Studies:
My homeroom students did not end up taking the Chapter 4 test today.  We will do everything we can for everyone to take it Friday.

Looking forward to seeing the holiday concert tomorrow!

Tuesday, December 11th

Social Studies:
Students should continue to update and organize your notes for Chapter 4.  The test is this Thursday!


Monday, December 10th

General: Many students are not turning their work in on time!  Please check the blog for all assignments.  To be sure I have grades in before progress report cutoff, I need to get grades in by the end of the week.  Bottom line: Please turn in all missing work ASAP!  

Reading:

For those of you that didn't finish in class, here are the questions we will continue discussing this week: 

Respond to questions in your notebook
1) How do you think grownups should treat kids?
2) Should grownups help kids do things correctly, or let them figure things out for themselves?
3) Should grownups ask kids about their feelings or leave kids to themselves?
4) Should grownups get mad when kids do something wrong, or act like nothing has happened?
5) Should grownups have high expectations of kids, or be satisified with whatever effort kids make?

Homework - Week of December 3rd

Thursday, December 6th

Reading:

"My First Dive with the Dolphins" test is Friday.

Homework: For those that did not complete the vocabulary images in class (about half did), that is due Friday.

Don't forget to practice the vocab questions and read the story one more time (at least).

To better prepare you for the test, here are a few of the extended response questions:

1) What do you think the head diver meant when he said that 5 percent of the writer's job would due magic? Why would he use the word "magic"?

2) What do you think the writer's purpose or purpposes were in writing this selection? Why do you think so?

3) What would you say is the most important way in which animals are different from people?  Explain your answer.

Study Island: Complete the pretest, Making Predictions (3A), Text Structure and Format (3B), and Charts, Graphs, Maps & Tables (3C).  Due Friday December 7th.  At the end of the day, I will run the report.  In order to receive all 10 points, you must have earned all 4 ribbons.

Wednesday, December 5th

Reading:

IF YOU DID NOT TURN THIS IN ALREADY: My First Dive with the Dolphins: P. 73 # 1-6.

Study Island: Complete the pretest, Making Predictions (3A), Text Structure and Format (3B), and Charts, Graphs, Maps & Tables (3C).  Due Friday December 7th.  At the end of the day, I will run the report.  In order to receive all 10 points, you must have earned all 4 ribbons.

Writing:

6B only: Punctuating Quotations.

Tuesday, December 4th

Reading:
My First Dive with the Dolphins: P. 73 # 1-6.

Study Island: Complete the pretest, Making Predictions (3A), Text Structure and Format (3B), and Charts, Graphs, Maps & Tables (3C) by this Friday.  At the end of the day, I will run the report.  In order to receive all 10 points, you must have earned all 4 ribbons.

Social Studies:
P. 130 #1-7 and the Venn Diagram comparing Athens with Sparta.  You must have 10 items in your Venn to earn all points.

Homework - Week of November 26th

Friday, November 30th

Reading:
Students should spend at least 30 minutes reading each day this weekend.

Thursday, November 29th

Social Studies: 

P. 123 Questions 1-7.  This should be turned in Friday.  

Wednesday, November 28th

Social Studies: 

6A: P. 123 Questions 1-7.  This will be assigned to 6B on Thursday night. 

Writing:

6A: Write a one page letter, story, explanation, essay (you decide!) outlining what it takes for you to be a better student.  Emphasis is on volume control, managing your behaviors in class, during transition, in and out of recess, and respecting your classmates. 

Reminder:

I am still accepting all late work!  Don't think that because you didn't turn it in on time, it's too late.  It's not!  It's much better to lose a letter grade because it's late than getting an F!

Tuesday, November 27th

Social Studies: 
Letter writing - write a letter from Ariadne to Theseus to ask and convince him to come to Crete and slay the Minotaur. Make sure your letter reflects the personalities and past histories of both characters.  This should be about one page in length.

Remember, you are not retelling the story that you saw today in class. Rather, you are coming up with your version of how the story would go.  It might be easiest to think about  Ariadne writing the letter from Crete.  Perhaps they have never met (or have they?).  Maybe she only heard about him through stories.


Monday, November 26th

Writing:
Many students have not yet turned in their review of Literature (aka the answers to the essential questions).  For every day it is late, it will be lowered 5%.  It will not be considered late if it is emailed to me by the end of day today.  My email address is kresh@cps.edu.

Homework - Week of November 19th

Wednesday, November 21st

Reading:

About half of you completed the "My Greatest Ambition" worksheet.  For those that did not yet turn that in, it is due Monday.

Log on to www.studyisland.com.  There, click on your reading assignment for my class.  Start with the pretest.  When you are ready to move on, you can work on the next three items relating to reading strategies. 

For those that don't know your login and password for Study Island.  Use the same login and password.  EXCEPTION: put a "SI" at the start of your username.  Your password is your password (starts with Cps...).  This is due on November 30th (next Friday).

Writing:

The final copy of the Review of Literature is due on Monday, November 26th.  If you are unable to print at home, please attach your research & references to an email and send to: kresh@cps.edu.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!


Tuesday, November 20th

Social Studies:

Chapter 3 Test Wednesday.  Reminder: you can use your notes.  

You should a) have great notes and b) be familiar with the notes (so information can be found quickly).

Writing:

The final copy of the Review of Literature is due on Monday, November 26th.  If you are unable to print at home, please attach your research & references to an email and send to: kresh@cps.edu.

Monday, November 19th

No homework.

Social Studies:
Students have been advised to work on their Chapter 3 notes for Social Studies.  They have a test Wednesday.  They should a) have great notes and b) be familiar with their notes (so they can find information quickly).

Writing:
Today, I handed back the initial copy of the Review of Literature.  Every paper had comments that students should incorporate into their final draft.  Reminder: That is due on Monday, November 26th.

Homework - Week of November 12th

Friday, November 16th

Social Studies:

For those that did not yet finish, complete Questions 1-6 on p. 92 and answer the following question: Write about how you would feel if you were a Jew in exile.  You will have a Chapter 3 test next Wednesday.  If your notes for Section 1 and 2 are "light", you may want to improve them before Monday.  We have a lot of material to cover next week!

Writing:

Many of you have not yet turned in your Science Fair Research/Review of Literature.  This was due Wednesday.  You are going to lose points every day until you turn it in.  All Reference lists were due Friday, November 16th.  You can email them to me over the weekend.  My email: kresh@cps.edu.

I will turn back all submitted assignments by Monday, November 19th.  That will give you a full week to make updates before the final copy is due (Monday, November 26th).

Thursday, November 15th

Social Studies:
Quiz on Chapter 3, Section 2 Friday.  You can use your notes for the quiz.  If your notes need work, make sure you spend the time tonight, updating them.  Also, make sure you review your notes so you are prepared for the quiz.  You will have 20 minutes to answer the 10 questions.

Writing:
Many of you have not yet turned in your Science Fair Research/Review of Literature.  This was due Wednesday.  You are going to lose points every day until you turn it in.  All Reference lists are due Friday, November 16th.

I will turn back all submitted assignments by Monday, November 19th.  That will give you a full week to make updates before the final copy is due (Monday, November 26th).

Homework - Week of November 5th

Friday, November 9th

Writing:

Science Fair Research - 

Your "Initial Copy of Review of Literature" and reference sheet is due Wednesday, November 14th.

If you are researching effectively, each essential question should require 1-2 paragraphs to accurately answer.  Each paragraph should be at least 5 sentences.  Between now and then, you should write between 6-10 paragraphs answering all of your essential questions.  This must be typed!

As you build your answers to your essential questions, you will be increasing the number of references needed.  Your reference list is due on the 14th as well.  If you are looking for additional sources, don't forget to browse through Ms. Krause's site: http://vikraus.wordpress.com/. 

Modification: at least eight references are due with your review of literature.   The final copy of the review of literature is due the Monday after Thanksgiving.   

**If you successfully answer the essential questions and satisfy what is due on November 14th, you will get an "A".  You will get a second "A" for your final review of literature on 11/26.  In other words, get this over with now and enjoy your two A's!**  

If you have questions for how to list references, you can follow the common standard: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

On the left column, you will see options for how to cite different types of references (electronic source vs. book).

If you have any questions or want me to print something for you (because you do not have a functioning printer at home), my email is kresh@cps.edu.

Good luck!!!!


Wednesday, November 7th

Reading:
Selection test on ""At the Top of the World" Thursday.
Things to help you prepare:

1) Note the quality that made Henson valuable to the Arctic Club's expeditions.  Provide evidence for how he was valuable and why this was valuable.  You need to provide at least two examples.

2) Why was trying to reach the NP so dangerous and difficult?  Give at least two reasons and explain the problems they caused.

3) Would you prefer to read a biographical selection, like this one, or a fictional story about an Arctic expedition.  WHY?

If you did not yet turn in your questions #1-5 from p. 63 and ONE of the quick write questions on the same page (you choose....1, 2 or 3), as well as choosing any 5 of the 10 vocabulary words in a cartoon or image showing what the word means (refer to p. 54 for assistance), you have until Thursday to turn it in before it is considered late.


Monday, November 5th

Writing:

Science Fair Research - Long ago, you should have completed the 5 essential questions and six references.  

This past weekend, you were assigned to start answering your essential questions.  If you are researching effectively, each essential question should require 1-2 paragraphs to accurately answer.  Per the Science Fair Timeline, your "Initial Copy of Review of Literature" is due Wednesday, November 14th.  Between now and then, you should write between 6-10 paragraphs answering all of your essential questions.  This must be typed!

As you build your answers to your essential questions, you will be increasing the number of references needed.  If you are looking for additional sources, don't forget to browse through Ms. Krause's site: http://vikraus.wordpress.com/. Remember, at least 12 references are due with your final copy of literature (due the Monday after Thanksgiving).   If you successfully answer the essential questions and satisfy what is due on November 14th, you will get an "A".  You will get a second "A" for your final review of literature on 11/26.  In other words, get this over with now and enjoy your two A's!  

If you have any questions or want me to print something for you (because you do not have a functioning printer at home), email it to me at kresh@cps.edu.

Homework - Week of October 29th

Friday, November 2nd

Writing:

Science Fair Research - Last week, you should have completed the 5 essential questions and six references.  If you haven't, you are getting a call from Ms. Robertson or I this weekend.

Now it's time for you to start answering your essential questions.  Today, I handed back all of your questions.  If you are researching effectively, each essential question should require 1-2 paragraphs to accurately answer.  Per the Science Fair Timeline, your "Initial Copy of Review of Literature" is due Tuesday, November 13th.  You should spend at least one hour this weekend working on your research.  As you build your answers to your essential questions, you will be increasing the number of references needed.  Remember, at least 12 references are due with your final copy of literature (due the Monday after Thanksgiving).   If you successfully answer the essential questions and satisfy what is due on November 13th, you will get an "A".  You will get a second "A" for your final review of literature on 11/26.  In other words, get this over with now and enjoy your two A's!

If you have not yet turned in your essential questions and references, you can email it to me at kresh@cps.edu.

Thursday, November 1st

Reading: 
Day of the Dead EdHelper worksheet (8 questions).

Social Studies:
If there is anything needed to complete before your Ancient Egypt presentations tomorrow, work on it tonight!  Don't forget that you can use note cards and any additional props.


Tuesday, October 30th

Writing:

Scary Story - Complete your final draft of your scary story.  It can be hand written (neat, no tearing out of notebooks) or typed.  Check your rubric for how I will grade this.

Reading:

Complete the "Raymond's Run" worksheets.  Both of them are due Wednesday.

Science Fair:
If you have not turned in your essential questions (8 per class), they are past due!  You need to get these to me ASAP as you will not be able to move forward with the research without them.


Monday, October 29th

Writing:
Scary Story - Complete your first draft of your scary story.

Elements of a scary story:


•                                  Suspense: feelings of excitement or anxiety when the reader tries to figure out the outcome or ending

•                                  Plot twists: a change in plot that takes the story in a different direction than expected

•                                  Conflict: how the characters solve the problem

•                                  Setting: time and location where the story takes place (scary stories choose creepy ones)

•                                  Surprise endings: the ending or resolution is not what the reader expected

Example settings:

•                                  on a dirt road in a car that will not start at twilight

•                                  in own bedroom when the electricity goes out on a stormy nigh

•                                  in the middle of a cornfield

•                                  on a boat in the middle of a rushing river with no paddle

•                                  in an unfamiliar dark alley

•                                  in an airport in an unfamiliar city

•                                  in a car with the fuel light on empty in an unfamiliar part of town

Peer editing will take place Tuesday.

Homework - Week of October 22nd

Friday, October 26th

Social Studies:

The final project is due on Monday, October 29th (research and whatever it is you built).  You will have 45 minutes on Monday to put everything together (presentation and your project).  

Writing:

If you did not turn in your essential questions and reference sheet for your science fair project, you need to get that turned over by Monday.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, October 25th

Social Studies:

Bring materials needed for your project!  We are going to continue working on the project and should finish this week.  The final project is due on Monday, October 29th (research and whatever it is you built).

On Wednesday and Thursday, your project team needs to continue working on answering your essential questions.  So far, each person should have completed one of the essential questions assigned to you.  If, within your research, you accurately answer the question and can speak about the question and answer for about 60 seconds, you are off to a great start. Remember, this is not a cut and paste from the internet exercise.  You should use multiple sources and list your references.  Don't worry about listing the references according to standard.

Writing:

Science Fair Research - By now, you should have completed the 5 essential questions on the worksheet provided. If your question requires 1-2 paragraphs to accurately answer, it is a good question!  Your research piece isn't due until the 2nd week of November.  Right now, we are looking for references and good questions!

There are about 12 students per class who did not turn in their reference list. This was due Thursday, October 25th. The assignment: list of 6 references (not sources!  In other words, you may have multiple references within one textbook source) that you may use in your science fair research.  

Both the essential questions and the reference sheet are due to me ASAP!

Tuesday, October 23rd & Wednesday, October 24th 

Social Studies:

Bring materials needed for your project!  We are going to continue working on the project and should finish this week.  The final project is due on Monday, October 29th (research and whatever it is you built)

On Wednesday, your project team needs to continue working on answering your essential questions.  So far, each person should have completed one of the essential questions assigned to you.  If, within your research, you accurately answer the question and can speak about the question and answer for about 60 seconds, you are off to a great start. Remember, this is not a cut and paste from the internet exercise.  You should use multiple sources and list your references.  Don't worry about listing the references according to standard.

Writing:

Science Fair Research - By now, you should have completed the 5 essential questions on the worksheet provided. If your question requires 1-2 paragraphs to accurately answer, it is a good question!  Your research piece isn't due until the 2nd week of November.  Right now, we are looking for references and good questions!

Due Thursday, October 25th: List of 6 references (not sources!  In other words, you may have multiple references within one textbook source) that you may use in your science fair research.  This list of references can be altered throughout the project.  Later, the expectation is for you to turn over 12 references.  Six references will get you to a nice start.

Monday, October 22nd

Social Studies:
Everyone needs to present at least one current event this quarter (Between now and November 8th).  It can be news about local, state, national or world.  It should contain:
1) What is the headline of the story?
2) Who or what is the news story about?
3) Where did the news story take place?
4) What is your personal reaction to the story?
5) What is the source of your information?

Social Studies:

Within your Ancient Egypt project team, each person needs to complete one of the essential questions assigned to you.  If, within your research, you accurately answer the question and can speak about the question and answer for about 60 seconds, you are off to a great start. Remember, this is not a cut and paste from the internet exercise.  You should use multiple sources and list your references.  Don't worry about listing the references according to standard.  We will cover this procedure Tuesday.

Writing:

Science Fair Research - Complete the list of 5 essential questions on the worksheet provided. If your question requires 1-2 paragraphs to accurately answer, it is a good question!  We will continue working on this Tuesday.

Due Wednesday, October 24th: List of 12 references (not sources!  In other words, you may have multiple references within one textbook source) that you may use in your science fair research.  This list of references can be altered throughout the project.

Questions for me?  Email me: kresh@cps.edu.

Homework - Week of October 15th

Friday, October 19th 

Social Studies:
Within your Ancient Egypt project team, each person needs to complete one of the essential questions assigned to you.  If, within your research, you accurately answer the question and can speak about the question and answer for about 60 seconds, you are off to a great start. Remember, this is not a cut and paste from the internet exercise.  You should use multiple sources and list your references.  Don't worry about listing the references according to standard.  We will cover this procedure next week.

Writing:
Science Fair Research - Complete the list of 5 essential questions on the worksheet provided. If your question requires 1-2 paragraphs to accurately answer, it is a good question!  This is due Monday, October 22nd.

Due Wednesday, October 24th: List of 12 references (not sources!  In other words, you may have multiple references within one textbook source) that you may use in your science fair research.  This list of references can be altered throughout the project.

Thursday, October 18th

Reading: 6B ONLY

Complete the 2-sided worksheet on "Ghost of the Lagoon".  If not already complete, answer questions 1-5 on p. 48.

Everyone: you have a test on "Ghost of the Lagoon" Friday.  Don't forget to focus on vocab, the story and preparing by answering the following questions: 

1) Why does Mako want to kill Tupa?  What are at least 3 reasons why he would want to do this?

2) Tupa is just a shark.  Why do you think the people of Bora Bora are so afraid of him that he becomes a legend?  List at least 5 reasons.  

Wednesday, October 17th

Reading: 6A ONLY

Complete the 2-sided worksheet on "Ghost of the Lagoon". 

Tuesday, October 16th

Social Studies:

Worksheet pages 33 and 34.  You may use your book as a reference to complete this assignment.

Writing:
Bring your problem statement for your Science Fair project.

Monday, October 15th

Social Studies:
Everyone needs to present at least one current event this quarter (Between now and November 8th).  It can be news about local, state, national or world.  It should contain:
1) What is the headline of the story?
2) Who or what is the news story about?
3) Where did the news story take place?
4) What is your personal reaction to the story?
5) What is the source of your information?

Homework - Week of October 8th

Friday, October 12th

Social Studies: 
Blueprint - Part 2.

Before you start this assignment, please recall that every student has the option to revise their blueprint idea.

As mentioned, too many are interested in making a pyramid.  Up to 4 students will have the opportunity to create one.  Other topics you may want to research/consider:

The Pharaoh

The Kings and Queens

Nobody (and this is really surprising) requested to do King Tut! (aka King Tutankhamen)

Tombs

Painters of the tombs

Mummification / mummy case

Boats on the Nile

The Sphinx

Your task: Come up with at least 5 essential questions relating to your blueprint proposal.  The first question for everyone can be: "Why did I choose this topic or project idea?"  The other questions will be relating to your project, and will give you a means of explaining more about the topic you may present during your five minute mini-lesson.

These questions do not have to be answered....yet.  You need to identify questions that can be answered, that will provide your audience (the rest of the class, Mr. Lombardo, Ms. Smagacz, a younger grade, me) with about five minutes worth of content.   Each presenter will average about 90 seconds of talking time.  

We will determine projects and teams next week, and will begin researching as soon as next Thursday.

This assignment is due Monday.

Thursday, October 11th

Reading: 
Test on "The School Play" Friday.  Questions to be asked on vocabulary, & comprehension.

Questions that will be asked:
Write down at least two things you know about Robert.  In one or two sentences, write down how you know this about Robert.

The story says hat, after the performance, Robert feels happy.  What other words would you use you describe how he feels, and why do you think he feels that way?

Choose a minor character that you feel you came to understand better by the end of the story.  Describe your first impression and what deeper understanding you developed.

Wednesday, October 10th

Social Studies:

As we continue to learn more about Ancient Egypt, you may want to consider revising or improving your blueprint idea.

About 25% of the class is interested in making a pyramid.  Up to 4 students will have the opportunity to create one.  Other topics you may want to research/consider:

The Pharaoh
The Kings and Queens
Nobody (and this is really surprising) requested to do King Tut! (aka King Tutankhamen)
Tombs
Painters of the tombs
Mummification / mummy case
Boats on the Nile
The Sphinx

Keep digging!


Tuesday, October 9th

Reading:

6A ONLY: Respond to the "Writing Connection" on p. 30.
Response questions to "The School Play".  Questions 1-5 on p. 37.

6B: Response questions to "The School Play".  Questions 1-4 on p. 37.

Monday, October 8th

Reading:
Great job with the second round of MAP testing.  Tonight, your homework is to read your novel for 30 minutes.  You WILL be writing about what you have been reading very very soon.