WEEK 1

Monday - 1/30
E - F - A - B - C - D

• Notebook Entry #51 - Preview the story "The Smallest Dragonboy."- Literature book, page 119. Review the defined words at the bottom of the pages. Then make a prediction-support chart. On the left side make five predictions about what you think might happen in the story. On the right side, write down what evidence you're using to support your predictions.
• Read "The Smallest Dragonboy" - Lit Book, p. 120 - 123
• Notebook Entry #52 -What is Keevan like at the beginning of the story? Skim through what we've read of the story so far. At the top of the page, make a list of the things we learn and know about Keevan's character. Use specific evidence from the story. In the margin next to the list, write two or three character trait words that might describe Keevan at the beginning of the story.
  HW: Do Conjunction-Interjection WS [PDF].

Tuesday - 1/31
D - E - F - A - B - C

• Correct Conjunction-Interjections WS. Turn in.
• Finish reading "The Smallest Dragonboy" - Lit Book, p. 123 -
• Notebook Entry #53 - Make a Cause / Effect chart. Divide your paper into two columns. On the left side, describe the four most important events in the story "The Smallest Dragonboy," Lit Book, p.120. On the right side, explain why each event is significant to the development of Keevan's character. The chart below gives you the first event. Add three more causes / effects.

• HW: Finish NB #53, if necessary. Scrooge Essay drafts due tomorrow. LOOK HERE FOR AN OUTLINE OF THE COMPLETE ESSAY.
  • Paragraph #1 - Introduction: Background information and thesis statement.
  • Paragraph #2 - Description of what Scrooge is like in the beginning of the story.
  • Paragraph #3 - Discuss two things that Scrooge sees and learns as he travels with each of the spirits of the past, present, and future. (Two moments from each spirit.)
  • Paragraph #4 - Description of Scrooge at the end of the story.
  • Remember to use correct writing format:

Wednesday - 2/1
C - D - E - F - A - B

• Review and revise concluding paragraph of the Scrooge essay. Turn in essay draft.
• Final Exam on A Christmas Carol.
• Complete The Big Lesson WS [PDF] . Due Friday.
  HW: Parts of Speech Review Worksheet [PDF]. Test Friday on parts of speech - adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, verbs, nouns, pronouns, and conjunctions, and interjections. Use the Grammar Goodies to study.

Thursday - 2/2
B - C - D - E - F - A

• Correct Parts of Speech Review WS. Turn in.
• Review for tomorrow's test.
• Notebook Entry #54 - Story Background Information - Answer the following questions about "The Smallest Dragonboy" - Lit book, p. 119.
  • What is the title of the story?
  • Who is the author?
  • Where and when does the story take place?
  • Who is the main character?
  • What problem is he facing?
  • In two to three sentences tell me what the story is about.
  • Write a thesis statement for the introductory paragraph. If you need help, rewrite the following sentence, filling in the blanks with character trait words:
    • In the beginning of the story, Keevan was _____, but he learns ___________ and by the end of the story he has become more _____.

  HW: Test tomorrow on parts of speech - adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, verbs, nouns, pronouns, and conjunctions, and interjections. Use the Grammar Goodies to study.

Friday - 2/3
B - C - D - E - F - A

• Parts of Speech Test
• Finish Notebook Entries #52, 53, and 54.
  HW: Finish Notebook Entries #52, 53, and 54, if necessary. The Big Lesson WS [PDF] is due on Monday.

WEEK 2

Monday - 2/6
A - B - C - D - E - F

• Grammar Safari - Week 20 - Identify parts of a sentence: complete and simple subjects.
• Review & turn in "The Big Lesson" WS.
• Review NB #54 & #52.
• Response to Literature Essay - Keevan from "The Smallest Dragonboy" - Lit. Book, p. 120
  • Paragraph #1 - Using your notes from Notebook Entry #54, write an introductory paragraph for your essay.
    Paragraph #2 - Write a paragraph describing what Keevan is like at the beginning of the story. Use your notes from NB #52 to help you.
  • Be sure to use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas.
  • Be sure to use correct writing format.

  HW: Finish Smallest Dragonboy paragraphs #1 & #2.

Tuesday - 2/7
F - A - B - C - D - E

• Grammar Safari
• Revise introductory and first body paragraph of "Smallest Dragonboy" Essay.
• Response to Literature Essay - Keevan from "The Smallest Dragonboy" - Lit. Book, p. 120.
  • Paragraph #3 - Event 1 - Keevan overhears the dragonriders' conversation
  • Paragraph #4 - Event 2 - Keevan gets into a fight with Beterli
  • Paragraph #5 - Event 3 - Keeven gets to the hatching ground
  • Paragraph #6 - Event 4 - A dragon chooses Keevan.
    • Use Notebook Entry #53 to help you.
    • Be sure to include transitional words and phrases to connect ideas.
    • Be sure to balance cause and effect - what happened AND why it is important to Keevan's character.
    • Be sure to use correct writing format.

  HW: Finish Smallest Dragonboy paragraphs #3, #4, #5, and #6.

Wednesday - 2/8
E - F - A - B - C - D

• Grammar Safari - Turn in.
• Response to Literature Essay - Keevan from "The Smallest Dragonboy" - Lit. Book, p. 120.
  • Paragraph #7 - Concluding paragraph -
    • summary statement (restate thesis in new way)
    • describe what Keevan is like at the end
    • show your understanding of the theme of the story.
    • Use correct writing format.

  HW: Complete Subjects WS-1: Side 1 [PDF] / Side 2 [PDF] (be sure to print out both sides!)

Thursday - 2/9
D - E - F - A - B - C

• Correct and turn in Subjects WS - 1.
• Notebook Entry #55 - Lit Book: Evidence Notes (These will go in your yellow folder, so write them neatly on a separate page in your notebook.)
  • Read page 604 -605. Write a definition for each type of evidence mentioned: anecdote, fact, statistic, example, expert opinion, and interview quotation.
  • Read page 146. Write a definition for the following terms: fact, inference, and opinion.
• Grammar Book - Read page 5 - 7. Do Exercise 3, p. 8 - EVENS ONLY. Write out the sentence. Underline the complete subjects once. Circle the simple subjects.
• Grammar Book - Read page 13. Do Exercise 8, page 14 - EVENS ONLY. Write out the sentence. Underline the complete subjects once. Circle the simple subjects.
  HW: Finish class work, if necessary. "The Smallest Dragonboy" Essay is due tomorrow.

Friday - 2/10
D - E - F - A - B - C

• Revise concluding paragraph of "The Smallest Dragonboy" essay. Turn in essay.
• Correct grammar book assignment. Turn in.
• Notebook Entry #56 - Cookie Convince Me - PART 1: Make a two column chart. Label the left column FACTS and the right column OPINIONS. Then write a minimum of five facts and five opinions about the cookie you're given. PART 2: Write a paragraph convincing me that your cookie is the best cookie in the entire world. Be sure to include a topic sentence, specific supporting details, and transitional words and phrases. (For absent students: Find a food item at home and do the same process as described above.)

WEEK 3

Monday - 2/13 ~ HOLIDAY - No School

Tuesday - 2/14
C - D - E - F - A - B

• Grammar Safari - Week 21: Identify Parts of a Sentence - Complete and simple predicates.
• Review NB #55 - Types of Evidence
• Notebook Entry #57 - Chewing Gum Convince Me
  • PART I:
    • Take a Position: Students should / should not be allowed to chew gum during class.
    • Write your position at the top of your paper.
    • Make a PROS and CONS chart to look at both sides of the issue.
    • Read "45 Fabulously Fascinating Facts about Chewing Gum." [PDF]
    • Add to your PROS and CONS chart.

  HW: Complete Types of Evidence WS. [PDF]

Wednesday - 2/15
B - C - D - E - F - A

• Grammar Safari
• Review Types of Evidence WS. Turn in.
• Notebook Entry #57 - Chewing Gum Convince Me
  • PART II: Write a paragraph convincing me to agree with your position. Include a topic sentence, transitional words and phrases, and evidence from you PROS / CONS chart.
• Read "Veto on Video Games," Lit Book - p. 599 - 600.
  HW: Predicates WS - 1 [PDF] / [PDF]. (Be sure to print out both pages)

Thursday - 2/16
A - B - C - D - E - F

• Grammar Safari
• Correct Predicates WS. Turn in.
• Review "Veto on Video Games," Lit Book - p. 599 - 600. Complete Evidence Sheet [PDF].
  HW: Grammar Book -
  • Read page 10 - 11. Do Exercise 6, p. 11 - EVENS ONLY. Write out the sentence. Underline the complete predicate once. Circle the simple predicates (verbs).
  • Read page 15. Do Exercise 10, page 16 - EVENS ONLY. Write out the sentence. Underline the complete predicate once. Circle the simple predicates (verbs.)

Friday - 2/18
A - B - C - D - E - F

• Grammar Safari - Turn in.
• Correct grammar book assignment. Turn in.
• Review "Veto on Video Games" Evidence Sheet.
• Notebook Entry #58 - "Veto" Summary - Using your notes from the "Veto on Video Games" evidence sheet, write a summary of the author's position. Write a topic sentence that includes the title of the article, the author's name, and states his position. Include a combination of main ideas and supporting details from your chart, and use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas.

WEEK 4

Monday - 2/20 - HOLIDAY - No School

Tuesday - 2/21
F - A - B - C - D - E

• Grammar Safari - Week 22 - Review of Subjects and Predicates.
• Steps to Writing a Persuasive Essay [PDF]
  • Step #1 - Read the prompt: The Benicia City Council has asked the Youth Commission to give them a report on how they can make Benicia a better place for teenagers. Think about what would make Benicia a more kid-friendly town. Write a letter to the Benicia City Council giving your best suggestion for what can be done to improve Benicia for teenagers. Give convincing reasons that support your opinions and address the concerns of those who would argue against your ideas. Explain your reasons with specific details.
  • Step #2 - Notebook Entry #59 - Brainstorm a list of possible topics for your essay.
    • Brainstorm a list of at least five things that would make Benicia a better place for teens.
    • Consider the audience. Which topic could the city council actually do something about? Consider the list. What could you write about most easily? Put a star next to the topic you want to write about.
  • Step #3 - Make a list of PROS and CONS for your topic.
    • Make a two column chart. Label them PROS and CONS. Brainstorm a list of pros (reasons in support of your position) in the left column and cons (reasons against your position) in the right column. You should have about five items in each column.
  • Step #4 -Write a Thesis Statement. Write a thesis statement that states your proposal. Use one of the following as a model or create your own.
    • In order to make Benicia a better place for teens, the City Council should _____.
    • Benicia could be a better place for teenagers if the City Council would _____.

    HW: "The Joystick of Learning," WS [PDF] . Finish Persuasive Essay Steps #1 - 4, if necessary.

Wednesday - 2/22
E - F - A - B - C - D

• Grammar Safari
• Review "Joystick of Learning" WS. KEEP.
• Steps to Writing a Persuasive Essay, continued. [PDF] Notebook Entry #60 - Step #5 - Organize and outline ideas.
  • I. Introduction
    • A. Grabber / Opener
    • B. Background Information
    • C. Thesis Statement
  • II. Body Paragraph #1 (PRO). Topic Sentence.
    • A. First Point
      • 1. Supporting Detail
      • 2. Supporting Detail
    • B. Second Point
      • 1. Supporting Detail
      • 2. Supporting Detail
    • C. Third Point
      • 1. Supporting Detail
      • 2. Supporting Detail
  • III. Body Paragraph #2 (ADDRESS A COUNTERARGUMENT). Topic Sentence:
    • A. First Point
    • B. Second Point
    • C. Third Point
  • IV. Conclusion
    • A. Summary Statement
    • B. Call to Action
• Example:
  • II. Celebrating Earth Day would draw attention to important environmental problems on our planet.
    • A. pollutants
      • 1. oil down drains
      • 2.un-off of insecticides off lawns
    • B. disappearing habitats
      • 1. expanding housing developments
      • 2. water diversion
    • C. increased awareness
      • 1. importance of recycling and using biodegradable products
      • 2.benefits of wind and solar power
  • II. Some people argue that this event would take away from vauable time in the classroom, but they are mistaken.
    • A. students will be more motivated
    • B. understand the value of skills learned in class
    • C. help students apply knowledge and learn more
  • Click here for more examples of how to write a counterargument

    HW: "Earthlings Unite!" [PDF]. Finish NB #60 and NB #58.

Thursday - 2/23
D - E - F - A - B - C

• Grammar Safari - Turn in.
• "Earthlings Unite!" WS. Turn in.
• Steps to Writing a Persuasive Essay, continued. [PDF]
  • Step #6: On a piece of binder paper, write your the introduction and two body paragraphs of your essay using the correct writing format.
    • Write the introduction. Need to have an opener, a little background information, and a thesis statement. (Review ways to write an introduction. [PDF] )
    • Write the two body paragraphs. Follow the outline you made in NB#60. Be sure that each paragraph starts with a topic sentence and includes transitional words and phrases to connect ideas.
    • Write the conclusion. Need to include a summary statement restating the main idea of your essay and make a call to action. (Review ways to write a conclusion. [PDF])

  HW: Finish your essay. Notebook Entries #51 - 60 are due tomorrow.

Friday - 2/24
D - E - F - A - B - C

• Grammar Safari - Turn in.
• Turn in Notebook Entries #51 - 60.
• Turn in "Veto on Video Games" Evidence chart.
• Review and revise Better Benicia essay. Turn in.

WEEK 5

Monday - 2/27
C - D - E - F - A - B

• Review Key Elements of the STAR Writing Test .
• STAR Practice - Fictional Narrative [PDF]
  • Make a plan --> plot chart or plot outline
  • Write your story. (30 minutes in class / 30 minutes at home)
  • Proofread.

  HW: Finish your fictional narrative. FRIDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO TURN IN MISSING OR ABSENT WORK FOR 3RD QUARTER.

Tuesday - 2/28
B - C - D - E - F - A

• Review Fictional Narrative. Turn in.
• STAR Practice - Summary [PDF].
  • Make a plan --> main ideas / supporting details for each paragraph
  • Write your summary. (30 minutes in class / 30 minutes at home)
  • Proofread.

  HW: Finish your Summary. FRIDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO TURN IN MISSING OR ABSENT WORK FOR 3RD QUARTER.

Wednesday - 2/29
A - B - C - D - E - F

• Review Summary. Turn in.
• Return and review "The Smallest Dragonboy" Essay.
• Continue reviewing Key Elements of the STAR Writing Test .
• STAR Practice - Response to Literature [PDF]
  HW: Finish the response to literature essay. TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO TURN IN MISSING OR ABSENT WORK FOR 3RD QUARTER.

Thursday - 3/1
F - A - B - C - D - E

• Review Response to Literature Essay. Turn in.
• Return and review "Better Benicia" essay.
• Continue reviewing Key Elements of the STAR Writing Test .
• STAR Practice - Persuasive [PDF]
  HW: Finish your persuasive essay. FRIDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO TURN IN MISSING OR ABSENT WORK FOR 3RD QUARTER.

Friday - 3/2
F - A - B - C - D - E

•  Review Persuasive Essay. Turn in.
• Word Study - Unit 5
  • Pretest - Test Date: 3/9
  • Practice Sheet - side 1 [PDF] / side 2 [printable web page] and Word Study sheet due 3/9.
• TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO TURN IN MISSING OR ABSENT WORK FOR 3RD QUARTER.

karen@mrshatzi.com