December 1, 2008

Sections 1 and 2
Today
We started a new daily drill that we will use for at least the month of December.  It is called Daily Buzzword.  The actual activity is located on the Merriam-Webster website called Word Central.  Each day they post a word, give a definition and a sentence, and ask a question.  Most times the questions require some thought.  We discuss the possible answers then check the site.  The site then gives a lengthy explanation.  I am into words and their derivations, so I find it fascinating.  The students are required to keep track of each day's word.  I will quiz them on the words later.

Homework
Pictionaries 1-10 unit 6
They also have a good rough draft of their essay due on Wednesday.  Today we looked at the winning essay from last year.  Tomorrow we will study how to use citations.

Sections 3,6,7
Today
Daily Drill
We started unit 5 in vocabulary
We also started a unit on sentences.  For the next two weeks, we will be doing grammar.  The students are expected to keep notes in a notebook which they will use for the test at the end.  We took a diagnostic test today, and they didn't know much! 

Homework:
Pictionaries 1-10 unit 5
MANY STUDENTS did not turn in BOTH poems before Thanksgiving.  I informed those students of their missing work today,