Monday, October 24, 2011

The Good Rough Draft is Due Tomorrow!

Homework:
Pictionaries Unit 4
Good Rough Draft of the narrative essay

Today:
We reviewed the terms for the nouns unit.
We took and reviewed the nouns quiz.
We listened to the unit 4 vocabulary words.


What is a "Good Rough Draft"?  
I explain it to the students like this: hand in a piece tomorrow that you will feel comfortable getting graded on.  In other words, this draft is the best you can do.  It can be a little rough if it is hand written, but if it is typed, it should be perfect.  Now, what improvements need to be made for Friday?

This week
Over the next few days, we will be looking at introductions.  I will be asking the students to add a better introduction to their paper.

We will discuss dialogue and how to punctuate it.  We will discuss dialogue in more depth later in the year, but I will teach the basic idea.

I will also discuss how the beginning leads to the end. 

Finally, I want to give the students practice reading their pieces because I will be recording them on Friday and over the next week.  The oral reading should add to the piece, not take away from it. 

Here is the rubric for the narrative essay:



I will post the rubric for the oral reading in a day or two.  However, the reading grade is broken down like this:
D- the student just got up and read it, and the reading was lame
C- the student just got up and read it, and the reading was OK
B- it was clear that the student practiced and tried to use his voice to create interest
A- Well practiced with a loud, clear voice.  The reading was a joy to listen to.

Like I said, I will make a clear rubric soon.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

October 19, 2011

Homework:
Good-Rough Draft Due Tuesday
Quick Noun Quiz Monday

Today:
Quiz Unit 3 (The scores are on HAC.)
I reviewed how to craft a narrative using five senses, dialogue, and thoughts.

In the honors classes, I read an edited version of a narrative by David Sedaris called "The Waiting Room."  He writes in an advanced style of narrative where he weaves many little anecdotes into a larger story.  He is great at using details like dialogue so you get a feel for the people he is discussing.  Plus, he has a great sense of humor, which comes across in his thoughts and asides.  I do not expect students to understand exactly how to write like him, but I wanted to expose them to how writing is crafted.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Vocab 3 quiz tomorrow.



Homework:
Sections 3, 6, and HB should make flashcards for unit 3.
All classes have a quiz on unit 3 Wednesday, tomorrow.

Today:
We reviewed the answers for the rest of the unit in the book.
I discussed the chart below.
I gave the students some time to do their own chart.
In some classes, we started the flashcards.

Explanation of the chart
A good narrative is not a long list of everything that happened.  It is not, "... and then... and then ... and then."  A good narrative moves the story forward in stages, but spends time on the details. What were people saying around you?  Can you describe the scene so we can experience it?  What thoughts did you have while the moment was happening? 

I had the students pick out the seven or so basic events in their narrative.  Then they were to add lots of details.  This is the example we did in class.  From it, I made up a story off the top of my head.  I take each row and read across before I go down.  This way, the story is not a collection of and then's.


Skeleton
5 senses
(see, hear, feel, smell, taste)
Dialogue
Thoughts
The door to the bus opened.
People pushing
See bus driver
Shouting windows
Tired
“I can’t wait to get home.”
“Good morning.”
“This is one crazy bus!”
I walked up the steps, turned, and began to walk down the isle.
Students in rows
Pushing through knees
Smell feet
Children screaming
nervous
“I wonder what my teacher will be like.”
“Turn the radio on!”
“Who am I going to sit with.”
I spotted a seat.
Writing on it
Holes
“Please don’t sit next to me!”
“Why me?”
I sat down
Could not sit still
Cold
“I am going to flame on you.”
“What the heck is he talking about?”

Monday, October 17, 2011

October 17, 2011

Homework:
Finish Completing the Sentence Unit 3
Flashcards due Wednesday
Quiz 3 Wednesday

Today:
I reviewed some of the Completing the Sentence
Then I discussed another model essay.  I told the students that they need an outline of their event for tomorrow.  I will be showing them how to add dialogue, thoughts, and the five senses to their essays.  They should be working on these at home as well.

The "good rough" draft is due next Tuesday.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Students whoul have an idea for their narratives for next week

Today:
I discussed the idea of crafting a narrative.  The crafting can only take place after a skeleton is created, like an outline.  It is the first, second, third, etc..  To that skeleton, we will be adding dialogue, thoughts, and the five senses.  We will also craft the intro so it leads to the conclusion.  So if a student does not have the basics to embellish, they will not be able to apply the lessons right away. 

I also explained that I am having trouble with my piece.  I have hit a roadblock.  The technique I taught them to deal with that is to put the piece down for a day or two.  My brain will work on the piece in the background.  Eventually, the solution will hit me.  If not, I will struggle with it later.  I have time.  Waiting until the last minute is not the best solution!  :)



Have a nice weekend.
-MrBoZ


Thursday, October 13, 2011

October 13, 2011

Homework:
I taught lessons on choosing a topic for the narrative in many of my classes today.  Students must be thinking about their essays.  I cannot give them enough time to write their pieces in class.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

October 12, 2011

Homework:
Choosing the Right Word Unit 3
I would also spend some time brainstorming for the narrative.

Today:
We reviewed the synonyms.
I taught a noun lesson, and we completed an exercise.
I explained how to get started on the narrative.
I reminder them that a narrative is more about the lesson than it is about the events. 

Here is one way to get started on the first day of seventh grade topic:



First day of seventh grade (or any other first day)

What you learned:
I thought it would be ____________________
It ended up being ______________
What was the lesson learned?

(List all the details of the day, or, if you can, focus on how the details met your expectations or did not meet your expectation.)

First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

I am making a small change to gradebook.

Homework:
Synonyms Unit 3

Today:
We reviewed the unit 3 words.
I discussed a model piece for the narrative.
I gave the students the requirements for the narrative piece.


FYI-
I will be redistributing a few grades in the coming days.  It should not really affect things too much. I will move the words assignments into the classwork grade and change the percentages:
  • Classwork: 60%
  • Homework: 15%
  • Quizzes: 15%
  • Participation: 10%

Explanation:
This year, I have been trying very hard to structure my writing class differently.  I told myself that there must be a better way to teach writing.  Maybe there is, but I cannot get it to work in a 50 minute class.  The ideal class would have lots of writing time and look like a workshop.  What happens, though, is we must have a warm-up.  Then I review vocab.  Then I teach a small lesson.  Before I know it, the class is almost over. 

I will be going back to what I know works.  Sorry for any confusion.  I wanted to try something new, but why stress over something that is just not going to work?  Maybe I will try again if we ever go to block scheduling.

Monday, October 10, 2011

We have started narratives.

Homework:
  • Pictionaries for Unit 3 vocabulary.
  • (Section 6 parents, I sent home the vocab book purchase form.  Please return soon.)
  • I did not see sections 4 and HB due to testing today.
  • The rough draft of the narrative is due around October 25.

Today:
  • We listened to the unit 3 vocab words.
  • Then we read a sample narrative piece and discussed the first narrative writing tip: A narrative piece should be reflective and contain a lesson that you wish to share with the reader.  

Here is one suggested topic: 
Based on the essay we ready about the man who was not ready to be known for his speed eating ability, think about a time in your life when you realized there was something you did NOT want to be or become.  Likewise, you can discuss a time when you realized what you DID want to become.  Either is fine.

Please see the assignment page on my website for more details.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

October 6, 2011

Homework:
None

Today:
We took the unit 2 vocab test.  Sections 4 and 5 took it as an open book test.    Sections 3, 6 and HB had some help. (I had my reasons.) I am going to enter the scores right after I publish this.

We continued to work on nouns.

Have a nice weekend.

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

It was nice to see the parents Tuesday night.

Homework:
All classes have vocab unit 2 quiz Thursday.
Sections 3 and 6 should have made flashcards for a homework grade. I checked the HB class's cards today.

Today:
We are halfway through the first marking period.  In all my classes, I discussed where we are going for the rest of the marking period.  In some classes the amount of writing needs to be adjusted.  In all classes, we will be studying grammar more often.  I am still working out the details.  Basically, I want to meet the needs of the students.  I want to do what will help each class the best.  I know it is vague.  Sorry.

I will make you aware of the requirements each week.  Stay tuned.  :)

Monday, October 03, 2011

Interims are being entered this week.

Homework:
Finish the Completing the Sentence Unit 2
Sections 3, 6, and HB can revise their 200 word pieces to increase their score.
Unit 2 quiz on Thursday, not Wednesday.

Today:
We have ended our first two writing pieces: a creative piece and a graded piece.  I would like to take a break this week and just do vocab and grammar, as well as share some of the work they have done.  We will start writing our words again next week when we study narratives.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Don't forget: Back to School Night Tuesday

Today:
I handed out grade slips in sections 3, 4, 5, and HB.  I put up an anonymous sample grade to discuss what the students need to focus on to improve their grades.  School can be confusing for seventh graders.  There are a lot of assignments to keep track of.  I hope the grade slips help students make up whatever they have missed.

I entered a few more grades in the HAC.

We are sharing some work now.

Have a nice weekend!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Just a reminder! The creative pieces are due Friday!

Parents, please remind your child that the creative piece will be shared and collected tomorrow. 

Also, we will review the Choosing the Right Word for unit 2 in class.

If you have not checked HAC lately, I graded the 200 word piece for sections 3, 4, 5, and HB.  I am getting to 6 soon.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Please have your child sumbit his/her essay to the writing contest.

Parents,
I forgot to tell the kids to submit the 200 word pieces to the writing contest!  That was the whole reason we were writing these 200 word pieces in the first place!  Here is the address: http://www.arthurjturnerjrscholarship.org/writingcontest/

I told the kids weeks ago that I wanted a winner from H.B.  After grading sections 4 and 5's  essays, I think we have some really good pieces.  Please check the HAC.  If the grade is above 90, please encourage your child to submit.

Homework:
I will be out Wednesday.  I expect the students to work in class.  They will have some things due.  They should have the Choosing the Right Word for Unit 2 completed.  Most importantly, they should have a good draft of their creative piece.  They should be ready to read to the class.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Goal for this week: Creative piece due Friday

Homework:
  • All classes have pictionaries for unit 2 vocabulary due Tuesday.
  • All classes have a creative piece due Friday. (So do I for that matter!)

Today:
  • We started the next unit in vocabulary. That took some time.
  • I reviewed the grammar lessons we have been studying.  I will wrap these lessons up tomorrow with a brief assessment. (I plan to teach grammar a little tighter next unit.)
  • I checked off sections 4 and 5 for their 700 words from last week. (I will get to the other three Tuesday.)

Requirements for Friday: A Celebration of Our Work!
  • Have a neatly typed or written piece to hand in on Friday.
  • Be ready to read it to the class, or part of it if it is too long.
  • Students MUST read the piece to the class.
  • If the piece is a poem, I think it should be about 100 words.
  • Narratives and essays should be 500 -700 words or so.  (More is fine. It is their piece!)
  • (Most students should get an A for this assignment!)

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Creative piece due next Friday!

I entered a temporary grade on the HAC to show if the 200 word piece was handed in on-time.  Since that category is 40% of the grade, if the piece is missing, the effect on the grade is big.  

Today:
I showed the students the spotlights that I have in my room.  Next Friday, they will get their two minutes in the spotlight as they present their piece to the class.  It should be a good time... for those who like that kind of thing.  For others, it will be painful.  But I intend to make the process a class-building activity where we come together for each other in support!  Well, that's what I hope.  Heck, I have to write something myself. 

I hope to grade the 200 word pieces within a week. 


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Grades are starting to accumulate

Have you checked HAC lately?

I added the quiz scores from today. 
The 200 word good draft is due Thursday.  I should have them graded in a week.  At that point, the grades should be accurate.  (Right now there is a whole category not represented: Classwork.)

40% of the grade is Classwork (Essays and projects)
20 % of the grade is the 700 words/week (for this marking period at least)
10 % of the grade is homework
20% of the grade is vocab quizzes
10% of the grade is participation (being prepared, behaving, but mostly volunteering)

Since a computer figures all this out, it can be messy.  I like to be able to give parents a good view of where their child might be struggling.  There is a good part of my grade that is just doing work.  However, performance matters, too.  Quizzes, projects, and essays will show performance. 

I did not blog yesterday because my son broke his arm.  Ugh.

Monday, September 19, 2011

September 19, 2011

Grades have been updated on the HAC.

Homework:
Section 6- second page of vocabulary

Sections 3, 4, 5, HB- Finish the vocab unit 1
Sections 3, 4, 5, HB have a quiz on Wednesday

All have the good draft of the 200 word piece due Thursday.

Sections 3, HB, 6 have 500 words due Friday.
Sections 4 and 5 have 700 words due Friday.

Here are the notes we discussed in class today:

September 19, 2011
Writer’s purpose: I believe the purpose of all writing is to transfer some idea from the writer to the reader.  Whether it is through entertainment, persuasion, or informing, the writer wants us to gain some insight he/she has found.

“The way of a fool seems wise to him,
 but a wise man listens to advice.”  
                                                      Proverb

Narrative- a story about a moment in your life where you learned a lesson.
Poem- Observation about Nature or life, like a photograph.  You show the reader something that contained a lesson for you. (Stopping by Woods...)
Creative Story- You create characters who, through events in the story, learn a lesson you want to share.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Have a nice weekend!

Homework:
None

Today:
I collected the 200 word piece.  We will spend two days looking at them next week.  Wednesday we might get some lab time. The good draft will be due Thursday.

I checked the 400 weekly words.  I showed the students how they are doing so far. 

Grades will be updated on the HAC by Tuesday. 

I changed the due date for the creative piece to September 30.  I want to spend a little more time getting the students ready.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Work due Friday!

All classes have the good/rough draft of the 200 word piece on family outings due Friday. (We went to the lab today to type it up.  There is no excuse for not having this Friday.)

All classes have 400 words due.
     I have been using the class writing time to focus on the 200 word piece.  We will get back to the creative writing next.  However, I have explained that students need to be writing.  These weekly words should be a little challenging.  It's like I am asking them to do push-ups.  Writing these words will strengthen them!

Sections 3, 6, and HB may use the 200 word piece towards their 400 words.
Sections 4 and 5 must have the 200 word piece AND the 400 words.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

September 14, 2011

** Note **
I updated two grades on the HAC

Homework:
Choosing the Right Word Unit 1 (Sections 3, 4, 5, HB)
Vocab Quiz (Section 6)
Good/Rough Draft of 200 Word Piece due Friday
400 words due Friday

Today:
Reviewed Class Participation grade expectations
Reviewed the synonyms in vocab
Started the Choosing the Right Word (finish for homework)
Discussed the grading of the 200 word piece
I also introduced the students to the responders that we will be use from time to time.


I discussed how the 200 word piece needs to focus on three main ideas: we, enjoy, and specifically.  The topic sentence give the direction for the piece.  Those three ideas need to be developed in the paper.  I actually rewrote my version.  It needs some work, but it is better than the first one, which was all over the place:



We enjoy the family outings, especially the memories we create.  My family is growing up.  When my wife and I had our first child, we thought those endless nights would last forever.  Yet, as the years went on, and we had another, we began to realize that each year brings, not only new challenges, but relief from the old as we grow as parents and our children mature.  When my children were young, older parents would tell us to enjoy our children when they are young because they are only your for a while.  My daughter is now 14, and my son is 10.  Facebook and friends are taking my daughter from me.  Xbox and soccer occupy my son.  Family outings now have greater importance.  While they used be used to entertain the children, we now see that we must schedule time to spend together.  We must remove ourselves from the routines of our lives.  We must not just go on vacation as if we need a rest. Just the opposite.  We must go on vacation to create the memories that we will look back on as we all get older.  We enjoy our family outings now because we understand why they are so important. 205

* The red words need some work.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

September 13, 2011

Homework: (I am trying to teach kids to work on multiple things at once.)
  • Section 6: Finish the vocab packet.  
  • Sections 3, 4, 5, HB: Synonyms in vocab and finish the synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms sheet.
  • All: The 200 word piece is due Friday.  Students owe 400 words on Friday.

Today:
  • We did some grammar.
  • I reviewed the vocab words and introduced the students to the synonyms in the book.
  • I discussed how to brainstorm for the 200 word piece. Many students "barf draft" and think they have written something.  No.  That is brainstorming.  Students think that everything they write is precious.  Here are two  outlines I came up for my piece:

We enjoy the family outings, especially the … trip to Hilton Head Island
- It is far from home.
    It is very different from how we live here!
The island is very beautiful!
- We are forced to spend time together!
- We get to eat out at restaurants a lot!
- We take pictures and create lifetime memories.
    We always forget the bad times and focus on the good.
    Her parents created a legacy which we will pass on to our kids.


We enjoy the family outings, especially the … what you specifically enjoy.
    Trip 1 Disney
    Trip 2 Hilton Head
    Trip 3 Day trips to where ever



Monday, September 12, 2011

September 12, 2011



Homework:
  • Section 6 has to complete pages 82 and 83 of the vocab sheet I gave them.
  • The other sections must make pictionaries for unit 1 in the vocab book.
  • Sections 3 and HB MUST buy the vocab book or return a SIGNED slip saying they will borrow the book.

Today:
  • I introduced students to the vocab unit 1. We reviewed the words and how to do the pictionaries.
  • I gave them time to work on the pictionaries. Some classes had time to start the 200 word writing prompt for this week:
“We enjoy the family outings, especially the... ”Entries must be complete stories with a beginning, middle and end. Stories without a clear resolution will not be eligible.

*** This prompt is hard because they you have to say something meaningful in only 200 words! ***


Remember: www.mrboz.com is the classroom website!

Friday, September 09, 2011

September 9, 2011

Homework:
Sections 3 and HB must bring in vocab book money on Monday.  The cost is $10.  Students may borrow a book, but the book must return in perfect condition.  I recommend buying the book.

All other classes have no homework for the weekend.

Today:
I checked to see if students wrote the required 700 words.  Next week, we will try to work some of those words into a creative piece.  I will assign a smaller number of words next week.  I am developing the 700 words requirement, so I will be modifying the assignment as needed.

Sections 4 and 5 reviewed the grammar pretest.  Some classes took a vocab unit 1 pretest. 

Have a nice weekend!

Thursday, September 08, 2011

September 8, 2011

Homework:
  • All students are to have 700 words written tomorrow.  We will check them in class.  700 words will earn a 100%.  Less will earn less.
  •  Parents should enter their data on my website.

Today:
I had students enter some dates in their agenda:
  • September 16- Rough draft of 200 word piece
  • September 21- Good draft of the 200 word piece
  • September 23- Good draft of a creative piece from workshop

The 200 word piece is from this writing contest that I would like my students to enter.  Click here for details.

I gave students at least 25 minutes to write in class today.  The 700 words will provide topics for writing about.  I want students to get better at pulling words from their heads.  Too many students only want to write the bare minimum.  I believe many of the great things I have written are not found until I am immersed in the process of writing.  After a while, what you want to say comes out. 

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

September 7, 2011

Homework:
  • All students are to give the internet preferences sheet to their parents.  The parents are to go to my web page, find the link for the form, and submit their information.  I want to be in contact with parents as much as possible.  To do that, I need some information. 
  • 700 words are due on Friday.  

Today:
  • We read the poem "Ode to La Tortillas" by Gary Soto.  We discussed metaphor and simile a little.  I am having students read poems for inspiration for narrative topics.  I would also like them to see how images are created in the reader's head using imagery.  
  • I gave the students time to finish the grammar diagnostic.  Some classes had a little extra time to write.

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

September 6, 2011

Homework:
Sections 4 and 5 should have turned in vocab money by now.  Not all have.
All sections have to have written 700 words by Friday.  This should not be a stress-inducing assignment.  The goal is to get students to put words onto paper.  Too many times, students think that the words they write are somehow special and they do not want to change and edit them.  Writing 700 words allows students the chance to just get some ideas down on paper.  If they start something and don't finish it, that is OK.  It counts.

Today:
We studied the Gary Soto poem on snow cones a little more.
Students began taking the diagnostic grammar test.
I gave some time for writing in most classes.

(These blog entries are written to give you and idea of what we did in class.  They are not my lesson plans.  Many times I generalize.  For example, one class had writing time because their class was longer, but another class did not.  We ran out of time.) 

Thursday, September 01, 2011

September 1, 2011

Homework:
Sections 4 and 5 need to bring their vocab money in next week.
The other sections have no homework. Enjoy the weekend.

Today:
We wrote down our goals for ourselves for this year on a 3x5 card.  I plan to review them and check in on the progress throughout the year.  We took notes on how to approach a poem or a piece of writing.  (Please see the daily notes link on MrBoZ.com.  We read the poem "Ode to Los Raspados" by Gary Soto.  I planned on having some writing time, but we did not get to it.

On Tuesday, I will be giving a grammar diagnostic test. 

If you are interested, here are my goals for my classroom:
1. Write at least 700 words a week.
2. Teach the students that they have a story worth telling.
3. I want to improve their vocabulary and grammar.
4. I want to help the students to become more positive and supportive.  I will not tolerate negative energy in the room.  We are here on earth to build each other up, not tear each other down.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

August 31, 2011

Homework:
Sections 4 and 5 are to purchase vocabulary books.  I sent home a letter.  The book is $10.
The other classes will not be using the vocabulary book as of now.  I might reconsider at a later date.

Today:
We started the class off with some journal time.  We answered a question and began accumulating the required 700 written words a week.  In one class, the kids counted their words.  Most wrote only around 70 words in 8 minutes.  I will explain this weekly assignment more as the marking period progresses.

Next we copied the Barney rules that I have posted in my room.  Then we watched an episode of Barney.  I want my students to be as close to a Barney classroom as possible.  The class will not be perfect, but we can try.  Here are the rules:

Be caring.
Be fair.
Be honest.
Be responsible.
Respect the rules.
Cooperate with others.
Share with others.
Respect people’s differences.
Be helpful.
Respect the feelings of others.
Do what Barney would think is best.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

August 30, 2011 (The first day of school!)

Homework:
None

Today I gave the classes a basic idea of what we will be doing this year.  In short, we will be writing.  To increase their skills in writing, I will be teaching them vocabulary and grammar.  As of today, only sections 4 and 5 need to worry about buying a vocabulary book.  I will send the letter home soon.

Students need to be prepared for class each day.  As of now, that simply means having paper and a pencil.  Over the next few weeks, we will be working on our first piece, and I will be introducing them to various tasks they will be doing throughout the first marking period. The first task will be to write 700 words a week.  More details will follow.

Over the next few days, students will be taking various diagnostics.  We will also be studying Barney the Dinosaur. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The last blog post of the 2010-2011 school year

Parents,
I wanted to write one last post for this school year.  Even though we ended the school year last week, we know that learning is life long.  I look forward to a summer of opportunities to learn- about life and myself- so that when I come back in the fall, I am reenergized for a new school year.

During that last week of school, we were studying super heros.  I told the students I would make a gallery of the pieces they made.  That gallery can be found here.

I hope you found these communications useful.  If you have any comments or suggestions for next year, I would love to hear them.  You can send them to bozmd@comcast.net.

Students, have a good summer.  Stop by and say hi sometime next year.

-MrBoZ


Wednesday, June 08, 2011

A Super Hero is due Thursday

We have been doing a brief study of the super hero genre.  For tomorrow, the students were to have created a super hero and defined him/her.  They were given a worksheet.  They were also supposed to have created a visual of the hero.  Finally, they were to answer the question "Why do we need super heros?"

Even though the grades are done, I still expect the students to complete this.  I might make it a grade if I get little or no participation.  Life is not all about grades.  Sometimes we do things to keep our minds active and to explore.

Section 6 has not been working on this project.  Again, that class was not quite on the same schedule as the other classes.


Friday, June 03, 2011

Students took the vocab final today. Grades are pretty much done.

The grades are updated for sections 3, 4, 5, and HB.  What is on HAC is pretty much the 4th MP grade.  Next week we will be doing some little exercises, but I am not sure how much they will impact the grades if at all.

So, grade wise, that is about it!

Have a nice weekend.
-MrBoZ

(Section 6 is wrapping up a few loose ends.)

Thursday, June 02, 2011

The vocab final is Friday

We have spent the last week doing activities that will have helped students prepare.  However, students still need to review on their own.  The final will count for about 8% of the 4th MP grade.

Have you checked HAC lately?  I have been updating grades.

-MrBoZ

Friday, May 27, 2011

The countdown begins!

The plan for next week is to get ready for the vocab final.  I do not anticipate homework.  Students should be studying for the vocab final on Friday.  We will practice in class.  The test will be worth approximately 8% of the 4th MP grade.

Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend!
-MrBoZ

Yearbooks are distributed on Tuesday.  There are some extras.  They are $35 and will be sold on a first come first served basis.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Notebooks due in sections 3, 4, and HB

Section 3 took the Unit 15 quiz and the Subject/Verb Agreement Test today.  The grades are updated on HAC.

The vocab final will be Friday, June 3.

We will spend time preparing for the final next week.  The notebook check and the final are the last major grades of the marking period.  The students will be doing some little worksheets in class.  Some will count as a very small grade.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Grades are updated on HAC

The classes are still all over the place.

Sections 4 and HB took the Subject/Verb Agreement test today (100 points).
Sections 4, HB, and 6 took the Unit 15 Quiz today.

Section 3 will take the Subject/Verb Agreement test Thursday.

Sections HB, 4, and 3 should give me the notes they have taken on Subject/Verb Agreement on Friday.

I only see HB and 3 (double) Thursday.  We have DCAS Social Studies testing Thursday.

The Vocabulary Final will be June 2.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Updates

Section 5 took the vocab 15 quiz and the Subject/Verb Agreement quiz today.  The results are on the HAC.

Unit 15 quiz will be Wednesday for sections HB, 6, and 4.

The Subject/Verb agreement test will be given in sections HB and 4 Wednesday.

I have not seen section 3 this week.  We will try to catch up Wednesday.  However, I do see them for a block period on Thursday.  So we will be all caught up then.  I will see how we do tomorrow. I imagine the unit 15 quiz and the grammar quiz will be on Thursday.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Next week should be crazy.

Parents,
I updated some grades on HAC.  Please help your child to keep up with turning work in on time.

Next week we have testing on Monday and Thursday, and block scheduling on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  That should keep things interesting because I will not see all classes every day.

By the end of next week, we will have taken the Unit 15 vocab quiz, taken the test on subject/verb agreement (100 points), and I will have collected the notes for sections 3, HB, and 4.  (Sections 5 and 6 are on a different schedule.)

Looking ahead, we still have the vocab final (100 points).  I will spend some time preparing for that test in class.  However, students will need to study at home.  I will let you know the exact date when I figure it out.

I plan to enjoy my weekend. I hope the sun makes an appearance soon!

Have a nice weekend.
-MrBoZ

(The picture shows that we have been plugging away at the lessons. Finally, all classes are at about the same spot.)

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

More of the same and due dates

Homework:
Sections 3,4,5, and HB have pictionaries for unit 15

Today we just continued vocab and grammar.  By now, the students should have all the notes in their notebook.  If they do not have them, they can click on the notes link on my web site: www.mrboz.com .


  • It looks like we will have the unit 15 quiz around next Wednesday.  
  • We will have the subject/verb agreement test next week, probably around Thursday or Friday.
  • The notes are due May 27.


(Section 6 is on a slightly different pace.)

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Section 6 has Unit 14 Quiz Wednesday

That's it.  The rest have no homework.