HW from 12/13/11

Due on 12/15/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* Create your Scripture memory card for the verse you will memorize over break.  Bring it to class on Thursday.  (You will do the alternate verse from the one you memorized over Thanksgiving break...either 1 Chronicles 20:11-13 or Philippians 4:4-8.)

* Bring your favorite writing pen to class to write your 2nd person essay.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):


For Tu, 12/13: Ben
For Th, 12/15: Lily

For Tu, 1/3: Gabrielle
For Th, 1/5: Charity

For Tu, 1/10: Elizabeth
For Th, 1/12: Hope

For Tu, 1/17: Caitlyn
For Th, 1/19: Will

For Tu, 1/24: Shayla
For Th, 1/26: Jayce

For Tu, 1/31: David
For Th, 2/2: Dylan

For Tu, 2/7: Caitlyn
For Th, 2/9: Will

For Tu, 2/14: Hope
For Th, 2/16: Ben

For Tu, 2/21: David
For Th, 2/23: Elizabeth

For Tu, 2/28: Shayla
For Th, 3/1: Zoe

For Tu, 3/6: Elanore
For Th, 3/8: Jayce

For Tu, 3/13: Dylan
For Th, 3/15: Lily

For Tu, 3/20: Charity
For Th, 3/22: Gabrielle

For Tu, 3/27: Luke
For Th, 3/29: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 12/8/11

Due on 12/13/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* Complete your parent appreciation essay by doing the following:

+ Pick up your graded D1 of your first-person parent appreciation essay from me at KEYS.

+ Make the suggested corrections to your first-person parent appreciation essay.  Save a copy on your computer, labeled something like "1st person parent appreciation essay."  Save another identical copy on your computer, labeled something like "2nd person parent appreciation essay."  (You will use the "save as" function for this if you are in Microsoft Word.)

+ E-mail me your edited, corrected D2 of your first-person parent appreciation essay.

+ After I've graded it, I will email you back and tell you when it is okay for you to work on your second-person parent appreciation letter.

+ After you have received my email, go back into the copy of your essay you saved as "2nd person parent appreciation essay" and re-write it into 2nd person.  Keep your words exactly the same except what you need to change to make it 2nd person.  Write it like a letter.  Save it again at the end.

+ Email me the 2nd person letter, too.  Print a copy of your letter and bring it to class on Tuesday.

*  Thanks to those who are contributing to our class party on Tuesday!

Luke: sparkling  cider  (I'll bring cups)
Elanore: pepperoni rolls
Elizabeth: cookies
Gabrielle: peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies
Caitlyn: fruit kabobs
Will: chips and guacamole
Charity & Hope: something gluten-free

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):


For Tu, 12/13: Ben
For Th, 12/15: Lily

For Tu, 1/3: Gabrielle
For Th, 1/5: Charity

For Tu, 1/10: Elizabeth
For Th, 1/12: Hope

For Tu, 1/17: Caitlyn
For Th, 1/19: Will

For Tu, 1/24: Shayla
For Th, 1/26: Jayce

For Tu, 1/31: David
For Th, 2/2: Dylan

For Tu, 2/7: Caitlyn
For Th, 2/9: Will

For Tu, 2/14: Hope
For Th, 2/16: Ben

For Tu, 2/21: David
For Th, 2/23: Elizabeth

For Tu, 2/28: Shayla
For Th, 3/1: Zoe

For Tu, 3/6: Elanore
For Th, 3/8: Jayce

For Tu, 3/13: Dylan
For Th, 3/15: Lily

For Tu, 3/20: Charity
For Th, 3/22: Gabrielle

For Tu, 3/27: Luke
For Th, 3/29: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 12/6/11

Due on 12/8/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* If you haven't done it yet, be prepared to recite your memory verse anytime.

* Use your notes to write your first draft (D1) of your first-person 3-paragraph parent appreciation essay. D1 (and all notes) are due on Thursday, 12/8.  It must fall between 250-300 words and be double-spaced in 12-point font.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 12/6: Zoe (Mrs. Sitterding)
For Th, 12/8: Luke

For Tu, 12/13: Ben
For Th, 12/15: Lily

For Tu, 1/3: Gabrielle
For Th, 1/5: Charity

For Tu, 1/10: Elizabeth
For Th, 1/12: Hope

For Tu, 1/17: Caitlyn
For Th, 1/19: Will

For Tu, 1/24: Shayla
For Th, 1/26: Jayce

For Tu, 1/31: David
For Th, 2/2: Dylan

For Tu, 2/7: Caitlyn
For Th, 2/9: Will

For Tu, 2/14: Hope
For Th, 2/16: Ben

For Tu, 2/21: David
For Th, 2/23: Elizabeth

For Tu, 2/28: Shayla
For Th, 3/1: Zoe

For Tu, 3/6: Elanore
For Th, 3/8: Jayce

For Tu, 3/13: Dylan
For Th, 3/15: Lily

For Tu, 3/20: Charity
For Th, 3/22: Gabrielle

For Tu, 3/27: Luke
For Th, 3/29: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 12/1/11

Due on 12/6/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* If you haven't done it yet, be prepared to recite your memory verse anytime.

* Revise/correct the returned first draft (D1) of your first-person season essay.  D2 (along with D1 and all notes) will be turned in on Tuesday, 12/6.

* Plan for your 3-paragraph essay on things you appreciate about your parents by doing the following:

A--Brainstorm the many things you appreciate about your parents.  Make a list of as many as you can think of, without necessarily trying to "categorize" them. 

B--As you look over your completed list, think of which things you listed seem to "go together."  Choose the 3 categories you will use for your 3 paragraphs.

C--Choose the things from your brainstormed list that could go with each of those 3 categories.  Be sure you have listed at least three things for each category--that is, at least nine things total.

D--Write one or two good, descriptive sentences for each of these nine items.

You DO NOT need to go ahead and write the essay.  Just complete all of the above work for your essay.  You will turn in all of the above work (your brainstormed list, your arrangement of some of those items into the 3 categories, and your 9+ sentences) on Tuesday, 12/6.

If you DO want to go ahead and write the essay, that is fine.

D1 (and all notes) of the first person parent appreciation essay will be due on Thursday, 12/8.  It must fall between 250-300 words and be double-spaced in 12-point font.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 12/6: Zoe
For Th, 12/8: Luke

For Tu, 12/13: Ben
For Th, 12/15: Lily

For Tu, 1/3: Gabrielle
For Th, 1/5: Charity

For Tu, 1/10: Elizabeth
For Th, 1/12: Hope

For Tu, 1/17: Caitlyn
For Th, 1/19: Will

For Tu, 1/24: Shayla
For Th, 1/26: Jayce

For Tu, 1/31: David
For Th, 2/2: Dylan

For Tu, 2/7: Caitlyn
For Th, 2/9: Will

For Tu, 2/14: Hope
For Th, 2/16: Ben

For Tu, 2/21: David
For Th, 2/23: Elizabeth

For Tu, 2/28: Shayla
For Th, 3/1: Zoe

For Tu, 3/6: Elanore
For Th, 3/8: Jayce

For Tu, 3/13: Dylan
For Th, 3/15: Lily

For Tu, 3/20: Charity
For Th, 3/22: Gabrielle

For Tu, 3/27: Luke
For Th, 3/29: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 11/29/11

Due on 12/1/11:

* Your signed Reading Log is due on Thursday!  Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.

* If you haven't done it yet, be prepared to recite your memory verse anytime.

*CW #8.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 11/29: Caitlyn
For Th, 12/1: Elanore

For Tu, 12/6: Zoe
For Th, 12/8: Luke

For Tu, 12/13: Ben
For Th, 12/15: Lily

For Tu, 1/3: Gabrielle
For Th, 1/5: Charity

For Tu, 1/10: Elizabeth
For Th, 1/12: Hope

For Tu, 1/17: Caitlyn
For Th, 1/19: Will

For Tu, 1/24: Shayla
For Th, 1/26: Jayce

For Tu, 1/31: David
For Th, 2/2: Dylan

For Tu, 2/7: Caitlyn
For Th, 2/9: Will

For Tu, 2/14: Hope
For Th, 2/16: Ben

For Tu, 2/21: David

For Th, 2/23: Elizabeth

For Tu, 2/28: Shayla
For Th, 3/1: Zoe

For Tu, 3/6: Elanore
For Th, 3/8: Jayce

For Tu, 3/13: Dylan
For Th, 3/15: Lily

For Tu, 3/20: Charity
For Th, 3/22: Gabrielle

For Tu, 3/27: Luke
For Th, 3/29: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 11/17/11

Due on 11/29/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* Over the Thanksgiving break you will be memorizing a Scripture passage about thankfulness.  You may choose between Philippians 4:4-8 or 1 Chronicles 29:11-13.  Feel free to use any translation of the Bible that your family prefers, as long as it is a valid translation and not a paraphrase.

* Make a memory card with your verse and reference written on it and send me an email before this weekend (i.e. before Saturday, 11/19) indicating that you have done so.  Practice memorizing your verse a little bit each day over the break!!

* Be prepared to recite your memory verse when you return on 11/29/11.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):


For Tu, 11/29: Caitlyn - 1st day back after Thanksgiving break
For Th, 11/30: TBD 
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 11/15/11

Due on 11/17/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* Congratulations!  You've done all the hard work on your essay by completing the preliminary planning work you did for class today.  Now write your 3-paragraph essay on your favorite season, using the following guidelines:

+ You will write this creative essay in first person point of view, present tense.

+ Open your essay with an introductory sentence.  (Use something like: Of all the different seasons of the year, my favorite is spring. or I enjoy all the seasons of the year, but my favorite is summer. etc.  Use your own words.)

+ Have each paragraph begin with an introductory sentence indicating what that paragraph will be about.  (For example, you could use something like: I really enjoy the activities that my family does in the fall. or I'm especially fond of the foods we eat during the summer. or Another thing I like about winter is the holidays we celebrate at that time of year.  Use your own words.)

+ Use transitional phrases between your sentences when needed. (Include things like Another thing..., For instance..., For example..., etc.)

+ Remember to use all the things we've learned about enhancing description in your writing.

+ Your paper should be typed in 12-point font, double-spaced.  Please use a header with your name and the assignment First Person Season Essay and a footer with the page number.

+ Your paper should be at least one full typed page, but it must not exceed three full typed pages.

+ PROOFREAD YOUR PAPER!!  Make sure it looks nice, reads well, and is as perfect as you know how to make it.

* Over the Thanksgiving break you will be memorizing a Scripture passage about thankfulness.  If you want to go ahead and get started on that, feel free.  You may choose between Philippians 4:4-8 or 1 Chronicles 29:11-13.  Feel free to use any translation of the Bible that your family prefers, as long as it is a valid translation and not a paraphrase.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 11/15: Mrs. Sitterding
For Th, 11/17: Will
For Tu, 11/29: Caitlyn - 1st day back after Thanksgiving break
For Th, 11/30: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 11/10/11

Due on 11/15/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* Plan for your 3-paragraph essay on your favorite season by doing the following:

A--> Choose the 3 "categories" you will use for your 3 paragraphs. [Samples we discussed were (1) weather/environment during that season, (2) activities in the life of your family during that season, and (3) holidays and special events during that season.  You are not limited to these.  Feel free to use any categories you like.  Just identify them.]

B--> Brainstorm the things you would like to discuss in each of those categories.  List at least three things for each category (that is at least nine things total).

C--> Write one or two good, descriptive sentences for each of the nine items you listed in Part B.

You DO NOT need to go ahead and write the essay.  Just complete all of the above preparatory work for your essay.  If you want to go ahead and write the essay, that is fine.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 11/15: Caitlyn
For Th, 11/17: Will
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 11/8/11

Due on 11/10/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* On a sheet of loose-leaf paper, translate the Bible verse I gave you from past tense to present tense.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/10: Will

For Tu, 11/15: Caitlyn
For Th, 11/17: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 11/3/11

Due on 11/8/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* On a sheet of loose-leaf paper, translate the last paragraph (the one in the box) of the zoo story into third person point-of-view.
 

* On the Copywork #7  handout itself, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page (#1-4) using colored pencils or a sharp crayon.
  
* On a sheet of loose-leaf paper, do the copywork as usual.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/10: Will

For Tu, 11/15: Caitlyn
For Th, 11/17: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 11/1/11

Due on 11/3/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* Complete your Quarter 1 test.  It must be proctored by a parent and returned to class on Thursday.

* Please be sure that all work has been completed and turned in that should have been, and that all expected emails have been sent!  I will be calculating your Quarter 1 grades this weekend and giving out grade cards next week.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob Mrs. Sitterding

For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/10: Will

For Tu, 11/15: Caitlyn
For Th, 11/17: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 10/27/11

Due on 11/1/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log! The log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday. 

* Complete your character sketch.
+ Make any corrections/additions/changes to the descriptive part you have already written.  You  may change it in any ways that you would like.  This was just to get you started.

+ Incorporate correctly punctuated dialogue into your character sketch.  There can be as much or as little dialogue as you want, and it may be spoken by your character or by others about your character, either one.  The only requirements regarding dialogue are that (1) you must have at least some dialogue in your character sketch, (2) the dialogue must let us know something about your character, and (3) the dialogue must be correctly punctuated.


+ Requirements for your character sketch are as follows: it should be typed in legible 12-point font, be double-spaced, and contain at least 250 words.  [If you look in the bottom left corner of your Word document, it will tell you how many words your document is.]  Please include a header (with your name and the words "Character Sketch" in the right corner) and a footer (with the page number in the center of the bottom of the page).  Email your paper to me as an attachment.  If you hear back from me that I've printed it, you don't need to.  If you don't hear back from me, please print your paper and bring it to class on Tuesday.

* Be prepared for a Quarter 1 test on Tuesday.  Be sure you have learned and reviewed all the writing lessons and grammar lessons we have had to this point.  Check the Creative Writing blog (different from the homework blog--see the link on the top left of the homework blog) to review all that we've covered so far.

* Please be sure that all work has been completed and turned in that should have been, and that all expected emails have been sent!

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob Mrs. Sitterding

For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/10: Will

For Tu, 11/15: Caitlyn
For Th, 11/17: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: The Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 10/25

Due on 10/27/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log! The log is due, signed by a parent, next Tuesday.

* Copywork #6.

* Be prepared for a Quarter 1 test anytime (hint, hint!...

* Please be sure all work has been completed and turned in that should have been, and that all expected emails have been sent!

* Quarter 1 ends next Tuesday. Please be sure to bring your signed Reading Log that day!

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/10: Will

For Tu, 11/15: Caitlyn
For Th, 11/17: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: Reading Log is due, signed by parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 10/20

Due on 10/25/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. Write it down on your Reading Log!

* If you have not yet done so, be sure to review rules in your Writer's Inc. book for correctly punctuating dialogue. Read and study sections 468.3, 469.1, and 469.3. If you have never studied how to correctly punctuate dialogue, be sure you do so with your parents at this time.

* Write a dialogue between two speakers. Each person must speak at least four sentences' worth of dialogue. Please remember to have them speak good sentences--meaning that they are about as many words long as you are years old--not short, choppy ones. There is a place for short, choppy sentences in dialogue, of course, but not for this assignment. Be sure your dialogue is punctuated correctly! You do not have to type this dialogue.

* Choose the person you would like to write about for your next paper, which will be a character sketch. This should be a real person you know well. For Tuesday, please write a good, descriptive paragraph or two (at least 150 words) concerning this person's characteristics and appearance. Please remember not to give me a "weather report" list of attributes and characteristics, but rather to write an interesting, engaging description using some of the seven ways we've learned about how to enhance description.

* Please type your paragraphs and email them to me as a Word attachment. As always, if you hear back from me that I've printed it, you don't have to do so for class on Tuesday. If you don't hear back from me, please print a copy and bring it to class with you. Please make sure it is double-spaced, 12-point font.

* I have typed a sample character sketch for you. It is about my grandmother, who had a stroke this past Tuesday. It is purely imaginary, as I have not been there to visit her myself, and it has been pieced together from descriptions that my father and daughter--who are there--have given me. Remember, you are not writing your entire character sketch this weekend. You are just beginning to think about it by deciding who you want to write about and writing about that person's physical appearance. I am including a link to my character sketch so you can see an example of what your finished product might be like, and begin with the final goal in mind. Don't try to copy mine. Just use it to give you some ideas as you begin to write. I'm excited to read what you come up with!

* After you have read my sample character sketch, email me a note giving me one example each of personification, simile, and metaphor used in my description of my grandmother.  Tell me what was being compared and why it is an example of personification, simile, or metaphor.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/10: Will

For Tu, 11/15: Caitlyn
For Th, 11/17: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: Reading Log is due, signed by parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 10/18

Due on 10/20/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.  Write it down on your Reading Log! 

* Copywork #5.

* Review rules in your Writer's Inc. book for correctly punctuating dialogue.  Read and study sections 468.3, 469.1, and 469.3.  If you have never studied how to correctly punctuate dialogue, be sure you do so with your parents at this time.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/10: Will (You were right, Will!  I hadn't added you...)

For Tu, 11/15: TBD
For Th, 11/17: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: Reading Log is due, signed by parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 10/13/11

Due on 10/18/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.  Write it down on your Reading Log! 

* Copywork #4.

* If you failed to turn in any part of your paper (original notes, graded D1, or revised D2), you must do so as soon as possible.  You are losing credit for each day that passes! :(


------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/10: Will (You were right, Will!  I hadn't added you...)

For Tu, 11/15: TBD
For Th, 11/17: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: Reading Log is due, signed by parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 10/11/11

Due on 10/13/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.  Write it down on your Reading Log! 

* Revise your D1 (draft 1) which I returned to you today.  Make all necessary corrections, revisions, additions, etc. on the formatted copy I emailed to you.

* Once you have completed your corrections, proofread it and look it over and make sure you think it is as perfect as you can.  Then email me a good copy and print a perfect copy to turn in on Thursday in class.

* Don't forget to bring back your D1 to be able to turn in with it.  You will not receive credit for your D2 if you do not have your D1 copy turned in with it.  [Also, those of you who forgot your original notes at home, bring those back to turn in with it as well.]

DESCRIPTIVE SETTING:

- Paper should be at least one full typed page.  It should be double-spaced 12-point Arial font and written as a document in a word processing program (Microsoft Word, Works, Open Office, etc.).

- Organize your paper into paragraphs.  (Do not make your paper one big paragraph.  When you change ideas, change paragraphs.  You might consider thinking of your five different senses for your different paragraphs.)

- Do not tell a story!  Nothing happens in this paper!!  It is just supposed to be good descriptive essay.

- Do not give me a "weather report" about your place.  Make sure you use some of the7 ways we've talked about to enhance description in your paper.  Make it so I feel like I'm there by your good description.

- Once you finish your paper, email me a copy as an attachment.  I will make sure it is correctly formatted and print a copy to grade.  I will send a formatted copy back to you for you to use in the future to make corrections.

- You do not need to print a copy of your paper as long as you receive an email back from me stating that I have printed your paper.  If you do not get such an email, you must print your paper and bring a copy to class.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 10/11: Lily
For Th, 10/13: Gabby

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/9: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: Reading Log is due, signed by parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 10/6/11

Due on 10/11/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.  Write it down on your Reading Log! 

* Write your descriptive paper of your setting.  You may use the 15 descriptive sentences you already wrote about your place for homework, but you are not required to.  If they weren't good, fix them before using them.  See below for specific paper instructions.

DESCRIPTIVE SETTING:

- Paper should be at least one full typed page.  It should be double-spaced 12-point font and written as a document in a word processing program (Microsoft Word, Works, Open Office, etc.).

- Organize your paper into paragraphs.  (Do not make your paper one big paragraph.  When you change ideas, change paragraphs.  You might consider thinking of your five different senses for your different paragraphs.)

- Do not tell a story!  Nothing happens in this paper!!  It is just supposed to be good descriptive essay.

- Do not give me a "weather report" about your place.  Make sure you use some of the7 ways we've talked about to enhance description in your paper.  Make it so I feel like I'm there by your good description.

- Once you finish your paper, email me a copy as an attachment.  I will make sure it is correctly formatted and print a copy to grade.  I will send a formatted copy back to you for you to use in the future to make corrections.

- You do not need to print a copy of your paper as long as you receive an email back from me stating that I have printed your paper.  If you do not get such an email, you must print your paper and bring a copy to class.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 10/11: Lily
For Th, 10/13: Gabby

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/9: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: Reading Log is due, signed by parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 10/4/11

Due on 10/6/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.  Write it down on your Reading Log! 

*Find two examples of figurative language in the Bible or another book.  Copy them down, then indicate which kind of figurative language it is.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For Tu, 10/4: Hope
For Th, 10/6: Georgie

For Tu, 10/11: Lily
For Th, 10/13: Gabby

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/9: TBD
-------------------------------
NOTE: Reading Log is due, signed by parent, on the last class period of the month.

HW from 9/29/11

Due on 10/4/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, on the last class period of the month.)

* Read pp. 128, 130-131 in Writer's Inc.

* Your first composition is not a story but a descriptive paper about a particular place.  Choose the place you would like to describe in your descriptive composition. Do not start writing your paper!  Just choose the place and then complete the following exercise:

* Write 3 good, descriptive sentences for each of the five areas represented by your five senses.  In other words, write 3 descriptive sentences about how your place looks.  Then write 3 descriptive sentences each about how it smells, tastes, sounds, and feels.  [This will be fifteen sentences in all.]

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For Tu, 10/4: Hope
For Th, 10/6: Georgie

For Tu, 10/11: Lily
For Th, 10/13: Gabby

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/9: TBD

HW from 9/27/11

Due on 9/29/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)  Since Thursday is the last class of September, September's Reading Log will be due on Thursday!  Don't forget that it must be signed by your parent.

* Write 3 good sentences (remember what this means!) using a simile in each. Then write 3 good sentences using a metaphor in each.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 9/27: Charity
For Th, 9/29: Shayla

For Tu, 10/4: Hope
For Th, 10/6: Georgie

For Tu, 10/11: Lily
For Th, 10/13: Gabby

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/9: TBD

HW from 9/22/11

Due on 9/27/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Copywork #3.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 9/27: Charity
For Th, 9/29: Shayla

For Tu, 10/4: Hope
For Th, 10/6: Georgie

For Tu, 10/11: Lily
For Th, 10/13: Gabby

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/9: TBD

HW from 9/20/11

Due on 9/22/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)


* Be ready for a quiz anytime on all grammar lessons (G.L.) and writing lessons (W.L.) we have had so far in class.

* Choose a common, boring verb.  Make a list of as many more-exciting, descriptive verbs you can think of to replace that common, boring one.  (Your list must contain at least 10.)

* Do the same thing with a common, dull noun.  Your list of alternate nouns must contain at least 5.  You may put both lists on the same sheet of paper to turn in on 9/20/11.


------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For Tu, 9/20: Elizabeth
For Th, 9/22: Luke

For Tu, 9/27: Charity
For Th, 9/29: Shayla

For Tu, 10/4: Hope
For Th, 10/6: Georgie

For Tu, 10/11: Lily
For Th, 10/13: Gabby

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/9: TBD

HW from 9/15/11

Due on 9/20/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Copywork #2.

* Be ready for a quiz anytime on all grammar lessons (G.L.) and writing lessons (W.L.) we have had so far in class.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For Tu, 9/20: Elizabeth
For Th, 9/22: Luke

For Tu, 9/27: Charity
For Th, 9/29: Shayla

For Tu, 10/4: Hope
For Th, 10/6: Georgie

For Tu, 10/11: Lily
For Th, 10/13: Gabby

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/9: TBD

HW from 9/13/11

Due on 9/15/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Write two sentences that are more descriptive than the basic sentence: "The child cried" (like what we did in class with, "The man walked").

* NOTE: Make sure you use each of six of the ways we talked about to enhance descriptive writing in one or the other of the two sentences.  (You don't have to use all of them in each sentence.  Just use each of them in one of the sentences.)  If you didn't take good notes during class, learn your lesson.  But you may also always check the class website (see the link labeled Quarter 1  in the left sidebar) to see if you can find the information listed there.  Here's the link:  http://sites.google.com/site/parksidepedagogy/

* Memorize the five senses using the following exact words in this exact order:
look
smell
taste
sound
feel

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For Tu, 9/13: Mrs. S.
For Th, 9/15: Mrs. S.

For Tu, 9/20: Elizabeth
For Th, 9/22: Luke

For Tu, 9/27: Charity
For Th, 9/29: Shayla

For Tu, 10/4: Hope
For Th, 10/6: Georgie

For Tu, 10/11: Lily
For Th, 10/13: Gabby

For Tu, 10/18: Ben
For Th, 10/20: Zoe

For Tu, 10/25: David
For Th, 10/27: Jayce

For Tu, 11/1: Jacob
For Th, 11/3: Dylan

For Tu, 11/8: Elanore
For Th, 11/9: TBD

HW from 9/8/11

Due on 9/13/11:

* Place the parent letter/course expectations handout in your notebook as page 1.

* Visit the class website. The address is listed on the bottom of the handout.

* Link to the homework blog. (Obviously you were able to do this, since you're reading this!)

* Send me an email using the address link on the website. Tell me which book you would like to read for your Reading Log. Also tell me what is your favorite breakfast food.

* Start reading for your Reading Log on Friday: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Copywork #1 due Tuesday.

HW from 5/26/11

Obviously, I am no longer your teacher, so this is "homework" only in the sense that it is something you will do at home, if you do it all.

I am updating this HW Blog on Thursday evening after our last class together.  It has become such a habit for me to update that I thought it might equally have become a habit for you to check it, and so some of you  might just head here to see if anything had been posted.

Thank you for your respectful attitudes, hard work, and great writing this year.  I had so much fun helping you learn to write better, and I was blessed by the wonderfully creative things you came up with.

Homework? 

* Well, I gave you a set of summer reading logs.  Don't ever stop reading!  It truly is one of the easiest and most sure-fire ways to increase your vocabulary and understanding of the English language, plus its fun!  30 minutes a day, especially in summer--what's the big deal?! ;)

* Keep writing in your journal!  Use first person.  Learn to cultivate a conversational prayer journal with God.  It will enrich your prayer life and your writing skills.

* Consult the list of verse references you copied into your writer's notebook/journal. Keep reviewing the one you've already memorized.  Pick which one you'd like to memorize next.  Get started on it!  See if you can have them all memorized by the end of summer.

Verses to choose from:

+ Psalm 103:8-14
+ Philippians 4:4-8
+ Titus 2:11-14
+ I Chronicles 29:11-13
+ Colossians 3:12-17
+ Philippians 2:12b-16
+ Ephesians 4:29-32
+ I Peter 5:6-11
+ Proverbs 2:1-6

Well, there it is... some of my hopes and dreams for your summer and beyond.  Don't forget to come see me next year!  I want to keep up with how you're doing!

I'm available on Facebook and via email as well.  Do keep in touch...

With admiration and affection,
Mrs. Sitterding

HW from 5/24/11

Due on 5/26/11:
* Bring the illustrated copy of your story.  (2 pictures within the text... 1 large picture as a cover page)  The text should be double-spaced in a 12-pt. legible font.

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.



* Write in your journal at least once per day.  Use first person.  If you address an audience at all, it should be God.

* Be prepared to recite your verse for the class.  Be sure you have copied the following list of verse references into your writer's notebook/journal. Bring the card you  made with the verse and reference written on it.

Verses to choose from:

+ Psalm 103:8-14
+ Philippians 4:4-8
+ Titus 2:11-14
+ I Chronicles 29:11-13
+ Colossians 3:12-17
+ Philippians 2:12b-16
+ Ephesians 4:29-32
+ I Peter 5:6-11
+ Proverbs 2:1-6

****  I have calculated your average without the recited verse and story.  I will write your grade on your report card tomorrow in class as calculated, provided you do both of the above things.  If you don't have either of them, I will adjust your grade accordingly.  Please come prepared!!
-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Please be prepared, should I call on you.
For this Th:
For next Tu:
For next Th:

HE from 5/19

Due on 5/24/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.  TURN IN YOUR SIGNED READING LOG TUESDAY!

* We will have our year-end party on Tuesday instead of Thursday.  Bring your treats to share on Tuesday.

* Memorize your poem(s) for recitation, if you have not already done so.

* Write in your journal at least once per day.  Use first person.  If you address an audience at all, it should be God.

* Be prepared to recite your verse for the class beginning on Tuesday.  Be sure you have copied the following list of verse references into your writer's notebook/journal. Bring the card you  made with the verse and reference written on it.

Verses to choose from:

+ Psalm 103:8-14
+ Philippians 4:4-8
+ Titus 2:11-14
+ I Chronicles 29:11-13
+ Colossians 3:12-17
+ Philippians 2:12b-16
+ Ephesians 4:29-32
+ I Peter 5:6-11
+ Proverbs 2:1-6

-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Please be prepared, should I call on you.
For this Th:
For next Tu:
For next Th:

HW from 5/17/11

Due on 5/19/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.

* Memorize your poem(s) for recitation, if you have not already done so.

* Write in your journal at least once per day.  Use first person.  If you address an audience at all, it should be God.

* Copy the following list of verse references into your writer's notebook/journal.  Choose which one you want to memorize this week.  Make a card with the verse and reference written on it, and begin your memorization.  Bring the verse card to class on Thursday.

Verses to choose from:

+ Psalm 103:8-14
+ Philippians 4:4-8
+ Titus 2:11-14
+ I Chronicles 29:11-13
+ Colossians 3:12-17
+ Philippians 2:12b-16
+ Ephesians 4:29-32
+ I Peter 5:6-11
+ Proverbs 2:1-6

-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Josh
For this Th: Ethan
For next Tu:
For next Th:

HW from 5/12/11

Due on 5/17/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.

* Memorize your poem(s) for recitation, if you have not already done so.

* Write in your journal at least once per day.  Use first person.  If you address an audience at all, it should be God.

* Write your animal story. Type it and email it to me.  Make it double-spaced, 12 point font (Arial).

Remember the criteria:

+ animal story (not human; real animals)
+ a main character and supporting character(s)
+ plot - rising action, climax (1 main event), conclusion
+ length - required to be between 300 and 450 words, no less and no more.

-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Rachel
For next Tu: Josh
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 5/10/11

Due on 5/12/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.

* Memorize your poem(s) for recitation, if you have not already done so.

* Write in your journal at least once per day.  Use first person.  If you address an audience at all, it should be God.

* Finish/repair your ballad.  Remember to incorporate the theme for your age group and to use the following (see handout for more explanation):

+ Ballads are narrative.  They tell a story.
+ Use either ABCB or ABAB rhyme scheme.
+ Use quatrain (four-line stanzas).
+ Lines 1 and 3 are  iambic tetrameter (four iambs: S-L rhythmic feet).
+ Lines 2 and 4 are iambic trimeter (three iambs: S-L rhythmic feet).

* Be reviewing for your poetry re-test.
-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Rachel
For next Tu: Josh
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 5/5/11

Due on 5/10/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.

* Re-scan any of the poems that you scanned incorrectly in the poem packet I gave you.  Attempt to correctly identify the rhythmic foot for each of the poems listed below.

TOGETHER WE DID:
+ A Baby's Feet - p.38 (iambic)
+ Little - p.38 (dactylic)
+ Slippery - p.39 (iambic)
+ Two in Bed - p.40 (trochaic)
+ Our Silly Little Sister - p.40 (anapestic)
+ The Quarrel - p.41 (iambic)

FOR HOMEWORK, YOU SHOULD DO:
+ In Go-Cart So Tiny - p. 38
+ Sisters - p.39
+ Big Brother - p.41
+ The Cupboard - p.42
+ Afternoon with Grandmother - p.42
+ Animal Crackers - p.43
+ Setting the Table - p.44
+ Manners - p.44
+ I've Got A New Book... - p.45
+ A Child's Grace - p.45
+ A Pop Corn Song - p.45
+ When Young Melissa Sweeps - p.46
+ I Like Housecleaning - p.47
+ Mumps - p.47
+ The Land of Counterpane - p.48
+ Mr. Nobody - p.49

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO:
+ Little Brother's Secret - p.49

NOTE: There is only ONE poem in this list that is free verse.  All others are either primarily iambic, trochaic, anapestic, or dactylic.


* Memorize your poem(s) for recitation, if you have not already done so.

* Write in your journal at least once per day.  Use first person.  If you address an audience at all, it should be God.

* Finish your ballad.  Remember to incorporate the theme for your age group and to use the following (see handout for more explanation):

+ Ballads are narrative.  They tell a story.
+ Use either ABCB or ABAB rhyme scheme.
+ Use quatrain (four-line stanzas).
+ Lines 1 and 3 are  iambic tetrameter (four S-L rhythmic feet).
+ Lines 2 and 4 are iambic trimeter (three S-L rhythmic feet).


-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Rachel
For this Th: Maddy
For next Tu: Josh
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 5/3/11

Due on 5/5/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.

* Scan the poem packet I gave you.  Attempt to correctly identify the rhythmic foot for each of the poems listed below.

TOGETHER WE DID:
+ A Baby's Feet - p.38 (iambic)
+ Little - p.38 (dactylic)
+ Slippery - p.39 (iambic)
+ Two in Bed - p.40 (trochaic)
+ Our Silly Little Sister - p.40 (anapestic)
+ The Quarrel - p.41 (iambic)

FOR HOMEWORK, YOU SHOULD DO:
+ In Go-Cart So Tiny - p. 38
+ Sisters - p.39
+ Big Brother - p.41
+ The Cupboard - p.42
+ Afternoon with Grandmother - p.42
+ Animal Crackers - p.43
+ Setting the Table - p.44
+ Manners - p.44
+ I've Got A New Book... - p.45
+ A Child's Grace - p.45
+ A Pop Corn Song - p.45
+ When Young Melissa Sweeps - p.46
+ I Like Housecleaning - p.47
+ Mumps - p.47
+ The Land of Counterpane - p.48
+ Mr. Nobody - p.49

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO:
+ Little Brother's Secret - p.49

NOTE: There is only ONE poem in this list that is free verse.  All others are either primarily iambic, trochaic, anapestic, or dactylic.


* Memorize your poem(s) for recitation, if you have not already done so.

* Write in your journal at least once per day.  Use first person.  If you address an audience at all, it should be God.

* Write at least one stanza of your ballad.  Remember to incorporate the theme for your age group and to use the following (see handout for more explanation):

+ Ballads are narrative.  They tell a story.
+ Use either ABCB or ABAB rhyme scheme.
+ Use quatrain (four-line stanzas).
+ Lines 1 & 3 are  iambic tetrameter (four S-L rhythmic feet).
+ Lines 2 & 4 are iambic trimeter (three S-L rhythmic feet).

* Sarah, your copy of your paper is now overdue.  Please do a final edit and bring a printed copy to class, along with all previous drafts and notes.
-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:Philip
For this Th: Sam
For next Tu: Rachel
For next Th: Maddy

HW from 4/28/11

Due on 5/3/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily.
SIGNED READING LOG IS DUE ON TUESDAY.

* Memorize your poem(s) for recitation, if you have not already done so.

* Write in your journal at least once per day.  Use first person.  If you address an audience at all, it should be God.

* Write at least one stanza of your ballad.  Remember to incorporate the theme for your age group and to use the following (see handout for more explanation):

+ Ballads are narrative.  They tell a story.
+ Use either ABCB or ABAB rhyme scheme.
+ Use quatrain (four-line stanzas).
+ Lines 1 & 3 are  iambic tetrameter (four S-L rhythmic feet).
+ Lines 2 & 4 are iambic trimeter (three S-L rhythmic feet).

-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:Philip
For this Th: Sam
For next Tu: Rachel
For next Th: Maddy

HW from 4/26/11

Due on 4/28/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* Edit your copy of the story, taking into account the teacher and peer comments that were made.  Turn in a final perfected copy on Thursday.

-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu
For this Th: Ethan
For next Tu: Philip
For next Th: Sam

HW from 4/21/11

Due on 4/26/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* No other homework.  ENJOY YOUR EASTER BREAK!

-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Rachel
For this Th: Ethan
For next Tu: Philip
For next Th: Sam

HW from 4/19/11

Due on 4/21/11
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Please print and bring your completed first draft of your story to class on Thursday if you didn't turn it in on Tuesday.  (I think this is only Josh and Sarah.)

* Work on memorizing your poems. You should be able to recite one or the other any time I call on you beginning Thursday.

*  Poetry quiz on Thursday.

-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Josh
For next Tu: Rachel
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 4/14/11

Due on 4/19/11
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Work on you story at least 30-60 minutes per day. Complete first draft due Tuesday. Please print and bring to class.

* Work on memorizing your poems.

-------

OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Sam
For this Th: Josh
For next Tu: Rachel
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 4/12/11

Due on 4/14/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Work on memorizing the poem "Little Lamb"

* Select your own poem to memorize and recite to the class.  It must be at least two stanzas long.  Bring  a copy to class.

* Work on your stories at least 30 minutes.  A completed first draft will be due next Tuesday.



------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: (Oops!  We missed it so we'll bump everyone forward...)
For this Th: Sarah
For next Tu: Sam
For next Th: Josh, then Rachel the next Tuesday

HW from 4/7/11

Due on 4/12/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Work on your stories as follows:

FRIDAY:
1) Spend 30 minutes thinking/planning/taking notes regarding the plot of your story.  What is going to happen?  What will be the main conflict/climax?  How do you plan to wrap it up?  Take notes, which you will turn in on Tuesday.
2) Write your story for 30 minutes.  Use the timer, and add 30 minutes' worth of steady writing to your story.  Email it to me in the correct format.  (12 pt. Arial font, double-spaced, with a header containing your name on the far right and a footer containing a page number at the bottom of the page in the center.)  Send it to me before the weekend, if possible, or as early in the weekend as possible.

MONDAY:
1) Write your story for 30 minutes again.  Use the timer, and add 30 minutes' worth of steady writing to your story.  Email it to me.
2) Write a description in whichever area you did NOT start your story with.  For example, if you started your story with a description of a setting, now write a description of one of your characters.  If you started your story with character, then now write a descriptive setting.  You do not have to work it into your story yet, although you will be doing so later.  This will be a separate sheet you will turn in tomorrow.

TO TURN IN on Tuesday:
1) The notes/planning page from Friday.
2) A copy of your story as it now stands.
3) The description of your setting/character from Monday.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Sarah
For this Th: Sam
For next Tu: Josh
For next Th: Rachel

HW from 4/5/11

Due on 4/7/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Continue in your story with 30 minutes of time (on the timer), both thinking/planning and also writing.  Correct the things that were marked and continue from where you left off.  Give some thought as to what you might want the main conflict and climax to be.  (It doesn't have to be a big, dramatic deal... just what is the main interesting thing that is going to happen?)

* Write a diamante poem, using the following format:

noun

2 adjectives

3 gerunds (-ing verbs)

2 nouns 2 nouns

3 gerunds

2 adjectives

noun (antonym)

Remember that the first three lines pertain to the first noun, while the last three pertain to the second noun (which is a sort of antonym of the first one).  The middle line contains 2 nouns pertaining to the noun you named in the first line of the poem and another 2 nouns pertaining to the noun you will name in the last line of the poem (the antonym).


Remember also to write it out in the characteristic "diamond" shape of a diamante poem.


Here is an example:

Bird

Beautiful, Red

Flying, Singing, Eating

Clouds, Sky, Paws, Fur

Running, Jumping, Pouncing

Sly, Cautious

Cat

-------
OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Philip
For next Tu: Sarah
For next Th: Sam

HW from 3/31/11

Due on 4/5/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* Please email me the start of your story (which you turned in yesterday) if you haven't yet.
* CW #10
* Scan the poem "Kitten at Play."
(Give rhyme scheme and rhythmic foot, if a discernible pattern is present with either the rhyme or the rhythm.  You don't know the name for this rhythmic foot yet: just tell me what the pattern is for long and short syllables)
-------
OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Ethan
For this Th: Philip
For next Tu: Sarah
For next Th: Sam

HW from 3/29/11

Due on 3/31/11:
* READING LOG IS DUE!
* Using the guidelines on the handout I gave you, please choose whether you would like to start your next story with setting or character.
* Also, decide what point of view (and tense) you want to use for your story.  Again, I strongly recommend that you choose third person, past tense, as this is the easiest to maintain consistently throughout your writing.  I will not forbid first person or present tense, however.
* Begin your story (using setting/character and the point of view you determined above) by writing the first couple of paragraphs.  Use the examples I gave you as guidelines only.  Plan to think/write/plan for about half an hour; give yourself plenty of time.
* Find any examples of figurative language on the handout I gave you.  Write them down, and identify what kind of figurative language it is.
-------
OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Rachel
For next Tu: TBD
For next Th: TBD

HW from 3/15

Due on 3/17/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* Complete the Haiku worksheet/quiz. Work alone, in one sitting. Follow directions carefully.
-------
OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Rachel
For next Tu: Ethan
For next Th: Maddy

HW from 3/10/11

Due on 3/15/11:
* Reading Log (20 minutes daily)

* Take the quiz on Haiku poetry which I will email to you.  Follow the instructions on the handout.

* Complete a cinquain poem, following the model below in whichever ways you think are most important.

A lake
Beside an oak
A sad and silver face
That cries with yellow, yellow leaves
Autumn

Required: a cinquain poem is a poem five lines long

Possible other patterns to model (you choose which you think are most important):

+ a brief first line, followed by lines getting progressively longer until the last line
+ 2,3,5,6,1 word count per line
+ a one word "punch" at the end (last line)
+ each line ends with a noun
+ the first two lines, and the second two lines, "go together" as one thought/phrase
+ uses personification

-------
OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For this Tu: Sarah
For this Th: Rachel
For next Tu: Ethan
For next Th: Maddy

HW from 3/8/11

Due on 3/10/11:

* Reading Log (20 minutes daily)

* Be sure the following poems have been typed, corrected, printed, turned in, and emailed to me:
> name poem
> springboard ("I am") poem
> gerund (-ing) poem
[These are past due at this point.]

* Be sure your Haiku poems (both) are corrected, illustrated, and turned in. These did not have to be emailed.   [These are past due at this point.]

* Find song lyrics which have a discernible, regular rhyme scheme.  (Choose an edifying song--no garbage!)  Write or type out the lyrics and label the rhyme scheme using A, B, etc. like we discussed in class.

-------
OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Sarah
For next Tu: Rachel
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 3/3/11

Due on 3/8/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Type and print your acrostic poem (name) and your springboard poem ("I am...").  Email them to me.

* Repair your old Haiku if needed.  Write and illustrate a new Haiku.  Bring both to class to be turned in on Tuesday.  Be sure they have correct syllabication!

* Finish your gerund poem (see below).  Type it up, print it, and bring a copy to class.  You do not need to email it to me.

Gerund poem format:

Line 1     noun
Line 2     3 gerunds
Line 3     phrase (noun)
Line 4     phrase (request or statement)
Line 5     adjective

Sample gerund poem:

Leaves
Rusting, dancing, whispering
Voice of God
Speak to me
Open

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OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Josh
For this Th: Sarah
For next Tu: Rachel
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 3/1/11

Due on 3/3/11:

* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

* Complete a Haiku poem in proper form as discussed in class.

* Once you're sure the syllabication is correct and the content is good (Do you like your poem?!), copy it nicely onto unlined paper.  Illustrate it.

-------
OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Ethan
For next Tu: TBD
For next Th: TBD

HW from 2/24/11

Due on 3/1 /11:
 * Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at our next meeting!)

* Complete your Springboard Poem, using the form on the sample I gave you.  (See handout.)


------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th:
For next Tu: Sam
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 2/22/11

Due on 2/ 24/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)

*Make your name poem, using the parameters we discussed in class:

- Write the letters of your first name (at least five letters, or use your middle name, too) along the left edge.
- Write a word or phrase that begins with that letter using the following guidelines:

+ Line 1: 1 word
+ Line 2: 2-word phrase
+ Line 3: 3-word phrase
+ Line 4: 4-word phrase
+ Other lines until last line (if your name is long enough): 2-, 3-, or 4-word phrases
+ Last line (last letter of your name): 1 word

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Mrs. Sitterding
For next Tu: Sam
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 2/17/11

Due on 2/22/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 20 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* Consider the two word games we played in class: Pick One and Bananagrams. In preparation for an essay we will write (comparing and contrasting the two games) you should make notes in the following way:
- Entitle one sheet, "Alike"
- In complete sentences, list at least five ways the two games are similar.
- On another sheet, write the word, "Different"
- Again using complete sentences, tell how the two games are different from each other. You should have at least five differences.
* Select a Bible passage at least ten verses long which you feel is especially significant for your spiritual life with the Lord. Copy the verses neatly on a clean sheet of paper for your copywork. Title your page with the verse reference.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer): For this Tu: For this Th: For next Tu: For next Th:

HW from 2/3/11

Due on 2/8/11:
I was out sick on 2/8/11, so work is due on 2/10/11, as indicated in the email I sent you.

Due on 2/10/11:
* Continue reading for Reading Log: 20 minutes per day. (Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* Finish a complete draft of your Mystery story, to be turned in on Thursday.  Please do your best to revise it completely, proofread it yourself, and make it as correct as you know how grammatically.  Do not be intimidated!  Just write one scenario at a time!
* Please print it yourself and bring it to class on Thursday.  Do not email it to me unless you are having trouble with your printer.
------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
I can't remember right now.  Just everyone be ready anytime.  I know Sam is due soon, and Sarah.

HW from 2/1/11

Due on 2/3/11:

* Continue reading for Reading Log: 20 minutes per day. (Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* Rachel, Sarah, and Sam: Email your scenarios as soon as you have written two or three.  I will comment and email back.
* Maddy, Josh, Ethan: Continue with your story, adding at least two scenarios.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Rachel
For next Tu: Sam (but be ready anytime!)
For next Th: Ethan (but be ready anytime!)

HW from 1/27/11

Due on 2/1/11:
* Completed Reading Log is due on the Tuesday we get back, which is the first day of February. Please be sure it is signed by your parent!! I will not accept an unsigned log.
* Return your report card, signed.
* If you have a good foundation for your story and have been cleared to continue, please write between two and four additional scenarios. Either email it or print it and bring it to class on Tuesday.
* If you've been absent and don't yet have a strong foundation for your story (Sam, Rachel, Sarah, this is you!) please type/revise the scenario(s) you've written and email it to me as soon as possible!! (This means today, Thursday, if at all possible!). I will read it and be back in touch with you with the next instructions. You need to get approval and get moving writing more scenarios, so hurry!!

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Rachel
For this Th: Sam
For next Tu: Ethan
For next Th: Josh

HW from 1/25/11

Due on 1/27/11:
* Continue reading for Reading Log: 20 minutes per day. (Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.) * Please make corrections/revisions to your story and add at least a couple of scenarios if you've been cleared to continue.  Email the entire document to me. If you email it early, I can edit it before I return it tomorrow.  You will be writing quite a bit this weekend.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Rachel
For next Tu: Sam
For next Th: Ethan

HW from 1/18/11

Due on 1/25/11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 20 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* Type up the corrections/revisions/additions to your mystery story that we worked on/discussed in class. 
     + Use the typed paper I formatted and emailed to you - just add your new sentences to it. 
     + If I told you to go ahead and write another scenario, please do so before you email it to me. 
     + If I asked you to fix what you have and email me first, please do that, email it to me, and await further instructions.


------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Maddy
For this Th: Rachel
For next Tu: Sam

For next Th: Ethan

HW from 1/18/11

Due on 1/20/11:
* Continue reading for Reading Log: 20 minutes per day. (Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.) * Correct the first scenario you wrote for the story, using the suggestions we discussed in class yesterday.  Type it up and email it to me.  I will format it and send it back to you.  If it is going fine, I will let you know and you will continue with another scenario.  If it isn't off to a good, solid start yet, I'll let you know, and you will continue to revise it.  Either way, I'll let you know.  Email me the typed, revised scenario as soon as possible.
* To the three of you who were absent: Decide if your story is going to continue with Cathy's scenario, or end it where it is.  Either way, write the next scenario (just one, whether it is to finish Cathy or to move back to David or Richard) and email it to me.  Don't write more than that.  I'll read it and let you know how you should proceed from there.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th: Sarah
For next Tu: TBD (to be determined)
For next Th: TBD

HW from 1/13/11

Due on 1/18/11:
* Continue reading for Reading Log: 20 minutes per day. (Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* In the Mystery story, finish the scenario with Kathy (either by continuing it or just drawing a line), then write one more scenario (from the limited third person perspective of either Richard or David).  Do not write anymore than that, but do take care to write those thoroughly and well.
* Give some thought to the Mystery story.  What do you want to happen?  Be thinking about what events your plot is going to contain.

---- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Josh
For this Th: Sarah

HW from 1/11/11

Due on 1/13 /11:
* Reading for Reading Log: 30 minutes daily. (Reading Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* Since I wasn't able to be in class today, you have no homework tonight!  Enjoy the break.  You have extra time to do some extra reading in your Reading Log book, or you could tidy up your room again.  I'll see you on Thursday!

HW from 1/6/11

Due on 1/11/11:
* Continue reading for Reading Log: 20 minutes per day. (Log is due, signed by parent, at the end of the month.)
* CW: Copy Proverbs 6:20-23(a) in the NIV version.  (You may use a copy from your home, if you have one, or look it up online at one of the many Bible sites.) 
* Find and identify any similes or metaphors in the passage.
* Brainstorm for the Mystery story:
- 5 or more possibilities of what's in David's pocket
- 5 or more possibilities of what's going on (just come up with very general possible scenarios)
- whether you think you want to continue with Cathy or switch to David/Richard when you continue

Be ready to turn in all of these in on Tuesday.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu: Josh
For this Th: Ethan
For next Tu: Rachel
For next Th: Sarah

HW from 1/4/11

Due on 1/6/11:
* Continue reading for Reading Log: 20 minutes per day. (Your December log is due, signed by parent. If you didn't bring it in, be sure to bring it Thursday, 1/8.)
* No other homework for Thursday, 1/8.  Enjoy!

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):
For this Tu:
For this Th:
For next Tu: Josh
For next Th: Ethan