HW from 12/19/13

You have no homework over the holiday break! :) 

Enjoy your Christmas and New Year's celebrations with your families!

I will see you again for class on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.

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

For Tu, 1/7: David P. (CWA); Baylee W. (CWB)
For Th, 1/9: Elizabeth D. (CWA);  Sam M. (CWB)

For Tu, 1/14: Danielle W. (CWA); Evan P. (CWB)
For Th, 1/16: Emma R. (CWA);  Bryce D. (CWB)

For Tu, 1/21: Joshua D. (CWA); Alexa W. (CWB)
For Th, 1/23: Mark B. (CWA);  Hardy A. (CWB)

For Tu, 1/28: Emily M. (CWA); Tori W. (CWB)
For Th, 1/30: Jonathan A. (CWA);  Miranda L. (CWB)

For Tu, 2/4: Mishael M. (CWA); Joy S. (CWB)
For Th, 2/6: Ethan M. (CWA);  Jessie L. (CWB)

For Tu, 2/11: Ellie W. (CWA); Olivia H. (CWB)
For Th, 2/13: Rachel S. (CWA);  Heidi L. (CWB)

For Tu, 2/18: Jenae F. (CWA); Cameron K. (CWB)
For Th, 2/20: Olivia C.  (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)

For Tu, 2/25: Heston A. (CWA); Evan P. (CWB)
For Th, 2/27: David P. (CWA);  Sam M. (CWB)

For Tu, 3/4: Elizabeth D. (CWA); Baylee W. (CWB)
For Th, 3/6: Danielle W. (CWA); Bryce D. (CWB)

For Tu, 3/11: Emma R. (CWA); Alexa W. (CWB)
For Th, 3/13: Joshua D. (CWA); Hardy A. (CWB)

Then, Spring Break! :)

HW from 12/17/13

Due on Thursday, 12/19/13:

1.  Your December reading log, signed by a parent, is due Thursday, 12/19.

2.  After we finish the class project on Thursday, your paper will be turned in to be graded over Christmas break.  Be sure your D4 copy has each of the following components, stapled together (bottom to top):

- your completed essay planning worksheet
- your proofread copy of your original D1 (third person parent essay), with your proofreader's signature on it
- your Markup (red) copy of the D1, printed out
- your revised D2 (third person parent essay), with your handwritten changes to second-person pronouns (from class work last Thursday)
- your Markup (red) copy of the D3 (first person letter using second-person pronouns), printed out
- your revised, beautiful D4 (first person letter using second-person pronouns) on top

NOTE: I have whatever copy of your paper you left with me on Tuesday, and I will give it back to you on Thursday. Please be sure you have all of the components listed above when you turn in the final paper on Thursday.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, December 19, 2013--THIS WEEK!

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Th, 12/19: Mrs. S.

Then, Christmas break! :)

HW from 12/12/13

Due before and on Tuesday, 12/17/13:

1.  On your computer, go into the revised copy of your D2 that you printed for class yesterday and save a second copy of it with a new file name: D3--second person parent letter.  (See NOTE BELOW!)

NOTE: In Word, you can do this by choosing "Save As" from the drop-down "File" menu and then giving the paper the new file name. This will save both copies. Then you can make sure you are in the new D3 document before you make your revisions.  Another way to do this would be to "Copy" the entire contents of your D2 and the "Paste" it into a new Word document, which you then save with the new name.

2.  Complete the D3 of your essay, using the work you did yesterday in class, turning it into a letter to your parents written in first person point-of-view using second-person pronouns. (Use various forms of you, you guys, both of you, y'all, you both, etc. to address them collectively.). Make the changes in your D3 document. 

3.  Email this new D3 document (your letter) to the Markup address before midnight on Saturday. 

4.  I will look it over and send you back the Markup copy for any final revisions. You will incorporate these suggested revisions into your D3, printing a beautiful D4 for class on Tuesday.  (See NOTE BELOW!)

NOTE: Your D4 should be stapled together (bottom to top) as follows:
- your completed essay planning worksheet
- your proofread copy of your original D1, with your proofreader's signature on it
- your Markup copy of the D1, printed out
- your revised D2, with your handwritten changes to second-person pronouns (from class yesterday)
- your Markup copy of  the D3, printed out
- your revised, beautiful D4 on top

PARTY FOOD offerings for TUESDAY:
[Feel free to change what you're bringing from what you said yesterday, listed below.]

CW-A
Mrs. S - pepperoni rolls, plates, and napkins
Mark - cookies
Josh - pretzels
Danielle - lemon bars
Emma - chips
Ellie - ?
Jenae - cookies or pumpkin muffins
Rachel - veggie tray
Emily - meatballs
David & Elizabeth - 10 water bottles each

CW-B
Mrs. S - pepperoni rolls, plates, and napkins
Sam - cookies
Evan - Latvian treat
Hardy - cookies
Olivia - clementines
Joy - brownies
Miranda - fruit or veggie tray
Baylee - chips
Bryce & Cameron - 10 water bottles each

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, December 19, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Tu, 12/17: Heston A. (CWA); Cameron K. (CWB)
For Th, 12/19: Mrs. S. 

Then, Christmas break! :)

HW from 12/10/13

Due on Thursday, 12/12/13:

1.  Visit the following websites and read them well:

* About first, second, and third person points of view:  
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person

* About verb tenses and forms:
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/grammar/tenses.html

2.  Complete a D2 of your essay, using the notes from the copy of the Markup D1 I emailed back to you and you printed out. 

3.  Print a beautiful, double-spaced copy, staple it on top of the Markup D1, and have it ready to be turned in at the beginning of class.  

Your D1 should be stapled together (bottom to top) as follows:
- your completed essay planning worksheet
- your proofread copy of your original D1, with your proofreader's signature on it
- your Markup copy of the D1, printed out
- your revised D2

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, December 19, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Th, 12/12: Olivia C. (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)

For Tu, 12/17: Heston A. (CWA); Cameron K. (CWB)
For Th, 12/19: Mrs. S. 

Then, Christmas break! :)

HW from 12/5/13

Due before AND on Tuesday, 12/10/13:

1.  If you did not do so--either because you were absent or because you did not take the time to do it well--thoroughly complete the essay planning worksheet (all of it) for the parent essay (first person, present tense). 

2.  Finish writing the preliminary draft of your essay.  Type it out using our usual parameters for compositions (header, footer, 1-in. margins, 12-pt. Arial or TNR font, double-spaced).  Read it over and proofread it yourself. 

3.  Print a copy and have someone who knows your parents (but NOT your parents!) proofread the paper.  Have them mark any errors they see, and write any editing suggestions, on the paper itself, then have them sign it.

4.  Make any necessary changes to your paper.  Proofread it yourself again.  When you're confident it is as good as it can be, email the document as an attachment to Mrs. Sitterding at the Markup address (see sidebar).  Do this as early as possible (before Sunday is best), but it must be received before Monday at noon!  This is your D1. 

5.  Mrs. Sitterding will read and correct your paper and email the marked-up copy back to you.

6.  Print your Markup copy (D1) to be turned in with the other materials on Tuesday.

Your D1 should be stapled together (back to front) as follows:
- your completed essay planning worksheet
- your signed copy of your proofread draft
- your Markup copy, printed after Mrs. Sitterding sends it back to you.

NOTE:  You will also return the graded D2 of your season essay on Tuesday. 

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, December 19, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Tu, 12/10: Jenae F. (CWA); Sam M. (CWB)
For Th, 12/12: Olivia C. (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)

For Tu, 12/17: Heston A. (CWA); Cameron K. (CWB)
For Th, 12/19: Mrs. S. 

Then, Christmas break! :)

HW from 12/3/13

Due on Thursday, 12/5/13

1.  Complete the essay planning worksheet (all of it) for the parent essay (first person, present tense). You do not need to write the essay.

2.  Be sure you have read the following sections in the "Parts of Speech" (yellow) section of your Writers INC book (assigned before Thanksgiving break):

* In section entitled "Forms of Personal Pronouns": 
    + 505.1 "Number of a Pronoun" (p.505)
    + 505.2 "Person of a Pronoun"  (p.505)
    + 506.2 "Gender of a Pronoun" (p. 506)

* In section entitled "Forms of Verbs":
    + 510.1 "Number of a Verb" (p.510)
    + 510.2 "Person of a Verb" (p. 510) - DO read blue chart showing verb forms of the verb "to sniff."
    + 511.1 "Tense of a Verb" (p.511) - Disregard chart on  p. 511 entitled "Active and Passive Voice."

NOTE: All page and section numbers are given for the 2001 edition of Writers INC.  If you have a different edition of Writers INC, please locate the correct reading material by looking in the "Parts of Speech" section and locating correct section titles (in italics, above).  Page numbers may be different!

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, December 19, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Th, 12/5: Rachel S. (CWA);  Jessie L. (CWB)

For Tu, 12/10: Jenae F. (CWA); Sam M. (CWB)
For Th, 12/12: Olivia C. (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)

For Tu, 12/17: Heston A. (CWA); Cameron K. (CWB)
For Th, 12/19: Mrs. S. 

Then, Christmas break! :)

HW from 11/19/13

Due on Thursday, 11/21/13

1.  Complete Copywork #6 as instructed on handout.

2.  Read the following sections in the "Parts of Speech" (yellow) section of your Writers INC book :

* In section entitled "Forms of Personal Pronouns": 
    + 505.1 "Number of a Pronoun" (p.505)
    + 505.2 "Person of a Pronoun"  (p.505)
    + 506.2 "Gender of a Pronoun" (p. 506)

* In section entitled "Forms of Verbs":
    + 510.1 "Number of a Verb" (p.510)
    + 510.2 "Person of a Verb" (p. 510) - DO read blue chart showing verb forms of the verb "to sniff."
    + 511.1 "Tense of a Verb" (p.511) - Disregard chart on  p. 511 entitled "Active and Passive Voice."

NOTE: All page and section numbers are given for the 2001 edition of Writers INC.  If you have a different edition of Writers INC, please locate the correct reading material by looking in the "Parts of Speech" section and locating correct section titles (in italics, above).  Page numbers may be different!

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Th, 11/21: Ethan M. (CWA);  Heidi L. (CWB)

Then, Thanksgiving break!  :)

HW from 11/14/13

Due on Tuesday, 11/19/13

1.  Revise the D1 of your season essay.  You will turn in the D2 (stapled on top of the D1) on Tuesday.

2.  Translate the following Bible verse from past tense to present tense.  Be sure that you have both the original (past tense) version and the new (present tense) version on your paper.  (I will also email you a copy of the verse so that you may copy and paste it into a word processing document and quickly and easily make the changes there.  Of course, you may write both verses out by hand instead, if you so choose.)

NOTE:  Be sure to change all words that need to be changed, not just the verbs.  And be sure NOT to change the words that don't need to be changed, even if they are verbs.  Be careful as you work!

Mark 1:21b-28

Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”  The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”  News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

3.  Visit the following website and take the grammar quiz found there.  
http://m.staples.ca/sbdca/en_CA/cre/programs/grammarquiz/#.Un0EZc1DPCA.facebook

4.   Email me what score you got on that grammar quiz.  (You will get homework credit just for taking the quiz and emailing me your score.  You will NOT be graded on how well or poorly you did on the actual quiz itself!)

5.   Be sure you have returned your signed report card, turned in the D2 of your character sketch, and completed the Markup homework assignment, all of which are now past due.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Tu, 11/19: Ellie W.  (CWA);  Ethan M. (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: (CWA);  TBD (CWB)

HW from 11/12/13

Due on Thursday, 11/14/13

1.  Complete #2-6 on the handout entitled "Using Adjectives Like the Pros."

2.  Write three good, descriptive sentences of your own.  Make sure each sentence contains three adjectives that describe the same noun, some of which are placed after the noun.

3.  Visit the following website and read the article about grammatical rules concerning adjectives:
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/commas-with-adjectives

/-----/-----/-----/-----/-----/-----/-----/-----/-----/-----/

The following assignments were due on Tuesday, 11/12, and are now overdue.  If you have not completed any of them, please do so by Thursday:

1. Create a document with our usual header and footer on it that says something like, "I have saved the Markup address and I know how to send a document to that address."  Then save that document and send it to the Markup address as an attachment--just like you would if you were sending me a copy of a paper you had written.

NOTE: I will send an email back to you indicating that I got it.  If you do not receive that email, please write me at my other email address and let me know.

The Markup address is: LauraSitterding@markupsync.com
(I have posted a link to this on the right sidebar of the homework blog.)

2.  If you received a blue report card, have your parent sign both the blue report card and the white student grade report and return them to me on Tuesday.

3.  If you received a notice of a temporary "incomplete" instead of a blue report card, make your decision about how you will handle the incomplete work and fill out and sign the white "incomplete" sheet.  Have your parent sign it as well, to be turned in on Tuesday.

Next, complete all work that was missing or needs to be re-done and email it to me before Saturday.  If you are writing a new D1 for your character sketch, you must type it according to our parameters and attach the document to an email sent to the Markup address.  Send this in addition to the email you sent me in homework item #1. 

4.  All students:  You will revise your D1 of your character sketch according to the feedback on your grading rubric and the teacher comments on the red copy of your D1.  Your new D2 will be due on Tuesday.

NOTE: You will print your D2.  You will NOT mail your D2 to the Markup address!  Have your paper ready to turn in at the beginning of class.  Please have the following items stapled together in the right order and ready to go when you walk into the classroom (back to front):

- any notes you made
- your proofread copy of your D1 (signed by your proofreaders)
- your red copy of your D1
- your grading sheet for your D1
- your rough copy of your D2 (and signatures, if you had someone proofread it besides you)
- your beautiful copy of your D2
- your new grade sheet for the D2 (which will be emailed to you--look for it and print it)

5.  Make sure your Misspelled Word List is complete and is filed in the spelling section of your notebook.  You must compile this list from the papers you've gotten back (homework, quizzes, papers, etc.).  After you have added the misspelled words to the list, check off all boxes next to the words that I marked "Add" or flagged with the circled notation sp.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Th, 11/14: Ethan M. (CWA);  Olivia H. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/19: Ellie W.  (CWA); TBD (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: TBD (CWA);  TBD (CWB)

HW from 11/7/13

Due on Tuesday, 11/12/13

1. Create a document with our usual header and footer on it that says something like, "I have saved the Markup address and I know how to send a document to that address."  Then save that document and send it to the Markup address as an attachment--just like you would if you were sending me a copy of a paper you had written.

NOTE: I will send an email back to you indicating that I got it.  If you do not receive that email, please write me at my other email address and let me know.

The Markup address is: LauraSitterding@markupsync.com
(I have posted a link to this on the right sidebar of the homework blog.)

2.  If you received a blue report card, have your parent sign both the blue report card and the white student grade report and return them to me on Tuesday.

3.  If you received a notice of a temporary "incomplete" instead of a blue report card, make your decision about how you will handle the incomplete work and fill out and sign the white "incomplete" sheet.  Have your parent sign it as well, to be turned in on Tuesday.

Next, complete all work that was missing or needs to be re-done and email it to me before Saturday.  If you are writing a new D1 for your character sketch, you must type it according to our parameters and attach the document to an email sent to the Markup address.  Send this in addition to the email you sent me in homework item #1. 

4.  All students:  You will revise your D1 of your character sketch according to the feedback on your grading rubric and the teacher comments on the red copy of your D1.  Your new D2 will be due on Tuesday.

NOTE: You will print your D2.  You will NOT mail your D2 to the Markup address!  Have your paper ready to turn in at the beginning of class.  Please have the following items stapled together in the right order and ready to go when you walk into the classroom (back to front):

- any notes you made
- your proofread copy of your D1 (signed by your proofreaders)
- your red copy of your D1
- your grading sheet for your D1
- your rough copy of your D2 (and signatures, if you had someone proofread it besides you)
- your beautiful copy of your D2
- your new grade sheet for the D2 (which will be emailed to you--look for it and print it)

5.  Make sure your Misspelled Word List is complete and is filed in the spelling section of your notebook.  You must compile this list from the papers you've gotten back (homework, quizzes, papers, etc.).  After you have added the misspelled words to the list, check off all boxes next to the words that I marked "Add" or flagged with the circled notation sp.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Tu, 11/12: Mishael M. (CWA); Joy S. (CWB)
For Th, 11/14: Ethan M. (CWA);  Olivia H. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/19: Ellie W.  (CWA); TBD (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: TBD (CWA);  TBD (CWB)

HW from 11/5/13

Due on Thursday, 11/7/13

1.  Complete Copywork #5, but change the point of view from third person past tense to third person present tense. Remember not to change the tense of any quoted dialogue, since the actual words that were spoken would not change. Be sure to correctly punctuate the dialogue!

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Th, 11/7: Jonathan A. (CWA);  Miranda L. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/12: Mishael M. (CWA); Joy S. (CWB)
For Th, 11/14: Ethan M. (CWA);  Olivia H. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/19: Ellie W.  (CWA); TBD (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: TBD (CWA);  TBD (CWB)

HW from 10/31/13

Due on Tuesday, 11/5/13

1.  Complete the essay on your favorite season using the following guidelines:

+ Choose another season besides fall to write about.
+ Brainstorm all the things you love about the season you chose, on the back of your essay planning worksheet.
+ Complete the essay planning worksheet thoroughly and well.  Follow my example from the sample planning sheet about fall.
+ You do not have to use the same categories I did for your three points, but you may.
+ Write your essay in first person point of view.
+ Give sensory details, and utilize other ways that we studied to enhance description, whenever possible.
+ Your essay should be typed, using our standard paper parameters.  (See previous writing assignments if you don't remember our required format, margins, font, header, footer, etc.)
+ You do not need to have your parents or others proofread your essay, but you must proofread it yourself on two separate occasions after it is completed.  Sign to indicate both.
+ You must turn in your beautiful draft, your proofread draft, and your completed essay planning worksheet on Tuesday.
+ Have your paper ready to turn in at the beginning of class on Tuesday.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Tu, 11/5: Emily M. (CWA); Jessie L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/7: Jonathan A. (CWA);  Miranda L. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/12: Mishael M. (CWA); Joy S. (CWB)
For Th, 11/14: Ethan M. (CWA);  Olivia H. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/19: Ellie W.  (CWA); TBD (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: TBD (CWA);  TBD (CWB)

HW from 10/29/13

Due on Thursday, 10/31/13

1.  Your signed reading log for October is due on Thursday, 10/31/13!

2.   If you didn't already, complete the second (homework) portion of the Put Me in the Zoo exercise that you did yesterday in class with the sub.  Please complete and check your work carefully!  Don't just change every pronoun to past tense. (The "yous" don't always change, for instance.)

3.   If you didn't already, complete the two handouts the sub gave you about fixing run-on sentences and comma splices.   Please complete and check your work carefully!  Don't just take out every comma, for instance.  Some of them are still necessary to the sentence.   

NOTE: Please visit the class website and review the ways to correct a run-on sentence.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, October 31, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Th, 10/31: Mark B. (CWA);  Hardy A. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/5: Emily M. (CWA); Jessie L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/7: Jonathan A. (CWA);  Ellie W. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/12: Mishael M. (CWA); Joy S. (CWB)
For Th, 11/14: Ethan M. (CWA);  Olivia H. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/19: TBD (CWA); Miranda L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: TBD (CWA);  TBD (CWB)

HW from 10/24/13

Due on Tuesday, 10/29/13

1.  Read the following verse (Mark 8:22-26) and translate it from third person point of view to first person point of view (which will be from the perspective of Jesus, using first person pronouns like "I" and "we").  Write or type (or cut and paste!) the original, underlining the words that need to be changed, then write or type (or cut and paste!) another copy, with the changes made and underlined.

Mark 8:22-26
They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.  He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”
 
He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.”

2.   Read the following verse (John 14:2-4) and translate it from first person point of view to third person point of view.  Write or type (or cut and paste!) the original, underlining the words that need to be changed, then write or type (or cut and paste!) another copy, with the changes made and underlined.

John 14:2-4
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.

NOTE: Print or hand write these as directed.  Do not email them to me!

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, October 31, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Tu, 10/29: Emma R. (CWA); Tori W. (CWB)
For Th, 10/31: Mark B. (CWA);  Hardy A. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/5: Emily M. (CWA); Jessie L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/7: Jonathan A. (CWA);  Ellie W. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/12: Mishael M. (CWA); Joy S. (CWB)
For Th, 11/14: Ethan M. (CWA);  Olivia H. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/19: TBD (CWA); Miranda L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: TBD (CWA);  TBD (CWB)

HW from 10/22/13

Due on Thursday, 10/24/13

1.  Write out the following pledge, in your best penmanship, on loose-leaf paper.  You will turn this pledge in tomorrow, and be expected to abide by it henceforth:

"I pledge that I will read the homework blog each day after class.  When I read it, I will read all of it, from top to bottom, so that I'm sure to know what is expected of me for homework.  I will do my best to be thorough and to follow directions carefully.  Signed, (your name)."  

[Obviously, extenuating circumstances (i.e. illness, injury, vacation, etc.) may sometimes prevent you from keeping this pledge.  As always, extenuating circumstances are considered on an individual, case-by-case basis, and excused absences or circumstances result in special provisions for homework.  If everything is normal, however, read the homework blog, follow the directions, and complete your work!]

2.  Complete CW #4.

3.  If you did not turn it in yesterday (J.A.,J.S., and O.H.), turn in your revised copy of your first graded draft of your descriptive setting (D1).  Improve your paper utilizing my comments and notations (in red) and the feedback on the grading rubric.  Spend some time really perfecting your paper to make it the best it can be.  Utilize all the ways we've talked about to enhance description.  The revised D2 was due on Tuesday.

NOTE: You will need to turn in the "red copy" of your D1 and the D1 grading sheet when you turn in your D2.  Just staple the beautiful copy of your D2 and a new grading sheet--print out and fill in the one I'll email to you--to the top of your old D1 and D1 grading sheet.  Have it ready to turn in at the beginning of class.

4.   If you did not turn it in yesterday, turn in the parent-proctored quiz I sent home on enhancing description and using figurative language (J.S.).  You may study as much or as little as you'd like for the quiz and you may take it any time between now and the next class period.  Please follow the instructions exactly on the parent proctor letter I sent home with the quiz.

NOTE: You need one uninterrupted hour to take the quiz.  You may not use your notes or any other assistance during the quiz.  Please complete page 1 of the quiz and turn it in to your parent before you begin page 2.  All papers, sealed into an envelope that is then signed by your parent across the seal, were due on Tuesday.

5.   If you took your writer's notebook home because you do not have all seven entries completed, send me an email letting me know which entry or entries you have missed and I will send you the topic so you can get it completed.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, October 31, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Th, 10/24: Joshua D. (CWA);  Alexa W. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/29: Emma R. (CWA); Tori W. (CWB)
For Th, 10/31: Mark B. (CWA);  Hardy A. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/5: Emily M. (CWA); Jessie L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/7: Jonathan A. (CWA);  Ellie W. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/12: Mishael M. (CWA); Joy S. (CWB)
For Th, 11/14: Ethan M. (CWA);  Olivia H. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/19: TBD (CWA); Miranda L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: TBD (CWA);  TBD (CWB)

HW from 10/17/13

Due on Tuesday, 10/22/13

1.  Revise your first graded draft of your descriptive setting (D1).  Improve your paper utilizing my comments and notations (in red) and the feedback on the grading rubric.  Spend some time really perfecting your paper to make it the best it can be.  Utilize all the ways we've talked about to enhance description.  The revised D2 will be due on Tuesday.

NOTE: You will need to turn in the "red copy" of your D1 and the D1 grading sheet when you turn in your D2.  Just staple the beautiful copy of your D2 and a new grading sheet--print out and fill in the one I'll email to you--to the top of your old D1 and D1 grading sheet.  Have it ready to turn in at the beginning of class.

2.   Have your parent proctor the quiz I sent home on enhancing description and using figurative language.  You may study as much or as little as you'd like for the quiz and you may take it any time between now and the next class period.  Please follow the instructions exactly on the parent proctor letter I sent home with the quiz.

NOTE: You need one uninterrupted hour to take the quiz.  You may not use your notes or any other assistance during the quiz.  Please complete page 1 of the quiz and turn it in to your parent before you begin page 2.  All papers, sealed into an envelope that is then signed by your parent across the seal, will be due on Tuesday.

3.   If you took your writer's notebook home because you do not have all seven entries completed, send me an email letting me know which entry or entries you have missed and I will send you the topic so you can get it completed.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, October 31, 2013.

+ Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

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

For Tu, 10/22: Danielle W. (CWA); Bryce D. (CWB)
For Th, 10/24: Joshua D. (CWA);  Alexa W. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/29: Emma R. (CWA); Tori W. (CWB)
For Th, 10/31: Mark B. (CWA);  Hardy A. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/5: Emily M. (CWA); Jessie L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/7: Jonathan A. (CWA);  Ellie W. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/12: Mishael M. (CWA); Joy S. (CWB)
For Th, 11/14: Ethan M. (CWA);  Olivia H. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/19: TBD (CWA); Miranda L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: TBD (CWA);  TBD (CWB)

HW from 10/15/13

Due on Thursday, 10/17/13

1.  Complete Copywork #3.  Be sure to correctly copy the form of the original poem (i.e. pay attention to indentation, capitalization, punctuation, line spacing, etc.).  After you have copied it, on your copy, underline all examples of figurative language you see in the poem, identifying them by name. 

2.  If you took your writer's notebook home because you do not have all seven entries completed, send me an email letting me know which entry or entries you have missed and I will send you the topic so you can get it completed.

3.  If you did not read the article "Idioms Abound--We Are Bound to Hear Them" by clicking on the link-- and did not send me an email listing at least ten idioms she mentions in the article, identifying both one that you've never heard before and one that you've personally used--do so before Thursday to receive some credit.

4.  Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz this weekend on all that we've learned so far.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, October 31, 2013.

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

For Th, 10/17: Elizabeth D. (CWA);  Baylee W. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/22: Danielle W. (CWA); Bryce D. (CWB)
For Th, 10/24: Joshua D. (CWA);  Alexa W. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/29: Emma R. (CWA); Tori W. (CWB)
For Th, 10/31: Mark B. (CWA);  Hardy A. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/5: Emily M. (CWA); Jessie L. (CWB)
For Th, 11/7: Jonathan A. (CWA);  Ellie W. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/12: Mishael M. (CWA); Joy S. (CWB)
For Th, 11/14: Ethan M. (CWA);  Liam S. (CWB)

For Tu, 11/19: TBD (CWA); Olivia H. (CWB)
For Th, 11/21: TBD (CWA);  Miranda L. (CWB)

HW from 10/10/13

Due on Tuesday, 10/15/13

1. Using the paper I wrote about my grandmother as a model, write a character description.  The person must be real (someone you actually know) and the character must be human (in other words, don't describe an animal). Your character sketch should tell us about the person utilizing both description and dialogue.  Be sure to include each of the seven ways we've discussed to enhance description and to correctly punctuate your dialogue.

 

NOTE:  The format for the paper is as follows: 
- double-spaced word processing document
- standard 1-inch margins
- 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman)
- standard 5-space indentations for paragraphs
- do not skip an extra line between paragraphs
- a header with your name, the date, and the title "Character Sketch" in the right-hand corner
- a footer with a page number in the middle of the bottom of the page
- at least two full pages, typed according to the above parameters

Have them ready to turn in at the beginning of class!  You will turn in (stapled in this order, bottom to top): your rough draft(s)--proofread and signed by you and by two others, one of which is a parent; in the middle, your final, corrected draft; and on top, your grading rubric, with the information at the bottom of the sheet filled out.  Do not fold your papers "hot dog bun" style.

2.  Print the compiled list of attributions/"said replacements" that I emailed to you and place it in your notebook in the "class notes" section.

3.  Read the article "Idioms Abound--We Are Bound to Hear Them" by clicking on the link.   Send me an email listing at least ten idioms she mentions in the article, identifying both one that you've never heard before and one that you've personally used.

4.  I will be offering a make-up quiz on Tuesday at 11:30 for those of you who made a C or lower on our last quiz.  I will average the two grades together for your final grade. Please let me know if you're planning to come so I'll know how many students to expect. 

5.  Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, October 31, 2013.

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

For Tu, 10/15: David P. (CWA); Evan P. (CWB)
For Th, 10/17: Elizabeth D. (CWA);  Baylee W. (CWB)

HW from 10/8/13

Due on Thursday, 10/10/13

1. Type up the list of "said replacements" you came up with in class yesterday.  Type one word per line.  Add as many of you can think of (at least 50).  When you are finished typing the list, alphabetize it by selecting all and then telling the computer to alphabetize it.  (In Office 7 this is in Home-->Paragraph-->Sort A-Z.)  Then turn the document into as many columns as you need to to get it all on one page.  (In Office 7 this is in Page Layout-->Page Setup-->Columns.)

2.  Complete the handout "Using Strong Nouns and Verbs" which Mrs. Penick gave you yesterday.

3.  Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, October 31, 2013.

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

For Th, 10/10: Olivia C. (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/15: David P. (CWA); Evan P. (CWB)
For Th, 10/17: Elizabeth D. (CWA);  Baylee W. (CWB)

* For the opening on your day, choose a Bible verse that is meaningful to you.  Copy it onto a piece of paper, then write a paragraph or two explaining why that verse is meaningful to you.  You do not need to write out your prayer, although you may if you would prefer.  You will turn this paper in on the day you do the opening.

HW from 10/3/13

Due on Tuesday, 10/8/13

1.  Locate a good, descriptive description of a place (in print, such as from a book or magazine) and make a copy of it.  If you didn't turn one in today in class, you must email it to me before Monday, 10/7.  (You may scan it in and email it as an attachment or just type it out in a Word document and attach that. Either way, be sure to give an attribution--where it is from and who wrote it.)

2.  Re-read the character description I wrote about my grandmother.  Find all the examples you can of each of the seven ways we've learned to enhance description.  You may divide your papers into sections and give as many examples as you can in each of the seven sections.  When identifying figurative language, specifically tell which kind it is for each example. 

3.  Decide on the person you would like to write your character description about.  (It must be a real person you know.)  In one column, brainstorm a list of physical characteristics you might like to include; in another column, brainstorm character traits of that person you would like to include. 

4.  Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, October 31, 2013.

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

For Tu, 10/8: Jenae F. (CWA); Sam M. (CWB)
For Th, 10/10: Olivia C. (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/15: David P. (CWA); Evan P. (CWB)
For Th, 10/17: Elizabeth D. (CWA);  Baylee W. (CWB)

* For the opening on your day, choose a Bible verse that is meaningful to you.  Copy it onto a piece of paper, then write a paragraph or two explaining why that verse is meaningful to you.  You do not need to write out your prayer, although you may if you would prefer.  You will turn this paper in on the day you do the opening. 

HW from 10/1/13

Due on Thursday, 10/3/13

1.  Carefully read pages 81-84 in your Writer's Inc book.

2.  Locate a good, descriptive description of a place (in print, such as from a book or magazine) and make a copy of it.  You may turn it in tomorrow in class or you may take more time and email it to me.  If you don't turn it in on 10/3, you must email it to me before Monday, 10/7.  (Please note that you will have other homework over the weekend, too, which will be assigned tomorrow.  Do not procrastinate unnecessarily!)

3.  Review daily the material from our writing and grammar lessons in class so that you can more easily learn and memorize (as we go along) the different things we are studying.  Be ready for a quiz anytime on all that we've learned so far.

Also (daily):

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Thursday, October 31, 2013.

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

For Th, 10/3: Rachel S. (CWA);  Heidi L. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/8: Jenae F. (CWA); Sam M. (CWB)
For Th, 10/10: Olivia C. (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/15: David P. (CWA); Evan P. (CWB)
For Th, 10/17: Elizabeth D. (CWA);  Baylee W. (CWB)

* For the opening on your day, choose a Bible verse that is meaningful to you.  Copy it onto a piece of paper, then write a paragraph or two explaining why that verse is meaningful to you.  You do not need to write out your prayer, although you may if you would prefer.  You will turn this paper in on the day you do the opening. 

HW from 9/26/13

Due on Tuesday, 10/1/13

1.  Be sure you have completed the reading and definitions in your Writer's Inc book that were due on Thursday, 9/26. 

2.  Your September reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, 10/1.  

3.  Your "descriptive setting" paper is due on Tuesday, 10/1.  You will write a descriptive paper about a favorite place.  Do not tell a story, although you may insert yourself in the description if you wish.  Remember, be descriptive (don't give a "weather report") without being flowery (don't overdo it and make it silly).  Also, be sure to incorporate at least one example of good figurative language in your description. 

Please observe the following parameters:

* Length: at least 300 words, but no more than 500 words
* Format: 1-inch margins, double-spaced, no extra lines, 12-point Times New a Roman or Arial font
* Header (on top right of each page, single-spaced): your full name, date due, and paper title [descriptive setting]
* Footer (on bottom center of each page): page number
* Two drafts: The  first one must be proofread by you, a parent, and one other person (get signatures).  The second one should be the corrected one.  Staple the two drafts together, with the beautiful copy on top.  Do not fold your papers.

NOTE: If you have any questions about how to do any of these things in your word processor, check with your parents or an older sibling or friend.  If you still need help, feel free to call me. 

4.  Learn and memorize (as we go along) the different types of figurative language we're studying.  There are five of them, three that are good to use in creative writing (simile, metaphor, personification) and two that we want to avoid in creative writing (hyperbole, idiom).

Also (daily):

* Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, next Tuesday, October 1, 2013.

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

For Tu, 10/1: Heston A. (CWA); Cameron K. (CWB)
For Th, 10/3: Rachel S. (CWA);  Heidi L. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/8: Jenae F. (CWA); Sam M. (CWB)
For Th, 10/10: Olivia C. (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/15: David P. (CWA); Evan P. (CWB)
For Th, 10/17: Elizabeth D. (CWA);  Baylee W. (CWB)

HW from 9/24/13

Due on Thursday, 9/26/13

1.  Read the following sections in your Writer's Inc book: pp.3-4, 7-8, 87-88, 95-98.

2.  In the "Writing Techniques" and "Writing Terms" sections of your Writer's Inc book (pp.136-140), look up the following terms and write the definitions: simile, metaphor, personification, sensory details, figurative language, hyperbole, exaggeration, idiom.

3.  Learn and memorize (as we go along) the different types of figurative language we're studying.  There are five of them, three that are good to use in creative writing (simile, metaphor, personification) and two we want to avoid in creative writing (hyperbole, idiom).

Also (daily):

* Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, next Tuesday, October 1, 2013.

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

For Tu, 9/24: Mrs. S.
For Th, 9/26: Mrs. S.

For Tu, 10/1: Heston A. (CWA); Cameron K. (CWB)
For Th, 10/3: Rachel S. (CWA);  Heidi L. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/8: Jenae F. (CWA); Sam M. (CWB)
For Th, 10/10: Olivia C. (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)

For Tu, 10/15: David P. (CWA); Evan P. (CWB)
For Th, 10/17: Elizabeth D. (CWA);  Baylee W. (CWB)

HW from 9/19/13

Due on Tuesday, 9/24/13

1.  If you didn't, finish your writer's notebook entry. You are giving three good examples each of simile, metaphor, and personification. Make up good, descriptive sentences. Do not use hyperbole or idiom. 

2.  Remember to bring your writer's notebook back to class on Tuesday if you took it home to finish!

3.  Think of the place you'd like to write your descriptive paper about. Make a chart of five sections, listing one of your five senses at the top of each section. Write three good, descriptive sentences about your place under each section--look, smell, taste, sound, feel.  (This will be fifteen sentences total.)

NOTE: You may organize your sheets of paper however you would like, as long as I can easily read which sentences go with which sense.  Not also that "taste" is challenging for some places.  Do your best to come up with something if you can.  I will not count off if your place does not lend itself to a lot of description in the area of "taste."

4.  Be sure you understand, know, and can list and explain those ways we talked about enhancing description in your writing.  So far, we've discussed all seven listed in the Topics of Study in the left sidebar of the Creative Writing homepage (Quarter 1).

5.  Learn and memorize (as we go along) the different types of figurative language we're studying.  There are five of them, three that are good to use in creative writing (simile, metaphor, personification) and two we want to avoid in creative writing (hyperbole, idiom).  

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

Also (daily):

* Read your (approved) book for pleasure 30 minutes daily.  Mark it on your reading log as you go along.  The current reading log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, October 1, 2013.

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

For Tu, 9/24: Mrs. S.
For Th, 9/26: Mrs. S.

For Tu, 10/1: Heston A. (CWA); Cameron K. (CWB)
For Th, 10/3: Rachel S. (CWA);  Heidi L. (CWB)


For Tu, 10/8: Jenae F. (CWA); Ethan M. (CWB)
For Th, 10/10: Olivia C. (CWA);  Claire D. (CWB)


For Tu, 10/15: David P. (CWA); Evan P. (CWB)
For Th, 10/17: Sam M. (CWA);  Baylee W. (CWB)