Enjoy...

Thanks to everyone for a fantastic first semester, especially the final event: the Boston Massacre Trial. everyone did such a great job! Enjoy the winter break. I'll see everyone in 2015!!!

In Language Arts…(And a History Trial!)

In language arts, we're building on our understanding of the parts of speech by moving into sentence structure. We started with subjects and predicates on Monday; understanding the parts of speech really helps with identifying the parts of a sentence. All of this builds towards improving writing by using a variety of sentence lengths and structures, a skill that requires a good understanding of basic sentence elements. We'll start with some basic notes and practice. And we'll even explore sentence structure through some sentence diagramming. So many times, it's these diagrams that make all this grammar stuff really "click."

Next week, we'll review some of the key literary terms and concepts we've studied over the past semester, and we'll have a quiz on these terms at the end of the week.

Another exciting upcoming event is the Boston Massacre Mock Trial! This week, students are diving into their roles and preparing testimony, opening statements, cross-examination, and more in anticipation of the trial next Friday afternoon. Parents are welcomed--and encouraged!--to attend the trial. It will be in the Dryden library from 12:10 to 1:55 on Friday, December 19th. Hope to see you there!

Parts of Speech Review

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and break.

This week, we'll focus on reviewing all eight parts of speech. Students will work on a project of their choice to communicate their knowledge of the parts of speech--an instructional book, a game, a video, a book analysis, etc--and we'll have daily review activities. On Friday, students will take a mastery test to demonstrate their ability to identify the eight parts of speech. Whether through reviewing old assignments and tests, working on the project, or studying definitions, students should spend some time preparing for the test each night this week.

Here's a link to the Parts of Speech Project.

In Language Arts...

Students have been working in their SPRINGBOARD books to explore the theme of heroism, We've discussed the three strategies of definition (function, example, and negation) and read a variety of texts--poems, articles, stories, and more--that revolve around the theme of heroism. The culminating project for this unit is a definition essay. For this project, students will be writing essays about what heroism means to them. Over the next week and a half, students will go through the writing process, beginning with brainstorming, then outlining, drafting, revising, and finalizing.

Here are some links to tools that can help students with the writing process:
-An Overview of the Definition Essay (from SPRINGBOARD)
-OUTLINE of the Definition Essay (an outline that guides students through the sections of the definition essay)
-OUTLINE Version A (this is a slightly simplified version of the Definition Essay Outline for students who would like more guidance during this part of the writing process)
-A Sample Definition Essay about Heroism

We'll also continue to refine our understanding of grammar. Students will also continue to review the eight parts of speech, a study that will culminate in a mastery test that involves identifying all eight parts of speech.

Last but not least, NaNoWriMo continues…keep up the good work student writers!! And if you're looking for a little writerly inspiration, check out the Young Writers Program webpage for some pep talks from writers.

NaNoWriMo!!!

National Novel Writing month starts today! Congrats to all students who have decided to take on the challenge of writing a novel during the month of November. I'll be writing right along with you. I encourage all writers to check out NaNoWriMo's Young Writers Program homepage. On that page, young writers can find pep talks from both other young writers and published writers, "dares" to help get writing jump-started, and much more.
Explore worlds; explore words; have fun, and--most importantly:
Write on!!!

Writing Contest

Hey student writers:
There's a great writing contest open to students in grades 7 through 12. You can check out the details and register here: http://www.artandwriting.org/
Check it out!

This Week in Language Arts...

This week in language arts, we're beginning a new unit in Springboard. Some of the early topics, discussions, and terms we'll explore include tone and diction in writing, denotation and connotation, nuance, and strategies of definition. We'll start the week by looking ahead to the next embedded assessment: A Definition Essay, unpacking the skills and knowledge needed for success on that assessment. We'll discuss the differences between expository and narrative writing, and we'll analyze and compare a poem (Nina Cassian's "A Man") and an informational text ("Soldier Home After Losing his Leg in Afghanistan" by Gale Fiege) on similar subjects. We'll also continue our exploration of the parts of speech, focusing on prepositions.

End of First Quarter

END OF FIRST QUARTER
Believe it or not, the end of the first quarter is upon us! The quarter ends on Thursday, October 16th.

WHAT STUDENTS HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IN L.A.
This week, in language arts, students met for the first time in critique groups, where they shared and responded to each other's writing, giving feedback and commenting on both the strengths and areas for improvement in their classmates' work. Critique groups will be an ongoing part of the writing process this year, and the students did a great job with their first critique group session.

NEXT WEEK
In class next week, we'll be finishing up the Hero's Journey Narrative, writing a reflection of the narrative (how it reflects the Hero's Journey archetype and how it reflects an understanding of key literary devices: setting, point of view, figurative language, etc.) In history, students will finish their colonial brochures and take a "Tour of the Colonies." For reading, students should be sure to have read both of their non-fiction books, and they should try to reach their point goals by Thursday.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Last but not least, a quick book recommendation. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a wonderful and quirky and heartbreaking love story. The characters came to life from the first page, and they remain with me now, long after I finished the last page.

Language Arts: September 29th through October 3rd

Over the next two weeks, students will be working on a creative project that reflects their understanding of some of the key literary concepts we've been studying--primarily in the SPRINGBOARD books--since the beginning of the school year. Students will be writing scenes follow a character of their creation through a variety of steps in the Hero's Journey Archetype. An overview of the steps to completion for the project can be found here. Here's a map of the hero's journey for students to use as they brainstorm, and here's a guide to the reflection essay they'll write at the end. I've enjoyed reading students' creative work in their writing notebooks thus far this year, and I look forward to seeing where they take their narratives over the course of this project.

Also, we'll continue our study of the parts of speech. Students will be studying prepositions--and some will make preposition comic strips as part of a "Your Choice" activity. They'll finish up with conjunctions and interjections.

Weekly Assignments Summaries and Links

It's hard to believe that we're already halfway through the first quarter! As a resource for parents and students, I've included a list of all "Weekly Assignments" so far this year. The Springboard Book assignments are all in the district-adopted Springboard books, while other assignments can be accessed through the links below.

Weekly Assignments 8/25 - 8/29
Springboard Book: Lessons 1.1 through 1.4
Nouns and Pronouns Packet

Weekly Assignments 9/2 - 9/5
Springboard Book: Lesson 1.5
Verbs Packet

Weekly Assignments 9/8 - 9/12
Springboard Book: 1.6
Nouns and Pronouns Review One
Nouns and Pronouns Review Two

Weekly Assignments 9/15 - 9/19
Springboard Book 1.7
Adjectives and Adverbs Packet

Language Arts, September 22nd through 26th

Here's a look at what we're up to in language arts this week…

Students will continue to study the parts of speech, with a focus on adjectives and adverbs. Students will complete this review, labeling every word of every sentence, as we're paying close attention to how the individual words work together in a sentence (especially when it comes to adjectives and adverbs). Students will have a quiz on nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs on Wednesday.

Also, we'll continue to examine the Hero's Journey Archetype in the SPRINGBOARD books. Students will read and analyze a section of A WRINKLE IN TIME (one of my favorite books!), and they'll work on their own creative pieces as well.

We have conferences on Thursday and Friday this week, so it's a short week for students. Parents- You all should have received a conference form from your son or daughter at the beginning of this week. I look forward to seeing everyone at conferences!

In Language Arts This Week...

In language arts this week, students will continue to analyze stories for the hero's journey archetype while developing their understanding of a variety of literary terms. Some of the terms on our "Word Wall" thus far include the following: imagery, setting, mood, theme, protagonist, and point-of-view. This week our focus piece of literature is an excerpt from Homer's epic, the ODYSSEY. Students will be responding to the piece both creatively and critically.
Our grammar focus for the week will be adjectives and adverbs. Students will study and practice adjectives and adverbs, using this packet: ADJECTIVES & ADVERBS PACKET for notes and practice and building from there.
Friday, September 19th marks the mid-point of first quarter. Conferences will take place on September 25th and 26th. Look for conference forms to come home this week.

This Week in Language Arts...

In language arts this week, students will continue to analyze the hero's journey archetype. We'll read and analyze Ray Bradbury's short story "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh," and students will do some creative work with the earliest stages of the hero's journey plot pattern. Also, we'll review and study verbs--action, linking, and helping. Students will have a quiz on nouns, pronouns, and verbs on Thursday. You can find links to two of the reviews students will complete in preparation for the quiz here and here.

Finally, thanks to everyone who came to Dryden's Open House last Wednesday night. It was great to meet you. Parent conferences will be on Thursday, September 25th and Friday, September 26th. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

This Week in Language Arts

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. This week in language arts, we'll be focusing on the hero's journey archetype and verbs. Most of the work we'll be doing with the hero's journey archetype is in the students' SPRINGBOARD books, but here's a link to an overview of the concept.
We'll begin our study of verbs with some notes and practice, examining the various types of verbs and practicing identifying them in sentences. Here's a link to the Verbs Notes and Practice Packet. As always, there will be EXTENSIONS available for students who are looking for an additional challenge.

What's Happening in Language Arts

It has been wonderful meeting everyone. I had a wonderful first day, and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better as the year goes on.

Over the next few weeks we'll be digging into the first unit of the Juneau School District's adopted Springboard curriculum. There's a link to information about Springboard on the sidebar of this website. The first unit is called "The Challenge of Heroism." Some of the goals in the unit include the following:

• To create an original illustrated narrative based on the Hero's Journey archetype
• To analyze and synthesize a variety of texts to develop an original definition of "hero."
• To analyze and evaluate expository texts for ideas, structure, and language
• To develop expository texts using strategies of definition

We'll also be doing a review of some important grammar concepts, beginning with a review of the eight parts of speech. Students will be taking notes, practicing individually and in groups, and taking short quizzes on each part of speech. Here's a link to the notes for all of the packets; it's a concise summary students and parents may use as a reference. We'll begin next week with a review of nouns and pronouns.

Again, thanks to everyone for helping us all get off to a great start!

Welcome to Eighth Grade!

With the beginning of the school year just around the corner, I thought I'd pop in here to say hello! I am very excited to meet everyone. If you're checking the website in search of a back-to-school supplies list, I have some suggestions below. It's okay if you don't have time to get supplies before the first day of school, but I thought I'd post this for the advance planners out there.  In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoys the last days of summer, and I'll see you all soon!

Mrs. Davis's List of Recommended SuppliesThe Essentials:

• pencils

• pens (at least two, in your favorite colors)

• lined paper

• a binder or set of folders for handouts

Also Useful:

• a flash drive (very handy for saving work and transferring files between computers)

• extra erasers

• a hand-held pencil sharpener

• highlighters

• Tissues (for the classroom...thanks!)

Upcoming End-of-Year Events

Below is a list of important dates and events coming up as we near the end of the year:

May 15^th (Thursday) ALL school library books and textbooks due! (If either type of book is not accounted for, student may not enter the dance. Books may be brought to the dance if needed. You can pay for missing books and if you find them later, bring them in for a refund)

 May 17^th (Saturday) 8^th Grade Dance, 7-10pm

May 21^st (Wednesday) All late work that was due in May must be in for credit by 3:30pm (grades are due to Mr. Milliron early to prepare for 8th grade promotion)

May 22^nd (Thursday) Final AR reading tests due by 3:30

May 26^th (Monday) No school (Memorial Day)

May27th (Tuesday)  8^th grade Gold Rush walking field trip

May 28^th (Wednesday) 8^th grade picnic

 May 29^th (Thursday) 8^th grade promotion ceremony

Shakespeare!

This week, we'll be wrapping up our study of Holocaust narratives and transitioning into our final unit of the year--and one of my favorites--Shakespeare! We'll learn a bit about Shakespeare himself as well as the beliefs of his times, and we'll play around with his language before diving into his play A Midsummer Night's Dream. It's a play with love, magic, and laughter: perfect for spring!

Lit Circles

During the next few weeks, students will be working in literature circles ("lit circles"), which are a bit like book clubs. They'll be reading and discussing a variety of novels and non-fiction books. Every book is focused on the Holocaust, and this week, we're gaining background information and basic vocabulary to deepen the lit circle discussions. Here are some of the books students are reading:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Maus by Art Spiegleman
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
I'm looking forward to some great discussions!

In Language Arts...

In Language Arts, students have been studying Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and using their understanding of the theory to study a variety of literary terms and devices. We're also exploring how the terms and devices show up in a variety of poems and short stories, discussing and exploring a range of literary pieces. Here's a link to the list of literary terms that guides our study and discussion.
Also, here's a reminder that the third quarter end on Friday, March 14th.

Persuasive Essays

Over the next several weeks, students will be working on persuasive essays. Here's a link to a Persuasive Essay Packet we'll use to guide us through the process of writing a persuasive essay. When students have gone through the writing process and finalized their essays, they'll select the best essays to be published in the Capital City Weekly, so this is an opportunity to reach a broader audience and share ideas. Here are some links to essays published by former Dryden students: one about study halls, one about teaching gun safety in schools, one about building a second ice-hockey rink in the valley, and one about bringing laptops into the classroom.
I'm looking forward to the writing and discussions to come!

Welcome Back & What's Ahead in Language Arts

In language arts classes, we're continuing our exploration of the media this week and next, looking closely at some aspect of the media, both through the lens of our personal use and through research about that media source. We'll be discussing research strategies and writing about our discoveries. I've enjoyed talking to students about different aspects of the media, and I', looking forward to reading the essays that come of this work.

Another fun event we have coming up this month is our team trip to Eaglecrest! This is a great opportunity for team building, exploring our amazing home, and learning something new outside the classroom. The stories and memories will long outlast the winter. Permission forms will go home this week, rental fittings will take place at school next week, and we'll be going to Eaglecrest the following Thursday and Friday: January 23rd and 24th.

Also, the annual creative writing contest hosted by the Anchorage Daily News is still open. Check out the details HERE!

I'm looking forward to another great semester of learning!