Annotated Book Log The annotated book log is used to track annual reading. All students are required to read 25 books per year. This log can be saved on the home computer, completed throughout the year and printed at the end of the year when completed. Students may also print out the sheets and write the log by hand. There is an extra page for more ambitious readers.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Share welcome letter with parents and return the bottom portion with a parent's signature. Return to school with the proper supplies.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the Domain-Specific Academic Vocabulary charts on pages lv, lvi, lvii, and lviii from the textbook. You can access the textbook online with your Pearson log-in information or you can use the pages posted below.
You can fill in the charts from the website
- on the computer and print them
- or print them and write in the answers
- or write out the answers on paper (you don't have to copy the entire chart, just the parts you need to answer).
You must use dictionary definitions, not your own!
This assignment is due on Thursday. There are 25 words for which to find definitions, find related words and write definitions.
Social Studies Domain-Specific Academic Vocabulary
Mathematics and Science Domain-Specific Academic Vocabulary
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete yesterday's assignment to submit tomorrow (Thursday).
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the workbook pages (3, 4 and 5) either in the workbook or use the pages below:
Fiction and Nonfiction Big Question Vocabulary 11. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the workbook pages (6 and 7) either in the workbook or use the pages below:
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the workbook pages (8, 9, and 10) either in the workbook or use the pages below:
Learning About Fiction and Nonfiction
Model Selection: Fiction (The 11:59)
Model Selection: Nonfiction (The Baker Heater League)1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. All workbook pages assigned so far will be due tomorrow, Thursday September 18.
You should have completed pages 3-10. Take the time tonight to make sure you have finished all of these pages and submit them tomorrow.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the worksheet below (this is not from the workbook!):
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Read the assigned story, "How do you Fix a Panda’s Tooth? Very Carefully," on the Tween Tribune website:
Write a comment about the story by answering the Critical Thinking Challenge question which appears after the story. Be sure to use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation and do not use slang!
After you complete your comment, answer the quiz questions by clicking on the link after the story.
You will need your user name and passwork to log-in and this can be done from any device with internet access.
3. Selection Test Wednesday on "The 11:59" and "The Baker Heater League."
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Study for Test!
Selection Test Wednesday, 9/24 on "The 11:59" and "The Baker Heater League," as well as the beginning of the unit, "Learning About Fiction and Nonfiction."
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Reminder: Autobiography Book Review due by 8th period, Monday, September 29!
2. Complete the worksheet below. You must write out full sentences whether you are typing or handwriting your answers! 3. Complete Page 23 from the textbook- Answer After You Read questions 1-8. Answer only those questions you did not answer in class and don't answer #6, b or c.
2. Read the story "Pots, Pans, Dolls, Games up for Toy Hall of Fame " on the Tween Tribune website and answer the Critical Thinking Challenge questions.
Tween Tribune: http://tweentribune.com
2. Pearson's Workbook:
Writing about the Big Question - page 11
Literary Analysis: Plot - page 13
2. Pearson Workbook:
Vocabulary Builder - page 14
2. Selection Test Monday on "Raymond's Run" Study the story, vocabulary and grammar.
3. Have a nice weekend!
2. Pearson workbook (Due Thursday):
Writing About the Big Question (page 21)
Literary Analysis: Conflict and Resolution (page 23)
Vocabulary Builder (page 24)
2. Pearson workbook (Due Thursday):
Writing About the Big Question (page 21)
Literary Analysis: Conflict and Resolution (page 23)
Vocabulary Builder (page 24)
2. Answer the Critical Thinking question for the article, "China Creates Sidewalk for People who Walk and Text" on the Tween Tribune website.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. "Gentleman of Rio en Medio" Selection Test on Tuesday, October 14. Questions refer to the story, making predictions in the story and conflict and resolution in the story. There are also questions on vocabulary and grammar (plural nouns).
The quarterly exam is being postponed from Tuesday, October 14 to Monday, October 20. We still have a couple of topics to cover, and postponing until Monday will avoid conflicts with other quarterly exams. Everyone should have received a copy of the first marking period quarterly exam review sheet, but if you didn't receive it (or you misplace it), the page is linked below:
1st Marking Period Quarterly Exam Review Sheet
(Page numbers refer to textbook page numbers. Log into your Pearson account to access your textbook.)
Personal Narrative: We will begin writing this week.
Details of the accompanying lesson are from the Pearson textbook, pages 103-109.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete your narrative planner.
2. Complete essay draft begun in class.
3. Notebook check: Thursday, October 15
Monday, October 20 you will take your quarterly and I will begin notebook checks. Tuesday, October 21, you will begin typing your narrative and I will complete notebook checks.
The documents you need to submit with your final narrative are:
1. The planning diagram (the graphic organizer with circles).
2. Your narrative outline (the planning page broken down by paragraph).
3. Two peer reviews (except in a few circumstances where groups were smaller).
4. Your hand-written draft.
Your final narrative will be typed in class and submitted to me in class. Do not type it at home and bring it in already completed.
You will also complete a self-assessment form, when you are finished typing.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Be sure to bring your notebook ready to be checked (if I have not yet checked your notebook).
3. Read the story "Parrot Missing for Years Returns Speaking Spanish" on the Tween Tribune website. Post a comment answering the critical thinking question (don't forget to save your comment!) and take the quiz.
Tween Tribune Website: http://tweentribune.com
2. Notebook check will finally take place on Tuesday.
3. History Genre Book Review is due by 8th period on Monday. You may not be able to send it in school, so send it Sunday.
Don't forget, we are having guests on Monday! It's the school's Quality Review.
2. Notebook check will finally take place on Tuesday (tomorrow).
3. Writing a paragraph:
Explain why you would need to be determined in order to overcome an obstacle. Give an example.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete in the Pearson workbook.
Literary Analysis: Narrative Structure, (page 32)
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Since we have not yet completed the second story, page 56 will be reassigned on Monday.
3. Happy Halloween! Have a nice weekend.
2. Complete the Pearson Worksheet:
Literary Analysis: Comparing Characters of Different Eras (page 56)
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the "Irony" worksheet below.
You may type on it and print it, print it and write on it, or write out your answers (in full sentences) on looseleaf.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Have a nice weekend!
2. Study for the Selection Test on "An Hour with Abuelo." (It is on pages 238-242 in the textbook.)
November 11
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Spend some time either selecting your book review book or reading the one you have. Check the ELA website for help finding a book.
3. Complete the classwork assignment, if you did not complete it in class:
Describe the setting, characters, conflict and theme of "An Hour with Abuelo." Use full sentences for your response and write in paragraph form.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Read the article "Would you Cook a Meal for Your Dog?" on the Tween Tribune website. Then, answer the quiz questions and post a comment by answering the Critical Thinking Challenge question.
2. Study for Selection Test on "Who Can Replace a Man?"
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the "Me" column in the Anticipation Guide for "The Tell-Tale Heart" and be prepared to explain your choices.
2. The following quote is from "The Tell-Tale Heart" on Pearson's page 294:
"True - nervous - very, very nervous I had been; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease has sharpened my senses - not destroyed - not dulled them."
Do you think the character is mad (crazy) or is it something else? If it is something else, what is it?
2. Answer the following questions. Think about each character's perspective on the events of the night.
1. How does the narrator feel when he sees the old man's eye in the ray of light? What does the narrator hear?
2. What has the old man been doing and feeling during the hour after hearing the noise?
3. How does the old man react when the narrator leaps into his room?
4. How does the narrator describe his feelings after killing the old man?
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Book Review (see above).
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Study for Selection Test. Test on the is scheduled for Tuesday.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the "Listening and Speaking" worksheet that is posted below:
Happy Thanksgiving to All of My Students and Their Families!
1. Read for 30 minutes a day.
2. Answer the following questions:
-Do you think college is important? Why or why not?
-Do you think it is difficult to be accepted by a college? Why do you think this?
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. This is the book that was previously distributed and you all have it at home.
Diagnostic Assessment - Pages 16-21Winter Break Assignment
Students have already received the booklets needed for the Winter Break assignment. You may write in the book and all answers must be written in the book, on the proper pages. You must complete Practice Test 1 (pages 5-46) by January 5 (the day we return from the break) AT THE LATEST. Anyone who does not return the book by that date will not receive credit for the assignment. Some students may choose to complete the assignment before the break, and may return the booklets whenever Practice Test 1 is completed. Do not go on to Practice Test 2, as that will be assigned at a later date. Any student who fails to return the Practice Test booklet will be responsible for replacing it.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. This is the book that was previously distributed and you all have it at home.
Lesson 1: Literary Structure - Pages 27-29
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Have a nice weekend!
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. This is the book that was previously distributed and you all have it at home.
Lesson 1: Literary Structure - Pages 30-33
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. This is the book that was previously distributed and you all have it at home.
Lesson 1: Literary Structure - Pages 34-39
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Tone is the writer’s attitude toward the topic. Tone is set through word choices, descriptive details, dialogue, and setting.
What tone do you think was set in each of the three essays?
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 2: Plot and Setting - pages 40-43
Remember to bring your Practice book (the big book) to class on Friday!
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 3: Character - pages 44-49
Bring your book in on Friday, 12/19.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 3: Character - pages 50-54
Bring your book in on Friday, 12/19.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 4: Theme - pages 55-59
Bring your book in on Friday, 12/19.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 4: Theme - pages 60-63
Bring your book in on Friday, 12/19.
Winter Break Assignment
Students have already received the booklets needed for the Winter Break assignment. You may write in the book and all answers must be written in the book, on the proper pages. You must complete Practice Test 1 (pages 5-46) by January 5 (the day we return from the break) AT THE LATEST. Anyone who does not return the book by that date will not receive credit for the assignment. Some students may choose to complete the assignment before the break, and may return the booklets whenever Practice Test 1 is completed. Do not go on to Practice Test 2, as that will be assigned at a later date. Any student who fails to return the Practice Test booklet will be responsible for replacing it.
What's due and When it's due!
1. Short Story Book Review: Some students read the wrong genre and have an opportunity to do the short story book review again, with the correct book. Students who completed the review correctly may do an extra credit book review on a book with a genre of their choosing. Students who did not do the short story book review at all may not make it up. Short story book review or extra credit book review is due by January 5, but you may submit it any time before then.
2. Winter Break Assignment: Practice Test 1 is due on January 5.
3. The January Book Review (Nonfiction) is due by January 4 (Sunday), at the end of the vacation. Anyone who submits a review by flashdrive may bring it in on January 5, since we are off on January 2.
Have a great vacation!
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. The Winter Break assignment (Practice Test 1) must be submitted by tomorrow, January 8, in order to receive credit.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Have a nice weekend!
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 5: Patterns in Literature - pages 64-69
3. Midterm postponed until Thursday, 1/15. It's a Benchmark Reading Test, so there is no need to study.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 5: Patterns in Literature - pages 70-73
3. Midterm postponed until Thursday, 1/15. It's a Benchmark Reading Test, so there is no need to study.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 6: Figurative Language - pages 74-79
3. Midterm postponed until Thursday, 1/15. It's a Benchmark Reading Test, so there is no need to study.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 6: Figurative Language - pages 80-83
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 7: Supporting Inferences- pages 84-89
Bring your book in on Friday, 1/23
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Lesson 7: Supporting Inferences - pages 90-93
Bring your book in on Friday, 1/23
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Cumulative Assessment: Pages 94-98
Bring your book in on Friday, 1/23
2. Tween Tribune article: "Why aren’t there more female engineers?" and write a comment to the Critical Thinking question, How did researchers answer this question: “Why aren't there more female engineers?” Then, take the quiz.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the Pearson worksheet:
Unit 3 Types of Nonfiction: Applying the Big Question
Remember: The Big Question is "How Much Information is Enough." You must address the question by judging the importance of quantity and quality of information for each category.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book.
Diagnostic Assessment 2: Pages will be posted in class.
2. Complete Pearson worksheets:
Learning About Nonfiction (page 122)
Model Selection: Nonfiction (page 123)
2. Complete Pearson worksheets (Due Thursday):
Writing About the Big Question: Baseball (page 124)
Reading: Use Details to Identify the Main Idea (page 125)
Literary Analysis: Narrative Essay (page 126)
3. Selection Test Thursday: Making Tracks on Mars.
All Workbook assignments (except page 126) from this week are due Friday.
Making Tracks on Mars Test Has Been Moved to Friday!
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Have a nice weekend!
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the worksheet below. You may type on the worksheet and print it, print it and write on it, or write it all out by hand (you do not have to copy the reading passages, but you must create the graphic organizers).
Mid-winter break assignment:
Practice Test 2
from the paper booklet we used for the Winter break assignment.
We will review both tests when we return.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Have a great vacation...
however you spend it!
2. Complete the Pearson workbook sheets:
Reading: Use Clue Words to Distinguish Fact from Opinion (Page 149)
Literary Analysis: Persuasive Techniques (Page 150)
2. Complete the Pearson workbook page below:
Support for Writing an Evaluation (page 157)
You may write the evaluation on the back of the page, if you print the online worksheet. You will have to write your evaluation on separate paper, if you use the page in the workbook.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the worksheet:
3. Selection Test on Friday: The Trouble with Television
2. Finish your research and complete your graphic organizer, if not completed in class.
3. Selection Test on Friday: The Trouble with Television.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Finish writing your essay draft. You must have it on Monday for Peer Reviews!
Everything you need for this essay (including instructions, copies of handouts and website links) can be found here:
2. Begin typing your draft.
Be sure to edit your essay before submitting it; you will not be able to make corrections after you turn it in! You may email your essay to: msmela@msmela.com
All other documents must be submitted in class.
Everything you need for this essay (including instructions, copies of handouts and website links) can be found on the "Persuasive Essay Instructions and Websites" page of the ELA Website.
2. Continue typing your draft.
Be sure to edit your essay before submitting it; you will not be able to make corrections after you turn it in! You may email your essay to: msmela@msmela.com, and it must be sent before school begins (7:40) on Friday.
All other documents must be submitted in class on Friday.
Everything you need for this essay (including instructions, copies of handouts and website links) can be found on the "Persuasive Essay Instructions and Websites" page of the ELA Website.
2. Continue typing your draft.
3. Complete the Pearson worksheets:
Learning About Poetry - page 178
The Poetry of Jacqueline Woodson Model Selection - page 179
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Finish typing your draft. It is due before the start of school tomorrow (before 7:40). All supporting documents are due in class tomorrow (Writing Editorial Practice, Persuasion Graphic Organizer, 2 Peer Reviews, Draft). Late submissions will not be accepted.
3. Worksheet assignment is postponed until Monday, since we have not finished the poems.
Complete the Pearson worksheets:
Reading: Preview to Determine Meanings from Context - page 181
Literary Analysis: Sound Devices - page 182
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the Writing Self-Assessment
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the Pearson worksheets:
Reading: Preview to Determine Meanings from Context - page 181
Literary Analysis: Sound Devices - page 182
3. Selection test on Tuesday: "Describe Somebody" and "Almost a Summer Sky"
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Tween Tribune:
Read the story "Taylor Swift Wants You to Read " and answer the Critical Thinking question as your response.
2. Complete the Pearson worksheets:
Literary Analysis: Figurative Language - page 192
Vocabulary Builder - page 193
3. Selection Test Friday: Cat!, Silver, Your World
2. Complete the Pearson worksheets:
Literary Analysis: Figurative Language - page 192
Vocabulary Builder - page 193
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the Pearson worksheets:
Literary Analysis: Comparing Types of Descriptions - page 225
Integrated Language Skills: Support for Writing to Compare Description in Literary Works - page 227 DO NOT HAND THIS ONE IN, SINCE YOU NEED IT FOR YOUR ESSAY!!!
2. Tween Tribune
Read the assigned article "What would you pay for Abraham Lincoln's hair?" and answer the Critical Thinking question. Finally, answer the quiz (they are each worth a homework grade!).
2. Work on your essay draft.
2. Complete your essay draft. Be sure to have your draft, your Venn diagram, 2 peer reviews and page 227 from the workbook (Integrated Language Skills: Support for Writing to Compare Description in Literary Works). Final copies will be typed in class tomorrow; it's the only day we have to type, so be sure that you are ready!
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. (The Blue and White workbook)
Lesson 8: Cite Textual Evidence
Pages 108-117
Bring your book DAILY! We will be using these books for the next 2 weeks!!!
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. (The Blue and White workbook)
Lesson 9: Main Idea and Supporting Details
Pages 118-127
Bring your book DAILY! We will be using these books for the next 2 weeks!!!
Lesson 13: Text Structures Pages 160-169
Lesson 14: Graphics Pages 170-179
Bring your book DAILY! We will be using these books for the next 2 weeks!!!
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. (The Blue and White workbook)
Lesson 16: Domain-Specific Vocabulary Pages 190-199
Bring your book DAILY! We will be using these books for the next 2 weeks!!!
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. (The Blue and White workbook)
Lesson 30: Capitalization, Punctuation and Spelling - Pages 370-377
Lesson 31: Finding Word Meanings - Pages 378-385
Bring your book DAILY! We will be using these books for the next 2 weeks!!!
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. (The Blue and White workbook)
Lesson 22: Respond to Informational Texts 276-288
Bring your book DAILY! We will be using these books for the next 2 weeks!!!
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. (The Blue and White workbook)
Lesson 21: Respond to Literature 262-275
Bring your book DAILY! We will be using these books for the next 2 weeks!!!
2. New York Crosswalk Coach Plus English Language Arts Grade 8 book. (The Blue and White workbook)
Lesson 18 Write an Informative Text 224-237
Bring your book DAILY! We will be using these books for the next 2 weeks!!!
2. Complete required lessons: 17, 20, 32, 33 and Summative Assessment (pages 409-442). Books will be collected on the Monday we return.
3. Look at the optional lessons (12, 15, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27) and complete questions in the lessons of which you are not clear.
3. Rest.
Bring your book on Monday, April 13.
Vacation Test Prep Homework
Some of the lessons may have been completed before the vacation!
It is suggested that you, at least, read the optional lessons.
1. Read for 30 minutes.
2. Complete the Pearson worksheets:
Reading: Draw Conclusions (page 241)
Literary Analysis: Setting and Character (page 242)
3. Selection Test Tuesday: Anne Frank and Me (Introduction to Drama)
2. Complete the Pearson workbook page:
Integrated Language Skills: Grammar (Participial Phrases) - page 244
3. Selection Test Thursday, April 30 on "The Governess"
2. Selection Test Thursday, April 30 on "The Governess"
2. You will have a reading assignment over the weekend, and science fiction book reviews are due on Tuesday.
2. Read Chapters 2-5 of Endangered
Answer Close Reading questions 1 and 2
3. Science Fiction book review is due Tuesday. This is the final book review for the year!
1. Read Chapters 6 and 7
2. Complete Close Reading questions 1-4 for Chapters 6 and 7
3. Science Fiction book review is due tomorrow, by midnight. This is the final book review for the year!
1. Read Chapters 8 and 9
2. Complete any work you are missing from Endangered:
Close Reading Questions: Chapter 1
Close Reading Questions: Chapters 2-5
Writing Assignment: Write a Diary Entry
Step 1 Gather Evidence
Close Reading Questions: Chapters 6 and 7
Writing Assignment: Write a Movie Scene
All assignments are included in handouts already distributed.
3. Science Fiction book review is due today, by midnight. This is the final book review for the year!
2. Begin answering questions on the Chapters 8-13 handout. (This will be completed tomorrow night, after you read chapters 12 and 13).
2. Finish answering questions on the Chapters 8-13 handout.
2. Answer questions 1-4 on the Chapters 14-19 handout.
All the work for Endangered assigned to date (these are both classwork and homework assignments):
Reading: Chapters 1-19
Close Reading Questions: Chapter 1
Close Reading Questions: Chapters 2-5
Writing Assignment: Write a Diary Entry
Step 1 Gather Evidence: Chapters 1-5
Close Reading Questions: Chapters 6 and 7
Writing Assignment: Write a Movie Scene
Step 1 Gather Evidence: Chapters 6-7
Close Reading Questions: Chapters 8 - 13
Step 1 Gather Evidence: Chapters 8 - 13
Writing Assignment: Write a Sequence of Events Chart (Monday)
Close Reading Questions: Chapters 14 - 19
Step 1 Gather Evidence: Chapters 14 - 19 (Monday)
2. Answer questions on the Chapters 20 - 22 handout.
2. Answer questions 1 - 5 on the Chapters 23 - 26 handout.
2. Answer questions 1 - 4 on the Chapter 27 and Author's Note handout.
Gather Evidence Chapters 14-19
Close Read Chapters 20-22
Gather Evidence Chapters 20-22
Close Read Chapters 23-26
Gather Evidence Chapters 23-26
Close Read Chapter 27 and Author's Note
2. Quarterly exam Tuesday, May 26: Multiple choice questions taken from the book "Endangered."
2. Quarterly exam Tuesday, May 26: Multiple choice questions taken from the book "Endangered."