Mrs. Zwastetzky's Blog

7th grade project guidelines

2008-02-06T15:33:00.000-05:00

“Where the Red Fern Grows” Final Project
Due Date: Feb 20

Now that we completed the novel, it is time for the final project. You are to work alone on this. You will research either:
Hunting dogs
Raccoon hunting
Making items from fur
How to train dogs for hunting

You need to create a 7th grade quality Power Point presentation on your topic with at least 12 slides (1 for the title, 10 dealing specifically with your topic and the book, and 1 for a bibliography slide). You can design your presentation and include any information that you found.

You may have to do a lot of the work at home. You can email your presentation to me at: Zwastetzky@stjohnthebaptistschool.org. You may also save it to a disk and bring it in. If you do not have a Power Point program on your home computer, you need to find the time during the school day (before school—come in early or after school—stay late) to get it done.

You are to do research on your topic and then relate it to specific parts of the book. For example, if you find evidence some where that hound dogs are very predatory towards hunting and they don’t give up, you will include the following “He wouldn’t leave the tree, for in his veins flowed the breeded blood of a hunting dog.” (chapter 19). Your slide will look like this:

You will also do a bibliography page that has proper citations of each source you use and also include the novel.

HOW TO CITE A SOUCE:
Book
Author. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, year of publication. (since you are using the book in general, you may by-pass using all the page numbers)

Example:
Smith, John. Billy and His Dogs. Chicago: Chicago Publishing Company, 1975.

Website:
Author. Name of Page. Date of Posting/Revision. Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site. Date of Access .

Example:
Smith, John. Raccoon Hunters Club. 15 Nov. 2006. Hunters Association of America. www.weluvhunters.com.

Be aware that a lot of times you will not find all the information needed for a web site. Start with the order and include whatever is available.

Your project is worth 60 points. This should be the easiest 60 points you can get. Each slide is worth 5 points.

Those five points will include
accurate, detailed, and quality information related to your topic
spelling and grammar accuracy
creativity
having a quote
having a picture

Title page and bibliography page are also five points each and will be earned based on neatness, creativity and following directions for the bibliography.
Rubric for “Where the Red Fern Grows” Power Point project
60 pts.

5
4
3
2
1-0
Slide 1 (Title)
The slide is creative, includes your topic and name.
The slide is not creative, but does include topic and name.
The slide is creative, but it does not include either your topic or name.
The slide is not creative and does not include the title/topic.
There was little effort put into the opening slide.

There is no title slide.
Slides 2-11
The slide has pertinent information including a topic relevant to the book, information to support that topic and a great quote with chapter number done properly.
The slide has pertinent information including a topic relevant to the book, information to support that topic and a quote with chapter number done properly.
The slide has pertinent information including a topic relevant to the book, information to support that topic and a quote. There is no chapter number to go with your quote).
The information on the slide does not fit in with the topic or the book. There is a quote, but it is a stretch to make it fit with the information.
There is no topic to the slide, there is no relevance to the topic of the presentation, and the quote is random and does not fit with the topic or information.

The information does not fit in with the topic and/or there is no quote.

Slide 12 (Bibliography)
Bibliography includes all your sources used (including the book) and is done as instructed on the guideline sheet.
Bibliography includes your sources used and is done as instructed on the guideline sheet, the only thing is you forgot your book.
You included all your sources in your bibliography, but there were a couple mistakes in how you cited things. You should have used the examples as a guide.
You included your sources but they were not done properly. You should have used your guideline paper as a guide.
Your bibliography page is no where near correct. You didn’t cite things properly. Why didn’t you use your guidelines?

There was no bibliography.

Slide 2 __________

Slide 3 __________

Slide 4__________

Slide 5__________

Slide 6 __________

Slide 7__________

Slide 8__________

Slide 9 __________

Slide 10__________

Slide 11__________

reading 7

2008-02-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

We just finished "Where the Red Fern Grows." We will have a test tomorrow covering chapters 11-20. Students also received a packet and rubric for their final project. They can work alone or with a parther. Keep in mind we will not have class time to work on it. If your child is working with someone, it must be on his/her own time. I'm attaching the guidelines and rubric below this. The due date will be Feb. 20

We will be starting "The Giver" soon. If you did not buy the book from me, please send it in with your child.

Students are also working on persuausive essays. They will have class time tomorrow, after the test, to work on them. They will be due next week.

grades 6-8 English test on pronouns on Thrusday, 1/17/08

2008-01-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'll try to make this really brief. This is the info that will be covered on the test.

Pronouns are words used to replace another noun.Subject pronouns are pronouns used as the subject of the sentence. He needs to know them in this order: I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they.
Object pronouns are pronouns used after the verb. He has to know them in this order: me, you, him, her, it, us, you, them.
Possessive pronouns are pronouns that show ownership. In this order: mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, yours, theirs.
Reflexive pronouns are used to refer back to the main noun.In this order.myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves. In a sentence like this:I bought myself a new purse. "I" is the pronoun, bought is the verb, and "myself" refers back to the main noun (I).
Intensive pronouns are the same as the reflexive, but follow the noun/pronoun directly like this: I myself can eat an entire cheesecake. (it is used to intensify a statement).
Demonstrative pronouns are used to point something out: this, that, those, these.
Interrogative pronouns introduce a question (like interrogative statements) they are, which, what, who, whom, whose. Whom is an object pronoun, the rest are subject pronouns.
Inefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to a specific noun. There are singular, plural, and ones that can be either.
Singular are: another, anybody, anyone, each, either, everyboy, everyone, everything, much, neither, nobodym no one. (look at the suffix, they are all singular---body, one...)
The plural ones are: both, few, many, several (this makes sense because they talk abobut more than one thing.)
The ones that can be either are: all, any, most, none, and some.
TO determine if they are singular or plural you have to find the verb. Replace the verb with he or they. If it makes sense using he, it is singular; if it makes sense using they, it is plural.
Here is an example:
All of the students are sweet. The verb is "are". would you say "he are" or "they are?" You would say "they", therefore it is plural.
All of the food is donated to a shelter. The verb is "is". Would you say "he is" or "They is?" You would say "he is", therefore it is singular in this sentence.
Antecedents are the noun(s) replaced by the pronoun. For example: Steve plays hockey. He is a goalie. "He" is the pronoun and the antecedent is "Steve."
I bought my mom a gift. "My" is the pronoun and "I" is the antecedet.
Hope that helps.

library project for 8th grade

2008-01-04T14:51:00.000-05:00

Library project due dates have been changed. The new due date is on January 14.

This is because the original date was the 18th and there is an inservice day. It is imperative that all projects be turned in on time so that they will get graded by the time report cards go out. We will not accept late work.

graes 7 library project

2008-01-04T14:25:00.000-05:00

Library projects will be due the following dates:

7th grade

Summaries need to be written and edited by January 11
Final scrapbook is due on January 15. This is a revised date since we will be out of school on the 18th. It will also allow a couple days to grade the projects. Since the nine weeks will be over that week and report cards will be printed, we need all projects turned in on time. Late projects will not be accepted since the grading period will be over.

grades 6-8 spelling

2008-01-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I know it has been a while.

Spelling in all grades will be due on Friday, January 11. We did not have spelling due today since it was a very short week. Students were given time in class today to start the pages. All six are due on Friday. The test will also be on Friday. Grade 8 only, sentences are due on Friday.

8th grade

2007-11-12T13:26:00.000-05:00

Research project info has been distributed. Please ask to see it so you are aware of the due dates. Basically they are each Monay until 12/17 (with the exception nof Tuesday after Thanksgiving since we are not here on Monday.

Pigman project is due on Wednesday.

Pigman quiz is on Wednesday.

Noun quiz is on Thursday.

7th grade

2007-11-12T13:25:00.000-05:00

Brian's Winter test will be on Wednesday.
Final project is ue on Tuesay (Tomorrow)

Noun quiz is on Thursday.

Spelling unit 13 is due on Friday.

6th grade

2007-11-07T13:37:00.000-05:00

We will finish the candy wrapper story tomorrow. They are really cute!

Spelling unit 11 test an workbook pages will be on Friday.

7th grade

2007-11-07T13:35:00.000-05:00

We finished "Brian's Winter" and the kids received the rubric for the final project. It will be due on Tuesday.

Spelling unit 11 workbook pages and test will be ue on Friday.

Noun quiz will be on Weddnesday.

The next book we will read is "Where the Red Fern Grows." If you didn't buy the book from me, please get it. If you have it at home, please send it in for your child.

8th grade

2007-11-07T13:29:00.000-05:00

Unit 11 spelling sentences, workbook pages (skip the last one), and sentences are due on Friday.

We will continue to work on the yearbook project on Friday in the computer lab.

We just finished reading "The Pigman." Students will be given a packet to go along with the story to o in class, they will also have a final quiz covering the last section of the book. The final project (they will get the guidelines and rubric this week) will be due sometime next week.

The reading quiz will be Tuesday.

The next book we will read will be "Flowers for Algernon" If you haven't purchased the book, please do so now. If you have a copy of it at home, please have your child bring it in.

We will also be starting the research paper soon. I'd like to finish it before Christmas. They will be oing it on a counrty. We will also be working on a cross-class project with computer class where they do a slideshow of the country to present in class.

6th grade

2007-11-01T13:51:00.000-04:00

Spelling test for unit 10 will be tomorrow (Nov. 2) Workbook pages also need to be completed. Unit 11 test will be on Friday, Nov. 9. Since it is a short week, they may skip the last page of the chapter.

They are woking in groups/indiviually on a candy wrapper story. They may come home and say that their homework is to eat their Halloween candy--they are being honest :)

They are using the wrappers (candy name) to create stories. I'd like them to be completed by Wednesday.

We will also be finishing up the noun unit soon. They will have a test after that.

7th grade

2007-11-01T13:49:00.000-04:00

We will be finishing "Brian's Winter" soon. Students will take a final test on the last section of chapters and then do an individual final project. The rubric will come shortly.

Spelling test and workbook pages for unit 10 will be checked on Monday since they are going on a field trip tomorrow. Unit 11 will be due on Friday, November 9. Since it is a short week, they may skip the last page of the unit.

We will also be finishing the unit on nouns next week. We'll be having a test for that.

8th grade

2007-11-01T13:42:00.000-04:00

We will be finishing the novel, "The Pigman," next week and the students will complete a packet covering the book.

Their final project will be a group/individual project based on their learning style. It will be a great way to incorporate what they are good at into showing what they got out of the book.

Spelling test for unit 10 will be on Monday since they are going on a field trip tomorrow.
Spelling unit 11 is due next Friday, and since it is a short week, they will only have to do 5 pages (skip the last one). Their test for unit 11, the workbook pages, and the sentences will be due on Friday, November 9.

We will also be finishing the noun unit soon. I'd like to start their research project so it will be over with before Christmas. They will be "visiting" a country for seven days. This will be the cheapest trip they will ever take:) The research project will be high school level with outlines, notecards, rough rafts and bibliographies with annotations---tons of fun. If you haven't purchased notecards yet, please do that. They will probably need at least two packs. Please get the 3x5 lined cards.

spelling 7-8

2007-10-19T09:14:00.001-04:00

Unit 8 test and workbook pages are due on Friday the 26th.

Grade 8 also needs to do sentences.

All grades

2007-10-19T09:13:00.000-04:00

I passed out your child's grades so far for my classes. If you haven't, please sign the paper and return to me.

Also, any work that needs to be made up is due on Monday. I will not accept anything after that.

English 6

2007-10-19T09:11:00.000-04:00

Final copy of personal narrative is due on Monday.

Spelling unit 8 test and workbook pages due on Friday the 26th.

English 6

2007-10-18T13:54:00.001-04:00

Personal narrative final copy is due on Monday.

reading 7

2007-10-18T13:53:00.000-04:00

Brian's Winter test on chapters 1-7 will be on Monday.

Study all the vocabulary and the chapter questions.

spelling 6-8

2007-10-18T13:52:00.000-04:00

Spelling test and workbook pages for unit 7 are due tomorrow.

Grade 8 sentences are also due.

Grade 8

2007-10-15T15:24:00.001-04:00

Spelling test, sentences, and workbook pages are due for unit 8 on Friday.

Grade 7

2007-10-15T15:22:00.000-04:00

Personal narrative final copy is due tomorrow (Tuesday, October 16.)

Spelling pages and test is on Friday (unit 8).

Brian's Winter chapters 1-7 test is on Monday, October 22.

Chapter 7 questions need to be completedd tonight.

English 6

2007-10-15T15:20:00.000-04:00

Students got a 6 page packet today about commas, semicolons, and colons. The first three pages are due tomorrow.

The make up test for English is on Wednesday, students that earned an "A" can bring other work to do.

Students will have tomorrow to continue to work on their personal narrative rough drafts. The final copy is due on Monday, October 22. Peer editing is this Thursday.

Spelling pages and test for unit 8 will be on Friday.

English 6

2007-10-12T13:51:00.000-04:00

Make up test for the English test will be on Wednesday. If your child earned an "A," he/she will not have to take it (they will have to bring other work to do). If he/she earned anything else, the make up test will be given. I will keep the higher of the two grades.

English 7

2007-10-12T13:35:00.000-04:00

Personal narrative rough drafts are due on Monday, October 15. Final copies are due on Tuesday, October 16.

6-8 spelling

2007-10-12T13:14:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder for parents and students:

Spelling book pages are due on Friday. Most of the time there are six pages to each unit. It is a lot to do in one night. Please make sure your child brings his/her spelling book home each night. it would be a lot easier if they break it down this way:
Monday 2 pages
Tuesday 2 pages
Wednesday 1 page
Thursday 1 page

This will also provide studying the words each night. It will also be a lot easier to do.

Thanks,

P.S. Unit 8 pages and test will be on Friday, October 19.

Grade 8 also has sentences with their units.

English 6

2007-10-10T15:23:00.001-04:00

We reviewed subjects, predicates...there will be a make up test on nWednesday, Oct 17. If your child earned an "A" he/she will not have to take it; all others will retake it. I need to know they fully understand the concept.

Spelling test will be on Friday, spelling workbook pages for unit 7 are also due.

English 7

2007-10-10T15:19:00.000-04:00

Students worked on their story web for their personal narrative. They will have all of class tomorrow to work on the rough draft. The final copy will be due on Tuesday, October 16. I gave them a rubric that needs to be turned in with their final copy.)

In reading we read chapter 4 an students answered the chapter questions. They will have a test next week on chapters 1-7. They should know the vocab (which we review daily) and the comprehension questions for those chapters.

Spelling test and workbook pages are due on Friday.

English 8

2007-10-10T15:18:00.001-04:00

Personal narrative rough drafts are due tomorrow. Stuents ha all period to work on them today.

Spelling test/sentences/workbook pages are changed until Monday since the boys will be at Central on Friday.

We missed reading due to the pictures.

English 6

2007-10-09T16:18:00.000-04:00

Students need to complete the enhancing sentences worksheet they started in class. There are 10 sentences they need to make better by adding details.

Students also need to finish their story web so we can work on rough drafts in class tomorrow.

spelling unit 7 workbook pages and test is on Friday

lang arts 7

2007-10-09T16:17:00.001-04:00

Reading: students need to complete the comp questions for chapters 3 and 4.

Spelling test for unit 7 and workbook pages for unit 7 are due on Friday.

lang arts 8

2007-10-09T16:14:00.000-04:00

Reading: Students need to read chapter four of "Pigman" and complete the comp. questions for chapters three and four.

English: Students need to work on their story web so tomorrow we can write rough drafts.

English essay (Personal narrative is due on Friday)

Spelling pages for unit 7, sentences and test are also on Friday.

6th English

2007-10-04T13:25:00.000-04:00

Students ha class period to work on workbook pages 4-9. What they didn't finish is homework. Most students finished the pages.

We will be working on personal narratives on Monday; students need to have s specific topic chosen.

Spelling book pages and test for chapter 5 are tomorrow.

7th English/Reading

2007-10-04T13:20:00.000-04:00

We reviewed the vocabulary words today. We will start reading on Monday.

October newspaper articles need to be worked on. We'll be in the computer lab tomorrow to work on them.

spelling test for chapter 5 and workbook pages for 5 are due tomorrow.

Students will be starting a personal narrative on Monday. They need to have a specific topic chosen.

8th reading/English

2007-10-04T12:05:00.001-04:00

With the girls going to Oakland tomorrow and Confirmation interviews today, our schedule was a bit mixed up.

Girls will have workbook pages 8-12 due on Monday and the boys will have class time to do them tomorrow.

We will also be working on personal narratives next week. Students should have a topic chosen. It should be pretty specific. They may use it as one of the narratives for their yearbook as well.

Spelling book pages and test will be on Monday so I don't have to give it twice.

We will also start reading on Monday when our schedule is back to normal.

I will be creating a syllabus in the next couple weeks for their short stories. They will have all the story names, due dates, an questions that need to be answered. This will be independent work. We will discuss the stories briefly periodically focusing on the elements of literature and the genres.

8th reading/English

2007-10-04T12:05:00.000-04:00

With the girls being away tomorrow, and Confirmation interviews today, our schedule was a bit mixed up.

Girls will have English workbook pages 8-12 due on Monday; boys will have class time tomorrow to work on them.

Spelling pages and test will be on Monday so I don't have to give the test twice.

All students need to have a personal narrative topic for Monday.

We will also start reading Monday since the students were in and out today.

Reading 8

2007-10-03T15:30:00.000-04:00

Students will start to read "Pigman" tomorrow. If you didn't buy it from me please have it in school tomorrow I passes the purchased ones out today.

Students also need to finish writing their journal entries. There were three topics they could choose from.

I also passed their English tests back. Most students did really well.

grade 7 reading

2007-10-03T15:25:00.000-04:00

Students should finish their journal/composition writing (If you were stranded on an island what five things do you want to have and what purposes could those items hold.)

We will start with "Brian's Return" tomorrow. If you didn't buy the book from me, please have it by tomorrow.

Vocabulary for the 1/2 of the book needs to be done by tomorrow.

graes 6-8 spelling

2007-10-03T15:23:00.000-04:00

Chapter 5 workbook pages and test is on Friday.

Grade 8 only--sentences also due on Friday. Girls will have their test tomorrow since they will be out on Friday.

Spelling for 6-8

2007-09-27T14:11:00.000-04:00

Spelling book pages for unit 5 are due on Friday, Oct 6. It is a full week, so all the pages are due.

reading 7-8

2007-09-27T14:09:00.000-04:00

we will begin reading the novels next week. If you haven't purchased the books through me, please buy them at a local store.

7th will begin with Where the Red Fern Grows.
8th will begin with The Pigman.

Please have the books by Monday.

If you did buy the books through me, I'll distribute them as we read them.

English 6-8

2007-09-27T14:07:00.000-04:00

test on unit one will be on Tuesday. It will cover the types of sentences; parts of a sentence; run-ons, compound, simple sentences; commas, colons and semicolons.

6 English

2007-09-26T13:57:00.000-04:00

Spelling test and workbook pages are due tomorrow. Students had class period on Monday to work on them.

Following are the notes taken in class today. Studentw will have a test on Tuesday on unit one of English. IT will cover four types of sentences, subject/predicate and commas, semicolons, and colons.

Commas, colons and semicolons

Commas are used to make the meaning of the sentence clear by separating certain elements of the sentence.

Use a comma before a conjunction (and, or, but) that joins an independent clause in a compound sentence.
Sue didn’t like sushi, but she was adventurous to at least try it once.

Use a comma after every item in a series except the last one.
Katie ate pizza with pepperoni, sausage, olives, and green pepper.

Use commas with introductory phrase or words.
Finally, she got the new shoes and the handbag that was free.

Christmas came, at long last, and I got my iPod.
Use commas to set off a word or phrase that interrupts the flow of thought in a sentence.

Use a comma to set off a direct address.
Taylor, can you give me the notes that I missed?

Use a comma between an appositive (a word or phrase that identifies/renames the noun or pronoun).
Samantha, my niece, broke her arm this weekend.

Commas in letters
• In dates
September 25, 2007

• In addresses between the city and the state.
Pittsburgh, PA

• Use a comma after a greeting and after a closing in a friendly letter.
Dear Cindy,
Sincerely,

Semi-colon
A semi-colon shows a break in the sentence. It is stronger than a comma, but not as strong as a period.
Use a semicolon to join parts of a compound sentence without a conjunction (and, or, but). Notice how these two clauses are complete sentences.
Use a semicolon to join parts of a compound sentence without a conjunction (and, or, but). Notice how these two clauses are complete sentences.

Use a semicolon between the parts of a compound sentence when the clauses (separate parts) are long.
The book I read was really good; it was full of adventure, details, and mystery.

Use a colon with time expressions.
School is over at 2:50 P.M.
Let’s meet at the 7:15 movie.

Use a colon after words that make announcements.
Caution: Wet Floor
Wanted: Straight A students
Note: Bring the kids treats

Use a colon in the greeting of a formal letter.
To Whom It May Concern:
Dear Senator Clinton:

7-8 language arts

2007-09-26T13:55:00.000-04:00

Following are the notes taken in class today.
Students will have a quiz on Tuesday on unit one of the text (4 types of sentences, subject/predicate/commas, colons, semicolons.

Spelling test tomorrow.

Homework Students started in class, many have finished. They need to do sections 1-4 of the unit review in their book. it is on page 20. This will also count as a handwriting grade so it needs to be neat, in ink, and cursive.

Commas, colons and semicolons

Commas are used to make the meaning of the sentence clear by separating certain elements of the sentence.

Use a comma before a conjunction (and, or, but) that joins an independent clause in a compound sentence.
Sue didn’t like sushi, but she was adventurous to at least try it once.

Use a comma after every item in a series except the last one.
Katie ate pizza with pepperoni, sausage, olives, and green pepper.

Use commas with introductory phrase or words.
Finally, she got the new shoes and the handbag that was free.

Christmas came, at long last, and I got my iPod.
Use commas to set off a word or phrase that interrupts the flow of thought in a sentence.

Use a comma to set off a direct address.
Taylor, can you give me the notes that I missed?

Use a comma between an appositive (a word or phrase that identifies/renames the noun or pronoun).
Samantha, my niece, broke her arm this weekend.

Commas in letters
• In dates
September 25, 2007

• In addresses between the city and the state.
Pittsburgh, PA

• Use a comma after a greeting and after a closing in a friendly letter.
Dear Cindy,
Sincerely,

Semi-colon
A semi-colon shows a break in the sentence. It is stronger than a comma, but not as strong as a period.
Use a semicolon to join parts of a compound sentence without a conjunction (and, or, but). Notice how these two clauses are complete sentences.
Use a semicolon to join parts of a compound sentence without a conjunction (and, or, but). Notice how these two clauses are complete sentences.

Use a semicolon between the parts of a compound sentence when the clauses (separate parts) are long.
The book I read was really good; it was full of adventure, details, and mystery.

Use a semicolon to separate parts of a series.
While at the mall, I bought shoes, from DSW; clothes, from Macy’s; and jewelry, from JC Penny.

Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs that show a relationship between two complete sentences.

Conjunctive adverbs:
Also consequently
Besides nevertheless
Indeed next
Therefore still
In fact finally
Meanwhile earlier
In addition naturally
Certainly however

I bet you thought the Halloween dance was cancelled; however, it is still scheduled for Saturday night.

A colon indicates a list will shortly follow. (Don’t use a colon if the list comes right after the verb).
correct:
For baking class we needed the following items: flour, sugar, a mixer, and a bowl.
incorrect:
The ingredients are: milk, flour, sugar, and lemons.

Use a colon when you want to say “here comes an example,” or “here’s what I’m talking about.”
There’s only one dessert for me: cheesecake.
There’s one thing I love about work: the students.

Use a colon before subtitles of books, articles, chapters…
St. John’s: A Memoir of Amazing Students

Use a colon with time expressions.
School is over at 2:50 P.M.
Let’s meet at the 7:15 movie.

Use a colon after words that make announcements.
Caution: Wet Floor
Wanted: Straight A students
Note: Bring the kids treats

Use a colon in the greeting of a formal letter.
To Whom It May Concern:
Dear Senator Clinton:

7-8 language arts

2007-09-19T15:11:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder, I will be out of school until Tuesday, Sept 24.

Thursday the students will be assigned a short story and questions to answer for it.

Friday the students will have their spelling test (unit 3) and go to the computer lab for the scheduled newspaper or yearbook.

Monday, students will have class time to finish Thrusday's work and do spelling pages. They may work ahead if they finish early.

6 English

2007-09-19T15:07:00.000-04:00

We talked about comma usage. Students need to come up with one sentence that can change meaning with a comma. Tomorrow in school they will draw a picture to represent each sentence.

Example:

I love you honey. (A picture of Pooh Bear admiring his jar of honey)

I love you, honey. (A person talking to his sweetie)

Friday will be spelling test and unit 3 workbook.

Monday students will have class time to start workbook pages for unit 4 in spelling.

6 English

2007-09-18T15:28:00.000-04:00

Students are to write a creative writing story including the following phrase somewhere in the story:

Looking out at the beautiful fall day, I remembered...

7th English

2007-09-18T15:27:00.000-04:00

NEWSPAPER!

All final articles are due tomorrow. I will be out of school Thursday until Tueaday. I need everything done by tomorrow so I can work on it at home over the weekend.

Students also wrote a "short" story about a picture on p. 57 of their literature text books. It should be at least a page in length.

8th grade language arts

2007-09-18T15:25:00.000-04:00

students wrote a "letter" to themselves about their expectations and hopes for 8th grade. This is to be done in neat cursive (handwriting grade) and to be about 1 to 1.5 pages in length. They should really think about the events to come up and what they see happen to them this year.

I need all final copies by Tuesday, Sept 25.

8th reading

2007-09-14T12:05:00.000-04:00

sorry, forgot to add this:

Students need to finish reading the short story "Broken Chain" and answer the questions on page 38, numbers 1, 3, 6, 8 in complete sentences, in cursive, and using ink.

8th grade language arts

2007-09-14T12:03:00.000-04:00

Spelling pages and test for unit 3 will be on Friday, Sept 21.

Students need to finish taking the notes on simple/complete/compound subjects and predicates. They should copy the "remember" section from text book pages 3, 5, 7 (They are 2 bullets each)

Workbook pages 2-4 are also due on Monday.

7th grade newspaper

2007-09-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

Articles need to be worked on. I will be out on Friday (my brother is getting married) and will not return until Tuesday, the 24th. That will be proofreading day. At proofreading the entire paper is done. Students that do not have completed articles need to email them to me. I will only accept articles up until September 20 in at 8 A.M. Beyond that I will not get a chance to take anything else.

Remember students either get a 20 or a zero. Twenty if the article appears in the issue, zero if it doesn't.

7 language arts

2007-09-14T11:56:00.001-04:00

Spelling pages (all 6) and test on chapter 3 is due on Friday, Sept 21.

Students need to finish reading the story "Rikki'Tikki Tavi" and asnwer the questions at the end of the story (p. 19). Numbers 2, 5, 6, 7 and all the reading check questions. Answers must be in cursive, ink, and complete sentences.

Students also need to finish taking the notes on the "Remember" section of their text book (2 bullets) on page 3 and 5.

Workbook pages 2-3 are due on Monday.

grade 6 English

2007-09-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

Spelling pages for chapter 3 (6 pages) are due on Friday, Sept 21. There will also be a test on chap 3 words.

Students need to finish copying the notes from the "remember" section of their text books on page 3 and 5.

Workbook pages 2 and 3 are also due on Monday.

8 Lang Arts

2007-09-11T15:57:00.000-04:00

Students need to finish the three worksheets focusing on conflict and the short story "Raymond's Run"

7 Lang Arts

2007-09-11T15:56:00.000-04:00

Students need to work in their composition book to create a short story with the following writing prompt.

Inch by inch rose up the big black cobra.

They will have some time in class to finish it.

6 English

2007-09-11T15:54:00.000-04:00

Students did an activity today in small group. We had many words written on the board. They were to pick eight words and create two sentences for each of the four types of sentences

2 declarative
2 interrogative
2 exclamatory
2 imperative

spelling for grade 8

2007-09-10T14:18:00.001-04:00

Sorry, I forgot to write the reminder about the spelling test and workbook pages for unit 2 are due on Friday.

LA 8

2007-09-10T14:10:00.000-04:00

Students had class time today to start their homework.
Read "Raymond's Run" and answer questions 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 using complete sentences and ink.
Two worksheets were assigned to review the types of sentences.

Also, students took a quiz on the elements of literature/plot/genre today. Grades have been entered and you may see them on-line. If you lost your password/login please call the office.

English 7

2007-09-10T14:08:00.001-04:00

We reviewed the four types of sentences and students needed to copy the shaded box on page 2 of their textbook.
Workbook page 1 and the two additional worksheets are homework.

Reminder...spelling book pages and test for unit 2 will be due on Friday.

Newspaper articles should be ongoing.

grade 6 English

2007-09-10T14:06:00.000-04:00

Students took notes today as a review for the four types of sentences. They were to copy the shaded box on page 2 of their text book.

Workbook page 1 and the two additiona worksheets (paged 130-131) were assigned as homework.
They did have some class time to work on this so some of them may have finished.

Reminder...spelling test and workbook pages for unit 2 will be on Friday.

Lang Arts 8

2007-09-07T13:45:00.000-04:00

Spelling test and all six workbook pages are due on Friday, Sept 14.

Lang Arts 7

2007-09-07T13:44:00.000-04:00

Reminder writing/reading purpose projet is due on Monday.

Spelling unit 2 workbook (all 6 pages) and test is on Friday, Sept 14.

English 6

2007-09-07T13:43:00.000-04:00

Reminder...Writing purpose project is due on Monday.

Spelling book unit 2 test and all 6 wrokbook pages are due on Friday, Sept 14.

Lang Arts 8

2007-09-06T15:34:00.000-04:00

Spelling test and pages are due tomorrow as well as spelling word sentences.

We will have a short quiz covering the elements of plot/literature and the different genres on Monday.

Students also had to do workbook page 1 in English. Most of them finished in class.

Lang Arts 7th

2007-09-06T15:32:00.000-04:00

FOllowing are the notes for the elements of liturature. We will have a small quiz on Tuesday about these as well as the different genres of literature which will be further discussed on Monday. We will also review on Monday.

Spelling workbook pages and test is tomorrow.

Purpose of writing poster is due on Monday.

Theme is the meaning of the story
Irony is when the outcome is not what is expected
Point-of-view is the perspective from which the story is told.
Objective Point-of-view--The writer never discloses what the characters think or feel.
First person Point-of-view--The main character is telling the story. Be careful, the main character may not be objective in his/her recount of the story. As a reader, be your own judge of things.
Third person Point-of-view--Someone else is “telling” the story. As a reader, we know about characters feelings and thoughts.
Symbol is when something stands for something else.
Conflict is when there is a problem with characters.
• There is internal conflict, which is when a character has a problem with him/herself.
• There is external conflict, which is when a character has a problem with another person.
Foreshadowing is a hint to what is coming up in the story.
Suspense is when the reader get the feeling of wanting to know more.
Flashback is remembering or reliving the past.
Mood is the general feeling of the story.
• It is important to understand that the mood is not the mood of the character, rather the mood of the actual story.
• You can relate it to the setting of the story.

Characters are the people or things in the story.

There are two types of characters.

The main character is the...… PROTAGONIST
The person/thing against the main character is the…..ANTAGONIST

English 6

2007-09-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

Writing purpose poster is due on Monday. Students had today to work on them in class.

Spelling test is tomorrow and workbook pages are due tomorrow.

grade 8 Lang Arts

2007-09-05T13:47:00.000-04:00

Reminder---spelling test on chapter 1 is on Friday. Also, workbook pages are due on Friday.

Students were given class time to work on their writing project due on Friday. Following are the guidelines and notes.

Writing Purpose Project
You are to chose one of the topics from the basket and create a short sample of each style of writing. Each style should be at least 8-10 sentences long. Remember to look over the purpose of the reading to help you write the summary correctly. Be creative, but appropriate.

______ /5 all five “lenses” and styles are included

______/25 each style is creative and text is style appropriate (5 points each)

_____/5 spelling and grammar is correct

_____/5 assignment is neatly complete with name and title

_____/40 Total

We read books for enjoyment. These are mostly novels that we want to read.
The writing is usually elaborate and full of details, descriptions, and vivid words to help maintain our interest.

We read to learn about things. These are mostly books based on a specific subject. Think of your history books and novels based on real life situations. They are based on facts and the story is told in a chronological order (Time order).

The writing is drier and less elaborate. The author sticks to the facts and only use words that help in the understanding of the subject. It is not really written to keep you hanging on at the edge of your seat, more to answer questions and state facts.

When we read to be informed we are looking for specific answers to questions and want them quickly. Think of newspapers and magazine articles. Readers want the facts and only the important information. We don’t have time or care about details. We want in and out.
The writer sticks to the important information: The questions that will be answered are:
Who What When Where Why How

When we read to enlighten, we usually read about something we are interested in. These include articles/books about specific hobbies and interests. They can be journals or publications about specific things. Think of medical journals or magazines about specific interests.

The writing uses a lot of vocabulary that suits the topic and it focuses on information about a specific topic. Think of sports magazines, health magazines, cooking tips, movie magazines…

Reading to learn a process takes on a different mind set. We try to learn based on steps and examples. Think of your math and science books. They are written differently than your social studies books, and differently than novels.

The writing is detailed in the procedure, but not detailed with fluff words to peak your interest. You basically need to know how to do something and that is it.

English grade 6 PROJECT UPDATE

2007-09-05T13:46:00.000-04:00

Sorry, I sent the wrong guidelines for the project. These are the correct ones.

Writing Purpose Project

Chose a type of writing and justify the reason for it. Who would read this? Create a poster (construction paper size) and display the information. You need to include the following.

_______ /5 The type of writing it is (to enlighten, to entertain…) and the definition of
that category of writing.

_______ /5 A brief summary of why it fits into that category (5-6 sentences)

_______/2 Creative and neat illustration on paper (this can be hand drawn or a picture of
something)

_______ /2 Who would read this writing?

_______ /2 Text title and author is listed.

_______/16 total

Language arts 7th grade

2007-09-05T13:44:00.000-04:00

Reminder---spelling test is on Friday. Also, spelling book pages are due on Friday.

Students reviewed the reasons for writing/reading and had time to start their project. Following is the rubric and the notes from class.

We read books for enjoyment. These are mostly novels that we want to read.
The writing is usually elaborate and full of details, descriptions, and vivid words to help maintain our interest.

We read to learn about things. These are mostly books based on a specific subject. Think of your history books and novels based on real life situations. They are based on facts and the story is told in a chronological order (Time order).

The writing is drier and less elaborate. The author sticks to the facts and only use words that help in the understanding of the subject. It is not really written to keep you hanging on at the edge of your seat, more to answer questions and state facts.

When we read to be informed we are looking for specific answers to questions and want them quickly. Think of newspapers and magazine articles. Readers want the facts and only the important information. We don’t have time or care about details. We want in and out.
The writer sticks to the important information: The questions that will be answered are:
Who What When Where Why How

When we read to enlighten, we usually read about something we are interested in. These include articles/books about specific hobbies and interests. They can be journals or publications about specific things. Think of medical journals or magazines about specific interests.

The writing uses a lot of vocabulary that suits the topic and it focuses on information about a specific topic. Think of sports magazines, health magazines, cooking tips, movie magazines…

Reading to learn a process takes on a different mind set. We try to learn based on steps and examples. Think of your math and science books. They are written differently than your social studies books, and differently than novels.

The writing is detailed in the procedure, but not detailed with fluff words to peak your interest. You basically need to know how to do something and that is it.

Writing / Reading Purpose Project

You work for an advertising agency. You have been asked to create a presentation to advertise your client’s creation. You need to focus on a specific audience. Create an advertisement that will focus on the audience at hand. You need to include the title of the work, the purpose of the writing (from notes), concrete proof that the work fits into that category, your target audience must be included (who would read this?). It also needs to be neat and creative. You may make something up or use an existing book or articles.

_______/2 Includes title and author (even if it made up)

_______ /1 Purpose of writing is listed (to enlighten, to entertain…)

_______ /5 Concrete proof that it fits that category (you may have to quote something)

_______/3 Your target audience is mentioned

_______ /4 Presentation is neat and legible

_______/15 total

English 6

2007-09-05T13:37:00.000-04:00

Reminder---spelling unit 1 quiz is on Friday. Also workbook pages for chapter 1 are due on Friday.

We discussed the different purposes of writing/reading in class today. Students received a rubric for a project which is due on Monday, September 10.
following are the notes and the rubric.

Writing / Reading Purpose Project

You work for an advertising agency. You have been asked to create a presentation to advertise your client’s creation. You need to focus on a specific audience. Create an advertisement that will focus on the audience at hand. You need to include the title of the work, the purpose of the writing (from notes), concrete proof that the work fits into that category, your target audience must be included (who would read this?). It also needs to be neat and creative. You may make something up or use an existing book or articles.

_______/2 Includes title and author (even if it made up)

_______ /1 Purpose of writing is listed (to enlighten, to entertain…)

_______ /5 Concrete proof that it fits that category (you may have to quote something)

_______/3 Your target audience is mentioned

_______ /4 Presentation is neat and legible

_______/15 total

We read to get information. The purpose for the information is different. Each of the different types of reading is written differently.
Think about it: How you read directions/recipes is different than how you read a newspaper, magazine, or a book for pleasure.

We read books for enjoyment. These are mostly novels that we want to read.
The writing is usually elaborate and full of details, descriptions, and vivid words to help maintain our interest.

We read to learn about things. These are mostly books based on a specific subject. Think of your history books and novels based on real life situations. They are based on facts and the story is told in a chronological order (Time order).
The writing is drier and less elaborate. The author sticks to the facts and only use words that help in the understanding of the subject. It is not really written to keep you hanging on at the edge of your seat, more to answer questions and state facts.

When we read to be informed we are looking for specific answers to questions and want them quickly. Think of newspapers and magazine articles. Readers want the facts and only the important information. We don’t have time or care about details. We want in and out.
The writer sticks to the important information: The questions that will be answered are:
Who What When Where Why How

When we read to enlighten, we usually read about something we are interested in. These include articles/books about specific hobbies and interests. They can be journals or publications about specific things. Think of medical journals or magazines about specific interests.
The writing uses a lot of vocabulary that suits the topic and it focuses on information about a specific topic. Think of sports magazines, health magazines, cooking tips, movie magazines…

To learn a process takes on a different mind set. We try to learn based on steps and examples. Think of your math and science books. They are written differently than your social studies books, and differently than novels.
The writing is detailed in the procedure, but not detailed with fluff words to peak your interest. You basically need to know how to do something and that is it.

Classroom rules for 107 (Middle School Language Arts

2007-08-31T15:21:00.000-04:00

Classroom rules for 107

General Rules:
· Disrespectful behavior against me or
anyone else will not be tolerated.
· When I speak you do not.
· When another student is asking a question or answering a question, you will not speak.
· You may not leave the room while I am teaching. Bathroom or drink breaks may be taken during independent work time only.
· Do not make any distracting noises during class.
· If you are absent, it is your responsibility to collect all missed work.
· If you know in advance that you will be absent, let me know and I’ll get work for you.
· You must come to class prepared each day. Bring all necessary book(s), notes, folders, assignments, utensils...
· You will not be permitted to leave my room to get anything you forgot. Coming to class unprepared will earn a punch in your merit card for not being prepared and also for the missed homework (if that is what you are missing)
· You must follow activity rules and additions to this list.

Homework:
Homework or projects are due on the due date.
If you do not have your work you will receive a “punch” in your merit card.
You will have until the end of the day to turn in the assignment without it being considered late (your merit card will still be punched for not having it when it was due).
I will accept any assignment (not corrected in class) the next day for less two points, beyond that, it will be a zero.
Homework needs to be turned into the appropriate bin.
All graded work (except tests) must be either typed or handwritten in cursive with blue or black ink)

Tests:
We will review for tests/quizzes based on behavior. (we will review as long as the activity is handled with maturity and respect)
There is to be no distracting noises or talking during tests. If you do talk or make a non-accidental noise during a test, I will take it and you will get a zero! (This includes the time from when I pass out tests to when the last person turns in his/her test).

Copying/Plagiarism:
You must do your own work, any copying of test material or homework will not be tolerated. You will get a zero and your parent(s) will be notified.
Plagiarism is against the law. Any plagiarism on anything will result in an automatic zero and will be brought to the attention of the principal and your parent(s).

Spelling --- grades 6-8

2007-08-31T15:17:00.000-04:00

Spelling started today. Spelling book pages will be due on Friday. If it is a full week (Mon-Fri) all 6 workbook pages will be due. If we have a short week (Like the one coming up) only 5 pages will be due.

Spelling tests will be on Friday. Students should study the basic words and they will have a challenge word as a bonus.

Students are encouraged to do a few pages each night. This is also a great way to continuously study yhe words. It will be a lot of work if they wait until Thrusday night.

Grade 8 will have to write a sentence with each sentence in cursive and ink. This will go towards their handwriting grade.

due 5/22/07 8th reading

2007-05-21T15:37:00.000-04:00

Part of the Act 5 packet from Hamlet is due tomorrow.

Congratulations to the seventh grade newspaper staff

2007-05-21T15:35:00.001-04:00

We won two awards from the Pittsburgh Catholic. Best new paper and Best overall quality. Fr. Tom even wrote about it in the bulletin. Yeah to the kids, they did it :)

Look for the last 2006-2007 issue to come out this week.

due Wed May 23 7th English

2007-05-18T14:53:00.001-04:00

Poetry song project is due on Wednesday.

due Monday 5-21 8th English/reading

2007-05-18T14:52:00.000-04:00

vocab for "Hamlet" Act 5 is due on Monday.

8th grade yearbook is due on Monday.

due MOnday, May 21 7 reading

2007-05-18T14:51:00.001-04:00

Outsiders webquests are due on Monday.

All newspapers not turned in need to be emailed to me by Friday night.

due next week 7th grade

2007-05-10T11:38:00.000-04:00

Due May 21st: The Outsiders project

Due May 16, final copy of research paper with all printed out info and rough draft.

Due Friday, May 18 May newspaper articles

Due Monday, May 14, English figurative elements activity. We started in class.

7th grade English and reading

2007-05-07T14:53:00.000-04:00

Rough drafts were returned today. The final copy is due on Monday, May 14.

Students need to continue working on their "Outsiders" final project. They were given class time today to work on what they could (intor, conclusion, finding their quotes...)

due 5/8/2007 8th grade English and reading

2007-05-07T14:50:00.000-04:00

Students need to finish reading Act 2 of "Hamlet." There were 3 pages left. We will work on the packet tomorrow.

Rough drafts are due for their research papers tomorrow (May 8)

due 5/4/2007 7th grade

2007-05-03T16:13:00.000-04:00

We finished "The Outsiders" today and will have a quiz tomorrow on chapters 7-12. I know the rough draft is due, but we have gone over the vocabulary each day and have spoken in length and reviewed the comprehension questions. We will also review tomorrow before the quiz.

Students should study the comprehension questions covering chapters 7-12 and also the vocabulary. The vocab part is multiple choice and there is also a short answer section.

Rough drafts are also due tomorrow. Students got their sentence outlines back a couple days ago so they had plenty of time to work on the essay. I would like all in-text citations done as well as the bibliography page. This will make the final copy easier to do.

due 5/4/07 7th grade English

2007-05-01T14:28:00.000-04:00

Research paper rough draft is due on Friday. It should be 5 pages, double spaced and really good. Students get a grade out of 40 for the rough draft. Thebetter it is, the easier their final copy will be to edit.

Also, newspaper articles should be ready to type and be edited.

Yesterday we worked on workbook pages covering adjectives. We didn't get to check them today, but will tomorrow.

due 5/2/07 8th grade English

2007-05-01T14:27:00.000-04:00

Sentence outline is due tomorrow

revised due dates for sentence outlines for 7 and 8 grade

2007-04-27T08:41:00.000-04:00

Sorry, I goofed.

8th grade's sentence outline is due on Wednesday, May 2

7th grade's sentence outline is due Monday, April 30.

due 4/30/2007 8th English

2007-04-27T07:58:00.000-04:00

Sentence outline is due on Monday. Make sure the outline is in complete sentence format and includes ( ) with the card info at the end.

This is worth 20 points. Make sure when you proofread it and look over it it is in logical order and makes sense. This is basically your outline.

due Wednesday 5/2/2007 7th English

2007-04-27T07:56:00.000-04:00

Sentence outline is due on Wednesday for the research paper. Make sure you look over the guidelines and the outline is done in complete sentences with the note card number in ( ) at the end. Remember this is the order of your information. Basically this is your research paper.
Read it out loud and make sure it is in a logical order and makes sense. This is worth 20 points.

8th grade ENglish due 4/25/2007

2007-04-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

Topic outline for the research paper is due tomorrow (4/25/2007)

grade 7 English and reading

2007-04-24T10:54:00.000-04:00

Due tomorrow (4/25/2007)

Topic outline for research paper
chapter 8 questions for "The Outsiders"
pictures for their "What I'd liek to do in life" collage. We will complete the collage tomorrow in class. Students are to print out or cut out pictures of things they aspire to do/see/be in life.

7th and 8th English research papers

2007-04-20T15:00:00.000-04:00

Topic outline is due on Wednesday. All notecards need to be completed by then.

Remember, 8th grade has to have 8 pages

7th grade needs to have 5 pages.

Your child should have a lot of notecards. It is better to have too much than not enough.

If you are waiting for something from a library, have your child talk to me.

due 4/23/07 8 reading

2007-04-20T14:59:00.001-04:00

"To Kill a Mockingbird" projects due on Monday.

due 4/23/07 7th reading

2007-04-20T14:58:00.000-04:00

Finish reading chapter 7 and complete the worksheet in cursive, complete sentences, and using ink.

8th grade reading

2007-04-17T14:38:00.000-04:00

We just finished "To Kill a Mockingbird." Students were given a project rubric yesterday. The final project for the book will be due on Monday, April .

7th and 8th grade research papers

2007-04-17T14:36:00.000-04:00

bibliography cards and information cards are due on Friday.Please make sure your child has lined 3x5 index cards and all his/her sources. We will be taking several classes this week to do the notecards. If your child is not prepared, he/she will be expected to do the work at home. Due dates will not change.

7th and 8th grade research paper info

2007-04-17T14:34:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Schramm was kind enough to set up a link to download the research paper packet which includes due dates...

Go to the St. John's website (www.stjohnthebaptistschool.org)
on the left--go to "teachers"
Click on my name (Lina Zwastetzky)
click on Mrs. Zwastetzky's infomation page
click on the packet you want.

Hope this helps

8th grade research paper

2007-04-16T11:12:00.000-04:00

Students just received the info packet for the research paper today. The final copy is due on May 16. There will be several graded checkpoints prior to that. Please ask your child to see the info packet.

research papers 7th grade English

2007-04-16T11:10:00.000-04:00

Students just received the info packet today. Please ask them to see it for all the info and due dates. The final copy will be due May 14. There will be several checkpoints and due dates before that.

due 4-11 7th grade English and reading

2007-04-10T15:16:00.000-04:00

Students need to complete the comp activity for chapter 4 of "The Outsiders." The response needs to be quality work, complete sentence, ink, and cursive.

Also students need to complete the pronoun packet given today. Only pages 64-65-66 are due tomorrow.

Students need to continue working on April Newspapers.

Also, revised explanatory essays are due on Friday.

due 4-11 8th grade English

2007-04-10T15:15:00.001-04:00

The pronoun packet given today is due tomorrow. Students had all class period to work on it.

due 4/13/2007 7th English

2007-04-09T14:56:00.000-04:00

I returned the explanatory essays today. Some students did not follow directions, or did not do their best. I'm giving them the opportunity to try again. I will accept a revised explanatory essay on Friday. I will combine the graded and take the average as a grade. Any essay that is not turned in by Friday will keep the grade given to them.

Also, students need to continue to work on their April newspaper articles.

In addition, we will be starting the 7th grade research paper. Each student needs to have a pack of lined index cards. (do not get the spiral bound ones because we will be tearing htem out anyway). Also, the topic is a person. If available, I would like the students to try to write questions to interview someone about this person. This will help develop skills in writing questions, as well as speaking.