Due 1/28

Announcements - 

For Valentine's Day, this class will have a TACO TUESDAY party on 2/11!  Let me know if you can bring any of the following.  I'm bringing chicken and beef!

(I'll cross things off here as people sign up!)

-Shredded lettuce

-Sliced olives

-shredded cheese

-Diced tomatoes

-Mild salsa

-guacamole

-tortilla chips

-drinks 1
-drinks 2

-flour tortillas
-cilantro
-dessert item
-dessert item
-anything else I didn't think of that would be yummy with tacos!

OPTIONAL Make Up Day -- Tuesday 2/18 from 12:00-3:00

This will be during our winter break.  It's a totally optional fun day, so there will be NO academic material to make up if you cannot join us!

Science

• OPTIONAL-- If you have a big penny jar at home, you can try the experiment on page 67.  It's the same concept as our in class experiment on Tuesday.  This isn't required!
• Read chapter 18 of your textbook and take notes on any important information.
• Not optional-- Click here and watch the video about Eratosthenes and how he calculated the circumference of the earth.
• We will have a test over chapters 14-18 on 2/4! 

Grammar

• Read through lesson 59.  Complete the practice set ONLY.  Then, click here to check your answers.
• Complete lessons 60, 61, and 62.  After you finish each lesson, click here to check your work.  Put a star beside any questions that you need to review in class!

Literature

• Complete the vocabulary pages given in class for chapters 4-6 and 7-8 BEFORE you read.  Read the directions carefully.
• Read chapters 5-8 and complete these reading comprehension questions.
• If you didn't bring your poster, please bring it to class on Tuesday.
• We will be having a Socratic Seminar in class over chapters 1-8.  You don't need to do anything to prepare for this EXCEPT...  if there is anything in the chapters that you find especially interesting, confusing, or insightful, write them down in your literature notebook to help jog your memory.
• Click here to read a 2015 magazine article about Vladimir Putin.  At the end, you will find questions to help you think critically about the article.  You do NOT have to be an expert on Russian politics to answer these questions.  It's about pulling information from a writing passage, understanding the use of political cartoons, and recognizing how authors of news articles use certain titles and wording to persuade the audience to share their opinion.
• ESSAY--
• In one of the first scenes in the novel, Old Major sings Beasts of England, effectively bringing the animals together under a common purpose.  Throughout the initial struggle against Man, it is a wildly popular and inspirational song. Yet later on, when the animals have successfully conquered the humans, Squealer, "attended by two dogs," announces that Beasts of England had been abolished and "was no longer needed." Why did this happen? (Think about the motivation behind it.) Can you give other examples (in real life) where things that were once help as "sacred" or "necessary" to a common cause was later banished in society?  If you are struggling with examples, I encourage you to ask parents, grandparents, etc. for help!
• Plan out your essay by brainstorming.  This does not have to be a 5+ paragraph essay, but does need at least 2 to fully answer the question.  This is a formal essay and should be proofread/revised before turning in!

Due 1/21

Announcements - 

Please be sure January tuition was paid!

OPTIONAL Make Up Day -- Tuesday 2/18 from 12:00-3:00

This will be during our winter break.  It's a totally optional fun day, so there will be NO academic material to make up if you cannot join us!

Science

• Read through the Who? What? and Where? sections on page 62 of your Quest Guide.
• Read chapter 17 of your textbook and take notes on any important information.
• Review the definitions for mass, volume, weight, density, and buoyancy on page 63 of your Quest Guide.
• Complete this Online Quiz on chapter 17.  You can use your book!
• Be sure to read pages 158 & 159 on Archimedes' Claw (video below to illustrate how it MAY HAVE worked).
• 
  

Grammar

• Intransitive and Transitive Verbs
• Remember this trick-- If a verb has a DIRECT OBJECT, then it is a TRANSITIVE VERB.  If it does not have a direct object, it is intransitive.
• Click here and complete the online quiz.  Choose the correct answer and click "submit" to see if you were correct.  Remember-- let the direct objects be our guide!!
• Complete the Quiz that I handed out in class.  You can use examples from your book to help you.  If any problem is tricky and you need to look back for help, then please mark that problem with a star.  This will help me know what may be tricky for you, even if you got it correct!
• Complete the more practice section on page 339.  THEN, click here to see if you were correct.  (It helps NO ONE if you cheat... this is for you to improve!)
• Complete lessons 56, 57, and 58.  Corrections can be found here so you can check as you go.  Please, if you have difficulty with a problem, mark it with a star so we can discuss it in class.

Literature

• Complete the vocabulary page given in class BEFORE you read.  Read the directions carefully.
• Read chapters 1-4 and complete these reading comprehension questions.
• Create a poster that represents your imaginary utopian society.  You need to have at least 3 symbols to represent your perfect country/society.
• You must have these three things written on your poster:
• If there are any leaders in your society, how will they be chosen?
• If there is a need for any, how do members of your society make money?
• What are the 3 most important laws that your society will have?

Optional Video - In class, I explained that you will not need a full and complete understanding of the Russian Revolution to understand the importance and the symbolism of Animal Farm.  But, if you would like a 10 minute summary for a quick information blast on the topic, here is a video that will give you a taste:

Due 1/14

I'm so sorry that I had to cancel class.  I will be back to normal and see you on Tuesday!  (I hoped to post this early, but I have been unconscious!!)

Don't forget January Tuition!


Science

• Read chapter 16
• What connection could there possibly be between Euclid and Abraham Lincoln?  Research the life of our country's sixteenth president to find the answer.  Write your answer in complete sentences and bring it to class.  This isn't a multi-paragraph essay!  It's just a research question.  ;-)

Grammar

• Complete lessons 53-55.  I will be emailing the answers to parents so that you can make corrections as you go.

Literature

• If you know nothing about him, please read this short little overview of Joseph Stalin before class on Tuesday.
• Get ready for some satire:

OPTIONAL for Christmas Break

Tuition is due 1/7!

Science (Research)

-Who was Euclid?  Write a description of his accomplishments in your science notebook.  What did he contribute to mathematics?

Literature

-Read Lewis Carroll's "What the Tortoise Said to Achilles".  It is about Euclid!  Write at least one paragraph giving your analysis.

If you are the one person who loves grammar and wants extra work.... just let me know and I can send you some review sheets!  😁

Due 12/17/19

Don't Forget!!!!

Bring your SECRET SANTA GIFT on Tuesday.  Wrap it and label it with "to" but not "from"!

Bring a lunch (or eat before you come).  We'll have the party right after lunch.   I will have a hot chocolate bar with toppings.... feel free to bring treats to share if you'd like!

Science

• Here is the documentary that I was talking about on the excavation of Alexandria!
• Read chapter 15
• Take notes as you read.  (Especially on Hero's six simple machines!)
• Look around your home.  In your science notebook, write down or sketch and label things in your home that use the 6 different simple machines.  if you find something that uses more than one, it would be called a "compound machine".  Bring ONE example into class with you!
• Have you seen Disney's Big Hero 6?  Any thoughts on why the main character's name is Hero?  ;-)
• I have a lot of video clips for you to watch this week!  Watch them all, read the chapters, and then think.... Did you realize such inventions had taken place so early on in 1st century C.E.?  Does this surprise you?  What are your thoughts on the significance of these ideas?  Write an essay in your science notebook on this topic.  It should be 2-4 paragraphs. 

Grammar

• Complete the "More Practice" section of Lesson 49.  (Nothing else!)
• Complete the examples, practice, and review set for lessons 50, 51, and 52.
• I am sending the answers to your parents' email for you to check as you finish each lesson.  PLEASE message me with any questions you may have as they arise!
• We will have a grammar quiz next week in class over the material learned so far this year.

Literature

• We read through the shorter version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens in class.  This week, I'd like you to focus only on the last part of the story (Stave 5).  Click here to read Stave 5.  Read carefully!
• Here is a vocabulary list to help you as you read.  
• I want you to spend time on this sheet that examines the THEMES in Stave 5 of A Christmas Carol.  Print and complete this sheet.  Before you begin, READ THE DIRECTIONS.  Then, read them again, SLOWLY.  This isn't just a fill in the blank sheet... you will have to think!

Due 12/10

Announcements

Secret Santa Gifts-- Limit $15!  Bring them (wrapped) on December 17th with a "To" label!

December Tuition Due!

Science

• Read chapter 14.  Also read through the terms on page 52 in your Quest Guide.
• Take notes in your science notebook.
• Complete page 53 in your Quest Guide.  (You do not need to write in complete sentences.)
• Watch the following videos.  We will discuss them in class.

Grammar

• Reread lesson 45 carefully and read through the examples.
• Complete the practice section and more practice section for lesson 45.  (Don't worry about the review set.)
• Complete ALL of lesson 46
• Complete the lesson and examples for lesson 47.  Then, complete the PRACTICE set only.  (Not the review set)
• Complete ALL of lesson 48.
  

Literature

• You were given a list of choices for your final Tuck Everlasting project.  Complete this throughout the week and bring it to class on Tuesday.  (You do not have any reading for literature this week, so put some real time and effort into this!)

Due 12/3

Announcements

Secret Santa Gifts-- Limit $15!  Bring them (wrapped) on December 17th with a "To" label!

Tuition Due 12/3!

Science

• Study chapters 9-13 and be ready for Tuesday's test.
• Write your board game questions if you didn't finish in class.

Grammar

• Lessons 41-44
• (I will send you answers as you complete the lessons.)

Literature

• Write TWO letters.  The first letter is from Jesse to Winnie, asking her to drink from the spring.  The second one is her response.  
• The point of these letters:
• To assess your reading comprehension and grasp of the book
• To assess your ability to format a letter correctly
• To assess your use of proper grammar and sentence construction
• Read the rest of the book.  
• Answer these reading comprehension questions in complete sentences.
• Study the vocabulary words for this section of the book.  
• Quizlet Link
• We will have a vocabulary quiz over the book when we return from break!

Due 11/19

Announcements

- No Class on November 26th!

-We will have a Secret Santa gift exchange at our Christmas party on 12/17. ($15 limit!)

Science

• Read Chapter 12 & 13. 
• Take notes in your science notebook as you read.
• Complete this review sheet for chapters 9-13.  Use your notes and your book.  
• Complete Quest Guide pages 39 & 40

Grammar

• Read through the examples in chapter 36.
• Complete the PRACTICE section for lesson 36.  Then, check them so make sure you understand the material from class on Tuesday. 
• Next, complete lessons 37, 38, and 39.  You do not have to complete the questions that involve vocabulary.
• Here is a video that may help you understand direct and indirect objects.
• Actually-- Here is a link to ALL the Khan Academy grammar videos.  Use them if you need to!
• Text or email me the grammar lessons as you complete them, and I will send you the answers.  *Parents, if you'd rather me just send the answers to you, let me know.  I just can't send them to students without seeing that they have completed the assignments!
• Try to recite/sing the preposition list next week.

Literature

• Here are the reading comprehension questions for chapters 12-18.
• Read chapters 12-18.  
• You have the vocabulary words in your literature notebook.  Define the words for these chapters in your notebook. *Some of these are really easy.  If you KNOW them, don't worry about writing them out.*  This is meant to help you learn new words, not torture you with pointless writing.  ;-)
• Here is the Quizlet for chapters 12-18.  Use it to study!  (Also, go back and be sure you remember the words from the first two lists!)
• Complete this essay for chapter 12-18.  Choose ONE and read the directions.
  

Due 11/12/19

Announcements

- No Class on November 26th!

-We will have a Secret Santa gift exchange… but please remind me to have you draw names next week!  ($10-$15 limit!)

November Tuition Due!

Science

• Read Chapter 11 
• Take notes in your science notebook as you read.
• Complete this online quiz.  You can use your book and notebook.
• Feel free to bring in timeline cards from your reading.
• I forgot to check your Quest Guide pages from last week.... Be sure to bring them to class!
• Complete Quest Guide pages 36 & 37

Grammar

• Read through the examples in chapter 32.
• Complete lessons 33, 34, and 35.  You do not have to complete the questions that involve the vocabulary questions.
• Text or email me the grammar lessons as you complete them, and I will send you the answers.
• Try to recite/sing the preposition list next week.

Literature

• Here are the reading comprehension questions for chapters 6-11.
• Read chapters 6-11.
• You have the vocabulary words in your literature notebook.  Define the words for these chapters in your notebook.
• Here is the Quizlet for chapters 6-11.  Use it to study!
• Complete the online essay and submit it by Monday night at 8:00pm!

Due 11/5

Announcements-

If you decided you wanted a shirt or hoodie, I may be placing another order in November.  Just let me know!

Thanksgiving Break - 11/25 - 11/29

Science

• Poster Project!
• Research one of the following.  Create a poster to show the significance of your topic.  Make it easy to read!  It will hang in the classroom.  I will be using the rubric that I posted to Google Classroom to grade your posters.  Be sure to use it as you work so you'll know what is expected!  
• Confucius (Chinese philosopher)
• Hippocrates (The "Father of Medicine")
• The Oracle at Delphi
• Classical Greek Architecture
• Complete Quest Guide page 34.  You will need two glasses or cups, hot and cold water, and a few drops of food coloring.  Answer the questions thoroughly.
• Here is the video that I was talking about in class:

Grammar

• We completed lesson 28 in class, and we talked about lesson 29.  I want you to complete the practice and review set for 29, 30, and 31. (You can omit any VOCABULARY questions.)
• Send me pictures via text or email as you complete each lesson.  I will send you answers so that you can correct things as you go!
• Be able to recite/sing the preposition list!

Literature

• Define the vocabulary words for chapters 1-5.  (They are in your literature notebook.)  
• Click here for the Quizlet for this list.
• Here are the reading comprehension questions for chapters 1-5.  Read the prologue and chapters 1-5 and complete the questions.  Be sure to answer in complete sentences... and don't forget to answer question one!
• In your notebook, write down three examples of personification from your reading.  Explain why you think the author uses this figurative language technique frequently in the book.

Due 10/29

Announcements-

We'll have a Fall Party on 10/29.  I'll have Chick-fil-A nuggets for the class.  Feel free to bring in something to share!  (We do have a student with a tree nut allergy!)

PRINTABLE COPY

Science-

• Complete the FINAL DRAFT of your essay and bring it to class.
• Read Chapter 10.  
• Take notes on any information that you think is important!
• Read page 26 in your Quest Guide (workbook).  You do NOT need to write anything for this.
• Read over Quest Guide page 31.  Add the info to your science notebook.
• Complete Quest Guide pages 32 & 33.  Write in complete sentences.

Grammar-

• Complete lessons 25, 26, and 27.  
• We are trying something different!  Send me a picture of each lesson as you finish it.  Then, I will send you the answers. This way you will be able to go over your mistakes one lesson at a time.
• Learn the prepositions!  You all need to be able to sing or recite these to me in the next few weeks.  Only one has done it so far!

Literature-

• Complete both poetry packets.  You are going to have to read carefully and think deeply!
• Click here for the poem, Oranges.
• Click here for the poem, Abandoned Farmhouse

Due 10/22

Announcements-

No class next week!

We'll have a Fall Party on 10/29.  I'll have Chick-fil-A nuggets for the class.  Feel free to bring in something to share!  (We do have a student with a tree nut allergy!)

Science-

• You need to complete a rough draft of your essay and bring it to class on 10/22.
• You should have an introduction paragraph, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
• Read Chapter 9.  
• Take notes on any information that you think is important!
• Make corrections to your science test and bring it to class on 10/22.
  

Grammar-

• Look over corrections for lessons 17-19.
• Read over Lesson 20, which we talked about in class.
• Complete Lessons 21-24 before I see you again on 10/22.
• Learn the prepositions!

Literature-

• Rewrite your Summer of the Monkey essays and turn in final draft on 10/22.

You do not have a lot to do... so please spend quality time on those essays!

Due 10/8

Announcements

Fall Break - No class on 10/15

Fall Party- 10/29!  I'll have CFA nuggets for everyone.  Bring a side, drink, or dessert!

Parents- I am keeping a record of your child's assignments on the same Google spreadsheet as your payment log.  (It was the Google doc link shared with you at the beginning of the year.)  This will allow you to keep up with missing assignments, grades for graded assignments, etc. 

*I am still grading reading comprehension questions. They will be up soon!* 

Click here for a printable version.

Science

• Read chapter 8, thoroughly.  Take notes in your science notebook as you read.  It will help you remember important information!  
• Complete Quest Guide p. 20-21  
• Do your best.  This is not a simple fill-in-the-blank.  You're going to need to use those brains!
• Complete this online quiz over chapter 8.

Grammar

• Read through lesson 16 to help remind you of our in-class lesson.
• Complete lessons 17, 18, and 19.  You do not have to do the "More Practice" section, but you need to do the rest... including working through the exercises during the lesson and checking your answers as you go.
• If you have skipped lessons, you are going to be VERY lost in this class.  They are not optional, and you are responsible for catching up.  (There is a difference between something being difficult and needing extra help and simply not doing your work!)

Literature

• Read chapters 16-19 in Summer of the Monkeys.  Try to finish this step by Thursday.  Do not wait until the last minute!  You will have an essay to complete and submit AFTER you finish the book and it will take time to write.  
• Click here for this week's reading comprehension questions.
• Study the following vocabulary words.  Add them to your literature notebook.
• depot
• flabbergasted
• nickered
• primitive
• tendon
• unbearable
• cinch
• roan
• wiry
• moping
• Use this Quizlet to help you study.  (Yes, I am paying attention to those who are logging in and completing this!)
• Look back through your notebook and study the vocabulary words from each list.  
• Once you have finished the book, complete the final essay for this book.  Read the directions carefully!