Daily Class Activities is similar to your Forest Glen Middle School planner because all activities (presentations, classwork, and homework) are listed here for each class. It is updated each day to help students who are absent from school or simply absent-minded.  For additional information regarding my classes and school in general, be sure to also visit the Bulletin Board page.

Forest Glen Middle School uses a block schedule. To access your class, click one of the following direct links. Activities listed as "tentative" are not yet official as they are subject to change; therefore, the work should not be completed in advance.

Pre-Quantum Leap Language Arts 8-1 (Mr. Kimmel's Homeroom) Pre-Quantum Leap Language Arts 8-2 (Mr. Comiskey's Homeroom)

Pre-Quantum Leap Language Arts 8-3 (Mrs. Pacca's Homeroom) Pre-Quantum Leap Language Arts 8-4 (Mr. Cerri's Homeroom)

Review activities from previous grading periods!

First Quarter

SECOND QUARTER

Pre-Quantum Leap Language Arts 8-1

Week of November 18, 2008

Monday

• Review of Reading Mini Assessment and Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #1
• Review of PowerEd Writing Prompt
• The Outsiders: Chapter 1

  HOMEWORK:

• The Outsiders: Chapter 2
• Visit The Question of the Week for the latest posting.
• Words of the Day: ludicrous (adjective) and inundate (verb)
• Personal Quote Collection: Teachers

  1. "The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth."

2. Now find another famous quote for Teachers. (It better be positive!) You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Tuesday

NO CLASS

Wednesday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 8 and Quiz
• The Outsiders: Class Discussion and Notes for Chapters 1 and 2

  HOMEWORK:

• PowerEd Writing Prompt: Proofread, edit, and revise as needed. Workbook is due back in class on Friday!
• The Outsiders

  1. Be prepared for a test on Chapters 1 and 2, as well as the introductory handout next class!

  2. Create vocabulary study guide for Chapters 3 and 4.

• Words of the Day: benevolence (noun) and chastise (verb)
• Personal Quote Collection: Gratitude/Appreciation

  1. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

2. Now find another famous quote for Gratitude/Appreciation. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Thursday

Critical Thinking:

• FCAT Preparation and Practice: Review of Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test
• Rewrite of October Writing Practice Test

Friday (tentative)

• Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #2
• Quia Web: Test on The Outsiders (Introduction and Chapters 1-2)
• Modeling of FCAT Essays

  HOMEWORK:

• The Outsiders: Chapters 3 and 4
• Words of the Day: abomination (noun) and rectitude (noun)
• Personal Quote Collection: Friendship

  1. "What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies."

2. Now find another famous quote for Friendship. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of November 10, 2008

Monday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 7 and Quiz
• Quia Web: Words of the Day Test #2
• The Outsiders: Introduction and Vocabulary (handouts)
• Video Presentation: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (conclusion)

  HOMEWORK:

• Visit The Question of the Week for the latest posting.
• New Words of the Day: petrify (verb) and gruesome (adjective)
• Personal Quote Collection: Growing Up

  1. "Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One minute you're in diapers, the next minute you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul."

2. Now find another famous quote for Growing Up. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

• The Outsiders

  1. Review handouts.

  2. Create vocabulary study guide for Chapters 1 and 2.

Tuesday

NO SCHOOL (Veterans' Day)

Wednesday

NO CLASS

Thursday

• PowerEd Writing (Unit 5: Adding Voice and Fluency)

  1. Read and complete pages 152-58.

  2. Skip pages 159-63.

  3. Respond to the writing prompt, covering pages 164-68. Be sure to utilize adverbs, prepositional phrases, and gerunds!

  HOMEWORK:

• PowerEd Writing (continued)
• Words of the Day: trepidation (noun) and munificence (noun)
• Personal Quote Collection: School

  1. "The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."

2. Now find another famous quote for School. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Friday

Critical Thinking:

• Review of Writing Practice Test

  HOMEWORK:

• FCAT Preparation and Practice

  1. Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test (pages 34-42, #24-55)

  2. Work is due next Critical Thinking class!

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of November 3, 2008

Monday

• Daily Proofreading Skills: It's Only Rock 'n Roll Test
• Review of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Be prepared for a test on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" next Langauge Arts class!
• Visit The Question of the Week for a new posting. Tonight I have a 2 for 1 special!
• Words of the Day: obtuse (adjective) and complacent (adjective)
• Personal Quote Collection: Effort

  1. "Hard work alone won't guarantee success. But without hard work, I guarantee you won't have success."

2. Now find another famous quote for Effort on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Tuesday

NO SCHOOL (Election Day)

Wednesday

NO CLASS

Thursday

• Reading Mini-Assessment: "Scanning Made Simple"
• Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #1
• Quia Web: Test on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
• Video Presentation: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Study for Words of the Day Test #2 on Monday!
• Personal Quote Collection: Making a Difference

  1. "A life is not important, except for the impact it has on other lives."

2. Now find another famous quote for Making a Difference on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Friday

Critical Thinking:

• Review of "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
• Doc Kimmel's Writing Clinic (Episode 4: "Conclusion Blues")

  HOMEWORK:

• FCAT Preparation and Practice: Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test

  1. Complete pages 27-33, #1-23 only.

  2. Work is due next Critical Thinking class!

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of October 27, 2008

Monday

Critical Thinking:

• Writing Practice Test
• Begin monitoring The Question of the Week on a regular basis. Remember, many questions will appear on the Mid-Term Exam!

Tuesday

• Letter to Career Day speaker due!
• Daily Proofreading Skills: Review of It's Only Rock 'n Roll #5
• Vocabulary for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Vocabulary for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (continued)
• Words of the Day: culminate (verb) and scrutinize (verb)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• Personal Quote Collection: Courage

  1. "We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear."

2. Now find another famous quote for Courage on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Wednesday

NO CLASS

Thursday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 6 and Quiz
• "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  1. Read pages 1-5, or access the online version on my website.

  2. Answer questions (1-15).

  HOMEWORK:

• "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (continued)
• Words of the Day: ominous (adjective) and harrowing (adjective)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• Personal Quote Collection: Teamwork

  1.. "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

2. Now find another famous quote for Teamwork on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Friday

Critical Thinking:

• "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

  1. Read the packet or the online version, The Interactive Raven.

  2. For a better understanding of the poem, access The Poe Decoder.

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Pre-Quantum Leap Language Arts 8-2

Week of November 18, 2008

Monday

• Review of Reading Mini Assessment and Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #1
• Review of PowerEd Writing Prompt
• The Outsiders: Chapter 1

  HOMEWORK:

• PowerEd Writing Prompt: Proofread, edit, and revise as needed. Workbook is due back in class on Wednesday!
• The Outsiders: Chapter 2
• Visit The Question of the Week for the latest posting.
• Words of the Day: ludicrous (adjective) and inundate (verb)
• Personal Quote Collection: Teachers

  1. "The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth."

2. Now find another famous quote for Teachers. (It better be positive!) You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Tuesday

Critical Thinking:

• FCAT Preparation and Practice: Review of Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test
• Rewrite of October Writing Practice Test

Wednesday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 8 and Quiz
• The Outsiders: Class Discussion and Notes for Chapters 1 and 2
• PowerPoint Presentation: The Basic Four-Paragraph Essay Format

  HOMEWORK:

• The Outsiders

  1. Be prepared for a test on Chapters 1 and 2, as well as the introductory handout next class!

  2. Create vocabulary study guide for Chapters 3 and 4.

• Words of the Day: benevolence (noun) and chastise (verb)
• Personal Quote Collection: Gratitude/Appreciation

  1. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

2. Now find another famous quote for Gratitude/Appreciation. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Thursday

NO CLASS

Friday (tentative)

• Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #2
• Quia Web: Test on The Outsiders (Introduction and Chapters 1-2)
• Modeling of FCAT Essays

  HOMEWORK:

• The Outsiders: Chapters 3 and 4.
• Words of the Day: abomination (noun) and rectitude (noun)
• Personal Quote Collection: Friendship

  1. "What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies."

2. Now find another famous quote for Friendship. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of November 10, 2008

Monday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 7 and Quiz
• Quia Web: Words of the Day Test #2
• The Outsiders: Introduction and Vocabulary (handouts)
• Video Presentation: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (conclusion)

  HOMEWORK:

• Visit The Question of the Week for the latest posting.
• New Words of the Day: petrify (verb) and gruesome (adjective)
• Personal Quote Collection: Growing Up

  1. "Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One minute you're in diapers, the next minute you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul."

2. Now find another famous quote for Growing Up. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Tuesday

NO SCHOOL (Veterans' Day)

Wednesday

Critical Thinking:

• Review of Writing Practice Test

  HOMEWORK:

• FCAT Preparation and Practice

  1. Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test (pages 34-42, #24-55)

  2. Work is due next Critical Thinking class!

Thursday

• PowerEd Writing (Unit 5: Adding Voice and Fluency)

  1. Read and complete pages 152-58.

  2. Skip pages 159-63.

  3. Respond to the writing prompt, covering pages 164-68. Be sure to utilize adverbs, prepositional phrases, and gerunds!

  HOMEWORK:

• PowerEd Writing (continued)
• Words of the Day: trepidation (noun) and munificence (noun)
• Personal Quote Collection: School

  1. "The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."

2. Now find another famous quote for School. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Friday

NO CLASS

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of November 3, 2008

Monday

• Daily Proofreading Skills: It's Only Rock 'n Roll Test
• Review of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Be prepared for a test on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" next Langauge Arts class!
• Visit The Question of the Week for a new posting. Tonight I have a 2 for 1 special!
• Words of the Day: obtuse (adjective) and complacent (adjective)
• Personal Quote Collection: Effort

  1. "Hard work alone won't guarantee success. But without hard work, I guarantee you won't have success."

2. Now find another famous quote for Effort on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Tuesday

NO SCHOOL (Election Day)

Wednesday

Critical Thinking:

• Doc Kimmel's Writing Clinic (Episode 4: "Conclusion Blues")
• Update of Writing Portfolios

  HOMEWORK:

• FCAT Preparation and Practice: Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test

  1. Complete pages 27-33, #1-23 only.

  2. Work is due next Critical Thinking class!

Thursday

• Reading Mini-Assessment: "Scanning Made Simple"
• Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #1
• Quia Web: Test on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
• Video Presentation: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Study for Words of the Day Test #2 on Monday!
• Personal Quote Collection: Making a Difference

  1. "A life is not important, except for the impact it has on other lives."

2. Now find another famous quote for Making a Difference on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Friday

NO CLASS

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of October 27, 2008

Monday

• NO CLASS
• Begin monitoring The Question of the Week on a regular basis. Remember, many questions will appear on the Mid-Term Exam!

Tuesday

• Letter to Career Day speaker due!
• Daily Proofreading Skills: Review of It's Only Rock 'n Roll #5
• Mr. K's Rendition of "The Tell-Tale Heart"
• Vocabulary for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Vocabulary for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (continued)
• Words of the Day: culminate (verb) and scrutinize (verb)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• Personal Quote Collection: Courage

  1. "We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear."

2. Now find another famous quote for Courage on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Wednesday

Critical Thinking:

• "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

Thursday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 6 and Quiz
• "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  1. Read pages 1-5, or access the online version on my website.

  2. Answer questions (1-15).

  HOMEWORK:

• "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (continued)
• Words of the Day: ominous (adjective) and harrowing (adjective)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• Personal Quote Collection: Teamwork

  1.. "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

2. Now find another famous quote for Teamwork on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Friday

NO CLASS

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Pre-Quantum Leap Language Arts 8-3

Week of November 18, 2008

Monday

• NO CLASS
• Visit The Question of the Week for the latest posting.

Tuesday

• Review of Reading Mini Assessment and Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #1
• Review of PowerEd Writing Prompt
• Animal Farm: Chapter 1

  HOMEWORK:

• Animal Farm: Chapter 2
• Words of the Day: ludicrous (adjective) and inundate (verb)
• Personal Quote Collection: Teachers

  1. "The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth."

2. Now find another famous quote for Teachers. (It better be positive!) You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Wednesday

Critical Thinking:

• FCAT Preparation and Practice: Review of Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test
• Rewrite of October Writing Practice Test

Thursday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 8 and Quiz
• Animal Farm: Class Discussion of Chapters 1 and 2

  HOMEWORK:

• Animal Farm

  1. Be prepared for a test on Chapters 1 and 2, as well as the notes (handout) next class!

  2. Create vocabulary study guide for Chapters 3 and 4.

• Words of the Day: benevolence (noun) and chastise (verb)
• Personal Quote Collection: Gratitude/Appreciation

  1. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

2. Now find another famous quote for Gratitude/Appreciation. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Friday

NO CLASS

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of November 10, 2008

Monday

• NO CLASS
• Visit The Question of the Week for the latest posting.

Tuesday

NO SCHOOL (Veterans' Day)

Wednesday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 7 and Quiz
• Review ofWriting Practice Test
• Quia Web: Words of the Day Test #2
• Animal Farm: Notes and Vocabulary (handouts)
• Video Presentation: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (conclusion)

  HOMEWORK:

• New Words of the Day: petrify (verb) and gruesome (adjective)
• Personal Quote Collection: Growing Up

  1. "Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One minute you're in diapers, the next minute you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul."

2. Now find another famous quote for Growing Up. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

• Animal Farm

  1. Review handouts.

  2. Create vocabulary study guide for Chapters 1 and 2.

Thursday

• FCAT Preparation and Practice

  1. Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test (pages 34-42, #24-55)

  2. Work is due next Critical Thinking class!

Friday

• PowerEd Writing (Unit 5: Adding Voice and Fluency)

  1. Read and complete pages 152-58.

  2. Skip pages 159-63.

  3. Respond to the writing prompt, covering pages 164-68. Be sure to utilize adverbs, prepositional phrases, and gerunds!

  HOMEWORK:

• PowerEd Writing (continued)
• Words of the Day: trepidation (noun) and munificence (noun)
• Personal Quote Collection: School

  1. "The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."

2. Now find another famous quote for School. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of November 3, 2008

Monday

• NO CLASS
• Visit The Question of the Week for a new posting. Tonight I have a 2 for 1 special!

Tuesday

NO SCHOOL (Election Day)

Wednesday

• Daily Proofreading Skills: It's Only Rock 'n Roll Test
• Review of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Be prepared for a test on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" next Langauge Arts class!
• Words of the Day: obtuse (adjective) and complacent (adjective)
• Personal Quote Collection: Effort

  1. "Hard work alone won't guarantee success. But without hard work, I guarantee you won't have success."

2. Now find another famous quote for Effort on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Thursday

Critical Thinking:

• Doc Kimmel's Writing Clinic (Episode 4: "Conclusion Blues")
• Update of Writing Portfolios

  HOMEWORK:

• FCAT Preparation and Practice: Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test

  1. Complete pages 27-33, #1-23 only.

  2. Work is due next Critical Thinking class!

Friday

• Reading Mini-Assessment: "Scanning Made Simple"
• Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #1
• Quia Web: Test on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
• Video Presentation: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Study for Words of the Day Test #2 on Wednesday!
• Personal Quote Collection: Making a Difference

  1. "A life is not important, except for the impact it has on other lives."

2. Now find another famous quote for Making a Difference on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of October 27, 2008

Monday

• The Language of Literature

  1. "Man-Made Monsters" and "Introduction to Frankenstein" (pages 638-43)

  2. Thinking through the Literature (1-7) on page 644, including bulleted questions for Comprehension Check.

  HOMEWORK:

• Begin monitoring The Question of the Week on a regular basis. Remember, many questions will appear on the Mid-Term Exam!
• Words of the Day: ironclad (adjective) and exquisite (adjective)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• NOTE: There is no Personal Quote Collection entry today. Make sure your collection is up-to-date!
• ANOTHER NOTE: The deadline for the letter of appeciation has been extended to Wednesday. Do not forget!

Tuesday

NO CLASS

Wednesday

• Letter to Career Day speaker due!
• Mr. K's Rendition of "The Tell-Tale Heart"
• Vocabulary for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Vocabulary for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (continued)
• Words of the Day: culminate (verb) and scrutinize (verb)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• Personal Quote Collection: Courage

  1. "We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear."

2. Now find another famous quote for Courage on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Thursday

Critical Thinking:

• "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

Friday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 6 and Quiz
• "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  1. Read pages 1-5, or access the online version on my website.

  2. Answer questions (1-15).

  HOMEWORK:

• "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (continued)
• Words of the Day: ominous (adjective) and harrowing (adjective)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• Personal Quote Collection: Teamwork

  1.. "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

2. Now find another famous quote for Teamwork on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Pre-Quantum Leap Language Arts 8-4

Week of November 18, 2008

Monday

Critical Thinking:

• FCAT Preparation and Practice: Review of Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test
• Rewrite of October Writing Practice Test
• Visit The Question of the Week for the latest posting.

Tuesday

• Review of Reading Mini Assessment and Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #1
• Review of PowerEd Writing Prompt
• Animal Farm: Chapter 1

  HOMEWORK:

• Animal Farm: Chapter 2
• Words of the Day: ludicrous (adjective) and inundate (verb)
• Personal Quote Collection: Teachers

  1. "The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth."

2. Now find another famous quote for Teachers. (It better be positive!) You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Wednesday

NO CLASS

Thursday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 8 and Quiz
• Animal Farm: Class Discussion of Chapters 1 and 2

  HOMEWORK:

• Animal Farm

  1. Be prepared for a test on Chapters 1 and 2, as well as the notes (handout) next class!

  2. Create vocabulary study guide for Chapters 3 and 4.

• Words of the Day: benevolence (noun) and chastise (verb)
• Personal Quote Collection: Gratitude/Appreciation

  1. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

2. Now find another famous quote for Gratitude/Appreciation. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Friday (tentative)

Critical Thinking:

• Rewrite of October Writing Practice Test (continued)
• Doc Kimmel's Writing Clinic (Episode 5: "Idea Anemia")
• Therapy Session 

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of November 10, 2008

Monday

Critical Thinking:

• Review of Writing Practice Test

  HOMEWORK:

• Visit The Question of the Week for the latest posting.
• FCAT Preparation and Practice

  1. Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test (pages 34-42, #24-55)

  2. Work is due next Critical Thinking class!

Tuesday

NO SCHOOL (Veterans' Day)

Wednesday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 7 and Quiz
• Quia Web: Words of the Day Test #2
• Animal Farm: Notes and Vocabulary (handouts)
• Video Presentation: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (conclusion)

  HOMEWORK:

• New Words of the Day: petrify (verb) and gruesome (adjective)
• Personal Quote Collection: Growing Up

  1. "Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One minute you're in diapers, the next minute you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul."

2. Now find another famous quote for Growing Up. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

• Animal Farm

  1. Review handouts.

  2. Create vocabulary study guide for Chapters 1 and 2.

Thursday

NO CLASS

Friday

• PowerEd Writing (Unit 5: Adding Voice and Fluency)

  1. Read and complete pages 152-58.

  2. Skip pages 159-63.

  3. Respond to the writing prompt, covering pages 164-68. Be sure to utilize adverbs, prepositional phrases, and gerunds!

  HOMEWORK:

• PowerEd Writing (continued)
• Words of the Day: trepidation (noun) and munificence (noun)
• Personal Quote Collection: School

  1. "The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."

2. Now find another famous quote for School. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of November 3, 2008

Monday

Critical Thinking:

• Doc Kimmel's Writing Clinic (Episode 4: "Conclusion Blues")
• Therapy Session: Rewrite of Concluding Paragraph
• Update of Writing Portfolios

  HOMEWORK:

• Visit The Question of the Week for a new posting. Tonight I have a 2 for 1 special!
• FCAT Preparation and Practice: Unit 1/FCAT Practice Test

  1. Complete pages 27-33, #1-23 only.

  2. Work is due next Critical Thinking class!

Tuesday

NO SCHOOL (Election Day)

Wednesday

• Daily Proofreading Skills: It's Only Rock 'n Roll Test
• Review of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Be prepared for a test on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" next Langauge Arts class!
• Words of the Day: obtuse (adjective) and complacent (adjective)
• Personal Quote Collection: Effort

  1. "Hard work alone won't guarantee success. But without hard work, I guarantee you won't have success."

2. Now find another famous quote for Effort on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Thursday

NO CLASS

Friday

• Reading Mini-Assessment: "Scanning Made Simple"
• Daily Proofreading Skills: Ghost Stories #1
• Quia Web: Test on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
• Video Presentation: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Study for Words of the Day Test #2 on Wednesday!
• Personal Quote Collection: Making a Difference

  1. "A life is not important, except for the impact it has on other lives."

2. Now find another famous quote for Making a Difference on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)

Week of October 27, 2008

Monday

• Class Discussion: Letter of Appreciation Format
• Writing Practice Test

  HOMEWORK:

• Write a letter of appreciation to one of the Career Day speakers by utilizing the format taught in class. The letter is due next Language Arts class!
• Begin monitoring The Question of the Week on a regular basis. Remember, many questions will appear on the Mid-Term Exam!
• Words of the Day: ironclad (adjective) and exquisite (adjective)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• NOTE: There is no Personal Quote Collection entry today. Make sure your collection is up-to-date!

Tuesday

Critical Thinking:

• "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

Wednesday

• Letter to Career Day speaker due!
• Halloween Activity
• Vocabulary for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  HOMEWORK:

• Vocabulary for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (continued)
• Words of the Day: culminate (verb) and scrutinize (verb)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• Personal Quote Collection: Courage

  1. "We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear."

2. Now find another famous quote for Courage on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Thursday

NO CLASS

Friday

• Visitor from the Past: Episode 6 and Quiz
• "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  1. Read pages 1-5, or access the online version on my website.

  2. Answer questions (1-15).

  HOMEWORK:

• "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (continued)
• Words of the Day: ominous (adjective) and harrowing (adjective)

  REMINDER: Not only should you know the meanings of each word, but you should also be aware of synonyms.

• Personal Quote Collection: Teamwork

  1.. "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

2. Now find another famous quote for Teamwork on your own. You can access the Quotable Quotes page or other online sources for assistance.

Sunshine State Standards: LA.8.1.6.1, LA.8.1.6.5, LA.8.1.6.6, LA.8.1.6.11 (Vocabulary Development), LA.8.1.7.1, LA.8.1.7.3, LA.8.1.7.7 (Reading Comprehension), LA.8.2.1.2, LA.8.2.1.5, (Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.2.2.2, LA.8.2.2.3 (Non-Fiction Literary Analysis), LA.8.3.1.1, LA.8.3.1.2, LA.8.3.1.3 (Writing Process, Pre-Writing), LA.8.3.2.1, LA.8.3.2.2, LA.8.3.2.3 (Writing Process, Drafting), LA.8.3.3.1, LA.8.3.3.2, LA.8.3.3.3, LA.8.3.3.4 (Writing Process, Revising), LA.8.5.2.1 (Listening and Speaking)