December 18, 2017 - December 22, 2017

12/18/17 – 12/22/17

 English Literature – Grade 8 (Periods 1, 6, 7)

Monday (12/18): Textbook – finish pages 283, 284, 285 in the book on the last sections of “Three Cheers for the Nanny State.” Students will then review for the test. We will go over and discuss the study guide packet. Test is on Wednesday. Students may use the book and study guide packet as resources during the test.

Tuesday (12/19): Finish reviewing for the test on “Three Cheers for the Nanny State.” Students will check responses on the study guide packet and ask questions. If time permits, we will also play a review game on Kahoot on to review clauses.

Wednesday (12/20): Selection test on “Three Cheers for the Nanny State.”

Thursday (12/21): Students will play review games for recent concepts to help reinforce those topics/concepts before the break.

Friday (12/22): Early Dismissal at 11:00.

12/18/17 – 12/22/17

English Composition – Grade 8 (Periods 3, 5, 8)

Monday (12/18): Study Island Benchmark Test – Students who did not reach proficiency on the second benchmark will take it again. They will take the test on paper first and then input their answers online on Study Island. All other students will work on Study Island to earn more blue ribbons for their class.

Tuesday (12/19): Work on getting the second benchmark test done on Study Island (for those students taking it). All other students will work on Study Island to earn more blue ribbons for their class (especially in Theme and other topics already discussed as a class).

Wednesday (12/20): Finish second benchmark if needed. Otherwise, students will work on Study Island to earn blue ribbons in the topic of theme and any others that are needed.

Thursday (12/21): Finish second benchmark if needed. Otherwise, students will work on Study Island to earn blue ribbons in the topic of theme and any others that are needed.

Friday (12/22): Early Dismissal at 11:00. 

December 11, 2017 - December 15, 2017

12/11/17 – 12/15/17

 English Literature – Grade 8 (Periods 1, 6, 7)

Monday (12/11): Students will take CDTs on the computers in room 934.

Tuesday (12/12): Students will finish taking CDTs on the computers in room 934. If they are finished already, they will work on Study Island to earn blue ribbons for textual evidence and other topics.

Wednesday (12/13): Data Delay Day – Vocabulary squares are due today for the concept vocab. for “Three Cheers for the Nanny State.” Students will then finish the close read and analyze the text questions on page 282. We will discuss these sections together as a class. The test on this selection is on Wednesday of next week (12/20) on Pearson Realize.com.

Thursday (12/14): Students will complete page 283 in the textbook on author’s argument. We will discuss responses together as a class. Students will then complete pages 284 and 285 in the textbook on the concept vocabulary and word study and conventions (clauses). We will discuss sections together and review notes. Students will complete these pages for homework for tomorrow if they do not get done during class.

Friday (12/15): Students will discuss pages 284 and 285 in the textbook together. They will also receive the extension questions packet for “Three Cheers for the Nanny State.” Students will work on this in class today and complete it for Monday. Students will also receive practice materials on all sections for preparation for the test on this selection. The test will be on Wednesday, Dec. 20^th.

12/11/17 – 12/15/17

English Composition – Grade 8 (Periods 3, 5, 8)

Monday (12/11): Students will take the CDT test on computers in room 934.

Tuesday (12/12): Students will finish the CDT test on computers in room 934. If students are finished with the test already, then they will work on Study Island to earn blue ribbons in textual evidence and other topics.

Wednesday (12/13): Data Delay Day – Review day on Study Island. Students will complete the review session on Study Island for the first two topics (Inferences/Generalizations and Textual Evidence). When finished, students may work on earning more blue ribbons for their class if time permits.

Thursday (12/14): Introduce new topic on Study Island (Theme). Students will receive the notes on this topic and we will discuss this as a class together. We will practice questions on theme together during the group session today.

Friday (12/15): Students will work on Study Island to earn a blue ribbon in the theme topic. Students may ask questions as they work if they need extra help with this topic. As a class, we will discuss problems, confusions, etc. as needed. 

December 4, 2017 - December 8, 2017

12/04/17 – 12/08/17

 English Literature – Grade 8 (Periods 1, 6, 7)

Monday (12/04): Pearson Realize.com – Students will take the Mid-Year Test on Pearson. The test is online and final answers must be submitted online. However, students will be given a paper copy of the test to use at their desk first. They must submit all answers online as well. *Students should also write down areas of need identified from the last selection test on “Barrington Irving….” Students will complete test corrections for the questions they got wrong for homework. Corrections are due by Thursday.

Tuesday (12/05): If students have finished the Pearson Mid Year Test, they will go back into Pearson and check to see how they did compared to the Beginning of the Year Test that they took in September. We will discuss results and growth and students will then check to see if there have been remediation materials assigned to them based on their test results. Students will write the areas of need in their folders and practice with remediation assignments on Pearson and on Study Island. If time permits, begin the selection, “Three Cheers for the Nanny State” in the textbook – page 276. Students will work on completing vocabulary squares for the concept vocabulary words on Page 276. Vocab. Squares due Friday.

Wednesday (12/06): “Three Cheers for the Nanny State” in the textbook – Students will complete the first read together as a class. They must annotate in the book directly on the text as we read. Students will then complete the comprehension questions when finished reading and we will discuss these as a class.

Thursday (12/07): Students will perform a close read of the text, “Three Cheers for the Nanny State.” They must complete page 282 (close read section at top of page and analyze the text questions at the bottom.) Students will work with partner to complete these sections. As a class, we will discuss responses to page 282 together.  

Friday (12/08): Students will complete the First Read Extension Questions on “Three Cheers for the Nanny State.” Students will work in small groups to complete the questions together. As a class, we will discuss and check responses together. Each group will report their responses to the class as part of the discussion. Gallery walk activity – using chart paper, groups will get to see other groups’ responses and comment/ask questions, etc.

12/04/17 – 12/08/17

English Composition – Grade 8 (Periods 3, 5, 8)

Monday (12/04): Study Island topic 2 – Textual Evidence: Intro to this topic and group session practice. Students will then work to earn a blue ribbon with this topic. Students can earn 3 blue ribbons for their class if they get 100% on the practice session.

Tuesday (12/05):  Students will work on Study Island to earn a blue ribbon in the textual evidence topic. Students may ask questions as they work if they need extra help with this topic. As a class, we will discuss problems, confusions, etc. as needed.

Wednesday (12/06):  Students will work on Study Island to earn a blue ribbon in the textual evidence topic. Students may ask questions as they work if they need extra help with this topic. As a class, we will discuss problems, confusions, etc. as needed.

Thursday (12/07):  Review session on Study Island for the first two topics: Inferences and Generalizations and Textual Evidence. Students will complete the review questions in class today. When finished, they may work on other topics that have been identified as an area of need for them either through Study Island or Pearson Realize. They can earn more blue ribbons for their class during this time.

Friday (12/08): Study Island topic 3 – Theme: Intro. To the topic of theme. As a class, we will discuss the notes and lesson on theme together. Group session on theme.  

November 27, 2017 - December 1, 2017

11/27/17 – 12/01/17

 English Literature – Grade 8 (Periods 1, 6, 7)

Monday (11/27): No School

Tuesday (11/28): ReadWorks.org – Students will login to Read Works and read the assigned article. They will then complete the 2 question sets (comprehension and character) that go along with the article. Once finished, students will go onto Study Island to complete the practice session on characterization (character). Quiz tomorrow on character on Study Island.

Wednesday (11/29): Students will work on the study materials for the test on Barrington Irving on Friday.

Thursday (11/30): Review for test on Barrington Irving. Discuss study materials and questions that students have about the test. Test is tomorrow in Literature class.

Friday (12/01): Students will take the test on the Barrington Irving article on Pearson Realize. After the test, students will go onto Study Island to practice on WIN time.

11/27/17 – 12/01/17

English Composition – Grade 8 (Periods 3, 5, 8)

Monday (11/27): No School

Tuesday (11/28):  Students will complete page 271 in the textbook on characterization. Students will discuss direct vs. indirect characterization together and complete a practice item together on page 271. Students will then complete independent practice on this concept on a practice worksheet. We will discuss responses together. Students will practice character questions on Study Island for the remainder of the class today. We will have a quiz on character on Study Island tomorrow.

Wednesday (11/29): Quiz on character on Study Island. Work on study materials for the test on Barrington Irving on Friday.

Thursday (11/30):  Review for the test on Barrington Irving (if more time is needed). Slip or trip activity – argument.

Friday (12/01): Continue slip or trip activity/discussion. Students will work together in groups to determine/write their argument.

November 20, 2017 - November 24, 2017

11/20/17 – 11/24/17

 English Literature – Grade 8 (Periods 1, 6, 7)

Monday (11/20): Check/discuss first read extension questions for the article, “Barrington Irving, Pilot and Educator.” As a class, we will discuss responses together. Students will then complete the close read section on page 270 and the analyze the text section on page 270. As a whole-class, we will discuss responses together.

Tuesday (11/21): Finish discussing responses to page 270 together (if needed). Students will also complete the ReadWorks.org assignment online. Questions are based on the text online that they read and focus on comprehension and characterization.

Wednesday (11/22): Early Dismissal at 11:00. Students will play Kahoot! Questions will help students practice questions about characterization and nouns and pronouns.

Thursday (11/23): No School - Thanksgiving

Friday (11/24): No School

11/20/17 – 11/24/17

English Composition – Grade 8 (Periods 3, 5, 8)

Monday (11/20): Students will complete page 273 in the textbook on nouns and pronouns. Students will practice this topic on the bottom of page 273. They will complete the read it and write it sections and discuss responses together. Individual practice worksheet on nouns and pronouns. Students will complete the ws and check answers in class. Any time that remains, students will practice nouns and pronouns on Study Island. Quiz on Study Island on pronouns tomorrow.

Tuesday (11/21): Students will take a quiz on pronouns on Study Island tomorrow on pronouns. After the quiz, students will work on WIN time on Study Island to earn as many blue ribbons as possible.

Wednesday (11/22): Early Dismissal at 11:00. Students will play Kahoot! Students will play by answering questions about nouns, pronouns, and writing.

Thursday (11/23): No School - Thanksgiving

Friday (11/24): No School 

November 13, 2017 - November 17, 2017

11/13/17 – 11/17/17

English Literature – Grade 8 (Periods 1, 6, 7)

Monday (11/13): Selection Test – Unit 1: Short Story – “The Setting Sun and the Rolling World” – Students will take the test on the short story on Pearson Realize.com. When finished, students should work on the TDA from last week.

Tuesday (11/14): Unit 1 reflection (p. 87) – Students will respond to the prompts and questions on page 87 in the textbook to reflect on the goals from Unit 1. Students will then be introduced to Unit 3 (What Matters). Pages 254 – 261: Video, Essential Question, unit goals, launch text (summary and quick write).

Wednesday (11/15): pages 262 – 263: Whole class learning overview – discuss together. Begin reading the selection, “Barrington Irving…” on pages 265 – 268. We will watch the media together and discuss. Complete comprehension check questions on page 269. Discuss responses together.

Thursday (11/16): Students will then complete the close read the text section on page 270 and the analyze the text questions on page 270.

Friday (11/17):  Check/discuss responses to page 270 in the book. ReadWorks.org – Students will read a text and answer the questions that follow based on the text. Questions will focus on comprehension of the text and characterization. Students must log into ReadWorks and select their Composition class in order to access the assignment. They should submit their work by the end of class today.

 11/13/17 – 11/17/17

English Composition – Grade 8 (Periods 3, 5, 8)

Monday (11/13): TDA – Unit 1: Review format and revise/edit essay. Turn in essay tomorrow in Composition class. Textbook – page 257 (academic vocabulary) – complete vocabulary squares for the words on page 257. Complete the chart also.

Tuesday (11/14): Turn in completed TDA. Students will complete the academic vocabulary for Unit 3 on page 257 (if they did not finish it yesterday). Students will complete vocab. Squares for each word and complete the chart on page 257. Complete the concept vocabulary on page 264 for the selection, “Barrington Irving…”

Wednesday (11/15): Review academic vocabulary and concept vocabulary terms for start of unit 3 and the first selection. Students will then complete page 272 in the textbook on the concept vocabulary terms and the suffix – ful. Check responses together as a class. Students will complete a practice worksheet individually on the concept vocab. Terms and the suffix –ful. Students must finish the w.s. for homework if they do not get it done in class today.

Thursday (11/16): Check responses to the worksheet from yesterday. As a class, we will discuss nouns and pronouns on page 273 together. Students will practice this topic on the bottom of page 273. They will complete the read it and write it sections and discuss responses together. Individual practice worksheet on nouns and pronouns. Students will complete it and then check answers together as a class.

Friday (11/17): Study Island WIN Time on electronic devices – students will work on individual lessons (track progress using charts). Practice topics that they need individual practice with. Students will focus on earning blue ribbons for the topics on Study Island.

Answers to Short Response Questions - The Setting Sun and the Rolling World

ANSWER KEY

The Setting Sun and the Rolling World

Charles Mungoshi

Answers	Standards
1.   (a) The white speck is an airplane. My inference suggests that Old Musoni is not comfortable with the modern world and its technologies. (b) Students should cite the “white metal bird” of paragraph 10 and the “aeroplane” of paragraph 32.	RL.8.1
2.   Throughout the story, the dialogue makes clear that the son has decided to leave the farm and cannot be made to change his mind. The dialogue about the son's decision reveals that he is someone who relies on his own judgment and has confidence in his abilities. The dialogue also reveals that, despite his differences with his father, he treats him with respect. Examples:       “Have you thought about this, son?”       “For weeks, father.”       “And you think that’s the only way?”       “There is no other way.” (paragraphs 6–9)       “Think again. You will end dead. Think again, of us, of your family. We have a home, poor though it is, but can you think of a day you have gone without?”       “I have thought everything over, father, I am convinced this is the only way out.” (paragraphs 11 and 12)       “Really, father, have no fear for me. I will be all right. Give me this chance. Release me from all obligations and pray for me.” (paragraph 17)	RL.8.3
3.   (a) The setting sun is a figurative way of talking about Old Musoni and the poor future for farmers due to bad soil and drought. The rolling world refers to the busy economy of the outside world that draws his son away. (b) The word sunblasted helps me understand that it is difficult for Old Musoni to farm his land because the soil is very dry and probably does not support a good harvest.	RL.8.4
4.   In their written responses or discussion, students should •   identify the conflicting viewpoints of the father, who wants the son to stay on the farm, and the son, who wants to leave for the greater world. •   cite characters’ thoughts and dialogue and note that they illustrate the conflicting viewpoints that create dramatic irony. For example, the father’s thoughts are angrier than his words: What do you know of the false honey bird that leads you the whole day through the forest to a snake’s nest? But all he said was “Look. What have you asked me and I have denied you? What, that I have, have I not given you for the asking?” (paragraph 15). The son also has more defiant thoughts than his words: I am armed more than you think and wiser than you can dream of. But all he said, too, was “Really, father, have no fear for me. I will be all right. Give me this chance.” (paragraph 17) •   explain that even though the father and son are polite to each other, the reader knows what they are thinking, so for the reader, the dramatic irony makes the conflict more intense. For example, the son says, “All. You have given me all, father.” But he thinks, You have sent me to school and told me the importance of education, and now you ask me to throw it on the rubbish heap and scrape for a living on this tired cold shell of the moon. (paragraph 16) Some students may suggest that the main conflict takes place in the characters’ thoughts.	RL.8.6