Grades 6-8: Begin With The End In Mind (Exam Study Plan)

Today students were provided with their exam packets for the English exam. Mr. Kom graciously created a fantastic exam study plan! This plan provides students with a variety of strategies that can be used to study. In addition, this document provides students with a dedicated place to log the amount of time spent studying. Remember that organization and time management skills are just as important as the concepts themselves.

 

Click the link to make a personal copy of your study plan: Exam Study Plan

Grade 8: Exam Study Packet (English Exam- Wednesday, February 12th, 2020)

The time to prepare for the English exam is now! Students will be receiving their study package today. The majority of the review exercises are online quizzes. We will also be reviewing various concepts in class leading up to the exam.

Please click the link below to view the study package:

Grade 8 English Exam Study Package 2020

 

Studying Suggestions: 

  • Start studying today! Focus on a different skill/concept each night and build gradually. (Don’t wait until the week of the exam to start studying)
  • Create a study schedule (build time into each day)
  • Review your notes from class
  • Test your knowledge with cue cards, online tools, online quizzes and study groups
  • Read materials out loud to yourself, or record yourself reading and then listen to the recording
  • Create a tutorial on exam content
  • Create a sketch note, slide show or one-page “cheat sheet” 
  • Ask questions right away if you need help!

Grade 8: Understanding the Research Process

Last week students received information about their argumentative research project. The level of excitement was palpable, as students began brainstorming possible topics. Students will partake in the brainstorming, researching, analyzing, and synthesizing of information from a variety of primary and secondary sources. The purpose of this assignment is to allow the grade 8 students to dive deeper into the research process while learning about a topic of interest. This will also give students the opportunity to practice developing their own clear and concise thesis statements.

This research project was intentionally chunked (over a two month time frame) in an effort to be mindful of the upcoming exam period. Each student has a copy of the dates listed below (which can also be found in the Grade 8 Google Calendar).

Today students will be working on choosing a topic and beginning their research notes (separated by sources).

Check out this great graphic organizer that was created by Mr. Kom to organize research notes: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Ss01pc5Zmcka9StlEJGiR3LEn2DjbosW1Lj9oouAAso/edit?usp=sharing

Project Timeline:

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Research Project Overview (Process Packet):

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Research Writing Rubric (Final Copy):

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Sample MLA Works Cited:

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Sample MLA Cover Paper:

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Grade 8: Vocabulary Unit Two

Important Dates

  • Vocabulary Homework Packet due Friday (12/13)
  • Vocabulary Test on Tuesday (12/17)

 

This week the Grade 8 students will prepare for their next vocabulary test. Each student in the class had the option to choose which set of words they wanted to study.

 

Enriched Vocabulary Unit 2:

Students have been provided with a packet that contains definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and practice questions.

https://www.vocabulary.com/lists/83468

 

Wordly Wise Grade 8 Unit 2:

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Grades 6-8: Give the Gift of Reading for Chanukah!

The Scholastic Book Fair is happening this week! The students are already excited to look for new books to read. The Book Fair officially starts on Wednesday, December 4th. Parents are welcome to visit before and after school each day to look for books. The Book Fair will also be open during Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Students in Grades 6-8 will begin to visit the Book Fair on Thursday, December 5th. The students will also be allowed to visit during recess as well. You may send money in with your child if would like them to buy a book.

Class Visitation Schedule:

Thursday (12/5/2019)

Pd.1-Grade 8 (with Mr. Washerstein)

Pd. 6- Grade 7 (with Mrs. Bertrend and Mr. Cinanni)

Pd. 9- Grade 6 (with Mr. Sylvain and Mr. Cinanni)

 

Grades 6-8: Independent Reading Project (Delayed Presentations)

At this point everyone should have completed and submitted/shared their Part B (Creative Component/Presentation) of the Independent Reading Project. Unfortunately the presentation portion of this assignment is going to be delayed. As I deal with the lingering effects of the car accident, students will have ample time to practice and perfect their presentations.

Please practice your presentations with your family and peers! Take time to re-read the rubrics below. 

Please be sure to create a presentation plan if you presenting a video, newspaper, scene, playlist, or song. Students should not be coming up and just hitting play on a particular item.  You want to provide the audience with a background knowledge about your book. Please include: title, author, main characters, basic plot (without giving the story away).

Tips for success:

  • Do not read directly from the slides (use your slides as a guide)
  • Practice your presentation at least five times to improve eye contact
  • Use gestures/emphasize words to highlight important facts during your presentations
  • Make sure any typed text is big enough for the audience to read (limit full paragraphs on slides)
  • Explain any pictures/visuals you used during your presentation

Please email me if you have any questions. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Grades 6-8: Independent Book Project Extended

The students have been working hard to complete the various sections of the Independent Reading Project. At this point, everyone should have submitted their Part A: vocabulary terms and two journal entries.

The due date for Part B: creative component/presentation has been extended. The creative component presentations will now begin on Wednesday, November 20th. 

Please review the rubric/creative component guidelines:

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Grade 8: Thesis Statement Packet

Check out these sources to help you craft the perfect thesis statement! We will be spending time in class this week crafting and analyzing how to create an effective thesis statement.

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download