Monday, June 6, 2011

HW for Monday, 6/6

IRP due tomorrow!

IRP Summary:

Write a 4‐5 paragraph summary of your book. Type and double‐space. Edit for grammar and
spelling. Make sure you cover:
• Who the author is?
• What kind of book is it? (Fiction? Non‐fiction? Mystery? Drama? Biography?)
• What is your book about‐‐‐Give a detailed description of the main points.
• What themes come up in your book? (Love, Family, Grief, Race, etc.)—Describe 2 or 3 of the
different themes in detail.
• Major characters
• Setting (Where does the book take place?)

DO NOT FORGET THE GALLERY CARD!
See the example below:

WILLA’S GALLERY CARD

Book Summary

I read All in the Family by Theresa Milton. This book is fiction and would fall under the category of drama. The book takes place in a small town called Midville where everyone is encouraged to stay and never leave, and the rules are extremely strict. The main character is Georgia Smith, a 16-year-old girl who wants to rebel against the strict rules of the town. Other important characters are her mother, who believes that there is nothing good beyond Midville, and Tom, a 17-year-old boy who moves to town from a big city. He encourages Georgia to break the rules and to dream about a life out in the world. This book is about a lot of the challenges all teenagers face, how to find a balance between rules and freedom. In the end, I think Georgia does find a way to have both.

My Project: Choices -- A Board Game

For my project, I decided to focus on the difficult choices that all teenagers have to make, from dealing with pressure from their families to fitting in with their friends to dealing with some of the temptations that could help and hurt them. Georgia has to deal with following the strict rules of her mother and the new ideas she gets when Tom comes to town. I created a game that will highlight important scenes in the book, and it will also force the players to consider how they would handle different scenarios that many teenagers face. I think my project does a good job of explaining the book and connecting it to real life.

The Rules

1. The game has two players.

2. To start, roll the die. Whoever rolls the highest number goes first.

3. From then on, each player takes a turn, following the directions on the game board.

4. The first player to reach “Freedom” wins.

5. Please put the game back in order when you are done.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

HW for Wednesday, 6/1


IRP 6
Type, label and date your response to the following question:

What is your (detailed) plan for your independent reading project? How is it interactive? (200+ words).

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 5/31

Continue exploring this site -- try something new!

HW for Tuesday, 5/31

Active Reading Act 4 worksheet . . .

AND

Begin thinking about your IRP -- it's due a week from today (next Tuesday)!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

HW for Wednesday, May 25


IRP 4 (if you haven't done it already)
Please type a 200 word response to the following question. Make sure to label the assignment with your name, the title of the assignment, and the date
What aspects of the plot or story can you relate to your own experiences? Describe how.

AND

IRP 5

Please type your answer. Include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.
Week 5 Question: What morals or lessons do you think the author intends his/her reader to find in this book? (200 words)

AND

Bring independent reading book!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 5/23

Go online and find artistic renderings of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" -- that is, paintings and sculptures that are based on the play -- cartoons and images made exclusively for websites don't count. On a separate sheet of paper, for each piece that you find, write down the title, the name of the artist, and the museum and city where it is currently located. Extra credit to the person who, by the end of the week, finds the most examples!

Homework for Monday, 5/23

Write 10 quiz questions (with answers) about "AMSND" so far. We'll do a brief quiz tomorrow . . .

Thursday, May 12, 2011

HW for Thursday, 5/12

Make up work! If you're all caught up, do some independent reading.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 5/11

Finish each others' Shakespeare crosswords.

Work on skit . . .

HW for Wednesday, 5/11


IRP week 3
(Please type your response, and include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.)

Week 3 Question: Describe the character(s) you most identify with. Why or how do you relate to him/her or them? (200 words)

AND

Bring you independent reading book!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Monday, May 9, 2011

HW for Monday, 5/9

Go to this site and read the story of Pyramus and Thisbe (this is a translation/modernization of the original, which is by Ovid).

All you have to do tonight is read it and be prepared to discuss it tomorrow.

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 5/9

Continue exploring this site:

Friday, May 6, 2011

HW for Friday, 5/6


Go to this site:
and create a Shakespeare crossword puzzle. Your puzzle must include at least 10 clues.
When coming up with clues, think about the vocabulary and sonnets we've studied so far, the trivia you've learned through your warm-ups, and what you've seen so far of "Much Ado About Nothing".
We'll share these in class next week.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

HW for Wednesday, 5/4


IRP Week 2
(Please type and double-space your response. Be sure to label it with your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.)

Week 2, Question 1: Are you liking the book so far? Why or why not? (100 words)

Week 2, Question 2: Describe in detail where and when the book takes place. Cite sections of
the book or lines that give you a sense of place. (150‐200 words)

AND BRING YOUR IND. READING BOOK TO CLASS TOMORROW!

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 5/4

Try a few more of the activities from yesterday's warm-up.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

HW for Tuesday, 5/3


Complete the "Translate the Bard" exercise -- you will be translating, line by line, 2 sonnets.

If you run into words that you can't figure out, try looking them up here:

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 5/3

If you didn't finish yesterday's warm up, please do that.

Once you've done that, explore this site:

Monday, May 2, 2011

Complete the worksheet "Shakespeare was a pretty punny guy!"

Make sure your responses are neat and thoughtful!

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 5/2

Play this game:

Once you've finished, go ahead and continue last Monday's warm-up!

Friday, April 29, 2011

HW for Friday, 4/29

Do part 4 of the Shakespeare Scavenger Hunt . . .

AND

Spend some time this weekend reading your independent reading book.

Daily Warm Up for Friday, 4/29

Continue Monday's warm-up. Turn in your answers today. Whoever has the most correct answers will win some extra credit points!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

HW for Thursday, 4/28

Please complete the Shakespeare Scavenger Hunt part 3 -- "Practical Stuff"

AND

If you did not make the peer edits on your "City of Ember" essay, finish those at home tonight.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

HW for Wednesday, 4/27

IRP Week One:
Week 1 Question: What book did you choose? Why did you choose this book? If someone chose it for you, why did you agree to it? (100 words)

AND

If you have your book, bring it with you to class!

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 4/27

Continue Monday's warm up.

Monday, April 25, 2011

HW for Monday, 4/25


Use the worksheet I handed out in class, Globe Theater (Old & New) Scavenger Hunt.

Complete ONLY Part I: Background Information

Your answers do not need to be in complete sentences, but they should be typed and labeled "Part I: Background Information" and include your name and the date.


Daily Warm Up for Monday, April 25


SHAKESPEARE!

I'm so excited!

We'll be starting the session by researching Shakespeare himself, as well as the times in which he lived and wrote. We'll watch a film version of one of his plays, then delve into reading "Romeo and Juliet" together.

So, for the next few day's warm-up, go to this site:
As the directions say, you may work with a partner, but everyone must answer all the questions on the site, and each of you must turn in your own answers.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

HW for Tuesday, 4/12

IRP due tomorrow!
Don't forget the summary and gallery card.
You always do a great job, so I'm looking forward to these!

Monday, April 11, 2011

HW for Monday, 6/6

IRP due tomorrow!

IRP Summary:

Write a 4‐5 paragraph summary of your book. Type and double‐space. Edit for grammar and
spelling. Make sure you cover:
• Who the author is?
• What kind of book is it? (Fiction? Non‐fiction? Mystery? Drama? Biography?)
• What is your book about‐‐‐Give a detailed description of the main points.
• What themes come up in your book? (Love, Family, Grief, Race, etc.)—Describe 2 or 3 of the
different themes in detail.
• Major characters
• Setting (Where does the book take place?)

DO NOT FORGET THE GALLERY CARD!
See the example below:

WILLA’S GALLERY CARD

Book Summary

I read All in the Family by Theresa Milton. This book is fiction and would fall under the category of drama. The book takes place in a small town called Midville where everyone is encouraged to stay and never leave, and the rules are extremely strict. The main character is Georgia Smith, a 16-year-old girl who wants to rebel against the strict rules of the town. Other important characters are her mother, who believes that there is nothing good beyond Midville, and Tom, a 17-year-old boy who moves to town from a big city. He encourages Georgia to break the rules and to dream about a life out in the world. This book is about a lot of the challenges all teenagers face, how to find a balance between rules and freedom. In the end, I think Georgia does find a way to have both.

My Project: Choices -- A Board Game

For my project, I decided to focus on the difficult choices that all teenagers have to make, from dealing with pressure from their families to fitting in with their friends to dealing with some of the temptations that could help and hurt them. Georgia has to deal with following the strict rules of her mother and the new ideas she gets when Tom comes to town. I created a game that will highlight important scenes in the book, and it will also force the players to consider how they would handle different scenarios that many teenagers face. I think my project does a good job of explaining the book and connecting it to real life.

The Rules

1. The game has two players.

2. To start, roll the die. Whoever rolls the highest number goes first.

3. From then on, each player takes a turn, following the directions on the game board.

4. The first player to reach “Freedom” wins.

5. Please put the game back in order when you are done.

Enjoy!

Friday, April 8, 2011

HW for Friday, 4/8

Chapters 17-20, questions . . .
AND
Work on your IRP (due Wednesday)!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

HW for Wednesday, 4/6

IRP 6
Type, label and date your response to the following question:

What is your (detailed) plan for your independent reading project? How is it interactive? (200+ words)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Sunday, April 3, 2011

HW for Monday, 4/4

Read Chapters 11-12 and complete the questions.

Daily Warm-Up for Monday, 4/4

Go to this site and review the Compare and Contrast Guide:

Once you've carefully reviewed those slides, go to this site and complete the activity using your compare/contrast notes for "City of Ember":

Friday, April 1, 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

HW for Wednesday, 3/30


IRP 5

Please type your answer. Include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.

Week 5 Question: What morals or lessons do you think the author intends his/her reader to find in this book? (200 words)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Homework for Tuesday, 3/29

Read Chpts. 5-6 and answer the questions.

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 3/29


Start putting together a crossword for "The People of Sparks":
Remember to make your clues specific and relevant to the book!

If you don't finish today, minimize the screen and we'll work on it more tomorrow.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Homework for Monday, 3/28

People of Sparks, Chpts. 3-4 & :The First Town Meeting" and questions.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

HW for Thursday, 3/24


Read chapters 1-2 of The People of Sparks and answer the questions.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Homework for Wednesday, 3/23


IRP 4

Please type a 200 word response to the following question. Make sure to label the assignment with your name, the title of the assignment, and the date

What aspects of the plot or story can you relate to your own experiences? Describe how.

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 3/23

Go to this site. First try the map game, then try Expedition to Ember.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Monday, March 14, 2011

HW for Monday, 3/14

IRP week 3
(Please type your response, and include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.)

Week 3 Question: Describe the character(s) you most identify with. Why or how do you relate to him/her or them? (200 words)

HW for Monday, 3/14

IRP week 3
(Please type your response, and include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.)

Week 3 Question: Describe the character(s) you most identify with. Why or how do you relate to him/her or them? (200 words)

Daily Warm-Up for Monday, 3/14

Go to this site and play a word game:

Friday, March 11, 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 3/9

Coding

Use the websites below to try your hand at decoding.

Interactive Word Games
These tools help solve popular word puzzles.
http://www.wordplays.com/

Codes for Cubs and Scouts
This collection is ordered from "Beginner" codes, which Cubs can easily handle, then "Substitution" codes which are easy codes for Scouts, and then a few tougher puzzles...
http://www.scouting.org.za/codes/

Decoding Nazi Secrets
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/decoding/

Morse Code Translator
http://www.scphillips.com/morse/

Send a Secret Message
http://www.thunk.com/

Cryptograms
http://www.puzz.com/cryptograms.html

Homework for Wednesday, 3/9


IRP Week 2
(Please type and double-space your response. Be sure to label it with your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.)

Week 2, Question 1: Are you liking the book so far? Why or why not? (100 words)

Week 2, Question 2: Describe in detail where and when the book takes place. Cite sections of
the book or lines that give you a sense of place. (150‐200 words)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Friday, March 4, 2011

Homework for Friday, 3/4

IRP Week One:
Week 1 Question: What book did you choose? Why did you choose this book? If someone chose it for you, why did you agree to it? (100 words)
AND

Finish Chapters 3 & 4 and complete the worksheet.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

HW for Wednesday, 3/2

Read chapter 2 and complete the worksheet (handout #4).

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 3/2


In the city of Ember one of the mayor's responsibilities was to pass out job assignments. What does the mayor in your town do?

Meet Vincent Gray (explore this page -- make sure to read his biography)
http://mayor.dc.gov/DC/Mayor

On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions about the mayor of DC:

  1. What are the responsibilities of a mayor?
  2. How much does the mayor get paid?
  3. What happens if the mayor is unable to complete his duties?
  4. How long is one term for a mayor?
  5. How many terms can a mayor serve?

Now, take a virtual tour of city hall:
http://www.hud.gov/kids/ch/ch3s_intro.html


Monday, February 28, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 3/1


Careers

In Chapter 1, the students graduating from the "Highest Class" choose a job by drawing slips of paper with job openings from a little cloth bag. Is this the best way to choose a career? Go to Job Predictor:

http://www.jobpredictor.com/index.asp

Type your name in the Job Predictor form, and choose any of the countries (there's no option for the US). Do you receive a good job? Is there a better way of determining careers for students?

Now look at the websites below. These sites can help students choose a career that suits their talents and personality traits.

The Princeton Review Career Quiz
http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/quiz/career_quiz1.asp

Get Tech.org - Go to GetTech Careers to learn about jobs in the math and science fields.
http://www.gettech.org/default2.asp

Career Exploration from eThemes
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000325.shtml

Sunday, February 27, 2011

HW for Monday, 2/28

Now that you've chosen the two poems that you're going to submit to the poetry festival, print out a clean copy of each of them.

Both of your entries must be typed and include:

Your name
Your grade
Parkmont School
Teacher: Nijole Gedutis

Daily Warm-Up for Monday, 2/28

Complete the Analogies worksheet.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Thursday, 2/17

Are you up for the challenge?

Write a poem using all of the following words:

Ubiquitous

Shining

Robot

Glue

Affable


Now, try with these:

Sojourn

Red

Earth

Blanket

Egypt


Monday, February 14, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Monday, 2/14

Write a poem using all of the words below:

Calamity

Boring

Song

Incursion

Goonch


Now, try these:

Art

Chase

Cantaloupe

Silver

Pug




Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Homework for Tuesday, 2/8


IRP 6
Type, label and date your response to the following question:

What is your (detailed) plan for your independent reading project? How is it interactive? (200+ words)

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 2/8

Go to this website again:
and choose a word game to play.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Monday, February 7

Write a poem using all of the words below:

  • mirror
  • hazardous
  • dandelion
  • famine
  • brave
Once you finish that, try writing one with these words:

  • slippery
  • fantasy
  • Vivaldi
  • chameleon
  • lives

HW for Monday, 2/7

Bio Poem 5. Please read and follow the instructions!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

HW for Thursday, 2/3

Bio Poem 3 -- read the directions!

Daily Warm Up for Thursday, 2/3

Choose one of the prompts below and write a poem!

  • Write a poem that starts with a one word title, two words in the first line, three in the next, and continues by adding one word per line.
  • Write a poem that describes a walk through a house from the perspective of a child.
  • Write a poem about a chain-link fence.
  • Write a poem using, "how to...". For example, "how to write a poem", "how to break my heart"," how to distinguish a flower from a frog".
  • Write a poem about things that are transparent.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

HW for Tuesday, 2/1


IRP 5

Please type your answer. Include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.

Week 5 Question: What morals or lessons do you think the author intends his/her reader to find in this book? (200 words)

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 2/1


Today is the birthday of Langston Hughes! To celebrate one of my favorite poets, go to this site and watch the video:

Once you've finished with that, go to this site:
and read some of the Hughes's poems.


Monday, January 31, 2011

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Homework for Wednesday, 1/26


IRP 4
Please type a 200 word response to the following question. Make sure to label it with your name, the name of the assignment, and the date.

What aspects of the plot or story can you relate to your own experiences? Describe how.

AND

BRING YOUR INDEPENDENT READING BOOK TO CLASS TOMORROW.

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 1/26

Go to this site:
and listen to poets read their poems. As you listen, TAKE NOTES! Write down examples of any of the poetry techniques we've studied.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Homework for Tuesday, 1/25

Assignment 19

Complete the Historical Figure Outline.
Think about what we discussed in class -- how to write an outline.
Use the research we did in class, as well as any more research you have to do at home to fill in the outline.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Homework for Friday, 1/21

Assignment 16

See the "Weekend HW" handout. Follow the directions carefully!

David -- Do IRP (Independent Reading Projects) weeks 1 and 2. The guidelines are below:

IRP Week One
(Please type your responses. Make sure to include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment at the top of the paper.)

What book did you choose? Who is it by?
Why did you choose this book? If someone chose it for you, why did you agree to it? (Your response should be at least 100 words)

IRP Week Two
(Please type your responses -- at least 100 words for each question. Make sure to include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment at the top of the paper.)

Question 1: Are you liking the book so far? Why or why not? (100 words)
Question 2: Describe in detail where and when the book takes place. Cite sections of
the book or lines that give you a sense of place. (100 words)

Daily Warm Up for Friday, 1/21

Choose one of the poetry prompts below and write a poem -- follow the directions carefully! If you finish writing a poem, try another prompt. Turn everything you write in when warm-up time is over.

Poetry Prompt - Write a poem that starts with a one word title, two words in the first line, three in the next, and continues by adding one word per line.

Poetry Prompt - Write a poem using, "how to...". For example, "how to write a poem", "how to break my heart"," how to distinguish a flower from a frog".

Poetry Prompt - Write a poem about seasonings. For example, "Salt and Cinnamon".

Poetry Prompt - Write a poem about a very small object.

Poetry Prompt - Write a poem using the title, "You Need to Have a Plan".

Homework for Thursday, 1/20

Assignment 15

Read and respond to 5 more George Washington Carver poems. Follow the directions on the worksheet.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Homework for Wednesday, 1/19




Assignment 14

IRP week 3
(Please type your response, and include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.)

Week 3 Question: Describe the character(s) you most identify with. Why or how do you relate to him/her or them? (200 words)

AND

Bring your IRP book to class tomorrow!

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 1/19

Go to this website again:
and choose a word game to play.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, 1/18

Go to this website again:
and choose a word game to play.

Homework for Tuesday, 1/18


Assignment 12

Complete the Imagery Exercise worksheet. You may type your responses -- just be sure to label the assignment, including the date and your name.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Homework for Friday, 1/14

Assignment 11

Historical Figures Worksheet. YOU MAY TYPE YOUR RESPONSES!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 1/12

Go to this website again:
and choose a word game to play.

Homework for Wednesday,1/12

Assignment 10

IRP Week Two
(Please type your responses -- at least 100 words for each question. Make sure to include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment at the top of the paper.)

Week 2, Question 1: Are you liking the book so far? Why or why not? (100 words)
Week 2, Question 2: Describe in detail where and when the book takes place. Cite sections of
the book or lines that give you a sense of place. (100 words)

PLEASE BRING YOUR IRP BOOK TO CLASS TOMORROW!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

HW for Tuesday, January 11

Assignment 8

Complete the worksheet using the book "Carver: A Life in Poems."
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!
Some of you should type your responses -- you know who you are!

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, January 11



Get a worksheet from Nijole.
Go to this website:
Read about George Washington Carver and complete the worksheet (trust me -- this will be related to poetry!).

Monday, January 10, 2011

Homework for Monday, January 10

Assignment 7

Complete the "Metaphor Poetry" packet.
Please do so neatly!
It is fine to type your responses -- just make sure to label your sheet with your name, the date, and the title of the assignment.

Daily Warm Up for Monday, January 10

Go to this site:
and play one of the word games.
Have fun!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Homework for Friday, 1/7

Assignment 5

Poetry Techniques Review (worksheet)
Please include the example as well as the name of the poem and the name of the poet.

Daily Warm Up for Friday, 1/7

For today's warm up, please start your homework -- Poetry Techniques Review. We'll review, as a group, "metaphor", "stanza", "tone", and "onomatopoeia".

Thursday, January 6, 2011

HW for Thursday, 1/6


Assignment 4

IRP Week One
(Please type your responses -- at least 100 words. Make sure to include your name, the date, and the title of the assignment at the top of the paper.)

What book did you choose? Who is it by?
Why did you choose this book? If someone chose it for you, why did you agree to it?

Daily Warm Up for Thursday, 1/6

You'll need headphones for this warm-up.
Go to this website:

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Homework for Wednesday, 1/5


Go to this website about Walt Whitman: http://www.notablebiographies.com/We-Z/Whitman-Walt.html
Read it, then write 5 quiz questions, including answers.
We'll take a brief quiz on Friday.

Daily Warm Up for Wednesday, 1/5

Please see yesterday's warm up. If you did not finish, do so today. If you did it, start again with a new poem.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Homework for Tuesday, January 4

Assignment 2: Reading Comp Worksheet

Homework for Monday, January 3

Assignment 1: 10 minute window observation -- see handout.

Daily Warm Up for Tuesday, January 4

1. Write down your homework.

2. Write down your vocab.

3. Get your journal. You will be writing in it. Write today's date at the top.

4. Go to www.poets.org

5. Browse the poems for a few minutes, then settle on one poem. Read it carefully -- at least 2 times!

6. In your journal, write the title of the poem and the name of the poet, then write at least 5 sentences responding to the poem. Did it include any of the techniques we've studied so far? Why did you pick this poem? Are there things about it that you like or dislike?

7. If you finish before the rest of the class, read some other poems on the site.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Daily Warm Up for Monday, January 3

1. Write down your homework!

2. Choose one of the folded slips of paper that are taped to the board. Go to a computer and look up the definition of that word. Write it down in the vocab section of your binder AND in the comment section below.

3. Now go to this website: http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/200 and start browsing through poems until you find 3 examples of your word. Write down each of the examples in the comment section below. Include the name of the poem and the poet who wrote it.