Monday, October 5, 2015

Projects:
Today we started really studying chemical reactions and what happens during one. I did a demonstration with a candle. The kids are really starting to understand that chemical reactions happen when atoms from certain molecules rearrange themselves to form completely new substances. Tomorrow we will experiment with baking soda, dish soap and vinegar. :)

8th Grade Reading:
Flocabulary's "Week in Rap" was interesting, as usual. We had great discussions about the past week's current events. Flocabulary homework is due this Thursday.
Poetry annotations due Wednesday on "The Run."
Students should read to chapter 11 of section 2 in Ghost Hawk by tomorrow (assigned last Thursday).

7th Grade Reading:
We did the same Flocabulary "Week in Rap" lesson that I did with 8th grade. The students are making important connections, and I'm enjoying hearing all of their well formulated opinions.
Flocabulary homework due Thursday.
Poetry Annotation on "Old Lester Darby" due Wednesday
Story Elements Quiz on Monday, 10/12 (students will be given the terms tomorrow).

Writing:
Students continue to work on their argumentative essay (still in the outline phase). Ask your student what their issue is. They got to choose and I'm loving working with them on these. We will focus on the development of a thesis statement, using evidence to support ideas and effective transitions in this paper. My goal is to get a strong piece of writing every two weeks from these guys. We are not there yet, but we will be soon!

Please send in any auction items. We will have another auction next Thursday, October 15. The students are earning money much faster than losing it (this is a good thing!)