Thursday, September 10, 2009
"My Friend Lucy Who Smells Like Corn" Option B
Choose two symbols in the piece Mericans that you consider especially significant. What do they symbolize and why do they stand out to you as symbols?
"My Friend Lucy Who Smells Like Corn" Option A
What is the mood of the piece Salvador Late or Early? What details convey that mood to you the most? Why?
Homework for Week of 9/10
Triplets
- Read all of the vignettes in "My Friend Lucy Who Smells Like Corn" and answer one blog post option, DUE MONDAY, 9/14
-Send me a current, regularly checked email address at tgrattan@manhattancountryschool.org
8th Grade
- Wordly Wise Lesson 1 Exercises, DUE MONDAY 9/14
7th Grade
- Wordly Wise Lesson 1 Exercises, DUE WEDNESDAY 9/16
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Welcome to English!!
WELCOME TO ENGLISH, September 2009
It is going to be a very exiting year in English! In our literature classes, we will explore the relationship between the individual and society in books like A Catcher in the Rye and Persepolis. How is an individual shaped by the society that he or she lives in? How too can an individual influence his or her society? How do societies accept and reject individuals? How do religion, politics, and social norms play a role?
Our writing classes will focus on creative and expository writing, as well as vocabulary building and grammar. The 7th grade writing curriculum includes units on poetry, persuasive essays, and autobiography. 8th grade will writing focus on persuasive writing as well, along with units on short fiction and journalism.
Your effort mark for English will be determined through the following five categories:
Participation
Class participation is key, both in our writing and literature classes. Discussion and group work make up a substantial part of our work in class, so please come to class with questions and comments about the readings.
Homework
You should expect homework on most nights, often short reading and reading response assignments. While many assignments will be short-term, there will be a number of long-term assignments and projects, particularly in writing. One of the goals in 7th and 8th grade is for students to learn how to manage time, so if you are given, for example, two weeks to complete an assignment, that assignment should be worked on a little bit each day for the entire two-week period.
Class Journal
This year you have been asked to provide a journal that will remain in class at all times. In this journal I will ask you to respond to a particular idea from the assigned reading. It is meant to be a place for you to deepen your thinking, so my comments and grades for the journals will focus primarily on the depth of your thinking, the detail with which you answer a question and the thought you give in creating your own arguments.
Essays and Formal Assignments
While the journal gives you a chance to figure out your ideas, it is through revision, organization and carefully constructed arguments that each of you will develop your critical and analytical writing skills. Most essays will include numerous drafts, and creative assignments such as character monologues will be written in first and final drafts as well. The focus on revision is key in developing as a writer, so grades for each assignment will look both at the effort you put into the early drafts and outlines, as well as the way in which you use revision to create a strong and thoughtful final draft.
Quizzes and Tests
There will be quizzes, both announced and unannounced, as well as tests on the books we read and for vocabulary. Please be sure to come to class prepared each day. Tests will be less frequent. For each test, students will be given ample notice as well as in-class review sessions.
Materials
Please be sure to have the following by our first day of triplets:
- Two notebooks
- One 3 subject notebook
- One journal/notebook that will stay in school, at least 100 pages long
- A section in your binder for Literature and one for Writing/Grammar
- An English Folder
- Something to write with!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
SUMMER HOMEWORK
*****Note: This letter was written to students entering the 8th Grade in the fall. Those entering 7th grade in September should only follow the ENGLISH portion of the letter (the latter half)*******
Have a Great Summer!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
May 27, 2009
Dear 7th graders and 7th grade families:
Here’s the summer homework assignment for your class. We collaborated to put together an assignment that will prepare students for the standardized tests they will take next year and for the 8th grade in general. For the test prep assignment, students need to purchase The Princeton Review Cracking the SSAT & ISEE 2009 Edition. This book is available at most major bookstores, as well as online.
TEST PREPERATION
Because students will not be taking the specialized high school test (SHSAT) or the ISEE/SSAT until later in the fall, it makes the most sense to focus on expanding vocabulary, solidifying basic math skills, and continuing to read and write during the summer months. Students taking high school entrance exams should plan to study test taking strategies closer to the test date so the material is fresh in their minds (either in a test prep class, at MCS, or on their own). Everyone is welcome to use this book to do practice problems, however (SSAT chapters 5-10 and ISEE chapters 15-20). Practicing the ISEE questions may help students prepare for the CTP IV, which students will take during the September/October farm weeks, as both tests are written by ERB. We will also use the Princeton Review book next year in high school placement class.
In the Princeton Review book (students can write their answers in the book) –
Vocabulary
□ Read pp. 22-31
□ Complete the 13 Word Webs on pp. 32-45 (you can use the word parts index on pp. 74-76)
□ Make flashcards for any words you didn’t know in the Word Webs
□ Read the words in the Hit Parade (pp. 47-73) and make flashcards for words you don’t know
Math
DO NOT USE A CALCULATOR – THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE TEST
□ Read and complete the 24 Practice Drills and 2 Review Drills in pp. 56-103
[Some of these problems will be review – some may be new information.]
□ Correct the drills using the answer key in chapter 3 (pp. 106-111)
□ Read and complete the Multiple Choice section in pp. 390-410
[This section will help you practice for the CTP IV.]
□ Correct your answers to Multiple Choice Practice Drills 1 & 2 using p. 510
□ Read the Quantitative Comparison section in pp. 434-436. Complete Practice Drill 10 on p. 436 and Drill 12 on pp. 439-40.
[This section will help you practice for the CTP IV.]
□ Correct your answers to QC Practice Drills10 and 12 using p. 511.
Optional: Reading and completing Practice Drills 3-8, 11, and 13 in the ISEE math section (pp. 410-444) would be a helpful boost to your math test taking skills. If you have time, and especially if you are taking the ISEE, these exercises are highly recommended.
Practice Test – ISEE OR SciHi
The more test questions you do, the more prepared you will be when you take the test. You should take your practice test after you have done the above math and vocabulary studying, so that your score reflects your new knowledge. Please take the practice tests as though you are in a real testing situation, so you can work on your pacing. Time yourself, take the test in one sitting with short breaks between sections, and carefully fill in the bubbles on the answer sheet. Choose one OR the other depending on which schools interest you more. Students may choose to do both.
□ Princeton Review Upper Level ISEE Practice Test – chapter 21, pp. 607-644 (including the essay) [Please correct your test using the key on p 720.]
OR
□ Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (copy included) [Please correct your test using the answer key provided.]
PLEASE TURN IN YOUR PRINCETON REVIEW BOOK WITH COMPLETED WORD WEBS AND CORRECTED MATH SECTIONS, YOUR FLASHCARDS, AND YOUR CORRECTED TEST ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
ENGLISH
Part I: Read a minimum of four books (one classic, one realistic fiction, one sci-fi or fantasy, and one free choice) to a maximum of infinity. (Read as much as you can.)
For each book:
1) Write a one-page response to the book, including strongest scenes, favorite characters, specific opinions, and interesting analysis. Your response should answer one of the following questions:
• How did the main character(s) change in the book?
• What was the biggest surprise in the book (plot, character, etc.)? Explain the surprise. Why was it so surprising to you?
• What was your favorite aspect of the book (character, action, tone, humor, writing style, etc.)?
• How does the book relate to you (your experiences, feelings, perspectives)?
2) If you read more than four, please keep a running list of the books’ titles and authors (you don’t have to do the above). Please do not read A Catcher in the Rye, The Crucible, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind or A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Part II: Read at least 6 articles from magazines and/or newspapers that generally include vocabulary that you aren’t familiar with (The New York Times, Time, National Geographic, The Economist, etc.). Identify words you don’t know in each article, look up definitions, and create sentences using each word. Write each definition and example sentence on an individual index card. Those cards will be put on our Summer Vocabulary Wall on the first day of school.
Part III: Everyone should buy and read this year’s community book, A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. We will discuss this book as a 5th floor during the opening days of school.
PLEASE TURN IN YOUR 4 RESPONSES TO TOM ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
Wishing you all restful and stimulating summers. You’re a fabulous 8th grade already!
Carol, Tom, and Cynthia
Have a Great Summer!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
May 27, 2009
Dear 7th graders and 7th grade families:
Here’s the summer homework assignment for your class. We collaborated to put together an assignment that will prepare students for the standardized tests they will take next year and for the 8th grade in general. For the test prep assignment, students need to purchase The Princeton Review Cracking the SSAT & ISEE 2009 Edition. This book is available at most major bookstores, as well as online.
TEST PREPERATION
Because students will not be taking the specialized high school test (SHSAT) or the ISEE/SSAT until later in the fall, it makes the most sense to focus on expanding vocabulary, solidifying basic math skills, and continuing to read and write during the summer months. Students taking high school entrance exams should plan to study test taking strategies closer to the test date so the material is fresh in their minds (either in a test prep class, at MCS, or on their own). Everyone is welcome to use this book to do practice problems, however (SSAT chapters 5-10 and ISEE chapters 15-20). Practicing the ISEE questions may help students prepare for the CTP IV, which students will take during the September/October farm weeks, as both tests are written by ERB. We will also use the Princeton Review book next year in high school placement class.
In the Princeton Review book (students can write their answers in the book) –
Vocabulary
□ Read pp. 22-31
□ Complete the 13 Word Webs on pp. 32-45 (you can use the word parts index on pp. 74-76)
□ Make flashcards for any words you didn’t know in the Word Webs
□ Read the words in the Hit Parade (pp. 47-73) and make flashcards for words you don’t know
Math
DO NOT USE A CALCULATOR – THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE TEST
□ Read and complete the 24 Practice Drills and 2 Review Drills in pp. 56-103
[Some of these problems will be review – some may be new information.]
□ Correct the drills using the answer key in chapter 3 (pp. 106-111)
□ Read and complete the Multiple Choice section in pp. 390-410
[This section will help you practice for the CTP IV.]
□ Correct your answers to Multiple Choice Practice Drills 1 & 2 using p. 510
□ Read the Quantitative Comparison section in pp. 434-436. Complete Practice Drill 10 on p. 436 and Drill 12 on pp. 439-40.
[This section will help you practice for the CTP IV.]
□ Correct your answers to QC Practice Drills10 and 12 using p. 511.
Optional: Reading and completing Practice Drills 3-8, 11, and 13 in the ISEE math section (pp. 410-444) would be a helpful boost to your math test taking skills. If you have time, and especially if you are taking the ISEE, these exercises are highly recommended.
Practice Test – ISEE OR SciHi
The more test questions you do, the more prepared you will be when you take the test. You should take your practice test after you have done the above math and vocabulary studying, so that your score reflects your new knowledge. Please take the practice tests as though you are in a real testing situation, so you can work on your pacing. Time yourself, take the test in one sitting with short breaks between sections, and carefully fill in the bubbles on the answer sheet. Choose one OR the other depending on which schools interest you more. Students may choose to do both.
□ Princeton Review Upper Level ISEE Practice Test – chapter 21, pp. 607-644 (including the essay) [Please correct your test using the key on p 720.]
OR
□ Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (copy included) [Please correct your test using the answer key provided.]
PLEASE TURN IN YOUR PRINCETON REVIEW BOOK WITH COMPLETED WORD WEBS AND CORRECTED MATH SECTIONS, YOUR FLASHCARDS, AND YOUR CORRECTED TEST ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
ENGLISH
Part I: Read a minimum of four books (one classic, one realistic fiction, one sci-fi or fantasy, and one free choice) to a maximum of infinity. (Read as much as you can.)
For each book:
1) Write a one-page response to the book, including strongest scenes, favorite characters, specific opinions, and interesting analysis. Your response should answer one of the following questions:
• How did the main character(s) change in the book?
• What was the biggest surprise in the book (plot, character, etc.)? Explain the surprise. Why was it so surprising to you?
• What was your favorite aspect of the book (character, action, tone, humor, writing style, etc.)?
• How does the book relate to you (your experiences, feelings, perspectives)?
2) If you read more than four, please keep a running list of the books’ titles and authors (you don’t have to do the above). Please do not read A Catcher in the Rye, The Crucible, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind or A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Part II: Read at least 6 articles from magazines and/or newspapers that generally include vocabulary that you aren’t familiar with (The New York Times, Time, National Geographic, The Economist, etc.). Identify words you don’t know in each article, look up definitions, and create sentences using each word. Write each definition and example sentence on an individual index card. Those cards will be put on our Summer Vocabulary Wall on the first day of school.
Part III: Everyone should buy and read this year’s community book, A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. We will discuss this book as a 5th floor during the opening days of school.
PLEASE TURN IN YOUR 4 RESPONSES TO TOM ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
Wishing you all restful and stimulating summers. You’re a fabulous 8th grade already!
Carol, Tom, and Cynthia
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
"Jack" Post #1
In the opening of the book, we see Jack's very strong reaction to his father's revelation about his sexuality. How does he react? What factors make his reaction so intense?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Homework for Week of 5/19 and Beyond
Thursday, 5/21
• Finish Romeo and Juliet and bring two fantastic discussions
• Perform and get feedback on Shakespeare Teaching Project
Tuesday, 5/26
• Final Prep and Rehearsal for Shakespeare Project
Wednesday, 5/27
• Upper School Assembly—Shakespeare Teaching Project Performed!
Thursday, 5/28
• Jack pp 1-56 and blog post
Monday, 6/1
• Jack pp 56-125
• 7th Grade: Wordly Wise 10 Exercises
Tuesday, 6/2
• Finish Jack and final blog
Thursday, 6/4
• WORDLY WISE, 6-10 Test
• Finish Romeo and Juliet and bring two fantastic discussions
• Perform and get feedback on Shakespeare Teaching Project
Tuesday, 5/26
• Final Prep and Rehearsal for Shakespeare Project
Wednesday, 5/27
• Upper School Assembly—Shakespeare Teaching Project Performed!
Thursday, 5/28
• Jack pp 1-56 and blog post
Monday, 6/1
• Jack pp 56-125
• 7th Grade: Wordly Wise 10 Exercises
Tuesday, 6/2
• Finish Jack and final blog
Thursday, 6/4
• WORDLY WISE, 6-10 Test
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