Vocabulary Unit 2a

This week you will study the first ten words from Unit 2 of Vocabulary Workshop (pages 28 & 29). You will complete a variety of activities using these words. Some exercises will be done in class, and some assignments will be done as homework. This week’s words are also listed below for your convenience.

1. antics 6. detriment

2. avowed 7. durable

3. banter 8. enterprising

4. bountiful 9. frugal

5. congested 10. gingerly

Due Wednesday, September 30th: On a separate sheet of notebook paper define each word listed above. You may use the definitions listed in Vocabulary Workshop or those found in a dictionary.

Due Thursday, October 1st: On a separate sheet of notebook paper use each word in a sentence that demonstrates that you understand its meaning.

A quiz over these ten words will be given on Friday, October 2nd.

Reading Log #3 Due Monday, October 5th

Remember to read 30 pages outside of class and complete three log entries this week. Again, the task is to summarize and react to what you are reading about every ten pages. You may read fiction or nonfiction, magazines or newspapers.

Welcome to Ms. Barnes’ Blog

Yes, you’ve found our 8th Grade Block Blog! I hope that you and your parents will find it helpful in tracking our class activities and homework assignments. This week we will complete the Easy CBM Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary district tests on Wednesday and Friday, as well as welcoming a guest speaker from the Peace Jam movement on Thursday. Also, we are looking forward to Open House here at Monroe on Thursday evening (September 24th). See you in class.

Reading Log #2 Due Monday, September 28th

Remember that you are responsible for 30 pages of outside reading each week. For Reading Log #2, you are supposed to summarize and react about every ten pages. If you are an avid reader, you may wish to summarize and react every 20 pages. Relax and enjoy whatever you are reading -- short stories, novels, newspapers, biographies, game manuals, etc. Your reading log should include three well written entries each week.

Vocabulary Assignment

This week we are studying the second half of the words from Unit 1 in Vocabulary Workshop (pages 22 & 23). Definitions are due on Wednesday, September 23rd; sentences are due on Thursday, September 24th; and there will be a quiz over these words on Friday, September 25th.

The words are listed below:

11. hover 16. revert

12. jostle 17. rubble

13. laggard 18. servile

14. plaudits 19. vigil

15. preclude 20. wrangle

Paragraphs Based on Grandparent Survey

Now that you have interviewed your grandparent/parent/guardian, you will use that information to write a paragraph or two to introduce them as our links to "Living History." Using the purple survey sheet, combine answers to create a short but compelling character study of your relative. Be sure you use what you have learned in class about writing powerful paragraphs. See the reminders below.

A powerful paragraph includes:

1. A topic or main idea sentence that captures the reader's attention

2. Supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea

3. A variety of sentences -- including short, medium

4. Correct capitalization, grammar, spelling, and punctuation

5. A concluding sentence that echoes or extends the main idea

Although we will begin writing these paragraphs in class, you should expect to finish this assignment as homework. Your final copy should be written in blue or black ink or word processed. Your completed piece of writing, along with a drawing/clipping/photo, is due at the beginning of Language Arts class on Wednesday, September 23rd . This assignment is worth 30 points. Late assignments will receive reduced credit.