January 29 - February 2

Literature / Composition

This week students will read Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Bells."  Students are going to focus on sound devices and structure and how these elements contribute to meaning.  To complement these skills, students will be required to complete Sound and Structure on Study Island.  We will finish the week with students writing an essay about how the sound in the poem contributes to its meaning.

Students will also learn about how authors use tone.  As part of this lesson, students will read an excerpt from King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail."  Students will be tasked with determining what tone is created by the words and phrases that King chooses to use in his writing.  To complement this lesson, students are required to complete Tone and Mood on Study Island.

*Students must earn a blue ribbon to pass their Study Island assignments

January 22 - January 26

English Lit / English Comp

This week we are going to try to wrap up everything that we started before all of the snow last week. 

We will finish researching/outlining our arguments and present our findings during a debate. 

Additionally, we will be reviewing prepositional phrases, fragments and run-ons

Below you will find some pictures of students collecting data.

January 15 - January 19

English Lit/ English Comp

Required Study Island topics for 2nd marking period (due by midnight January 17th):
Central Ideas
Multiple Meaning Words
Connotation and Denotation
Elements of Plot
Textual Evidence
Context Clues

Students will take the "Thank You, M'am" selection test on Monday. 

Throughout the week, students will learn to evaluate arguments by tracing and evaluating the claims in a text and assessing whether or not the reasoning is sound and the evidence is sufficient to support the claims.  This work will culminate in a debate.

Students will also work on a literary analysis paper examining how particular elements of a story interact.

Hopefully the weather doesn't derail my plans this week!


Students playing prepositional phrase bad day charades/ participating in stations:

January 9 - January 12

English Lit / English Comp

Hello!  It seems like we can't catch a break lately in terms of weather.  Because of delays, cancellations, and early dismissal, the "Thank You, M'am" selection test will be on Monday.  We will spend the rest of the week preparing for the test by reviewing the elements of plot, multiple meaning words, and prepositions.  We will also be working on a literary analysis paper.

As always, it is never too early to start preparing for the selection test.  Below you will find the study guide and some additional practice.

Plot Additional Practice
Prepositions Additional Practice
"Thank You, M'am" Study Guide
Vocab Additional Practice
Additional Practice Answer Key

Required Study Island Topics for 2nd marking period (due January 17th):
Central Ideas
Multiple Meaning Words
Connotation and Denotation
Elements of Plot
Textual Evidence
Context Clues

Thank you!
Mrs. Fowler