Gretchen Buis - Language Arts

 My best wishes to all for a happy 2010!  My objective this week is just to help students reacclimate to  an academic schedule. Consequently, we will focus on concrete material:  vocabulary Lesson 6 and the grammar text book: indefinite pronouns, introductory adverbial clauses, verb phrases, subject/verb agreement. I  will also use the vocabulary book for reading comprehension passages.  The eights will finish The Odyssey this  week. One section of the  sevens will be reading Tom Sawyer and the other will read Tuck Everlasting.  The sixes will be working on mythology. Exams will include works we have read, summer reading that we have discussed in class; the first seven vocabulary lessons; memory work (prepositions and linking verbs for example); and grammar in terms of writing clear, well organized, mechanically correct essay answers. I will be much more specific with students in class next week. The eights will begin Macbeth next week and then move into Great Expectations.  In February, the sevens will work on Roll of Thunder. The sixes will work on selections in the literature text. I hope the above information provides a tentative guideline.  Finally, my thank you to all for your thoughtful Christmas gifts.  I have thanked the students in class but my appreciation also  goes to their parents.  As the students know, I am still savoring the anticipation of opening them.  Your thoughts and wishes are just nice to  enjoy as I look at the packages, cards, and notes.  Thank you for all  you have shared with me.