Gretchen Buis - Language Arts

 The Middle Schoolers are doing a wonderful job!  Thank you to all.  Last week in English we were getting straight logistically: English notebook, paper, tabs, inkpens, composition book.  Books will include new vocabulary workbooks, sixth and seventh grade Terra Nova comprehension workbbooks, grammar texts, and literature texts.  This week's writing assignment will be "Who Am I" types of writing which will be posted in the classroom for Parent's Night.  We will also begin work with the first lesson in the vocabulary workbook, preview the "Approach to Writing"  in the grammar text as well as begin  review of the  the grammar basics - nouns, verbs, subjects and predicates.  Literature these next weeks will focus on summer reading emphasizing Walk Two Moons for the sixes, The Giver for the sevens and The Outsiders for the eights.  My plans are always the ideal but hopefully I adapt to student questions and discussions. Though assignments are on the board, I dictate assignments hoping to emphasize - and practice - listening skills. On Friday, 9/11, I will again read to all 3 classes a 9/11 essay, "Rock My World "written by one of our  sixth graders shortly after the tragedy.