Mrs. Murray's Words

Today, we reviewed sentence combining questions that are very similar to the ones that will appear on the 9 weeks test.

Then we went over the study guides (Act 1, 2, and 3) for the Romeo and Juliet test.  Students are to use those to study for the test.  I passed out a list of definitions for literary terms.  Students are to study the definitions for the words listed on the study guide.

Then we read and discussed the last portion of Act 3.

Homework:  Study for your test.  Bring your completed study guide for a homework grade. 

Students may begin to study for the big 9 weeks test by studying the entire list of literary terms on the sheet.

Yippee!  We’ve finished Romeo and Juliet in all classes except 4th (and you have only a couple of pages).

Today, we brainstormed who is most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet and examined supporting reasons.

We then read Romeo and Juliet and discussed key passages.

Block 7 also got to finish watching the film version. We’ll try to work in some time for this on Thursday in the other blocks.

In blocks 2, 4, and 7, we went over sample sentence revision questions for the 9 weeks’ test.  Block 6, you will do this on Thursday.

Homework: Make sure that you have a total of 5 GREAT quotes for foreshadowing in Romeo and Juliet.  You need the context (what’s going on), the speaker, and the meaning.  Also make sure that you know the chronological order.

On Thursday, we will write a timed essay on foreshadowing.  I will give you a prompt and 35 minutes.  You will construct a response that shows off your ability to integrate quotes (therefore, you must have some to use, duh).

You will be allowed to use your quotes, notes, and book.  You are not allowed to use other people’s analysis of the foreshadowing.  This will be a quiz grade.

If you are still struggling with your grade, you may wish to complete this poster.  It is worth 5 points on your Romeo and Juliet TEST!

Select 1 of these literary terms and design a poster to TEACH it to the class:

Apostrophe

Allusion

Dramatic Irony

Dynamic Character

Foreshadowing

Iambic Pentameter

Monologue

Pun

Situational Irony

Soliloquy

Static Character

Your poster must be full sized and it must include information from Romeo and Juliet. Be sure to include a definition of the term.  The wording should be large enough to be seen from the back of the room. 

Please print your name on the back.  Make it very noticeable.

To earn the full 5 points, the poster must be neat, creative, and detailed!

This is due on or before April 14.  I will not accept the poster after that date.

Today, we began our review for the 9 weeks test by practicing sentence combining.  Then we read Romeo and Juliet and watched a portion of the movie.

Your homework is to locate 3 examples of foreshadowing in Romeo and Juliet.  Copy the quotes into your notebook and include the line numbers and the context.

You will use these next week in a timed writing, so make sure that you have them!

As I alerted you in class today, you will need a copy of Lord of the Flies to use for reading at home.  If your family will have financial difficulty in securing a copy, please see me privately and I will loan you a copy.

We will start the novel after reading A Separate Peace in class.  Expect to use it beginning the first week of May.

SELECT 1 of these JOURNAL topics to complete for homework.  If you are missing a journal entry (look at today’s progress report), you may do a second one and I will accept it for a late grade.

Remember: Write on the front side– 1 full page.

2.5 – Describe a time when you waited desperately for something – news, a holiday, or a family event. Include your thoughts and feelings as you waited.

 2.6 – How important is parental approval to the success of a marriage?

 3.2 – Write about your feelings if you were told you were banished from your home and city. Argue whether you think it is the worst possible thing that could happen.

 3.3 – Can adults understand? Are adults able to understand how a young person feels? List some situations which might be difficult for adults and teenagers to have common views.

Yesterday, we had a wonderful turn-out for our grammar tutorial–over 25 students attended.  As promised, I have entered the new quiz grade for participials and prepositional phrases.  It went into Gradespeed beside the earlier grade so the computer will take the higher of the two.  Thanks for your effort!

Today, we reviewed briefly for the Romeo and Juliet test and then we completed the test.

There is no homework!  Please rest up. I will be assigning a new paper on Friday. (Sorry!:))

I did alert you to ask your parents to secure a copy of Lord of the Flies for you to use.  You will need it in early May.  We will read complete R & J and read Separate Peace before you need the novel.

Today, we accomplished the following:

1. Mrs. Williams, the 9th grade guidance counselor, provided the class with an overview of the scheduling procedures for next year.  She will return soon to meet with each student individually.

2. I introduced appositive phrases and then we completed a classwork grade on the concept.  We complete a classwork on Thursday for the appositive phrases.

3. I reviewed literary terms in preparation for Thursday’s quiz.

For Thursday, please expect the literary terms quiz and an open note quiz on Romeo and Juliet. 

Please check your grades on Gradespeed.  I have entered all of the grades that I have EXCEPT for your most recent essay.  We will have at least 3 more test grades before the end of the grading period.

In blocks 2, 4, and 6, we completed the following today:

1. Reviewed and took our vocabulary test

2. Went over sample questions for the Romeo and Juliet test (Wednesday)

3. Went over the Act II quiz

4. Reviewed the difference between primary and secondary sources and between source and note cards (notes for the 9 weeks test)

I handed out study guides to all blocks.  You are welcome to work with a buddy on these.  It will be 1 homework grade (your last for the nine weeks).  Stop where your class finished reading.

In block 7, we reviewed and took our vocabulary test.  Then I briefly went over the sample questions for the literature test.  I gave you your study guides on Friday and we went over the Act II quiz then as well.

HOMEWORK: Complete your study guides and study for your literature test.

I handed out a comprehension study guide and went over these questions:

Romeo and Juliet Test Review Questions

We also went over the Act II quiz and I am attaching a hard copy because I have not passed back all of these.

Romeo and Juliet Act II Quiz

Don’t forget that the TEST is on Wednesday!