Simple Sentences

Links to Ms. Graham's Science H/W
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html


Again ...Kudos to  Scott and Austin. F for their 100% scores on the first spelling test and correct bonus question.
Well done to Andrew and Lindsey for your 100% scores

 It is clear that some of you are still confused about appositives.  I have  an extra worksheet on this topic if you would like a little more practice. Please come and see me tomorrow if you would like one for extra credit.

It is VITAL  that you spend a few minutes thinking about the 'simple sentences' techniques we introduced in class today. Maybe you can use a few of them to tell me your opinions about the 'traits' of effective writing. Plus points for any notable contributions. Make sure you are comfortable with the terms
'participle phrase' and 'infinitives' and how they are used to open sentences.

From today's session....
Always avoid starting sentences with these words
There is/are -There was/were - Then – And – Because
Pronouns (I We They etc.)
Start sentences instead with:
Technique 1: Starting with a Noun
Mary played tennis with her friends. OR The boys enjoyed the food.
Your example
________________________________________________________________________

Technique 2: Starting with an Adjective
Beautiful trees line both sides of the road. OR An incessant noise droned in the background.
Your example
________________________________________________________________________

Technique 3: Start with an Adverb + Comma
Gradually, the incessant noise began to diminish. OR Slowly, the children headed out to recess.
Your example
________________________________________________________________________

Technique 4: Start with a Verb (known as a participle phrase) verb + ing + noun
Working with their partners, the students finished the assignment.
Your example
________________________________________________________________________

Technique 5: Starting with an Infinitive (to + verb)
To live in Hawaii is the dream of my life. OR To help others is a noble occupation.
Your example
________________________________________________________________________
Technique 6: ‘Doubles and Triples’

Your sentences will be descriptive from now on...won't they?

Homework Sheet - Week 4

Over the weekend, review your folder. Is it tidy? Is it organized?
Maybe you want to make a list of the new skills/strategies/techniques you've learned so far on a page of your day book e.g. proof reading techniques, appositives etc.

Our 'journey' has begun...We are still in first gear, but we are about to charge up those engines... Hold on tight!

Phrase of the Week
A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor

Vocabulary of the Week
stereotype

The Immigration Debate

Thank you for your comments and opinions in our class debate today. I really appreciated your willingness to examine this very challenging topic from different perspectives. Special kudos on this point to Shaw-Well done!  Let's continue our discussion on the blog. Feel free to comment more on today's topic:

How can we protect our borders from illegal immigrants but still remain true to the freedoms and principles that define what it means to be 'An American'?

< Family Seal Activity Be 'VERY' careful and ensure that you follow the WILF for this assignment.

Your seal 'must' include the following:

• 
  
  clear balance of between 4-8 appropriate SYMBOLS organized in a symmetrical way
• 
  
  a title
• 
  
  a  motto
• 
  
  whole seal inside a shape
• 
  
  each symbol clearly named AND explained
• 
  
  NEATLY presented.
• 
  
  No writing inside seal apart from the motto

I strongly suggest that you do avery rough draft copy for Friday.

Don't forget to study for your spelling test on Friday. Remember study 'smart' not hard!

Homework Sheet - Week 3

Watch these videos again to review what we did in class today on 'Speed Reading'. I have also added a couple of extra ones that are on the same topic. Enjoy teaching somebody else our new strategies!










Don't forget that your 'A Boy's Story H/W' is due in by the end of study Hall tomorrow

Reading Strategies Assessment (Fri Sept 10th)

For 'Friday's Reading Strategies Assessment' use these activties below to practice. You do not have to do all the exercises. You should attempt at least one from each section over the next week. The test is OPEN BOOK and NOTE NOTES. This means that ANYTHING you have created to study from, you can use during the test itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgaSmJKR9HM
Context Clues Practicehttp://www.english-zone.com/vocab/vic01.html
(add at least 5 of the new vocab words to your Daybook)

Parts of Speech Practice

http://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider_vocabulary_1/0,1682,11839-,00.html
Go to 'word clues' and do exercise 1+2

Practice with Appositives
http://palc.sd40.bc.ca/palc/Quiz/grammar/appositive21.htm  (ignore first question)
http://www.quia.com/pop/8755.html?AP_rand=1733434232
http://www.quia.com/cb/28810.html

Clarification and Question
Write three clarifcations and three questions about this picture

Other
Make sure you are comfortable writing a prediction paragraph based on a piece of text