WEEK OF MAY 31
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Using commas in a series (including the Oxford comma), direct and indirect objects
HW: Handout--Direct objects: underline subjects and verbs, circle the direct object; Indirect objects: circle the indirect objects
7/8 LA -- Using hyphens, parentheses, dashes
HW: Page 329 ex 1-10, 15-18
5/6 SS -- Canada--A Mosaic; Quebec
No HW
7/8 SS -- Meet with grade 4 to give advice about Middle School, Social Studies trivia
No HW
WEDNESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Check Direct Object and Indirect Object homework, grammar review game
7/8 LA -- Fix grammatical errors comprehensive review game
5/6 SS -- Quebec and Saskatchewan
7/8 SS -- Comprehensive Social Studies review game
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Balderdash--a dictionary game
7/8 LA -- Balderdash--a dictionary game
5/6 SS -- British Columbia, review of the 5 Themes of Geography
7/8 SS -- The Platinum Celebration of Queen Elizabeth
HAVE A BLESSED AND SAFE SUMMER! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Using commas in a series (including the Oxford comma), direct and indirect objects
HW: Handout--Direct objects: underline subjects and verbs, circle the direct object; Indirect objects: circle the indirect objects
7/8 LA -- Using hyphens, parentheses, dashes
HW: Page 329 ex 1-10, 15-18
5/6 SS -- Canada--A Mosaic; Quebec
No HW
7/8 SS -- Meet with grade 4 to give advice about Middle School, Social Studies trivia
No HW
WEDNESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Check Direct Object and Indirect Object homework, grammar review game
7/8 LA -- Fix grammatical errors comprehensive review game
5/6 SS -- Quebec and Saskatchewan
7/8 SS -- Comprehensive Social Studies review game
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Balderdash--a dictionary game
7/8 LA -- Balderdash--a dictionary game
5/6 SS -- British Columbia, review of the 5 Themes of Geography
7/8 SS -- The Platinum Celebration of Queen Elizabeth
HAVE A BLESSED AND SAFE SUMMER! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
WEEK OF MAY 23
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- Review proper nouns and adjectives; how to address and envelope
HW: Read
No more spelling tests this year
7/8 LA -- Review proper nouns and adjectives; how to address and envelope, using commas in addresses
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Finish open book quiz; label and color Canadian provinces; study for Western US map quiz
Western US map quiz tomorrow
7/8 SS -- Discuss Italy reading and thought questions; Begin watching Iceland Discovery Channel
No HW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Commas in dates, addresses, and lists
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Commas in dates and addresses; hyphens, dashes, and parentheses
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Western US map quiz; Canada--A Mosaic
No HW
7/8 SS -- Iceland--Ultimate Journeys Discovery Channel
Take notes on things that are interesting to you
No HW
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- Review proper nouns and adjectives; how to address and envelope
HW: Read
No more spelling tests this year
7/8 LA -- Review proper nouns and adjectives; how to address and envelope, using commas in addresses
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Finish open book quiz; label and color Canadian provinces; study for Western US map quiz
Western US map quiz tomorrow
7/8 SS -- Discuss Italy reading and thought questions; Begin watching Iceland Discovery Channel
No HW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Commas in dates, addresses, and lists
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Commas in dates and addresses; hyphens, dashes, and parentheses
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Western US map quiz; Canada--A Mosaic
No HW
7/8 SS -- Iceland--Ultimate Journeys Discovery Channel
Take notes on things that are interesting to you
No HW
WEEK OF MAY 16
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling review "test"
NO MORE spelling tests this year
HW: Read
Book report DUE Friday
7/8 LA -- Working with verbals and adverbs
Book report DUE Friday
5/6 SS -- Read about the Midwest
Midwest map quiz TOMORROW
7/8 SS -- Review Western Europe map; "Overthrow the Czar" game
Western Europe map quiz TOMORROW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Identifying and working with adverbs
HW: Page 221 ex 7-12
Second book report DUE Friday
7/8 LA -- Working with adverbs
Second book report DUE Friday
5/6 SS -- Midwest map quiz; we continued answering questions on Midwest handout
QUIZ on the Midwest THURSDAY
7/8 SS -- Western Europe map quiz; Rick Steves Spain video
No HW
WEDNESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Edit research paper; write using many expressive adverbs
No spelling test this week
Book report DUE Friday
7/8 LA -- Comparing with adverbs
HW: Page 247 ex 12 - 25
Book report DUE Friday
5/6 SS -- Go over answers of Midwest handout; study with a buddy; fill out Western US map
Midwest quiz tomorrow
7/8 SS -- Finish Spain video; Stockholm, Sweden video
No HW
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Finish editing and printing research papers; share stories using adverbs; using "well" or "good"
HW: Book report due tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Adverb or adjective?
HW: Book report due tomorrow
5/6 SS -- Midwest quiz; check Western states map; Reda The West section from text
Western states quiz TUESDAY
7/8 SS -- Finish Stockholm, Sweden; watch Ireland
No HW
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling game--no test today
Last book report due today
7/8 LA -- Identifying adjectives and adverbs and using them correctly
HW: page 251 ex 6-18; page 269 ex 10-18
5/6 SS -- The Santa Fe Trail; The West
Read pages 105-109. Fill in handout. This will be graded. We will finish it on Monday at school.
Western US map quiz Tuesday
7/8 SS -- Finish Ireland video; Read Italy in textbook and answer thought questions on the handout.
No HW
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling review "test"
NO MORE spelling tests this year
HW: Read
Book report DUE Friday
7/8 LA -- Working with verbals and adverbs
Book report DUE Friday
5/6 SS -- Read about the Midwest
Midwest map quiz TOMORROW
7/8 SS -- Review Western Europe map; "Overthrow the Czar" game
Western Europe map quiz TOMORROW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Identifying and working with adverbs
HW: Page 221 ex 7-12
Second book report DUE Friday
7/8 LA -- Working with adverbs
Second book report DUE Friday
5/6 SS -- Midwest map quiz; we continued answering questions on Midwest handout
QUIZ on the Midwest THURSDAY
7/8 SS -- Western Europe map quiz; Rick Steves Spain video
No HW
WEDNESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Edit research paper; write using many expressive adverbs
No spelling test this week
Book report DUE Friday
7/8 LA -- Comparing with adverbs
HW: Page 247 ex 12 - 25
Book report DUE Friday
5/6 SS -- Go over answers of Midwest handout; study with a buddy; fill out Western US map
Midwest quiz tomorrow
7/8 SS -- Finish Spain video; Stockholm, Sweden video
No HW
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Finish editing and printing research papers; share stories using adverbs; using "well" or "good"
HW: Book report due tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Adverb or adjective?
HW: Book report due tomorrow
5/6 SS -- Midwest quiz; check Western states map; Reda The West section from text
Western states quiz TUESDAY
7/8 SS -- Finish Stockholm, Sweden; watch Ireland
No HW
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling game--no test today
Last book report due today
7/8 LA -- Identifying adjectives and adverbs and using them correctly
HW: page 251 ex 6-18; page 269 ex 10-18
5/6 SS -- The Santa Fe Trail; The West
Read pages 105-109. Fill in handout. This will be graded. We will finish it on Monday at school.
Western US map quiz Tuesday
7/8 SS -- Finish Ireland video; Read Italy in textbook and answer thought questions on the handout.
No HW
WEEK OF MAY 9
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- New spelling words
HW: Read, second book report DUE May 20
7/8 LA -- AIMSweb testing
HW: Read--first book report DUE tomorrow
5/6 SS -- Southeast US map quiz; study for Southeast US quiz (tomorrow)
Southeast US quiz TOMORROW;
second book report DUE May 20
7/8 SS -- Poland
Russia, Poland, Ukraine test THURSDAY
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Identifying adverbs
HW: Page 220 ex 3-6; page 234 ex 29 - 34
7/8 LA -- Working with verbal phrases and prepositional phrases
HW: Combining sentences using prepositional phrases and verbal phrases -- handout
5/6 SS -- Southeast US quiz; Lamont and Eastmanville history
No HW
7/8 SS -- Test review on Russia, Poland, Ukraine
Test Friday
WEDNESDAY: 7/8 spent the morning at John Ball Zoo with their Kindergarten buddies.
5 - 8 students spent the afternoon at the Eastmanville Bayou learning a little history about the riverboats, ferries, and bridge; and doing a science scavenger hunt (while picking up trash) with Ms. Deyoung.
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Working with adverbs
Spelling test tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Short story reading; identify the verbal and prepositional phrases from one page of the story
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Label the Midwest USA map; How the US mint makes a quarter; quarter research project
No HW
7/8 SS -- Finish review sheet; Documentary of Chernobyl nuclear power disaster
TEST tomorrow on the Rise and Fall of Russia, Russia, Ukraine, and Poland
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA --Spelling test; read; make a lunch bag for Kids' Food Basket
HW: Read--next book report DUE Friday, May 20
7/8 LA -- Identifying adverbs
HW: Page 244, ex 12 - 18
Next book report DUE Friday, May 20
5/6 SS -- Check Midwest map; the Midwest US video and handout
If you will be retaking the SE map quiz, be prepared to take it on Wednesday.
7/8 SS -- Test; finish Chernobyl documentary
No HW
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- New spelling words
HW: Read, second book report DUE May 20
7/8 LA -- AIMSweb testing
HW: Read--first book report DUE tomorrow
5/6 SS -- Southeast US map quiz; study for Southeast US quiz (tomorrow)
Southeast US quiz TOMORROW;
second book report DUE May 20
7/8 SS -- Poland
Russia, Poland, Ukraine test THURSDAY
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Identifying adverbs
HW: Page 220 ex 3-6; page 234 ex 29 - 34
7/8 LA -- Working with verbal phrases and prepositional phrases
HW: Combining sentences using prepositional phrases and verbal phrases -- handout
5/6 SS -- Southeast US quiz; Lamont and Eastmanville history
No HW
7/8 SS -- Test review on Russia, Poland, Ukraine
Test Friday
WEDNESDAY: 7/8 spent the morning at John Ball Zoo with their Kindergarten buddies.
5 - 8 students spent the afternoon at the Eastmanville Bayou learning a little history about the riverboats, ferries, and bridge; and doing a science scavenger hunt (while picking up trash) with Ms. Deyoung.
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Working with adverbs
Spelling test tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Short story reading; identify the verbal and prepositional phrases from one page of the story
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Label the Midwest USA map; How the US mint makes a quarter; quarter research project
No HW
7/8 SS -- Finish review sheet; Documentary of Chernobyl nuclear power disaster
TEST tomorrow on the Rise and Fall of Russia, Russia, Ukraine, and Poland
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA --Spelling test; read; make a lunch bag for Kids' Food Basket
HW: Read--next book report DUE Friday, May 20
7/8 LA -- Identifying adverbs
HW: Page 244, ex 12 - 18
Next book report DUE Friday, May 20
5/6 SS -- Check Midwest map; the Midwest US video and handout
If you will be retaking the SE map quiz, be prepared to take it on Wednesday.
7/8 SS -- Test; finish Chernobyl documentary
No HW
WEEK OF MAY 2
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- New spelling words; formatting your research paper
HW: Read
Research papers DUE Wednesday (Please work on them at home if you cannot finish them by Wednesday at the end of the day.)
7/8 LA -- Review participial phrases, identifying gerunds
HW: page 486, ex 8 - 25 Write the gerunds found in each sentence.
5/6 SS -- Review for quiz tomorrow.
Quiz on the Northeast US TOMORROW. All students should have their NE US handouts that we filled in and checked.
7/8 SS -- Outline section The Culture of Russia.
Eastern Europe map quiz TOMORROW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Introduction to formatting a works cited page
HW: Read
Research papers due at the end of class tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Review gerund homework, gerund phrases
HW: On handout identify gerund phrases in the sentences; rewrite the sentences to make a gerund phrase
5/6 SS -- Eastern US quiz; share brochures
No HW
7/8 SS -- Listen to some portions of The Nutcracker (Russia), continue outlining the culture of Russia
No HW
WEDNESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Finish research paper; proofread with a partner
HW: Read--first book report DUE Friday; be prepared to print research paper tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Identify and write gerund phrases
HW: Read--first book report DUE May 10
5/6 SS -- Share brochures of Northeast landmarks; video of Erie Canal lock system
No HW
7/8 SS -- Culture of Russia
No HW
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Quick write: Desert Island--adjective and adverb practice
HW: Read--first book report due tomorrow
Spelling test tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Identifying gerunds and gerund phrases
HW: Gerund phrases handout
5/6 SS -- Southeast US map--label states, match capitals, list postal codes
No HW
7/8 SS -- Spring program practice
No HW
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling test, book report due today
HW: Read--another book report is due in a couple weeks
7/8 LA -- Using verbals to combine sentences
HW: Read-- Book report DUE Tuesday
5/6 SS -- Southeast US video and handout
Southeast map quiz MONDAY (It is unusual for me to assign a quiz on a Monday, but it is necessary to keep moving.)
7/8 SS -- Ukraine and Poland--read sections and answer questions on handout
No HW
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- New spelling words; formatting your research paper
HW: Read
Research papers DUE Wednesday (Please work on them at home if you cannot finish them by Wednesday at the end of the day.)
7/8 LA -- Review participial phrases, identifying gerunds
HW: page 486, ex 8 - 25 Write the gerunds found in each sentence.
5/6 SS -- Review for quiz tomorrow.
Quiz on the Northeast US TOMORROW. All students should have their NE US handouts that we filled in and checked.
7/8 SS -- Outline section The Culture of Russia.
Eastern Europe map quiz TOMORROW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Introduction to formatting a works cited page
HW: Read
Research papers due at the end of class tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Review gerund homework, gerund phrases
HW: On handout identify gerund phrases in the sentences; rewrite the sentences to make a gerund phrase
5/6 SS -- Eastern US quiz; share brochures
No HW
7/8 SS -- Listen to some portions of The Nutcracker (Russia), continue outlining the culture of Russia
No HW
WEDNESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Finish research paper; proofread with a partner
HW: Read--first book report DUE Friday; be prepared to print research paper tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Identify and write gerund phrases
HW: Read--first book report DUE May 10
5/6 SS -- Share brochures of Northeast landmarks; video of Erie Canal lock system
No HW
7/8 SS -- Culture of Russia
No HW
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Quick write: Desert Island--adjective and adverb practice
HW: Read--first book report due tomorrow
Spelling test tomorrow
7/8 LA -- Identifying gerunds and gerund phrases
HW: Gerund phrases handout
5/6 SS -- Southeast US map--label states, match capitals, list postal codes
No HW
7/8 SS -- Spring program practice
No HW
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling test, book report due today
HW: Read--another book report is due in a couple weeks
7/8 LA -- Using verbals to combine sentences
HW: Read-- Book report DUE Tuesday
5/6 SS -- Southeast US video and handout
Southeast map quiz MONDAY (It is unusual for me to assign a quiz on a Monday, but it is necessary to keep moving.)
7/8 SS -- Ukraine and Poland--read sections and answer questions on handout
No HW
Gulden Coskun visited the 7/8 Geography class. She is originally from Kazakhstan and taught the students about her country. She is in the United States because her husband is studying at Puritan Seminary in Grand Rapids. They will be returning to Turkey in the spring where they plan to continue their ministry to the Muslims there. The picture on the right shows an example of Gulden's maiden name in her native language, Kazak.
November is Native American Culture month. On Monday the 7th and 8th grade class cut poles and cleaned them of branches. On Friday we used them to build a tipi frame and built a campfire. Lilly taught us some dances around the "drum" pavilion, and in a few days we will talk more about Native American culture. Although tipis were not used in Michigan, we do want to explore this part of Native American culture.
The 7th and 8th grade geography class spent the first marking period studying Africa. We had the opportunity to play some African games, too. We played active games like Mamba, Mbube Mbube, and Fire on the Mountain. We also played Morabaraba, a board game which is a cross between checkers and Score Four.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 15
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- New spelling words, writing conferences
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Discussion on "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Economic and Political Systems
Tomorrow students will receive a review sheet for the test
TEST Thursday on sections 1, 2, and 4 of chapter 4
7/8 SS -- Video about raising a teepee, cut saplings in the woods for our teepee
We will raise the frame on Friday
No HW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Short story elements
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Short story elements and techniques
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Political systems--democracies, monarchies, dictatorships
TEST on chapter 4 has been moved to next week Tuesday
7/8 SS -- Nat Geo video: Secrets of the Great Wall of China
No HW
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Write your short story
Short story DUE Tuesday, November 23
Spelling test tomorrow
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Write your short story
HW: Read
Short story DUE Tuesday, November 23
5/6 SS -- Section 3 quiz, test review handout
HW: Finish test review. We will go over the answers tomorrow.
Test Tuesday, November 23
7/8 SS -- Test review handout
HW: Finish test review. We will go over answers Monday.
Test Tuesday, November 23
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling test, continue writing stories
HW: Read
Short stories DUE Tuesday (you will have Tuesday to write)
7/8 LA -- Visit from local author Peter Welmerink
HW: Read
Short stories DUE Tuesday (you will have Tuesday to write)
5/6 SS -- Test review, visit from local author Peter Welmerink
Test Tuesday
7/8 SS -- Teepee building and camp fire, Lilly taught us some Native American dances
HW: Finish your test review handout
Test Tuesday
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- New spelling words, writing conferences
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Discussion on "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Economic and Political Systems
Tomorrow students will receive a review sheet for the test
TEST Thursday on sections 1, 2, and 4 of chapter 4
7/8 SS -- Video about raising a teepee, cut saplings in the woods for our teepee
We will raise the frame on Friday
No HW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Short story elements
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Short story elements and techniques
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Political systems--democracies, monarchies, dictatorships
TEST on chapter 4 has been moved to next week Tuesday
7/8 SS -- Nat Geo video: Secrets of the Great Wall of China
No HW
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Write your short story
Short story DUE Tuesday, November 23
Spelling test tomorrow
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Write your short story
HW: Read
Short story DUE Tuesday, November 23
5/6 SS -- Section 3 quiz, test review handout
HW: Finish test review. We will go over the answers tomorrow.
Test Tuesday, November 23
7/8 SS -- Test review handout
HW: Finish test review. We will go over answers Monday.
Test Tuesday, November 23
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling test, continue writing stories
HW: Read
Short stories DUE Tuesday (you will have Tuesday to write)
7/8 LA -- Visit from local author Peter Welmerink
HW: Read
Short stories DUE Tuesday (you will have Tuesday to write)
5/6 SS -- Test review, visit from local author Peter Welmerink
Test Tuesday
7/8 SS -- Teepee building and camp fire, Lilly taught us some Native American dances
HW: Finish your test review handout
Test Tuesday
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 8
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- New spelling words, edit narratives
HW: Spelling test Friday
Read
7/8 LA -- Review last week's homework (finding simple subjects and predicates), edit narratives
HW: Page 94-95, ex 25-37, 38-41, 64-76
This is a culminating, graded assignment.
5/6 SS -- Cultural Changes: cultural diffusion, acculturation (Yes, your 5th and 6th graders are learning these big words.)
No HW
7/8 SS -- Asian country projects
Powerpoint project DUE Wednesday
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Conference with teacher about narratives, edit them, read "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury
HW: Read the short story
7/8 LA -- Conference with teacher about narratives, edit them, read "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry
HW: Read the short story
5/6 SS -- Cultural Changes--How cultures move throughout the world
No HW
7/8 SS -- Work on Asia country powerpoints
Tomorrow is the last day for projects to be done in class. Any finishing to be done at home.
WEDNESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Discussion on "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury, characters, plot, simile, metaphor
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Discussion on "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Game illustrating the differences among capitalism, socialism, communism
No HW
7/8 SS -- Last day to finish Asia country powerpoint in class. You are responsible for finishing the rest at home. Be ready to present when it is your turn.
HW: Finish powerpoint
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Short Story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry, short story elements
HW: Read
Spelling test tomorrow
7/8 LA -- "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, discussion
HW: Read
Author visit tomorrow
5/6 SS -- VETERANS DAY, Flanders Field history and poem, make poppies
Author visit tomorrow
7/8 SS -- VETERANS DAY, Flanders Field history and poem, make poppies
HW: Finish your Asia powerpoint
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA -- spelling test, read, edit narratives
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Group discussion of "The Lottery"
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Economic systems--goods and services
No HW
7/8 SS -- East Asia land and climate
Bring saws on Monday. Be prepared to be outdoors on Monday :)
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- New spelling words, two books are required reading for this marking period
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Review last week's homework, possessive nouns
HW: p. 86, ex. 9-18--DUE tomorrow
5/6 SS -- What is culture?
No HW
7/8 SS -- Asia--Asia physical map and East Asia political map
No HW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Good sentence practice
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Review possessive homework; specific noun game
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Read through and discuss Chapter 4 sec. 1 "What is Culture?"
No HW
7/8 SS -- West and East cultural differences video
East Asia map quiz Friday
WEDNESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Identifying subjects and predicates
HW: p. 6 ex. 6-14 Write the entire sentence. Draw a vertical line to separate the subject from the predicate.
Read
7/8 LA -- Identifying subjects and predicates
HW: p. 4 ex. 9-16. Write the two words which straddle the subject-predicate vertical line. Write five sentences describing your experience in a storm. Draw vertical line separating subject and predicate in each sentence.
5/6 SS -- Social Groups, Language, Religion in Culture
No HW
7/8 SS -- Continue discussion on West and East perceptions; individual Asian country powerpoint project
E. Asia map quiz Friday
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Identifying subjects and predicates--complete and simple
Spelling test tomorrow
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Review homework, identifying the subject of a sentence
HW: p. 7 ex 7, 8, 10, 12-17
5/6 SS -- Religion and language in culture
No HW
7/8 SS -- Begin Asia country powerpoint research project, how to contact foreign embassies
No HW
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling test, writing reflection: describe the main character in the book you are reading
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Review homework on finding the subject in a sentence, finding the simple subject and simple predicate in a sentence
HW: Page 7 ex. 15, 17, 19, 22
Read
5/6 SS -- Language and religion in culture, cultural diffusion, acculturation
No HW
7/8 SS -- Work on Asia country powerpoint
East Asia map quiz
DUE Wednesday, November 10
MONDAY: 5/6 LA -- New spelling words, two books are required reading for this marking period
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Review last week's homework, possessive nouns
HW: p. 86, ex. 9-18--DUE tomorrow
5/6 SS -- What is culture?
No HW
7/8 SS -- Asia--Asia physical map and East Asia political map
No HW
TUESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Good sentence practice
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Review possessive homework; specific noun game
HW: Read
5/6 SS -- Read through and discuss Chapter 4 sec. 1 "What is Culture?"
No HW
7/8 SS -- West and East cultural differences video
East Asia map quiz Friday
WEDNESDAY: 5/6 LA -- Identifying subjects and predicates
HW: p. 6 ex. 6-14 Write the entire sentence. Draw a vertical line to separate the subject from the predicate.
Read
7/8 LA -- Identifying subjects and predicates
HW: p. 4 ex. 9-16. Write the two words which straddle the subject-predicate vertical line. Write five sentences describing your experience in a storm. Draw vertical line separating subject and predicate in each sentence.
5/6 SS -- Social Groups, Language, Religion in Culture
No HW
7/8 SS -- Continue discussion on West and East perceptions; individual Asian country powerpoint project
E. Asia map quiz Friday
THURSDAY: 5/6 LA -- Identifying subjects and predicates--complete and simple
Spelling test tomorrow
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Review homework, identifying the subject of a sentence
HW: p. 7 ex 7, 8, 10, 12-17
5/6 SS -- Religion and language in culture
No HW
7/8 SS -- Begin Asia country powerpoint research project, how to contact foreign embassies
No HW
FRIDAY: 5/6 LA -- Spelling test, writing reflection: describe the main character in the book you are reading
HW: Read
7/8 LA -- Review homework on finding the subject in a sentence, finding the simple subject and simple predicate in a sentence
HW: Page 7 ex. 15, 17, 19, 22
Read
5/6 SS -- Language and religion in culture, cultural diffusion, acculturation
No HW
7/8 SS -- Work on Asia country powerpoint
East Asia map quiz
DUE Wednesday, November 10
September 2021-- The 7th and 8th grade geography class is studying Africa. We enjoyed making, eating, and sharing banana fritters from West Africa.
FEBRUARY 2021 Ainsley and Stephanie participated in the Regional Spelling Bee which was done online this year. They received participation certificates for qualifying for Regionals. Well done, ladies!
WAX MUSEUM and TIME CAPSULE DISPLAY: Students could choose whether to dress up as the famous person about which they had read or make a time capsule. These are the people students chose to research: Abigail as Anne Frank, Ainsley as Jane Goodall, Ben as James Herriot, Carly as Elizabeth Blackwell, Colten as Lance Armstrong, JP as Babe Ruth, Kennett as George Washington, Lilly as Pocahontas, Tierney as Marie Curie, Stephanie as Malala Yousafzai, and Zane as Derek Jeter.
February 2021 Ken Goodson from the Sons of the American Revolution spoke to the 7/8 history class about the official three flags of the United States, Washington's body guards, and Continental Army uniforms. He also quizzed the kids about the Revolutionary War and handed out candy bars for prizes.
February 2021 The 5/6 History students learned about the feudal system, lords, castles, and knights. We built our own little feudal manor with a castle, houses, animal pens, crop fields, blacksmith shop, and mill.
February 12, 2021 The 7th and 8th grade class prepared all week for a trial: The United States of America vs. King George III.
The courtroom. Prosecuting attorney Harper Molewyk questions a witness. The defense, Attorney Lauren North, gives her opening remarks. Benjamin Franklin (Ayla Wielhouwer) is sworn in. The judge questions King George III (Clayton Bosch). The prosecution team collaborates. The defense team collaborates. Judge Randy Groendyk explains his verdict.
The courtroom. Prosecuting attorney Harper Molewyk questions a witness. The defense, Attorney Lauren North, gives her opening remarks. Benjamin Franklin (Ayla Wielhouwer) is sworn in. The judge questions King George III (Clayton Bosch). The prosecution team collaborates. The defense team collaborates. Judge Randy Groendyk explains his verdict.
After studying about the Declaration of Independence, the 7th and 8th grade students practiced writing with pen and ink the way our forefathers did. In the 18th century, you would use your "pen knife" to cut your goose feather pen tip.
ANCIENT EGYPT MUSEUM: After our studies on Ancient Egypt, the 5/6 students created pieces to display in our own museum. You can see an irrigation system, a pyramid and the Sphinx, an archeological dig, a camel made of camel hair, a pyramid and its contents, a beautiful noble woman's dress, the Temple of Hatshepsut, a typical house and garden, golden plates and bowls, jewelry for the rich and lower classes, a mummy in a sarcophagus, and a little servant statue from King Tut's burial site. Click on the individual photos to see them more fully.
7th and 8th graders played some American Indian games today. Native Americans liked to play games that required stealth and skill. Some games were competitive, some were for skill-sharpening, and others were just for fun.
5/6 SOCIAL STUDIES: Students had the opportunity to practice cuneiform, the oldest system of writing and reading, invented by the Sumerians. All we needed was a clay tablet and a stylus to make wedge-shaped marks. Patterns of wedges created letters and numbers, but we just practiced making cuneiform marks.
PICTURES OF SOME OF OUR ACTIVITIES IN YEARS PAST BELOW
7/8 SOCIAL STUDIES Wednesday, February 5, 2020 -- The students had the opportunity to Skype with Mr. Abdullah Alyousif. He is a research and development engineer in Kalamazoo and is finishing up his Master's degree. But the main purpose of having him "join" our class was to learn about his homeland, Saudi Arabia.
LATIN AMERICA CULTURE WEEK Below are photos of the hallway display of students' Latin American crafts and decorations. On the left are painted bark designs from Mexico and on the right of the table is the Mayan puluc game and number system using sticks, pebbles, and shells. To the far right of the table, students printed their names in ancient Mayan hieroglyphs. Can you break the code and guess their names? The display is decorated with Mexican paper flowers and papel picado banners. Below, the students are shown making Mexican bark paintings (using paper bag "bark") and colorful tissue paper flowers.
LATIN AMERICA FESTIVAL WEEK The 5th and 6th graders are learning all about the Latin American culture. First we read about the cultures in various regions, and now we get to experience games and crafts. The photos below show the students playing a very old Mayan game called puluc. This game is still played in parts of Guatemala today.
The 7/8 Social Studies class learned how to play a Korean game, called ddakji, while studying about Asia. First they had to learn how to fold a "tile" to play the game. The object of the game is to throw your tile at your opponent's tile and flip it over. It takes some practice!
The 5th and 6th grade social studies class will be enjoying some international Christmas experiences this week. Pictured below are the students playing Tombola, an Italian BINGO-type game traditionally played on Christmas Eve.
ISOLINES -- The 7th and 8th graders learned about drawing isolines--the lines on maps which indicate average precipitation areas and elevation. Sometimes meteorologists will show these when they report the weather.
For the next few weeks in 7/8 Social Studies, we will learn about Asia. Today we sang a Japanese children's round about frogs and made origami frogs that really hop!
A few more pictures of Africa Culture Week: Ayla led us in weaving as an example of African art.
AFRICA CULTURE WEEK FOR 7TH AND 8TH GRADES. We made kente patterns--clothing patterns that repeat and use colors which have symbolic meanings. We also learned how to drum African rhythms and sing an African welcome song "Funga Alafia." We sang and played while walking down the hall. We also learned how to play an ancient African game called morabaraba. It is much like a combination of checkers and tic tac toe. And the week is not finished yet! We also played some active games--Mamba, Fire on the Mountain, and Mbube, Mbube.
Below right: Our special guest Prof. Sola Fateye taught us about ethnic groups, clothing, and holidays in his homeland Nigeria. He also shared Nigerian candy and showed us how to learn about Nigeria (and all countries, actually) by studying its currency and stamps. He is shown here in his hand made formal wear.
Below right: Our special guest Prof. Sola Fateye taught us about ethnic groups, clothing, and holidays in his homeland Nigeria. He also shared Nigerian candy and showed us how to learn about Nigeria (and all countries, actually) by studying its currency and stamps. He is shown here in his hand made formal wear.
In social studies the fifth and sixth graders have been learning about populations, migration, and where people live. We did a population density activity with Smarties. Of course, by the end of the activity, there were no survivors. :D
At the Middle School Mixer at Tunnel Park this fall, the girls made squares for this paper "quilt." Each student was given a square with her initial which she could decorate with markers, paint, and stickers. The quilt hangs in the Middle School hallway.
Mr. Jones visited the 5/6 history class to talk about his experiences with the Muslim people while stationed with the US military in the Middle East. We learned about the Muslim people, their culture, and Mr. Jones' military responsibilities.
The 5th and 6th grade history class spent two days living in a Medieval town, bartering, crafting, buying and selling, banking, and attending a fair with a magician, acrobat, and mystery play actors.
Kristin Groendyk read Greek mythologies for March Reading Month. She even taught the LCS middle schoolers some Latin.
The 5th and 6th grade history class studied feudal manors (Medieval lands owned by lords with serfs, knights, kings, queens, nobles, bishops) and made a replica.
Ken Goodson from the Sons of the American Revolution visited the 7th and 8th graders and taught them about George Washington's body guards. Mr. Goodson is dressed as one of Washington's body guards.
On Tuesday, as an introduction to ancient Rome, the 5th and 6th grade students learned the ballu tundu, an old Italian folk dance from the Italian island of Sardinia.
On Monday, November 12, we learned about the origin of Veterans Day, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Women in World War II. We also made poppies, the symbols of Veterans Day, taken from the famous poem "In Flanders Field" by John McRae.
Local author Peter Welmerink spoke to all the middle school students on Thursday, sharing his experiences as a writer, offering tips for effective writing, and how writing as a young child influenced his career. That same evening his mother was in an accident with a semi, so on Friday after spelling tests, the students suggested making get well cards for her. Our beautiful students showed the Welmerinks Christ's love.
Last week the fifth and sixth graders played the ancient Egyptian game Alquerque (al-ker-key). It is much like a variation of checkers.
The fifth and sixth grade history class practiced the ancient writing method of cuneiform created by the Sumerians around 4000 B.C. The students made tablets of "clay" (flour and water) and pressed styluses into the clay to form wedge-shaped characters. It wasn't easy. Perhaps this is how the Sumerian children felt when they learned to write.
2018 Middle School mixer at Tunnel Park. We competed with games, made craft hats, and played on the beach to get to know each other better.
The 5th and 6th grade Language Arts class presented a Wax Museum on May 17. Students read a biography, wrote a summary, created an exhibit, and told visitors about "their" extraordinary lives. (I am sorry some heads were cut off. The original pictures are better.)
JOHN BALL ZOO 2018 The 7th and 8th graders took their kindergarten buddies to the zoo on May 16.
Tuesday, May 15--Kris Groendyk shared with the middle school classes some of her experiences in Italy while studying abroad. The picture to the left is Kris in the Cave of Sybil. The center picture shows some of the beautiful painted walls in a necropolis (underground tomb). The right picture is the Forum in Rome where Julius Caesar was assassinated.
On Wednesday, May 2, the 7/8 Social Studies class tried wycinanki, a paper cutting art from Poland. Search on the internet to see more of these absolutely beautiful and delicate designs.
On Tuesday, May 1, Mr. Don Van Dyke, an avid rock collector and expert, spoke to the middle school students about Michigan natural resources, copper mining history, and rock identification.
Last Friday the middle schoolers and elementary students met in their friendship groups for chapel. These students used my room for their activity, so I watched them while preparing for my day. I was moved watching them together--how the older kids mentor the younger ones, and the younger kids look up to the older ones. Parents: you should be proud of your middle schoolers, how they model Jesus!
The 5th and 6th graders continued their Latin America culture study by making pinatas. Come and see our display in the hallway!
The 5/6 Social Studies class has begun a week of exploring Latin American culture. Pictured below, the students are making migajones, bread dough figures traditionally made by people in Ecuador. January 22, 2018
Today the 7th and 8th graders made paper similar to the way the Chinese made paper hundreds of years ago.
Mr. Buck Matthews, former TV 8 personality, visited the 7th and 8th grade Language Arts class on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. He read excerpts from his autobiography and inspired them with encouraging words. He told the students to keep a daily journal or to write down their stories and save them, because their lives are important. He also told them to continue striving to being better.
7th and 8th graders acted out African folk tales in Social Studies class on Friday, October 13.
As an introduction to our unit on the Civil War, the 7th and 8th graders visited the Knowlton House and Retro Museums in Allendale. The Knowlton House was the home of Civil War veteran Hiram Knowlton and his wife, Emma. Afterwards, we relaxed with ice cream at Get the Scoop.
Step back in time to Renaissance Europe with the 5th and 6th grade history students on Friday, May 12, from 11:30 - 1:00. Visit the busy town square to experience life in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. You'll meet artists, townspeople, inventors, and even a jester.
March 30, 2017--The 7th and 8th grade language arts students study newspapers in preparation for publishing their own school newspaper.
February 16, 2017--Neal (in green stripes) represented LCS well at the regional spelling bee in Ferrysburg. He came in ninth, and we are super proud of him!
JANUARY 20, 2017--COFFEE WITH THE EIGHTH GRADERS AT BIGGBY IN ALLENDALE. During lunch recess, Mrs G treated the graduating class to coffee (or the beverage of choice).
Mr. Ken Goodson, president of the West Michigan Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, visited the 7/8 history class today. Mr. Goodson talked about George Washington's guard (as he is dressed) and his uniform. He told us interesting facts about the Revolutionary War and answered many questions. Mr. Goodson is a member of the SAR, an organization in which members must prove their lineage to a Patriot who fought in the Revolution. Mr. Thomas Lannon, also an SAR member, accompanied him and gave the kids an assignment: ask parents and grandparents about their ancestors and begin building a family tree. January 19, 2017
The Middle School students hosted a mock presidential election on Monday, November 7, as a conclusion to their Social Studies Election Unit. Kindergartners through eighth graders plus teachers participated in the election process.
SEE BELOW FOR PHOTOS OF THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR
The 8th graders at John Ball Park Zoo, June 1, 2016 The 7th and 8th graders took their kindergarten buddies around the zoo for a scavenger hunt. This annual trip is an LCS tradition.
OUR INTREPID PIONEERS On Thursday, May 18, the 7th and 8th graders hiked through the GVSU ravine trails along the Grand River. The day before we learned about the 19th century logging town and shipyard which was located in the area. Kerrigan found a very old chain, obviously untouched for decades, inside a hollow stump. Could it be an old chain from the logging days?
LAMONT WAX MUSEUM by 5th and 6th grade students
LATIN AMERICA FIESTA IN MIDDLE SCHOOL HALL. Students made books based on a Latin American country of their choice, learned how to play Puluc (an old Mayan game), and made traditional crafts to celebrate Latin American culture. This presentation will be on display until April 29.
Below: Max Fynewever, runner-up, and Kerrigan Baird, winner, receive certificates and ribbons for placing in the top two in the 2016 middle school spelling bee. Max and Kerrigan will move on to the regional bee February 23. Below right: Participants who qualified to compete also received certificates. Well done!
|
|
On the last day of school before Christmas break, the middle school students made gingerbread houses out of milk cartons and Graham crackers. Thanks, Mrs. Molewyk, for supplying the frosting. You can also see their other Christmas culture projects.
Last week, Kris Groendyk, Classics major at GVSU and Mrs. Groendyk's daughter, taught the 7th and 8th graders the Latin origins of their spelling words, which are all derivatives of Latin (as we discovered most English words are). Kris also told students about the Roman Colosseum and Roman mythology.