Apologies for the week without an update. A problem with the wi-fi server at school prevented me from doing this from my classroom, and I usually was tired by the time I left school to come home. However, this brings everything up-to-date.

MONDAY, 3/31

AM CORE
HISTORY Revised answers to the Chapter 4.1 quiz.
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: We revised answers to the Selection 9 test.
Homework: 2-paragraph essay about losing one of your senses.
PORTFOLIO: No work today.
Homework: None.

PM CORE
HISTORY Revised answers to the Chapter 4.1 quiz.
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: We revised answers to the Selection 9 test.
Homework: None.

PORTFOLIO: Students got all of their portfolio work back today, much of it with comments and corrections. They started revising it in class.

Homework: Finish rewriting everything by Wednesday.

TUESDAY, 4/1

AM CORE
HISTORY Finished up on Buddhism. Tomorrow: Jainism! Thursday: Test!
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: Paraphrase practice, and work comparing two selections that we have read.
Homework: Finish the 3 short-paragraph essay on the two selections, in the Practice Book (page 76).
PORTFOLIO: No work today.
Homework: None

PM CORE
HISTORY Finished up on Buddhism. Tomorrow: Jainism! Thursday: Test!
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: We didn’t work with Language Arts today.
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: Students worked on revising their portfolios today.
Homework: Finish rewriting everything by Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY, 4/2

AM CORE
HISTORY Discussed Jainism.
Homework: Summary paragraphs from the summaries on pages 5 & 6 of the notes.
ENGLISH: Was not taught today
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: All parts of the portfolios were returned today. Every student received comments on two parts; they were given time to begin to revise them, and to look for similar mistakes in the unedited parts of their work.
Homework: Finish all writing and revising for Friday.

PM CORE
HISTORY Discussed Jainism.
Homework: Summary paragraph from the summary on page 6 of the notes.
ENGLISH: Was not taught today
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: We talked about writing the conclusion, today, and students
took class time to plan their own.
Homework: 1. Complete a rough draft of the conclusion.
2. Finish all other writing and revising for Friday

THURSDAY, 4/3

AM CORE
HISTORY We finished comparing the three religions, Hinduism, Buddhism,
and Jainism. QUIZ, Chapter 4.2.
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: Was not taught today
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: We talked about writing the conclusion, today, and students
took class time to plan their own.
Homework: 1. Complete a rough draft of the conclusion.
2. Finish all other writing and revising for Friday.

PM CORE
HISTORY We finished comparing the three religions, Hinduism, Buddhism,
and Jainism. QUIZ, Chapter 4.2.
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: Was not taught today
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: We reviewed the conclusion, today, and students took class time to write them. There were difficulties with this last night, so we worked on it together.
Homework: 1. Complete a rough draft of the conclusion.
2. Finish all other writing and revising for Friday

FRIDAY, 4/4

AM CORE
HISTORY We did not cover history today.
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: We reviewed the story, “Twins,” and worked on grammar in the Practice Books (pages 74-75, and page 77). Then we updated our Unit Organizer to include information about the story.Finally, we took a TEST on the story.
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: We edited the conclusion today, and discussed final format for the finished portfolio.
Homework: 1. Complete a second draft of the conclusion.
2. Bring in ALL portfolio-related work on Monday.

PM CORE
HISTORY We brought our Chapter Organizers up to date.
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: We updated our Unit Organizer to include information about the story.
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: We edited the conclusion today, and discussed final format for the finished portfolio.
Homework: 1. Complete a second draft of the conclusion.
2. Bring in ALL portfolio-related work on Monday.

NOTES FOR LAST WEEK

chapter-4-history-notes-page-42

chapter-4-notes-page-5

chapter-4-history-notes-page-6

THURSDAY, 3/20

Behavioral Note: Today was a strange day, because of a mistake I made in the schedule for district testing. As a result, we didn’t get as much done as I had hoped. Again, my fault more than anything else.
AM CORE
HISTORY: Chapter 4.2, page 250. We finished discussing the Buddha’s “Eightfold Path.”
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: We did not work with Language Arts today.
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: We edited the fifth body paragraph again today.
Homework: Final draft of the paragraph.

PM CORE
HISTORY: Chapter 4.2, page 250. We finished discussing the Buddha’s “Eightfold Path.”
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: We did not work with Language Arts today.
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: We edited the fifth body paragraph again today.
Homework: Final draft of the paragraph.

FRIDAY, 3/21

AM CORE
HISTORY: Chapter 4.2, page 250. We discussed the split in Buddhism, and the two forms that Buddhism took.
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: We did not work with Language Arts today.
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: Students turned in their fifth body paragraph.
Homework: None.

PM CORE
HISTORY: Chapter 4.2, page 250. We discussed the split in Buddhism, and the two forms that Buddhism took.
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: We did not work with Language Arts today.
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: Students turned in their fifth body paragraph.
Homework: None.

Private questions/comments? Email me at one.crazy.irish.teacher@gmail.com.

Behavioral Note:  Today was mixed, in terms of behavior.  A few people had repeated problems with their actions in class today, in the morning core.  Most focused very well, and were frustrated with wasted time, just like me.  A number of people went back and forth between appropriate, professional behavior for class, and some silliness and time-wasting.
Folks, remember:  for Thursday, you will have to earn each break between classes by staying focused and working well.  And I will sign you out to the
bathroom only once during the day!  So let’s use that as motivation to do better.

AM CORE
HISTORY    Chapter 4.2, page 250.  We discussed Buddhism’s “Four Noble
Truths.”
Homework:    “Buddhism says that all problems come from wanting things you don’t have.  Do you agree?  Take a position (decide ‘yes’ or ‘no’), and explain it using at least three examples.
ENGLISH:    We read the story, “Twins,” and began to paraphrase it.
Homework:      None.
PORTFOLIO:     We edited the fifth body paragraph today.
Homework:   Second draft of the paragraph.

Behavioral Note:  Very good day today, another one.  Way to go!

AM CORE
HISTORY    Chapter 4.2, page 250.  We continued discussing Buddhism.
Homework:    None
ENGLISH:    We began reading the story, “Twins.”
Homework:      None.
PORTFOLIO:     We brainstormed and planned the fifth body paragraph today.
For 8th graders, that was a paragraph about a goal for their lives.
For 7th graders, that was a paragraph about a goal for high school.
For 6th graders, that was a paragraph about a change they want to
make in middle school.
Homework:   Rough draft of the paragraph.

PM CORE  
HISTORY:  Chapter 4.2, page 248.  We began discussing Buddhism today, and
especially focused on the most basic principles of Buddhism.
        Homework:    None.
ENGLISH:    We finished working with the story, “My Best Friend.”
Homework:   Study for a test on it.
PORTFOLIO:     We brainstormed and planned the fifth body paragraph today.
For 8th graders, that was a paragraph about a goal for their lives.
For 7th graders, that was a paragraph about a goal for high school.
For 6th graders, that was a paragraph about a change they want to
make in middle school.
Homework:   Rough draft of the paragraph.

Private questions/comments?  Email me at one.crazy.irish.teacher@gmail.com.

ASSIGNMENT LOG - WEEK OF 3/10-3/14
AM CORE
-    All late portfolio work.
-    “Religion” HW:  compare your religion to Hinduism.
-    Gold Rush Notes (from in-class reading)
-    Karma HW:  If you died tomorrow, and you were reincarnated,
would you go up or down in caste?  Give 3 examples from your life to
explain why.
-    Gold Rush Project Law Proposal (groupwork  from class).
PM CORE
-    All late portfolio work.
-    History Notes Summary turned into a paragraph.
-    Caste Homework
-    Section 1 Review.
-    Section 1 Quiz.
-    Chapter 4.1 Notes.
-    English vocabulary words copied, used in sentences.
-    “Religion” HW:  compare your religion to Hinduism.
-    Paragraph about a best friend.

MONDAY, 3/17

Behavioral Note:  Very good day today, all told.  Nice job, everyone!  Let’s shoot for two in a row!

AM CORE    
HISTORY    Chapter 4.2, page 249.  We continued discussing Buddhism.
Homework:    Paragraph:  Why would Buddhism appeal to lower-caste
Hindus?
ENGLISH:    We finished vocabulary for the story, “Twins.
Homework:      Copy each vocabulary word 5 times, copy the illustrations
from the notes, and use each in a sentence.
PORTFOLIO:     We edited the fourth body paragraph today.
Homework:   Final draft of the paragraph.

PM CORE  
HISTORY:  Chapter 4.2, page 248.  We finished Hinduism today, discussing
karma.
Homework:    None.
ENGLISH:    “Sum It Up” questions for the story, “My Best Friend.”
Homework:   None.
PORTFOLIO:     We edited the fourth body paragraph today.
Homework:   Final draft of the paragraph.

Private questions/comments?  Email me at one.crazy.irish.teacher@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, 3/14

Behavioral Note: Mixed day, behaviorally. Morning core class had some problems with talking and focus; some of you are having a tough time working independently, and are still making me poke you with a sharp stick before you take notes or do anything else. Remember that mucking around in class is major bad karma, it’s violating dharma, and that when Brahman is considering how you should be reincarnated, he talks to your teachers.
‘s truth!

AM CORE
HISTORY Chapter 4.2, page 249. We began discussing Buddhism.
Homework: None

Chapter 4.2, Notes page 2
ENGLISH: Vocabulary for the next story, “Twins.
Homework: Copy each vocabulary word 5 times, copy the illustrations from
the notes, and use each in a sentence.
PORTFOLIO: The third body paragraph (and its evidence & evidence paragraph,
for 8th graders) was due today.
We planned the fourth body paragraph today.
Homework: Rough draft of the paragraph.

PM CORE
HISTORY: Chapter 4.2, page 248. We discussed Hinduism today, finishing with
dharma.
Homework: “Based on your life so far, would you be reborn into a lower
caste or a higher one? Give 3 examples from your life to
illustrate why.”
ENGLISH: “Before You Move On” questions for the story, “My Best Friend.”
Homework: None.
PORTFOLIO: The third body paragraph (and its evidence & evidence
paragraph, for 8th graders) was due today.
We planned the fourth body paragraph today.
Homework: Rough draft of the paragraph.

Private questions/comments? Email me at one.crazy.irish.teacher@gmail.com.

Hey, everyone.

Here’s a rundown of what should be turned in, and what is still due, for portfolios.

8th Grade: Turned in already: Introduction (1 paragraph), Strength 1 (2 paragraphs, 1 piece of evidence), Strength 2 (2 paragraphs, 1 piece of evidence), Strength 3 (2 paragraphs, 1 piece of evidence). Current Work: Challenge paragraph (1 paragraph, no evidence)– rough draft due Monday. Still to Come: Goal paragraph (1 paragraph, no evidence)–will start before Spring Break; Conclusion paragraph (1 paragraph, no evidence).

7th Grade: Turned in already: Introduction (1 paragraph), Strength 1 (2 paragraphs, 1 piece of evidence), Strength 2 (2 paragraphs, 1 piece of evidence), Challenge 1 (1 paragraph, no evidence). Current Work: Challenge 2 paragraph (1 paragraph, no evidence)– rough draft due Monday. Still to Come: Goal paragraph (1 paragraph, no evidence)–will start before Spring Break; Conclusion paragraph (1 paragraph, no evidence).

6th Grade: Turned in already: Introduction (1 paragraph), One Way Middle School is Better than Elementary School (2 paragraphs, 1 piece of evidence), A Second Way Middle School is Better than Elementary School (1 paragraph, no evidence), One Way Elementary School is Better than Middle School (1 paragraph, no evidence). Current Work: A Second Way Elementary School is Better than Middle School paragraph (1 paragraph, no evidence)– rough draft due Monday. Still to Come: One Change in Middle School You Want to Make (1 paragraph, no evidence)–will start before Spring Break; Conclusion paragraph (1 paragraph, no evidence).

THURSDAY, 3/13

Behavioral Note:  Today was a good day, all told.  General behavior was good, with a few exceptions.

On-Line Note:  I have decided that the Google webpage is too hard to work with, at least for now, and will not be updating it any further.

AM CORE
HISTORY    Chapter 4.2, page 248.  We discussed karma.
Homework:    None chapter-42-hinduism-page-2.pdfchapter-42-hinduism-page-2.pdfENGLISH:    Gold Rush Project.  Students presented their proposed laws, and
defended them against questions from other groups.
Homework:    None
PORTFOLIO:   No portfolio work during class today.
Homework:   Final draft of the portfolio paragraph(s) and the evidence (8th
graders) are due Friday.

PM CORE
HISTORY:  Chapter 4.2, page 247.  We discussed the roots or beginnings of
Hinduism.
Homework:  None.
ENGLISH:    Reading and note-taking for the story, “My Best Friend.”
Homework:   None.
PORTFOLIO:   No portfolio work during class today.
Homework:   Final draft of the portfolio paragraph(s) and the evidence (8th
graders) are due Friday.

Private questions/comments?  Email me at one.crazy.irish.teacher@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, 3/12 - Shortened Day. (I hate shortened days.)
Behavioral Note: Today was a good day, all told. Because of the short classes, mostly we kept on-focus.

AM CORE
HISTORY Chapter 4.2, page 248. We discussed reincarnation and how it reinforces the Caste System. We began to discuss karma.
Homework: “Based on your life so far, would you be reborn into a lower caste or a higher one? Give 3 examples from your life to illustrate why.”
ENGLISH: Gold Rush Project. Students discussed law proposals that will help their group get what it wants, or protect it from other groups.
Homework:
1. Write up your proposed law on the parchment, and be
prepared to explain and defend it tomorrow.
2. What are the goals and challenges of your group? Write a
paragraph to explain them.
PORTFOLIO:
8th Graders: Strength #3, and evidence.
7th Graders: Academic Challenge #1.
6th Graders: 1 Thing About Elementary School that Was Better than
Middle School.
Homework: Final draft of the portfolio paragraph(s) and the evidence (8th graders) are due Friday.
PM CORE
HISTORY: We began Section 2 of Chapter 4: Hinduism and Buddhism. We didn’t get very far today.
Homework: None.
ENGLISH: Reading and note-taking for the story, “My Best Friend.”
Homework: Make a list of things you do with your best friend. Pick one. Write a paragraph explaining it. Give details about it.
PORTFOLIO:
8th Graders: Strength #3, and evidence.
7th Graders: Academic Challenge #1.
6th Graders: 1 Thing About Elementary School that Was Better than
Middle School.
Homework: Final draft of the portfolio paragraph(s) and the evidence (8th graders) are due Friday.