January 31 Journal

Hi. I am filling in the office today. Please be on your best behavior since I am only a buzzer away and plus your parents may be in the building tonight picking up your report cards. Today you will work in Study Island for 30 minutes. I am out of candy- sorry, but you can still earn your blue ribbon. When the 30 mintues is over, you will need to take notes on Persuasive in your notebook. Then you will pick a partner to write against; yes, against. One of you will be pro and the other con. You will also be choosing your topics of your papers today and should have time to begin your researach. Your homework will be to have your Thesis, 3 arguements, and supporting detail research done by next Tuesday. Be good. I am watching you on my web-cam.

1. What would your family rather do together: go bowling, see a movie, play a board game, or have an indoor picnic? Explain.


2. Describe what your life would be like if you were a book in the library.

January 30 Journal

Hello. Today you have 30 minutes to work in Study Island. After that time I will move into direct instruction and discuss your research project. Get those BLUE ribbons and race around the room!

1. Today is Faun at Work Day. Write a note to your parent suggesting three zany things he or she could do to have fun at work.


2. Pretend that you have a substitute teacher today. Imagine that every time she scratches her nose, all of the books in the classroom begin acting strangely. Write about what happens when she scratches her nose and then sneezes.

January 29 Journal

I am glad you are here. This weekend you should have worked on your pretest. If for some reason your pretest is not done, you have today to complete it or it will go into the grade book as incomplete. If you haven't turned in your student information slip- do so now.
When you are done with your journal today you have two options: one- go and work in Study Island. Remember we are racing around the classroom and as of 8:23 this morning the 8th graders are in the lead; two- work in My Access and finish your pretest.
At our next class meeting, we will be starting the research paper (bring note cards).

1. You've just spotted a wise old owl sitting in a tree. If the owl could talk, what three things do you think it would say to you?


2. How are a bicycle, a car, and a scooter alike? Different?

January 25 Journal

Welcome back to the Writing Lab. Remember you will respond to only one of the journals. Don't forget to put your name and grade in the "nickname" identity and move the green dot there. Take out your parent/student information slip and place it on your table. Also when you are done, open up Study Island and begin working on either completing your notes or testing in the first activity.

1. January is Walk Your Pet Month. Besides walking your pet daily, explain three other important things you should do to care for it.
2. Explain how to set your dinner table for a regular family meal.

January 24 Journal

Welcome back to the Writing Lab. Remember you will respond to only one of the journals. Don't forget to put your name and grade in the "nickname" identity and move the green dot there. Take out your parent/student information slip and place it on your table. Also when you are done, open up Study Island and begin working on either completing your notes or testing in the first activity.

1. Imagine that by accident you get locked in a department store after it closes for the night. Describe how you spend the night.


2. Wow! You are going to be a guest on the Oprah show for kids! What will you talk about? Why?

January 23 Journal

Welcome to Writing Lab. Every day when you come in, you will need to sit at your assigned computer. It is very important that you always sit at the correct number so your computer usage can be monitored.When you enter the room, you will go directly to your computer, open up Internet Explorer (the big Blue E) and read and respond to the daily blog. You should respond by incorporating the question into your answer.

You receive 1 point each day you respond. At the end of the quarter you should have answered 21 posts.
To publish your comment, you will type in your first name and grade under "NICKNAME" and then hit the orange button to submit.

1. Today is National Handwriting Day. Write a note to your doctor explaining why it is so important that he or she always write neatly.
2. Pretend that you write an advice column for your school newspaper. What advice would you give a new student who is having problems making new friends?

January 22 Journal

Welcome to Writing Lab. Every day when you come in, you will need to sit at your assigned computer. It is very important that you always sit at the correct number so your computer usage can be monitored.
When you enter the room, you will go directly to your computer, open up Internet Explorer (the big Blue E) and read and respond to the daily blog. You should respond by incorporating the question into your answer.
You receive 1 point each day you respond. At the end of the quarter you should have answered 21 posts.

To publish your comment, you will type in your first name and grade under "NICKNAME" and then hit the orange button to submit.

1. Today is Answer Your Cat's Question Day. Pretend that you see your cat sitting at your computer. It has typed three questions. What are they? How will you answer each question?
2. Pick one of the following jobs and explain why this job is important to the community: firefighter, police officer, or mayor.