FCAT Explorer - Winter Assignment

FCAT EXPLORER

Reading Boardwalk - 8th Grade Content

Volcano Falls                                       Try Outs

Why I Don’t Smoke

The Mystery of the Backyard Visitor

Creepy Creatures                                 Florida Explorer  

                                                             The Class Assignment       

                                                              Sound Off: Candidates for Student Council Treasurer

 

Students, above is a copy of the FCAT Explorer assignment you will be completing for homework During the Winter Break.  PLEASE DO NOT ignore the instructions below. If you start the assignment without the “While Reading” Instructions, I will NOT be able to reset your assignments.  As a result, your grade will be compromised, less than 50%. WE WILL PRACTICE IN CLASS before you are required to do independently.

1 Vocabulary

 HERE WE GO.  When you log in, engage in the Word/Vocabulary activity, for each reading and do the following:

Record the vocabulary word, rewrite its definition, identify the correct synonym usage, choose the correct prefix, an rewrite the sentence with the vocabulary word used.

Duplicate this graphic organizer:

FCAT Explorer Vocabulary  Exploration Practice
Vocabulary Word	Definition	Synonym	Prefix Meaning + word	Sentence

Worth  points for each reading – Total  of 30 points

2 Reading Comprehension

As you read the online text, you will be asked to answer text-based questions choosing the best multiple choice answers and responding with short responses. Each type is worth 1 point. As you answer the question, be sure to interact with the graphic organizer below to record your thinking AS YOU ANSWER EACH QUESTION. When you click submit for each individual question, the program will show you the correct answer. Once you view correct answer, realign your thinking.  Be able to explain why you initially answered the question wrong and what you now understand. WE WILL PRACTICE IN CLASS. I will give you a student sample from last year. Caution:  If you answer incorrectly on the first try, the program will give you another chance.  However, I only grade the FIRST TRY.

 

FCAT Explorer Comprehension Questions/Answers Realign Your Thinking Chart
Passage Name	Question #	Your Answer	Program Answer	If you answered incorrectly, Realign Your Thinking

Complete the table for every question. Each question is worth 5 points.

 

 

Quick Recap:

1. Complete Volcano Falls and Creepy Creatures Category Readings
2. Complete the Vocabulary exercise for each individual passage- use the graphic organizer  - 30 points.
3. Read each passage and record your answer and thought process on the graphic organizer. - 5 pts. per question interacted on the graphic organizer.
4. Assignment is due January 9th and 10th

 

I will distribute FCAT Explorer I.D. and passwords Monday and Tuesday.  If you are absent those days, please email me and I will forward to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truancy Chapter 1 Extended Assignment Correction

Section 2
The words unceremoniously  and emanated are found on page 21 and NOT page 23

Section 2
#1 is found on page 21 and NOT page 23.

IMPOTRANT Parents of ELA Students: Issuing Scholarship Warnings Monday and Tuesday

Beginning today, I will be issuing Scholarship Warnings to students who have grade point averages below 70.

If your child receives this letter, it is because she or he has not completed one or all of the assignments listed below:

1. Truancy Chapters 1-11 (please see the blog for detailed instructions) 60 pts
2. Buckminster Fuller Rule-In/Out Critical reading Process 60 pts
3. FreeRice.com Vocabulary assignment 40 pts

Please encourage your child to complete, as the last opportunity to turn in these late assignments is by or before Tuesday, December 17, 2013.  This is their final opportunity to make-up these critical assignments.

Caution:  There is one more 60-point assignment before we break for the Winter Holiday.  See the previous blog entry for details.  Ensure your child completes this one as well.  

Thank you so much for your support.

Truancy, Chapter 1 Extended Assignment - Due: B Day, December 13th; A Day, December 16th

Truancy, Chapter 1  Extended Assignment - Due: B Day, December 13th; A Day, December 16th

Students, this is a 60-point assignment. I will distribute copies in class Monday and Tuesday. 

Begin early so if you have questions, we can discuss. You may email me your questions or ask me during class.

Truancy chapter 1 Assignments = Worth a Total of 60 Points  Due Dec.  13 & 16 B- Day – Due Dec. 13th A-Day – Due Dec. 16th

SECTION 1 Padlet.com   Each class has a designated URL.  See below. 1A: http://padlet.com/wall/tnqs3831c4 2A:  http://padlet.com/wall/gl7xpp9yqj 4A: http://padlet.com/wall/ut7uu4j9ze 8B: http://padlet.com/wall/ztwtjo8htt Here is the question you will respond and post: After reading chapter 1, do you think the school’s rigid policies (stifling all students from eating and talking at school, wearing gray uniforms, and branding student I.D. numbers on their arms) are justifiable?  Total of 5 pts. For this section

SECTION 2 The vocabulary words below are underlined.  Write the vocabulary word and its meaning as used in the novel. Total of 20 pts. for this section (each vocab word is 2 pts. each ) Page 21 – unceremoniously shoved and gloom emanated page 27 – Tack’s stomach sated page 29– idly wondering and lowly student page 30 – As they stepped in the queue page 31- Tack wearily  and dismissive gesture page 32 - curt beep and cavernous area

SECTION 3 Characters’ traits are revealed thru Descriptive Words.  Now, as you focus on a particular paragraph and sentence, a critical reader re-reads the prior paragraph to gain insight as to why the next paragraph follows.  Please follow my scaffolding strategy, so that your comprehension is accurate and your response is thoughtful.  Express yourself using 2-4 sentences. Total of 15 pts. for this section (each response is 5 points each) Page 21, paragraph 1 What is Tack revealing in sentence 1 through his actions when he gritted his teeth…he unceremoniously shoved the paper into his backpack…?   Page 24, paragraph 1 What is the author revealing about the school environment when he writes, “Tack joined the gray river of unformed students flowing neatly up and down the hallways”?    Page 27, top of the page Explain. Why did the author show contrasting behaviors as to how the squinty-eyed cashier and the friendlier pizza maker treated Tack and Suzie.

 

SECTION 4 Total pts. – 20 for this section Question:  Students like Tack have a different school start time than his sister Suzie and other students like her.  Why? Review the last two pages of Chapter 1.   Students, your response will be in the form of a paragraph. Follow this format for your single paragraph: 1)      Topic Sentence to restate or paraphrase the question as a statement 2)      At least 4 Supporting Details (include four different types of supporting detail sentences) Your Supporting Details should include a fact or detail, explanation or reason and an example – any combination and sentence order.
Category Title	Maximum Score	Partial to 0 Score	Student Commentary to Improve
Topic Sentence	Restates or paraphrases question into a statement.  5 pts ___	No evidence of Topic Sentence restated  or paraphrased into  question or statement 0 pts ____
Supporting Details	All 4 supporting sentences are present 5 pts ____	Less than 4 supporting sentences present   0_____
Supporting Details  used to expresses complete rationale	Writer uses  sentences of detail, example, reason, and/or explanation to demonstrate comprehension of the text 10 pts _____	Writer uses random or loosely related sentences that lack connection to each other; lacks  depth to demonstrate comprehension of the text   5 pts _____