Weekly Update

Literature

Since the last post, the students have read another story entitled "The Osage Orange Tree." In addition to discussing the plot, which was the focus of this story, the students looked at the characterization and setting. To demonstrate their knowledge of the plot, the students are working in groups to create a talk show in which the conflict, events, climax, and resolution of the story are explored. They will be presenting these on Monday, and I'll have video up next week!



English

The students turned in their persuasive papers this week, and so far they look pretty good. Mrs. V. and I are both grading these--I am focusing on the sentence fluency, conventions and organization while she is reading them for the arguments and support. The class has now turned their attention to punctuation. While much of what we are doing is review, I find that they don't apply many of the rules. What they learn in this punctuation unit will be used over and over in their writing throughout the year. When they finish this particular unit, they will have an opportunity to use their punctuation skills in writing a mystery story.



Religion

This week in Religion, the students have seen and read about Paul joining "Team Christianity" and how he and Peter influenced each other. In our studies, Paul is setting out on his First Missionary Journey.



On a side note, the butterfly has emerged! I caught a little bit of it on video last weekend. It's not great quality (I was using my old digital camera while riding in the truck), but here it is. I brought her to school on Tuesday, and I must say, it's kind of cute seeing the 8th grade boys huddled around watching a butterfly! Incidentally, the butterfly doesn't seem to want to go to Mexico like the rest of her generation (the fifth generation of monarchs, usually born in September or October). I keep trying to let her go, but she doesn't leave. Then it gets cold at night, so I bring her in so she doesn't freeze. Last night I put her on my shoulder while I worked in the yard, and tonight I was actually feeding her applesauce while holding her in my hand. One of my friends suggested I take the kids on a field trip to Mexico to bring her there personally! I shall try to send her on her way again tomorrow!