Due Date Extension

B Day Students-
Today, the Internet was down for all student computers, including the Mac laptops we have been using for creating our research reports in class.
In light of this problem, I have extended the deadline for research reports for B day students until Friday, instead of Wednesday.
I will still accept any work turned in on Wednesday for full credit, of course- however, there will be no penalty for turning your paper in on Friday.

A Day students-
You have received all of the in-class time I had planned for this report, so technically, I shouldn't offer you an extension. However, in the interest of (hopefully) better reports and higher grades, I will also extend your deadline by two days. So, bring in your paper on Tuesday, or bring it in on Thursday- you will incur no penalty either way.
Please email me with any questions.

Thanks!
Miss McCoy

RESEARCH REPORTS DUE!!!

Well, the time has flown by these last two weeks! And the final due date is upon us! (Remember, your efforts on this paper will determine whether you pass or fail Language Arts this quarter. Please do your best, get it done on time, and turn it in.)



Your Holocaust research reports are DUE (in their entirety):

THIS TUESDAY, MAY 11th (for my A Day students)

THIS WEDNESDAY, MAY 12th (for my B Day students)



What to turn in:

p.1- Title Page

p. 2- Outline

p. 3-5 Report

p. 6 Works Cited/Bibliography

Also attached: All handwritten notes, outlines, thesis statements, sources, etc.




How to turn it in:


1) Hard copy

It should be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font, with page numbers on every page (except the title page).

*If something happens, and you are unable to print it out, bring it on a flash drive or email it to me at mccoyj@duvalschools.org (Word documents only, please. I don't have a Mac attached to a printer.)


2) www.ClassChatterLive.com dropbox

Drop it in your dropbox. Label it with your name and Holocaust Research (e.g. Johnson Holocaust Research).


Penalties:
Late penalty- For EACH DAY the paper is late (A day or B day), there is a 10% penalty.

You: "Miss McCoy, what if I'm absent on the due date?"

Me: "As I explained in class, whether you are there or not, you are responsible for turning it in on time. If you are absent on the due date, you MUST at least post it to ClassChatterLive, and it would also be smart to email me with your paper as an attachment. If you fail to turn it in at all on that day, you will incur the late penalty. (Please let me know if there is a serious emergency, however- I am quite reasonable.)

Does not meet length requirements- If your paper is not at least three pages long, you will lose 10 points for every page you are short.


For all other requirements, please see my previous posts. All of the necessary information is there- you can even print out new copies of the info.

Please email me if you have any questions or need any guidance. I will be checking my email over the weekend.

See ya Monday!

Miss McCoy

Holocaust Research Paper Guidelines (All Handouts)

Holocaust Research Paper Guidelines

Research Techniques Reference Guide

Research Techniques

Thesis Statement: How to Write a Thesis Statement

Avoid Plagiarism in Research Papers with Paraphrases & Quotations

Create a Works Cited page for a Database - Part III

How to Create a Works Cited entry - Webpage - MLA 6 - Part II

How to create a Works Cited page in MLA 6 - Part I

Your FCAT Tips (For Al)!

Hey guys-

Here is the list of ALL the wonderful FCAT tips that you suggested. Al really learned a lot from your presentations! Hopefully, you all learned something too. ;)



Before the Test

• Get a good night's sleep. ("Go to bed by 10:00!" says Miss McCoy.)
• Eat a healthy breakfast. (Protein is good brain food!)*
• Do some brain exercises, like Sudoku.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Don't wear jewelry that can make noise (like bangles).
• Don't come to school if you are sick. We want you healthy when you take the test.
• Be on time to school!
• Use the restroom before the test.
• Turn OFF cellphones! (Even better, leave them at home or in your locker!)

Getting Your Mind Ready

• Relax.
• Be confident.
• Remember- it's just a test, not the end of the world.
• Slow down and concentrate.
• Chew gum or a mint to help you stay focused.
• Just do your best.
• Take your time.
• Don't stress.
• Get focused.
• Stay calm- don't panic.
• Think positive.
• If you would like to, pray that you will do your best.
• Don't get frustrated.
• Keep your head up.
• Think of something to motivate you.

During the Test

• Read the questions carefully BEFORE you read the passage so you will know what you are
• looking for.
• Think about what kind of question it is- what is it asking?
• Underline key words or phrases in the questions and the passages.
• Make notes in the margins if it helps you.
• Don't just skim the passages- read them carefully.
• Use process of elimination to get rid of unreasonable answers.
• If a question is difficult, circle it and move on. Come back to it after you have answers the easier questions.
• If you are unsure, make an educated guess.
• Mark EVERY answer. Don't leave any blank!
• Use your time wisely- keep track of the time! (But remember- it's not a race.)

Types of Questions on the Reading Test

• Look for context clues for meanings of words you don't know.
• On reference & research questions, refer to the passage(s) & any maps and charts.
• In identifying the author's purpose, look for key words like inform, explain, convince, persuade, and entertain.
• To identify cause & effect, think of it like a situation- "what happens if I do this?"
• Comparing is finding the similarities between things, and contrasting is finding the differences.

Short & Extended Response Questions

• Spend no more than 5 minutes on a short response question, which should be answered in 4-6
• sentences.
• Spend no more than 10 minutes in an extended response question, which should be answered in 8-10 sentences.
• Use multiple details from the passage in your answers.
• Answer the questions thoroughly.
• Check your grammar and spelling in your answers.

Before Your Time is Up

• Go back and double check your answers. (Make sure every answer is marked!)
• Bubble your answers completely.
• Don't leave any stray marks on your answer sheet.

Wow! You guys came up with an amazing list of tips and advice! Let's face it- you are practically experts in taking the FCAT. I have complete confidence that each and every one of you will do your best, and your efforts will pay off! Now follow your own advice, and you will do fine!



I'm proud of you guys!


Miss McCoy :)



* McDonald's is giving out free breakfast (Egg McMuffin, apple dippers, & milk or OJ) to all students in grades 3-11 on March 9th, starting at 6am. (Students under 15 must have a parent or guardian with them.) Get that brain food!

Homework Reminder-
If you did not finish the Reference & Research packet in class (with the articles "Crossing Australia" & "Looking for Ironclads"), you must finish it at home! Bring it back to class on March 5th (A Day) or March 8th (B Day).
And don't forget to post your Weekly Summary on ClassChatterLive!
;)
Miss McCoy

Homework for 1A

1A only-

Homework (for those who didn't finish the work in class today) based on "The Old Grandfather and His Little Grandson" and "The Wise Old Woman" (Literature book- pp. 462-472)


Answer the following four questions either on the back of the "Reading Analysis" chart we worked on in class OR on a separate sheet of paper (which should then be stapled to the chart):

1. Why does the son decide to disobey the decree even though he might be punished?
2. How does the author portray the characters of the young lord and the young farmer?
3. Compare and contrast the authors' techniques in telling the stories.
4. What universal theme do the stories share?

Due Monday, March 1st (1A only)

The Night Before FCAT

'Twas the night before FCAT
And all through the house,
Not a student was stirring
Not even Evan Rouse!


Each 8th grader knew
The importance of sleep
In helping them focus
To write thoughts so deep.


And as they slept on,
Everything they had learned
About writing an essay
Began to churn.


Their persuasive formats
And expository too
Were tucked in their brains-
They knew what to do!


Engaging beginnings
Were a piece of cake!
And a 3-point thesis
Was easy to make.


The body paragraphs
Were built like a fort-
First the topic sentence,
Then SUPPORT & SUPPORT!


A closing paragraph
Is quite an easy feat;
Just restate your points,
and make it complete.


And as the essay ended,
so did the strange dreams.
The alarm clock was ringing,
Through the window, sunbeams.


But before leaving home,
A good, balanced meal
Provided the energy
To finish the deal.


And so, my dear students,
As you get ready to write,
remember what you've learned,
And you'll soar to great heights!


-Miss McCoy

Persuasive Essay Framework

Here is the Persuasive Essay Framework. It's nearly identical to the Expository Essay Framework, except for the incorporation of VOICE, PASSION, and OPINION!
February 9th is right around the corner!
Persuasive Essay Framework

Expository Essay Framework

Students-
Here is an online copy of the Expository Essay Framework we have been working on in class. Learn it! Apply it! This guide will navigate you all the way to a 4,5, or 6!
Remember- we've only got one more week until FCAT Writes! (Tuesday, Feb. 9th)

Expository Essay Framework

Homework Announcements/FCAT Writes!

A Day students-
Your revised (and rewritten) "Career" essay is due this Wednesday, January 27th.
We already workshopped the essays in class- you are responsible for re-writing them at home.
A typed version is accepted, but not required.


B Day students-
Your revised (and rewritten) "Career" essay is due next Monday, February 1st.
We already workshopped the essays in class- you are responsible for re-writing them at home.
A typed version is accepted, but not required.


All Students-
Yes, you are still required to complete weekly summaries on your independent reading. These are due every Sunday by midnight, and they may be turned in on ClassChatterLive OR on handwritten on paper.


"FCAT Writes!" is almost here! Are you ready?
We will be taking the "FCAT Writes!" test on Tuesday, February 9th.
(Make-up dates are February 10th & 11th.)
This test is a BIG DEAL.
Please be sure to get proper rest the night before, and eat a good breakfast that morning.
I have complete confidence that every student in the 8th grade has the skills and knowledge to make a 4, 5, or 6 on this test. Just stay focused, organized, and make sure you SUPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT! ;)

Extra Credit Opportunity

Students-

Here are the step-by-step instructions (AND ACTIVATION KEY) for EssaySmart. As I have shared with most of my classes, I am encouraging you to log in and practice your writing on EssaySmart for extra credit. The program will score your essay and give you immediate feedback. EssaySmart is an INCREDIBLE tool to help you practice and improve your writing at home. Please take advantage of this program.

TO EARN EXTRA CREDIT, YOU MUST PRINT YOUR ESSAY AND FEEDBACK. If you don't print (or at least bring in a thumb drive with the file saved), I won't have any proof that you did it. I will be generous with the extra credit- it will be worth your while.
Remember, the end of the 9 weeks is January 20th, so anything that will count for this 9 weeks must be turned in by that date. However, you may continue using EssaySmart (and earning extra credit) up until February 9th, which is the date of FCAT Writes.

You can find it below, but the activation key is 3767769-60.

If you don't want to create your own account, you may use mine.
Username: missmccoy
Password: missmccoy

EssaySmart Registration Instructions