Social Studies Syllabus- Week of November 30, 2009

Mrs. Alexander -Team 6 – 3
Social Studies Syllabus: Week of November 29-December 4, 2009
Blog Website: d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org

Please read the following information:
*Students will take a Ch. 10 test on Friday, December 11th. Study guide will be given out this week.
*I am planning a trip to Greek Town during the week of December 14th and am presently waiting for a
confirmation. Once plans are finalized, students will receive a permission slip detailing all the information.
*Ch. 9 tests will be returned on Tuesday

Monday, November 30 –
Review pp.164-166: Section 2 Sparta – Aristocrats, Helots, and Perioeci
Begin taking “Power Notes”
Homework: Finish classroom note taking for pp. 164-166, if necessary
Read Spartan Way of Life on pp. 166-167 and take “Power Notes”

Tuesday, December 1–
Review homework
Begin Section 2 questions pp. 167 # 2-5
Homework: Compelete “Life inSparta” handout

Wednesday, December 2–
Review homework
Finish Section 2 questions
Homework: Finish Section 2 questions pp. 167 # 2-5, if necessary

Thursday, December 3–
Begin reading and discussing , Section 3 Athens – A Democratic Constitution on pp. 168-171
More Power Notes
Homework: Define constitution, oligarchy, democratic, magistrates, Council of Five Hundred, triremes, defensive league, and mercenaries

Friday, December 4–
Continue reading Section 3 and note taking
Homework: None

Reading and Language Arts Syllabus- November 30, 2009

Mrs. Alexander
Reading and Language Arts Syllabus
Week of November 30, 2009 ( Updated 5:10 P.M.)
Website: http://d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org
Important Information:
• The 3rd Reading Log is due on Tuesday, December 1. Don’t forget signatures!!!
• Students working in the Greek Read-Ahead group have their Major God Mastery Test on Monday 11/30. If they score a 90% or higher they will continue reading and work on differentiated projects. The read ahead students will still be responsible for the Greek Myth vocabulary, as they will be taking the vocab tests. The students’ three read-ahead projects will be due on Tuesday, December 15th. They must also finish reading all of the Minor God Myths by 12/15.
• All students will be introduced to Greek Myth Project this week- the final project will be due on Wednesday, December 9.
• Students will have a Greek Myth Major God Vocabulary Test on Friday, December 4. They will have a Greek Myth Major God Comprehension Test on Monday, December 7.
• This week we are beginning work on Greek Plays. Every student will all be assigned a role or job. Over the next two week students will need to memorize lines, prepare props, bring in costumes, make the play bill, etc. Our performances will be 12/16 and 12/17.
• Our spelling and Vocabra test will both be given next Friday, Dec. 11th because we have a lot of work to do this week in preparation for the 2 upcoming Myth tests.

Monday, November 30
Greek Read-Ahead: Major Gods Comp Test Today
Introduce Vocabra List #7
Read and Chart Hermes
Finish Remember the Titans movie.
Homework: Read and Chart Hades.
Finish Apollo & Artemis Chart
Finish your Reading Log- it is due tomorrow with parent signatures.

Tuesday, December 1- Reading Log #3 Due TODAY
Greek Vocab Notes: Hades, Persephone, and Dionysus
Take Spelling Pre-test- Lesson 28
Read and Chart Persephone & Demeter
Introduce Greek Myth Project- due Wednesday 12/9
Start Planning for Project
Homework: Work on Myth Project
Finish Hermes Chart

Wednesday, December 2
Read and Chart Dionysus
Spelling: Pt. A - top of P. 123
Introduce Plays and Assign Roles
Homework: Pick two Gods/Goddess that you think would be interesting to compare and contrast. Tonight you should make a list of everything these two Gods/Goddess have in common (@ least 6 things in common).

Thursday, December 3
Begin God/Goddess Venn Diagram
Review for Greek Myth Major God Vocabulary Test- tomorrow
Spelling: Pt. B-bottom of P. 123-top P. 124
Homework: Study for Myth Major God Vocabulary Test Tomorrow. Work on Myth Project.

December 4
Greek Myth Major God Vocabulary Test
Work on Venn Diagram
Myth Jeopardy
Homework: Have a SUPER WEEKEND! Study for you Major Gods Comprehension Test on Monday. You should be studying your chart. If you did not finish your Venn Diagram in class you should also finish that over the weekend.

Social Studies Syllabus- Week of November 16, 2009

Mrs. Alexander -Team 6 – 3
Social Studies Syllabus: Week of November 16-24, 2009 (updated 11-23)
Blog Website: d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org
Please read the following information:
*Students will take a test on Ch. 9 this Thursday, Nov 19th. Study guide was given last week. Please see my blog.
*Students received information about a comic strip project that is due this Friday, Nov. 20

Monday, November 16 –
Movie: Ancient Aegeans and response
Homework: Work on comic strip – due Friday
Complete Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting Minoans and Mycenaeans-
Include 12 items and due on Wednesday.
Be on time for school on Tuesday for our trip. We plan to leave by 9:00 A.M.

Tuesday, November 17– Field Trip-No Class
Homework: Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting Minoans and Mycenaeans
Work on comic strip – due Friday

Wednesday, November 18–
Finish movie
Review homework and review for Ch. 9 test
Homework: Study for Ch. 9 test
Bring comic strip materials to class tomorrow to work on after finishing test

Thursday, November 19–
Take Ch. 9 test and complete Ch. 10 Anticipation Guide
Work on comic strip
Homework: None

Friday, November 20–
Introduce Ch. 10
Define: polis, acropolis, and agora and begin reading pp. 163-164
Homework: Work on comic strip- due Friday, Nov 20th

Monday, November 23–
Small group work: Complete Section Two Assessment questions - p.164 - # 2- 5
Define: assembly, aristocrats, ephors, artisans, Council of Elders, helots, perioeci
Homework: Finish definitions, if necessary

Tuesday, November 24–
Review small group work
Begin reading & discussing pp. 164-167
Homework: None. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday. See you on Monday, November 30th

Reading and Language Arts Syllabus- November 16, 2009

MRS. ALEXANDER
Reading and Language Arts Syllabus
Week of November 16 - 24, 2009
Website: http://d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org

Important Information:
• Your third reading log is due on Tuesday, December 1.
• The students who showed mastery of basic pronouns have been working on advanced pronoun use and will complete a pronoun challenge packet that is due on Monday, November 16th. They will then take a test over these concepts on Tues, November 17th.
• Students take a test on Language Network Lessons 3.1 to 3.4 on Tues., November 17th.
• Students took a Greek Myth Pre-Test last week. The students that showed mastery of these Myths will be working on an Expert Myth project in class and at home. These students have received a rubric explaining the requirements of the project.
• Advanced readers who did not qualify as a myth expert will have an opportunity to do some read ahead differentiated work as we get further into the myths. More info about the read-ahead group will be given on Friday. Students must read and chart the remainder of the Major Gods then take a test on 11/30 to show their mastery. If they score a 90% or higher they will continue reading and work on differentiated projects.
• Our Vocabra test will given next Tuesday, Nov. 24, before the Thanksgiving holiday.




Monday, November 16
Copy Myth Vocabulary
Read Zeus and His Family
“It Was Done for Whom? It Was Done to Whom?-Direct and Indirect Objects Handout
Pronoun Jeopardy Game
Homework: Study for Pronoun Test TOMORROW. Also, the field trip is tomorrow! You must be to school on time!

Tuesday, November 17
Grammar Test
Remember the Titans Movie
Complete Vocabra Chart- due Thursday
Homework:Finish Vocabra Thursday

Wednesday, November 18
Finish Remember the Titans Movie
Vocabulary: Hera and Hephaestus
Read and Chart Hera
Write a turkey story using 6 or more Vocabra words
Homework: Finish Vocabra chart-due Thursday

Thursday, November 19
LA Benchmark Tests
Review Vocabra chart
Vocabulary: Aphrodite, Ares, and Athena
Read Hephaestus
Homework: Finish turkey story using 6 or more Vocabra words-due Friday

Friday, November 20
Share Vocabra turkey stories
LA Benchmark
Read Aphrodite and Ares
Introduce Read-Ahead Differentiation
Homework: Myth Experts- your final project is due on Monday 11/23
Have a SUPER WEEKEND!

Monday, November 23
Vocabulary: Poseidon, Apollo, Artemis, and Hermes
Read and Chart Athena
Media Center Front Tables 9th Period
Homework: Read and Chart Poseidon
Study for Vocabra test # 6

Tuesday, November 24
Vocabra Test
Review Poseidon
Read and Chart Apollo and Artemis
Present Expert Project
Homework: Students participating in the Read-Ahead group must be ready to take their mastery test on Monday, November 30th.
Have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday!

Social Studies Syllabus- November 9, 2009

Mrs. Alexander -Team 6 – 3
Social Studies Syllabus: Week of November 9, 2009
Blog Website: d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org

Please read the following information:
*Students will take a test on Ch. 9 next Thursday, Nov 19th. Study guide is at the bottom of this syllabus.
*Students will receive information about a comic strip project that will be due on Friday, Nov. 20
*Finally, I plan to collect & check in the Legends class work that was completed in student spirals,
beginning Thursday of this week. Therefore summaries of each legend and drafts of information
that was added to the poster must be in the spiral by Thursday.


Monday, November 9 –
Review vocabulary homework
Begin reading and discussing pp. 155-160
Homework: Finish reading pp. 155-160 and
Complete Section Two Assessment questions on p.160 - # 6 only. You must include
3 causes and 3 effects.

Tuesday, November 10–
Review homework
Small group work: Complete Section Two Assessment questions - p.160 - # 2- 5
Homework: Finish Section questions, p. 160- # 2-5 if necessary

Wednesday, November 11–
Respond to “Teaching Transparency” – journal entry
Review Section questions
Introduce Comic Strip Odyssey project – due Nov. 20th
Homework: Get project letter signed – signed letter is due Friday, Nov. 13th
Spirals collected on Thursday

Thursday, November 12– Schedule change today. 4th and 6th period switched; therefore you will have lunch during 4th period and your 4th per. class will be held during 6th period
Begin reading Odyssey play
Homework: Get project letter signed – signed letter is due Friday, Nov. 13th
Bring coloring utensils to school on Friday to begin working on comic strip

Friday, November 13––
Finish reading Odyssey play
Comic strip work time
Homework: Work on comic strip- due Friday, Nov 20th

Chapter 9 Study Guide

1. Know the Minoan and Mycenaean natural resources and how they used
the natural resources to better their culture?
2. What effect did being an island civilization have on the Minoans?
3. What role did religion play in the Minoan daily life?
4. What did the Mycenaeans build instead of cities?
5. How are the Minoans different than Mycenaeans?
6. How are the Minoans and Mycenaeans the same?
7. What happened during the Dark Age?
8. Know what led to the decline of each civilization.
9. Know the purposes of a legend/myth.
10. Study the Anticipation Guide
11. What new things were learned about the early Greeks from the movie?
12. Study the Section One and Section Two Assessment questions.
13. Know what the Iliad and Odyssey is about.
14. Know who wrote the Iliad and Odyssey and information about the author.
15. Know the definition of these additional vocabulary words as well as the vocabulary
words you already have: enslaved people, legends, economy, Linear A, Linear B,
and bard.

Reading and Language Arts Syllabus-November 9, 2009

Mrs. Alexander
Reading and Language Arts Syllabus
Week of November 9, 2009
Website: http://d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org

Important Information:
• Your third reading log is due on Tuesday, December 1.
• Last week, all students took a pre-test on pronouns. The students who showed mastery of these more basic pronouns have been by completing a pronoun challenge packet on advanced pronoun use for Lessons 3.5 – 3.10. This packet is due on Monday, November 16th. They will take then take a test over these concepts on Tuesday, November 17th.
• The rest of my students will take a test grammar test covering Lessons 3.1 to 3.4 on Tuesday, November 17th , as well.

Monday, November 9
Introduce Socratic Seminars
Spelling Pretest Lesson 7
Grammar review pp. 44 & 46 handouts
Homework: Read Singapore Whipping article and mark accordingly
Spelling p. 33 Pt B

Tuesday, November 10
Re-Read Singapore Whipping and create 2-3 high level discussion comments and/or questions. These questions should not be able to be answered with a yes or no.
Grammar Lesson 3.3 and do P. 50 handout
Review spelling homework
Homework: Finish Singapore Whipping class work, if necessary.In order to participate in
the Socratic Seminar on Wed. you must bring the discussion questions and
your article to class on Wednesday.
Finish grammar p. 50 handout, if necessary

Wednesday, November 11
Grammar: Lesson 3.4
Spelling p. 35 Pt. A & B
Hold Socratic Seminar: Singapore Whipping
Homework: Grammar Handout p. 53
Write 4 analogies using 4 Vocabra words from List 6 and 4 previous Vocabra words
Finish Spelling P. 35 Pt. A & B, if necessary

Thursday, November 12
Greek Myth pretest
Intro Greek Myth Unit
Introduce Greek Myth element chart
Read & discuss Olden Times and Gaea
Review grammar and spelling homework
Homework: Study for spelling test and write each misspelled word from the pretest-2x’s in syllables

Friday, November 13
Lesson 7 Spelling Post Test
Myth Vocab. Notes: Titans, Cronus, Zeus & His Family
Read and Chart: Gaea, Titans, and Cronus myths
Homework: Study for your grammar test coming up on Tuesday 11/17.
Grammar Differentiation: Your grammar packet is due on Monday
Have a SUPER WEEKEND!

Social Studies Syllabus- Week of November 2, 2009

Mrs. Alexander -Team 6 – 3
Social Studies Syllabus: Week of November 2, 2009
Blog Website: d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org


Please read the following information:
*The Legends Chart is due by Wednesday. Students may have to work on it
during lunch this week.
*Students received their tests back by last Thursday.

Monday, November 2 –
Continue to review pp. 152-155
Small group work: Complete Section One Assessment questions on p.155 - # 2- 5
Homework: Finish assessment questions pp. 155 # 2-5, if necessary

Tuesday, November 3–
Review Assessment questions - p.155 - # 2- 5
Respond to “Teaching Transparency” – journal entry
Homework: None

Wednesday, November 4–
Begin reading and discussing pp. 155-160
Legends Inquiry activity
Homework: Finish Legends Inquiry activity, if necessary

Thursday, November 5–
Finish reading and discussing pp.155 -160
Homework: Use information read on pp. 155-160 to define megaron, tenants, Homer, Iliad, Odyssey, civil wars, pirate fleets, seafaring, and navigate (add these words to last week’s vocabulary list ) – Due Monday


Friday, November 6–– No School – Veterans Day

Wrinkle In Time Reading Syllabus- November 2, 2009

Reading Syllabus
Team 6-3 Mrs. Alexander
Week of November 2, 2009
http://d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@d97.org

Important Information
 IT'S PROJECT TIME!! To conclude our novel study students were given a list of
project choices last Friday. They will be given some time in class to work on their
selected project. Each student is encouraged to be very creative. We will use class time
to review for our cumulative test, November 4th, as well as work on the projects.
Although, some portion of the student's project will have to be completed at home,
in order to be on finished by the due date.
 Projects are due on Thursday, November 5th.
 Thursday, November 5th will be my last day of student teaching at Julian.
 All projects and tests will be graded and returned next week.

Monday, Nov. 2
Return comprehension questions for chapters 9-12
Review for Cumulative Test
Work on project
Homework: Study the given comprehension study guides 1-12
Review all active reading handouts 1-12 and work on project
NOTE: BRING PROJECT MATERIALS TO SCHOOL TO WORK ON YOUR PROJECT DURING CLASS TIME.
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Work on project
Homework: Study the given comprehension study guides 1-12
Review active reading handouts 1-12 and work on project

Wednesday, Nov. 4
Cumulative Test
Work on project
Homework: FINISH PROJECTS--DUE TOMORROW

Thursday, Nov. 5--PROJECTS DUE TODAY
Project Presentations

Friday, Nov. 6
NO SCHOOL
VETERAN'S DAY










Wrinkle In Time
Project Proposal—Due Thursday, Nov. 5

During project week, we will use what we have learned about the elements of science fiction, Meg, Calvin, Charles Wallace and the three Mrs. W's to create a project in connection with A Wrinkle In Time. Below are 4 project options. You are to select 1 project to complete over the course of the final week of our novel study. Portions of your project will be worked on during class time, as well as at home in order to be completed on time. Creativity and imagination is a must when preparing your selected project. Good luck, and let's have fun! You will receive a rubric on Monday. You may begin your project this weekend.

Please circle the project option of your choice. Initial your by the choice you circle.

PROJECT OPTION 1--THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Write an autobiography as if you were Calvin. Discuss his family, his feelings, different moods, tell events as to what led to those moods and feelings, include how he deals with resolving the moods, and discuss things that made him unique. You are not limited to these suggestions, so please use them as a guide and expand your topics. The autobiography should be told from Calvin's point of view. Do not retell the story. Write as if the reader has no knowledge of the book. Your autobiography must be at least 3-5 pages.

PROJECT OPTION 2--LIFE'S LESSONS
This novel has a lot of important themes about life. Choose a theme such as the importance of family, learning how to take chances, showing appreciation for what you have, etc. There are many themes to choose from. For a better grade select a theme that is not listed above. Write an essay about what Meg learned, how she learned it, and how it helped her throughout the novel. In this essay, explain why this lesson in life is so important. Do not retell the story. Write as if the reader has never read the novel. Your essay must be at least 3-5 pages.

PROJECT OPTION 3--GALAXIES & PLANETS
Create a large map of the galaxies and planets that Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin traveled. Label each place that was important in the novel. Write descriptions of the characters that they met at each place and the important events that happened. Include specific galaxies, time line, and at least two characters from each galaxy. You must create a written log to detail the journey; an example would be a captain’s log instead of a story log. You may present your project as a media presentation using Power Point. BE CREATIVE WITH YOUR PROJECT!!! Do not limit your talents to just pen and paper; journey beyond with your creativity.

PROJECT OPTION 4--THE 3 MRS. W'S
Using the theme of GOOD VS EVIL. Pick a galaxy, or create a galaxy, to journey to with Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which and Mrs. Whatsit. Also bring along Charles Wallace, Calvin or Meg. You must show at least two elements of science fiction, include 2 characters to be found within the galaxy that are good and 2 characters that are evil. Be very detailed in creating your galaxy; show mountains, sun, moon, fog, lakes, rivers, plateaus, belts, etc. Tell what tools would the three Mrs. W's give you to help you in your conquest against good vs evil. On which side would you reign? Tell why? What inner powers would you have to use in order to be the victor? Your presentation should include a visual piece for your galaxy and the written portion should be 3-5 pages.

GOOD LUCK!

Wrinkle In Time
Project Rubric
Name__________________________________________
Here are guidelines that will help you achieve the best possible score on your project. Please include this as part of your project documents.
Project 1—Autobiography
____________/1pt Name is visible on essay
____________/1pt Autobiography is typed in 12pt font size
____________/3pts Autobiography is 3-5 pages
____________/3pts Edited with little or no grammatical or spelling errors
____________/2pts Written from the point of view of Calvin
____________/10pts Autobiography includes information related to Calvin's family, feelings, different moods and other important details about him.
____________10pts Autobiography include events discussing what led to Calvin's moods, and/or feelings, how he deals with resolving his negative moods and
things that make him unique.
______________/30 Total Points Earned
Wrinkle In Time
Project Rubric
Name__________________________________________
Here are guidelines that will help you achieve the best possible score on your project. Please include this as part of your project documents.
Project 2--Life's Lesson
____________/1pt Name is visible on essay
____________/1pt Essay is typed in 12pt font
____________/2pts Essay is 3-5 pages
___________/3pts Essay has been edited with little or no grammatical or spelling errors
___________/15pts Uses theme to thoroughly discuss Meg's lesson learned, how she learned it
and how it helped her within the storyline in the novel.
___________/3pts Student selected theme(s) not mentioned on proposal sheet.
___________/2pts Written as if reader has never read the novel
___________/3pts Creativity
____________/30 Total Points Earned
Wrinkle In Time
Project Rubric
Name__________________________________________
Here are guidelines that will help you achieve the best possible score on your project. Please include this as part of your project documents.
Project 3--Galaxies & Planets
____________/1pt Name is visible on project or log
____________/2pts specific galaxies visited within the novel.
____________/2pts Includes 2 more characters from the novel
____________/4pts Vivid description of characters met at each place
____________/5pts Thoroughly discussced detailed important events occurred on each galaxy
____________/2pts Events are sequenced in a logical order in the log or essay
____________/2pts Edited with no grammatical and spelling errors
____________/4pts Thoroughly written log or essay detailing the journey is included
____________/4pts Visual is neatly created & clearly labeled
____________/4pts Visual is very colorful & creative
____________/30 Total Points Earned
Wrinkle In Time
Project Rubric
Name__________________________________________
Here are guidelines that will help you achieve the best possible score on your project. Please include this as part of your project documents.
Project 4- The Three Mrs. W’s
____________/2pts Name is visible on project
____________/2pts Essay is 3-5 pages
____________/2pts Edited with no grammatical and spelling errors
____________/2pts Include one or more of the main characters: Meg, Charles W. or Calvin
____________/4pts Included 2 or more science fiction elements within the story
____________/3pts Included 2 or more good and evil characters to discuss Good vs Evil theme
____________/5pts Detailed written journey includes: tools from the 3 Mrs. W's,
powers used and which side of the battle you are fighting.
____________/5pts Visual is neatly created and colorful
____________/5pts Visual piece vividly shows land formations
___________/30 Total Points Earned

Language Arts Syllabus November 2, 2009

Mrs. Alexander
Language Arts Syllabus
Week of November 2, 2009
Website: http://d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org

Important Information:
• Your third reading log is due on Tuesday, December 1.
• Students will take a pre-test on basic pronouns. Students who show mastery of these more basic pronouns will work on advanced pronoun use over the next two weeks. They will take a test on these concepts on Thursday, November 17th.
• Students will work on a Pronoun unit over the next two weeks and take a test on Language Network Lessons 3.1 to 3.4 on Tuesday, November 17th.


Monday, November 2
Pronoun Pre-Test
Complete Vocabra Chart – due Tuesday
Homework: Finish Vocabra chart

Tuesday, November 3
Grammar Lesson 3.1
Review Vocabra Chart
Homework: Write one original sentence with each of the 6 new Vocabra words
given this week: lustrous, inebriated, ponder, authentic, compel, & genial
Each sentence must reflect the given meaning on Vocabulary List # 5 handout

Wednesday, November 4
Grammar Lesson 3.2 (Handout Page 46)
Vocabra test Review
Homework: Study for your Vocabra Test tomorrow
Bring your pleasure book to school on Thursday

Thursday, November 5
Vocabra Test #5
Read Pleasure Books
Homework: ENJOY YOUR THREE-DAY WEEKEND ☺

Friday, November 6 - No School: Veterans Day