Mrs. Agate's Class: Third Quarter, Continued!

This winter is long, and so is this third quarter! However, the students are doing really well in my English classes and my 8th grade Biblical Worldview class! The last day of the third quarter is Friday, March 29th, and report cards will go out soon after.

Here is a glimpse into what has been going on in my classes.

7th English: The week before break was all about grammar and writing! The students completed several writing initiatives in class, and we are still working on writing skills including research writing techniques, sentence mechanics, and transitions. I am especially proud of the students who took me up on my recent bonus assignment opportunity. Many did a wonderful job implementing the research skills and demonstrating their understanding with this type of writing. In grammar, students brushed up on infinitive phrases vs. prepositional phrases. We are working on sentence openers and sentence varieties in grammar as well to implement into writing. I love seeing the students improve their writing skills before my very eyes! We just started a new novel and will continue with writing assignments as well. The students already seem to be enjoying Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez. Reading homework assignments will be put on the homework board daily, and reading comprehension assessments will all be POP-quizzes. Sometimes we will finish reading in class, and sometimes the students will have to read a couple chapters at home. Daily, I write the page number that everyone is to be on for the next day. This Latin American Literature Unit will culminate with a test but also with a Fiesta! I will be asking for some help with this and will send out an email as the date draws nearer.

8th English: I meant to report that the students did an incredible job on their poetry portfolios, which were due before the break! The class average for this challenging yet creative project was a 93%! The students received rubrics back with their portfolios that show where points may have been deducted (mostly for missing certain literary devices and poetry formats). Right before break we were working on writing and grammar. Students completed a peer editing assignment where they needed to demonstrate in their own writing and then identify specific writing structures. Right now we are in the middle of a short story unit which includes wonderful classic tales such as The Monkey's Paw, The Raven, The Necklace, and more! The students will finish this unit by writing a short story of their own using "parallel episodes," a writing technique that we are currently exploring.

8th Biblical Worldview: We finished a long unit right before break and are now on the second-to-last unit in the curriculum. We are currently discussing the Reformation and learning about justification, grace, sanctification, and more. This unit discusses the sacrament of baptism and communion, and it is always interesting to share how each of our churches celebrates these. The students were also given a handout with the requirements for their upcoming church reports. These are not due until May, but students should start NOW. They have six Sundays to gather the necessary information. I am so looking forward to these papers and presentations.

Please scroll down to read some beautiful poetry by Rachel Dutton. Rachel's poetry portfolio was among the best in the class, and she is a talented writer. I think her villanelle will especially encourage you as it did me!