Released EOG sample test: EOG practice. See how you do and let me know!

Study guide for poetry quiz on Monday: study guide

The updated progress reports will be going home with you on Friday. Please show them to your parents and have them sign and/or add comments. Return the signed progress report to me next Monday.

We have a quiz on Monday. Please review the study guide (see link above) in order to make sure that you are well-prepared for the test.

Please also review the list of spelling words for the spelling assessment next Wednesday. I chose these words because they are frequently used in daily life and they are also frequently misspelled. (I even misspell them!) You need to know the correct spelling and the meaning of each word.

Here's what's happening on Friday:

Affirmation writing assignment - Affirmation:
This is a busy time of year for eighth graders. Students are feeling a lot of emotions with upcoming testing, the 8th grade formal, summer break, and the impending transition to high school. You might feel excited, uncertain, nervous, happy--or maybe all of the above! Now is the time for doing some self-reflection and self-affirmation. This short affirmation exercise might be just what you need finish this school year out strong. We will do this first thing on Friday.

For the rest of class you will work on collecting research online for your small group project. Remember, you are to become a subject matter expert regarding the rules of use for one of the following: dashes, hyphens, parenthesis, commas. You will teach your group members the proper use of your assigned form of punctuation on Tuesday of next week. You have creative freedom for the format of your teaching, but you must explain your topic clearly. You can create a Prezi, write a song, make a wanted ad, write a short story, create a shared Google Doc--anything reasonable is fine with me.

Criteria for each group member:

• Clearly identify the topic you are teaching.
• Find a video link that clearly explains your topic. Make sure to share it with your group!
• Identify at least five common rules and uses for your form of punctuation.
• Give at least five examples of the proper use of the punctuation.
• Discuss the most frequent errors in usage; for example, forgetting the closing parenthesis mark, overuse of parenthesis)
• Create a five-question assessment for your group members. Don't forget to make yourself an answer key!

Remember, you have access to any of my wonderful grammar/writing instructional materials. Please make sure you utilize these valuable resources!

Homework for the weekend: Review your poetry study guide and spelling list. Make flash cards to help you remember the the definitions and correct spelling of your spelling words.

Extra credit opportunities (+3 points on project grade):
Influential Male Role Model Speech Contest:
Write an essay about a positive male role model in your life. Describe the man and his honorable characteristics and experiences. Explain the effect he has had on your life, your decisions, and your actions. Present your essay as a speech to a panel of Culbreth teachers on Wednesday, June 4th during 4th period. If you win the contest, you will present the speech to your peers at the 8th grade practice graduation ceremony.

You will earn points for the quality/content of your speech. You will earn additional points for the following criteria. The student with the highest point count will present at the practice ceremony.

Dress: 

Were clothes clean?

Was contestant neatly dressed?

Was hair groomed?

Introduction:

Did contestant state name clearly?

Did contestant give age?

Did contestant give name of school?

Did contestant give male role model's name?

Presentation: 

Did contestant stand up straight?

Did contestant speak clearly?

Did contestant read his/her essay with conviction?

Was volume appropriate?

8th grade Commencement Speech: (+3 points on project grade)
Prepare a commencement speech in order to share your experience, values, and advice with your graduating class. What life lessons have you learned during your journey at Culbreth? What important, fun, or special memories stand out to you? What will you miss the most? The least?

If you are interested in entering the contest, come to Ms. Grinnell's room at lunch on Tuesday to start working on your speech. You will present your speech in front of a panel of Culbreth teachers. The winning speech will be presented at the practice graduation ceremony.

Here is a cool NPR story about successful commencement speeches: Anatomy of a Great Commencement Speech.