Period 5 ELA Assignments

If you missed your conference, please create a 3.5 minute video teaching me all about your poem. Send me a link when you're done.

Bring in a memento that will fit into an 8.5 x 11 sized envelope on Day 3 (May 26 and 27).

Likely this will be a photo, but it can be anything flat that will fit.

Bring your outsiders book to R-7 or to the library on day 2 this week (May 24 or 25).

Complete the following IXL with a smart score of 90.

Grade 8. AA. 4 (Is the sentence simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex?)

If you work for 15 minutes on this one IXL, pause and email Mrs. Mercer, and we can try to schedule time to work on it together before the final. 

Due start of class on Day 3 this week (May 19 or 20).

Complete the following IXLs with a smart score of 90.

Grade 4 SS.1
Grade 4 SS. 2

Please make sure that you are in the correct grade once in IXL. You will not receive credit for completing the incorrect assignment. 


Due at the start of class on Friday May 13.

Today will be a silent work day.

1. Start with IXL. 
     Grade 8 AA 1 (phrase v clause) 
     Grade 8 AA 3 (independent v dependent clauses)
     both due by end of period with a smart score of 85.


Make sure you are in the correct grade level. Credit will not be given for incorrect assignments completed. 


2. Bestie poem work time. You have the internet at your fingertips and definitions and examples in your composition notebook.

One-on-one conferences begin on Tuesday May 17 and Wednesday May 18. Be prepared; this is your final work day (in class) for this product assessment. You will have 3.5 minutes, and best case scenario is your speak the whole time with minimal or no prompting from me.

Complete the following IXL with a smart score of 90.

Grade 4 QQ.9 - adjectives and adverbs


Please make sure that you are in the correct grade once in IXL. You will not receive credit for completing the incorrect assignment. 


Due at the start of class on Thursday May 12.

Complete the following IXLs with a smart score of 90.

Grade 4 KK.3 - nouns
Grade 4 MM.2 - verbs
Grade 4 LL.1 - pronouns

Please make sure that you are in the correct grade once in IXL. You will not receive credit for completing the incorrect assignment. 


Due at the start of class on day 2 (May 10 & 11).

Using the semi-blank document attached to the "bestie poem choices" assignment, print a hard copy of your bestie poem.


Have it with you at the start of class on Day 2, May 10.

Next week is your last chance to make up any Outsiders work. 

If you missed a quiz OR you received under a 70%, you may make a before-school or flex appt to retake it. Get your flex pass BEFORE flex.

If you missed the product socratic seminar, please get a flex pass from Mrs. Mercer for Wednesday May 11. 

Thank you.

Notebooks will be checked Tuesday May 3 at the start of class.

If you are able to, bring photos of from your life that can be glued onto the "Where I'm From" scrapbook page you'll create this week.


We will work on this during class on your block day this week; the schedule is as follows:

Tuesday April 26- periods 1 and 2
Wednesday April 27- Period 4
Thursday April 28- Periods 5 and 6

20 lines 

Repeat the phrase "I'm from" at least 4 times, as described in the prompt for Write Now #3.

Bring to class (printed) on Thursday April 28.

This assignment will be introduced in class on Monday, April 4. 

Class time will be provided on Day 2 (part of the period after the multiple choice test) and for the whole period on Day 3. 

Due at the end of the period on day 3.

Have one quote per character per chapter for chapters 1, 2, and 3. Due start of class on Day 2, March 16.

Have one quote per character for chapter 4. Due 3/18.

Have one quote per character, per chapter for chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8. Due 3/25 at 5pm.

Update: For chapters 9, 10, 11, and 12, only choose two characters to find indirect characterization for. That's a total of 8 quotes only. Due start of class on Day 2 (April 5 or 6).

Bring your blue or yellow packet and be ready to go when the period starts. 

See the two attached resources if you need some guidance!

Come to class having read chapters 10 and 11 of The Outsiders.

Due start of class day 2 

(Period 1 and 5- Tuesday March 29
 Periods 2, 4, and 6 - Wednesday March 30)

come to class having read chapter 8 of The Outsiders.

Attach your latest draft of your TIB here by Friday at 5pm.


Final speeches due Tuesday 3/22.

1. With CBs closed, start by summarizing the chapter.
2. Get everyone into the shared slide deck for your team (duckies or penguins).
3. Go page by page through your group’s one chapter and find at least 5 signposts (try to have a variety but you can have one duplicate if you truly can’t find another).
4. Add your quotes that exemplify a signpost to the corresponding slide; make sure you sign a group member's name on each post-it. 
Note: Use your Signposts introduction worksheet and/or the signpost slide deck lesson in Google Classroom.

Directions regarding how to use to slide decks are on slide 1 of each deck.

Finish reading chapter 2 if you didn't finish in class (or if you were playing a movie in your head and not paying attention during class).


Have the chapter read by the start of class on Friday, March 11.

Complete the final signpost as homework.



All 6 pages of the note taking guide due start of class on Thursday 3/10.


3 rows per signpost minimum. 2 sentences of reasoning per row. 

Start this in class and complete at least two columns (two speeches). Finish as HW if you can't finish in class.


Due start of class Monday 3/7 

Complete this only at school in Mrs. Mercer's class.

IXL Grade 7.Z.3 (identify dependent and independent clauses)



Complete to a smart score of 90. If you work on this for 25 minutes and cannot achieve this score, please email Mrs. Mercer and we will create a different plan for you.


Keep in mind I can see how long you work on each IXL, so please don't try to scam me!

Please read assignment sheet before starting on your draft. 


Draft 1: due Thursday, March 3 at 5pm.

Complete the IXL 6.HH.3 (identifying subordinate conjunctions) until you reach a smart score of at least 90.


If this takes you more than 25 minutes, please stop and email Mrs. Mercer (keep in mind I can see the duration of your attempts, so please be mindful when trying to scam me).

In the attached blank document, write a comparative essay in which you compare and contrast two texts that we have read during this unit. This is only to be completed in class; please understand that work done outside of class will receive a 0 score. Use only the materials listed on the white board. Using other resources will also result in negative consequences. The checklist provided in class should guide your structure, and please add an MLA heading.


To receive credit, this assignment must be submitted 5 minutes before the period ends (10:05am for first period, 2:40pm for fifth period, 10:05am for second period, 11:53 for fourth period, and 2:40pm for sixth period).



If you are absent on the day of the on demand, you will receive an alternative prompt when we come back from February break.

If you are absent on Day 2 (Feb 15 or 16), you may complete this at home.


Watch the screen cast that contains directions regarding this assignment and the essay overall.

Note: Please understand that working on this assignment or anything related to this whole essay is violating the academic integrity agreements which you signed this year. There will be consequences for submitting work that is done outside of class and/or isn't your own.


Work on page 1 for 10 minutes and side 2 for another 10 minutes (20 minutes total).

Please use only today's class time to complete this task. If you do not finish before the bell rings, attach what you have completed and submit your work. 


If you choose the option that is offline, please take a photo of it with your chrome book, attach the photo to this assignment, and then turn in the hard copy to Mrs. Mercer.


Due end of period on Feb 14.

Your emails are pouring in. Yay! I am proud of you for advocating for yourselves! Truly- not a sarcastic tone.


If you are requesting an extension, please take a screen shot of your email to me (be sure to screen shot the time of email as well), and attach it to the craft essay draft and final assignment before 8pm tonight. 


Thank you for your help managing the 83 emails regarding this assignment. I appreciate it greatly. 


You will receive a rubric next week with your scores for craft essay.


If you post your email by the due date, your extension is approved.

Started in class on Day 2, Feb 8 or 9. Due start of class on Day 3

Please view the all of following resources. "Craft Essay | Claim Reminders" will explicitly state which goals and techniques you may use for the next essays, including craft.

Consider this your pre-outline. Choose one of the options and complete the chart at home if you are absent.


Due start of class on Day 2. 

Completed in class (and finished as HW) on Monday Feb 7.


If you are at home, complete digitally or print and complete by hand.

This was done in class on Tuesday Feb 1.


If you are absent and want to work, directions are in the document.

Please walk yourself through this slide deck as you complete Locating Literary Devices

If you are here at school, you will receive this handout in class and start it on Monday 1/31.


If you are at home and feeling able to work, make a copy and then complete the attached handout.


Again, complete this handout using the story "Red Fox Fur Coat".


See techniques and goals handouts (in your composition notebook, or posted in GC) to guide your writing.


There is also an example at the end of the Goals Lesson video (posted in GC).


Due at the end of class on Monday Jan 31. If you need more time, please email Mrs. Mercer.

Watch this video during class for the mini lesson on goals, literary terms, and an example as to how to work on your Locating Literary Devices.

You will turn a hard copy of this in on Jan with your introductory paragraph template. You do not need to include your outline. 

Staple your intro paragraph template on top of your body paragraphs. 


If you need Mrs. Mercer to print for her, you need to email her the night before the essay is due to avoid losing points. 


Due start of class.

4 comments

We did this in class if you were present.


if you are doing this at home, you will be revising your own work from yestertday's on demand

Done in class if you are here.


If you are home and able to work, you can do this on a blank doc or by hand on a piece if binder paper.


There is no attachment; the prompt is simply:


Choose one of the stories we've read this unit (found in Literary Essay Story Bank), and write an introductory paragraph for an essay. Read that again; you only need to write the intro paragraph. Your claim should state the story's main theme. 


Due start of class Jan 19.

Due start of class on Jan 19. You will have an extra 10 min at the start of class to finish this!


Story found in Literary Essay Story Bank in Google Classroom.


No color necessary.

In class students: we did this in class, and we will work on it again on Jan 18 when we return. However far you got on it in class today is fine; there is no need to finish it for homework.


Remote students: 


1. Print if you can OR make a copy and complete digitally. Either way you will turn it in when you return to school.


2. In the first box ("text:"), write "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury.


3. In the next box, write in the story's main theme.


4. Go through the text and find passages that include literary devices; fill in the table with at least 4 examples from Bradbury's text. Make sure to give a brief explanation of why each device example matters. 


Note: Review the assignment "Literary Device Examples" found in Google Classroom for a reference sheet that defines some common literary devices.

Base this one pager off of the story "The Knowers" by Helen Phillips (located in the literary essay story bank in Google Classroom).


Due start of class Tuesday Jan 18.


Color is appreciated.

Yes, I'd like them in color this time.


The story is in the folder "Short Story Bank" in Google Classroom (if you are remote or lost your hard copy in class).


If you are quarantining, you should be printing the stories and annotating them.


If you can't print, please email Mrs. Mercer and she can set up a pick up or drop off with materials (copies of stories, paper, colored pencils, etc.).


If you are feeling unwell, please do what you can and rest up. No pressure; we can catch you up when you return!

Note: You need at least 4 quotes to receive full credit on this. This isn't noted on the prompt, so please make sure you check your work before turning in. 


Remote Students: You can type this and print the whole document (including the prompt) to glue into your notebook when you return. You can also print it and then write by hand. You should be annotating each story as it comes in (making notes and highlighting as you look for hints about theme, setting, plot, characters, main conflicts, topics, and literary devices). If you need hard copies of stories or writing prompts, I can leave them in the front office if you email me a request. Please be clear as to which texts and Write Nows you need.



Due start of class on Day 3 (Jan 13).

If you were in class on Tuesday 1/11 or Wed 1/12, you likely started this in class. 


The completed two pages should be glued into your composition notebook by start of class day 3. 


Example 1 boxes should be classroom appropriate songs.
Example 2 boxes should have examples from the "All Summer in a Day", the House on Mango Street excerpt, or "Red Fox Fur Coat".


If you are at home doing this, bring it to class when you return.

Follow the attached prompt.


If you are in class, we will do this in class. Anything you don't finish in class is homework due on tues 1/18.


If you're remote, you can:


1. copy the document and complete it digitally and then print it 
OR
2. print and then complete in your composition notebook
OR
3. print then complete by hand on paper and bring to school with you to put into your composition notebook when you return.

If you are absent on Monday, Jan 10, complete this assignment at home if you are able. Instructions are in the attached document.


Bring completed printed assignment when you return to school.

Due start of class Day 2, Week of Jan 10.

No color necessary! Due at the start of class Monday Jan 10. 

For absent/quarantined students only (If you were present in class, you completed this in class!).


Follow directions in the prompt, using the attached song lyrics as your text.


If you have your composition notebook at home, you can do this in your notebook. 


If your notebook is here at school, make a copy of the document, complete the document, print it, and then you'll glue it in when you come back to school.


Write for at least 15 minutes.

Complete this in class. If you are quarantined, do not open the quiz and schedule a retake with Mrs. Mercer when you're back.

For quarantined students (if you are feeling up to it*): Follow the directions in the attached document and bring it with you when you return to school. 



In person kids, you did part of this in class today; the rest is homework due at the start of class on Jan 11.





1. After completing the table and writing long about at least one theme, go back and review your writing. 


2. Use your copy of the short story ("All Summer in a Day") to find at least two moments in the text that you believe reveal your theme. These could be events (William pushing Margot in closet, kids playing in the sun, kids remembering Margot), characters (William, Margot, the jungle, the teacher), or literary devices (the description of the sun, the setting, or the jungle). 


3. In your notebook under your Write Now #2 Write Long, make note of the two moments with red pen. If you already wrote about them in your Write Long, simply circle them.


Due Monday Jan 11 start of your class period.

There is a Quizlet study set in the Book Case Invaders Topic in Google Classroom. You also have your hard copies of the roots.


The test will cover the roots as well as some parts of speech and sentence questions.


Contact Mrs. Mercer asap if you will be absent on the day of the test so we can schedule it beforehand, as quarter 2 ends when Winter Break begins.

If you do not have a sixth group member to evaluate, just write in n/a (there is a section at the end for you to evaluate yourself as well, so don't put yourself as the sixth member).

1. Know your role. There are two cross examining documents in the materials folder; one for lawyers and one for witnesses. 
2. Make a copy of the appropriate document and follow all instructions within the document carefully. 
3. When you have completed your document, attach it to this assignment and hand it in.


Due Start of Class on Dec 2

Find the document in the Mock Trial Materials Folder in Google Classroom.


Follow the directions in the document-- read carefully.


Note: Only ONE group member will be making a copy and then sharing it with half the group.


Once you're all done, have the last person to complete the document attach it to this assignment and hit turn in. 




Due start of class on Day 3 of week of Nov 30.

Find the document in the Mock Trial Materials Folder in Google Classroom.


Follow the directions in the document-- read carefully.


Note: Only ONE group member will be making a copy and then sharing it with half the group.


Once you're all done, have the last person to complete the document attach it to this assignment and hit turn in. 




Due start of class on Day 3 of week of Nov 30.

A short quiz (multiple choice) will take place on Day 3 (Thursday or Friday). It will be on all the Greek and Latin roots as well as a few questions requiring you to identify parts of speech.

This assignment is for lawyers and witnesses. Detailed instructions are in the assignment, so please read it all through before starting anything.


Getting started:


1. Lawyers, choose which witness (from your side) you will be questioning.
2. Make a copy of the "Lawyer and Witness --Direct Examination Graphic Organizer".
3. Share it with the witness who you'll be questioning.
4. Complete the organizer with that witness.

After you've completed the organizer, the owner will attach it to this assignment and hit turn in.


Due start of class.

Complete this only when in class to receive points.

This assignment is for lawyers only. Please note that Part I it is about a witness who is on your team and Part II is about a witness on your opponent's team.


Part I:
1. Go into Mock Trial Materials and locate the Witness Weakness Graphic Organizer. 
2. Make a copy.
3. Complete it about the witness on your own team who you will be questioning during the trial.
4. Once you have completed it, attach it to this assignment.


Part II:
1. Go into Mock Trial Materials and locate the Witness Weakness Graphic Organizer. 
2. Make a copy.
3. This time, complete it about the witness on the other team. Make sure you've spoken to your team and you know which opponent witness you'll be cross examining in the mock trial. 
4. Once you've completed this, attach it to this assignment.


To be clear: if you're a lawyer, there should be two attachments on this assignment.


If you are a witness, you can click "turn in" on this assignment and move on. 


Due at the start of class.

This assignment is for witnesses only. Please note that the witness who you will play during the unit. 

1. Go into Mock Trial Materials and locate the Witness Presentation slide deck and make sure it's for your trial (there is an A and B version). 


2. Make a copy of the presentation.


3. Complete it about yourself.

4. Once you have completed it, attach it to this assignment.

If you are a lawyer, you can click "turn in" on this assignment and move on. 



Due at start of class.

1. Read ALL instructions and options before starting anything. Note that there are instructions on what to do and how to submit as well as a rubric which outlines how your project will be assessed. 
2. Turn in tangible work OR your digital submission at the start of class on Thursday Nov 4. Again, read instructions so you know what needs to be submitted.

Follow all directions carefully. 


Please note that the outline is optional, and you're directed to delete it if you are not planning on using it (for the record, I highly suggest using it).


This is due by the end of class. It's very possible that you will not finish, and that is okay. I'll be giving you timing updates, so try to pace yourself accordingly (you'll have a total of 30 minutes). 


You are welcome to use your Frankenstein Digital Notebook as well as the hard copy of the book. All work must be your own. Please do not use the internet other than to look up hard words.


If you are absent, please know that when you return you will be given alternate prompts  and will take the on demand with Mrs. Mercer during flex. I will not be accepting work done at home for this assignment.

If you are not going to be in class on Day 2 (tuesday/wednesday) or Day 3 (thursday/Friday), please contact Mrs. Mercer ASAP.


On day 2 you will be receiving your groupings as well as the question packet for the seminar. Even if you're absent on day 2, you should reach out to me to get this packet so you can prepare for Day 3.

Please follows directions given in class (this is very important-- there is a key instruction about buttons, and not following directions could make things very difficult for all of us), and make sure to respond to all prompts when directed.


Notebook entries


#1: slides 2, 3, 4, and 5
#2: slides 6 and 7
#3: Slide 9
#4: Slides 10, 11, and 12
#5: Slides 13 and 14
#6: Slides 16 and 17
#7: Slide 20

Entries 1 and 2 (slides 2-7) due beginning of class on Oct 5 or 6
Entry 3 (slide 9) due beginning of class on Oct 11.
Entry 4 Due beginning of class on Oct 14
Entry 5 (slides 13 and 14) due beginning of class on Oct 19 (if you didn't finish in class).
Entry 6 (slides 16 and 17) due in class Oct 21/22
Entry 7 (slide 20) due start of class on Oct 26 or 27.

Complete this solo as homework. Due start of class day 2 of week of Oct 25

Walk yourself through this brief slide deck before you start on your Seminar Prep Question Packet (the green or pink packet) handed out on Day 2 (Tuesday for periods 1 and 5 and Wednesday for periods 2, 4, and 6) of the week of Oct 25.

Go into the Amplify library and read VOL III (three!), chapters 1 and 2 by the start of class on Thursday/Friday.


(Thursday for periods 1 and 5, and Friday for period 2, 4, and 6).

Answer the question by writing at paragraph long CER. This means you must cite textual evidence (open both Amplify Lesson 10, Card 5 and the graphic novel). Also, Check out the attached CER rubrics before starting and after you've written.

Complete Lesson 7 Solo if you did not complete it with us in class. Due beginning of class on Oct 14

Due in class. Please email me if you didn't finish in class and would like me to update PS. 

Due start of class on Day 2 of week of Oct 11

Due at the start of class on Monday 10/11.

Complete the Lesson 3 Solo in Amplify. Due at the beginning of the next class.

You have already worked with most of the text, but please revisit the first three chapters before next class. No notes necessary-- just read if you haven't yet, or skim to review if you've already read.

This assignment will be handed out in class by Mrs. Verdoia; it is due during the class period, unless she tells you otherwise.

Review chapter 1 and complete the solo for lesson 1 in Amplify.

Read this and be prepared for a short quiz next week.

1. Use your Chromebook to take a selfie, and attach it between your heading and your title.


2. Print a hard copy of your memoir to bring to school on Day 2 (Tuesday for periods 1 and 5, and Wednesday for periods 2, 4, and 6). Due at the beginning of class.


3. If you cannot print your essay at home or elsewhere, you need to ask me on Monday to print for you. If you show up on the due date and ask me to print for you, your paper will be marked as late.


As stated in class (1000 times), use 12 point font and 1.5 line spacing. 2-5 pages total.

Weeks ago I posted  a document titled "Academic Language". I am attaching it to this assignment.  If you'd like to retake the quiz, please choose three of the suggested IXLs to do and reach a smartscore of 90. Please try to base you choices on your quiz results. Please make sure you are in the correct grade level before you start!



Once you've done this, please email me telling me which three you did so I can check. 


If you end up spending more than 30 minutes and cannot reach a smartscore of 90, take a breath, stop working, and email me and tell me to check (I can see the minutes you worked).

Complete the column for "Unusual Normality" in class plus two others (your choices are linked into the document).

Bring you 6 word memoir to class on Monday. 


It should be illustrated, colored, and complete other than the photo we took in class.

As per assigned in class, use words, symbols, images, etc. create a map of your 10 "locations".


Due Thursday August 19. 

List your ten impactful moments on the paper provided in class.