Today for our grammar lesson, we went over the different types of adjectives. Katya practiced identifying and categorizing adjectives, and should complete the exercise for homework. Next, we reviewed an example of masterful descriptive writing in detail. We went over descriptive writing techniques, including metaphor and simile, personification, vivid verbs and imagery, rhetorical questions, personal anecdotes, alliteration, and assonance. I encouraged Katya to use these techniques in the rough draft of her tribute assignment. Katya began writing her assignment and should complete the rough draft this weekend.

Today we began by reviewing transitive and intransitive verbs. I then taught Katya about linking verbs and how to identify them. She then practiced identifying all three types of verbs in a group of sentences. Next, we discussed "In Search of Our Mother's Gardens." We reviewed Katya's completed homework, where she outlined anecdotes that display a person's character traits to whom she would like to write a tribute. Katya revamped these anecdotes to better fit the main idea of her forthcoming tribute: that friendship drives out loneliness and requires loyalty. Katya then completed an outline to help plan for her first draft. For homework, I asked Katya to complete her grammatical lesson where she will turn phrases into sentences with linking verbs. I also asked her to write the first draft of her tribute by Wednesday.

Today we began by reviewing demonstrative and relative pronouns. Next, I introduced active verbs and we went over the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. Next, I introduced Katya's vocab 1 list. We discussed their definitions, contexts, and made sample sentences for clarity. Next, we discussed "In Search of Our Mother's Gardens" and the art of a literary tribute. I asked Katya to brainstorm someone she would like to write a tribute to, and we discussed how anecdotes are a great device to use in this type of writing assignment. Katya should brainstorm people and scenes to focus her writing on to prepare to write a tribute rough draft on Monday. Lastly, for homework I asked Katya to make her own sentences with her new vocabulary words.

We finished two grammar exercises that practiced identifying different types of nouns and interrogative and relative pronouns. We further edited Katya's essay on the solar eclipse. Then we viewed a RSA Video to identify the argument, the supporting details, and the formation of Katya's own opinion on the subject of Changing Models for Education.

Today we reviewed the types of nouns, and Katya practiced identifying those nouns. Next, we read through the article Katya wrote for homework. We started to go through it comprehensively and revised it for grammar and clarity. Katya should complete her grammar exercises and the revision of the article for homework.

Natalie and I discussed her vocabulary words and practiced the definitions both with and without the answers. She did very well and showed she studied.
We read aloud, The Crucible and discussed the characters in the book and did an analysis of who was with whom and what role they played in the story.

Today we reviewed the parts of speech in detail. Katya took notes and we went over examples of each together. Next, we read a persuasive article "The Cost of Attention" closely. We looked at the organization of the column, and then discussed how Katya will organize her chosen column on the solar eclipse. For the last part of class, Katya began researching facts to use in the first draft of her column- due Monday.

Today we began by discussing different literary analysis elements including subject, historical context, speaker, tone, organization, audience, and purpose. We then discussed the solar eclipse and the different ways the event was written about in the media. We compared and contrasted a piece of historical nonfiction about scientists attempting to prove Einstein's theory that light bends around objects between the years of 1915 and 1929 with a satirical article on how Americans capitalized on the profitable aspects of the eclipse. Katya then brainstormed her own take on the event and began writing a rough draft, which she should finish for homework.

Natalie practiced vocabulary words today by using them in sentences. She completed a graphic organizer identifying evidence used by the author to develop the theme of gender inequality in the text read yesterday. Natalie began reading "Civil Peace" in the literature textbook after reviewing pre-reading information and vocabulary. She will complete it tomorrow and answer comprehension questions.

Katya was absent today.