March 30 Introduce Adjectives 7th grade STAAR Test (Shhh…) no bells today March 30 Warm Up: MUGShot Week 3 paragraph; create level 2 & 3 questions about the novel (1 of each) Pearl Socratic Seminar Introduce Adjectives - Grammar Rock - Notes pg. 119 - Practice pgs. 119-120 The Pearl by John Steinbeck - continue soundtrack project & ad DUE Wednesday HWK: study for test tomorrow; work on soundtrack & ad; Knowsys Quiz 21 is Thursday

This project involves creating a CD cover This project involves creating a CD cover. The cover must include the following: Front – A colorful front display with a scene from the novella The name of the CD that relates to one of the novel’s themes (Ex. “The Pearl of Great Price”, “Conspiring Fate”, etc.) The name of the band that relates to one of the characters or symbols (Ex. Scorpions of Evil, etc.) Backside – A list of 10 songs - 9 from homework (3 “Song of Family”, 3 “Song of Evil”, 3 “Song of the Pearl”) - 1 original song title Inside – 1 original song with title & lyrics (15+ lines) created by the student. The lyrics should contain thematic elements of the novella The Pearl soundtrack By John Steinbeck

March 31 Pearl & Verbs II Test STAAR Guided & Independent Practice Shhh… 7th & 8th grade STAAR Test Reverse Schedule & LUNCH = 6, 7, 8 Warm Up: Knowsys Group 21 True/False, Pearl & Verbs II Test STAAR Guided & Independent Practice - Persuasive techniques The Pearl by John Steinbeck - Continue CD Project & ad HWK: finish soundtrack & ad – due tomorrow! Group 21 Quiz Thursday

Persuasive Texts Notes: Write what is written in RED. Sometimes an author will write to persuade an audience of his or her opinion. Author’s argument – the way an author presents an opinion in writing Persuasion – a way to change how a reader thinks, acts, or feels about something In science or social studies texts, authors must support their claims with reasons and evidence.

FACT or OPINION? In persuasive text, it is important to distinguish (determine the difference) between these two types of statements. Notes: Write what is written in RED. Fact Opinion - Statement that can be proved to be true or false Examples: (copy one) There are fifty states in the United States of America. The capital of America is Washington, D.C. Statement that cannot be proved Not everyone will agree Examples: (copy one) Hawaii is the best state in which to live. Spring is the best time to visit Washington, D.C.

Propaganda Techniques Notes: Write what is written in RED on to your propaganda notes. Bias – the writer is prejudiced toward one point of view and tries to sway the reader to accept it Propaganda techniques – ways that a writer can use bias to convince the reader of a certain point of view Another type of propaganda: Inclusion or avoidance of particular facts – mentioning only facts that will help to persuade people to your opinion

Read the following and distinguish fact from opinion: Think about the great health benefits of fruit. Fruit is made of 80 percent water, and water is needed for healthy bodies. Fruit has no “bad cholesterol,” which is also very good news for our bodies. On the other hand, many other foods do contain “bad cholesterol.” Many people say that fruit is good brain food and that it helps people think more clearly. Fruit also contains fiber. Fiber is good for digestion. Fruit always makes people feel better, too. Left out: fruit has sugars; some people have allergies Facts Opinions - 80% water Bodies need water No “bad” cholesterol Contains fiber for digestion Good brain food Think more clearly Makes people feel better

Read the following and identify the author’s argument: In 1967, a man named Steve Juneau came up with an idea to promote the city of Gonzales, Louisiana. He loved how area cooks prepared jambalaya. Jambalaya is a tasty Cajun-Creole dish with a delicious blend of meats and flavors. Why not use this dish to draw people to Gonzales? That’s how the annual Jambalaya Festival came to be. In 1968, the governor of Louisiana named Gonzales the “Jambalaya Capital of the World.” That same year, the first festival was held. Thirteen cooks competed for the title of “World Jambalaya Cooking Champion.” About 15,000 people attended the festival. There were pots of jambalaya, a carnival for the children, and live music. Everyone had a wonderful time. Over time, the festival grew in popularity and reputation. One recent festival drew more than 50,000 people. Argument: The festival was a terrific idea and a great success. Facts Loaded Language Names of people & places Dates Numbers of people tasty delicious wonderful time

Guided Practice Page 154 Read the paragraph with your small group. Then answer the questions that follow. You may talk about your answers, but each person should record his or her own response. We will review as a class. Page 155 On your own, read the paragraph and answer the questions that follow. When everyone is done, talk about your answers. We will review as a class.

Independent Practice Page 156-157 Read the paragraph and answer the three (3) questions in the margin as you read. For #3, underline or highlight the words and phrases. Then answer the four (4) questions on the other side of the page. Place your paper in the purple basket when your are finished.

April 1 Warm-up: Group 21 Short Answer Turn in Pearl Soundtrack STAAR Guided Practice “Co-ed Conflict,” persuasive: prove with text evidence, explanation & inference Adjectives Articles & Demonstratives - Ppt practice - Practice pgs. 121-122 HWK: Study for Group 21 Quiz tomorrow!

April 2 Adjectives That Compare Warm Up: Knowsys Group 21 Quiz; intro Group 22 Adjectives That Compare - Flocabulary video - ppt practice - Independent Practice pgs. 123-124 STAAR Independent Practice - “Should Columbus Day be Renamed?” persuasive - Prove with text evidence, explanation, & inference Poetry (quiz next Friday) - Lit. Text: pgs. 578-9 (answer Qs) AND 580-583 (answer Qs) - (rework & revise): Where I’m From, Prepositional, Brush Stroke, Found Poem Have a Happy Easter!

April 3 March 28 Spring Holiday