Welcome Back to School! Hope your vacation was fabulous!

Dear Students,
I hope you have had plenty of time to rest your mind during Christmas break. I have been sledding, watching ESPN/movies/TV and reading a very good book. I am excited about seeing your faces again.
We have plenty of reading and writing to do before we finish this school year. I have traveled to central Kentucky to watch my son play basketball. I visited a cool dairy farm while I was there as well. I also traveled to two college campuses: Lindsey Wilson and Campbellsville University. My husband and I hiked one very cold winter day to Green River Lake.
At home, I have been playing games with my family. One of the games I especially like is Catch Phrase. Many of you have played this game. I am going to try and modify this game so we play it in class. Scrabble is another one of my favorites...using the dictionary and laptop seems to slow this game down at my house. We have to time some members of my family because they take FOREVER!
I have enjoyed walking around Vastwood Park. Today, I was walking along and was greeted by a dog that had two different colored eyes! At first, I was startled but after the dog did not growl...I realized that it was simply a playful pup.
See you soon at school!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Basham

January Vocabulary (January 3-7, 2011)

Prefixes: dia-through, across diameter, dialogue
per-through, across perceive

1) diagram (n)- a picture drawn to explain an idea
2)diagnose (v)-to identify a disease through symptoms
3)diagonal (n)-a straight line through a figure from one corner to another corner
4)diaphanous (adj) -transparent, capable of being seen through
5)diaphragm (n) - a membrane that separates one thing from another, such as the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity
6)perambulate (v) -to walk through, over or around
7)percolate (v) - to drip through a small opening to filter a liquid
8)perforate (v) - to make holes in something
9)persistence (n) - continuing stubbornly without giving up; determination
10)pervasive (adj) - having the power to be spread or to pass through

Vocabulary (Friday, November 19th---Quiz)

Here's a list of vocabulary words that will be on the upcoming test...

1) adapt-(verb) to change to be suitable or fit
2) adhere-(verb) to stick to something; conform to; obey
3) adjacent-(adjective) close to, bordering on
4) recurrent-(adjective) happening again and again, returning periodically
5) reimburse-(verb) pay back, refund
6) reiterate-(verb) repeat many times
7) secession-(noun) the act of withdrawing from an alliance or association
8) seclude-(verb) to withdraw or set apart from social contact
9) segregate-(verb) to separate from the rest of the group
10) sequester-(verb) to separate or withdraw; to choose solitude or retirement

Extra! Extra! New Vocabulary----Read all about it!!!

Prefixes:
Cir, Circum- around circumference
Peri- around, surrounding near perimeter

Circuit-(n) a revolving; a journey around; a route

The delivery man's circuit took him to all parts of the city.

Circulatory-(adj) going in a circuit, circular

The circulatory system includes the heart, veins, arteries and capillaries.

Circumnavigate-(v) to sail around

His attempt to circumnavigate the world in his small boat was ended by the large storm.

Circumstance-(n) the condition surrounding or related to an event

He asked for a careful explanation of the circumstances of the accident.

Circumvent-(v) to go around or bypass

It is better to face your problem straight on than try to circumvent it be blaming other people.

Period-(n) the interval between certain happenings

The period between lunch and wellness is two hours.

Periodic-(adj) happening at regular intervals; happening from time to time

Her periodic trips to the dentist kept their teeth healthy and clean.

Perigee-(n) the point in the moon's or a satellite's orbit that is closest to the earth or body it is orbiting

When the moon is at its perigee, does it appear longer than usual?

Periphery-(n) the outer boundary of something

The perphery of a the garden is surrounded by a fence.

Periscope-(n) an instrument for seeing around things

Using a periscope, he was able to spy on the animals on the other side of the fence.

On Demand Writing/Vocabulary

Purposes of On Demand Writing:

To Persuade*, Inform** or Narrate***
*Persuading an audience requires students to establish a viewpoint and support that viewpoint with details convincing the audience to adopt your position (Speech or Editorial)
**Informing (telling) an audience requires the student to write an article about a situation or a topic
***Narrative pieces include a story or account in order to support an idea, opinion, conclusion, interpretation or a request...the storyline is a way of developing the writing to accomplish a realistic, transactive purpose

Organization of an On Demand Piece of Writing
To WHOM are you writing ?( In other words, who is your audience? Who is going to be reading your piece of writing? What type of TONE are you using? Vocabulary?

Why am I writing this piece? PURPOSE...what is the focus of your writing?

Which Format will you be using? You will see a number of different types of prompts. You may be writing an article, editorial, letter or speech.

Book Blogs (New Way to Earn Extra Credit)

If you write a book blog about a new book you have read...please talk to Mrs. Basham about posting your blog on this website so other students can chime in as well. This will allow us to share information about books and what your preferences are.

I can't wait to hear the speeches on Thursday and Friday about your Greek god or goddess. You have worked hard to prepare for this moment. Don't forget to practice in front of a mirror or a live audience at home. Also please try to time yourself...so that your speech is not longer than five minutes. Eliminate any pauses, uhs or using the word like excessively.

You may speak loud enough for your audience to hear everything you say. Speaking slowly is also important so we can understand you properly. Smile and remember that you have worked hard for this speech. You can do it...I am looking forward to hearing you share!

Great looking posters! I like the graphics used and demonstration of creativity....

What do Fish have to do with anything? (pp.557-565)

Symbolism, the use of symbols, adds another layer of meaning to all kinds of texts,
from poetry to fiction and nonfiction. In this story the writer uses things, like cave-dwelling fish and a poundcake, to mean what they are-----and much more.

Reading Skill: Inferences....writers rarely come right out and explain what their symbols mean. You have to find the symbols and figure out their meaning on your own. You do this by making inferences. You use details to infer, or guess at, the larger ideas the writer is trying to convey.

Vocabulary:
vaguely-not clearly or definitely
urgency-pressure;insistence
contemplated-studied carefully
intently-with close attention