da Vinci Arts Middle School
Work & Assignment
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It may not be as much |
During the first week of a vocabulary list, I work with the regular vocabulary group to review ten words from the current list on each workday. We try to complete each 30-45 minute workday during the beginning of week (Monday and Tuesday if possible). We work on parts of speech, stems (suffixes, prefixes, and root words), context, usage, antonyms, and synonyms.
Twelve words of the regular vocabulary list are alphabetical and are from a list of, “the most commonly used words to know.” The other eight words are from short stories, history text, or some other class reading. For the regular vocabulary group, the task of each assignment will vary—it may be writing sentences with context, a comic strip, or the adventures of Bob the Erudite Turtle in Lollipopland. The assignment is due at the beginning of the class at the end of the first week (usually Friday) or as noted in the planner.
The variety of modes and styles of writing is a two-for-one deal. I expand the breadth and depth of their exposure to different forms of writing while also satisfying the need to practice using the vocabulary words.
Quizzes
The regular group's quiz can have two aspects. The first aspect focuses on the words in the current list. Students have to complete a certain number of fill-in-the-blank sentences (6th have to complete a minimum of 12, 7th must complete 14, and 8th have to do 16). There are 20 fill-in-the-blank sentences, one for each vocabulary word. Students use the context in the sentence to help determine which vocabulary word belongs in the blank. There is a word bank of the current vocabulary list’s words so students are expected to spell the words correctly. Each fill-in-the-blank is worth two points.
The other aspect of the regular quiz for depends on the semester and on the workload. During the first semester, words from previous lists may be included in the fill-in-the-blank sentences. The words from previous lists will be highlighted and after the sentence the word is listed with a long blank line next to the word. Students need to write a working definition of the word based on their memory and its usage in the sentence.
During the second semester, the other aspect of the quiz might be a review of grammar. Students will be completing a separate assignment for each vocabulary list (but included in the vocabulary list's score) focusing on grammar. The quiz will include example of the grammatical focus to correct. During the third quarter, we will focus on parts of speech and during the fourth quarter we will be diagramming sentneces.. On the quiz students will do the same thing for a few of the sentences.
Quiz Schedule
Vocabulary
quizzes account for 25% of their writing grade. The following is a
breakdown of the quiz dates:
•
vocabulary #1 (9/22)
•
vocabulary #2 (10/6)
•
vocabulary #3 (10/20)
•
vocabulary #4 (11/3)*
•
vocabulary #5 (12/1)
•
vocabulary #6 (12/15)
•
vocabulary #7 (1/12)
•
vocabulary #8 (1/26)
• vocabulary #1-8 semester
1 final (1/31)
•
vocabulary #9 (2/16)
•
vocabulary #10 (3/1)
•
vocabulary #11 (3/15)
•
vocabulary #12 (4/5)**
•
vocabulary #13 (4/26)
•
vocabulary #14 (5/14)
•
vocabulary #15 (5/24)
• vocabulary #1-15
semester 2 final (5/30)
*The 1st quarter test is
an expanded vocabulary quiz. It will focus on vocabulary #4, but will
include elements from the first three lists. It is on Thursday, November
3.
The first semester
vocabulary final is on Tuesday, January 31. It accounts for 10% of the
writing grade and uses words from lists #1-8.
*The 3rd quarter test is
an expanded vocabulary quiz. It will focus on vocabulary #8, but will
include elements from the first seven lists. It is on Thursday, April 5.
The second semester
vocabulary final is on Wednesday, May 30. It accounts for 10% of the
writing grade and uses words from lists #1-15.
Lists, Examples, and Assignment Directions
Blank
Vocabulary List for assignments
Regular
Vocabulary Explanation & Example Quiz
vocabulary #10
vocabulary #11
vocabulary #12
vocabulary #13
vocabulary #14
vocabulary #15
vocabulary #1-15
