coming to terms with literary terms

Today we spent much of the class period going over literary terms that may come up on the MAP test. I know it isn't the most exciting thing to do, but it will help you on the test and I want you to do well, so...

In other news, the caterpillars arrived today! Over the next seven days they will be fattening up and building cocoons to become Painted Lady butterflies. They are teeny tiny and cute (in a weird insecty way). Remember to bring in sticks for them to climb on and to which they can attach their cocoons. :)

what is advertising?

Today we continued the advertising packet and learned about how much the industry spends targeting your home. We also talked a bit about target audience and I hope you think about that as you watch television together at home. Who are the ads trying to reach? You? Your parents?

Tomorrow we will do some review of terms for the MAP test and fill out those lovely cards that you should keep in your binder. I will also reveal what my special surprise is underneath the orange sheet. :)

bombarded by ads

Today we started advertising and I think you will all really enjoy it. It may outrage you a little bit, and that is good, but I think the amount of power you have with your dollars will (at least) surprise you.

We also did a little bit of housekeeping - I talked about what we will be doing for the rest of the year.

Challenge class: I apologize ahead of time for the amount of work you will have to do in finishing up The Hobbit and starting advertising right before the MAP test. I know you can handle it! :)

spring break is over...sigh

I hope you all have had a wonderful spring break and are ready for what is ahead of us! We will be quickly going over some advertising stuff before MAP testing (April 11-13). During testing, we will read Seedfolks, a wonderful story of friendship, hard work, and community pride. We will do some projects on it and I have a special surprise treat in store. After MAP testing, we will return to advertising and do a fun project in which you make your own ads.

Don't forget! Regular classes - Bronx Masquerade projects are due tomorrow at the beginning of class. Challenge class - You were to read chapters 10 & 11 in The Hobbit, which I discovered was only about 23 pages - not bad! You were also to write answers to those Iron Giant essay questions. We will discuss them tomorrow. :)