August Bell Ringer Prompts

August 14th, 2014Writer’s Notebook:Explain something that you do daily or

weekly that requires a specific procedure.

August 15th, 2014Writer’s Notebook:What is intelligence?What makes you feel smart?*Please answer in full sentences. Really

think about giving a thoughtful answer as you write.

August 18th, 2014Writer’s Notebook: “The most beautiful

word in the English language is cellar door.”Joseph Conrad, author

What do YOU think is/are the most beautiful word(s) in the English language? Why is it/ are they beautiful? How do these words affect you or others?

August 18th, 20143rd, 4th, 5th blocksWriter’s Notebook: Friday we talked about

how we each react to new learning challenges in different ways.Describe the habits of a person who is a successful learner. Which of these habits do you practice regularly?

August 19th, 20141st Block OnlyGet out your homework from last night. You should have 3 pieces of textual evidence, one for each of the 3 “Dickensian” Writing techniques you chose from yesterday’s notes.

August 19th, 20143rd & 4th BlocksWelcome! Please sit in your assigned seat (the one you sat in yesterday) and wait for further instructions!

Got a Favorite Quote?Write down a favorite quote (from a movie, book,

show, song).

Briefly answer the following questions about the quote:

1. Why do you like this quote?

2. What do these words teach you about yourself: how you have been, how you are, how you want to be?

3. What do these words teach me about life/people and how they work?

August 19th, 2014 (5th block only)

August 20th, 2014All BlocksWriter’s Notebook:Today we will try a new writing strategy

called "Writing from a word." Using one of the class dictionaries near you, flip randomly and let your finger land on a word. Then, write the word in your notebook under today's date. Choose one of the definitions listed and write that down under the word. Next, write about everything and anything that comes to mind from that word/definition.

August 21st, 2014 (All Blocks)Writer’s Notebook: Today is Therapeutic Thursday! This is a

weekly tradition where we celebrate the approaching weekend by writing about whatever we want! You may choose to write about whatever is on your mind (no profanity). Just be sure to write in full sentences (no repeating one word or phrase over and over) and make it a 1/2 a page.

August 22nd, 2014 (1st Block)On a separate sheet of paper (not in your notebook!), write accompanying explanations for how each of your quotes fit the theme(s) you have identified in Great Expectations.

August 22nd, 2014 (3rd, 4th, 5th Blocks)Independent Reading:Today you will silently read a book of your

choice for 15 minutes. If you do not have a book you may borrow one from my shelf or go to the library (come ask me ASAP). Only 4 people may go at a time and each person may only go twice a month.

3rd Block: Any library visits will have to happen after lunch, due to the library being closed until 12:35.

August 25th, 2014 (All Blocks)New Vocab! Write these Root words, definitions

and example words down.Anti; def: against; Ex. AntiwarAuto; def: self; Ex. AutomaticCarn; def: meat; Ex. carnivoreDent/dont; def: teeth; Ex. Dentist/ OrthodontistDyn; def: power; Ex. DynamiteGig; def: giant; Ex. GigabyteHex; def: six; Ex. HexagonInter; def: between; Ex. International*wait for the next 7!

Kil; def: thousand; Ex. KilometerMal; def: bad; Ex. MalpracticeMega; def: great, large; Ex. MegastoreMicro; def: small; Ex. MicroscopicMort; def: death; Ex. ImmortalMulti; def: Many; Ex. MultitudeOct; def: eight; Ex. Octopus

*Don’t forget that the quiz over List #1 words is Tuesday for 3rd, 4th, and 5th and Wednesday for 1st!

August 26th, 2014(1st Block Only)No Bell Ringer. *Get out 2 sheets of paper and prepare to take the Great Expectations Test.*Turn in your vocabulary and annotations (with your name on the inside of the cover or on the separate notes) to the milk crate in the front of the room.

August 26th, 2014 (3rd, 4th, 5th Blocks)Independent Reading:Today you will silently read a book of your

choice for 15 minutes. If you do not have a book you may borrow one from my shelf or go to the library (come ask me ASAP). Only 4 people may go at a time and each person may only go twice a month.

5th Block: You will not be able to check out new books this afternoon.

August 27th, 2014 (1st Block Only)This is called “Writing from a List”

Strategy. You can use this strategy in your Writer’s Notebook anytime you are stuck!

Make a list of your 10 favorite hobbies, places, weird habits, songs, movies, or magical creatures, etc. Then pick something from that list to write further about.

*After you make your list, write until you have a 1/2 page.

August 27th, 2014(3rd, 4th, 5th Blocks)Writer’s Notebook:*Prep phrase practice* See the makeup notebook in class for full details.

August 28th, 2014 (All Blocks)Writer’s Notebook: Today is Therapeutic Thursday! This is a

weekly tradition where we celebrate the approaching weekend by writing about whatever we want! You may choose to write about whatever is on your mind (no profanity). Just be sure to write in full sentences (no repeating one word or phrase over and over) and make it a 1/2 a page.

August 29th, 2014(1st Block Only)

Writer’s Notebook:Now that you know that “By the Waters of Babylon” is a tale about our society in the future, identify the “true” identity of the following in the story.Dead Places-Ou-di-sun-Bitter Water-Great spike of rusted metal-Enchanted boxes and jars-Bronze door with no handle-Statue of “Ashing”

August 29th, 2014 (3rd, 4th, 5th Blocks)Independent Reading:Today you will silently read a book of your

choice for 15 minutes. If you do not have a book you may borrow one from my shelf or go to the library (come ask me ASAP). Only 4 people may go at a time and each person may only go twice a month.

3rd Block: Any library visits will have to happen after lunch, due to the library being closed until 12:35.

5th Block: Book check-outs will need to happen at the end of class (last 5 min).