Friday, October 3, 2014

October 3, 2014

We recently finished Unit 1: Puritans and Colonial Literature, and the students took the unit exam.  Please check ParentConnect to view your child's grade on this important test.   Earlier this week, we began Unit 2: Romanticism and Transcendentalism.  We read Washington Irving's short story, "The Devil and Tom Walker" and we plan to study works from these author's as well:  Poe, Emerson, Thoreau, Bryant, and Hawthorne.

In terms of writing, the students will learn how to properly use quotations and cite their references during this unit.

Next week, we will take another vocabulary Word of the Day quiz worth 40 points.  You can find a list of the words below.  Please help prepare your child for this quiz.

I also want to inform you about an extra-credit assignment your child can complete during our upcoming parent-teacher conferences.  Essentially, your child can "run" the meeting the night of conferences and explain to you what the goals of the class are, how he/she is progressing in the class, and how he/she can make improvements.  While this assignment is optional, it might be a good way for your child to raise his/her grade.  I will hand out a sheet to each student next week explaining the particulars.

Set #3
protract (v):  to lengthen or prolong
abridge (v):  to shorten or condense
copious (adj):  plentiful; abundant
profuse (adj):  flowing; extravagant
sycophant (n):  flatterer; one who sucks up to people in power
ascendant (adj):  superior; dominant
undaunted (adj):  fearless; courageous
supercilious (adj):  scornful superiority; haughty
circuitous (adj):  roundabout; indirect

diffident (adj):  shy; aloof; lacking self-confidence

Thursday, September 4, 2014

September 4, 2014

Tomorrow, we will be taking our first vocabulary quiz of the year.  All of these bi-weekly vocabulary quizzes are worth 40 points.  I have included the list of words at the end of this blog so you can help your child study if you would like. 

Currently, we are studying Puritan/Colonial literature.  The first unit exam will be in two weeks, so please encourage your child to be prepared for it.

In terms of writing, the students are researching the subject of freedom in American and learning how to compose quality thesis statements.  There will be a research/writing component in each of our units of study.

Thank you for your time, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me at derickson@d220.org.


Set #1
plethora (n):  abundance; many; excess
munificent (adj):  generous
paucity (n):  scarcity
prolific (adj):  very productive
parsimony (n):  stinginess
narcissism (n):  love for oneself
alacrity (n):  cheerful eagerness
rancor (n):  bitter ill-will
predilection (n):  a natural preference
bane (n):  poison; torture