Weekly journals are updated regularly here. You can also find a hard copy of the journal slides in the classroom file crate (Journals).

1. nd 9 Weeks
Journals 2
• 1st 5 minutes of each class.
• Worth 100 points EACH Semester.
• Must be ¾ a page. ONE page per entry (use both
front & back of pages).
• Every entry must be formatted with:
– The Journal #
– The Date
– The “Title”
Top Corner of the Page!
Sometimes there will be a practice multiple choice question at the bottom of the
journal slide—print the question AND all the possible answers in the bottom ¼ of
your journal page before you circle the correct answer. These will be practice
Explore & K-Prep questions!

2. Journal Entry #29
Journal Entry
October 17, 2013
#1
IN THE “BLINK” OF AN EYE
GET READY TO BLINK! AND SINCE “3 IS KEY” WE’LL BE
“BLINKING” 3 TIMES FOR EACH SAMPLE RESPONSE. SET
UP A CHART TO RECORD YOUR “BLINK IMPRESSIONS”.
OR #
1
2
3
1st BLINK
2nd BLINK
3rd BLINK

3. Journal Entry #30 #1
Journal Entry
October 18, 2013
Parts of Speech Review
Create a tic-tac-toe board (BIG—Fill the Space) on your page
and label each of the spaces with the following categories:
NOUN (n.)
Verb + ING = GERUND
ADJECTIVE (adj.)
other, only, various, similar,
common, true, major, imp
ortant, different
PREPOSITION (prep.)
See the Preposition Song
Lyrics!!
VERB (vt./vi.)
is, am, are, was, were, be, b
eing, been
ARTICLES:
a, an, the
PRONOUN (pron.)
these, those, that, this, such,
everyone, whoever, whatever
*SEE LIST
ADVERB (adv.)
almost, nearly, never, often, onl
y, even, far, soon, less, really, w
ell, more
CONJUNCTION (conj.)
INTERJECTION (interj.)
and, or, but, nor, so, for, yet
, because, if, since, until, alt
hough
agreed, duh, hey, hallelujah,
indeed, no, please, whoa,
yikes, yes, oops
LEAVE ROOM FOR NOTES!!

4. Even More Pronouns!!
MORE pronouns:
enough, few, fewer, less, little, many,
much, several, more, most, all, both, every,
each, any, either, neither, none, some

5. Combination Tracking
Journal Entry #1 Page
Turn to the BACK page in your journal and create the
Combination Tracking Chart below:
Writing Piece
Sentence
Count
Word
Count
Parts-ofSpeech
Count
Pure Goaled
On-Demand Test
Draw a “NEAT” chart!
Science Invasive
Species Essay
Use a straight edge to
make your lines.
Use lines for each
“writing piece” and
make the chart FILL
your page—top to
bottom!

6. Journal Entry #31
Journal Entry
October 21, 2013
#1
Goal Check-Up
Think back to your quilt block & all the
goals you set for this school year
(look back to your purple sheet if you need to).


7. Journal Entry #32
Journal Entry
October 22, 2013
#1
SPAM Practice
Write out a SPAM paragraph using the TOPIC and DETAILS
listed below (Remember: TDSSDSSC)
TOPIC: Variety in Sentences/Sentence Variety
Detail 1- Words I am OVER-USING
The: article & I, They, It: simple pronouns
Detail 2- Parts of Speech I need to USE more
Prepositions & Nouns/Gerunds (Verb + ing= Noun)
The COMBINATION for this paragraph should be 8-8-?. Challenge yourself to start
EVERY sentence with a different word!

8. Journal Entry #33
Journal Entry
October 23, 2013
#1
Bullying
Define BULLYING.
What does it MEAN to bully someone?
What images come to mind
(imagery) when you hear the
word “bully”?

10. Journal Entry #34
Journal Entry
October 24, 2013
#1
Crossing the Line!
IDIOM: cross the line
If someone crosses the line they start behaving in a
way that is not socially acceptable
 Make a running list of times and/or situations when YOU have
“Crossed the Line” with classmates or other people.
 If you have time…make a separate list of times and/or
situations when people have crossed YOUR line.

11. Journal Entry #35
Journal Entry
October 25, 2013
#1
“ VICTIMS”
Journal Fieldtrip—Just set up your page and be
ready to travel with your journal & pencil.

12. Journal Entry #36
Journal Entry
October 28, 2013
#1
Using Prepositions
Write the original sentence below in your
journal, then try to rewrite the sentence using as
many different PREPOSITIONS as possible to start it!
I want to say thank you.
SUGGESTED PREPOSITIONS TO USE:
At, After, Between, Before, By, In, From, Under, Underneath, Throughout, T
hrough, With, Without, Inside, etc.

13. Journal Entry #37
Journal Entry
October 29, 2013
#1
Using Prepositions
Write the original sentence below in your
journal, then try to rewrite the sentence using as
many different PREPOSITIONS as possible to start it!
The reason I’m thanking you is because
you are so supportive.
SUGGESTED PREPOSITIONS TO USE: Along, At, Except, During, Behind,
Between, In, From, Off, Over, Since, Throughout, Without, etc.

14. Journal Entry #38 #1
Journal Entry
October 30, 2013
Gratitude Day!
Write your TOPIC & 2 DETAILS at the top of your page, then wait for the timer!!
Topic: Showing Gratitude for ________________
Monthly Challenge:
Detail 1: ___________________
Detail 2: ___________________
(Remember:
TDSSDSSC)
Your paragraph
MUST use 8
DIFFERENT words
to start each
sentence AND 3 of
those words MUST
be prepositions!
Three DIFFERENT
prepositions!!

15. Dear Dr. Cobb,
I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how much you
are truly appreciated by the staff and students here at MMS. For
one thing, you give up your valuable time to share the world of
Shakespeare with our students. As a professor at MSU, I know that
you have a hectic schedule, but you’re willing to make your day
even more hectic by teaching extra classes here at MMS. Beyond
the usual grading and teaching on campus, you dedicate time and
energy to making Shakespeare accessible to a younger audience.
Another reason you deserve some gratitude is the passion that you
have for not only teaching, but for Shakespeare as well. Your love of
the language, humor and drama of Shakespeare is addicting.
Behind the sometimes confusing rhetoric, lies stories that even the
youngest of students can relate to. All in all, your passion for
teaching and your willingness to sacrifice your own time to teach
“Everyman” and not just your MSU students is very much
appreciated!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Foster
7th Grade Teacher, MMS

16. NO Journal Entry
Journal Entry
October 31, 2013
#1
Work on your Foldable Definitions! Make
sure you have at least defined these words:
Figurative
Alliteration
Hyperbole
Personification
Literal
Parallelism
Anaphora
Anadiplosis
Epistrophe
Simile
Antimetabole
Connotation

17. Journal Entry #39 #1
Journal Entry
November 4, 2013
Brain DUMP
Write down ANY/ALL things that come
to mind when you hear the word:
WATER
Write down ANY/ALL things that come
to mind when you hear the word:
CONSERVATION

18. Journal Entry #40
Journal Entry
November 6, 2013
#1
Science Triangulation
Copy a small model of the triangle below onto the top of your
journal page—label EVERYTHING!!
3-4 Sentences
2-3 Sentences
1-2 Sentences
1 Sentence
7-10 Sentences
Total
BIG IDEA—Save/Saving* (IN GENERAL)
Connect to Science CONSERVATION
Introduce the idea of CONSERVING WATER

Your
What, Where Why

19. Journal Entry #41
Journal Entry
November 7, 2013
#1
More Science Triangulation
Copy the following triangle in your journal. Label EVERYTHING!!
1 Sentence
Exit

(1 Sentence)
3-4 Sentences
Sum up your overall message!
(Simplify/Review/Summarize all three
points: ,,)
1-2 Sentences
5-7 Sentences Total
Closing Statement—the big FINALE!!

20. Journal Entry #42
Journal Entry
November 8, 2013
#1
Preposition Review
A prepositional phrase is a group of words made up
of a preposition, its object, and any of the object's
modifiers.
Look carefully over the “Crossing the
Line” Poem on your desk & LIST any/all
prepositional phrases you can find.
Ex. to kindness on a playground

21. Journal Entry #43
Journal Entry
#1
November 11, 2013
Preposition Work
EMPATHY (em-puh-thee)-noun 1. the intellectual identification with or
vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another
Think about the definition of EMPATHY
above. Use your list of prepositions to
create as many prepositional phrases as
possible on the topic of EMPATHY.
Ex. Along our path in life Amid our differences

22. Journal EntryEntry
# 44
Journal
November 12, 2013
#1
Poetry-Rhyme Vs. Metaphor
Fill in the following chart with as many ideas as
you can think of…
Words that rhyme
with DRIVE
Alive
Chive
VERBS associated
with DRIVING
to accelerate
to stop
to swerve

23. Journal EntryEntry
#45
Journal
November 13, 2013
#1
Poetry-Rhyme Vs. Metaphor
Fill in the following chart with as many ideas as
you can think of…
Words that rhyme
with FIGHT
Alright
Bite
VERBS associated
with FIGHTING
to punch
to bruise

24. Journal Entry #46
Journal Entry
#1
November 14 & 15, 2013
Poetry Analysis
Create a chart and be ready to analyze some 7th Grade
poetry—Beast Poems from the Class of 2017 & 2018.
Poem
1
2
3
Poetic Device #1
Poetic Device #2
Most Memorable Line

25. Journal EntryEntry
#47
Journal
November 18, 2013
#1
BEAST Plan
Make a decision on the BEAST that you are going to portray
in your poem draft that is due Friday.
What does IT look like?
What does IT smell like?
How does IT speak to you?
Does IT have skin/scales/fur?
What weapons does IT use?
When does IT attack you?
How often does IT attack you?
Do you defeat IT? Why? Why not?
Is IT a male, female or just an IT?
Diagram a PLAN for your BEAST puppet.

26. Journal Entry #48
Journal Entry
#1
November 19, 2013
Poetic Device Plan
Create a tic-tac-toe board (BIG—Fill the Space) on your page and label
each of the spaces with the following categories:
Onomatopoeia
Symbolism
Allusion
Juxtaposition
Irony
Simile
Personification
Hyperbole
Paradox
LEAVE ROOM FOR WRITING “BEAST” EXAMPLES IN EACH!!

27. Journal Entry #49
Journal Entry
#1
November 20, 2013
Repetition Plan
Create a tic-tac-toe board (BIG—Fill the Space) on your page and label
each of the spaces with the following categories:
Epanalepsis
word….word
Epistrophe
…….word
……..word
……..word
Consonance
Polysyndeton
word and word and…
Anaphora
word…….
word…….
word……
Alliteration
Anadiplosis
……………..word
word……………
Antimetabole
word…idea
idea…word
Assonance
LEAVE ROOM FOR WRITING “BEAST” EXAMPLES IN EACH!!

28. Journal Entry #50
Journal Entry
#1
November 21, 2013
Personification
Human
characteristics given
to a “?”
Poetic Devices Quiz
Using examples from your foldables OR your examples from
entries #48 & #49, write some multiple choice questions to test
your classmate’s knowledge of vocabulary.
Example:
1. “I feel isolated, but not alone.”
A. Imagery
B. Hyperbole
C. Irony
D. Simile

29. JournalDrafts Due TODAY!!
Beast Entry #1
Get your draft out and complete the following tasks:
#1 Identify and label the Poetic devices you used
#2 Identify and label your use of REPETITION
#3 On the backname your beast
#4 Include the following info on the back:
Name (first and last)
E-mail address
Mailing Address
Phone Number (home phone)
Title

30. Journal Entry #51
Journal Entry
#1
November 25, 2013
Absolute Phrases
Your Phrase Toolbox defines an absolute phrase as “a group of
words consisting of a noun or pronoun, an “-ing” or “-ed” verb
form, and any related modifiers.”
Write this equation:
Noun/Pronoun
+ (-ing or –ed verb form)
+ more words
ABSOLUTE PHRASE
You can check your work by
finding out of “was” or “were”
would make your phrase a
complete sentence
(independent clause).
Now: Practice writing some ABSOLUTE
PHRASES. Be sure to check your work!!

31. Journal Entry #52
Journal Entry
#1
December 2, 2013
Gratitude Day!
Write your TOPIC & 2 DETAILS at the top of your page, then wait for the timer!!
Topic: Showing Gratitude for ________________
Paul Radke
Monthly Challenge:
Being a great announcer
Detail 1: ___________________
Being irreplaceable
Detail 2: ___________________
(Remember:
My SPAM Format: TDSSDSSCC
TDSSDSSC) (9 sentences)
Your paragraph
MUST use 8
DIFFERENT words
to start each
sentence & EVERY
sentence MUST
have at least one
prepositional
phrase in it!!

32. Dear Paul,
Today, I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how
much you are truly missed and appreciated by the community of
Murray. For one thing, you were one of the best announcers for
Racer basketball and football. As you know, I came to MSU in
1988, and until this year, you were the ONLY voice I recognized at
the ballgames. You truly were an iconic “voice” that was loved by
players, coaches, fans, and, yes, even the Racer Band (Hi Paul!). I
didn’t realize how grateful I was for your “voice” until that voice was
replaced; however, no one can ever or will ever replace you. None
of the game announcements have the same energy and excitement
that you brought to each sport. My favorite announcement over all
the years had to be the “one minute” warning and I can honestly say
that NOBODY does it better than you! All in all, your passion for
Racer athletics and the excitement that your voice brought to each
and every event is irreplaceable! In my heart, you will always remain
the one and ONLY “Voice of the Racers.”
Sincerely,
Hope Foster

33. Journal Entry #53
Journal Entry
December 3, 2013
#1
Poetry of Phrases
Your Phrase Toolbox defines appositive phrases and participial
phrases. Use these definitions to write some sample appositive
phrases and participial phrases on the topic of SANTA CLAUS.
Appositive Phrase: a phrase that
renames, or identifies a noun or
pronoun (Santa Claus)
RENAME SANTA
Ex. , a jolly man on a mission,
Participial Phrase: a participle is a
verb form (past or present) that
functions like an adjective—add
some modifiers and you have a
participial phrase! Just think of
phrases that start with a verb (-ed or
–ing) that describes SANTA!
DESCRIBE SANTA
Ex.
flying without fear
blinded by a blizzard

34. Sample Pattern #1 Poems:
Their lives being taken away by force
Their families crying as they watched
Their hearts beating with extreme swiftness
The twenty-four tributes were put to the test of death.
Amid all the chaos
Against all odds
Down to the last few
Toward the last moment of their lives
Near the end of the game
Her arrow striking the hearts of many
Her bow shooting at the gamemakers
Their clothes burning furiously
Peeta and Katniss are a good team.
In the arena
Across the forest
In the trees
Under the dome
With sponsors
To their destiny

35. Sample Pattern #1 Poems:
Their muscles tightened with confidence
Their minds filled with pride
Their hearts burning with commitment
Michael Ore and his team walked onto the field.
With a purpose
In front of a crowd
Amid the cheers
About to win the game
Against all odds
His head thinking of plays
His eyes focused on the ball
His hands shooting for a goal
Troy Bolton was determined to win.
On the court
During the game
Among his teammates
Against the rivals
To a win

36. Sample Pattern #1 Poems:
His fingers pressing buttons haphazardly
His green tights gleaming in the moonlight
His laughter killing those around him
The Elf was in his prime.
In the elevator
At the park
On a date
Among the shoppers
Against non-believers
Her voice filling their eyes with fear
Her room spilling with toys
Their colors screaming childish
The monsters were afraid.
Of her voice
Of her toys
Of her eyes
Of her scream
Of humans

37. Journal Entry #54
Journal Entry
December 4, 2013
#1
Poetry of Phrases
Your Phrase Toolbox defines infinitive phrases and prepositional
phrases. Use these definitions to write some sample infinitive
phrases and prepositional phrases on the topic of SNOW.
Infinitive Phrase: a phrase (or group
of words) that begins with to + verb
Ex. To stand in the snow
Prepositional Phrase: a preposition
PLUS its object and modifiers
Ex. In the snow

38. Sample Pattern #3 Poems:
Santa, a “sweet” man in a red suit, eats every cookie left
for him on Christmas Eve
baked with love
covered in icing
decorated with candy
lying on a china plate near the chimney
shaking crumbs from his beard
One amazing reindeer, Rudolph, is their leader
flying high above the cities
lighting the way with his nose
guiding the sleigh
sitting on the rooftops
filled with joy
The presents left by Santa, the boss of the elves, are under the tree
waking up early
running down the stairs
making sure that everyone is awake
jumping with joy
excited Christmas is finally here

39. Journal Entry #55
Journal Entry
December 9, 2013
#1
Jack Frost Notes
Many movies are written with a message in mind—the audience leaves the
film having learned a valuable lesson/there is a moral to the story. In order to
achieve this message or theme, many movies will use some of the literary
devices we have studied in our poetry unit (irony, metaphor, personification,
paradox, symbol, etc.), so what you “literally” see in the movie has a
“figurative” meaning as well.
(1) Name two literary elements used in the movie “Jack Frost.”
(2) Tell how each of these elements helped to support the
message/lesson/theme of the movie.

40. Journal Entry #56
Journal Entry
#1
December 17, 2013
Pattern #1: Theme
Write out an INDEPENDENT CLAUSE (complete sentence) to explain
how EACH of the following themes “plays out” in the movie Jack Frost.
 The importance of second chances
Ex. Jack received a second chance at fatherhood when he
reincarnated as a snowman.
 Being a parent is much more than genetics
 Live each day without regret
 Believing IS seeing
Ex. Everyone thought Charlie was crazy for talking to a snowman, but
in his case seeing was believing as much as believing was seeing.
 Time is precious