The eighth grade Christmas memories did not disappoint. They shared many wonderful thoughts of childhood holidays with me, and wrote well. With the permission of the author, I share some of an essay that both made me laugh and impressed me.
     "...My sister and I always caused some kind of trouble when we were together.
     During Christmas break, for many years, we would play with one nativity. It included Jesus in the manger, Mary and Joseph standing around Jesus, the wise men bearing gifts, two praying girls, and an angel we believed to be Gabriel watching from above. Being the odd children we were, my sister and I would also use a sheep ornament from our Christmas tree. Looking back now, it makes sense why the sheep didn't match the rest of the nativity.
     One particular memory I remember is the infamous Hotel Bethlehem. The hotel motto was, "When there's no room in the manger, there's always room at the Hotel Bethlehem." Baby Jesus and Mary would ride around in a Barbie Jeep, and the hotel was our dollhouse. Joseph was always missing, and we never made up why. The three wise men, the angel, and of course, the sheep stayed at Hotel Bethlehem to see Jesus. My sister and I would play for hours on end every single night ..."
     I love the creativity and imagination that my middle school students express, and pray that their writing futures hold many gifts which they will share with family, friends, and the world.
 

There seems to be a "mini-epidemic" in the eighth grade this morning! Many students are absent, so I have decided to post the reading homework for the remainder of the week, as well a couple of reminders about tomorrow's field trip. First, the field trip ... remember that we must all bring a bag lunch and a drink to the museum, as well as a sketch book and a sharpened pencil. This will be an exciting adventure! Next, assignments for the week ... students should have finished reading Chapter 2 of The Once and Future King; they should read Chapter 3 for Wednesday's class. I distributed Guide Questions for Chapters 3 and 4 this morning; these should help students to find essential details in the text which will help with class discussion (and quizzes). Absentees will find these in their lockers. Also remember, eighth graders, that you had some Internet research to complete last weekend - information on falconry. The research that students handed in today was excellent.
I hope all who weren't in school today are feeling healthy soon.

Grammar Matters:

Grammar Matters: Thanks to my friend and colleague Mrs. Wade for reviewing how to reconnect with my blog. As you learned in a previous message, I am still a technophobe, or probably better said, a technofool. When time allows I will work with a tech-supporter to enhance my skills.

I find it hard to believe that the first trimester of this school year has ended and report cards will go out on Friday. My students and I have already learned much together. My eighth graders will complete their "Christmas Memory" essays this week - looking forward to reading those this weekend. We started to read one of my favorite books today, T.H. White's The Once and Future King, a beautiful, thoughtful story of the young King Arthur. In seventh grade, we began another favorite, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens ... perfect for this holiday season! The sixth graders will have their second nouns test tomorrow - case ... a bit difficult, but they are eager learners and will do well, I am sure; after the test, I have many Christmas word puzzles for them, which they always enjoy.

As always, the words of  a song from The King and I ring in my ears ... "As a teacher I've been learning ... by your pupils you'll be taught." I continue to relish the moments we share in the classroom at DeSales, and to learn with them about English and our faith.

"Let the coming generation be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born the justice He has shown." God bless us, every one!

The NYS ELA tests will be given this week. I'll be giving my students some important last-minute pointers tomorrow. What can you do to encourage your child to do his or her best work?
As Catholic Schools Superintendent Sister Carol Cimino said in this morning's paper, "It's merely a test. This is just one snapshot. It's not high stakes." So, put this one day-one test (three total) into perspective - this test helps to measure a student's strengths and weaknesses in reading and writing, and shows where improvement needs to be made. It doesn't determine "how smart a kid is". Make your child feel comfortable and confident, and encourage your child to do the best job possible. Make sure he or she is rested and has had some breakfast fuel before coming to school. Tell your child to relax and enjoy reading the stories on the test. In truth, most of them are very informative and entertaining. Remind your child that hard work leads to success. What tools are needed for the test? Several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers, one highlighter, and a good book to read if there is any time after answers to the questions on the test have been carefully written.
My students are tired after each day's assessment (So am I!), so I'll try to provide a "useful distraction" after the test ... perhaps some PETER PAN IN SCARLET  for the sixth graders, a mythology puzzle for the seventh graders, and some preparation for the important Boston trip for the eighth graders.
As always, I'm counting on inspiration from the Holy Spirit and our patron Saint Francis DeSales. Moms and Dads, pray for us!

Long time no blog! Yes, Mrs. Merrill is a true technophobe, and found herself utterly confused for quite a long time. At her principal's suggestion, she sought help from those more skilled than she and found a patient and kind teacher in her colleague Mrs. Crofts. There is much more work to do, but my hope is to update the blog on a weekly basis, and eventually, to share links and photos.
This week in my English classroom we are completing our preparation for the NYS ELA Exam, which will take place on April 1,2, and 3. My students are aware of the format of the exam, and we have done sample reading comprehension and short response questions. I've asked them to bring home the printed copies of the reading they've done for these samples, and I will return their short responses and provide some more support and give some more strategy then. We will also do a long response this week, and will reference the ELA/ Six Traits rubric I have used throughout the year.
I have seen some excellent growth in writing skills, particularly with my eighth graders, and I hope to see my students complete several wonderful essays next week. I hope to make all the middle school students comfortable and confident as they enter next week's busy test time.