Welcome to Ms. Flanagan's Homepage!
Writing Foundations
Room 238
Homework- Friday, May 18th:
Have a completed rough draft for Monday.
Homework- Thursday, May 17th:
Complete the body paragraph(s) for the second point/reason stated in your thesis.
Homework- Wednesday, May 16th:
Complete the body paragraph(s) for the first point/reason stated in your thesis.
Homework- Tuesday, May 15th:
Have a completed introduction paragraph for tomorrow- hook, introduction to the topic/issue, thesis.
Homework- Monday, May 14th:
Create a title for your argument research paper. *Puns encouraged!*
Homework- Friday, May 11th:
Have a graphic organizer of your argument research paper completed for Monday.
Homework- Tuesday, May 8th- Thursday, May 10th:
None; Math MCAS & research in computer lab.
Homework- Monday, May 7th:
Create your thesis statement for your research paper; be prepared to conduct research in the computer lab tomorrow- Thursday.
Homework- Friday, May 4th:
Think of and write down a topic you would like to research and defend for a paper.
Homework- Thursday, May 3rd:
Look up and define the term "plagiarism." What are some of the potential consequences for those who plagiarize?
Homework- Wednesday, May 2nd:
Whose essays were the most convincing and effective in your class? What did the author(s) do well? Explain and reflect in 5-6 sentences.
Homework- Tuesday, May 1st:
Complete the final draft of your pet argument if you did not finish in class.
Homework- Monday, April 30th:
Make all editing corrections (spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation) according to today's John Collins editing exercise.
Homework- Friday, April 27th:
Have your second rough draft completed for class on Monday.
Homework- Thursday, April 26th:
Decide which three questions from today's fishbowl activity you will use for revision and rewriting in class tomorrow.
Homework- Wednesday, April 25th:
Have your rough draft completed for class tomorrow.
Homework- Tuesday, April 24th:
Have someone at home read your work on your argument. Have them write down one thing they really like about your argument, and one thing that could be improved.
Homework- Monday, April 23rd:
Complete the introduction paragraph of your argument. Remember to skip lines.
Homework- Friday, April 13th:
None! Have a safe and happy April Vacation!
Homework- Thursday, April 12th:
Come prepared for tomorrow's Pirate Day!
Homework- Wednesday, April 11th:
What were the three best claims for the side you took in today's discussion? What were the opposing side's three best claims? Had your mind changed at all by the end of the debate? Explain in a paragraph.
Homework- Tuesday, April 10th:
Once you have completed the driver's perspective paragraph on today's worksheet, think about what an eye witness who watched from their kitchen window might think of the situation. In 5-6 sentences, tell the witness' story of the event.
Homework- Monday, April 9th:
Respond to the "Critical Thinking" question on today's worksheet for the Casey Anthony trial.
Homework- Thursday, April 5th:
No homework for the long weekend. Enjoy!
Homework- Wednesday, April 4th:
Which of your arguments was better? Which was easier to write? Why? Explain in 5-6 sentences.
Homework- Tuesday, April 3rd:
Have your introduction and first two body paragraphs completed for tomorrow.
Homework- Monday, April 2nd:
With your first position/argument for the field trip completed, think about the opposing side of the argument. What are the top three reasons to choose the other field trip? Write down all three, and explain with one sentence each.
Homework- Friday, March 30th:
Have an introduction and first two "claim" paragraphs done for Monday.
Homework- Thursday, March 29th:
In 5-6 sentences, explain which trip (Aquarium or MFA) you liked better, and why. Also explain your favorite part of that trip!
Homework- Tuesday, March 27th and Wednesday, March 28th:
No homework- MFA trips.
Homework- Monday, March 26th:
Come prepared for Tuesday's and Wednesday's field trips to the Museum of Fine Arts. You need a snack for the late morning, and a bagged lunch to eat on the way back to Hull.
Homework- Friday, March 23rd:
After today's activity and discussion, has your opinion on the issue changed or remained the same? Explain in 8-10 sentences.
Homework- Thursday, March 22nd:
Have you ever been in an argument? In 8-10 sentences describe: with whom was the argument? What was it about? What were the two opposing views? Was it somehow resolved? What was the outcome?
Homework- Monday, March 19th through Wednesday, March 21st:
No written homework. Please make sure to get a good night's sleep, and eat a nutritious breakfast in the morning before the MCAS testing.
Homework- Friday, March 16th:
In 5-6 sentences, reflect: What questions did your partner ask you today about your essay in the mini fishbowl activity? Were they for clarification or expansion? How will you incorporate this help into your essay?
Homework- Thursday, March 15th:
Museum of Fine Arts- permission slips!
Homework- Wednesday, March 14th:
Fix the individual editing mistakes in your essay according to the John Collins symbols we went over in class today.
Homework- Tuesday, March 13th:
If you did not complete the final draft today in class, please finish it for homework.
Homework- Monday, March 12th:
No homework; tomorrow's class will be based upon revising and editing the draft you wrote today, and putting together a final draft.
Homework- Friday, March 9th:
Be prepared to write the third and final in-class mock MCAS long composition Monday & Tuesday; "challenge" will be the prompt's theme!
Homework- Thursday, March 8th:
Define the word "challenge." What are some challenges you've faced in life? Briefly describe at least two.
Homework- Wednesday, March 7th:
If you did not complete the rewritten "respect" essay today in class, finish for homework.
Homework- Tuesday, March 6th:
No homework.
Homework- Monday, March 5th:
No written homework; prepare to continue revising, editing, and making changes to your essay tomorrow in class.
Homework- Friday, March 2nd:
In 8-10 sentences, reflect on your score (1-10); what did you do well? What can you do better next time?
Homework- Thursday, March 1st:
If you did not finish a final draft in class, finish for homework; otherwise, relax and enjoy a night off!
Homework- Wednesday, February 29th:
No written homework; prepare to revise, edit, and write a final draft tomorrow in part 2 of the mock MCAS Long Comp exercise.
Homework- Tuesday, February 28th:
Correct any and all editing mistakes in your work from today's Writing Across the Curriculum exercise.
Homework- Monday, February 27th:
Whose were the two strongest essays in your class section? What did these writers do exceptionally well? In 6-8 sentences, reflect on the two essays in your class section that were chosen for the Wall of Fame; rely on your notes and be specific.
Homework- Friday, February 17th:
Unless you are behind and must complete a final draft for your return from vacation, there is no assignment for your week off! :-)
Homework- Thursday, February 16th:
Complete the final draft of your "skills" long composition.
Homework- Wednesday, February 15th:
Complete the revised draft of your "skills" long composition.
Homework- Tuesday, February 14th:
Complete the rough draft of your "skills" long composition.
Homework- Monday, February 13th:
Complete the graphic organizer for your "skills" long composition.
Homework- Friday, February 10th:
Make all editing changes to your "perfect day" essay to keep current grade.
Homework- Thursday, February 9th:
No written homework! EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY:
find a newspaper article that contains an error in spelling, grammar, capitalization, and/or punctuation!
Homework- Wednesday, February 8th:
Finish editing the "boating" anchor paper.
Homework- Tuesday, February 7th:
Edit and score the provided anchor paper (Standard English Conventions; 1-4).
Homework- Monday, February 6th:
In 5-6 sentences, reflect on the Standard English Conventions score you were given today in class. Which (editing-related) mistakes did you make most frequently? How can you avoid these mistakes going forward?
Homework- Friday, February 3rd:
Finish the final draft of your "aquarium" long composition if you did not finish it today in class.
Homework- Thursday, February 2nd:
No written homework- prepare to revise and edit your rough draft and then write a final draft in class.
Homework- Wednesday, February 1st:
Finish the New England Aquarium brochure you started in class! It should include color, illustrations, and focused information on the following: species available to see, the IMAX theater, various jobs, and why it's important to have an aquarium.
Homework- Tuesday, January 31st:
If you scored lower than a 75% on today's Editing Quiz, prepare for a re-take opportunity tomorrow!
Homework- Monday, January 30th:
In 8-10 sentences, reflect on the essays you heard from classmates today.
Be specific, and cite different examples of rich language, imagery, and points made in their essays. *Use your notes from class.*
Homework- Friday, January 27th:
No weekend homework!
Homework- Thursday, January 26th:
Come prepared for tomorrow's field trip to the New England Aquarium; dress appropriately, and bring either a bagged lunch or money to purchase a lunch.
Homework- Wednesday, January 25th:
Complete the final draft of your "Perfect Day" essay. Due tomorrow.
Homework- Tuesday, January 24th:
Finish the corrections and changes (revision) needed in the rough draft of your essay.
Homework- Monday, January 23rd:
Complete the rough draft of your "Perfect Day" essay.
Homework: Friday, January 20th:
Graphic organizer for "Perfect Day" essay.
Homework: Thursday, January 19th:
Revise all paragraphs of the final "Perfect Day" anchor paper.
Homework: Wednesday, January 18th:
Complete the rewriting of the anchor paper; all changes/additions should be highlighted.
Homework- Tuesday, January 17th:
Finish revising the new anchor paper.
Homework- Friday, January 13th:
Complete the corrections and changes on your "winter" essay to keep current score; failure to make corrections will result in further point loss.
Homework- Thursday, January 12th:
Finish making the necessary changes to each paragraph of the anchor paper, based on today's revision activity in class.
Homework- Wednesday, January 11th:
Finish revising the new anchor paper given to you today (AKC Agility Trial Championship).
Homework- Tuesday, January 10th:
Finish rewriting the remaining paragraphs of the anchor paper (there should be three, at most, left to do).
Homework- Monday, January 9th:
Select another paragraph from the anchor paper to revise & rewrite; one was already done in class today.
Homework- Friday, January 6th:
Create a T-chart that exposes the strengths and weaknesses of the anchor paper we read today in class. Beneath the T-chart, write a 5-6 sentence paragraph explaining the changes needed to make this a stronger essay.
Homework- Thursday, January 5th:
No written assignment.
Homework- Wednesday, January 4th:
Create a T-chart that exposes the strengths and weaknesses of the anchor paper we read today in class. Beneath the T-chart, write a 5-6 sentence paragraph explaining the changes needed to make this a stronger essay.
Homework- Tuesday, January 3rd:
Brainstorm and gather ideas to potentially use for new essay prompt- "Perfect Day." (Where would you be? What would you do? Who would be with you?)
Homework- Friday, December 23rd:
No homework for vacation! Have a safe and happy holiday/break! :-)
Homework- Thursday, December 22nd:
Complete your story or poem, and include an illustration to accompany it!
Homework- Wednesday, December 21st:
"After-school activity" essay corrections: rewrite any and all paragraphs that lack adequate details, rich language, organization, and/or relation to the prompt.
Homework- Tuesday, December 20th:
"After-school activity" essay corrections: rewrite any and all sentences containing errors in spelling, grammar, capitalization and/or punctuation (Standard English Conventions).
Homework- Monday, December 19th:
In 8-10 sentences, reflect: which two were the best winter essays in your class section? What made them stand out from the others? Be specific!
Homework- Friday, December 16th:
Complete the assignment reflection for your winter essay. Handout to be distributed Friday in class.
Homework- Thursday, December 15th:
Complete the final draft of your essay; it should be handwritten, neatly, with the proper heading.
Homework- Wednesday, December 14th:
Complete the Revising & Editing checklist for your rough draft.
Homework- Tuesday, December 13th:
Complete the body paragraphs (there should be at least 3) of your rough draft.
Homework- Monday, December 12th:
Brainstorm and create a graphic organizer for the new winter prompt.
Homework- Friday, December 9th:
No homework! Have a safe and relaxing weekend.
Homework- Thursday, December 8th:
Complete the final draft of your after-school activity long composition.
Homework- Wednesday, December 7th:
Complete the Revising & Editing checklist. Also, have someone at home read your rough draft and provide you the following feedback: 3 things you have done well, and 3 things you should fix or improve. *Must provide signature.*
Homework- Tuesday, December 6th:
Complete the conclusion paragraph of your rough draft. Skip lines.
Homework- Monday, December 5th:
Write the three (or more) body paragraphs of your rough draft. Remember to skip lines!
Homework- Friday, December 2nd:
Write the introduction paragraph of your after-school activity essay. SKIP LINES!
Homework- Thursday, December 1st:
Correctly rewrite any/all sentences from your personal hero essay that contain errors in spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, or all the above.
Homework- Wednesday, November 30th:
Using complete sentences, reflect on the anchor paper you read today in class (debate club). What are five things the writer did well? What are five things the writer could improve? Be specific!
Homework- Tuesday, November 29th:
Using complete sentences, reflect on the anchor paper you read today in class (art class). What are five things the writer did well? What are five things the writer could improve? Be specific!
Homework- Monday, November 28th:
Using complete sentences, reflect on the anchor paper you read today in class (newspaper). What are five things the writer did well? What are five things the writer could improve? Be specific!
Homework- Wednesday, November 23rd:
No homework! Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving break! :-)
Homework- Tuesday, November 22nd:
In 8-10 sentences, reflect: what were the strengths and weaknesses of the essay we looked at today? What kind of score would you give it for Topic/Idea Development? Be specific!
Homework- Monday, November 21st:
In 8-10 sentences, reflect: what were the strengths and weaknesses of the essay we looked at today? What kind of score would you give it for Topic/Idea Development? Be specific!
Homework- Friday, November 18th:
In 8-10 sentences, reflect: whose were the two BEST essays in your class? What made them stand out from the rest? Be specific!
Homework- Thursday, November 17th:
Complete the final draft of your essay about a personal hero. Be sure to write neatly and use the correct heading.
Homework- Wednesday, November 16th:
Revise and edit the rough draft of your personal hero essay, using the checklist provided in class.
Homework- Tuesday, November 15th:
Complete the conclusion of your rough draft. Have someone at home read your draft, and sign it when they're done! Have them write down 3 things they like about your draft, and at least 2 things you could improve. Any feedback they can give you is encouraged.
Homework- Monday, November 14th:
Complete the body paragraphs of your rough draft for the "hero" long composition. Again, remember to skip lines!
Friday, November 11th:
Veterans' Day. No School.
Homework- Thursday, November 10th:
Complete the introduction paragraph of the rough draft for your "hero" long composition. REMEMBER TO SKIP LINES! :-)
*Have a happy Veterans' Day.*
Homework- Wednesday, November 9th:
Brainstorm ideas for your "hero" long composition and create a graphic organizer.
Homework- Tuesday, November 8th:
In your own words, create a definition for the word "hero." In at least five sentences, describe the attributes of a hero and examples of who heroes are.
Homework- Monday, November 7th:
After revising and editing, complete the final copy of your friendly letter to a veteran.
Homework- Friday, November 4th:
Complete the rough draft of your friendly letter to a veteran for Monday.
Homework- Thursday, November 3rd:
Whose were the two best essays in your class section? Why? In 8-10 sentences, explain why the two essays selected for the Wall of Fame were really outstanding. Be specific with detail and examples.
Homework- Wednesday, November 2nd:
(Ms. Flanagan was out sick; scheduled homework pushed to Thursday).
Homework- Tuesday, November 1st:
No school; Professional Development day. No homework!
Homework- Monday, October 31st:
Happy Halloween! No Homework! Enjoy your day off.
Homework- Friday, October 28th:
Complete the final draft of your fear/Halloween long composition. Due Monday.
Homework- Thursday, October 27th:
Finish Revising and Editing your rough draft using the checklist provided.
Homework- Wednesday, October 26th:
Complete the rough draft of your essay; for tomorrow, you should have an introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Homework- Tuesday, October 25th:
Complete the introduction and first body paragraph of your long composition about "fear."
Homework- Monday, October 24th:
In the spirit of Halloween (and all things "scary"!), begin brainstorming your ideas about a time you felt very afraid. Brainstorm on paper for at least ten minutes, and then prepare a graphic organizer.
Homework- Friday, October 21st:
In 5-7 complete sentences, reflect on today's activity/discussion. What are the areas of strength in the long composition we looked at? What are the areas of weakness? Be specific!
Re: Pep rally
Homework- Thursday, October 20th:
In 5-7 complete sentences, reflect on today's activity/discussion. What are the areas of strength in the long composition we looked at? What are the areas of weakness? Be specific!
Re: Golf tournament
Homework- Wednesday, October 19th:
In 5-7 complete sentences, reflect on today's activity/discussion. What are the areas of strength in the long composition we looked at? What are the areas of weakness? Be specific!
Re: Getting all A's in 6th grade
Homework- Tuesday, October 18th:
Unless you owe me a long composition (due to absences or the missed due date), there is no homework tonight! Relax and enjoy!
Homework- Monday, October 17th:
Complete the final draft of your long composition about a time you felt proud of yourself. Remember to write neatly; you need not skip lines. Also remember to set up the correct heading!
Homework- Friday, October 14th:
Using the checklist provided in class, revise and edit the rough draft of your long composition. Have someone at home read your draft, too, if possible!
Homework- Thursday, October 13th:
Finish the body paragraphs of your long composition. Find and circle at least FIVE instances of "rich language" in your paragraphs. If you can't find any, add them in!
Homework- Wednesday, October 12th:
Complete the introduction of your long composition about a time you felt proud of yourself. Remember that an introduction gives the reader an idea of what the essay is going to explore, but also hooks and pulls them in! Skip lines!
Homework- Tuesday, October 11th:
Create a detailed graphic organizer for your long composition about a time you felt proud of yourself. You should plan for at least 5 paragraphs; your organizer should indicate the main idea and details for each paragraph. Complete sentences are not needed; you may use bulleted or numbered lists. Do not write out the paragraphs in your graphic organizer.
Homework- Monday, October 10th:
Columbus Day. No school, no homework!
Homework- Friday, October 7th:
No homework for the long weekend! Enjoy!
Homework- Thursday, October 6th:
New worksheet- DOUBLE SIDED! "Compound Sentences" and "Run-On Sentences."
Homework- Wednesday, October 5th:
Worksheet- "Compound Sentences." Do numbers 1-6 ONLY; ignore the instructions at the bottom of the sheet.
Homework- Tuesday, October 4th:
"Expanded Paragraphs" worksheet (on the reverse side of last night's assignment). The activity focuses on expanding the ideas from a basic paragraph into more descriptive, informative paragraphs with the help of transitions. Read the instructions carefully!
Homework- Monday, October 3rd:
"Basic Paragraphs" worksheet. Remember to include a topic sentence, three supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence in each paragraph. Topic sentences and concluding sentences should not state the same ideas.
Homework- Friday, September 30th:
Look up and define the term "pride." If you do not have access (either electronically or in print) to a dictionary, do your best to write a definition of pride in your own words. Next, think describe a memory of a time when you have felt particularly proud.
Homework- Thursday, September 29th:
No homework. Rosh Hashanah. Dismissal at noon. Enjoy the early release day!
Homework- Wednesday, September 28th:
Finish essay corrections if unfinished in class.
Homework- Tuesday, September 27th:
"Topic Sentences" worksheet (on the reverse side of previous night's homework).
Homework- Monday, September 26th:
"Supporting Sentences" worksheet.
Homework- Friday, September 23rd:
Complete the final draft of your long composition.
Homework- Thursday, September 22nd:
Revise and edit the rough draft of your long composition.
*Look for mechanical mistakes (spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation), as well as errors in organization, sentence flow, and topic/idea development.*
Homework- Wednesday, September 21st:
Now that you have interacted with actual student responses to the MCAS Long Composition prompt on Friday, Monday, and the gallery walk, it's time to begin generating your own response! Tonight, please brainstorm and create a graphic organizer to your ideas for the prompt we've been working with.
Prompt: Imagine you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year. Where would you choose to live? Why would you choose this place? What would you hope to learn there?
Homework- Tuesday, September 20th:
"Exclamations and Commands" worksheet.
Homework- Monday, September 19th:
"Four Kinds of Sentences" worksheet.
Homework- Friday, September 16th:
Complete the "Pronouns" and "Verbs" worksheet given today in class.
*The worksheet focuses on using various pronouns and verbs in sentences to enhance readability and varied word choice.*
Homework- Thursday, September 15th:
Complete the "Nouns" worksheet given today in class.
*The worksheet focuses on writing complete sentences, using various nouns as the subjects of these sentences.*
Homework- Wednesday, September 14th:
Create ten original sentences. Five should be incorrect in spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation; the other five should be corrected versions of those sentences.
Homework- Tuesday, September 13th:
Complete the final draft of your "Summer" essay.
Homework- Monday, September 12th:
Using the checklist, revise and edit the rough draft of your "Summer" essay.
Homework- Friday, September 9th:
In remembrance of September 11, 2001, interview someone in your life who was high school-age or older when the attacks happened that day. See handout for questions and instructions.
Homework- Thursday, September 8th:
Finish the rough draft of the essay.
Homework- Wednesday, September 7th:
Complete a graphic organizer for the essay.
Homework- Tuesday, September 6th:
Brainstorm ideas for "The Summer I Wish I Had" for at least twenty minutes. A parent's or guardian's signature is required as proof of the twenty-minute time span!
Homework- Thursday, September 1st:
Enjoy the long holiday weekend, and please have your Writing Foundations binders ready for Tuesday! :-)
Homework- Wednesday, August 31st:
"Letter to Ms. Flanagan": Students should write a 3-paragraph friendly letter, in which they introduce themselves to me. What would you like me to know about you? Suggestions: your favorite/least favorite subject(s) in school, what you like to do in your spare time, etc. This is also a great opportunity to incorporate any questions you may have for me!
*Each paragraph should be at least 4-5 sentences long.*
Homework- Tuesday, August 30th:
"4 Truths and a Lie": Students must create five original sentences about themselves. Four of these sentences should be true statements; one of them (it should not be too obvious!) should be a lie. Students will share these with the class, and the class will try to determine each student's lie!
In order for students to achieve the utmost success in Writing Foundations, I have implemented the following structures and policies in the class:
Breakdown of Grades in Writing Foundations:
Writing Assignments- 30%
Homework- 20%
Tests/Quizzes- 20%
Journal- 20%
Class Participation- 10%
Homework Policy:
Assigned homework is due the following day, unless instructed otherwise. Homework is assigned every night, unless instructed otherwise. I check homework at the beginning of each class period, and based on the completion and effort reflected by the student's work, they are given a Check Plus (10/10), a Check (8.5/10), a Check Minus (7/10) or a zero. A student can only earn a zero if they do not do the assignment and/or they do not bring it to class.
Students may show me their missed assignment that was DUE THAT DAY before dismissal at 2:25 for a Check Minus rather than a zero.
If a parent or guardian feels that there is a legitimate excuse for a student to not have their homework with them on its due date, they may send the student to class with a note simply saying so. With a note, a student is excused from that homework assignment, no questions asked. If a student submits 5 or more notes from home, I will contact the parent or guardian.
Extra Credit Opportunities
Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to earn extra credit by doing various assignments that I offer. I strongly encourage students to take advantage of this! Students with one or more missing homework could erase that zero by doing extra credit; students with perfect homework averages may have points added to a writing assignment or test. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXTRA CREDIT! :-)
Welcome Back to School, and to Writing Foundations!!!
Writing Foundations is a NEW COURSE at Memorial Middle School, and we are so excited and fortunate to have it. In Writing Foundations, students will sharpen their writing skills in order to prepare for the MCAS long composition while also learning general and more sophisticated tools and styles for lifelong writing experiences!
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