Mythology Reading Schedule and Independent Reading

Here is a copy of the Mythology Reading Schedule and the Independent Reading List, both of which were passed out in class today:

Mythology Reading Schedule

Independent Reading List

Happy Reading!

Back to School Night

Thank you to all of you who attended Back to School Night! If you couldn't make it, or would just like some more information, here is a copy of the handout I passed out:

Back to School Night Handout

Remember, if you have any questions, the best way to contact me is through my school email. If you want to check your child's grades, attendance, etc. please visit the Family Portal.

Thanks again!

Stories and Myths

Here is a copy of the myth of Echo & Narcissus, in case you need it, along with a copy of the Myth Meat & Bones Sheet:

Echo & Narcissus

Myth Bones

And here is an online version of the short story "Everyday Use" which we will discuss early next week:

"Everyday Use"

Don't forget that we are going to the bookroom on Monday to get Lord of the Flies, Mythology, and The Odyssey - bring you I.D. and a backpack!

Grammar: Active vs. Passive Voice

On Monday, August 26th, we will have our first grammar quiz. It will be a multiple choice/true-false clicker quiz on Active vs. Passive Voice. There may also be a short written portion to the quiz.

Here is a handout that explains Active vs. Passive Voice (it's a pdf):

Active vs. Passive Voice Handout

Basically, active voice is (almost always) better than passive voice. Here is a quick example.

      (Active Voice): Sarah bought two tickets for the baseball game.

      (Passive Voice): Two tickets to the baseball game were bought by Sarah.

The first sentence is better. It is clear and follows standard English.



Sometimes, you need to use passive voice (such as when you don't know who committed the action):

      Sarah's tickets were stolen (passive voice) instead of

      Someone who we don't know who it is stole Sarah's tickets. (active, but awkward).


Make sure you can identify if a sentence is in active or passive voice and which one is better. You should also be able to write a sample of each kind of sentence and re-write a sentence written in passive voice so it is written in active voice and vice versa. In your writing, you should avoid using passive voice if possible.

Vocabulary Words

Here is the list of vocabulary words for the first eight weeks of school. I will pass this list out in class on Monday, but you can also get it from Google Docs here:

SAT Vocab. List 1-8

And here is the website where you can find the definitions, practice quizzes, games, etc.:

SAT Vocabulary

This week (Monday, August 19-23) is Week 1. The week 1 quiz will be next Monday, the 26th. Then there is a new quiz every Monday. If there is no school on Monday (or if we are doing an in-class essay or something else that takes the entire period) the quiz will be on Tuesday.