Thursday, February 28, 2008

2-29-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I will not be in class today. Please follow the blog closely and be respectful to the substitute teacher. If you have any questions, post a comment to this entry and I will try to respond quickly. Thanks.--Mr. Buckley

I welcomed students and took attendance. I collected any outstanding Dead Poets' Society Permission Slips. We visited the Media Center and went on a Library Tour with the VVMS Librarian, Mrs. Elliott. Students had the opportunity to learn about many different books available from the surveys the class took a couple weeks ago. Time was provided for students to search for and check out RIF material. Students read and responded to the blog entry Fear Case Studies Concepts. Students then filled out the Personal Fear Inventory from the Fear Module Packet. They also read the Stage Fright article from the Fear Module Packet.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments
  • Present your Parent Persuasive Speech (DUE Tuesday)
    • Give your speech to at least one of your parents/guardians.
    • Have your parent/guardian fill out the evaluation form and sign the bottom of the sheet.
    • Return the sheet by the due date (Tuesday) to earn 25 points.
  • Respond to the blog entry Thank You Mrs. Elliott. (DUE Tuesday)
  • Read and respond to the blog entry Fear Case Studies Concepts. (DUE Tuesday)
  • Complete Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the Personal Fear Inventory in the Fear Packet. (DUE Tuesday)
  • Read the Stage Fright article in the Fear Module Packet and respond to the blog entry Stage Fright Article Reaction. (DUE Tuesday)
  • If you have not yet done so, give the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip to your parent/guardian. Have them sign it and bring back to class. (DUE Tuesday)
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following: (DUE Tuesday)
    • Create a new tab and label it My Interests. This refers to any appropriate site that you are personally interested in. For example, I may choose a Packers blog for My Interests page.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to My Interests.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

3-3-2008 Weekly Update

  • Continue Fear Module
  • Dead Poets' Society
  • RIF

Communication Theory Test Results

Because I will not be in class on Thursday and Friday, I have decided to push the Communication Theory test results back to Monday and Tuesday. At that time, I will distribute the corrected tests and you will have an opportunity to review them.

Thank You Mrs. Elliott

Today, we visited the Media Center and went on a Library Tour with the VVMS Librarian, Mrs. Elliott. Please take a moment to thank Mrs. Elliott by commenting to this entry with a message expressing your appreciation. You can say the words THANK YOU, but you should also add a litte more than that. (I've provided the first comment as an example of what is appropriate and acceptable.) Please remember to be polite and appreciative.

Stage Fright Article

Read the article from your yellow Fear Packet called, "Stage fright? Don't collapse--confront it." After reading the article, comment on any three things from the article. It can relate to previous fear discussions we've had or something new. Be sure to number each of your responses.

Fear Case Studies Concepts

Since I will be out of class on Thursday and Friday, I'd like to list some of the concepts regarding the Fear Case Studies. In addition, I'd like you to help each other out by providing some insights that you have from the three stories you read.
  1. Case Study #1
    • Fear helped the deer sense danger and protect itself. Sometimes running away when facing fear is the right thing to do. Fear helped the deer get ready to do a job. In this case, fear helped the deer escape safely.
  2. Case Study #2
    • Bill faces fear and wonders what is wrong with himself. He runs away from his responsibility because he does not understand that the physiological reactions he is having as a result of fear is his body getting ready to do a job.
  3. Case Study #3
    • Clay, like Bill, faces fear and has similar physiological reactions. But since Clay understands that his body is getting ready to do a job, he uses his fear positively to give a great speech.
Please respond to the following questions:
  1. Share one thing you learned from Case Study #1.
  2. Share one thing you learned from Case Study #2.
  3. Share one thing you learned from Case Study #3.
  4. What was one thing from the Case Studies that reminded you of a situation you have been in regarding fear? Explain in detail.

2-28-2008 (B Day) Happenings

I will not be in class during 5/6B or 7/8B today. Please follow the blog closely and be respectful to the substitute teacher. If you have any questions, post a comment to this entry and I will try to respond quickly. Thanks.--Mr. Buckley

I welcomed students and took attendance. I collected any outstanding Dead Poets' Society Permission Slips. We visited the Media Center and went on a Library Tour with the VVMS Librarian, Mrs. Elliott. Students had the opportunity to learn about many different books available from the surveys the class took a couple weeks ago. Time was provided for students to search for and check out RIF material. Students read and responded to the blog entry Fear Case Studies Concepts. Students then filled out the Personal Fear Inventory from the Fear Module Packet. They also read the Stage Fright article from the Fear Module Packet.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments
  • Present your Parent Persuasive Speech (DUE Monday)
    • Give your speech to at least one of your parents/guardians.
    • Have your parent/guardian fill out the evaluation form and sign the bottom of the sheet.
    • Return the sheet by the due date (Monday) to earn 25 points.
  • Respond to the blog entry Thank You Mrs. Elliott. (DUE Monday)
  • Read and respond to the blog entry Fear Case Studies Concepts. (DUE Monday)
  • Complete Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the Personal Fear Inventory in the Fear Packet. (DUE Monday)
  • Read the Stage Fright article in the Fear Module Packet and respond to the blog entry Stage Fright Article Reaction. (DUE Monday)
  • If you have not yet done so, give the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip to your parent/guardian. Have them sign it and bring back to class. (DUE Monday)
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following: (DUE Friday)
    • Create a new tab and label it My Interests. This refers to any appropriate site that you are personally interested in. For example, I may choose a Packers blog for My Interests page.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to My Interests.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

2-27-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip. Students responded to the blog entry 3-2-1 Discussion of the Communication Theory Module. I checked the Parent Persuasive Speech Assignment & Worksheet as well as the Parent Persuasive Speech Outline. I explained the presentation piece of the Parent Persuasive Speech. I handed out the Fear Module Packet. Students completed page 1 of the packet by ranking their fears and guessing society's fears. I then revealed the results of society's fears. Students responded to the blog entry Initial Fear Blog Entry. Students then began reading and answering the 3 Fear Case Studies from the Fear Module Packet.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments
  • Read and answer the questions for Fear Case Study #1, Fear Case Study #2 and Fear Case Study #3. (DUE Friday)
  • If you have not yet done so, give the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip to your parent/guardian. Have them sign it and bring back to class. (DUE Friday)
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following: (DUE Friday)
    • Create a new tab and label it Math.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to Math.
  • Complete the top portion of the Parent Persuasive Speech Assignment & Worksheet.
    • Make a list of several things (4).
    • Write Final Topic.
    • List 3 reasons to support your Final Topic.
  • Type a complete outline for the Parent Persuasive Speech.
    • Use the Sample Parent Persuasive Speech Outline as a guide.
    • Go to Edline and download the Parent Persuasive Speech Outline Template. Use this template to create your outline.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Note to Parents about the Parent Persuasive Speech

Your child has been preparing their Parent Persuasive Speech. He/she must present this speech to you by Monday, March 3 (B Day Classes) or Tuesday, March 4 (A Day Classes). After listening to the speech, please fill out the Parent Persuasive Speech Evaluation and sign the bottom indicating that your child has completed the activity. The signed evaluation form serves as the completion of the speech and is worth 25 points if turned in at the beginning of class on Monday or Tuesday (depending on what day they have LRT). Please note that the evaluation form has no impact on your child's grade; it provides your child with helpful feedback. Thank you for actively participating in this activity.

Initial Fear Blog Entry

Think about a time that you were in a situation in which you were afraid (scared):
  1. Describe that situation in detail.
  2. What happened to cause you to be fearful?
  3. What were you feeling? Why?
  4. How did you react?
  5. Did your fear influence how you reacted? Explain.
  6. In your words, define FEAR.
  7. Do you think fear is a good thing or bad thing? Explain.
Be sure to number your answers an completely answer each question.

2-26-2008 (B Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip. Students responded to the blog entry 3-2-1 Discussion of the Communication Theory Module. I checked the Parent Persuasive Speech Assignment & Worksheet as well as the Parent Persuasive Speech Outline. I explained the presentation piece of the Parent Persuasive Speech. I handed out the Fear Module Packet. Students completed page 1 of the packet by ranking their fears and guessing society's fears. I then revealed the results of society's fears. Students responded to the blog entry Initial Fear Blog Entry. Students then began reading and answering the 3 Fear Case Studies from the Fear Module Packet.

Assignment
Purple Writing Indicates New Assignments
  • Read and answer the questions for Fear Case Study #1, Fear Case Study #2 and Fear Case Study #3. (DUE Thursday)
  • If you have not yet done so, give the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip to your parent/guardian. Have them sign it and bring back to class. (DUE Thursday)
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following: (DUE Thursday)
    • Create a new tab and label it Math.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to Math.
  • Complete the top portion of the Parent Persuasive Speech Assignment & Worksheet. (DUE Wednesday)
    • Make a list of several things (4).
    • Write Final Topic.
    • List 3 reasons to support your Final Topic.
  • Type a complete outline for the Parent Persuasive Speech. (DUE Wednesday)
    • Use the Sample Parent Persuasive Speech Outline as a guide.
    • Go to Edline and download the Parent Persuasive Speech Outline Template. Use this template to create your outline.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

3-2-1 Discussion of the Communication Theory Module

Now that the Communication Module is over, please take a few moments to complete a 3-2-1 discussion.
  • Give 3 putups--let me know what you found interesting, enjoyable, educational, worthwhile, etc.
  • Make 2 suggestions--let me know what I could do differently to make the module more interesting, fun, educational, worthwhile, etc.
  • Provide 1 rating--Rate the Communication Module on a scale of 1-4 (1=Loved It, 2=Liked It, 3=Didn't Like It, 4=Hated It). Explain your ranking.
Your comments help me understand what is good about the Communication Module and what I can do to make it better in the future. Thanks for your time and input.

Monday, February 25, 2008

2-25-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and the Communication Review Sheet. I answered questions related to the Communication Test. Students took the Communication Test. After the test, students responded to the blog entry Parent Permission. After pairing and sharing about this entry, I handed out the Parent Persuasive Speech Assignment & Worksheet and the Sample Parent Persuasive Speech Outline. I explained the assignment. Students began working on the Parent Persuasive Speech Worksheet.

Assignment
  • Complete the top portion of the Parent Persuasive Speech Assignment & Worksheet. (DUE Wednesday)
    • Make a list of several things (4).
    • Write Final Topic.
    • List 3 reasons to support your Final Topic.
  • Type a complete outline for the Parent Persuasive Speech. (DUE Wednesday)
    • Use the Sample Parent Persuasive Speech Outline as a guide.
    • Go to Edline and download the Parent Persuasive Speech Outline Template. Use this template to create your outline.
  • Give the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip to you parent/guardian. Have them sign it and bring back to class. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following: (DUE Wednesday)
    • Create a new tab and label it Language Arts.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to Language Arts.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Friday, February 22, 2008

2-22-2008 (B Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and the Communication Review Sheet. I answered questions related to the Communication Test. Students took the Communication Test. After the test, students responded to the blog entry Parent Permission. After pairing and sharing about this entry, I handed out the Parent Persuasive Speech Assignment & Worksheet and the Sample Parent Persuasive Speech Outline. I explained the assignment. Students began working on the Parent Persuasive Speech Worksheet.

Assignment
  • Complete the top portion of the Parent Persuasive Speech Assignment & Worksheet. (DUE Tuesday)
    • Make a list of several things (4).
    • Write Final Topic.
    • List 3 reasons to support your Final Topic.
  • Type a complete outline for the Parent Persuasive Speech. (DUE Tuesday)
    • Use the Sample Parent Persuasive Speech Outline as a guide.
    • Go to Edline and download the Parent Persuasive Speech Outline Template. Use this template to create your outline.
  • Give the Dead Poets' Society Permission Slip to you parent/guardian. Have them sign it and bring back to class. (DUE Tuesday)
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following: (DUE Tuesday)
    • Create a new tab and label it Language Arts.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to Language Arts.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Parent Permission

Please respond to the following questions:
  1. List 5 things that your parents have given you (or let you do) that may surprise others.
  2. List 5 things that you have asked your parents for (or to do) and they have said NO.
  3. List 5 things that you would really like to get (or do) that you think your parents would say NO.
Make sure to number your answers.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Purple Homework

I've heard some students mention that they sometimes find it difficult to know what new assignments are listed on the blog vs. assignments that have been given previously and are merely there as reminders. Beginning with the 2-21-2008 (A Day) Happenings, I will now post new assignments in purple. While it is your responsibility as a student to thoroughly check the blog, I think you will find this addition helpful.

2-21-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and the FBI-Safe Online Surfing Internet Scavenger Hunt. Students competed in the FBI-SOS Internet Challenge. I checked Part 4 of the Verbal, Vocal & Nonverbal Messages Television Assignment in the blue Communication Packet, students paired and shared about their homework and we discussed as a class. Students then watched and took notes on It's Not What You Say. The remainder of the block was spent filling out the Communication Review Sheet in preparation for the upcoming 50 point Communication Test.

Assignment
  • Complete the blog entry, It's Not What You Say Video Reaction. (DUE Monday)
  • Complete the Communication Review Sheet and study for the upcoming 50 point Communication Test. (DUE Monday)
  • If you have any questions, post your question at the blog entry Communication Test Questions. (DUE Monday)
  • Study for the Communication Test. (DUE Monday)
    • You may not use any study aids during the test.
    • Please bring a #2 pencil for the test.
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following:
    • Create a new tab and label it Social Studies.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to Social Studies. (DUE Monday)
  • If you have not yet done so, complete adding the 8th Grade Blog feeds to your Netvibes account.
    • If you need help, refer to the document, How to Get Set Up on Netvibes to Get 8th Grade Teacher Blogs in the Web 2.0 folder on Edline.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

2-25-2008 Weekly Update

  • Communication Theory Test
  • Parent Persuasive Speech
  • Intro to Fear Module
  • Fear Case Studies
  • Library Tour
  • RIF

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Look Carefully at Daily Assignments

Please take time to look carefully at the daily assignments posted on the Happenings entries. For example, I've asked you to create a Science tab on your Netvibes page and subscribe to three science-related blogs. Have you done that yet? And today (Wednesday), I added a Social Studies tab as part of your assignment. Make sure to read things carefully and if you ever have any questions, please let me know.

Communication Test Questions

The communication test is scheduled for February 22 (B Day) and February 25 (A Day). If you have any questions about the test, please post a comment here and I'll respond.

It's Not What You Say Video Reaction

Although very cheesy, this video served as a good wrap up to the first module of the Communication Unit. Whether or not you liked it, please share one thing that you already knew and one thing that you learned from this video.

2-20-2008 (B Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and the FBI-Safe Online Surfing Internet Scavenger Hunt. Students competed in the FBI-SOS Internet Challenge. I checked Part 4 of the Verbal, Vocal & Nonverbal Messages Television Assignment in the blue Communication Packet, students paired and shared about their homework and we discussed as a class. Students then watched and took notes on It's Not What You Say. The remainder of the block was spent filling out the Communication Review Sheet in preparation for the upcoming 50 point Communication Test.

Assignment
  • Complete the blog entry, It's Not What You Say Video Reaction. (DUE Friday)
  • Complete the Communication Review Sheet and study for the upcoming 50 point Communication Test. (DUE Friday)
  • If you have any questions, post your question at the blog entry Communication Test Questions. (DUE Friday)
  • Study for the Communication Test. (DUE Friday)
    • You may not use any study aids during the test.
    • Please bring a #2 pencil for the test.
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following:
    • Create a new tab and label it Social Studies.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to Social Studies. (DUE Friday)
  • If you have not yet done so, complete adding the 8th Grade Blog feeds to your Netvibes account.
    • If you need help, refer to the document, How to Get Set Up on Netvibes to Get 8th Grade Teacher Blogs in the Web 2.0 folder on Edline.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet. (DUE Monday)
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Expectations of Blog Correction

Last week, I asked students to give their parents a handout pertaining to the content and activities of LRT. The handout mentioned several things including the importance of the LRT blog for our class. One sentence incorrectly stated, "Students and parents should check the LRT blog on a daily basis." While I'd like parents to be familiar with the LRT blog (thus the assignment that students show their parents our blog), it is not necessary nor expected that parents check the blog on a daily basis. Instead, parents are welcome to check the LRT blog as much or as little as you'd like. Students should check the LRT blog frequently. I apologize for the oversight and appreciate your understanding.

2-19-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected any outstanding Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheets. We watched The Machine is Us/ing Us and posted a comment regarding the video. We discussed verbal, vocal and nonverbal messages and completed the Television Assignment in class.

Assignment
  • Complete Part 4 of the Verbal, Vocal & Nonverbal Messages Television Assignment in the blue Communication Packet. (DUE Thursday)
  • If you have not yet done so, post a comment to the blog entry titled The Machine is Us/ing Us. If you'd like to watch the video again, it is embedded in that post. (DUE Thursday)
  • Post a response to a comment from the blog entry titled The Machine is Us/ing Us. If you'd like to watch the video again, it is embedded in that post. (DUE Thursday)
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following:
    • Create a new tab and label it Science.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to Science.
    • Add the Science feeds to
  • If you have not yet done so, complete adding the 8th Grade Blog feeds to your Netvibes account.
    • If you need help, refer to the document, How to Get Set Up on Netvibes to Get 8th Grade Teacher Blogs in the Web 2.0 folder on Edline.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet. (DUE Monday)
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

You Don't Need to Write Your Homework in Your Planner

You do not need to write your homework in your planner for LRT! If you'd like to, you are certainly welcome to do so, but most students find that regularly checking the blog keeps them organized and tells them what they need to completed. Please keep these things in mind:
  • You must write Check Blog in your planner each day you have LRT.
  • You are expected to check the blog on a daily basis.
  • I may not always show you the homework in class. Make sure you check the blog for your homework assigned.
  • If you are absent, you should find out what you missed by checking the blog.
Checking the blog is your responsibility. It's part of being a responsible student as well as preparing for our world where technology is an integral tool of our everyday lives.

2-19-2008 Weekly Update

  • The Machine is Us/ing Us
  • Types of Message Analysis
  • FBI-SOS Internet Challenge
  • It's Not What You Say
  • Communication Module Review
  • Communication Module Test
  • Introduction to Parent Persuasive Speech

2-14-2008 (B Day--Happy Valentine's Day!) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected any outstanding Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheets. We watched The Machine is Us/ing Us and posted a comment regarding the video. We discussed verbal, vocal and nonverbal messages and completed the Television Assignment in class.

Assignment
  • Complete Part 4 of the Verbal, Vocal & Nonverbal Messages Television Assignment in the blue Communication Packet. (DUE Wednesday)
  • If you have not yet done so, post a comment to the blog entry titled The Machine is Us/ing Us. If you'd like to watch the video again, it is embedded in that post. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Post a response to a comment from the blog entry titled The Machine is Us/ing Us. If you'd like to watch the video again, it is embedded in that post. (DUE Wednesday)
  • Log into your Netvibes account and complete the following:
    • Create a new tab and label it Science.
    • Find 3 blogs (or websites with feeds) that relate to Science.
    • Add the Science feeds to
  • If you have not yet done so, complete adding the 8th Grade Blog feeds to your Netvibes account.
    • If you need help, refer to the document, How to Get Set Up on Netvibes to Get 8th Grade Teacher Blogs in the Web 2.0 folder on Edline.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet. (DUE Monday)
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

The Machine is Us/ing Us

Today we watched a short video called The Machine is Us/ing Us. What do you think that means? Explain.

If you'd like to watch the video again, click below:



I'd like you to read the student comments at a later time and respond to at least one other person's comment.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

2-13-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected any outstanding Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheets. I demonstrated how to add blog feeds to individual student Netvibes accounts. Students then added feeds to their 8th Grade Blogs tab on their Netvibes account. Students paired-and-shared about their Communication Model Activity and I checked to make sure they had completed the assignment. We then discussed it as a class. We completed the Symbolism Activity.

Assignment
  • If you have not yet done so, complete adding the 8th Grade Blog feeds to your Netvibes account. (DUE Tuesday)
    • If you need help, refer to the document, How to Get Set Up on Netvibes to Get 8th Grade Teacher Blogs in the Web 2.0 folder on Edline.
  • Respond to the Symbolism Activity blog entry. (Due Tuesday)
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • If you were unable to set up your RSS Reader, go to www.netvibes.com and set up your Netvibes account.
    • Click on Sign In in the upper right corner.
    • Click on Register now on the left side of the screen.
    • Enter your email and create a password.
    • Agree to the Terms of Service.
    • Click on New Tab and label the tab 8th Grade Blogs.
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet. (DUE Monday)
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

2-12-2008 (B Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected any outstanding Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheets. I handed out an updated Calendar for the remainder of February. I also handed out Mr. Buckley's LRT Class sheet to be given to parents. This sheet explained much of what we do in LRT and encouraged parents to follow LRT class by checking our blog. I also demonstrated how to complete the blog entry Parent Signature. I explained the FBI-Safe Online Surfing (SOS) Internet Challenge. Students went to www.fbi-sos.org and registered for the challenge. I collected their registration sheets. Students then worked on the FBI-SOS Scavenger Hunt. Some students completed the Scavenger Hunt and finished the day with RIF.

Assignment
  • If you have not yet done so, register at www.fbi-sos.org, print your registration, take the Pre-Quiz and complete the FBI-SOS Scavenger Hunt. (DUE Wednesday, February 20)
  • Respond to the blog entry FBI-SOS Scavenger Hunt: What Did You Learn? (DUE Wednesday, February 20)
  • Respond to the blog entry Parent Signature. (DUE Wednesday, February 20)
  • If you have not yet done so, complete adding the 8th Grade Blog feeds to your Netvibes account. (DUE Thursday)
    • If you need help, refer to the document, How to Get Set Up on Netvibes to Get 8th Grade Teacher Blogs in the Web 2.0 folder on Edline.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • If you were unable to set up your RSS Reader, go to www.netvibes.com and set up your Netvibes account.
    • Click on Sign In in the upper right corner.
    • Click on Register now on the left side of the screen.
    • Enter your email and create a password.
    • Agree to the Terms of Service.
    • Click on New Tab and label the tab 8th Grade Blogs.
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Monday, February 11, 2008

3 Hole Punch

If you ever receive paper that is not 3 hole punched, you can use the 3 hole punch next to the printer. You will also find a stapler, tape dispenser and miscellaneous writing utensils.

Parent Signature

To accomplish this task, complete the following items:
  1. Please give the handout Mr. Buckley's LRT Class to your parent(s).
  2. Show your parents Mr. Buckleys LRT Blog.
  3. Let your parent post a comment or question to this entry. They should use your login. They should not include their name.
  4. Bookmark (or add to your Favorites) www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com.
These items must be completed to earn 5 points.

FBI-SOS Scavenger Hunt: What Did You Learn?

Once you have completed the FBI-SOS Scavenger Hunt, answer the following questions:
  1. What were three things you already knew that were mentioned on the websites from the scavenger hunt?
  2. What were three things you learned on the websites from the scavenger hunt?
  3. On a Scale of 1-4 (1=Very Helpful, 2=Helpful, 3=No Opinion, 4=Not Helpful), how helpful do you think the scavenger hunt was in regards to learning about online safety? Explain.

2-11-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected any outstanding Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheets. I handed out an updated Calendar for the remainder of February. I also handed out Mr. Buckley's LRT Class sheet to be given to parents. This sheet explained much of what we do in LRT and encouraged parents to follow LRT class by checking our blog. I also demonstrated how to complete the blog entry Parent Signature. I explained the FBI-Safe Online Surfing (SOS) Internet Challenge. Students went to www.fbi-sos.org and registered for the challenge. I collected their registration sheets. Students then worked on the FBI-SOS Scavenger Hunt. We finished the day with RIF.

Assignment
  • If you have not yet done so, register at www.fbi-sos.org, print your registration, take the Pre-Quiz and complete the FBI-SOS Scavenger Hunt. (DUE Thursday, February 21)
  • Respond to the blog entry FBI-SOS Scavenger Hunt: What Did You Learn? (DUE Thursday, February 21)
  • Respond to the blog entry Parent Signature. (DUE Thursday, February 21)
  • If you have not yet done so, complete adding the 8th Grade Blog feeds to your Netvibes account. (DUE Wednesday)
    • If you need help, refer to the document, How to Get Set Up on Netvibes to Get 8th Grade Teacher Blogs in the Web 2.0 folder on Edline.
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • If you were unable to set up your RSS Reader, go to www.netvibes.com and set up your Netvibes account.
    • Click on Sign In in the upper right corner.
    • Click on Register now on the left side of the screen.
    • Enter your email and create a password.
    • Agree to the Terms of Service.
    • Click on New Tab and label the tab 8th Grade Blogs.
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Friday, February 8, 2008

2-11-2008 Weekly Update

  • FBI-SOS Preregistration
  • FBI-SOS Scavenger Hunt
  • Symbolism Activity
  • Types of Messages Activity

Symbolism Activity Questions

Want to try this activity on someone else? Here are the questions:

You are on a journey . . .

    1. You are walking through the woods. What season is it? (What time of year?)
    2. What time of day is it?
    3. Are you walking on a path or walking in the brush. Describe it.
    4. You see a bear. What does the bear look like and what do you do?
    5. You find a key. What does the key look like and what do you do with it?
    6. You come to an immovable object (something that cannot be moved). What does the immovable object look like and what do you do?
    7. You come to a body of water. What does the body of water look like and what do you do?
    8. You come to a field. What does the field look like and what do you do?

Symbolism Activity

Today you had the opportunity to participate in the Symbolism Activity. Please respond to the following questions:
  1. What is a symbol?
  2. Give an example of a symbol that may have more than one meaning.
  3. Did you find this activity to be fun? Why or why not?
  4. What is one thing you learned from this activity (other than the questions you answered in #1 and #2)?
Please number your answers and provide detailed explanation. Thanks.

2-8-2008 (B Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies and collected any outstanding Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheets. I demonstrated how to add blog feeds to individual student Netvibes accounts. Students then added feeds to their 8th Grade Blogs tab on their Netvibes account. Students paired-and-shared about their Communication Model Activity and I checked to make sure they had completed the assignment. We then discussed it as a class. We completed the Symbolism Activity. In some classes, students spent a few minutes doing RIF.

Assignment
  • If you have not yet done so, complete adding the 8th Grade Blog feeds to your Netvibes account. (DUE Tuesday)
    • If you need help, refer to the document, How to Get Set Up on Netvibes to Get 8th Grade Teacher Blogs in the Web 2.0 folder on Edline.
  • Respond to the Symbolism Activity blog entry. (Due Tuesday)
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • If you were unable to set up your RSS Reader, go to www.netvibes.com and set up your Netvibes account.
    • Click on Sign In in the upper right corner.
    • Click on Register now on the left side of the screen.
    • Enter your email and create a password.
    • Agree to the Terms of Service.
    • Click on New Tab and label the tab 8th Grade Blogs.
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet. (DUE Monday)
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

8th Grade Blog Feeds for Netvibes

After setting up your Netvibes account, add all your class blogs by using the RSS/Atom blog address. Click on "Add a feed" and just copy and paste the URL's below into the box that says "Add a feed or a module to your page." You're all set!

VVMS 8th Grade Blogs 2007-2008

Von Eschen Team

Algebra & Geometry (Hoffman)

http://mrhoffmanmath.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Language Arts & Enriched Language Arts (Degener)

http://msdegenerlanguagearts.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Science (Von Eschen)

http://msvoneschenscience.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Social Studies (Weller)

http://mrswellersocialstudies.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Anderson Team

Algebra (Anderson)

http://mrandersonalgebra.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Algebra & Geometry (Hanson)

http://mrhansonmath.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Language Arts (Smith)

http://smithlanguagearts8.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Social Studies (Bangasser)

http://mrsbangasserss8.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Science (Anderson)

http://msandersonscience.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Extended French Social Studies & Language Arts (Farah)

http://mmefarahfrenchimmersion.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

http://mmefarah.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Specials

Academic Support (Voelker)

http://mrsvoelkeracademicsupport.com/feeds/posts/default

Alternative Math (Graft)

http://mrsgraftalternativemath.com/feeds/posts/default

Applied Science (Hemmesch)

http://mrshemmesch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Art Design (Kresa)

http://mskresaart.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Fitness Fun

http://fitnessfun-burhans.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

German (Schoenecker)

http://frauschoenecker.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Literacy Skills (Engelkes)

http://mrsengelkeslsfol.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

LRT (Buckley)

http://mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

LRT (Forster)
http://forsterlrtblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Phy Ed (Bender, Schwartz, Westrum)

http://pe8weeklyupdate.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Spanish 2A (Henke)

http://srahenkespanish.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Teen Topics (Waters)

http://mswatersteentopics.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Valley Viewer
www.valleyviewer.com/rss.xml

Thursday, February 7, 2008

2-7-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies, collected any outstanding Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheets and checked the Communication Vocabulary and Communication Review Questions. Students were assigned to small groups and took 12 point Communication Quiz on the reading. We reviewed the answers and then I presented a PowerPoint on the Communication Theory concepts. During the presentation, students took notes on pages 19-20 of their Communication Packet. We then completed the Drawing Activity, paired-and-shared and discussed the communication process in relation to the Drawing Activity. I assigned the Communication Model Activity and shared an example of a detailed scenario followed by labels of the communication process (sender, message, receiver, feedback and noise). Students spent the remainder of the block completing the Communication Model Activity and/or doing RIF.

Assignment
  • Complete Communication Model Activity. (DUE Monday)
  • Respond to the Communication PowerPoint Discussion blog entry. (Due Monday)
  • Respond to the Communication Drawing Activity blog entry. (Due Monday)
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • If you were unable to set up your RSS Reader, go to www.netvibes.com and set up your Netvibes account.
    • Click on Sign In in the upper right corner.
    • Click on Register now on the left side of the screen.
    • Enter your email and create a password.
    • Agree to the Terms of Service.
    • Click on New Tab and label the tab 8th Grade Blogs.
  • If you were unable to complete, read That's A Lot of Blogs entry. Although you are not required to respond and it is not worth any points, if you'd like to respond, you may. (DUE Monday)
  • If you were unable to complete, respond to the Communication Text Thoughts blog entry. (DUE Monday)
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet. (DUE Monday)
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Communication Model Activity

Please respond to the following questions regarding the Communication Drawing Activity:
  1. Did you like this activity? Why or why not?
  2. What were two things that can be remembered (learned) from this activity?
  3. What is one very important thing related to the Communication Drawing Activity that you think will be on the Communication Test?
Be sure to number your answers and respond in detail.

Communication PowerPoint Discussion

Please respond to the following questions regarding Mr. Buckley's presentation on Communication Theory:
  1. What was your favorite part of the presentation? Why?
  2. What were two things you learned (or were reinforced from your reading) during the presentation?
  3. What is one very important thing that you think will be on the Communication Test?
Be sure to number your answers and respond in detail.

2-6-2008 (B Day) Happenings

I welcomed students and took attendance. I checked for supplies, collected any outstanding Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheets and checked the Communication Vocabulary and Communication Review Questions. Students were assigned to small groups and took 12 point Communication Quiz on the reading. We reviewed the answers and then I presented a PowerPoint on the Communication Theory concepts. During the presentation, students took notes on pages 19-20 of their Communication Packet. We then completed the Drawing Activity, paired-and-shared and discussed the communication process in relation to the Drawing Activity. I assigned the Communication Model Activity and shared an example of a detailed scenario followed by labels of the communication process (sender, message, receiver, feedback and noise). Students spent the remainder of the block completing the Communication Model Activity and/or doing RIF.

Assignment
  • Complete Communication Model Activity. (DUE Friday)
  • Respond to the Communication PowerPoint Discussion blog entry. (Due Friday)
  • Respond to the Communication Drawing Activity blog entry. (Due Friday)
  • If you'd like, vote on the polls.
  • If you were unable to set up your RSS Reader, go to www.netvibes.com and set up your Netvibes account.
    • Click on Sign In in the upper right corner.
    • Click on Register now on the left side of the screen.
    • Enter your email and create a password.
    • Agree to the Terms of Service.
    • Click on New Tab and label the tab 8th Grade Blogs.
  • If you were unable to complete, read That's A Lot of Blogs entry. Although you are not required to respond and it is not worth any points, if you'd like to respond, you may. (DUE Friday)
  • If you were unable to complete, respond to the Communication Text Thoughts blog entry. (DUE Friday)
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet. (DUE Friday)
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog (www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com) daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

2-5-2008 (A Day) Happenings

I welcomed students, took attendance and reviewed the seating chart. We discussed the Super Bowl. I checked for supplies and collected any outstanding Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheets. I introduced RSS Readers and we watched a short video called RSS Readers in Plain English. I showed my Netvibes account, explained how to register for Netvibes and demonstrated with a student setting up a Netvibes account. Students then set up their Netvibes account and created a tab titled 8th Grade Blogs. I introduced the Communication Unit and explained the four modules that make up the Communication Unit. I then introduced the Communication Theory Module and set up the assignment. Students worked independently on reading and taking notes on the Communication Text in preparation for the presentation and discussion during our next class.

Assignment
  • Complete the Communication Text Assignment. (DUE Thursday)
    • Read and take notes on Chapter 1 (2-12).
    • Make sure to read Songs and Speeches (7).
    • Do not read Your Turn (6 & 12).
    • Read Chapter Summary (13).
    • Read Checklist (14).
    • On a separate sheet of paper:
      • Complete Vocab (14).
      • Answer Review Questions 1-10 (14-15).
  • If you were unable to set up your RSS Reader, go to www.netvibes.com and set up your Netvibes account.
    • Click on Sign In in the upper right corner.
    • Click on Register now on the left side of the screen.
    • Enter your email and create a password.
    • Agree to the Terms of Service.
    • Click on New Tab and label the tab 8th Grade Blogs.
  • Check Mr. Buckley's LRT Blog at www.mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com. (DUE Thursday)
  • Read That's A Lot of Blogs entry. Although you are not required to respond and it is not worth any points, if you'd like to respond, you may. (DUE Thursday)
  • Respond to the Communication Text Thoughts blog entry. (DUE Thursday)
  • If you have not yet done so, return Student Information and Parent/Guardian Sheet. (DUE Thursday)
  • Check the blog daily and complete any tasks that are added.
  • Bring all supplies to class.
All extra credit assignments are optional.
Mr. Buckleys' LRT Blog--mrbuckleyslrtblog.blogspot.com
Mr. Buckley's LRT Wiki--
mrbuckleyslrtwiki.pbwiki.com
Please remember that all handouts can be downloaded and printed out at http://edline.net/.