In Algebra class, my teacher Mrs. Purpura (purpura is apparently Spanish for purple :O) assigned us a paper explaining to 7th graders that would be taking our place in the 8th grade next year what the deal is. So here it is... my homework.
Victoria Forns :)
June 6, 2011
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Dear [INSERT CHILD’S NAME HERE],
I placed the word “Dear” in front of your name to indicate that this letter is indeed the guide to a personal feat for your young soul, and you are very close to my heart.
Just kidding.
I do hope you are intelligent enough to understand that although my words may be entirely to eloquent for your smallish brain to handle, my purpose was not to give you a headache; only a panic attack.
Just kidding.
Anywho, the purpose of this letter is not for me to have an outlet and be annoying, but to “educate” your young mind in the wonderful sparkling magic that is the Eighth Grade. (granted, I’m probably annoying you anyhow; nonetheless, I don’t really give half a noodle about your opinion. I am on a quest to teach you.)
Okely-dokely. Time to stop snickering to yourself and GET DOWN TO BUSINESS. :D
HOMEWORK. My greatest enemy; and soon to be yours too. (unless you’re a wonderful student with a great deal of glittering responsibility, in which case, be very proud of yourself even though I currently hate you.) “Homework is to be your top priority,” as said to me by- well, everyone. Although this bugs me, the phrase rings true. You’re gonna have a lot on your plate (and I don’t mean mashed potatoes), but it’s worth it. Encore’s 8th grade classes are working toward preparing you for high school.
Not only that, but be ready for a little writer’s cramp. If you don’t like taking notes, then it SUCKS TO BE YOU. You will have loads of notes in all of your classes; English Cornell Notes (“Ladies and gentlemen, get out your Cornell Notes please.” -Mr. Steed), Algebra notes, Key Terms in Science, Powerpoint notes, etc. Yeah it’ painful, but when you’re doing homework later you will say, “ohhhh, I forgot what to doooo! *light bulb flicks on* Oh, right! I took notes on dis!” and then you will rifle through your folder and use the found notes to not fail.
Have you ever stressed about a test? GOOD. That means you’re used to it. Well, now that I think about it, that’s not entirely true. We don’t have constant tests, but that means that when we do have tests, the pressure’s on to do your best. It’s a good thing, I promise. It will teach all sorts of skills that will be available in the future.
I have procrastinated on explaining this throughout these paragraphs, which was wrong of me. And so, I will now tell you in specifics what you should expect. In Algebra, expect the regular math homework (layout MUST have an answer key) , plus (as said before) notes in a layout with a Toolbox (for all of the info you want to keep in that noggin), a summary of what you learned today, a column for your assignment (in case you done forgot your agenda), bellwork (exercises for the noodle), and (of course) notes.
If you have Mr. Spinka (who I call Mr. Sprinkles[don’t take after me.. I don’t wanna be a bad influence]) for Science, expect reading of the chapter and then a beautiful ol’ section review, and on some days Key Terms, usually 25-50 at a time. If you have Ms. Jareno, expect plenty of experiments (labs), powerpoints, projects, notes, etc.
For U.S. History, you will have Ms. Ferrante (who is awesome as long as you don’t get on her bad side). In her class, you will have Chapter Packets (wondrous pages of work from a colored cover page, to powerpoint notes, to vocabulary, etc. But have no fear, child, for there is always a fun project to do on the side that not only tests your level in the study of our great nation’s history, but also your creativity.
And lastly, for English you will have Mr. Steed (be very afraid). The homework assignments are rather spontaneous; from a language root word dictionary, to reading and answering questions about the literature, to the dreaded essay. But there are always two things that are continuous: the vocabulary and the journal. I won’t be the one to explain what those are because he has more fun doing that himself. I’m not going to lie to you; Mr. Steed is terrifying, but in a good way. He won’t try to kill you, I promise.
And so, I conclude, and bid you adieu. Good luck, new eighth grader...
..you’re gonna need it.
With all due respect,
Victoria Forns :D
