Enjoy your well deserved break with your family and friends. Recharge your batteries and come back in January ready to shine like the Language All-Stars I know you are!!!!!
Monday, December 22, 2014
This Week - 12/22/14 and 12/23/14
This week we will be watching The Outsiders in class. I was absent today (12/22/14), so I will collect your character assignments tomorrow when I see you.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/19/14
AGENDA
Objective: Students will learn the difference between the denotation of a word and its connotation in order to be able to select the best words while writing to set the mood and tone of a piece they compose.
1.) Long overdue word work
2.) Denotation vs. Connotation song and notes (if you were absent, take a piece of paper and take notes on what denotation is and what connotation is and put this in your binder. When you come back to school on Monday, I will give you the graphic organizer to put your notes on)
3.) A little word work on our own
4.) Sentences
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Finish your character assignment (due Monday)
2.) Illustrated sentences
ILLUSTRATED SENTENCE ACTIVITY
IF YOU WERE IN SCHOOL TODAY: You worked with your group on a silly little story. Then you rewrote the story changing the words' connotations. After that, you broke up the story so that everyone in the group had a piece (1-2 sentences). I gave you blank computer paper. On one piece of paper, you wrote the positive connotation sentence your group came up with. On the second piece of paper, you wrote the negative connotation sentence your group came up with. Then you illustrated them appropriately to show the meaning of each sentence. On Monday, we will put them together so each group has a connotation book and we will share stories.
IF YOU WERE ABSENT TODAY: Rewatch the denotation vs. connotation Flowcabulary video linked above. Pay particular attention to the part about the story of the old man. Did you notice that they first told about the old man in a positive way and then the next slide they retold it in a negative way? Did you notice that they did that with all parts of the story? What I want you to do is to write a creative, 8th grade quality sentence about whatever you want. Do that on one piece of computer paper. Illustrate it completely and appropriately. Then, rewrite that sentence changing some words' connotations so that the sentence now evokes a different image and feeling. Write that on a second piece of computer paper and illustrate that appropriately.
Objective: Students will learn the difference between the denotation of a word and its connotation in order to be able to select the best words while writing to set the mood and tone of a piece they compose.
1.) Long overdue word work
2.) Denotation vs. Connotation song and notes (if you were absent, take a piece of paper and take notes on what denotation is and what connotation is and put this in your binder. When you come back to school on Monday, I will give you the graphic organizer to put your notes on)
3.) A little word work on our own
4.) Sentences
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Finish your character assignment (due Monday)
2.) Illustrated sentences
ILLUSTRATED SENTENCE ACTIVITY
IF YOU WERE IN SCHOOL TODAY: You worked with your group on a silly little story. Then you rewrote the story changing the words' connotations. After that, you broke up the story so that everyone in the group had a piece (1-2 sentences). I gave you blank computer paper. On one piece of paper, you wrote the positive connotation sentence your group came up with. On the second piece of paper, you wrote the negative connotation sentence your group came up with. Then you illustrated them appropriately to show the meaning of each sentence. On Monday, we will put them together so each group has a connotation book and we will share stories.
IF YOU WERE ABSENT TODAY: Rewatch the denotation vs. connotation Flowcabulary video linked above. Pay particular attention to the part about the story of the old man. Did you notice that they first told about the old man in a positive way and then the next slide they retold it in a negative way? Did you notice that they did that with all parts of the story? What I want you to do is to write a creative, 8th grade quality sentence about whatever you want. Do that on one piece of computer paper. Illustrate it completely and appropriately. Then, rewrite that sentence changing some words' connotations so that the sentence now evokes a different image and feeling. Write that on a second piece of computer paper and illustrate that appropriately.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/18/14
AGENDA
1.) Work on character drawing and paragraph assigned yesterday. The laptop part is there for you to use.
HOMEWORK
1.) Characterization map and paragraph need to be completed to accompany your characterization drawing for MONDAY.
RUBRIC ELEMENTS WITH FURTHER EXPLANATION
1.) The Character Map: The directions are on the paper. Any questions, ask me!
2.) The Paragraph: Tell me if your character is either round or flat and then dynamic or static. Reference your notes and the blog from last Tuesday (12/16) if you want to rewatch the notes videos we watched that day. Make sure you support what you're saying with both your notes and with specific information from the text. This assignment can be typed or handwritten. I want to see your mastery of commas in your writing, so I would have my comma notes handy, too, if I were you!
1.) Work on character drawing and paragraph assigned yesterday. The laptop part is there for you to use.
HOMEWORK
1.) Characterization map and paragraph need to be completed to accompany your characterization drawing for MONDAY.
RUBRIC ELEMENTS WITH FURTHER EXPLANATION
1.) The Character Map: The directions are on the paper. Any questions, ask me!
2.) The Paragraph: Tell me if your character is either round or flat and then dynamic or static. Reference your notes and the blog from last Tuesday (12/16) if you want to rewatch the notes videos we watched that day. Make sure you support what you're saying with both your notes and with specific information from the text. This assignment can be typed or handwritten. I want to see your mastery of commas in your writing, so I would have my comma notes handy, too, if I were you!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/16/14
AGENDA
Objective: To continue our deeper study into The Outsiders and practicing having a true discussion.
1.) Chapters 7-10 reading check
2.) Discussion for chapters 7-10
3.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Finish The Outsiders
2.) Word work due tomorrow
Objective: To continue our deeper study into The Outsiders and practicing having a true discussion.
1.) Chapters 7-10 reading check
2.) Discussion for chapters 7-10
3.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Finish The Outsiders
2.) Word work due tomorrow
Monday, December 15, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/15/14
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to continue with characterization.
1.) SRI Testing
2.) Journal Prompt: At the end of chapter 9, Johnny tells Pony to "Stay Gold." Look back at the conversation Johnny and Pony have (page 76 "One morning I woke up earlier than usual." to page 78 "By the fifth day..."). Pay special attention to Robert Frost's poem. After rereading this, what do you think Johnny meant by telling Pony to "stay gold"? Make sure that you support what you're saying with proof from the text.
3.) If time allows, please add to your character drawing.
HOMEWORK
1.) Add to your character drawing based on what we've read thus far
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to continue with characterization.
1.) SRI Testing
2.) Journal Prompt: At the end of chapter 9, Johnny tells Pony to "Stay Gold." Look back at the conversation Johnny and Pony have (page 76 "One morning I woke up earlier than usual." to page 78 "By the fifth day..."). Pay special attention to Robert Frost's poem. After rereading this, what do you think Johnny meant by telling Pony to "stay gold"? Make sure that you support what you're saying with proof from the text.
3.) If time allows, please add to your character drawing.
HOMEWORK
1.) Add to your character drawing based on what we've read thus far
Friday, December 12, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/12/14
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to continue with characterization.
1.) Chapters 4-7 reading check
2.) Thin (leaf) vs. Thick (root) question refresher
3.) Break out into small groups to create SPARK questions for your chapter
4.) Our first true book talk about chapters 4-7
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Read chapters 8, 9 and 10 for Monday, 12/15/14. Dialogue with your text and come up with two-four SPARKS to bring to our conversation on Monday.
2.) As you read, continue to add to your character drawing with new information about your chosen character!
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to continue with characterization.
1.) Chapters 4-7 reading check
2.) Thin (leaf) vs. Thick (root) question refresher
3.) Break out into small groups to create SPARK questions for your chapter
4.) Our first true book talk about chapters 4-7
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Read chapters 8, 9 and 10 for Monday, 12/15/14. Dialogue with your text and come up with two-four SPARKS to bring to our conversation on Monday.
2.) As you read, continue to add to your character drawing with new information about your chosen character!
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/11/14
I am out today, 12/11/14. Please make sure all of yesterday's work and all of the assigned reading is completed for tomorrow, Friday 12/12/14!
AGENDA
Objective: To continue getting to know Ponyboy and the other Greasers in The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.
1.) Grab a laptop out of the cart and head to the blog (the directions for the character drawing activity are on there)
2.) Keep working on character activity (directions below). You need to have at least 3, no more than 6 quotes (from chapters 1-6) to show your character's core of who they are (their personality, values/beliefs, etc.). OR you can continue reading The Outsiders. You need to have through chapter six read by tomorrow.
3.) As you read your chapters, you need to dialogue with your text (either with sticky notes or on a separate piece of paper) using the two essential questions that we've already gone over as a guideline (stereotyping and characterization). Whatever evidence you find to support finding answers to those questions, make sure you note it! I will be checking your form of dialoguing on Friday!
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
Whatever you don’t finish today in class is homework for tonight. Make sure you bring all of your dialoguing to class tomorrow!
CHARACTER ASSIGNMENT
1.) Choose one of the following characters to be your character: Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, Dallas "Dally" Winston or Sherri "Cherry" Valance
2.) Write your character's full name at the top of a piece of paper
3.) Using all of the characterization information (direct) and clues (indirect), draw your character in the center of the paper. You MUST use your text to make sure every detail is covered in your character's physical features.
4.) Then go through the chapters you've read so far. Find quotes that show (indirect characterization) who the character really is and what they're all about. Use your notes (the S.T.E.A.L. method) for finding this information if you need help.
CHARACTER ASSIGNMENT
1.) Choose one of the following characters to be your character: Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, Dallas "Dally" Winston or Sherri "Cherry" Valance
2.) Write your character's full name at the top of a piece of paper
3.) Using all of the characterization information (direct) and clues (indirect), draw your character in the center of the paper. You MUST use your text to make sure every detail is covered in your character's physical features.
4.) Then go through the chapters you've read so far. Find quotes that show (indirect characterization) who the character really is and what they're all about. Use your notes (the S.T.E.A.L. method) for finding this information if you need help.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/10/14
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to continue with characterization.
1.) Chapters 1-3 reading check
2.) Weekly word work presentations
3.) Accountable talk discussion for chapters 2 and 3
4.) Choices, choices, choices...
5.) Tomorrow
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Character Drawing due on Friday
2.) Read chapters 4-6 (including 6) for Friday
CHARACTER ASSIGNMENT
1.) Choose one of the following characters to be your character: Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, Dallas "Dally" Winston or Sherri "Cherry" Valance
2.) Write your character's full name at the top of a piece of paper
3.) Using all of the characterization information (direct) and clues (indirect), draw your character in the center of the paper. You MUST use your text to make sure every detail is covered in your character's physical features.
4.) Then go through the chapters you've read so far. Find quotes that show (indirect characterization) who the character really is and what they're all about. Use your notes (the S.T.E.A.L. method) for finding this information if you need help.
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to continue with characterization.
1.) Chapters 1-3 reading check
2.) Weekly word work presentations
3.) Accountable talk discussion for chapters 2 and 3
4.) Choices, choices, choices...
5.) Tomorrow
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Character Drawing due on Friday
2.) Read chapters 4-6 (including 6) for Friday
CHARACTER ASSIGNMENT
1.) Choose one of the following characters to be your character: Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, Dallas "Dally" Winston or Sherri "Cherry" Valance
2.) Write your character's full name at the top of a piece of paper
3.) Using all of the characterization information (direct) and clues (indirect), draw your character in the center of the paper. You MUST use your text to make sure every detail is covered in your character's physical features.
4.) Then go through the chapters you've read so far. Find quotes that show (indirect characterization) who the character really is and what they're all about. Use your notes (the S.T.E.A.L. method) for finding this information if you need help.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/09/14
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to begin to understand the different types of characters and the process of characterization.
1.) Turn in open responses
2.) 10 minute journal: How do you learn about characters in the books you read or in the movies you watch? How do you decide if you like them or not? If they're a good person or not? What information are your assumptions founded on?
3.) Characterization notes using the following youtube videos: Flat and Round Characters, Dynamic and Static Characters, and Characterization
4.) Characterization in chapter one of The Outsiders
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Word Work Wednesday is tomorrow!
2.) Read chapters 2 and 3 for tomorrow. Please make sure that you're dialoguing with your text/writing down/flagging examples of characterization (both types) so that we can chat about it tomorrow. (Just to give you a heads up, starting tomorrow I will be giving you reading checks for your warm-ups to assess how well you read the assigned chapters. This will be a very basic check-up, however, if you don't read the chapters thoroughly or at all, it will show.)
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to begin to understand the different types of characters and the process of characterization.
1.) Turn in open responses
2.) 10 minute journal: How do you learn about characters in the books you read or in the movies you watch? How do you decide if you like them or not? If they're a good person or not? What information are your assumptions founded on?
3.) Characterization notes using the following youtube videos: Flat and Round Characters, Dynamic and Static Characters, and Characterization
4.) Characterization in chapter one of The Outsiders
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Word Work Wednesday is tomorrow!
2.) Read chapters 2 and 3 for tomorrow. Please make sure that you're dialoguing with your text/writing down/flagging examples of characterization (both types) so that we can chat about it tomorrow. (Just to give you a heads up, starting tomorrow I will be giving you reading checks for your warm-ups to assess how well you read the assigned chapters. This will be a very basic check-up, however, if you don't read the chapters thoroughly or at all, it will show.)
Monday, December 8, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/08/14
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to begin to understand the different types of characters and the process of characterization.
1.) Turn in comma mini projects and check rough drafts of open response
2.) 10 minute journal: Write about stereotypes. What are they? What do you think about them? Explain.
3.) The Outsiders introduction and essential questions
4.) Video clip and discussion
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Final drafts of writing check up due tomorrow (Tuesday, 12/09/14)
2.) Read chapter one of The Outsiders
3.) Weekly word work assignment due on Wednesday (Wednesday, 12/10/14)
Objective: To understand the essential questions for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and to begin to understand the different types of characters and the process of characterization.
1.) Turn in comma mini projects and check rough drafts of open response
2.) 10 minute journal: Write about stereotypes. What are they? What do you think about them? Explain.
3.) The Outsiders introduction and essential questions
4.) Video clip and discussion
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Final drafts of writing check up due tomorrow (Tuesday, 12/09/14)
2.) Read chapter one of The Outsiders
3.) Weekly word work assignment due on Wednesday (Wednesday, 12/10/14)
**Something interesting that the ELA Report Cards yielded is that people think it's easier to remember their word work if it were due on Wednesday, because then this assignment would be due on Word Work Wednesdays. Good idea!**
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/04/14
AGENDA
Objective: To continue with yesterday's activity where you show me how well you have mastered comma usage and your understanding of the 13 rules.
1.) Quick check in as a class
2.) Work on your project (*as you're working, I will be conferencing with each of you)
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Continue working on your mini-projects (due on Monday)
2.) Weekly word work is due on Tuesday
Objective: To continue with yesterday's activity where you show me how well you have mastered comma usage and your understanding of the 13 rules.
1.) Quick check in as a class
2.) Work on your project (*as you're working, I will be conferencing with each of you)
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Continue working on your mini-projects (due on Monday)
2.) Weekly word work is due on Tuesday
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/03/14
AGENDA
Objective: To show our knowledge of comma usage through completion of a choice mini-project.
1.) Visit the book fair (children who do not have money today may go again first thing tomorrow AM to purchase things if they so choose)
2.) Check and grade HW
3.) Question and Answers - any thing that needs to be clarified regarding commas?
4.) Mini-Project explanations and choice
5.) Time to work on mini-projects
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
Work on your mini project
Objective: To show our knowledge of comma usage through completion of a choice mini-project.
1.) Visit the book fair (children who do not have money today may go again first thing tomorrow AM to purchase things if they so choose)
2.) Check and grade HW
3.) Question and Answers - any thing that needs to be clarified regarding commas?
4.) Mini-Project explanations and choice
5.) Time to work on mini-projects
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
Work on your mini project
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/02/14
AGENDA
Objective: To discover the comma rules and create a useful reference page about commas
1.) Turn in monthly word work assignments
2.) Reporting back my findings from yesterday's report card
3.) Discuss yesterday's activity's findings
4.) Fill in notes page (For my absent friends, here is the link to an already filled out notes page for you; make sure you read over it and come in prepared to ask any questions. You will be held accountable for knowing this information)
5.) Let me serenade you!
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Comma worksheet (double sided)
2.) Bring your author letters to class tomorrow (Wednesday)
Objective: To discover the comma rules and create a useful reference page about commas
1.) Turn in monthly word work assignments
2.) Reporting back my findings from yesterday's report card
3.) Discuss yesterday's activity's findings
4.) Fill in notes page (For my absent friends, here is the link to an already filled out notes page for you; make sure you read over it and come in prepared to ask any questions. You will be held accountable for knowing this information)
5.) Let me serenade you!
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Comma worksheet (double sided)
2.) Bring your author letters to class tomorrow (Wednesday)
Monday, December 1, 2014
SHOUT OUTS and THANK YOU! - 12/01/14
I'd like to give a big, old SHOUT OUT to all of the Language All-Stars that met or exceeded their personal reading goals for Trimester One...
AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME JOB!!!!!!
Period One: Steph B., Sandra H. and Seth Q.
Period Three: Hayley A., Jess D., Jen M., Matt P., Lizzie S., Reina S. and Elias Z.
Period Four: Molly B., Derek D., John G., Brooklyn S., Zach S. and Nick T.
Period Six: Chris A., Casey D., Anthony R., Lauren D., Kyle W., Marin C., Rachel M., Jadon A., Jonathan L., Jacob H., Annabelle H., Ryan P., Mike K., and Kaleigh C.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Your honesty and feedback that you gave me on your ELA Trimester One Report card was more valuable than I could ever tell you! You guys ROCK!
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 12/01/14
AGENDA
Objective: To get acquainted with the comma and how it's used.
1.) 20 minute journal time - ELA Trimester One Report Card
2.) Intro to the comma
3.) Discuss comma activity
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Monthly word work project due tomorrow (Tuesday, 12/2/14)
EXTRA
I found this visual on the Internet, and I thought that you'd all like to see it! If you click on it, it should take you to a larger, easier to read image. Let me know if you want a copy and I can print one out for you to keep as a reference in your binder!
Objective: To get acquainted with the comma and how it's used.
1.) 20 minute journal time - ELA Trimester One Report Card
2.) Intro to the comma
3.) Discuss comma activity
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Monthly word work project due tomorrow (Tuesday, 12/2/14)
EXTRA
I found this visual on the Internet, and I thought that you'd all like to see it! If you click on it, it should take you to a larger, easier to read image. Let me know if you want a copy and I can print one out for you to keep as a reference in your binder!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Today - 11/25/14
Finished open responses are due in my hand before you go to specialists today. Students who are absent should email them to me.
Have a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving Break! Enjoy your time with your loved ones!!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/25/14
AGENDA
Objective: Construct an open response that clearly illustrates your overall understanding of the Edgar Allan Poe unit.
1.) Work on culminating assessment open response
HOMEWORK
1.) Finished open responses are due in the first half hour of school on Wednesday (before you go to specialists, I must have them PRINTED OUT in my hand)
2.) Monthly word work assignment is due on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 (the Tuesday you get back from Thanksgiving break - keep that on your back burner!)
Objective: Construct an open response that clearly illustrates your overall understanding of the Edgar Allan Poe unit.
1.) Work on culminating assessment open response
HOMEWORK
1.) Finished open responses are due in the first half hour of school on Wednesday (before you go to specialists, I must have them PRINTED OUT in my hand)
2.) Monthly word work assignment is due on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 (the Tuesday you get back from Thanksgiving break - keep that on your back burner!)
Monday, November 24, 2014
UPDATED Poe Projects - 11/24/14
I know I said it in every class today, but I need to say it again. I am SO INCREDIBLY PROUD of all of the hard work each and every one of you put into your projects. They exceeded my expectations. Way to go, my Language All-Stars!!!!
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/24/14
AGENDA
Objective: To celebrate in each other's successes by watching each group's hard work and effort come to life in their movie projects
1.) Word Work Week 9 presentations
2.) Show off your hard work! VIDEO PRESENTATIONS!
3.) Start culminating Edgar Allan Poe assessment
HOMEWORK
1.) Graphic organizers for Poe writing assignment due tomorrow to use during class
RESOURCES
If you don't have your own copies of the stories/poems anymore, check these links out. However, your copies are optimal seeing that your thoughts/ideas are all over them.
The Raven
Annabel Lee
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Masque of the Red Death
Objective: To celebrate in each other's successes by watching each group's hard work and effort come to life in their movie projects
1.) Word Work Week 9 presentations
2.) Show off your hard work! VIDEO PRESENTATIONS!
3.) Start culminating Edgar Allan Poe assessment
HOMEWORK
1.) Graphic organizers for Poe writing assignment due tomorrow to use during class
RESOURCES
If you don't have your own copies of the stories/poems anymore, check these links out. However, your copies are optimal seeing that your thoughts/ideas are all over them.
The Raven
Annabel Lee
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Masque of the Red Death
Monday, November 17, 2014
Grade Printouts - 11/17/14
I gave each student in periods 3 and 4 a grade printout today of their current average in ELA class. Periods 1 and 6 will get theirs tomorrow. Please look through it to find any assignments that are highlighted. If you have highlighted assignments, you have the option of completing them for partial credit to improve your grade. If you have any questions about your grades, please come and talk with me about them! I'd love to have that conversation with you!!!
I am after school Tuesday and Friday of this week if you want to stay after to make anything up.
I am after school Tuesday and Friday of this week if you want to stay after to make anything up.
Classes and Homework - 11/17/14 - 11/21/14
AGENDA
Objective: Work with your group to create a video production for your Edgar Allan Poe project
1.) (Monday only) Finish sharing opening lines of author letters
2.) Work on project
3.) Conferences with Mrs. Leahy (different kids each day)
4.) (Thursday only) 20 minutes of independent reading
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
Whatever your group decides. Remember, your projects are due on Monday, 11/21/14, in class for viewing.
Objective: Work with your group to create a video production for your Edgar Allan Poe project
1.) (Monday only) Finish sharing opening lines of author letters
2.) Work on project
3.) Conferences with Mrs. Leahy (different kids each day)
4.) (Thursday only) 20 minutes of independent reading
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
Whatever your group decides. Remember, your projects are due on Monday, 11/21/14, in class for viewing.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/14/14
AGENDA
Objective: To work collaboratively in groups on the Poe project.
1.) Share out opening lines of the author letters
2.) Work with your groups to write a proposal for your Poe project. All proposals need to be approved by me before moving on to the planning stage.
3.) Plan with your group
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
Whatever your group decides you need to do to be prepared for Monday's class
Objective: To work collaboratively in groups on the Poe project.
1.) Share out opening lines of the author letters
2.) Work with your groups to write a proposal for your Poe project. All proposals need to be approved by me before moving on to the planning stage.
3.) Plan with your group
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
Whatever your group decides you need to do to be prepared for Monday's class
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/13/14
AGENDA
Objective: To introduce ourselves to a week long Edgar Allan Poe video project
1.) Share Out! - Read our opening sentences of our letters to the rest of the class to get feedback
2.) Update Poe Project info and groups
3.) Independent Reading - 20 minutes
HOMEWORK
1.) Brainstorm your ideas for a potential project to bring to your group tomorrow.
Objective: To introduce ourselves to a week long Edgar Allan Poe video project
1.) Share Out! - Read our opening sentences of our letters to the rest of the class to get feedback
2.) Update Poe Project info and groups
3.) Independent Reading - 20 minutes
HOMEWORK
1.) Brainstorm your ideas for a potential project to bring to your group tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
World Kindness Day is Tomorrow! 11/12/14
I know that a bunch of you guys were asking about what would qualify as an act of kindness today in school. I found this article that does a really nice job of giving some examples of acts of kindness that you guys can easily do!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/12/14
AGENDA
Objective: To work on constructing a solid opening for our author letters
1.) Journal - Why are the buns of a burger the most important part?
2.) Quick chat about our journal
3.) Rubric for the letter
4.) Let's look at some samples
5.) Let's practice and put it to work!
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Work on your opening for your author letter and be prepared to share out tomorrow at the start of class.
2.) Using your rubric, work on revising your draft. Make sure you have that for class tomorrow!
Objective: To work on constructing a solid opening for our author letters
1.) Journal - Why are the buns of a burger the most important part?
2.) Quick chat about our journal
3.) Rubric for the letter
4.) Let's look at some samples
5.) Let's practice and put it to work!
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Work on your opening for your author letter and be prepared to share out tomorrow at the start of class.
2.) Using your rubric, work on revising your draft. Make sure you have that for class tomorrow!
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/12/14
AGENDA
Objective: To work on constructing a solid opening for our author letters
1.) Journal - Why are the buns of a burger the most important part?
2.) Quick chat about our journal
3.) Rubric for the letter
4.) Let's look at some samples
5.) Let's practice and put it to work!
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Work on your opening for your author letter and be prepared to share out tomorrow at the start of class.
2.) Using your rubric, work on revising your draft. Make sure you have that for class tomorrow!
Objective: To work on constructing a solid opening for our author letters
1.) Journal - Why are the buns of a burger the most important part?
2.) Quick chat about our journal
3.) Rubric for the letter
4.) Let's look at some samples
5.) Let's practice and put it to work!
6.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Work on your opening for your author letter and be prepared to share out tomorrow at the start of class.
2.) Using your rubric, work on revising your draft. Make sure you have that for class tomorrow!
Monday, November 10, 2014
Letter Audience - 11/10/14
Today in class we looked at last year's winner of the letter writing contest. The following is a list of things we pulled out that the audience of this year's competition may be looking for:
1.) Personal touches/personal information (how the book INFLUENCED you/changed your thinking). This letter should be less about the plot of the book, since the author knows what they wrote, and more about how it made you feel/what new thoughts were brought to life because of it.
2.) Strong word choice and sparkle words. Words should be chosen to make the reader feel something and see what you want them to see. Make sure to use figurative language!
3.) Be honest and genuine. The reader will know if you're lying, so don't do it!
1.) Personal touches/personal information (how the book INFLUENCED you/changed your thinking). This letter should be less about the plot of the book, since the author knows what they wrote, and more about how it made you feel/what new thoughts were brought to life because of it.
2.) Strong word choice and sparkle words. Words should be chosen to make the reader feel something and see what you want them to see. Make sure to use figurative language!
3.) Be honest and genuine. The reader will know if you're lying, so don't do it!
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/10/14
AGENDA
Objective: To revise and edit your author letters.
1.) Word work presentations
2.) Let's look at last year's winner
3.) Compare and contrast
4.) Revise and edit with partners
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) ALL CLASSES: The Masque of the Red Death theme picture and statement due on Wednesday
2.) ALL CLASSES: A third working draft of your letter should be with you in class starting on Wednesday. I will be conferencing with each one of you throughout the course of the week, so you need to make sure you have a working letter (and all the drafts) on you at all times.
Objective: To revise and edit your author letters.
1.) Word work presentations
2.) Let's look at last year's winner
3.) Compare and contrast
4.) Revise and edit with partners
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) ALL CLASSES: The Masque of the Red Death theme picture and statement due on Wednesday
2.) ALL CLASSES: A third working draft of your letter should be with you in class starting on Wednesday. I will be conferencing with each one of you throughout the course of the week, so you need to make sure you have a working letter (and all the drafts) on you at all times.
Reminder:
There is NO school tomorrow in honor of Veterans Day. See you on Wednesday!
Friday, November 7, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/07/14
AGENDA
Objective: To have an accountable talk discussion about The Masque of the Red Death to grasp the deeper meaning of the story.
1.) What are your gut reactions about The Masque of the Red Death? Tweet @mrsleahy #masque
2.) Tree Questions - what is a "leafy" question vs. a "rooted" question
3.) Carousel for ideas
3.) Accountable talk chat
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Weekly word work due on Monday, 11/10/14.
2.) Second draft of author letter due on Monday, 11/10/14
3.) Theme activity must be completed by Wednesday at the latest (picture that represents the theme of the story along with either a few sentences explaining the theme OR a quote from the story that shows the theme)
ABSENT FRIENDS:
If you were absent today, you're going to want to make sure you look at this link for the questions we used during our carousel thinking activity. They will help to clarify if the story didn't make sense. You are ONLY going to want to look at questions 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 and Analyzing Literature numbers 1 and 2 because those are the ones that we used.
Objective: To have an accountable talk discussion about The Masque of the Red Death to grasp the deeper meaning of the story.
1.) What are your gut reactions about The Masque of the Red Death? Tweet @mrsleahy #masque
2.) Tree Questions - what is a "leafy" question vs. a "rooted" question
3.) Carousel for ideas
3.) Accountable talk chat
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Weekly word work due on Monday, 11/10/14.
2.) Second draft of author letter due on Monday, 11/10/14
3.) Theme activity must be completed by Wednesday at the latest (picture that represents the theme of the story along with either a few sentences explaining the theme OR a quote from the story that shows the theme)
ABSENT FRIENDS:
If you were absent today, you're going to want to make sure you look at this link for the questions we used during our carousel thinking activity. They will help to clarify if the story didn't make sense. You are ONLY going to want to look at questions 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 and Analyzing Literature numbers 1 and 2 because those are the ones that we used.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/06/14
AGENDA
Objective: To read and dialogue with The Masque of the Red Death, focusing on color symbolism, main idea, theme and making connections.
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Mini-lesson on color symbolism
3.) Introduction to The Masque of the Red Death
4.) Start to dialogue with the text
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Weekly word work due on Monday, 11/10/14.
2.) Second draft of author letter due on Monday, 11/10/14
3.) Finish dialoguing with the text for The Masque of the Red Death.
Objective: To read and dialogue with The Masque of the Red Death, focusing on color symbolism, main idea, theme and making connections.
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Mini-lesson on color symbolism
3.) Introduction to The Masque of the Red Death
4.) Start to dialogue with the text
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Weekly word work due on Monday, 11/10/14.
2.) Second draft of author letter due on Monday, 11/10/14
3.) Finish dialoguing with the text for The Masque of the Red Death.
Prefer to listen to someone read the text and follow along? Check this out then!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
GUESS WHAT?!? - 11/05/14
Mrs. Herrera's elusive ORANGE BUCKET has arrived in room 222 filled to the brim with the wonderful titles she came to talk to us about!!! I will be signing out the books starting during homeroom tomorrow, so if you're eyeing a book, make sure you make an appearance ASAP!
(There are only two copies of Hidden, FYI!)
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/05/14
AGENDA
Objective: To discuss the deeper meanings of The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe and grasp the theme and symbolism of the piece.
1.) Journal Time - Tweet your thoughts about the narrator of The Tell-Tale Heart to @mrsleahy #insaneinthemembrane?
2.) Let's chat, accountable talk style!
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Weekly word work due on Monday, 11/10/14.
2.) Second draft of author letter due on Monday, 11/10/14
3.) Finish the theme activity that we started in class - draw a picture that shows the theme of story and write a quote from the story to support your theme OR write a few sentences that explain the theme in your own words. This is due tomorrow (THURSDAY)
Objective: To discuss the deeper meanings of The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe and grasp the theme and symbolism of the piece.
1.) Journal Time - Tweet your thoughts about the narrator of The Tell-Tale Heart to @mrsleahy #insaneinthemembrane?
2.) Let's chat, accountable talk style!
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Weekly word work due on Monday, 11/10/14.
2.) Second draft of author letter due on Monday, 11/10/14
3.) Finish the theme activity that we started in class - draw a picture that shows the theme of story and write a quote from the story to support your theme OR write a few sentences that explain the theme in your own words. This is due tomorrow (THURSDAY)
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Monday, November 3, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 11/03/14
AGENDA
Objective: To work on revising your letter to your author both by yourself and with a partner.
1.) Read S.E. Hinton's letter to her readers. Really focus in on the sixth paragraph of the letter. Look at what she says about letters that readers have sent her. You want your letter to your author to make a huge impact on them. Discuss this with your table groups.
2.) Your compliment/praise letters need to contain the following written elements:
a.) An introduction paragraph that tells the author you enjoyed his or her work.
b.) Three body paragraphs that state specifically what you liked about his or her work.
c.) A closing paragraph that thanks the author for his or her work and what it has meant to you.
**Check this link out for specific phrases that you may want to use to help you out with your letter**
3.) Meet up with a partner and work on revising your letter using the information above. How do you make it better? Stronger? Once you have met with your partner, please work on revising your own letter.
4.) Make sure that your letters are set up in the BUSINESS LETTER FORMAT. Use this link to help you set up your paper correctly.
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) I want to see your letter on Wednesday to make sure that the format is all set. However, second drafts of your letter are due next Monday, 11/10/14
Objective: To work on revising your letter to your author both by yourself and with a partner.
1.) Read S.E. Hinton's letter to her readers. Really focus in on the sixth paragraph of the letter. Look at what she says about letters that readers have sent her. You want your letter to your author to make a huge impact on them. Discuss this with your table groups.
2.) Your compliment/praise letters need to contain the following written elements:
a.) An introduction paragraph that tells the author you enjoyed his or her work.
b.) Three body paragraphs that state specifically what you liked about his or her work.
c.) A closing paragraph that thanks the author for his or her work and what it has meant to you.
**Check this link out for specific phrases that you may want to use to help you out with your letter**
3.) Meet up with a partner and work on revising your letter using the information above. How do you make it better? Stronger? Once you have met with your partner, please work on revising your own letter.
4.) Make sure that your letters are set up in the BUSINESS LETTER FORMAT. Use this link to help you set up your paper correctly.
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) I want to see your letter on Wednesday to make sure that the format is all set. However, second drafts of your letter are due next Monday, 11/10/14
Friday, October 31, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/31/14
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
AGENDA
Objective: To read and discuss The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe
1.) Candy Quiz warm-up
2.) Listen to and follow along with The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe (page 202 in the text book - see the link in the "Important Links" section)
3.) Start talking
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Monthly word work assignment is due on Monday
2.) Rough draft of author letter is due on Monday
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/30/14
AGENDA
Objective: To finish everything up on The Raven
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Last words about The Raven
3.) Symbolism all the way
4.) Mental images
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
ALL PERIODS
1.) Monthly word work assignment due Monday, 11/3
2.) First drafts of letters to an author due Monday, 11/3
PERIODS 1, 4 & 6:
1.) Packet
2.) Finish mental image of the poem that was started in class. Remember, you need to include the overall message/theme of the poem, whether you write a few sentence summary or you find a quote to wrap it all up (if you're quoting, make sure you're citing it correctly!).
PERIOD 3:
1.) Finish mental image of the poem that was started in class. (see note above)
Objective: To finish everything up on The Raven
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Last words about The Raven
3.) Symbolism all the way
4.) Mental images
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
ALL PERIODS
1.) Monthly word work assignment due Monday, 11/3
2.) First drafts of letters to an author due Monday, 11/3
PERIODS 1, 4 & 6:
1.) Packet
2.) Finish mental image of the poem that was started in class. Remember, you need to include the overall message/theme of the poem, whether you write a few sentence summary or you find a quote to wrap it all up (if you're quoting, make sure you're citing it correctly!).
PERIOD 3:
1.) Finish mental image of the poem that was started in class. (see note above)
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY
I have been getting quite a few emails regarding the Edgar Allan Poe project and finding a way to add some more points, and I think I have the BEST idea! In the spirit of Halloween, if you want to dress up like your favorite literary character, I will award your five bonus points on your Poe project grade. If you dress up like a literary character from a short story we've read this year, you'll get seven bonus points. But, if you choose to dress like Poe or like one of his characters, you'll get ten bonus points. My final stipulation is that you must be recognizable to get the points, meaning that I must be able to look at you and know who you are without you having to tell me (no masks, no face paint covering your entire face, no weapons).
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/29/14
AGENDA
Objective: To finish clicking and clunking with The Raven as well as having an accountable talk discussion about it.
1.) Finish The Raven
2.) Talk it out
3.) Traditional Questions
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
ALL PERIODS:
1.) Monthly word work assignment due Monday, 11/3/14
2.) First draft of author letter due Monday, 11/3/14
PERIODS 1, 4 &; 6:
1.) A solid, one paragraph "So What?" for The Raven that pieces together your understanding of the poem from reading it, our class discussions, and from the video clip you saw in class (not period one).
PERIOD 3:
1.) In The Raven comprehension packet, please complete:
* the third section (putting the events in The Raven in order)
* numbers 2, 3 and 4 in the questions section (complete sentences are required)
* the symbolism chart on the back of the packet (Lenore: Who was she? How do you know? The Raven: Go back to yesterday's homework and see what a raven symbolizes. Why a raven, especially since, as we discussed in class, there is no actual raven in the poem. Night's Plutonian Shore: The narrator said the raven was from here. Why? Nepenthe: Since the narrator was unable to acquire some, what conclusions can you draw between that and Poe's actual life. The Bust of Pallas: Why would Poe strategically decide to have the raven perch itself there? Midnight and December: Ho doe these things effectively set the mood of the poem?
Objective: To finish clicking and clunking with The Raven as well as having an accountable talk discussion about it.
1.) Finish The Raven
2.) Talk it out
3.) Traditional Questions
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
ALL PERIODS:
1.) Monthly word work assignment due Monday, 11/3/14
2.) First draft of author letter due Monday, 11/3/14
PERIODS 1, 4 &; 6:
1.) A solid, one paragraph "So What?" for The Raven that pieces together your understanding of the poem from reading it, our class discussions, and from the video clip you saw in class (not period one).
PERIOD 3:
1.) In The Raven comprehension packet, please complete:
* the third section (putting the events in The Raven in order)
* numbers 2, 3 and 4 in the questions section (complete sentences are required)
* the symbolism chart on the back of the packet (Lenore: Who was she? How do you know? The Raven: Go back to yesterday's homework and see what a raven symbolizes. Why a raven, especially since, as we discussed in class, there is no actual raven in the poem. Night's Plutonian Shore: The narrator said the raven was from here. Why? Nepenthe: Since the narrator was unable to acquire some, what conclusions can you draw between that and Poe's actual life. The Bust of Pallas: Why would Poe strategically decide to have the raven perch itself there? Midnight and December: Ho doe these things effectively set the mood of the poem?
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/28/14
AGENDA
Objective: To click and clunk in chunks with The Raven in our groups.
1.) Weekly Word Work presentations
2.) Let's talk about symbols (last night's google homework)
3.) Click and clunk with The Raven
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
ALL CLASSES:
1.) Monthly Word Work due on Monday, 11/3/14
2.) First draft of the letter to your author due on Monday, 11/3/14
PERIODS 1, 4 AND 6:
3.) Fold a piece of computer paper in half. Label the left side "First Chunk of The Raven" and the right side "Second Chunk of The Raven." Illustrate or explain what's going on in those two chunks (you can choose to do pictures or words; you don't need to do both).
PERIOD 3:
3.) Finish clicking and clunking with the poem and be prepared to talk about it all in class tomorrow.
Objective: To click and clunk in chunks with The Raven in our groups.
1.) Weekly Word Work presentations
2.) Let's talk about symbols (last night's google homework)
3.) Click and clunk with The Raven
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
ALL CLASSES:
1.) Monthly Word Work due on Monday, 11/3/14
2.) First draft of the letter to your author due on Monday, 11/3/14
PERIODS 1, 4 AND 6:
3.) Fold a piece of computer paper in half. Label the left side "First Chunk of The Raven" and the right side "Second Chunk of The Raven." Illustrate or explain what's going on in those two chunks (you can choose to do pictures or words; you don't need to do both).
PERIOD 3:
3.) Finish clicking and clunking with the poem and be prepared to talk about it all in class tomorrow.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/27/14
AGENDA
Objective: To reflect on work that's made an impact on you and why as well as read, clink and clunk with The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.
1.) Reading survey (Thank you!!!!)
2.) Letter Writing Competition (an on-going assignment)
3.) Edgar Allan Poe vocabulary sheet
4.) The Raven
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Weekly word work due tomorrow (Tuesday)
2.) Do the Google search in the back of The Raven packet
3.) Letter writing first rough draft due on Monday (11/3)
Objective: To reflect on work that's made an impact on you and why as well as read, clink and clunk with The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.
1.) Reading survey (Thank you!!!!)
2.) Letter Writing Competition (an on-going assignment)
3.) Edgar Allan Poe vocabulary sheet
4.) The Raven
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Weekly word work due tomorrow (Tuesday)
2.) Do the Google search in the back of The Raven packet
3.) Letter writing first rough draft due on Monday (11/3)
Friday, October 24, 2014
Our Surprise Visitor! - 10/24/14
Thank you, Mrs. Herrera, for coming in and visiting our classroom to share some great books with us! The coolest thing about the books she shared with us is that they're all in verse (stories told through poetry). But, the most awesome thing is that she is going to be giving us a bucket of the titles she shared with us for our classroom library! How cool is that!!!
If you're interested in one of those titles, please see me to borrow it from our classroom library. I know that I have a few titles that I want to read too!
Hidden by Helen Frost
Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham
Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech
All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg
Little Dog Lost by Marion Dane Bauer
May B by Caroline Starr Rose
If you're interested in one of those titles, please see me to borrow it from our classroom library. I know that I have a few titles that I want to read too!
Hidden by Helen Frost
Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham
Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech
All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg
Little Dog Lost by Marion Dane Bauer
May B by Caroline Starr Rose
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/24/14
AGENDA
Objective: To complete yesterday's assignment on perspective, voice, style and word choice.
1.) A special visitor
2.) Hand out and go over rubric for A Response from Annabel
3.) Time to work on A Response from Annabel
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Think about all of the books you've read in your lifetime. What book sticks out the most to you and why? What was it about that book that made it so memorable? Be prepared to discuss this in class on Monday. Take a few seconds and jot some ideas down in your journal - just bullets, no sentences required. Make sure you record the book and the author.
2.) Finished poems/letters due Monday. They need to be decorated/illustrated on the same page as your poem (no second page illustrations, please).
Objective: To complete yesterday's assignment on perspective, voice, style and word choice.
1.) A special visitor
2.) Hand out and go over rubric for A Response from Annabel
3.) Time to work on A Response from Annabel
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Think about all of the books you've read in your lifetime. What book sticks out the most to you and why? What was it about that book that made it so memorable? Be prepared to discuss this in class on Monday. Take a few seconds and jot some ideas down in your journal - just bullets, no sentences required. Make sure you record the book and the author.
2.) Finished poems/letters due Monday. They need to be decorated/illustrated on the same page as your poem (no second page illustrations, please).
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/23/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To understand perspective by responding to Annabel Lee from the narrator's point of view.
1.) Quick Annabel Lee check-up
2.) A Response to Annabel
3.) Agenda Books
**During class I will be checking your Words section of your binder, so my absent friends need to make sure you check in with me and show me this when you come back to school.**
HOMEWORK:
1.) Finish your Response to Annabel poem/letter rough draft and bring coloring/art supplies to do the final copy in class tomorrow!
Objective: To understand perspective by responding to Annabel Lee from the narrator's point of view.
1.) Quick Annabel Lee check-up
2.) A Response to Annabel
3.) Agenda Books
**During class I will be checking your Words section of your binder, so my absent friends need to make sure you check in with me and show me this when you come back to school.**
HOMEWORK:
1.) Finish your Response to Annabel poem/letter rough draft and bring coloring/art supplies to do the final copy in class tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/22/14
AGENDA FOR PERIODS 1 AND 3
Objective: To get all caught up and organized
1.) Update your Trimester One Reading Goal List
2.) Do you need a new book card for the board? Make one!
3.) Organize your binder using the list below
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
None
(but if you didn't get to finish anything in class, please make sure it's completed by tomorrow. I am also checking your Words section of the binder tomorrow, so please make sure that's all in order!)
AGENDA FOR PERIODS 4 AND 6
Objective: To have an accountable talk discussion about Annabel Lee in order to maximize understanding and to get all caught up and organized.
1.) Accountable talk discussion about Annabel Lee
2.) Update your Trimester One Reading Goal List. Do you need a new book card for the board?
Make one!
3.) Organize your binder using the list below
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) What is the overall meaning of this poem? Illustrate it and include either a summary in your own words or a line from the poem that wraps it all up.
2.) Organize your binder and update your book list if you didn't get a chance to do so in class!
3.) Make sure the Words section of your binder is in complete working order because I'm checking it tomorrow!
BINDER ORGANIZATION TO THIS POINT:
Reading/Literature
9/2: Reading Goals T.1
9/8: Elements of a story notes
9/15: Tone sheet
9/15: Mood sheet
9/16: Tone/Mood movie trailer notes
9/24: Irony notes and work
Writing
9/3: Good, great and ugly writing
9/22: Perfect paragraph notes
9/22: Open response grading rubric (original and the one you made in your own words)
10/8: Very chart - 45 ways
Journal
9/3: Journal ideas
9/4: ABC about me/letter to Mrs. Leahy
9/5: Journal #2
9/9: Leprechaun response
9/15: Journal #3
9/22: Journal #4
9/29: Journal #5
10/6: Journal #6
10/14: Journal #7
10/20: Edgar Allan Poe
10/21: Mirror purpose
Grammar
9/4: Apostrophe
9/8: Apostrophe HW
9/10: Apostrophe sentences
Objective: To get all caught up and organized
1.) Update your Trimester One Reading Goal List
2.) Do you need a new book card for the board? Make one!
3.) Organize your binder using the list below
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
None
(but if you didn't get to finish anything in class, please make sure it's completed by tomorrow. I am also checking your Words section of the binder tomorrow, so please make sure that's all in order!)
AGENDA FOR PERIODS 4 AND 6
Objective: To have an accountable talk discussion about Annabel Lee in order to maximize understanding and to get all caught up and organized.
1.) Accountable talk discussion about Annabel Lee
2.) Update your Trimester One Reading Goal List. Do you need a new book card for the board?
Make one!
3.) Organize your binder using the list below
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) What is the overall meaning of this poem? Illustrate it and include either a summary in your own words or a line from the poem that wraps it all up.
2.) Organize your binder and update your book list if you didn't get a chance to do so in class!
3.) Make sure the Words section of your binder is in complete working order because I'm checking it tomorrow!
BINDER ORGANIZATION TO THIS POINT:
Reading/Literature
9/2: Reading Goals T.1
9/8: Elements of a story notes
9/15: Tone sheet
9/15: Mood sheet
9/16: Tone/Mood movie trailer notes
9/24: Irony notes and work
Writing
9/3: Good, great and ugly writing
9/22: Perfect paragraph notes
9/22: Open response grading rubric (original and the one you made in your own words)
10/8: Very chart - 45 ways
Journal
9/3: Journal ideas
9/4: ABC about me/letter to Mrs. Leahy
9/5: Journal #2
9/9: Leprechaun response
9/15: Journal #3
9/22: Journal #4
9/29: Journal #5
10/6: Journal #6
10/14: Journal #7
10/20: Edgar Allan Poe
10/21: Mirror purpose
Grammar
9/4: Apostrophe
9/8: Apostrophe HW
9/10: Apostrophe sentences
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/21/14
AGENDA
Objective - To learn how to click and clunk with a poem to maximize understanding.
1.) Word Work Week 5
2.) Get all caught up with my absence from yesterday - collecting rubrics and works cited pages, Edgar Allan Poe Q & A, journals from Friday and yesterday
3.) Turn and Talk - What images does the word "clunk" create? The word "click"? What do you think we are doing with these words in ELA
4.) Annabel Lee and discussion
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
periods 1 and 3: What is the overall meaning of this poem? Illustrate it and include either a summary in your own words or a line from the poem that wraps it all up.
periods 4 and 6: Finish clicking and clunking with Annabel Lee. You must also complete the "So What?" section
Objective - To learn how to click and clunk with a poem to maximize understanding.
1.) Word Work Week 5
2.) Get all caught up with my absence from yesterday - collecting rubrics and works cited pages, Edgar Allan Poe Q & A, journals from Friday and yesterday
3.) Turn and Talk - What images does the word "clunk" create? The word "click"? What do you think we are doing with these words in ELA
4.) Annabel Lee and discussion
5.) Agenda Books
FOR ANY OF MY ABSENT FRIENDS:
IF YOU WERE ABSENT OR WERE AT THE VOKE FIELD TRIP, PLEASE COMPLETE THE CLICKING AND CLUNKING TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY (CLICKS = THINGS YOU UNDERSTAND, CLUNKS = THINGS THAT ESCAPE YOU) AND COMPLETE THE HOMEWORK LISTED BELOW
periods 1 and 3: What is the overall meaning of this poem? Illustrate it and include either a summary in your own words or a line from the poem that wraps it all up.
periods 4 and 6: Finish clicking and clunking with Annabel Lee. You must also complete the "So What?" section
Monday, October 20, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/20/14
Hi Language All-Stars,
Unfortunately, I'm not feeling too hot today and will be out. You know what's expected of you, and I know that you'll use today's class to finish those wonderful projects. Even though I'm not there, they are still going to be passed in. Please make sure that you put all of your names and your period number on your project and then put them on the three red chairs in the back of the room. If you still have time in class after you've turned in your project, you may get started on your journal homework. Have a productive day, my friends!
Keep Smiling,
Mrs. Leahy
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the life of Edgar Allan Poe in order to fully understand his work. Over the next two weeks, we will be evaluating the influence that an author's life has in their work.
1.) Easybib.com (period 6) - Don't worry about this, guys! We'll go over it in class tomorrow.
2.) Wequest - Day Four
ALL PROJECTS MUST BE TURNED IN BY THE CLOSE OF CLASS TODAY! I WILL COLLECT YOUR RUBRICS AND WORKS CITED PAGES TOMORROW, THOUGH!
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) 20 minute journal prompt: What is the purpose of a mirror? Why do people use them? Now move beyond the literal meaning of a mirror (past the glass) and tell me what other things could people use as a mirror? Explain what you mean. Be prepared to discuss what you mean tomorrow in class.
2.) If you didn't complete the journal assignment from Friday's class, that must be completed by tomorrow.
3.) Weekly word work assignments due tomorrow.
Unfortunately, I'm not feeling too hot today and will be out. You know what's expected of you, and I know that you'll use today's class to finish those wonderful projects. Even though I'm not there, they are still going to be passed in. Please make sure that you put all of your names and your period number on your project and then put them on the three red chairs in the back of the room. If you still have time in class after you've turned in your project, you may get started on your journal homework. Have a productive day, my friends!
Keep Smiling,
Mrs. Leahy
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the life of Edgar Allan Poe in order to fully understand his work. Over the next two weeks, we will be evaluating the influence that an author's life has in their work.
1.) Easybib.com (period 6) - Don't worry about this, guys! We'll go over it in class tomorrow.
2.) Wequest - Day Four
ALL PROJECTS MUST BE TURNED IN BY THE CLOSE OF CLASS TODAY! I WILL COLLECT YOUR RUBRICS AND WORKS CITED PAGES TOMORROW, THOUGH!
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) 20 minute journal prompt: What is the purpose of a mirror? Why do people use them? Now move beyond the literal meaning of a mirror (past the glass) and tell me what other things could people use as a mirror? Explain what you mean. Be prepared to discuss what you mean tomorrow in class.
2.) If you didn't complete the journal assignment from Friday's class, that must be completed by tomorrow.
3.) Weekly word work assignments due tomorrow.
Friday, October 17, 2014
TMS Has An Online Newspaper Now! - 10/17/14
The TMS Current is the NEW online newspaper that has just made its debut! It is run by the Journalism Club and its advisors, Mr. P. and Mr. Maslanka. I'd check it out if I were you! I have also put the link in our "Important Links" section of the blog for future reference.
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/17/14
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the life of Edgar Allan Poe in order to fully understand his work. Over the next two weeks, we will be evaluating the influence that an author's life has in their work.
1.) Easybib.com (periods 3, 4 and 6)
2.) Webquest - Day 3
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Whatever your group decides you should do for homework, please do it. Remember, projects are due at the end of class on Monday, so make sure your group is in a really good position to complete this mission successfully.
2.) Given all the information you have embraced about Edgar Allan Poe, please individually answer the following question in a thoughtful journal entry: Poe might have sometimes been described as opinionated, romantic, impractical, arrogant, ingenious, creative, intelligent and restless. Did you find examples in your research that would support these descriptions? BE SPECIFIC.
Objective: To understand the life of Edgar Allan Poe in order to fully understand his work. Over the next two weeks, we will be evaluating the influence that an author's life has in their work.
1.) Easybib.com (periods 3, 4 and 6)
2.) Webquest - Day 3
3.) Agenda Books
1.) Whatever your group decides you should do for homework, please do it. Remember, projects are due at the end of class on Monday, so make sure your group is in a really good position to complete this mission successfully.
2.) Given all the information you have embraced about Edgar Allan Poe, please individually answer the following question in a thoughtful journal entry: Poe might have sometimes been described as opinionated, romantic, impractical, arrogant, ingenious, creative, intelligent and restless. Did you find examples in your research that would support these descriptions? BE SPECIFIC.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Something Fun for My Logophiles! - 10/16/14
I saw this article and I wanted to pass it on to all my budding LOGOPHILES! Check it out!
Logophile (n.) - A lover of words; a word buff; a wordsmith
Article: An A to Z of Noah Webster's Finest Forgotten Words
Logophile (n.) - A lover of words; a word buff; a wordsmith
Article: An A to Z of Noah Webster's Finest Forgotten Words
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/16/14
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the life of Edgar Allan Poe in order to fully understand his work. Over the next two weeks, we will be evaluating the influence that an author's life has in their work.
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Webquest Day 2
3.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Finish whatever work your group assigns you.
2.) If you feel you need to conduct more research, please do so.
3.) Works Cited page must be completed by Monday at the start of class.
Objective: To understand the life of Edgar Allan Poe in order to fully understand his work. Over the next two weeks, we will be evaluating the influence that an author's life has in their work.
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Webquest Day 2
3.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Finish whatever work your group assigns you.
2.) If you feel you need to conduct more research, please do so.
3.) Works Cited page must be completed by Monday at the start of class.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/15/14
AGENDA
Objective: To understand the life of Edgar Allan Poe in order to fully understand his work. Over the next two weeks, we will be evaluating the influence that an author's life has in their work.
1.) Word Work share out
2.) KWL - Edgar Allan Poe
3.) Webquest - Day One
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Continue the research component of your Webquest. Make sure you have enough information for your group where your topics are concerned.
Objective: To understand the life of Edgar Allan Poe in order to fully understand his work. Over the next two weeks, we will be evaluating the influence that an author's life has in their work.
1.) Word Work share out
2.) KWL - Edgar Allan Poe
3.) Webquest - Day One
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Continue the research component of your Webquest. Make sure you have enough information for your group where your topics are concerned.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/14/14
AGENDA
Objective: To improve our writing by going through the revision process with a partner.
1.) 20 minute journal on the following prompt - Reflect on your experience during Friday's Speed Friending activity. Who were you embodying? Who did you meet? What did you think of them? Who do you think your character would most likely be friends with and why? Enemies with and why?
2.) Revisions vs. Edits (2 minute mini-lesson the difference between the two)
Revision/Revise: Look for content and defense. Do these areas need to be changed and/or added to? Does everything make sense?
Editing/Edit: Looking at conventions - spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, spacing, heading issues, etc. - and fixing those errors. No attention is paid to content and clarity.
3.) Revision partners - work with an assigned partner to revise each other's paper by swapping papers and reading your partner's paper aloud to them and working together to make the necessary changes.
4.) Work on final copies
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Final copies due tomorrow (Wednesday, 10/15/14)
2.) Weekly word work due tomorrow (Wednesday, 10/15/14)
Periods 4 and 6 ONLY: Journal check tomorrow :)
Objective: To improve our writing by going through the revision process with a partner.
1.) 20 minute journal on the following prompt - Reflect on your experience during Friday's Speed Friending activity. Who were you embodying? Who did you meet? What did you think of them? Who do you think your character would most likely be friends with and why? Enemies with and why?
2.) Revisions vs. Edits (2 minute mini-lesson the difference between the two)
Revision/Revise: Look for content and defense. Do these areas need to be changed and/or added to? Does everything make sense?
Editing/Edit: Looking at conventions - spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, spacing, heading issues, etc. - and fixing those errors. No attention is paid to content and clarity.
3.) Revision partners - work with an assigned partner to revise each other's paper by swapping papers and reading your partner's paper aloud to them and working together to make the necessary changes.
4.) Work on final copies
5.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Final copies due tomorrow (Wednesday, 10/15/14)
2.) Weekly word work due tomorrow (Wednesday, 10/15/14)
Periods 4 and 6 ONLY: Journal check tomorrow :)
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/09/14
AGENDA
Objective: To work with two editing partners on perfecting our first drafts of an irony open response. One partner will focus on correcting conventions while the other will hone in on word choice.
1.) Preparations for tomorrow
2.) Editing partners round one - CONVENTIONS
3.) Editing partners round two - WORD CHOICE
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Second draft of open response due on Tuesday. Mom, dad, brother, sister, grandma, grandpa (anyone older and wiser than you) needs to edit your paper on the paper and sign the top.
2.) Weekly word work due on Tuesday, 10/14/14
Objective: To work with two editing partners on perfecting our first drafts of an irony open response. One partner will focus on correcting conventions while the other will hone in on word choice.
1.) Preparations for tomorrow
2.) Editing partners round one - CONVENTIONS
3.) Editing partners round two - WORD CHOICE
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Second draft of open response due on Tuesday. Mom, dad, brother, sister, grandma, grandpa (anyone older and wiser than you) needs to edit your paper on the paper and sign the top.
2.) Weekly word work due on Tuesday, 10/14/14
TOMORROW IS TIGER PRIDE DAY! SHOW YOUR TMS/TIGER SPIRIT!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/08/14
AGENDA
Objective: To show your understanding of irony and it's importance in literature by writing an open response paragraph.
1.) Share your chart words
2.) Story chat
3.) Open response breakdown
4.) Graphic organizers
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Turn your graphic organizer into a rough draft (If you are typing, please double space. If you are writing by hand, please skip lines. You must include the correct heading and an original title).
Objective: To show your understanding of irony and it's importance in literature by writing an open response paragraph.
1.) Share your chart words
2.) Story chat
3.) Open response breakdown
4.) Graphic organizers
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Turn your graphic organizer into a rough draft (If you are typing, please double space. If you are writing by hand, please skip lines. You must include the correct heading and an original title).
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/07/14
AGENDA FOR PERIODS 1, 4 and 6:
Objective: To strengthen our word choice in our writing by choosing more colorful sophisticated words.
1.) New Seats
2.) Quick write and turn and talk
3.) Color your writing by adding sparkle
4.) Deleting Very Chart - fill in the chart using the strongest word you can find
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Finish your Deleting Very Chart
AGENDA FOR PERIOD 3:
Objective: Using your irony reference sheet and the three texts you dialogued with, you will write a cohesive, well-organized open response, making sure to focus on powerful word choice.
1.) Deleting Very Chart activity in class
2.) Now apply it! (choose 5 words you fall victim of pairing with very and "paint" sentences with them using a darker shade of the word). Want to go for the check plus? Make your five sentences into one cohesive paragraph!
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Finish your application activity.
Objective: To strengthen our word choice in our writing by choosing more colorful sophisticated words.
1.) New Seats
2.) Quick write and turn and talk
3.) Color your writing by adding sparkle
4.) Deleting Very Chart - fill in the chart using the strongest word you can find
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Finish your Deleting Very Chart
AGENDA FOR PERIOD 3:
Objective: Using your irony reference sheet and the three texts you dialogued with, you will write a cohesive, well-organized open response, making sure to focus on powerful word choice.
1.) Deleting Very Chart activity in class
2.) Now apply it! (choose 5 words you fall victim of pairing with very and "paint" sentences with them using a darker shade of the word). Want to go for the check plus? Make your five sentences into one cohesive paragraph!
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Finish your application activity.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/06/14
AGENDA FOR PERIOD 3:
Objective: To strengthen our word choice in our writing by choosing more colorful sophisticated words.
1.) New Seats
2.) 20 minute journaling time
3.) Quick write and turn and talk
4.) Color your writing by adding sparkle
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
Monthly word work assignment due tomorrow (this is your first and only culminating assessment - 40% of you grade - so far this trimester, so it is imperative that you complete it on time and with your best effort)
AGENDA FOR PERIODS 1, 4 and 6:
Objective: To complete the SRI Benchmark Reading Assessment
1.) New Seats
2.) SRI test (periods 4 and 6, turn in journals prior to starting the SRI test)
3.) Journal time
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
Monthly word work assignment due tomorrow (this is your first and only culminating assessment - 40% of you grade - so far this trimester, so it is imperative that you complete it on time and with your best effort)
Objective: To strengthen our word choice in our writing by choosing more colorful sophisticated words.
1.) New Seats
2.) 20 minute journaling time
3.) Quick write and turn and talk
4.) Color your writing by adding sparkle
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
Monthly word work assignment due tomorrow (this is your first and only culminating assessment - 40% of you grade - so far this trimester, so it is imperative that you complete it on time and with your best effort)
AGENDA FOR PERIODS 1, 4 and 6:
Objective: To complete the SRI Benchmark Reading Assessment
1.) New Seats
2.) SRI test (periods 4 and 6, turn in journals prior to starting the SRI test)
3.) Journal time
4.) Agenda Books
**For my friends who were absent today, please make arrangements to stay after school on TUESDAY, 10/7 for 45minutes to take the SRI test**
HOMEWORK:
Monthly word work assignment due tomorrow (this is your first and only culminating assessment - 40% of you grade - so far this trimester, so it is imperative that you complete it on time and with your best effort)
Friday, October 3, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/03/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To get all caught up and on the same page.
1.) Finish Irony Ninja Assignment
2.) Work on Monthly Word Work Assignment
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) All Irony Ninja work must be completed by Monday
2.) Monthly Word Work assignment due Tuesday
Objective: To get all caught up and on the same page.
1.) Finish Irony Ninja Assignment
2.) Work on Monthly Word Work Assignment
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) All Irony Ninja work must be completed by Monday
2.) Monthly Word Work assignment due Tuesday
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/02/14
AGENDA FOR PERIODS 1, 4 and 6:
Objective: To continue to demonstrate your knowledge of irony by identifying it and explaining it's purpose in three different pieces of literature.
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Journals
3.) Irony Ninja Assignment (see activity below)
4.) Agenda Books
**While you're working, I will be calling people up to hand in their journals**
IRONY NINJA ASSIGNMENT (Periods 1, 4 and 6)
Short Story Reading Challenge - DAY TWO (you only need to get through one other story today)
HOMEWORK:
Periods 1, 4 and 6:
1.) Finish reading and dialoguing with the story you're on today
**Tomorrow, class time will be used to finish up the Irony Ninja Assignment AND I will give class time to work on your monthly words assignment so you can ask me any questions you may have.**
AGENDA FOR PERIOD 3:
Objective: To continue to demonstrate your knowledge of irony by identifying it and explaining it's purpose in three different pieces of literature.
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Journals
3.) Irony Ninja Assignment (see activity below)
4.) Agenda Books
**While you're working, I will be calling people up to hand in their journals**
IRONY NINJA ASSIGNMENT (Periods 1, 4 and 6)
Short Story Reading Challenge - DAY TWO (you only need to get through one other story today)
HOMEWORK:
Periods 1, 4 and 6:
1.) Finish reading and dialoguing with the story you're on today
**Tomorrow, class time will be used to finish up the Irony Ninja Assignment AND I will give class time to work on your monthly words assignment so you can ask me any questions you may have.**
AGENDA FOR PERIOD 3:
Objective: To get caught up with the Irony Ninja Assignment and to make strides on the monthly words assignment.
HOMEWORK:
1.) Work on your monthly words assignment due on Tuesday
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 10/01/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To continue to demonstrate your knowledge of irony by identifying it and explaining it in three different pieces of literature.
1.) Irony Ninja Assignment (see activity below)
2.) Agenda Books
**While you're working, I will be calling people up to check their journals**
HOMEWORK:
Periods 1, 4 and 6:
1.) Finish your work for Day One
2.) Work on your monthly words assignment
Period 3:
1.) Finish your work for Day Two
2.) Work on your monthly words assignment
IRONY NINJA ASSIGNMENT (Periods 1, 4 and 6)
Short Story Reading Challenge - DAY ONE
IRONY NINJA ASSIGNMENT (Period 3)
Short Story Reading Challenge - DAY TWO
Objective: To continue to demonstrate your knowledge of irony by identifying it and explaining it in three different pieces of literature.
1.) Irony Ninja Assignment (see activity below)
2.) Agenda Books
**While you're working, I will be calling people up to check their journals**
HOMEWORK:
Periods 1, 4 and 6:
1.) Finish your work for Day One
2.) Work on your monthly words assignment
Period 3:
1.) Finish your work for Day Two
2.) Work on your monthly words assignment
IRONY NINJA ASSIGNMENT (Periods 1, 4 and 6)
Short Story Reading Challenge - DAY ONE
IRONY NINJA ASSIGNMENT (Period 3)
Short Story Reading Challenge - DAY TWO
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/30/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To continue to demonstrate your knowledge of irony by identifying it and explaining it in three different pieces of literature.
1.) Word work week three - share out!
2.) Monthly word work assignment explanation session
3.) Let me show you around...
4.) Irony Ninja Activity
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
Periods 1, 4 and 6:
1.) Finish the Show What You Know activity started in class
2.) Work on your monthly words assignment due next Tuesday
Period 3:
1.) Finish working on the Irony Ninja Day One Assignment. You must have this completed for class tomorrow.
2.) Work on your monthly words assignment due next Tuesday
IRONY NINJA ACTIVITY (Periods 1, 4 and 6)
Show What You Know irony activity
IRONY NINJA ACTIVITY (Period 3)
Short Story Reading Challenge - DAY ONE
Objective: To continue to demonstrate your knowledge of irony by identifying it and explaining it in three different pieces of literature.
1.) Word work week three - share out!
2.) Monthly word work assignment explanation session
3.) Let me show you around...
4.) Irony Ninja Activity
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
Periods 1, 4 and 6:
1.) Finish the Show What You Know activity started in class
2.) Work on your monthly words assignment due next Tuesday
Period 3:
1.) Finish working on the Irony Ninja Day One Assignment. You must have this completed for class tomorrow.
2.) Work on your monthly words assignment due next Tuesday
IRONY NINJA ACTIVITY (Periods 1, 4 and 6)
Show What You Know irony activity
IRONY NINJA ACTIVITY (Period 3)
Short Story Reading Challenge - DAY ONE
Monday, September 29, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/29/14
AGENDA:
Objective - To be able to understand the four types of irony and be able to prove comprehension through examples.
1.) 20 minute journal
2.) Isn't it ironic? Creating an irony reference guide
3.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Word work week three due tomorrow
2.) Irony worksheet
3.) Your own irony examples - either pictures with captions for each type of irony or a little vignette for each type of irony (PERIOD THREE ONLY)
Objective - To be able to understand the four types of irony and be able to prove comprehension through examples.
1.) 20 minute journal
2.) Isn't it ironic? Creating an irony reference guide
3.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Word work week three due tomorrow
2.) Irony worksheet
3.) Your own irony examples - either pictures with captions for each type of irony or a little vignette for each type of irony (PERIOD THREE ONLY)
Friday, September 26, 2014
THANK YOU!!!! 09/26/14
Thank you so much for your candid, open and honest responses to the survey you did for the warm-up today in class. I absolutely LOVED reading them and will spend my ride to and from my camping trip this weekend responding to each one of you. Thanks again for all of your thoughtful suggestions!
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/26/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To finish constructing an open response and successfully peer edit with a partner.
1.) Warm-Up (see below the agenda)
2.) Finish RDs
3.) Peer Edit the Mrs. Leahy way
4.) Peer Edit phase two
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Turn your edited rough draft into a final copy. Make sure your parents edit/revise your paragraph WITH you (see link in "Parent Resource" section). Make sure you have your rough copy with edits because I will be collecting them.
2.) Word work due Tuesday!
3.) Extra Credit due by Tuesday 9/30.
WARM-UP:
Please complete this survey on a piece of paper and turn it in to me.
1.) Are you enjoying the independent reading time in school? Why or why not? Explain.
2.) What benefits are you getting out of the extra reading we're asking you to do?
3.) Do you talk to people about what you read? Why or why not? Explain.
4.) Would you like us (your teachers) to do more with the reading (ie: discussion groups, time to talk rather than assigning projects).
5.) Did you enjoy Mrs. Senecal's visit on Wednesday and her sharing some literature with you? Would you like more suggestions from other special visitors throughout the year? Why or why not?
6.) What suggestion would you give to make the independent reading program better? (if you have one).
Objective: To finish constructing an open response and successfully peer edit with a partner.
1.) Warm-Up (see below the agenda)
2.) Finish RDs
3.) Peer Edit the Mrs. Leahy way
4.) Peer Edit phase two
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Turn your edited rough draft into a final copy. Make sure your parents edit/revise your paragraph WITH you (see link in "Parent Resource" section). Make sure you have your rough copy with edits because I will be collecting them.
2.) Word work due Tuesday!
3.) Extra Credit due by Tuesday 9/30.
WARM-UP:
Please complete this survey on a piece of paper and turn it in to me.
1.) Are you enjoying the independent reading time in school? Why or why not? Explain.
2.) What benefits are you getting out of the extra reading we're asking you to do?
3.) Do you talk to people about what you read? Why or why not? Explain.
4.) Would you like us (your teachers) to do more with the reading (ie: discussion groups, time to talk rather than assigning projects).
5.) Did you enjoy Mrs. Senecal's visit on Wednesday and her sharing some literature with you? Would you like more suggestions from other special visitors throughout the year? Why or why not?
6.) What suggestion would you give to make the independent reading program better? (if you have one).
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Extra Credit Opportunity! 09/25/14 - 09/30/14
Something That Almost NEVER Happens in Room 222:
AN EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY!
I am in desperate need of a TON of paint color samples for multiple classroom activities, which are free at hardware and paint stores. Normally I would go and grab some myself, but seeing that I would like an awful lot of them, I don't think the Lowes or Home Depot workers would be all that pleased to see a crazy teacher walk in there with a huge bag and fill it up with paint samples. So, I will be offering five bonus points on your lowest reading/writing grade (30% of your overall grade) if you bring some in for me. For the purposes of the activity, if they could be like the ones pictured below (with 4-7 shades on them), I would greatly appreciate it!
Thank you in advance for helping to make our classroom activities much more entertaining and colorful!
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/25/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To continue writing a cohesive, well-written and well-structured "Perfect Paragraph" response to a prompt about "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl. In addition to that, we will be working on perfecting our conventions and word choice during a peer-editing session.
1.) Independent Reading for 20 minutes.
2.) Clear your table of everything except the text, your graphic organizer and the question sheet, and a laptop (the same one from yesterday - the one with your Twitter number)
3.) Finish and print the rough draft
4.) Peer Editing
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
None. If you wanted to share your writing with your parents/guardians and have them do a once over edit as well, that would be fabulous, though.
Objective: To continue writing a cohesive, well-written and well-structured "Perfect Paragraph" response to a prompt about "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl. In addition to that, we will be working on perfecting our conventions and word choice during a peer-editing session.
1.) Independent Reading for 20 minutes.
2.) Clear your table of everything except the text, your graphic organizer and the question sheet, and a laptop (the same one from yesterday - the one with your Twitter number)
3.) Finish and print the rough draft
4.) Peer Editing
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
None. If you wanted to share your writing with your parents/guardians and have them do a once over edit as well, that would be fabulous, though.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Our Special Visitor!
Mrs. Senecal visited our class today to conduct a book talk for the novel The Heartbreak Messenger by Alexander Vance, and she did a WONDERFUL job! Her book talk was so animated and charismatic, so it was really entertaining to listen to. I hope you were paying special attention to the way she was talking about the book, because soon you'll be expected to give your own book talks. OHHHH!!!! I can't wait!
Some good sources for book talks are:
Reading Online
Want to see some other GREAT book talks?!? Check out this source on Scholastic!
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Some good sources for book talks are:
Reading Online
Want to see some other GREAT book talks?!? Check out this source on Scholastic!
Just getting started!
"It's about booooyfriends and girrrrrrrlfriends..."
So excited to be sharing!
Remember what Mrs. Senecal said about not judging this book by it's juvenile cover!!!
RESOURCE FOR YOU! (Reposted from 9/19/14)
In the "Important Links" section of the blog, you will see a new addition - a citing guide! Please use this if you have any questions!
However, for the purposes of tonight's homework activity, your quotes should look something like this:
"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah," (Dahl 173).
STEPS:
1.) Put the borrowed words in quotation marks
2.) Replace the end period with a comma (if the end mark is a question mark or an exclamation point, leave it there and do not make it a comma).
3.) End your quotation marks
4.) Add parentheses and put the author's name and the page number from the textbook
5.) Put a period after the parentheses.
OR
If you are taking dialogue for your quote, you need to write your quote differently.
"'Blah blah blah blah blah,' said Billy Weaver," (Dahl 173).
STEPS:
1.) Start with your opening quotation mark.
2.) Then add an apostrophe (one mark of the quotation mark) to show that someone is speaking.
3.) Write the quote. Where they end their quotation marks add an apostrophe and continue copying the words from the text.
4.) Replace the end period with a comma (if the end mark is a question mark or an exclamation point, leave it there and do not make it a comma).
5.) End your quotation marks
6.) Add parentheses and put the author's name and the page number from the textbook
7.) Put a period after the parentheses.
OR
If you are omitting part of the quote, you need to use an ellipsis (AKA ... or "dot dot dot"). The ellipsis's job is to show that you're only using part of a longer quote.
"...blah blah blah blah blah blah blah," (Dahl 173).
(shows that the quote you're using actually comes from the middle of a longer sentence)
"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah..." (Dahl 173).
(shows that the quote you're using continues in a longer sentence)
"Blah blah...blah blah," (Dahl 173).
(shows the reader that you're omitting a part of the quote that doesn't have to do with your point)
However, for the purposes of tonight's homework activity, your quotes should look something like this:
"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah," (Dahl 173).
STEPS:
1.) Put the borrowed words in quotation marks
2.) Replace the end period with a comma (if the end mark is a question mark or an exclamation point, leave it there and do not make it a comma).
3.) End your quotation marks
4.) Add parentheses and put the author's name and the page number from the textbook
5.) Put a period after the parentheses.
OR
If you are taking dialogue for your quote, you need to write your quote differently.
"'Blah blah blah blah blah,' said Billy Weaver," (Dahl 173).
STEPS:
1.) Start with your opening quotation mark.
2.) Then add an apostrophe (one mark of the quotation mark) to show that someone is speaking.
3.) Write the quote. Where they end their quotation marks add an apostrophe and continue copying the words from the text.
4.) Replace the end period with a comma (if the end mark is a question mark or an exclamation point, leave it there and do not make it a comma).
5.) End your quotation marks
6.) Add parentheses and put the author's name and the page number from the textbook
7.) Put a period after the parentheses.
OR
If you are omitting part of the quote, you need to use an ellipsis (AKA ... or "dot dot dot"). The ellipsis's job is to show that you're only using part of a longer quote.
"...blah blah blah blah blah blah blah," (Dahl 173).
(shows that the quote you're using actually comes from the middle of a longer sentence)
"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah..." (Dahl 173).
(shows that the quote you're using continues in a longer sentence)
"Blah blah...blah blah," (Dahl 173).
(shows the reader that you're omitting a part of the quote that doesn't have to do with your point)
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/24/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To craft a well-written, cohesive "Perfect Paragraph" that includes all of the qualities of good writing structure and of good writing content.
1.) Warm-Up: Get a laptop from the cart and sign on to your Google Docs
2.) Take your graphic organizer and turn it into an open response paragraph
3.) A special visitor!
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
No homework tonight
Objective: To craft a well-written, cohesive "Perfect Paragraph" that includes all of the qualities of good writing structure and of good writing content.
1.) Warm-Up: Get a laptop from the cart and sign on to your Google Docs
2.) Take your graphic organizer and turn it into an open response paragraph
3.) A special visitor!
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
No homework tonight
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/23/14
AGENDA
Objective: To write a cohesive, well-organized and well-defended response to an open ended prompt from "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl.
1.) Warm-Up: Finish working with your expert groups from yesterday on your presentation for your part of the grading rubric.
2.) Each group presents their findings.
3.) Word Work Gallery Walk
4.) Welcome to the graphic organizer...
5.) Start the writing process: prewriting --> rough draft --> edit/revise --> polished copy to be graded
6.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Organize your ELA binder using the post after this one to help you. I don't want to see any floating ELA papers; everything has a home, so put it there.
2.) Completed graphic organizers/prewriting due tomorrow.
Objective: To write a cohesive, well-organized and well-defended response to an open ended prompt from "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl.
1.) Warm-Up: Finish working with your expert groups from yesterday on your presentation for your part of the grading rubric.
2.) Each group presents their findings.
3.) Word Work Gallery Walk
4.) Welcome to the graphic organizer...
5.) Start the writing process: prewriting --> rough draft --> edit/revise --> polished copy to be graded
6.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Organize your ELA binder using the post after this one to help you. I don't want to see any floating ELA papers; everything has a home, so put it there.
2.) Completed graphic organizers/prewriting due tomorrow.
BINDERS - 09/23/14
Part of your homework tonight is to organize your ELA Binder. You need to make sure that everything is logged on each section's Table of Contents page and that there are no ELA papers "floating" around (in random folders or in pockets of your binder).
Reading/Literature Section
1.) 9/2/14 - Trimester 1 Reading Goal Sheet (you should be adding to this each time you start and finish a new text).
2.) 9/8/14 - Elements of a Short Story flower reference sheet
3.) 9/16/14 - Mood and Tone reference pages
*some of you may have summer reading in this section, and that's fine too. However, it is not mandatory to have that in your binder*
*if you have your copy of The Lady or the Tiger?, hole punch it, log it with today's date and put it in this section.
Writing Section
1.) 9/3/14 - Great, Good and Ugly Writing reference chart
2.) 9/22/14 - Perfect Paragraph notes
3.) 9/22/14 - Open Response Grading Rubric
Grammar
1.) 9/5/14 - Apostrophe rule sheet
2.) 9/10/14 - Apostrophe sentences
*some of you may have your Apostrophe Homework in this section and that's fine. It is not required to have this.*
Journal
See yesterday's post
Words
1.) 9/8/14 - Assignment Sheet
2.) 9/8/14 - 9/15/14 - Words for Week One (either list each word in this section or simply write how many words you discovered this week there).
3.) 9/15/14 - 9/22/14 - Words for Week One (either list each word in this section or simply write how many words you discovered this week there).
Reading/Literature Section
1.) 9/2/14 - Trimester 1 Reading Goal Sheet (you should be adding to this each time you start and finish a new text).
2.) 9/8/14 - Elements of a Short Story flower reference sheet
3.) 9/16/14 - Mood and Tone reference pages
*some of you may have summer reading in this section, and that's fine too. However, it is not mandatory to have that in your binder*
*if you have your copy of The Lady or the Tiger?, hole punch it, log it with today's date and put it in this section.
Writing Section
1.) 9/3/14 - Great, Good and Ugly Writing reference chart
2.) 9/22/14 - Perfect Paragraph notes
3.) 9/22/14 - Open Response Grading Rubric
Grammar
1.) 9/5/14 - Apostrophe rule sheet
2.) 9/10/14 - Apostrophe sentences
*some of you may have your Apostrophe Homework in this section and that's fine. It is not required to have this.*
Journal
See yesterday's post
Words
1.) 9/8/14 - Assignment Sheet
2.) 9/8/14 - 9/15/14 - Words for Week One (either list each word in this section or simply write how many words you discovered this week there).
3.) 9/15/14 - 9/22/14 - Words for Week One (either list each word in this section or simply write how many words you discovered this week there).
ANYTHING NOT LISTED ABOVE CAN BE RECYCLED AND TOSSED OUT!
Monday, September 22, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/22/14
Happy Monday! It's the first official day of fall!
AGENDA:
Objective: To review and comprehend the four components of a Perfect Paragraph and to see and understand the open response grading rubric.
1.) 20 Minute Open Journal - Journals to be checked tomorrow!
2.) Recipe for a perfect paragraph and notes
4.) Open Response Questions - read all three prompts and decide which one you want to answer.
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Choose the open response question you'd like to answer. You also need to put the question in your own words to show your understanding and mastery of what it's asking you to do.
2.) Word Work #2 Mini-Project due tomorrow :)
3.) Tomorrow I will start checking all journals. Please make sure your journal includes each entry and is complete. Journals will be read and responded to, however, I will not be scoring them. I will grade them on the check plus (100), check/check plus (92), check (85), check/check minus (78) or check minus (70) scale based on the amount of effort shown. THIS IS AN EASY WAY TO BOOST YOUR GRADE BEFORE PROGRESS REPORTS!
JOURNAL ENTRIES AND DATES YOU SHOULD HAVE:
1.) 9/03/14: Journal Ideas
2.) 9/08/14: ABC's of Me OR Letter to Mrs. Leahy
3.) 9/08/14: Open/Free Write Journal Entry #1
4.) 9/09/14: Pot of Gold Warm-Up
5.) 9/15/14: Open/Free Write Journal Entry #2
6.) 9/22/14: Open/Free Write Journal Entry #3
3.) Tomorrow I will start checking all journals. Please make sure your journal includes each entry and is complete. Journals will be read and responded to, however, I will not be scoring them. I will grade them on the check plus (100), check/check plus (92), check (85), check/check minus (78) or check minus (70) scale based on the amount of effort shown. THIS IS AN EASY WAY TO BOOST YOUR GRADE BEFORE PROGRESS REPORTS!
JOURNAL ENTRIES AND DATES YOU SHOULD HAVE:
1.) 9/03/14: Journal Ideas
2.) 9/08/14: ABC's of Me OR Letter to Mrs. Leahy
3.) 9/08/14: Open/Free Write Journal Entry #1
4.) 9/09/14: Pot of Gold Warm-Up
5.) 9/15/14: Open/Free Write Journal Entry #2
6.) 9/22/14: Open/Free Write Journal Entry #3
Friday, September 19, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/19/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To demonstrate understanding of "The Landlady" by participating in an Accountable Talk discussion as well as teaching peers about a particular element of the story.
1.) Warm-Up: Brainstorm 1-3 questions or comments to bring up in our whole class discussion.
2.) Accountable Talk discussion about The Landlady by Roald Dahl
3.) JIGSAW into expert groups to discuss your specific role and make a visual for your group.
4.) JIGSAW into home groups to teach your table about your story element.
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Go outside and do something worth writing about for Monday's open journal!
2.) Please make sure your binder is in order, things are logged on your table of contents pages and everything is in there.
3.) Scene picture - draw a fully detailed picture of a scene in the story that sticks out the most to you. Your picture MUST be accompanied by a quote from the story that made you imagine your picture the way that you did. Please use the quoting information in the post below this one to help you out!
EXTRA:
1.) If you're interested in watching the story unfold, here's a decent movie interpretation. Keep an eye out for information that is different from the story!
2.) Keep adding to your word journal! Your second word of the week is due this coming Tuesday!
Objective: To demonstrate understanding of "The Landlady" by participating in an Accountable Talk discussion as well as teaching peers about a particular element of the story.
1.) Warm-Up: Brainstorm 1-3 questions or comments to bring up in our whole class discussion.
2.) Accountable Talk discussion about The Landlady by Roald Dahl
3.) JIGSAW into expert groups to discuss your specific role and make a visual for your group.
4.) JIGSAW into home groups to teach your table about your story element.
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Go outside and do something worth writing about for Monday's open journal!
2.) Please make sure your binder is in order, things are logged on your table of contents pages and everything is in there.
3.) Scene picture - draw a fully detailed picture of a scene in the story that sticks out the most to you. Your picture MUST be accompanied by a quote from the story that made you imagine your picture the way that you did. Please use the quoting information in the post below this one to help you out!
EXTRA:
1.) If you're interested in watching the story unfold, here's a decent movie interpretation. Keep an eye out for information that is different from the story!
2.) Keep adding to your word journal! Your second word of the week is due this coming Tuesday!
Resource for You! 09/19/14
In the "Important Links" section of the blog, you will see a new addition - a citing guide! Please use this if you have any questions!
However, for the purposes of tonight's homework activity, your quotes should look something like this:
"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah," (Dahl 173).
STEPS:
1.) Put the borrowed words in quotation marks
2.) Replace the end period with a comma (if the end mark is a question mark or an exclamation point, leave it there and do not make it a comma).
3.) End your quotation marks
4.) Add parentheses and put the author's name and the page number from the textbook
5.) Put a period after the parentheses.
OR
If you are taking dialogue for your quote, you need to write your quote differently.
"'Blah blah blah blah blah,' said Billy Weaver," (Dahl 173).
STEPS:
1.) Start with your opening quotation mark.
2.) Then add an apostrophe (one mark of the quotation mark) to show that someone is speaking.
3.) Write the quote. Where they end their quotation marks add an apostrophe and continue copying the words from the text.
4.) Replace the end period with a comma (if the end mark is a question mark or an exclamation point, leave it there and do not make it a comma).
5.) End your quotation marks
6.) Add parentheses and put the author's name and the page number from the textbook
7.) Put a period after the parentheses.
However, for the purposes of tonight's homework activity, your quotes should look something like this:
"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah," (Dahl 173).
STEPS:
1.) Put the borrowed words in quotation marks
2.) Replace the end period with a comma (if the end mark is a question mark or an exclamation point, leave it there and do not make it a comma).
3.) End your quotation marks
4.) Add parentheses and put the author's name and the page number from the textbook
5.) Put a period after the parentheses.
OR
If you are taking dialogue for your quote, you need to write your quote differently.
"'Blah blah blah blah blah,' said Billy Weaver," (Dahl 173).
STEPS:
1.) Start with your opening quotation mark.
2.) Then add an apostrophe (one mark of the quotation mark) to show that someone is speaking.
3.) Write the quote. Where they end their quotation marks add an apostrophe and continue copying the words from the text.
4.) Replace the end period with a comma (if the end mark is a question mark or an exclamation point, leave it there and do not make it a comma).
5.) End your quotation marks
6.) Add parentheses and put the author's name and the page number from the textbook
7.) Put a period after the parentheses.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/18/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To read "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl and dialogue with our text using our Ninja Reading Assignment.
1.) Independent Reading (20 minutes)
2.) Review (of mood and tone, of setting and of genre)
3.) Read and dialogue with The Landlady on page 170 of the Literature Text (if you were absent today, please use the "ELA Textbook" link under "Important Links" on the blog). We are reading for a purpose, so using your mission card is imperative for tomorrow's activity!
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) If you did not finish reading and dialoguing in class, please do so for homework.
PICTURES:
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Objective: To read "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl and dialogue with our text using our Ninja Reading Assignment.
1.) Independent Reading (20 minutes)
2.) Review (of mood and tone, of setting and of genre)
3.) Read and dialogue with The Landlady on page 170 of the Literature Text (if you were absent today, please use the "ELA Textbook" link under "Important Links" on the blog). We are reading for a purpose, so using your mission card is imperative for tomorrow's activity!
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) If you did not finish reading and dialoguing in class, please do so for homework.
PICTURES:
Ninja Mission Cards
Your mission, if you choose to accept it...
PREPARE FOR NINJA READING MODE!
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