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
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
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!
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Today and Tonight's Homework - 09/17/14
Today was an early release day, and we had a very different schedule. If you were absent, you are still required to complete the ELA activity. Please see me tomorrow in homeroom for directions.
SCHEDULE:
7:30am-8:15am: We Recommend book card for the book you're reading right now
8:15am-9:15am: National Geographic movie on Spanish Conquistadors for history class
9:15am-9:25am: Pack up and head over to the high school for the Ryan's Story presentation
9:25am-end of the day: Ryan's Story and dismissal
HOMEWORK:
If you didn't finish your book card, you need to finish that for homework and turn it in tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/16/14
AGENDA:
Objective: To begin to distinguish between the author's tone and the mood of the story.
1.) Word Work Gallery - share your word of the week with your table and then with the class. I will collect this at the end of class.
2.) Warm-Up: Journal - When an adult tells you to "watch your tone," or "don't use that tone," what do they mean?
3.) Try out different tones
4.) Tone vs. Mood definitions (once this page opens, there will be a black box there with a link to get the pages needed)
5.) Watch the following movie trailers and make note of the author's tone and the pieces mood on a piece of paper. Make sure you can defend each one: Trailer One, Trailer Two, Trailer Three.
6.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) If your class didn't finish the movie trailer activity, that is your homework for tonight.
Objective: To begin to distinguish between the author's tone and the mood of the story.
1.) Word Work Gallery - share your word of the week with your table and then with the class. I will collect this at the end of class.
2.) Warm-Up: Journal - When an adult tells you to "watch your tone," or "don't use that tone," what do they mean?
3.) Try out different tones
4.) Tone vs. Mood definitions (once this page opens, there will be a black box there with a link to get the pages needed)
5.) Watch the following movie trailers and make note of the author's tone and the pieces mood on a piece of paper. Make sure you can defend each one: Trailer One, Trailer Two, Trailer Three.
6.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) If your class didn't finish the movie trailer activity, that is your homework for tonight.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/15/15
AGENDA:
Objective: To use appropriate defense to support your viewpoint in a debate.
1.) 15-20 minutes last minute prep work
2.) DEBATE!
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) 20 minutes of open journaling (you may journal on anything you want)
2.) Word Work project due tomorrow (choose your favorite word for the week, create/find a visual representation of the word's meaning and the word itself)
Objective: To use appropriate defense to support your viewpoint in a debate.
1.) 15-20 minutes last minute prep work
2.) DEBATE!
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) 20 minutes of open journaling (you may journal on anything you want)
2.) Word Work project due tomorrow (choose your favorite word for the week, create/find a visual representation of the word's meaning and the word itself)
Friday, September 12, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/12/14
AGENDA:
Objective: Students will prepare a debate for who came out of the open door - the lady or the tiger - and defend their point of view with textual evidence.
1.) Warm-Up: Review your points from your homework last night and make sure you can pinpoint exactly where in the text backs up your point of view.
2.) Word Work Assignment - any questions?!?
3.) Preparations for debate - work with your team to put together the most convincing argument for your case. We're debating on MONDAY!
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Word work assignments due on Tuesday. Maybe this weekend's the time to get a jump start!
2.) Go do something great! I want to hear all about it!
3.) If you were absent and had to complete the prompt, please have that with you in class when you get back.
Objective: Students will prepare a debate for who came out of the open door - the lady or the tiger - and defend their point of view with textual evidence.
1.) Warm-Up: Review your points from your homework last night and make sure you can pinpoint exactly where in the text backs up your point of view.
2.) Word Work Assignment - any questions?!?
3.) Preparations for debate - work with your team to put together the most convincing argument for your case. We're debating on MONDAY!
4.) Agenda Books
**For my absent friends who missed today's class, you will need to write a one paragraph open response to the question below. Make sure that you include three text points to defend your stance!**
Who came out of the door - the lady or the tiger?
1.) Word work assignments due on Tuesday. Maybe this weekend's the time to get a jump start!
2.) Go do something great! I want to hear all about it!
3.) If you were absent and had to complete the prompt, please have that with you in class when you get back.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/11/14
AGENDA:
Objective: to have an "Accountable Talk" discussion about "The Lady, Or the Tiger?" by Frank Stockton
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Let's chat...accountably
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Continue working in the WORDS section of your binder. Remember, your first word project is due on Tuesday. Any questions? Ask tomorrow during class!
2.) On a piece of paper in your READING section of your binder, write if you think the lady or the tiger came out of the door. You also need to include three bullets, each one with a solid, textual reason why you think what you think.
Objective: to have an "Accountable Talk" discussion about "The Lady, Or the Tiger?" by Frank Stockton
1.) 20 minutes of independent reading
2.) Let's chat...accountably
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Continue working in the WORDS section of your binder. Remember, your first word project is due on Tuesday. Any questions? Ask tomorrow during class!
2.) On a piece of paper in your READING section of your binder, write if you think the lady or the tiger came out of the door. You also need to include three bullets, each one with a solid, textual reason why you think what you think.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/10/14
AGENDA: WRITING WORKSHOP
Objective: To "sparkle" up our writing with better word choice. Students will construct sentences that show the reader something rather than tell them.
1.) Warm-Up: Design/Decorate library card pocket for bulletin board.
2.) Mini-Lesson: Showing vs. Telling and watch this clip for an example.
3.) Writers' Challenge Activity - Working Together
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Choose one of the "telling" sentences below that you want to make into a "showy" sentence. Write the best sentence you can on a piece of computer paper (81/2 x 11) held horizontally. Then illustrate the sentence on the paper.
2.) Finish dialoguing with The Lady, or the Tiger by Frank Stockton
Objective: To "sparkle" up our writing with better word choice. Students will construct sentences that show the reader something rather than tell them.
1.) Warm-Up: Design/Decorate library card pocket for bulletin board.
2.) Mini-Lesson: Showing vs. Telling and watch this clip for an example.
3.) Writers' Challenge Activity - Working Together
4.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Choose one of the "telling" sentences below that you want to make into a "showy" sentence. Write the best sentence you can on a piece of computer paper (81/2 x 11) held horizontally. Then illustrate the sentence on the paper.
2.) Finish dialoguing with The Lady, or the Tiger by Frank Stockton
REMINDER:
Open House is tonight for your parents starting at 6:30pm. We're so excited to meet them, so make sure you remind them!
Telling Sentences:
Choose One
Telling Sentences:
Choose One
1.) He/She is pretty/handsome
2.) He/She is smart
3.) He/She is happy
4.) The dinosaur was big
5.) The cookie is sweet
6.) The ice-cream is melting
7.) The witch is mean
8.) The movie is scary
9.) The car is fast
10.) The person is kind
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
OPEN HOUSE REMINDER - 09/10/14
Just a reminder to parents/guardians of Language All-Stars that the annual TMS Open House will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, 9/10/14, at 6:30pm. We're looking forward to meeting all of you!
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/09/14
AGENDA
Objective: To familiarize ourselves with the comprehension strategy known as "Dialoguing With the Text" and attempt to start trying it on our own
1.) Put homework in the bin and then do your warm-up
Warm-Up: Please formulate a response in the JOURNAL section of your binder to the following situation:
You're walking through the woods and you're stopped by a little leprechaun. He tells you that it's your lucky day because since you found him in the woods, you're entitled to his entire pot of gold worth one million dollars. You're ecstatic; you're jumping all around; you can't help but thinking about how awesome you truly are. And then it happens - the leprechaun tells you either can have it but you are to give it away to your family and friends and cannot reap any benefits from it OR you can burn the money so no one can have it but everyone will know you chose not to share the money with them. What do you do?
2.) Quick check in regarding last night's homework - Any questions? Ask now or forever hold your peace...
3.) Discussion about reading difficulties and watch this clip about thoughts while reading
4.) Discussion about today's prompt
5.) Mini-lesson: Watch me and make note!
6.) Now you try it out with The Lady, Or the Tiger? by Frank Stockton
7.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Finish dialoguing with The Lady, Or the Tiger? by Frank Stockton
Objective: To familiarize ourselves with the comprehension strategy known as "Dialoguing With the Text" and attempt to start trying it on our own
1.) Put homework in the bin and then do your warm-up
Warm-Up: Please formulate a response in the JOURNAL section of your binder to the following situation:
You're walking through the woods and you're stopped by a little leprechaun. He tells you that it's your lucky day because since you found him in the woods, you're entitled to his entire pot of gold worth one million dollars. You're ecstatic; you're jumping all around; you can't help but thinking about how awesome you truly are. And then it happens - the leprechaun tells you either can have it but you are to give it away to your family and friends and cannot reap any benefits from it OR you can burn the money so no one can have it but everyone will know you chose not to share the money with them. What do you do?
2.) Quick check in regarding last night's homework - Any questions? Ask now or forever hold your peace...
3.) Discussion about reading difficulties and watch this clip about thoughts while reading
4.) Discussion about today's prompt
5.) Mini-lesson: Watch me and make note!
6.) Now you try it out with The Lady, Or the Tiger? by Frank Stockton
7.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK
1.) Finish dialoguing with The Lady, Or the Tiger? by Frank Stockton
Monday, September 8, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/08/14
AGENDA
Objective: To work on our writing through our journals and to continue work on mastering how to use the apostrophe.
1.) 20 minutes of journaling (this is an open journal, so 20 solid minutes of writing on whatever topic you wish to write on)
2.) Review and correct apostrophe homework from Friday
3.) Now it's time to show what you know - write a story or sentences showcasing the correct usage of the apostrophe.
4.) Word Work starts today! Click here for the direction sheet if you were absent or you lost it. It should be in the Words section of your binder right behind your Table of Contents page.
Objective: To work on our writing through our journals and to continue work on mastering how to use the apostrophe.
1.) 20 minutes of journaling (this is an open journal, so 20 solid minutes of writing on whatever topic you wish to write on)
2.) Review and correct apostrophe homework from Friday
3.) Now it's time to show what you know - write a story or sentences showcasing the correct usage of the apostrophe.
4.) Word Work starts today! Click here for the direction sheet if you were absent or you lost it. It should be in the Words section of your binder right behind your Table of Contents page.
5.) Agenda book time
HOMEWORK
1.) Review the "Element of a Story" reference sheet you were given today in class (Reading Section). Come in tomorrow with any questions.
2.) Finish the apostrophe work from class today.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/05/14
AGENDA:
OBJECTIVE: To master the two uses of an apostrophe
1.) Collect last night's homework (journal entry)
2.) Singular and plural noun review
3.) Apostrophe rules (put this sheet in the grammar section of your binder; make sure you put it on your table of contents!)
3.) Let's practice together game (if you were absent or you want more practice, you are going to want to download and complete the two worksheets linked here.)
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Apostrophe worksheet (only do the odds)
2.) Reading materials and Post-it notes due on Monday, 9/8
OBJECTIVE: To master the two uses of an apostrophe
1.) Collect last night's homework (journal entry)
2.) Singular and plural noun review
3.) Apostrophe rules (put this sheet in the grammar section of your binder; make sure you put it on your table of contents!)
3.) Let's practice together game (if you were absent or you want more practice, you are going to want to download and complete the two worksheets linked here.)
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK:
1.) Apostrophe worksheet (only do the odds)
2.) Reading materials and Post-it notes due on Monday, 9/8
The ABCs of Me - 9/5/14
I just finished up reading all of your ABCs of Me or your All About Me letter to me and I loved learning so much about each one of you. I KNOW that we're going to have a WONDERFUL year together! After reading them all, though, I was inspired to write one about me for all of you. I hope you enjoy it and learn from it as much as I enjoyed and learned from yours.
A: Auntie is one of the best titles that I hold! I love being Auntie Katie to my four year old niece, Lucy ( I call her "my munchkin" or "Luce MaGoose." I brought her to school to help me set up my classroom - she helped me with your Twitter board - and she was so upset that all of you guys weren't there. She can't wait to meet my students), my two year old nephew Jimmy (aka "Jimmy-Jam") and my two and a half month old nephew Frankie (I'm still working on a nickname for him. Everyone calls him "Frankster," but one day I called him "Frankfort" and now it just keeps slipping out. I have to stop that though because who really wants to have a nickname synonymous with a hotdog?!?). They are the light of my life and I love spending time with them. They are the BEST!
B: Backs. I will always have each and every one of your backs. Sometimes you might get mad at me for pushing you so hard. Sometimes you might think I'm picking on you or that I don't like you. I can ensure you that's not the case. But I will not allow you to settle for anything less than your best, and when you think you've achieved your best, I will push you to be better than your best!
C: I met some of my best friends at Lesley College, which is now Lesley University, and I cherish those relationships more than anyone knows. My friends mean the world to me, and they all have taught me so much about myself, love, loyalty, and what it means to be a true friend. I was so blessed to have them all there at my wedding - either as one of my bridesmaids, singing as I walked down the aisle or reading one of the poems Dan and I selected to be shared.
D: I know that this is kind of pathetic, but Dance Moms is my Tuesday night obsession. I love watching all of the dancing (I was a competitive dancer from 8-14) and sometimes fast forward through the drama. I also watch it to remind myself that I never want my students to be afraid of me like Abby Lee Miller's are of her. Afraid to disappoint me, yes, but not afraid of me as a person.
E: I set my expectations high for myself. If you don't have high expectations and goals, then how do you know what you're fully capable of? I may get frustrated with myself when I'm struggling, but I use that feeling to propel myself even more. I will NEVER let anyone tell me I can't do something or I'm bad at something. I am so stubborn when it comes to this!
F: Fantasy Football is what my fall is all about! Funny story about that is that up until three years ago, I couldn't stand Sundays in the fall. I would purposely go shopping during the Patriots game because the grocery stores were always almost empty at that time. Then, when I met my husband, a bunch of his friends' girlfriends and wives were going to do a fantasy football league so they had a reason to watch football with their boyfriends/husbands (who are all in a league together). I joined and this new football loving monster was born! I have come in third the past two years and am striving for a first place finish this year (although I'm not off to a good start with Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy getting schooled last night!).
G: Although I can hold my own in sports, I am a true girly girl at heart! I love shopping for new necklaces and clothes, especially dresses (I can't wait for Mrs. Myers to come back to school so I have my accessory and clothing buddy back!). Days where I can go get my hair did and get a pedicure make me the happiest. I love occasions that require getting really dressed up and fancier makeup. It all just makes me so happy!
H: Although I LOVE being an ELA teacher, a secret of mine is that I would also love to teach history, which was my favorite subject all throughout school. I love visiting historical sites and thinking about all the people that had lived during that time and that had stood there. I find history, and more important the people in it, absolutely FASCINATING!
I: I have been very blessed to be a part of such an amazing family headed up by the best mom (you will hear me talk about "Susan" in class and that's her). She is the most selfless woman I know. I have learned so much from her about how to be a good, loving person. She's my hero, my rock, and my best friend. I wish I was nicer to her when I was your age!
J: Jumping is something you won't catch me doing. I had knee surgery last year and since then my knees have never felt fully right. I teach a bunch of classes at Global Fitness Center, but I'm having to give some up because I can't handle all the plyometrics anymore with my knees the way they are. I'm really bummed because I liked teaching those two classes, but I'm trying to stay positive. At least I can still teach kickboxing and a dance class there :).
K: Kauai and Maui were where I went on my honeymoon. We spent a week on each island, and I can hands-down say that Kauai was my absolute favorite. I will definitely be going back there as soon as I can!
L: I am a lifelong learner. I absolutely love to learn new things and explore new interests. Right now I'm back in school to try to get another degree and I'm loving the fact that I get to take a Shakespeare class this fall. He is one of my favorite writers of all time and I can't wait to see what new aspects of his life and work I can learn from this new teacher. I also learned how to crochet a few weekends ago and I am enthralled in making a baby blanket for my friend who is having a baby boy in August. I hope she likes it!
M: Mrs. Leahy is my new name because I got married this past June. After being Ms. Ferreira for 11 school years, I'm having an awkward time getting used to my new name. But my husband Dan is great and I couldn't be more happy to take his name, so I guess I'll work hard to get used to it. You guys think you can help me out with that?
N: Although I'm always excited to start a new school year, I'm always nervous meeting my new crew of Language All-Stars. I worry about all the same things I think you guys do when you start school but with a little adult spin on it. "Will they like me?" "Will people listen?" "I hope I don't do anything embarrassing!"
O: Besides being able to have the greatest job on the planet and work with some awesome kids , one of the best parts about coming to work every day is that I work with the BEST people. They are all gifted teachers that take their jobs seriously and I have learned so much from them. But more importantly, they are my friends and we have a blast working together. There's always plenty of laughs in the 8th grade hallway between all of the 8th grade teachers. I hope you guys are ready to have a fun year!
P: There are plenty of sports that I have enjoyed playing over the years, but none of them has ever been in the winter. I am NOT a cold lover and have never enjoyed skiing, skating, sledding or shoveling. I always hated putting on all of my snow gear just to turn around and beg my mom to let me go back inside and have hot chocolate, which is the only thing I enjoy about winter (well, that and Ugg boots).
Q: I am totally the queen of my own world. My nana nicknamed me the Queen when I was born and I have totally lived up to that title. I sometimes think it would be cool to have lived in Elizabethan England and been royalty. Wearing those dresses alone would be awesome!
R: As one of my bridal shower gifts, we received a quilt that has now become my savior on nights where Dan and I are watching violent shows like Game of Thrones, Criminal Minds, The Following and The Walking Dead (I only watch that one because it's Dan's favorite and he won't miss an episode). I end up ducking my head under it more than I watch the shows because I can't handle all of the killing, blood and gore.
S: So You Think You Can Dance is one of my favorite shows ever! I have loved watching every season and think that Travis Wall is utterly fantastic. His choreography is breathtaking. I have been not-so-subtly hinting at Dan that I would love to go and see this season's tour when they go to Foxwoods in CT this November. I'll let you know if I'm successful in this endeavor.
T: I enjoy traveling very much. I've been to almost all of the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Hawaii, Bermuda, Canada, Colorado, California (particularly San Fransisco, which I would move to in a heartbeat if I could convince Dan to come with me) and pretty much every state along the eastern seaboard. I love pinning things on Pinterest (another obsession of mine!) about the places I dream to go to. My top five list currently is: Greece, South Africa, Italy, All of northern Europe and Alaska, but these are all always changing.
U: Unraveling is what I do when I finally get home at night. I say unraveling instead of unwinding because it's a messy process. I literally open the door, dump my teacher bag, my lunch bag and my gym bag on the floor, take my shoes off as I'm walking around bouncing from here to there until I finally flop on the couch with my feet up to zone out to mindless TV. I'm always misplacing things because they're everywhere. It takes forever in the morning to find everything, but when I come home, I need 30 minutes to zone out to some ridiculous show and not think.
V: I tend to be very happy, kind, energetic, empathetic, opinionated, optimistic, persistent, excitable, stubborn, outgoing and loud person, and I have come to cherish all aspects of my personality. They may not be always be qualities that are desirable (especially when I'm having a bad day), but they make me who I am, and I think it's a pretty beautiful person to be!
W: Words are something that fascinate me! I love learning new words and using them. I think that's one of the reasons I love to read so much. I have a list of a few words that are my favorite words (one is juxtaposition) and a list of words that I detest (which I won't share for obvious reasons). I hope that throughout the year, you can share in (or at least appreciate) this love of mine!
X: I am eXtremely competitive! I hate to lose and I have worked very hard to try to keep my disappointing feelings in when I lose. The thing that is worse than losing is being a sore loser.
Y: I can't wait to see how you will continue to entertain me on a daily basis. My students are the reason I get up in the morning. You inspire me to be a better teacher and a better person. I cherish my relationships with my students tremendously and I know that we're going to have a great year together!
Z: Zero risks taken means zero rewards gotten. Life's too short to live with regret or to be scared. I've learned to look fear in the face and keep moving. Even when it knocks me down, I get up (maybe not always right away) and try again. "It's okay not to know, but it's NOT OKAY not to try!"
A: Auntie is one of the best titles that I hold! I love being Auntie Katie to my four year old niece, Lucy ( I call her "my munchkin" or "Luce MaGoose." I brought her to school to help me set up my classroom - she helped me with your Twitter board - and she was so upset that all of you guys weren't there. She can't wait to meet my students), my two year old nephew Jimmy (aka "Jimmy-Jam") and my two and a half month old nephew Frankie (I'm still working on a nickname for him. Everyone calls him "Frankster," but one day I called him "Frankfort" and now it just keeps slipping out. I have to stop that though because who really wants to have a nickname synonymous with a hotdog?!?). They are the light of my life and I love spending time with them. They are the BEST!
B: Backs. I will always have each and every one of your backs. Sometimes you might get mad at me for pushing you so hard. Sometimes you might think I'm picking on you or that I don't like you. I can ensure you that's not the case. But I will not allow you to settle for anything less than your best, and when you think you've achieved your best, I will push you to be better than your best!
C: I met some of my best friends at Lesley College, which is now Lesley University, and I cherish those relationships more than anyone knows. My friends mean the world to me, and they all have taught me so much about myself, love, loyalty, and what it means to be a true friend. I was so blessed to have them all there at my wedding - either as one of my bridesmaids, singing as I walked down the aisle or reading one of the poems Dan and I selected to be shared.
D: I know that this is kind of pathetic, but Dance Moms is my Tuesday night obsession. I love watching all of the dancing (I was a competitive dancer from 8-14) and sometimes fast forward through the drama. I also watch it to remind myself that I never want my students to be afraid of me like Abby Lee Miller's are of her. Afraid to disappoint me, yes, but not afraid of me as a person.
E: I set my expectations high for myself. If you don't have high expectations and goals, then how do you know what you're fully capable of? I may get frustrated with myself when I'm struggling, but I use that feeling to propel myself even more. I will NEVER let anyone tell me I can't do something or I'm bad at something. I am so stubborn when it comes to this!
F: Fantasy Football is what my fall is all about! Funny story about that is that up until three years ago, I couldn't stand Sundays in the fall. I would purposely go shopping during the Patriots game because the grocery stores were always almost empty at that time. Then, when I met my husband, a bunch of his friends' girlfriends and wives were going to do a fantasy football league so they had a reason to watch football with their boyfriends/husbands (who are all in a league together). I joined and this new football loving monster was born! I have come in third the past two years and am striving for a first place finish this year (although I'm not off to a good start with Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy getting schooled last night!).
G: Although I can hold my own in sports, I am a true girly girl at heart! I love shopping for new necklaces and clothes, especially dresses (I can't wait for Mrs. Myers to come back to school so I have my accessory and clothing buddy back!). Days where I can go get my hair did and get a pedicure make me the happiest. I love occasions that require getting really dressed up and fancier makeup. It all just makes me so happy!
H: Although I LOVE being an ELA teacher, a secret of mine is that I would also love to teach history, which was my favorite subject all throughout school. I love visiting historical sites and thinking about all the people that had lived during that time and that had stood there. I find history, and more important the people in it, absolutely FASCINATING!
I: I have been very blessed to be a part of such an amazing family headed up by the best mom (you will hear me talk about "Susan" in class and that's her). She is the most selfless woman I know. I have learned so much from her about how to be a good, loving person. She's my hero, my rock, and my best friend. I wish I was nicer to her when I was your age!
J: Jumping is something you won't catch me doing. I had knee surgery last year and since then my knees have never felt fully right. I teach a bunch of classes at Global Fitness Center, but I'm having to give some up because I can't handle all the plyometrics anymore with my knees the way they are. I'm really bummed because I liked teaching those two classes, but I'm trying to stay positive. At least I can still teach kickboxing and a dance class there :).
K: Kauai and Maui were where I went on my honeymoon. We spent a week on each island, and I can hands-down say that Kauai was my absolute favorite. I will definitely be going back there as soon as I can!
L: I am a lifelong learner. I absolutely love to learn new things and explore new interests. Right now I'm back in school to try to get another degree and I'm loving the fact that I get to take a Shakespeare class this fall. He is one of my favorite writers of all time and I can't wait to see what new aspects of his life and work I can learn from this new teacher. I also learned how to crochet a few weekends ago and I am enthralled in making a baby blanket for my friend who is having a baby boy in August. I hope she likes it!
M: Mrs. Leahy is my new name because I got married this past June. After being Ms. Ferreira for 11 school years, I'm having an awkward time getting used to my new name. But my husband Dan is great and I couldn't be more happy to take his name, so I guess I'll work hard to get used to it. You guys think you can help me out with that?
N: Although I'm always excited to start a new school year, I'm always nervous meeting my new crew of Language All-Stars. I worry about all the same things I think you guys do when you start school but with a little adult spin on it. "Will they like me?" "Will people listen?" "I hope I don't do anything embarrassing!"
O: Besides being able to have the greatest job on the planet and work with some awesome kids , one of the best parts about coming to work every day is that I work with the BEST people. They are all gifted teachers that take their jobs seriously and I have learned so much from them. But more importantly, they are my friends and we have a blast working together. There's always plenty of laughs in the 8th grade hallway between all of the 8th grade teachers. I hope you guys are ready to have a fun year!
P: There are plenty of sports that I have enjoyed playing over the years, but none of them has ever been in the winter. I am NOT a cold lover and have never enjoyed skiing, skating, sledding or shoveling. I always hated putting on all of my snow gear just to turn around and beg my mom to let me go back inside and have hot chocolate, which is the only thing I enjoy about winter (well, that and Ugg boots).
Q: I am totally the queen of my own world. My nana nicknamed me the Queen when I was born and I have totally lived up to that title. I sometimes think it would be cool to have lived in Elizabethan England and been royalty. Wearing those dresses alone would be awesome!
R: As one of my bridal shower gifts, we received a quilt that has now become my savior on nights where Dan and I are watching violent shows like Game of Thrones, Criminal Minds, The Following and The Walking Dead (I only watch that one because it's Dan's favorite and he won't miss an episode). I end up ducking my head under it more than I watch the shows because I can't handle all of the killing, blood and gore.
S: So You Think You Can Dance is one of my favorite shows ever! I have loved watching every season and think that Travis Wall is utterly fantastic. His choreography is breathtaking. I have been not-so-subtly hinting at Dan that I would love to go and see this season's tour when they go to Foxwoods in CT this November. I'll let you know if I'm successful in this endeavor.
T: I enjoy traveling very much. I've been to almost all of the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Hawaii, Bermuda, Canada, Colorado, California (particularly San Fransisco, which I would move to in a heartbeat if I could convince Dan to come with me) and pretty much every state along the eastern seaboard. I love pinning things on Pinterest (another obsession of mine!) about the places I dream to go to. My top five list currently is: Greece, South Africa, Italy, All of northern Europe and Alaska, but these are all always changing.
U: Unraveling is what I do when I finally get home at night. I say unraveling instead of unwinding because it's a messy process. I literally open the door, dump my teacher bag, my lunch bag and my gym bag on the floor, take my shoes off as I'm walking around bouncing from here to there until I finally flop on the couch with my feet up to zone out to mindless TV. I'm always misplacing things because they're everywhere. It takes forever in the morning to find everything, but when I come home, I need 30 minutes to zone out to some ridiculous show and not think.
V: I tend to be very happy, kind, energetic, empathetic, opinionated, optimistic, persistent, excitable, stubborn, outgoing and loud person, and I have come to cherish all aspects of my personality. They may not be always be qualities that are desirable (especially when I'm having a bad day), but they make me who I am, and I think it's a pretty beautiful person to be!
W: Words are something that fascinate me! I love learning new words and using them. I think that's one of the reasons I love to read so much. I have a list of a few words that are my favorite words (one is juxtaposition) and a list of words that I detest (which I won't share for obvious reasons). I hope that throughout the year, you can share in (or at least appreciate) this love of mine!
X: I am eXtremely competitive! I hate to lose and I have worked very hard to try to keep my disappointing feelings in when I lose. The thing that is worse than losing is being a sore loser.
Y: I can't wait to see how you will continue to entertain me on a daily basis. My students are the reason I get up in the morning. You inspire me to be a better teacher and a better person. I cherish my relationships with my students tremendously and I know that we're going to have a great year together!
Z: Zero risks taken means zero rewards gotten. Life's too short to live with regret or to be scared. I've learned to look fear in the face and keep moving. Even when it knocks me down, I get up (maybe not always right away) and try again. "It's okay not to know, but it's NOT OKAY not to try!"
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Today's Anchor Charts 09/04/14
In case you didn't have time to finish adding to your own charts or you were absent, here are the two charts that we're hanging up today!
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/04/14
AGENDA:
1.) Warm-Up: Look at the anchor charts that I made based on the information I got from you in our activity yesterday. Anything need to be added to your chart? Please do so! (I will post pictures of the two charts later on today)
2.) Show Me What You Know (review game of concepts learned in the 7th grade)
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) 1 page journal entry. You can either choose to write me a letter telling me all about yourself OR you can choose a more creative route and do an "ABC's of Me" entry. In this entry, you will put each letter of the alphabet down the side of the paper and tell me something about yourself for each letter. This needs to be 8th grade quality, though, so writing "A is for athletic" doesn't cut it. "A is for athletic, but my favorite sports to play are hockey and softball" is much better and much more descriptive. I can't wait to read them!
2.) Reading material and Post-it notes due on Monday, 9/8
1.) Warm-Up: Look at the anchor charts that I made based on the information I got from you in our activity yesterday. Anything need to be added to your chart? Please do so! (I will post pictures of the two charts later on today)
2.) Show Me What You Know (review game of concepts learned in the 7th grade)
3.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) 1 page journal entry. You can either choose to write me a letter telling me all about yourself OR you can choose a more creative route and do an "ABC's of Me" entry. In this entry, you will put each letter of the alphabet down the side of the paper and tell me something about yourself for each letter. This needs to be 8th grade quality, though, so writing "A is for athletic" doesn't cut it. "A is for athletic, but my favorite sports to play are hockey and softball" is much better and much more descriptive. I can't wait to read them!
2.) Reading material and Post-it notes due on Monday, 9/8
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/03/14
AGENDA:
We moved seats today
1.) Warm-up: In your writing section of your binder, make a three column chart. Label the first column Great Writing, the second column Good Writing and the third column Ugly Writing.
2.) Read and analyze each of these writing samples. Make notes on each one about what qualities are great, good and/or ugly.
3.) Let's Chart and Chat
4.) Tweet @mrsleahy
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) On the first page of your journal, make a list of ideas/topics that you can use to write about on journal Mondays.
2.) Reading material and Post-it notes due Monday, September 8th.
We moved seats today
1.) Warm-up: In your writing section of your binder, make a three column chart. Label the first column Great Writing, the second column Good Writing and the third column Ugly Writing.
2.) Read and analyze each of these writing samples. Make notes on each one about what qualities are great, good and/or ugly.
3.) Let's Chart and Chat
4.) Tweet @mrsleahy
5.) Agenda Books
HOMEWORK:
1.) On the first page of your journal, make a list of ideas/topics that you can use to write about on journal Mondays.
2.) Reading material and Post-it notes due Monday, September 8th.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Today's Class and Tonight's Homework - 09/02/14
AGENDA
OBJECTIVE: To create a reading goal for trimester one and to work on symbolism
1.) @mrsleahy responds - let's talk about my blog!
2.) Reading goal and reading throughout the school year
3.) Time to work on/finish up symbol of me projects
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Completed Symbol of Me projects due tomorrow
2.) Reading material of your choice must be brought to school by 9/8
3.) Post-it notes must be brought to school by 9/8.
OBJECTIVE: To create a reading goal for trimester one and to work on symbolism
1.) @mrsleahy responds - let's talk about my blog!
2.) Reading goal and reading throughout the school year
3.) Time to work on/finish up symbol of me projects
4.) Agenda books
HOMEWORK
1.) Completed Symbol of Me projects due tomorrow
2.) Reading material of your choice must be brought to school by 9/8
3.) Post-it notes must be brought to school by 9/8.
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