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!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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
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