Monday, February 9, 2015:
1st and 3rd:
- This week, the students will be reading a variety of passages and identify the theme in each passage.
- Theme is not to be confused with the topic of a passage, which makes it difficult for some people.
2nd and 4th:
- This week, we will finish our novel study on We Just Want to Live Here.
- This novel focuses on the conflict between Israel and Palestine via pen pal letters from two teenage girls.
- The students will be asked to read independently and reflect upon the conflicts within the chapters.
- Classroom discussions will be held about the letters between the characters.
- The book and self-directed reflections will be due next Monday, February 16, 2015.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015:
- 1st and 3rd periods- your claims practice sheet is for homework if you did not finish it in class today! Be sure you do the bottom part of the back, too!
- 2nd and 4th periods- continue to work on your rough draft of your argumentative essay. If you are able, feel free to type it at home! These will be due this Friday (1/30).
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Monday, January 26, 2015:
Attention 1st and 3rd periods-- your argumentative stations packet is due TODAY! If you did not turn it into me in class, please give it to me tomorrow. This is a QUIZ GRADE, so you don't want to miss out!!!!
All classes-
- This week, we will begin writing argumentative essays. We will be collaborating with social studies and the students will be writing about a possible solution to an environmetal problem in Latin America (they are studying this now in SS).
- The students will argue why their solution is BETTER than the rest!
- At the end of the week, the students will present their solutions and we will decide what solution is the best!
- We will also discuss the importance of being able to differentiate between persuasive writing and argumentative writing.
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Friday, January 23, 2015:
Today, all classes visited the library for the first 30 minutes of class. After, 1st period and 3rd period continued working on their argumentative stations.
1ST AND 3RD PERIODS- if you did not finish any of the article stations, please do it over the weekend since you have the articles with you.
2nd and 4th periods worked on researching their environmental issues and solutions for their argumentative essay. We will continue to work on this essay next week.
ALL CLASSES- Today, each student was given the opportunity to make up any missing assignments thus far. Please take this opportunity seriously. It is far too early in the semester to have missing assignments.
Have a fantastic weekend!
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Thursday, January 22, 2015:
I hope everyone had a fun-filled 3 day weekend!
This week in LA:
- Students are being introduced to argumentative writing.
- At the beginning of the week, we went over 4 vocabulary terms that are important to know when reading and writing arguments. (argument, claim, evidence, and counter-claim)
- Students learned the difference between argumentative writing and persuasion (what they most likely learned in elementary school).
In 1st and 3rd periods, the students are participating in a variety of argumentative stations. The stations allow students to read different argumentative articles and require the students to pick the claim, evidence, and counter-claim in the argument.
In 2nd and 4th periods, the students are discussing what makes a STRONG argumentative claim in preparation to write an argumentative essay. On Tuesday, the students participated in debates on various claims such as: would a women president be beneficial to the USA and should the First Lady be able to advise schools what to serve at lunch. I was so impressed as both classes had educational and rich discussions on these topics.
NOTE-- please consistently check your grades in StudentVue as many of you are already missing classwork assignments!
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Tuesday, January 13, 2015:
- Today in class, we focused on the importance of understanding point of view in different passages and how we can identify what point of view a passage is written in.
- Tomorrow, the students will create a circle map about what it is like to be 11 and 12 years old in preparation for the passage we will be reading ("Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros).
- After the circle map, the students will read the short story and in partners they will answer a variety of comprehension and constructed response questions.
There is no homework tonight UNLESS you are in my homeroom and have not turned your report card envelop in!
A huge shoutout to the MANY students who earned a 100% on their 12 power words quiz last Friday! I have posted the names of the students outside my classroom! Keep up the great work!
Reminder- it is extremely important to bring your library book to class! Some people have been forgetting!
______________________________________________________Thursday, January 8, 2015:
I hope everyone had a great break! Time to get back into the swing of things. This week, the students reviewed the IRAPP method for answering constructed response questions (these are the types of questions that will be seen on the Georgia Milestone in April). See the powerpoint attached to this post for IRAPP practice. We also discussed the importance of knowing the "12 Powerful Words." There will be a quiz tomorrow on the powerful words (a mix of matching and multiple choice). The students have practiced with these words all week and they have made flashcards to study.
Today-- the students will review the importance of understanding the author's point of view when they are reading. We will discuss the different points of view and then read short, sample passages and practice identifying the author's point of view.
IRAPP.pptx (IRAPP method practice)
Author’s+Point+of+View+Powerpoint.pptx (author's POV)
12 Powerful Words.docx (12 powerful words... QUIZ tomorrow)
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Wednesday, December 17, 2014:
Reminder: the wax museum project presentation is tomorrow. Any students who have not completed their poster with the necessary materials when they arrive to class will not be presenting with their classmates. Today in class, I checked students off as to whether or not they would be presenting. Parents and guardians- ask your student if they have completed everything. We have spent 18 days on this project so everyone should have EVERYTHING! Please email me with any questions.
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Monday, December 15, 2014:
The wax museum presentations are quickly approaching! It is extremely important that all students have all the required materials to ensure they get the best grade possible on this project! The following items are required by each student and must be on the tri-fold poster:
- Typed 3 paragraph essay (final copy)
- Bibliography page (should be located behind your typed essay)
- Pictures of your subject
- Completed/colored flow map
- Any other decorations (optional)
If you do not have these items along with your tri-fold or poster by this WEDNESDAY (12/17), you will not be participating in the wax museum on Thursday (12/18).
Please bring costumes or props for your presentation by this Wednesday (12/17).
Parents and guardians- be expecting an email from me tonight regarding presentation times, refreshments, etc.
If you have any questions, please email me!
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Tuesday, December 9, 2014:
It is extremely important that you turn in all your assignments related to the Biography Wax Museum project ON TIME!
Today, the flow map/timeline of your subject was due.
Tomorrow- your rough draft of your 3 paragraph essay is due. Please use the template provided in class if you wish! I will also attach the template to this post. Also, we will work on the bibliography portion of the project together in class tomorrow.
Be sure you continue to bring in your tri-fold poster boards if you have not already!
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Friday, December 5, 2014:
The parent letter signature for the biography wax museum project was due TODAY! However, due to many students being out of class for the Tellus Museum, I will accept the signatures on Monday.
DUE MONDAY: blank tri-fold board AND notecards completed. (see powerpoint for your 10 categories)
All classes- On Monday, we will begin working on the rough draft of the essay for your project. Don't worry about trying to do it over the weekend because there is a specific format I want you to use that we will discuss Monday.
BiographyPowerPointPresentation(2).ppt
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December 2, 2014:
The biography wax museum information sheet will be sent home TOMORROW however, get a sneak peek of it below!
Wax Museum Parent Letter 2014.doc
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Monday, December 1, 2014:
Only 3 weeks of school left in the first semester! The next 3 weeks will be dedicated to research biography projects!
- Students will be assigned an influential person.
- Students will research this person using resources available to them in class.
- Students will present their findings via "wax museum" walkthroughs.
Parents- be on the lookout for an informational packet regarding this biography project and how you can get involved!
Today, students reviewed the difference between an autobiography and a biography. We also took notes via tree map on the elements of a biography and watched a short BrainPop video.
More information regarding the biography wax museum project will be given tomorrow.
Elements of a biography information- BiographyPowerPointPresentation.ppt
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Tuesday, November 18, 2014:
- 2nd and 4th period Bloom ball activity directions- http://www.unionps.org/filesSiteEmployee/31/607/bloom%20ball%20digital.pdf
- The Bloom ball is due Friday! Feel free to work on it at home however, we will dedicate time in class to completing this project.
- Example of Ms.Colacicco's Bloom ball- bloom ball.jpg
- 1st and 3rd super hero project directions (these are being given tomorrow!)- super hero project.docx
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Monday, November 17, 2014:
Thanksgiving break is almost here!
This week at a glance:
- 1st and 3rd periods will be working on completing their group text structure review posters. Each group was given 5 essays and a large piece of colored paper. The groups have to identify which essay go with the specific text structures, the thinking maps that go with each, and the signal words related to each text structure.
- 2nd and 4th periods- tomorrow you will begin creating a Bloom ball. This ball will be November's reading assessment project. Please try to bring your own colored pencils, markers, glue and scissors tomorrow. I'll explain everything tomorrow :)
- REMINDER- 2nd and 4th periods: your compare and constrast rough draft and final draft is due no later than FRIDAY.
- I'm going to upload pictures of the text structure review posters and Bloom balls later this week!
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014:
This week the students are preparing to write a compare/contrast essay using the point by point method or the block arrangement method (see attached file). We will be looking at sample essays of both and noting how they are basically similar but have some differences in length and breakdown.
- 2nd and 4th periods- today you will be creating a text structure poster in groups. It will be your job to look at 5 sample essays, tell what text structure they represent, and tell WHY with evidence.
- All classes- if you have not turned in your reading assessment menu, they are LATE. You will get 7 points off. Also, if you look in your studentvue gradebook and there is nothing posted for the project, that means I have not received it.
- Silent Ball Friday- will you play? Earn a REP buck and you will be rewarded with 7 minutes of an exhilerating and competitve game with your classmates (and me!).
Text structure poster directions- Text Structures Review Poster directions.docx
Block arrangement/point by point examples and description- BLOCK AND POINT (3).docx
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Wednesday, November 5, 2014:
I hope everyone had a fanstatic day off yesterday. Today, the students participated in a partner quiz about the 4 types of text structures and the specific thinking maps that go with each. The students were asked to read 6 passages and tell which of the 4 text structures they represented as well as the signal words associated with it. After, the students worked on defining and illustrating their 12 powerful words.
1st and 4th periods- please finish your 12 powerful words chart for homework!
Tomorrow, the students will continue practicing the IRAPP method with sample prompts.
If you did not turn in your menu reading assessment, they are due today and points will be deducted from now on.
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Monday, November 3, 2014:
Good afternoon everyone! I hope everyone had a great Halloween!
This week at a glance:
- Today and half of Wednesday- All classes will present 1 of their menu items from their reading assessment. So far, everyone has done an excellent job with their projects! Shout out to Crain Robertson for creating a hilarious, informative, and interactive Instagram account for characters in The Hunger Games.
- Wednesday and Thursday- we will deepen our understanding of the IRAPP method. The students will be given a variety of constructed responses (similar to the GA Milestone test in the spring) and they will have to break apart what the question is asking and answer the question. Please see the IRAPP powerpoint from last week's post for more information.
All classes- please be sure you turn in your menu projects. I absolutely need it by Wednesday (11/6)!
Reminder- progress reports will be sent home this Friday! Parents and guardians: please check with your student about their grades!
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Monday, October 27, 2014:
Thank you to all the parents/guardians that came for conference week last week! I enjoyed meeting with each of you. Homeroom- please remember to return your yellow grade reflection to me with a parent/guardian signature!
This week at a glance-
- The students will be completing their 2nd reading assessment this week. They are receiving this assignment today in class and will have 2 in-class days to complete it. The assignment is a reading assessment menu. See the link at the end of this post for the actual menu.
- The students will begin working on a strategy to help them decompose constructed response and short answer questions. The method is called IRAPP. See the powerpoint at the end of this post for further information.
- The students will spend Wednesday and Thursday in the computer lab working on their menu projects as well as a non-fiction webquest.
- On Tuesday, 1st and 2nd periods will be in a 6th grade assembly therefore, you may get an extra day to work on your menu projects due to loss of classtime!
- On Friday (Halloween), the students will work on their writing skills by creating ghost stories.
Apparently there are some technical problems with the blog lately. I am going to speak with the tech person at school today to get it figured out! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me!
Reading assessment menu- Reading Menu.docx
IRAPP strategy- IRAPP.pptx
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Monday, October 20, 2014:
Conference week is here! As well as early release! The students will be released at 2:15.
This week at a glance-
- The students will work on anaylzing non-fiction articles using the 6 Thinking Hats method. This method allows students to pull apart the article and ponder different questions. The students are broken up into groups of 5. Each student is given a different color hat (not literally). Depending on their hat color, they will answer questions about the article with different mindsets.
- Since classes are short this week, we have only started this assignment and we will continue it tomorrow.
- All classes- no homework tonight!
Other reminders- the book fair is open in the ECMS library all week! All my LA classes visited today. Bring money and buy books! I have posted a class wish list in the library as well for anyone who would like to make donations!
6 Thinking Hats- Six Hats - Questions to Accompany(1) (1).doc
6 Thinking Hats Article- http://www.timeforkids.com/news/smaller-smarter-phone/172521
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Monday, October 13, 2014:
Today in class, we directed our focus to another expository text structure- sequencing.
The students examined a variety of non-fiction passages and noted what made them sequencing passages. Then, the students created flow maps to show the sequence of the passages.
Tomorrow, students will be writing their own sequence of events.
Later this week, we will examine the compare and contrast text structure.
Check out this powerpoint about sequencing SEQUENCE LESSON.pptx
http://www.brainpop.com/english/writing/writinginsequence/
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Wednesday, October 8, 2014:
The students are quickly and successfully picking up the 8 close reading strategies and using them while reading expository passages!
- Today, they began dissecting expository passages on their own to show mastery of the close reading strategies... from what I've seen, everyone has done an incredible job picking apart their passages and using symbols to better understand the text.
- Tomorrow, the students will take a closer look at a descriptive text structure passage.
IMPORTANT- there are many of you that still have not turned in your thinking map reading assessment... I NEED THESE!!!!! I have spoken to most of you about it and given you a new copy if needed.
HOMEROOM- I have sent home reminder slips for the times/dates for conference week. Please look in your student's agenda!
For tomorrow....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shkaGAt1lNg (descriptive text structure video)
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Monday, October 6, 2014:
Today's focus- close reading! Have you ever read a passage and when you were finished, had NO IDEA what you just read (I'm guilty)???? Close reading is here to save the day and help you comprehend what you read...no matter how difficult!
In class today, we began discussing 8 strategies for close reading (see powerpoint!). Tomorrow, I will model how to close read using the strategies with a non-fiction article and the students will work in pairs to do the same!
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Friday, October 3, 2014:
A look into next week:
- Monday and Tuesday will be dedicated to understanding and mastering what it means to "close read" a text. The students will use a variety of strategies to close read.
- Wednesday-Friday will be used to dig deeper into the text structures we discussed this week. Ask your student to see their magic book on text structures and prepare to be amazed!
Students in 1st and 3rd periods-
There were only about 5 people from each class to turn in their quiz recovery assignment today. The assignment comes from pages 22-24 in your Reader's Journey. After reading, you need to create a plot diagram on the story. I will take them Monday for half credit added to your quiz. Please take this opportunity to bring your grade up!
All classes- if you did not turn in your thinking map reading assessment, the last day I will take them is MONDAY (10/6).
A huge shoutout to all my classes for being INCREDIBLE for the substitute on Thursday! I am proud to call you my students and you represented ECMS very well.
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Wednesday, October 1, 2014:
REMINDERS:
Bring your Reader's Journey tomorrow to class!
GRADE RECOVERY ASSIGNMENT: read pages 22-24 (Three Wishes) in your RJ and complete a plot diagram on the story. Be sure to include all the necessary parts (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.)
2ND & 4TH PERIODS- narratives are due FRIDAY!
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Tuesday, September 30, 2014:
Today began our discussion of expository writing and how it differs from narrative writing. The students examined different text structures in expository writing and viewed examples. After, they are going to create a tree map classifying the types of text structures.
2nd & 4th periods- your personal narrative, rough draft, and editing/revising checklist must be turned in no later than Friday, October 3.
1st & 3rd periods- some of you did not master the standards on the quiz today. Tomorrow, those of you that did not will be able to recover your grade by completing another assignment for homework. It is your responsibility to complete this assignment!!!!!! If you do not- your quiz grade will stand as is.
I am attaching the text structure/expository writing powerpoint to this post for you all to take a glance and be prepared for class!
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Monday, September 29, 2014:
This week, all classes are finishing up our focus on narrative writing and trasitioning to expository writing.
1st and 3rd periods- TOMORROW you have a quiz on plot and conflict. Make sure you review your conflict tree map notes as well as the plot diagram in your Reader's Journey on page 140. I will attach the conflict powerpoint to this post so you can review.
2nd and 4th periods- your goal today and tomorrow is to complete your personal narrative. You will be turning in your rough draft, revision/editing checklist, and final draft.
Vocab for expository writing- cause and effect, compare and contrast, sequence, problem and solution.
Later this week, all classes will be creating foldables that explain components of expository writing.
HOMEROOM- please continue to turn in your progress report folders with your guardian's signature as well as the conference week sheet that went home last Friday.
As always, email me with any questions you have.
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Monday, September 22, 2014:
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a great and restful fall break, I know I did. This week, all classes will be focusing on what makes a good narrative in preparation to write their own personal narratives. Some key terms that will be discussed this week are:
- exposition
- rising action
- climax
- falling action
- resolution
- characterization
- conflict (various types)
Some classes have focused on what makes a strong paragraph the last two weeks, so it's imperative to remember the things we discussed in order to move onto the longer narrative.
Reminder- progress report grades were due this morning for the first 6 weeks. Some of you are missing assignments, and therefore your grade is not the best it could be. Please get those missing assignments into me ASAP even though they will not be on this progress report.
1st and 3rd periods- if you did not turn in your super paragraph, rough draft, and brainstorm...I need it. Those 3 things are a large percent of your grade and we worked on them in class... so everyone should have them completed!
As always, email me with any questions.
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Thursday, September 11, 2014:
- 1st period- please have your pink sheet done by the time you come to class tomorrow!
- 2nd & 4th periods- please have your character 4 square done by the time you come to class tomorrow. The directions are below.
- Character 4 square directions.docx
- Tomorrow, in 2nd & 4th periods, we will continue to discuss the importance of characters in a plot and analyzing characters.
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014:
1st & 3rd periods-
- We are finally finishing our super paragraphs... DUE TOMORROW. If you did not finish this in class today, the pre-write, rough draft, and final draft are due tomorrow when you walk in!
- We are transitioning to the various types of sentences used to make our writing more clear and concise starting tomorrow. (Compound sentences and their parts)
- Vocab being used for this topic- compound sentences, simple sentences, subject, clause, coordinating conjunctions.
2nd & 4th periods-
- Our focus is on the description and development of characters in a story by creating a character 4 square and by reading several short pieces and anazlying the development of the characters in that piece.
- http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson175/traits.pdf (character traits list)
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Monday, September 8, 2014:
This week at a glance-
Today Ms. Taylor, the 6th grade counselor, will be visiting all classes for the entire period and will discuss an important topic: bullying
Tuesday/Wednesday- 1st and 3rd periods will continue to complete their super paragraph (we are almost there!!!!). They will focus on the editing, revising, and publishing steps of the writing process. By the end of this assignment, the students will be able to write a clear and concise paragraph in which the development, organization,and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience (ELACCW.6.4). 2nd and 4th periods will begin discussing the importance of strong word choice in writing along with developing strong characters within their writing. They will do this by picking a picture of a character out of a hat and develop that character using a thinking map. (ELACCW.6.3d).
Thursday/Friday- 1st an 3rd periods will then dive into the world of simple and compound sentences. We will discuss the importance of using a variety of sentence types when writing. We will also discuss the elements of a compound sentence (FANBOYS) and the students will have a chance to create their own. In 2nd and 4th periods, we will review the 4 types of conflict by viewing examples from movie clips and commericals. The review of conflict, strong word choice, developing characters and plot are all preparing the students for writing their personal narratives. (ELACCW.6.3)
http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/j/writingprocessl.cfm (If you need help with the steps of the writing process, this link is a great resource!)
Revising help- REVISING AARR.docx
http://vashonsd.org/hello/images/plot_diagram.pdf__ plot diagram help!
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Thursday, September 4, 2014:
1st period- We began the second step of the writing process today in class! Everyone is doing a great job stating their topic and backing it up with details. Also, almost everyone has included an exciting 'hook' in their paragraph!
2nd/4th period- If you did not finish your expanding summary on the dating article, please do it for homework (due tomorrow)! Tomorrow, we will visit the library and when we return, you will be able to work on your choice board activity! Shout out to Crain and Kace in my 2nd period for being brilliant actors today!
3rd period- We began taking a topic through the pre-writing stage. The students picked their favorite method of pre-writing. Tomorrow, we will visit the library and begin drafting. HOMEWORK- turn in your writing process flow map AND if you did not finish pre-writing, it is due tomorrow!
ALL CLASSES- you MUST bring your library book to class. If not, it is a demerit! Do not leave it in your locker!
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Wednesday, September 3, 2014:
Good afternoon! Happy hump day!
1st period- We discussed the importance of using strong words in our writing... aka not using the word "good" to describe everything and anything! The students got to practice using other words for good and sad and angry and pretty. Shout out to Devin B- you did a fantastic job on your words and worked extremely hard the entire class period!
2nd period/4th period- We continued working on our expanded summaries about the informatioal text we read yesterday. Congrats to everyone who read the blog last night and came to class excited and prepared for the pop quiz! I'll be grading those tonight. Your only homework is to not lose the expanding summary sheet! We will continue working on it tomorrow, as it takes some time.
3rd period- We finished working on our writing process flow maps! If you didn't finish, please do so for homework! The flow maps are due tomorrow when you walk into class. Also, if you took your BFF home with you to use, please bring it back to school tomorrow.
ALL CLASSES- I don't know when it became "cool" to not bring a reading book to LA class! Beginning tomorrow, you will receive a demerit if you do not have a book to read or left yours in your locker. BE WISE! We will visit the library as a class Friday.
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Tuesday, September 2, 2014:
I hope everyone had a long, relaxing Labor Day weekend...I know I did! Today in class, 1st period began pre-writing a topic that they will practice writing a paragraph on. They got to choose from 4 topics. As I walked around the room, I saw so many amazing pre-writing strategies...keep up the good work!
2nd & 4th periods- Today we took the plunge and began analyzing an informational piece. It was an entertaining piece to say the least! It was a study about how middle schoolers who date have a higher high school dropout and drug use rate than most people. The students took part in a "Read 1...Speak 2... Write 3..." strategy to help them summarize the findings of the study. Tomorrow, the students will do an "expanding summary" activity on the study. Here's the link to the study for any curious parents/guardians!
http://news.uga.edu/releases/article/dating-in-middle-school-leads-to-higher-dropout-drug-use-rates/
3rd period- We completed discussing the 5 steps of the writing process and are moving on to finishing our flow maps of the process. We will then move onto actually taking a pargraph through the writing process beginning with pre-writing.
If you are in my 2nd or 4th period- tomorrow there is a 99.9% possibility of there being a pop quiz over the 5 points on the plot diagram! If you are reading this...GOOD FOR YOU!
As always, email me with any questions.
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Friday, August 29, 2014:
Good afternoon! Today in 1st and 3rd periods, we continued the discussion of the writing process. Each class completed their flow maps showing each step of the writing process and we discussed the importance of each step. After, the students complete their "Free Write Friday." This FWF asked the students view a video and answer a prompt.
In 2nd and 4th periods, the students finished analyzing The School Play by Gary Soto. After, they also had the enjoyment of completing their FWF using the same video and prompt. Shout out to Jaylan Robinson for performing his (with music and everything!).
4TH PERIOD- please complete the practice sheet over the long weekend. It shouldn't take you more than 10-15 minutes.
Next week preview-
1st and 3rd periods will continue their learning and combine writing a strong paragraph with the writing process... by the end of the week, you will write a VERY STRONG paragraph with supporting details AND take that paragraph through the writing process.
2nd and 4th periods will begin to analyze an informational article about dating in middle school...exciting and interesting!
Have an amazing, long weekend! Do something fun and be ready to get back at it on Tuesday!
ALSO-
Volunteer for the ECMS R.E.P store in the cafeteria! www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d49a4a62ca75-positive
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Wednesday, August 27, 2014:
Today in 1st and 3rd periods, we continued our study of the writing process. 1st period is in the process of understanding the "drafting" stage, while 3rd period is uncovering the "prewriting" stage. Both classes have been adding the steps of the writing process to their flow maps (which look AWESOME, by the way). We also watched some fun BrainPop videos, too.
1st & 3rd- NO HOMEWORK!
In 2nd and 4th periods, we finally finished discussing the elements of plot and have moved on to analyzing texts. As we ease into analyzing texts, I chose a fiction piece to begin. The students read the short story called The School Play by Gary Soto. Before we began analyzing and reading, we discussed the term "allusion" and what it means in Language Arts. An allusion is a figure of speech that makes a reference to a person, place, or even that has happened. The School Play alludes to The Donner Party and The Donner Pass. The students viewed a brief video explaining what The Donner Party is (minus the graphic details) and the trail they traveled in the 1800s. Once we read The School Play, the students then understood what the reference to The Donner Party actually signified! Of course, some people claim they are going to have nightmares tonight, sorry! Tomorrow, we will continue analyzing.
PS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KACE!!!!!!!!!
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Monday, August 25, 2014:
Welcome back to another jam-packed week!
1st & 3rd periods- We are still discussing the importance of writing strong paragraphs using transition words. Today in 1st period, we discussed the variety of transition words that can be used in writing. After, we played a transition game (girls v. boys)! Each team got a question that was missing a transition and was required to fill it in. In the end, the girls won! Go girls!
3rd period will be playing tomorrow!
2nd & 4th periods- Plot presentations are still going on! It's taking a little longer than expected, but it makes me so proud because each group has done a fantastic job. We will be finishing up tomorrow and moving on to our next topic: analyzing informational texts.
Please continue reading on your own at home!
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Friday, August 22, 2014:
Happy Friday! We made it through another week. Today in class, we are visiting the library for the first 30 minutes. The students are checking out, returning, and renewing their books for their reading challenge. After, they are continuing their practice of writing and examining strong paragraphs. They practiced revising paragraphs that had sentences in it that didn't belong. We also practiced responding to a writing prompt. Today's writing prompt had the students watch a short video clip and respond to it. They really enjoyed it... it was about creating their dream treehouse.
AC LA- We will also be visiting the library the first 30 minutes of class! After, we will return to the room and continue watching presentations about the plot diagram. So far, the groups that have presented have done a fantastic job!
NO HOMEWORK THIS WEEKEND! READ A BOOK!
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Tuesday, August 19, 2014:
Good evening! First, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to all the parents/guardians that came out tonight for Back to School Night! I enjoyed meeting with you and chatting with you briefly about Language Arts and your student! Thank you for your continuing support in education.
1st & 3rd periods~ Today in class, we discussed the importance of writing detail sentences in a paragraph to support your main idea. It is imperative that all students can identify the main idea of a paragraph and pick out supporting details within that same paragraph. We looked at various paragraphs and picked out a variety of supporting details. Tomorrow, students will practice writing a strong paragraph with a main idea and at least 3 supporting details.
2nd & 4th periods~ Today in class, we continued becoming experts on certain parts of the plot diagram. As I walked around the room, I was enthused to see so many students collaborating so well with one another. Many groups have been working on Prezis, skits, and even posters to teach the class their part of the plot diagram (I see some potential teachers in the future!). Because this performance task requires a lot of components, I am giving students another full day in class to wrap up their presentations. Presentations will begin on Thursday (8/21). If you need to bring any supplies from home, please do so!
NOTE- we will be visiting the library this Friday! Always bring your library book to class! See you tomorrow!
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Monday, August 18, 2014:
Good afternoon!
1st period & 3rd period
In first and third periods, we are focusing on the importance of writing a STRONG paragraph. Today in class, we reviewed what components a strong paragraph must have: topic sentence, detail sentences, and a conclusion. The students practiced looking at paragraphs that lacked concluding sentences and were asked to create a strong conclusion. At the end of the period, the students had fun composing a tweet of 140 characters that described what a strong paragraph looks like. Jaheem even hashtagged #strongwriting.
2nd period & 4th period
In second and fourth periods, we discussed the plot diagram. The students are taking on the task of teaching the 5 parts of the plot diagrams in groups. Each group was assigned either the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, or resolution. As a group, they must show examples of their part and teach the class what it entails...essentially, they will become experts on their specific part! Some groups are making prezis (presentation software), posters, or creating skits to teach the class. Presentations will begin on Wednesday (possibly Thursday). I can't wait to see what each group has created!
ALL CLASSES- no homework tonight except continue reading at home! We will visit the library this Friday!
I can't wait to meet everyone's parents/guardians tomorrow at Back to School Night!
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Wednesday, August 13, 2014:
Good evening! Today, 1st period and 3rd period reviewed the importance of writing strong, complete sentences. We took "boring" sentences such as- Simeon walked to the door, and revised them to make juicy sentences (Simeon walked to the windowless door with swag), circling subjects and underlining predicates. In 2nd and 4th period we reviewed the importance of writing with vivid description. We first discussed what details and description can do to writing. Next, the students were asked to take off their shoes. They had to write a paragraph vivdly describing what their shoes looked like, felt like, and even smelt like! Next, I read the each students description out loud. The other students had to pick the shoe I was describing from the pile based on the vivid description. Everyone did an amazing job describing their shoe to the point where the class could easily pick it out of the bunch!
2nd period- Don't forget to finish your bubble maps if you haven't already!
I look forward to seeing everyone at Open House next Tuesday night!
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Monday, August 11, 2014:
We are back to another jam-packed week of school! Both today and tomorrow in Language Arts, we will be constructing our BFFs (aka interactive LA notebooks). This notebook must be a 3 or 5 subject spiral notebook.... not a composition notebook or a regular 1 subject spiral. The construction of these notebooks will take two days for set-up. The students are expected to maintain their notebook throughout the year. I will also maintain my own, for students to view as an example. Throughout the year, the students will be given a variety of things to glue into their BFFs. By the end of the year, their BFF will be full of important Language Arts information. After BFF set-up tomorrow, we will begin exploring/reviewing the importance of writing a strong paragraph. Please continue to bring glue sticks to class for BFF set-up! Thank you all SO MUCH for your cooperation during BFF set-up. I know it can get boring and repetitive at times, but you all did such a fantastic job following directions. Keep up the great work... I can already tell this is going to be an amazing year. As always, email me if you have any questions! And keep up the reading at home! :)
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Friday, August 8, 2014:
Today ends the first week of school! Congrats to all the 6th graders for completing their first week of middle school! Today, each class had library orientation and were able to check out a book. I want to give a HUGE shout-out to my 4th period class... you're excitement for the library made my day! For the past two days, we worked on recalling common Lauguage Arts terms, explored definitions, and giving examples of each term. The students got a taste of the LA terminology that is to come this year!
Reminders for Monday (8/11)
1) If you have not already, please bring in your 3-5 subject spiral notebook aka your BFF. We will begin constructing our notebooks Monday!
2) Please bring any glue sticks you have.
3) Please continue to read at home!!! (remember your 25 or 30 book challenge log!)
I am going to attach the class syllabi and class expectations below for anyone who lost theirs.
2014-2015 updated expectations -Cola.docx
Colacicco 2014-2015 Syllabus.docx
Have a fantastic weekend and see you on Monday!
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Tuesday, August 5, 2014:
Attention ALL CLASSES: tomorrow you will be receiving a revised syllabi. Please read the changes (my apologies for the changes!).
Parents- you do not have to fill out a new contact form/student questionnaire. Also, please continue to turn those in!
Today in class, the students introduced themselves by a letter to me, or a body autobiography. I look forward to learning about each of you! Tomorrow, we will continue with the letters/body autobiographies. After, we will discuss Language Arts vocabulary words that will be common throughout the year and create graffiti vocab to remember them. Like always, please email me with any questions.
PS- HOMEROOM: Please continue to turn in EVERYTHING from the Cobb County folder!
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Monday, August 4, 2014:
It's hard to believe it's that time of year again! Time to get back into the swing of things. Today, your students received a wealth of information about ECMS and their specific classes. A few reminders:
Please sign and return all forms inside the Cobb County School System folder being sent home with your child today. The sooner they return this folder with everything signed, the sooner they can pick a locker.
ALL LANGUAGE ARTS CLASSES- Today, I sent home a 2-3 page packet including syllabus, classroom expectations, and for the AC classes, a special form that needs to be signed and returned. Parents- please review the class expectations and fill out the back of it!!!! Return ASAP.
It was such a pleasure meeting all the new 6th graders today. I can tell it's going to be a fantastic year. If you have any questions, please email me at: [email protected].
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Thursday, May 8, 2014:
The school year is almost over and there are still SEVERAL people who have missing assignments in the gradebook. Yesterday, I had mini conferences with all students in all classes about missing assignments. If you have work to make-up, please do it. You will only be hurting yourself. 1st and 5th periods have been studying Greek Mythology. Yesterday, we talked about the most common gods and goddesses. The students enjoyed looking at pictures of what people believe these gods and goddesses looked like. In 2nd and 6th periods, the students are reviewing important Language Arts vocabulary that is critical to know in 7th grade.
IMPORTANT- the 6th grade field day is next Friday (5/16)! More information will come.
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Monday, May 5, 2014:
12 MORE SCHOOL DAYS! This week is will be semi-chaotic due to the 6th grade teams going on a fieldtrip to JA Biztown at the World Congress Center. This week, we will be focusing on Greek Mythology. The students will stufy a variety of Greek gods and goddesses and create a mythology journal. They will be learning new vocab and watching short video clips as well.
VERY IMPORTANT- if you have not turned in your punctuation superhero project, I am putting a 0 in the gradebook on WEDNESDAY (5/7). Please see me if you need the directions for completion. This is a project grade and has the ability to bring your grade up or down!
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Monday, April 28, 2014:
Good morning! This week, the students will continue taking the CRCT today and tomorrow. Testing has been going on since last Wednesday. Please remember to get a good night's sleep and eat a filling breakfast in preparation for the test! Because of testing, we have been on a crazy class schedule! During class, we have been watching Language Arts clips on United Streaming about certain grammar concepts. After testing, we will begin studying mythology. PS- ONLY 17 more school days until summer!! WOOHOO!
REMINDER- if you have not turned in your JA permission slip, TURN IT IN ASAP. Team 6A will be going on the JA trip this friday (May 2).
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Thursday, April 17, 2014:
Good morning! I apologize for not updating my blog, but I was out of school with a cold. Today and tomorrow the students are continuing their review of punctuation by creating their own punctuation superheroes! The last 20 minutes of class, we will break out the basketball hoop and play basketball review for the CRCT. Please remember, there is a spelling test tomorrow (4/18)! You also have spelling homework due tomorrow. I posted the link for the homework on Monday's post and I gave out the homework yesterday in class.
REMINDER- if you're in my homeroom, please don't forget to turn in your JA permission slip by tomorrow! It's the purple sheet!!!
PLEASE review for the CRCT in ALL your classes, not just Language Arts!!
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Monday, April 14, 2014:
One week closer to summer! Today, the students received their unit 26 spelling words. I will attach them to this post. The students worked on their punctuation review packet and punctuation chart. After, I read the class a short picture book called Punctuation Takes a Vacation. This book reviewed a variety of punctuation marks and when to use them. Next, the students got their superhero project assignment sheets. This project will be worked on until Wednesday. It is due Thursday (4/17). The only homework for tonight is to complete the punctuation packet!
REMINDER-
If you are in my homeroom, please return your JA permission slips by this FRIDAY (4/18)!!
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Thursday, April 10, 2014:
Good morning 6th grade. Today in class, we will be playing basketball review in preparation for the CRCT. The review questions will be over the multiple topics we have discussed over the school year. Friendly reminder, we have a spelling test tomorrow. Also, your spelling unit 25 homework is due tomorrow. On the same note, ALL make-up work is due tomorrow. I have attached the links you need on Monday's post. PLEASE get this work in. I will also attach a beneficial powerpoint with CRCT review questions on it to this post. Have a great day!
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Tuesday, April 8, 2014:
Hey guys! Today in class, we reviewed the importance of understanding prefixes in unfamiliar words and began discussing the importance of suffixes in unfamiliar words. The students had to complete 2 assignments:
1) the Reader's Journey review pages of prefixes and suffixes (pg. 154, 164, 157)
2) the suffix unfamiliar word worksheet
The students worked on these two assignments in class and turned them in. If you did not finish, these assignments need to be done for homework DUE TOMORROW AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS!
For the MANY of you that didn't turn in your vocabulary lesson from 2 weeks ago (graffiti vocab or Frayer models) I will attach the directions to this post. Those of you who currently have a zero for that assignment know who you are and you need to complete this assignment by Friday, April 11. I will take it up for FULL CREDIT as long as I have it by Friday!
HW- complete spelling assignment given today (due Friday 4/11)
Tiered Assignment Directions.docx
Tiered Lesson Anticipation Guide.docx
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Monday, April 7, 2014:
Welcome back 6th grade! I hope everyone had an awesome spring break. Unfortunately, it's time to get back to business. Today and tomorrow, we will discuss the importance of prefixes and suffixes in root words. Prefixes and suffixes are extremely important to understand, especially if you come across a word you are not familiar with. Prefixes and suffixes can help you discover what the word means. Today, we dedicated most of our class time to understanding prefixes and learning new prefixes. We viewd a short PowerPoint (which I will attach) and we took brief notes. Then, we examined prefixes ofwords we were unfamiliar with and discovered what the words meant. Tomorrow, we will be doing the same thing with suffixes.
Spelling- this week we will be working on spelling unit 25 (words that have more letters than expected). I will attach this week's spelling list and homework to this post. The spelling homework is due FRIDAY, APRIL 11!
Note- MANY people did not turn in their spelling homework from last week, therefore I am willing to make a deal with some of you. I will post the words from last week and the homework from last week. You have until this Friday to turn it in (so you would be turning in 2 spelling homeworks- one from last week and one from this week). This is only if you didn't turn in last week's homework.
spelling unit 24 (makeup).docx
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
This week, we focused on reviewing important vocabulary that might appear on the CRCT at the end of April. In class, the students took 23 vocab words and created grafitti notecards or Frayer models for the words. This helps them understand the definition of the word and come up with examples and symbols. If they do not finish this in class today, it is homework and due tomorrow (3/28). There is no spelling test this week therefore, there is no spelling homework due Friday.
HOMEWORK:
1) grafitti vocab or Frayer models due TOMORROW at the beginning of class.
**If you are looking for ways to review for the CRCT, the East Cobb Middle School library blog has a great powerpoint with review questions on it! :)
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Monday, March 10, 2014
Good afternoon! This week are are wrapping up our long pronoun unit! Today in class, we started a pronoun study guide which needs to be completed by tomorrow. If your study guide is not complete, you cannot participate in the pronoun review game. Instead, you will have to observe. I will attach the pronoun study guide at the end of this post. You also have a spelling test Friday (3/14). There is NO spelling homework this week, and I will attach the spelling words to this post for you to study. If you need assistance on any type of pronoun,I found a website that explains each type with an example. We are not doing demonstrative pronouns, so ignore those. The website is: http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0885483.html
On another note, the 3rd nine weeks is ending on WEDNESDAY (3/13). This means if you have missing assignments in ANY class (not just LA), you need to get those in by Wednesday. Report cards will go out next Wednesday (3/19).
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Monday, March 3, 2014
Good afternoon! This week in class, we will continue our quest to better understand pronouns. Today, we are directing our attention to the reflexive pronouns. These are very simple: they end in 'self' or 'selves'. We took brief notes and then practiced finding these pronouns as well as the word they reference. Below, you will find the powerpoint. I will also attach the spelling list for this week. There is a spelling test FRIDAY.
IMPORTANT:
Today, I am sending home detailed progress reports for those of you who are missing more than 2 assignments. You have the opportunity to make these assignments up for HALF credit. If you need a specific worksheet, please let me know ASAP so you can begin making this work up.
Please continue to keep up the hard work in all your classes (especially mine!). You ALL are doing an excellent job and have become great learners.
Reflexive Pronouns and intensive pronouns.pptx
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Hey guys! It's been a crazy couple of weeks with all the snow and ice storms! Last week in class, we focused on writing a 5 paragraph essay for the Honoring Our Heroes contest. The students chose someone they admire and wrote an essay reflecting on what makes that person a "hero" and what heroic qualities they possess. Some students wrote about famous athletes, their parents, or their friends! Everyone did an excellent job! Special shout out to Quinn Taylor for writing an outstanding essay about how Martin Luther King Jr. is his hero! Way to go, Quinn!
This week in class, we are focusing on the various types of pronouns (personal, objective, subjective, possessive, etc.). Today, we are visiting the ECMS library for a CRCT practice lesson. The students will take a practice CRCT test on the computers and check out books. Tomorrow, we will focus our attention back to pronouns and discuss the importance of possessive pronouns. The spelling HW is due tomorrow and the spelling test is tomorrow, NOT FRIDAY. On Friday, the students will continue reading their anchor book, Maniac Magee.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
1) Spelling HW due tomorrow (2/27)
2) Spelling quiz tomorrow (2/27)
3) 1st, 5th, 6th periods: first two pages of pronoun packet due tomorrow (2/27)
4) 2nd period: entire packet due tomorrow (2/27)
I am attaching the link to the personal/subjective/objective AND this week's spelling list to this post:
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Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Good morning guys! This week we are focusing on multiple reading skills such as: making predictions, understanding the audience of an author, and analyzing elements in a fictional narrative. We will be using our Reader's Journey workbooks that I gave out at the start of the school year. Please be sure you bring your workbook to class everyday. I do not have extras to give out! I will be absent Thursday and Friday to go to a conference. On those days, you will continue to work on your independent study. You will also have a spelling test Friday. I will attach the independent study to this post in case anyone is absent. Please work hard for the sub and have an excellent week!
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Good morning! Today in class, we will continue to work on the benchmark assessment. After finishing, the students created tree maps of this week's spelling words. REMINDER: please bring project materials to class if you know you need them (shoeboxes, string, etc.) I have provided basic materials such as paper, glue, scissors, etc. The projects will be due this Friday (12/13) and if more time is needed, you may work on them over the weekend and can turn them in Monday (12/16).
****SPELLING HOMEWORK IS DUE THURSDAY (TOMORROW, 12/12)!!!!!!****
PLEASE TURN IN POETRY BOOK PROJECTS IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY. THEY ARE OVERDUE AND IF YOU HAVE A ZERO, IT IS WEIGHING YOUR GRADE DOWN.
Spelling test Friday!
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Monday, December 9, 2013
Good afternoon guys! Today in class we will be getting this week's spelling words. After, we will continue to work on our Bridge to Terabithia class projects. These projects will be due on Friday, December 13. NOTE: if you need to bring any materials from home to complete this project, PLEASE DO SO. We will only have 1 more in-class workday (thursday). You may complete your project at home. Tomorrow and Wednesday, we will be completing our 6th grade benchmark assessment to measure what you have learned so far this year! It will take 2 days to complete. As uaual, there is a spelling test Friday. Tomorrow, you will receive a list of your spelling words with a homework assignment attached to it. This homework assignment will be due Thursday. I will attach the assignment to this post for those of you who would like to get ahead :). On another note, the end of the quarter is quickly approaching. PLEASE check your grades on synergy. If you are missing grades, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE to come talk to me about them. MANY people STILL have not turned in the poetry book project. This assignment can make or break your grade!!!
PS- I am attaching the directions for the Bridge to Terabithia project!
HOMEWORK:
1) bring any materials needed for your project
2) Spelling homework assignment due Thursday (12/12)
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Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Good afternoon! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break. This week we are FINALLY finishing our class novel, Bridge to Terabithia. We will be reflecting on the events of the story and completing an IN CLASS PROJECT starting Thursday (12/5). Students will be given a variety of project activities they can choose from. This week, we also explored the importance of sentence types (simple, compound, and complex). On Friday (12/6), the students will be given their weekly spelling test. The words for this week are homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings. The list of words is below:
There is a short homework assignment attached to the spelling words this week. This assignment is due THURSDAY (12/5).
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Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Good afternoon guys! This week we have been reading Bridge to Terabithia. Today in class, we completed a flow map outlining the important events that have occurred in the plot so far. We also watched video clips of the DVD version. The DVD version and the book are very different. Tomorrow we will complete a double bubble thinking map comparing and contrasting the DVD to the book. There is a spelling test on Friday over 20 words from the previous 5 test that were commonly missed.
REMINDERS:
Progress reports are being distributed tomorrow!!!
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Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Hey guys! This week we are working on our poetry book project! This project will be due friday (11/8) and we will be working on these in class. There is NO REASON that you cannot finish these projects! We also have a spelling test this Friday. The words are listed below:
HOMEWORK:
Study for spelling test!!!!!! FRIDAY, NOVEMBER, 8!
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Monday, October 28, 2013
Good afternoon guys! This week, we are continuing our focus on various types of poetry. We will be creating a poetry book Friday that will cover: haiku, narrative poems, lyric poems, limericks, and concrete poems. Today, the students were given this week's spelling words... they are TOUGH! However, we will be practicing everyday with them! Shoutout to ALL my classes last week!! EVERYONE passed their spelling test! I am so proud! Keep up the good work! Below, you will find the spelling worksheet and assignment that is due THURSDAY. STUDY FOR YOUR SPELLING TEST!
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Thursday, October 24, 2013
Good afternoon guys! As conference week is coming to an end, I just want to say how nice it was to meet your parents! This week, we focused heavily on our 20 spelling words in preparation for tomorrow's spelling test. Today in class, the students were given a word scramble with some of their spelling words. They had a great time trying to unscramble the words! We also discussed an important form of poetry... the haiku! Students in 1st period wrote their own and believe it or not... they are excellent poets! Just a friendly reminder... SPELLING TEST TOMORROW. The words are located on Tuesday's blog post. Please make sure to review these words... they are more difficult than you would think! Have a great week and weekend! STUDY!
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Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Good morning guys! This week is early release week due to parent-teacher conferences. Students will be released at 2:15! Yesterday in class, we reviewed last week's spelling test and we were introduced to this week's words. There will be a spelling test FRIDAY! This week in class, we will be exploring various types of poetry: haiku, limerick, lyric poetry, narrative poetry, etc. Today, however, we will be visiting the Scholastic Book Fair in the media center!
Homework:
1) STUDY FOR SPELLING TEST FRIDAY!
Unit 2 Spelling Words (2).docx
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Wedesday, October 16, 2013
Good afternoon guys! Today in class, we continued our exploration of poetry, specifically figurative language terms. With these terms, we created a tree map diagram. Afterwards, we discussed the annual Scholastic Book Fair! The book fair will be at ECMS next week! All of my classes will get a chance to visit the book fair on Tuesday, October 22. Tomorrow in class, we will continue our exploration of figurative language and make flip books containing the vocabulary. There are A LOT of poetry vocab terms, so it's important to study them and understand what each one means.
REMINDERS:
1) Next week, October 21-25, is conference week. This means school will release at 2:15 instead of 4:15 all week.
2) It is CONFERENCE WEEK next week!!!! [October 21-25] HOMEROOM: if you have not returned your conference slip... I ABSOLUTELY NEED IT. I am excited to visit with all my homeroom parents!
3) REMEMBER: there is a spelling test FRIDAY (10/18). I attached the list of 20 words to Monday's blog post.
HOMEWORK:
1) 1st, 2nd, 5th- finish tree map diagram of figurative language/poetry terms!
-Directions: pick 7 vocab words and create a tree map. Title the tree map "Figurative Language." For each word, include the definition AND a symbol or example of the word. For instance, if I chose simile, I would write the definition and create my own simile. (I'm not a good drawer)
2) Continue practicing this week's spelling words!! TEST FRIDAY!
**I have attached the figurative language powerpoint to this blog for those of you who were absent or missed some of the words in class! :)
Figurative Language and Poetry Sound Devices.ppt
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Monday, October 14, 2013
Hey guys! Today is the first day of the second 9 weeks. Therefore, we will be starting a new unit... poetry. We will be exploring several types of poetry and creting our own. We will also study vocabulary words that are related to poetry. Today in class, we complete our book cover project. We began this project on Friday and finished it today. This is a TEST GRADE and will be on your first report card. Today, we also were introduced to our weekly spelling words. There are 20 words and there will be a spelling test this Friday (10/18). This is our first spelling test of the year.
Homework:
1) STUDY FOR FRIDAY'S SPELLING TEST!!!
REMINDERS:
If you are in my homeroom- please return your conference slip!
This week's spelling words:
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Happy October, everyone! Since we have a short week, we are finally in the end stages of our argumentative essays! I'm so proud of all my classes- you have worked incredibly hard on these essays! These essays are due TODAY at the end of class. When you turn in your argumentative essay, you will also include: rough draft, pre-writing template, and your completed peer editing/revising checklist. Tomorrow, we will continue our class novel, Bridge to Terabithia. I hope everyone has a safe fall break!
REMINDERS:
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE remember to bring your library books to class EVERDAY. If you don't, you are considered unprepared for class and will recieve a demerit.
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Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Hey guys! Today we began drafting our rough drafts of our argumentative essays. YOU MUST HAVE COMPLETED YOUR OUTLINED TEMPLATE BEFORE STARTING YOUR ROUGH DRAFT. The template is for a grade! This template is an excellent way to outline your 5 paragraphs so you know exactly what you're writing! Tomorrow, we will be peer revising. You will be given a checklist and asked to look for specific items within your partners rough draft.
REMINDERS
1) Bring your library book tomorrow- half the class period will be spent in the library.
HOMEWORK:
1) Complete your rough draft and template.
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
Good morning! Yesterday in class, we talked about the importance of the writing process. The students enjoyed watching a "brain pop" about the 5 steps of the writing process. After wacthing this short clip, the students took an interactive quiz regarding the 5 steps of the writing process. This quiz was not for a grade and was taken as a class! SHOUTOUT to my 2nd and 5th period classes for making a 100 on this quiz! You guys rock! After, we continued our discussion on direct objects. Today in class, we will talk about the parts of an essay (hook, these statement, intro paragraph, etc.). The students will create a flow map demonstrating the parts of an essay.
REMINDERS:
Homeroom students- progress report packets were dues yesterday (9/18) for a homework grade.
Shoutouts:
My ENTIRE 5th period class- THANK YOU for your OUTSTADING participation in class yesterday! You guys have turned your attitude around 100% and I applaud you for that! Keep up the good work!
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Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Hey guys! Yesterday (Monday), we discussed the importance of pronouns within our DGP. We practiced finding pronouns by reading a short baseball story. After, we went over the argumentative quiz from friday. Today in class, we reviewed what a direct object is within our DGP and began our body biographies. The students were asked to get into groups of 6 and create a body biography of the main character of Bridge to Terabithia. We will be working on our body biographies Friday as well.
REMINDERS:
1) If you are in my homeroom, please RETURN YOUR PROGRESS REPORT PACKET SIGNED BY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18)!!!
2) Due to 7th grade testing, September 18-20 will have an altered schedule. Students will go to PE and connections 1st and 2nd period.
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Thursday, September 12, 2013
Today in class, we finished up our argumentative stations activity! We also reviwed for the QUIZ TOMORROW. The quiz covers our 5 vocab words.....
1) Literary criticism- judging and commenting on the characteristics of literary work.
2) Argument- an exchange of opposing views.
3) Claim- to state that something is the case without evidence
4) Counter-claim: a claim that is made to offset another claim.
5) Evidence- the available body of facts indicating whether a propositon is valid.
PLEASE ALSO KNOW:
1) The difference between persuasive writing and argumentative writing
2) The difference between narrative writing and argumentative writing
3) What a claim looks like within a piece of writing
4) What evidence looks like within a piece of writing
5) What a counter-claim looks like within a piece of writing
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Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Hey guys! We are still talking about argumentative writing this week. Yesterday, we completed a worksheet and discussed what characterizes writing as argumentative and as narrative. Today, we are working in argumentative stations. Each station has a different task. Some stations ask students to read argumentative essays and pick out the claim, evidence, and counter-claim. Another station has students examining an argumentative cartoon as well as an animated video. We will be working on these stations tomorrow too.
Reminders:
1) BRING YOUR LIBRARY BOOK TOMORROW TO CLASS.
2) Argumentative quiz Friday!!
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Thursday, September 5, 2013
Hey guys! This week we introduced argumentative writing. We have FIVE new vocab terms relating to argumentative writing as well. We made super awesome flip books as a study tool with our vocabulary words for the week! We also spent a lot of time comparing and contrasting persuasive writing vs. argumentative writing. They are VERY similar but have slight differences (see attached worksheet). We used "double bubble" thinking maps to compare and contrast persuasive writing and argumentative writing. There is NO QUIZ TOMORROW! Tomorrow, we will continue reading our class novel, Bridge to Terabithia.
Reminders:
1)Please continue to turn in your reading assessment worksheets for the books you are completing! I want everyone to get credit for completing their books! Keep up the good work :)
** If you are in need of language arts tutoring, please see the attached tutoring schedule!**
Comparison_T-Chart__Pers_v_Arg_.pdf
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Hey guys! Today, 1st period completed the conflict powerpoint, notes, and video clips! In every class, we visited the library for the first half of class. Students need to remember to bring their library books to class everyday! 2nd, 5th, and 6th periods worked on a character map. They were given a silly picture of a character and were asked to give this character a personality. They filled out a character description map about their new character... some people got very creative!
Reminders:
1) PLEASE RETURN SIGNED SYLLABUS
2) Narrative quiz FRIDAY
Homework:
1) Study vocab terms for quiz Friday!!!
2) Finish character description map! DUE TOMORROW if you didn't finish in class.
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Good evening! On Monday, the students practiced with the narrative vocab words that will appear on their QUIZ on FRIDAY (AUGUST 30!!!!). We made "magic books" with our vocabulary words inside them! Today, the students explored the various types of conflict. They took notes and watched movie clips demonstrating types of conflict. Tomorrow, we will visit the library for check out for the first half of class. The second half of class will be spent talking about the term character (major and minor).
Reminders:
1)There are still MANY people who have not turned in their syllabus (it was assigned two weeks ago!) For those of you who haven't--- the higest grade I can give to you is a 3 out of 10.
2) BRING YOUR LIBRARY BOOKS TOMORROW! :)
3) Review your vocab words EVERY NIGHT!
Homework:
1) Return syllabus
2) Review vocab terms using your cool magic books!!!
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Sunday, August 25, 2013
I hope everyone had an awesome weekend! I enjoyed meeting parents at Back to School night this week. Parents remember- please email me at anytime if you ever have questions! On Friday, the narrative terms quiz was postponed! :) The quiz has been rescheduled until next Friday (August 30th). This week, we will be exploring the narrative terms in more depth. We will discuss the various types of conflict (man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. himself) and we will discuss a plot diagram. This Wednesday we will be visiting the library (yay).
Reminders:
There are some folks who have still not returned their signed syllabus! IT'S A HOMEWORK GRADE.
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Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Good afternoon! Today in class, we were introduced to narrative writing. The students viewed different pictures and were asked to create their own narratives relating to those pictures. Each class was also introduced briefly to their weekly vocabulary. We will be spending more time on narrative vocabulary tomorrow.
REMINDERS:
1) There is ABSOLUTELY no eating in my classroom from this point on. Too much trash on the ground... :(
HOMEWORK:
6TH PERIOD ONLY- return your signed syllabus TOMORROW.
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Monday, August 19, 2013
Good afternoon! I hope all of you have had a great start to the school year. Today in class, we worked on parts of speech. We focused on reviewing nouns, adverbs, adjectives, and verbs. We also discussed prepositions and conjunctions. Next, the students were put into groups and given a large piece of poster paper. In their groups, they were asked to pick 1 noun inside our classroom and write a minimum of 6 adjectives to describe this noun (otherwise known as a "bubble map".) The students then shared their work.
REMINDERS:
1) All students should have a library book and SHOULD BRING IT TO CLASS EVERYDAY.
2) If you are absent, please come talk to me before or during homeroom.
HOMEWORK:
1) If you have not turned in your signed syllabus... I NEED IT. You are being deducted 1 point for every day it's not turned in!