Friday
January 22, 2016
Greetings! Since this week's MAP testing schedule took away some of our precious ELA time, I have delayed our vocabulary quiz until next Tuesday (January 26th) and it will be extra credit due to MAP testing. Vocabulary test scores for each week are always combined with students' completion of their "vocabulary workshop packet". In other words, if you Additionally, Reading Logs will not be collected for this week or the next, again to be considerate of the students' stress levels during testing. MAP Reading goal conferences have all been completed. During this conference, I sat down with you/your child to determine target skills which we will be working on in small groups during the next week to ensure you/your student feels as confident as possible going in to our testing on Thursday and Friday. In the words of Ms. Johnson (8C's wonderful paraprofessional): "Don't stress; do your best!"
Monday
January 11, 2016
Happy Monday, wonderful students and parents! This week is the beginning of our new weekly vocabulary units! Each week students will learn 10 new vocabulary words and begin working on GoogleDocs enrichment activities to help better understand the words. I am confident that all students who complete these activities carefully throughout our class time will excel on the multiple choice/fill in the blank quizzes I will be giving on Fridays. These quizzes will only assess your/your child's knowledge of the words' meanings and your/their ability to place the word into a sentence correctly.
Wednesday
January 6, 2016
Happy New Year! In the weeks before winter break, we have completed our first essay! This essay was written on GoogleDocs and is an analysis of how the main character from our novel (Ha) turns "inside out" and "back again". Students were given a total of 3 class periods (about 3 hours total) to find all evidence needed for their essay. Then, each student individually conferenced with me to find their main ideas of each of their body paragraphs. After this process students were given 6 class periods (about 6 hours total) to independently use their graphic organizers, complete with all necessary evidence, and checklists listing sentence by sentence directions to write their essay on GoogleDocs. I had the opportunity to observe all students' screens on my computer as they were working in order to give them constant support and feedback during the writing process. I can safely say that ALL students who were on task, focused, and putting forth their best effort completed (or got within a paragraph of completing) their essay. With this being said, I will allow students until FRIDAY JANUARY 15th to complete their essays. Students needing to complete their their essays, will need to do so on their own time. If a student requests my help in completing their essay, I will happily assist them during a predetermined lunch/recess time during the next two weeks. I am very proud of the hard work students put in on these essays!
Tuesday
December 1, 2015
Homework due 12/2: structured notes on pages 196-212: Find 3 key details (exact quotes) that show how Ha's life is "turning Inside Out"
Homework due 12/4: Short response (minimum of 2 QUALITY sentences) on the informational article "A Comparison"
Students received all resources (including copies of the book pages) needed to complete assignments😊
Homework due 12/4: Short response (minimum of 2 QUALITY sentences) on the informational article "A Comparison"
Students received all resources (including copies of the book pages) needed to complete assignments😊
Tuesday
November 17, 2015
Test Preparation!
Thursday's test will be short and an opportunity to showcase your skills in structured writing (in the form of a Quick Write), using context clues to determine word meaning, and determining the "gist" of an informational text. You will be given a new, short informational text pertaining to refugees that the Quick Write and some multiple choice/short answer questions will be based on. Since this test is simply showing if you can use skills we have been working hard in class to develop when given a new text, there is not much that can be studied. I will offer additional worksheets to practice using context clues to determine word meanings in class tomorrow. In order to prepare for the Quick Write portion of the test, we will go over an exemplary example of a Quick Write in class tomorrow as well. Students may also find it useful to review their old Quick Writes on GoogleDocs and read over the comments I left on them. I am confident that all students have been fully prepared to succeed in this test!
Thursday's test will be short and an opportunity to showcase your skills in structured writing (in the form of a Quick Write), using context clues to determine word meaning, and determining the "gist" of an informational text. You will be given a new, short informational text pertaining to refugees that the Quick Write and some multiple choice/short answer questions will be based on. Since this test is simply showing if you can use skills we have been working hard in class to develop when given a new text, there is not much that can be studied. I will offer additional worksheets to practice using context clues to determine word meanings in class tomorrow. In order to prepare for the Quick Write portion of the test, we will go over an exemplary example of a Quick Write in class tomorrow as well. Students may also find it useful to review their old Quick Writes on GoogleDocs and read over the comments I left on them. I am confident that all students have been fully prepared to succeed in this test!
Tuesday
November 3, 2015
Grades!
Grades for 2 homework assignments, our mid-unit quiz and end of unit test have been posted on Eschool! If you/your child has a "0" for any of the assignments, this means I have not received, or you have not finished, your test/quiz/homework. The quiz was taken over a month ago and the test was taken about two weeks ago. Seeing as I have given many opportunities to complete the tests and quizzes in the past month, I will be allowing students the next two days to come to me during their lunch, recess, or special in order to complete their work. If students do not take advantage of this opportunity, I will be marking any unfinished responses as incorrect. I am hoping this push will inspire students to take responsibility for their grades and success in their academics. Additionally, if I have made any mistakes regarding homework grades, please do not hesitate to email or Dojo message me. When attempting to do a homework check in as little time as possible, there is always a chance of error on my part.
Reading Logs!
Starting next Monday, November 9th, Students will be required to log 15 minutes of reading per week night, each week. Reading logs will be checked on Mondays for parent or teacher signatures. For the first two weeks of completing reading logs, students will be able to read any book of their choosing. This Friday, November 6th, I will be sending home a list of novels based on students' lexile levels in which you/your child must select one. You must have one of the novels on the list by Monday, November 23rd. Beginning that week, students will be required to solely read this book for their reading log. The purpose of this is to make sure you/your child is reading text that is on their true reading level.
Grades for 2 homework assignments, our mid-unit quiz and end of unit test have been posted on Eschool! If you/your child has a "0" for any of the assignments, this means I have not received, or you have not finished, your test/quiz/homework. The quiz was taken over a month ago and the test was taken about two weeks ago. Seeing as I have given many opportunities to complete the tests and quizzes in the past month, I will be allowing students the next two days to come to me during their lunch, recess, or special in order to complete their work. If students do not take advantage of this opportunity, I will be marking any unfinished responses as incorrect. I am hoping this push will inspire students to take responsibility for their grades and success in their academics. Additionally, if I have made any mistakes regarding homework grades, please do not hesitate to email or Dojo message me. When attempting to do a homework check in as little time as possible, there is always a chance of error on my part.
Reading Logs!
Starting next Monday, November 9th, Students will be required to log 15 minutes of reading per week night, each week. Reading logs will be checked on Mondays for parent or teacher signatures. For the first two weeks of completing reading logs, students will be able to read any book of their choosing. This Friday, November 6th, I will be sending home a list of novels based on students' lexile levels in which you/your child must select one. You must have one of the novels on the list by Monday, November 23rd. Beginning that week, students will be required to solely read this book for their reading log. The purpose of this is to make sure you/your child is reading text that is on their true reading level.
Thursday
October 29, 2015
Students are reading pages 111-128 and searching for 3 key details that show how Ha's life is turning "inside out". Since our book is titled Inside Out & Back Again, students are attempting to make an inference about what the term "inside out" means. Some wonderful parents brought to my attention that the pages were previously hard to read in the gallery format I have been using as of late to post the pages. I have reverted to posting the full pages, one after the other to assure that students are able to easily read the pages.
Monday
October 26, 2015
Students are required to read pages 91-111 for homework. I encourage them to read the pages first for gist (what the text is mostly about) then for a specific purpose. The notes sheet students are required to fill out asks students to find details from the text that show a challenge Ha faces and explain how it shows personality traits Ha may acquire from this challenge.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Test Preparation!
Tomorrow students will be taking a test on the concept of how word choice affects the tone of a given text.
The first section of the test will focus on the transcript we read, listened to and took notes on, "Forgotten Ship: A Daring Rescue As Saigon Fell".
To review I suggest listening to the text again (while reading along on the transcript) and reviewing the note-catcher we worked on today in class on word choice, tone, and meaning. Think about how the specific words the speakers use contribute to the feeling they are trying to get across to us, the readers.
Here is the link to the audio reading of this transcript: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129484369
The second section of the test will focus on one particular poem in our novel, Inside Out & Back Again. Students will be required to give a written response in the form of a Quick Write to a question being posed which will pertain to tone and meaning. Since I cannot divulge the exact poem students will be analyzing, I suggest simply reviewing the elements needed in a complete Quick Write. I will be providing a checklist to students to ensure they include every element required in order to get a perfect score on this section. Here is a reminder of what is needed in a complete Quick Write:
1st sentence = a focus statement: Answer the question that is being asked.
2nd sentence= First piece of evidence: exact quote or detail from the book that supports your focus sentence (make sure to cite this quote or detail by writing the page and stanza where you found it)
3rd sentence= An explanation of how this piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
4th sentence= A 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= An explanation of how this 2nd piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
6th sentence= A conclusion sentence (wrap up all of the information and ideas you provided!)
The main areas students seem to struggle with are those explanation sentences! Those 3rd and 5th sentences should explain HOW the evidence provided connects to the focus statement (1st sentence).
Students will be allowed to use all notes taken in class as well as our book Inside Out & Back Again and the transcript of "Forgotten Ship: A Daring Rescue As Saigon Fell".
I feel very confident that all students have had plenty of practice with these concepts and have shown strength in determining the tone of a given section of text! Good luck!
The first section of the test will focus on the transcript we read, listened to and took notes on, "Forgotten Ship: A Daring Rescue As Saigon Fell".
To review I suggest listening to the text again (while reading along on the transcript) and reviewing the note-catcher we worked on today in class on word choice, tone, and meaning. Think about how the specific words the speakers use contribute to the feeling they are trying to get across to us, the readers.
Here is the link to the audio reading of this transcript: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129484369
The second section of the test will focus on one particular poem in our novel, Inside Out & Back Again. Students will be required to give a written response in the form of a Quick Write to a question being posed which will pertain to tone and meaning. Since I cannot divulge the exact poem students will be analyzing, I suggest simply reviewing the elements needed in a complete Quick Write. I will be providing a checklist to students to ensure they include every element required in order to get a perfect score on this section. Here is a reminder of what is needed in a complete Quick Write:
1st sentence = a focus statement: Answer the question that is being asked.
2nd sentence= First piece of evidence: exact quote or detail from the book that supports your focus sentence (make sure to cite this quote or detail by writing the page and stanza where you found it)
3rd sentence= An explanation of how this piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
4th sentence= A 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= An explanation of how this 2nd piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
6th sentence= A conclusion sentence (wrap up all of the information and ideas you provided!)
The main areas students seem to struggle with are those explanation sentences! Those 3rd and 5th sentences should explain HOW the evidence provided connects to the focus statement (1st sentence).
Students will be allowed to use all notes taken in class as well as our book Inside Out & Back Again and the transcript of "Forgotten Ship: A Daring Rescue As Saigon Fell".
I feel very confident that all students have had plenty of practice with these concepts and have shown strength in determining the tone of a given section of text! Good luck!
Monday, October 12, 2015
Quick Write 4
due: Wednesday, October 14th
How is Ha’s mother being impacted by the war? Use specific evidence from the text to write a paragraph to answer this question.
You may use the notes we took in class on pages 48-60 as well as any additional details you found on pages 1-47 of our book.
A complete paragraph will have:
1st sentence = a focus statement: Your claim for how Ha’s mother is being affected by the war (answer the question in bold!)
2nd sentence= First piece of evidence: exact quote or detail from the book that supports your focus sentence (make sure to cite this quote or detail by writing the page and stanza where you found it)
3rd sentence= An explanation of how this piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
4th sentence= A 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= An explanation of how this 2nd piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
6th sentence= A conclusion sentence (wrap up all of the information and ideas you provided!)
due: Wednesday, October 14th
How is Ha’s mother being impacted by the war? Use specific evidence from the text to write a paragraph to answer this question.
You may use the notes we took in class on pages 48-60 as well as any additional details you found on pages 1-47 of our book.
A complete paragraph will have:
1st sentence = a focus statement: Your claim for how Ha’s mother is being affected by the war (answer the question in bold!)
2nd sentence= First piece of evidence: exact quote or detail from the book that supports your focus sentence (make sure to cite this quote or detail by writing the page and stanza where you found it)
3rd sentence= An explanation of how this piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
4th sentence= A 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= An explanation of how this 2nd piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
6th sentence= A conclusion sentence (wrap up all of the information and ideas you provided!)
Tuesday October 6, 2015
Quick Write 3
Due: Thursday, October 8th
Preparation: Reread Section 4 of “The Vietnam Wars,” (Doc-Lap at Last) and complete the Questions and Notes organizer for it.
Then write a complete paragraph in which you explain the following: What connections do you see between Ha’s situation and the information you read in the article “The Vietnam Wars”? Focus on section 4 of the article. Be sure to use details from the novel in your answer. You may use your text and the notes you collected in your journal or note-catchers to help you write this paragraph.
A complete paragraph includes the following:
1st sentence= A focus statement: What is your claim for how Ha’s life connects to “Doc-Lap at Last”?
2nd sentence= A piece of evidence from Inside Out & Back Again and/or “Doc-Lap at Last” that supports your focus statement
3rd sentence= An explanation of how this piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
4th sentence= A 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= An explanation of how this 2nd piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
6th sentence= A conclusion sentence (wrap up all of the information and ideas you provided!)
Due: Thursday, October 8th
Preparation: Reread Section 4 of “The Vietnam Wars,” (Doc-Lap at Last) and complete the Questions and Notes organizer for it.
Then write a complete paragraph in which you explain the following: What connections do you see between Ha’s situation and the information you read in the article “The Vietnam Wars”? Focus on section 4 of the article. Be sure to use details from the novel in your answer. You may use your text and the notes you collected in your journal or note-catchers to help you write this paragraph.
A complete paragraph includes the following:
1st sentence= A focus statement: What is your claim for how Ha’s life connects to “Doc-Lap at Last”?
2nd sentence= A piece of evidence from Inside Out & Back Again and/or “Doc-Lap at Last” that supports your focus statement
3rd sentence= An explanation of how this piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
4th sentence= A 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= An explanation of how this 2nd piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
6th sentence= A conclusion sentence (wrap up all of the information and ideas you provided!)
How to submit assignments via Google Docs
1. Login to your Gateway Google email account. It is in the following format:
User name= Your first name . Your last [email protected]
Example: [email protected]
Password for returning students=student ID number . First initial last initial
Example: 098712.ks
2. Select "Google Docs" from the drop down menu
3. Scroll down and retrieve the template I shared with you for the assignment you are working on
4. Select "file"
5. Select "make a copy"
6. Change the title to "Your first name Your last name Assignment Title"
Example: Katie Schwartz Quick Write 2
7. Select "ok"
8. Once inside your new copy, select "share" in the top right hand corner
9. Type in Ms. Schwartz's email address: [email protected]
10. Select "send"
Now you have created your very own copy of the assignment and I can view/comment on your work!
I will begin setting "office hours" soon where I will set up a window of time at night that I will be on Google Docs to answer your questions and provide homework assistance😊
User name= Your first name . Your last [email protected]
Example: [email protected]
Password for returning students=student ID number . First initial last initial
Example: 098712.ks
2. Select "Google Docs" from the drop down menu
3. Scroll down and retrieve the template I shared with you for the assignment you are working on
4. Select "file"
5. Select "make a copy"
6. Change the title to "Your first name Your last name Assignment Title"
Example: Katie Schwartz Quick Write 2
7. Select "ok"
8. Once inside your new copy, select "share" in the top right hand corner
9. Type in Ms. Schwartz's email address: [email protected]
10. Select "send"
Now you have created your very own copy of the assignment and I can view/comment on your work!
I will begin setting "office hours" soon where I will set up a window of time at night that I will be on Google Docs to answer your questions and provide homework assistance😊
Monday
September 28, 2015
Quick Write 2 Directions
Due: Wednesday, September 30th
Read pages 10-21 of Inside Out & Back Again (from the poem “TiTi Waves Goodbye” through the poem “Two More Papayas”). How is Ha’s life affected by where and when she is living? Write a complete paragraph in which you support your ideas with evidence from the text.
You may use your text and the notes you collected in your Google Docs file to help you write this paragraph. A complete paragraph will have:
1st sentence= A focus statement: What is your claim for how Ha’s life has been affected?
2nd sentence= A piece of evidence supporting your focus statement (hint: this can come right from the “evidence” column of your note-taking chart)
3rd sentence= An explanation of how this piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
4th sentence= A 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= An explanation of how this 2nd piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
6th sentence= A conclusion sentence (wrap up all of the information and ideas you provided!)
Please note: We will be adding notes to your note-taking Google Doc tomorrow (9/29) as well as working directly on this Quick Write in class so I recommend waiting to start working on this assignment at home until tomorrow night :)
Due: Wednesday, September 30th
Read pages 10-21 of Inside Out & Back Again (from the poem “TiTi Waves Goodbye” through the poem “Two More Papayas”). How is Ha’s life affected by where and when she is living? Write a complete paragraph in which you support your ideas with evidence from the text.
You may use your text and the notes you collected in your Google Docs file to help you write this paragraph. A complete paragraph will have:
1st sentence= A focus statement: What is your claim for how Ha’s life has been affected?
2nd sentence= A piece of evidence supporting your focus statement (hint: this can come right from the “evidence” column of your note-taking chart)
3rd sentence= An explanation of how this piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
4th sentence= A 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= An explanation of how this 2nd piece of evidence supports your focus statement.
6th sentence= A conclusion sentence (wrap up all of the information and ideas you provided!)
Please note: We will be adding notes to your note-taking Google Doc tomorrow (9/29) as well as working directly on this Quick Write in class so I recommend waiting to start working on this assignment at home until tomorrow night :)
Tuesday
September 22, 2015
Below are pages 1-9 of our novel, Inside Out and Back Again. You will be using the evidence and inferences you drew from these pages to complete Quick Write 1 which asks you to describe who Ha is as a person. Your Quick Write should include the following:
1st sentence= "focus statement" or main idea. Use an adjective to describe Ha based off of what we've read
2nd sentence= 1st piece of "evidence" that proves your focus statement. (Hint: this can come directly from the book, just make sure to use quotation marks and cite the page/stanza number)
3rd sentence= explanation of how your first piece of evidence proves your focus statement
4th sentence= 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= explanation of how your second piece of evidence proves your focus statement
6th sentence= conclusion (wrap everything up!)
Quick Write 1 is due Thursday 9/24.
1st sentence= "focus statement" or main idea. Use an adjective to describe Ha based off of what we've read
2nd sentence= 1st piece of "evidence" that proves your focus statement. (Hint: this can come directly from the book, just make sure to use quotation marks and cite the page/stanza number)
3rd sentence= explanation of how your first piece of evidence proves your focus statement
4th sentence= 2nd piece of evidence
5th sentence= explanation of how your second piece of evidence proves your focus statement
6th sentence= conclusion (wrap everything up!)
Quick Write 1 is due Thursday 9/24.