Friday 12/19

We worked on Draft One of the Nighjohn essay today.  All work was done in google docs and shared with me.
The essay must be completed before the end of the day on Tuesday.

Thursday's poll

Here is the poll we need you to fill out before Friday.
Please be serious as it wil impact your group choice!

POLL

Wednesday 12/17

Today we outlined the essay we will write in class tomorrow.   If you finish this before class is over, you will begin drafting your essay in your reader's notebook.

HW: Complete the essay outline worksheet and bring ot class tomorrow

Tuesday 12/16

Today we looked at our longwrites to determine if we had connected the literary devices to the theme we selected.  Suggestions were made to use transitions to make those connections.  Students then began doing LW#11 which is a rewrite of LW#10 but with transitions.

I also collected Reading logs today.  There will be no further reading logs until after break.

HW: Complete LW #11

Monday 12/15/14

Today I am expecting you to:

1. Pull out the list of literary devices we talked about on Friday and review them. 
2. Choose a critical scene from Nightjohn to reread
3. Reread the scene looking for literary devices that are used by the author to help develop theme
4. Write Longwrite #10 where you think out loud about how the device illustrates or develops the theme. Be sure to use transitions to push your thinking and to make connections clear.

Look here for an example of the type of longwrite I am expecting for Longwrite # 10 literary devices  critical scene 1 (hint: label the longwrite this way!).

Due tomorrow:
Logs with 150 minutes and Longwrite #10.

Friday 12/12/14

Today we talked about how essayists go further than just investigating how plot furthers theme, they reread looking for author's craft moves that help develop theme.  These craft moves are typically literary devices that author's have at their fingertips.  We talked about how the next step is to reread the critical scenes with our detective glasses on looking for craft moves that help develop theme.  We looked specifically at Bradbury's "All Summer in a Day" at the scene where Margot is pushed into the closet. We talked about the author's use of commas and long sentences and how that related to the theme.

HW: Be sure to have reading logs completed by Tuesday (I will be out Monday) 150 minutes are expected. Be sure also to have Nightjohn books in class on Monday. You will be doing the work we talked abut today.

Thursday 12/11

Yesterday was a snow day so we did the work from yesterday today--We wrote another longwrite about another critical scene in an effort to reveal something more about our theme. By the timeyou come to class tomorrow, you should have completed 3 longwrites (#7,#8,#9) on three separate critical scenes.  We willwork with thes in class tomorrow. Also keep reading!

Tuesday 12/9

Today we spent time writing Longwrite # 8 critical scene # 2. This is to be a full page that investigates the language Paulsen uses and how themes works in the scene.

HW: Finish the longwrite if you didn't in class and read

Monday 12/8

Today we discussed the next step.  After deciding which theme to write about, students identified critical scenes that, if htey were considered, would reveal much more about theme. I modeled how to write a longwrite that investigates closely each critical theme. students are to write one full page that discusses the critical scenen and how theme works in it.  If stuck, use the prompt here to push you to write more and in depth.

HW: LW #8-critical scene #1
Logs due Monday

Friday 12/5

Today we discussed the next step in the process of becoming essayists--identifying critical scenes and reading closely to discover how theme works in those scenes. We walked thorugh the example of "All Summer in a Day" by Bradbury.  HW is to make sure your logs are done by Monday 12/8.

Thursday 12/4

Today we worked on thinking of other possible topics around which theme is developed in Nightjohn.  A version of the list is below.  We then started our third and fourth longwrite about theme in NJ.

HW: Complete LW #5 theme in NJ take 3 AND LW #6 theme in NJ take 4
  I will be collecting logs on Monday 150 min

POWER
RESPECT
SACRIFICE
EDUCATION
KNOWLEDGE
DETERMINATION
BRAVERY/COURAGE
PERSEVERANCE

Wednesday 12/3

Today we shared the problems we saw in the story and began trying our hand at possible themes by following the steps on the chart.
In reflections section students labeled a new page LW #3 Theme NJ take 1 and identified the problem, and what they were supposed to learn by looking at the problem in the story.  They were instructed and coached to write at least a page for this longwrite.

HW is to write LW #4 theme take 2 which is about another problem and possible theme that can be found in the book NJ. AND logs are collected Monday 12/8 with 150 minutes.

Please see my example of theme longwrites for "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury here to get an idea of what is expected in your own longwrites about theme.

Also here are some great ways to push yourself to add more to your writing.

Tuesday 12/3

Today we discussed the longwrite entries and how essential it is to use these as a space to tinker around with the  theories we have about potential theme. All students approach it differently and that is ok--some need to write first about the problem they see in the story then they can get to the theme, others can just jump right in and say the emerging theme is.... and then follow that up with examples and thinking through the text.  Remember your goal is to state a theme that is a full sentence and that applies to life.

We then spent time reviewing the story of Nighjohn as it has been a long time since we read the book in its entirety. Please see the summary cheat sheet here.

HW for tonight is to create a bulleted list(in reflections section of RN) of problems in the novel Nightjohn.  This list will be used in class tomorrow to begin writing long about potential themes in the book.

Also Logs will be collected Monday 12/8 150 minutes.

Monday 12/1

Welcome back from break.  I hope you were all able to relax.  We started new logs today--they will be due on Monday 11/7 with 150 minutes logged.  We read for 10 minutes then discussed the idea that themes surround us in life, we listened to about a minute and a half of Taylor Swift's Safe and Sound and talked about the possible themes in this song.  We came up with several different ones and realized that this text can have more than one theme.  I reminded students that all narrative texts have themes within them-- When we and literary critics search for these themes, we ask questions like, "What is this text really about?" or "What is this text trying to teach me about life?" Then we often explore those ideas more closely by writing long about them.

We then talked about the idea that Ray Bradbury's story "All Summer in a Day" does try to teach us about life.  I modeled the steps to writing a thematic essay by following the idea of jealousy through the story (see the chart linked for the steps).
Students then found other themes in the story. We noticed that it was easier to identify what the story was about than to identify what the author was trying to teach. With some support, everyone was able to identify a theme and we had a pretty good list of many different lessons presented in the story.

Tomorrow's work will be done with Nightjohn so be sure to bring those books to class.

Tonight's homework is to read for 20 minutes and write long about a possible theme in your book.  You can do this by choosing to write long on a post-it you have kept about a central problem or just by working through the steps outlined in class. If you are stuck on ways to extend your writing, try these ideas to help you write more. this needs to be in the reflections section of your notebook.

Wednesday 11/19

Today students read for 20 minutes, I assessed longwrites during this time in order to provide timely feedback so students could be informed about whether they are approaching them right or not.  We talked after about the need for transitions, the need for less summary and the reasons we read.  This lead to the idea that most students are missing the part of the longwrite where they reflect on what they noticed in order to gain a better  understanding of their world.
 My intention was to read "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury but we did not get there.  We will read this text on Friday.
HW: Redos are due on Friday (this is a great opportunity to erase entirely a low grade on the longwrite with anew one now that you know what changes to make)
Readin Logs are due MONDAY 150 minutes

Tuesday 11/18

Today we read for 10 minutes, we then brainstormed together ways to write long about each different category of post it.  I shared an example of a longwrite written on Nightjohn. Then students were asked to begin writing a longwrite using the rules sheet we pasted in the notebook yesterday.  The longwrite is due tomorrow (don't forget logs are due on Monday too).

Monday 11/17

Period 2 class took a little more time reflecting today. We then glued long write directions and ideas for extending longwrites into our reader's notebooks.  We discussed the "formula" for a fantastic longwrite.  HW for tonight is to read 20 minutes and take post its in order to be prepared for class tomorrow.

Period 8 and 9 We reviewed our goals and created a space to post them, put longwrite directions and ideas into our notebooks, discussed the formul and looked at some examples of longwrites.
 HW for tonight is to read 20 minutes and take post its in order to be prepared for class tomorrow.

Friday 11/14

This is today's agenda:

10 minute read--figure out how many minutes you need to reach 150 by Monday

Please take out Powerschool grade.  Look over grades--in all about me section of notebook, write about one of the assignments and tell what it taught you.  Did you do similar pieces before? What did you differently this time? If you were to do it again what would you try differently?

Now let’s look at your reading logs--first put them in order, now look for patterns, are there things that you are consistently doing wrong?  What can you learn from those mistakes?  What will you do differently next time? Where are you reading most efficiently?  What can you learn from this?  

Now check your completed books list as you compare them to your reading logs.  Are our numbers right?

What is one thing you would like to do better next quarter? Where do you feel you are not pushing hard enough? How will you achieve this goal?

participation. enthusiasm for learning, asking questions, reading, writing, taking criticism well, being a good partner, giving criticism, caring, communicating

How will you know you have reached these goals?

HW: Complete reflection with thoroughness. You will leave it with me on Monday.
Logs will be collected on Monday too

Thursday 11/14

I am at a conference today so you will use the time to recoup the 30 minutes you did not get reading this week today! You will read for 30 minutes then complete this worksheet and turn it in for a grade. Don't forget to print out your Powerschool grade for tomorrow and to read more tonight logs are due on Monday.

Wednesday 11/12

I hope everyone enjoyed the gorgeous day off yesterday.  We used class today to finish up presentations then to reflect on the whole process of this project.  Please log into the kidblog (at the top of this page) and open my post that says Reflections on Civil War Project. Copy the questions I posed.  Then return to the homepage, scroll down and find your blog on the right hand side ( as Cooper says just click the tab that says "My Blog"and start a new post and paste those questions so you have a guide but essentially spend time completing a thorough reflection of what you learned about yourself in your post.  This is due by 2:45 on Thursday. Also, tomorrow I will be at a conference so you need to bring your IR books, I will be giving you 30 minutes to read tomorrow and 10 minutes to write, if you don't have your book, you will have to read my selection.  Also on Friday we will be setting some goals so I need you to print out your powerschool grade--be sure to print from the screen that shows all of your individual English grades.

Due Tomorrow--BRING IR BOOKS
Due End of day on Thursday--reflection post
Due Friday at classtime--Printed Power School grade

Monday 11/10

2 slide presentations were started today. I see some improvement!  Nice work. New logs are due on Monday 10/17 so be sure you are reading and doing post-its.

Friday

Lots of great practice with presentations today!  Don't forget your Reading logs are due on Monday and so are your presentations.

Thursday 11/6

Today we talked about the important elements of a good presentation. Students are going to present their topic and their individual slides on Monday.  We initially thought presentations would happen tomorrow but due to so many students being out for All County (CONGRATULATIONS!!) we think we better make tomorrow be an intense practice day.  Remember the following points:

• Engage your audience by letting them know what is happening around your topic
• Engage your audience by speaking their language--identify who people and places are
• Give points of reference so the audience can make sense of the information you are providing
• Answer the question "So What?" make sure we know why the information you provided matters-what are we supposed to think about it?
• Control pacing

Wednesday

This morning's class spent time on the class blog reflecting over the 2 week period of study. Duncan and anyone else who was absent, you should be sure to log into your class blog (remember its your powerschool 4 digit number for the password) and do the reflection asked for in the post entitled "Civil War Reflection". Your entry should be a new post in your own blog that can be found on the bottom right of the homescreeen. Just scroll down until you see the long list of names and choose yours.

The afternoon class spent time finishing up presentations then reflected a bit.

HW: AM class finish up a thoughtful reflection post (20 point major grade) and

continue to read/log and post it.

Tuesday 11/4

Happy Election Day

Today was the day to show us what you know! Presentations happened all period.  At the end of the period, we took time to reflect a bit. More reflection tomorrow.
HW: READ/LOG/POST IT

Monday 11/3

Today we talked about the rubric for presentations in hopes of making students realize just having the slideshow done does not mean you are ready for the presentations! You wilneed ot break up the responsibilities and PRACTICE. You should not just read the slides to us, but rather tell a story about each slide, fill in juicy details to make it more interesting and compelling.  Students then spent hte reamainder of hte blocked period getting ready for tomorrow's presentations!  Much work needs to be done to ensure your presentations are the best they can be.

HW: practice presentaions parts for which you are responsible.  Continure reading in your IR books. 1590 minutes due next Monday.

Thursday

Welcome back to just English.  We took a few minutes to reorient ourselves in our books. Then we pulled up our slideshows and went to the kidblog linked above and answered the blog post for today. It simply asks us to reflect on the status of our slides so we can prioritize what is needed for a fantastic presentation on Tuesday.  Editing, whitespace issues, pictures, links etc...

HW: read
new logs are due 11/10  150 minutes with stickies!

Wednesday

I hear you did lots of good work on your slides while I was at my conference today. Thanks for working hard!
HW: slideshow ready to present on Tuesday
no blocking tomorrow.

Tuesday 10/28

Link to our slideshow for ideas 

One person will do statistics slide and Eyewitness slide
the other person will do the political/historical slide and the then and now slide

We will give time to brainstrom ideas in class and to give hints for searching but mostly students will spend time working on their assigned slides.  ALl 4 slides are due by the end of the block tomorrow.

Monday 10/26

Today we worked on slide #5.
Your HW is to:
Complete the impact slide (#5)
Create an alternate title for your topic on slide #1
Complete your notes packet

Thursday 10/23

Today we did a quick mini lesson on plagiarism. Students were then asked to fix their paragraphs to make sure they were in their own words.  We had intended to do a peer editing session but did not get to that periods 2 and 3.  The second part of the block started off with a quick overview of expectiations for slide number 2 then students were set off on the task of completing slides 1-4 for Monday. All links should work. All typos should be corrected. All components of hte slide should be present and suggested format followed. Please see the slideshow with directions link to the right.  Scroll down to slide #11 for the model slideshow and rules (just afer all the red slides that were meant to guide your template).

We will grade slides 1-4 on Monday. This will be major grade in both ss and in Eng.

Wednesday 10/22

Today we did lots of work today on the topic slide.  Be sure to check out the "daily rundown" link to the right for more details about class.

HW:  The topic slide is due tomorrow with its well-crafted paragraph and image from a reliable source.

Tuesday 10/21

Today we worked on answering the research questions you did for homework last night. We used books from class to do this and then we worked on filling in the notes packet that we started on Friday.

During the second part of the block students were instructed to work on their background slides because tomorrow they have to be completed and the partners will give a mini presentation that walks through background information with Mr. Clark.

HW: Be sure to complete the third slide which is background information--check the slideshow with directions link to the right to make sure you have all elements of this slide complete.  Know your background information so you can present it to us tomorrow.

Monday 10/20

Step 1: Log into your google account and go to your drive.
Tab 1: Slide Organizer
Tab 2: Look to the right for the link to slideshow with directions! (Under links for project)
Tab 3: Your slideshow (make sure it is named right--CW topic initials

HW: Fill in brainstorming slide

Friday 11/17

See here for Friday's plan.  Note we did NOT organize the slides.  Lots of great work filling in notes happened!  Nice work!

Thursday 10/16/14

Today we will check your annotations of your first article.  You will be given an opportunity to share what you learned about your topic ( and identify what you still need to know).
We will go over the slide show so you have a sense of the depth and breadth of research you need.  You will be given 20 minutes to find another article then we will go over the expectations for a story board.
HW: read and annotate article #2 and finish storyboard.

reminder:
all links to your articles need to be pasted onto your notes document.
you can find directions for each slide on the link to the right (under links for project).

Wednesday 10/15

It's Clarklisto Kickoff day.

Please fill out this survey with your partner.  We will use it to assign topics for the project.

HW: Find an article on your topic that is from a reputable site(see below) and read it and annotate it for homework. The link to the site should appear on your notes page. This will be graded tomorrow.

Timeline to START

Finding a reliable source hints:

• Add site:.edu to the end of your search terms  and it will only give you educational institution hits for example election of 1860 site:.edu
• Add site:.nps.gov  to the end of your search terms.  This will search just the National Parks service Website--great resources here!  for example election of 1860 site:.nps.gov

While you can use Wikipeida to get ideas about how to search, you may NOT use it as your final resource.  Feel free to browse the links at the end of the article to find a resurce that is helpful BUT Wikipedia articles will not be counted as your reliable resource!

By the time you leave class you should:

1. have completed the survey with your partner, 
2. created and shared a notes page with your partner, 
3. begun a google slide presentation and shared it with your teachers
4. found an article and had a teacher sign off on it, 
5. printed that article and 
6. be set to do your homework which is to read and annotate the article for tomorrow's class.

Tuesday 10/14

Today we worked on the slavery attribute packet. It is due for homework tomorrow.

Image Search quick Google tip

As we move into our Clarklisto project where you are going to be asked to find several images and to cite them you may find this video tutorial helpful!

Friday 10/10

You were in here for a blocked period today. The morning was a bit crazy because of pictures but we all got into our school gmail accounts and began a document that asked for a reflection on what you bring to a partnership and what you need in a partnership.  This is all to prepare for the upcoming CLARKLISTO project.  We then finished all of chapter 6 and began chapter 7.

If you were absent, you will need to see this document for instructions.
Logs will be collected on Tuesday.
Enjoy the long weekend.

Thursday 10/9

If you missed today, you should make sure you have answers to the handout from yesterday and that you read chapter 6.

Wednesday 10/8

Great job peeling back layers today with the discussion questions.  If you missed class, you missed some great insight into how Gary Paulsen manipulates us and tells a great story that while on the surface seems to be about disrespect for slaves, actually is a beautiful story of the humanness of slaves.  Be sure to look the questions over and talk to afirend about them or come see me.

HW: Read log post it--halfway check--do you have about 70 minutes logged?

Tuesday 10/7

Today we read for 10 minutes then spent time sharing out ideas and pushing each other to think more deeply about the questions on the handout using our books and evidence from the text to support our assertions.  2nd period class spent time looking at their Powerschool printout and I explained the codes I use on the program.

HW: Read/log/post it

Monday 10/6

Today we took 4 minutes to gather post its and turn them in with our logs.  We then read for 10 minutes. The morning class finished chapter 5, period 8 discussed chapter 5 and period 9 did a combination of both of those tasks.  Afternoon classes worked with PS grades quickly and then moved on to discussion. Morning classes will work with PS grades tomorrw so be sure to have them!

If you were absent, be sure to finish ch 5 and look at the discussion questions and to turn in your log with post its attached.

Learning lab link

ideas

Wednesday 10/1

Today we read for 10 minutes. You are gettign much better at post its! Remember I will collect all post its from the week of 9/29-10/5 on Moday with your log--don't lose them especially if you have finished a book.

After reading, everyone took a quiz.  This was your opportunity to show me everyhting you and your partner were able to get out of the reading and discussion of chapter 4. If you were absent, you need to make sure you see me to make this quiz up!

HW: Read/log/post it logs and post its due on Monday
Also print out your powerschool grade by Friday.  You will need the printout to show all the individual grades in English not just your overall grade. If you are not sure how to do this, see me or ask a friend!

Tuesday 9/30

Today after readign for 10 minutes, we continued reading and practicing post its with partners. Chpater 4 was completed and a writing activity will follow in class tomorrow. If you were absent, be sure to read all of chapter 4 and keep post its.
HW: Read/log and post it

Monday 9/29

I collected logs today. New logs were started for week of 9/29-10/5.  Post its muct be kept for the 150 minutes you are required to read this week.

We paired up and began ch 5 together in class. We kept post its as we read this very graphic chapter.

HW: READ/LOG/POST IT

If you were absent be sure to:

• Hand in reading log
• begin reading chapter 5 (approx. 5 pages..)

Thursday 9/25

Today we revisited the different types of post its--
reaction
vocabulary
connection to self
connection to another text
connection to another character
predictions
observations
connection to background knowledge
questions
places of confusion
epiphanies

We then created a t-chart where we used as many adjectives as we could to describe Waller and supported each with evidence from the text.

HW: Read. log and don't forget post its in you IR book. You will turn logs in on Monday AND post its

Wednesday 9/24

Today we read for 10 minutes then discussed characterization.  We split into groups and examined the first scene of chapter 3 where Nighjohn is brought onto the plantation. We discussed in pairs what this showed about Waller.
HW: read/log and post it Logs and post its collected on Monday

If you were absent today, be sure to show me your post-its on chapter 3 and if you are in period 2-you willneed to make up a quiz on chapter 3

Tuesday 9/23

We started class at the computer, students went to the link above to get to the class blog to complete the post regarding random acts of kindness. The way I see it, is this allows all of you to be able to share out what you did over the course of a week and what you learned from that experience. Secretly I am hopeful that you guys will read one another's posts and strive to do some of the same kind things for a lifetime.  Changing our culture happens one step at a time and you are the agents of change. Together our steps make a difference!

Once finished with reflections on RAK, I will return logs from yesterday and you will reflect on your grade in all about me section of notebook--namely you will set goals. Then you will read chapter 3 of NJ for 10 minutes. You will then partner up and discuss the chapter so far.  You will use your post its to prompt discussion. (We will start class tomorrow with this!)

HW: Read to end of chapter 3 in Nightjohn keep post its so we can have discussion tomorrow. You may log this time! Then read your IR books! Read/log/post it  Logs due Monday with 150 minutes.

Monday 9/22

Today I collected reading logs. If you were out be sure to turn yours in.  Students then read for 10 minutes and logged that time.
We reviewed reasons to keep stickies and then finished up chapter 1 and 2 of Nightjohn while keeping sticky notes.  We compared them and you were sent off to read your IR books and keep sticky notes!

Monday--Learning Lab

Hey Guys and Gals,
Sorry I had to be out this morning.  Please log into our blog and reply to my post.  Don't forget to fill out your reading logs for the 15 minutes you read in class today.

Friday 9/19

Today we read for 10 minutes.  We calculated how many minutes left to reach the 150 goal for Monday--some of you are well over it! Hurrah!  Don't forget to do all the math before class on Monday.

We then began reading Nightjohn and discussing post its and how we keep them as we go.
Post -its are a way to make your reading visible, to show what you are thinking as you are reading. It is a place to react and interact with your reading.

We read most of chapter one in all classes. If you were absent, it would be a great idea to read ch 1 and complete your log by Monday.  Have a great weekend!

Logs due Monday--ALL Math completed on the form by Monday you will turn it in right at the beginning of class.

Thursday 9/18

Today we read for 10 minutes--remember logs are due on Monday. They should be tallied and all columns completed BEFORE class.

We then talked about the what good readers do:
1.  They tap into background knowledge and that is helpful because it helps them relate to the text
2. They ask questions as they read--this keeps them engaged and holds them accountable for reading for understanding
3. They predict as they read
4. They make movies in thier minds

Please bring Nightjohn books to class tomorrow and do not forget to read your own IR book tonight.

Wednesday 9/17

·    10 minute read started class today and I checked in on logs. we then moved into a partner brain-dump what do you know about slavery? Share outs showed you know quite a bit.

   I then distributed Nightjohn books and we looked through the book and answered the question:

 Who is Sally Hemings?

·     HW: Read and log your time. Be sure to bring your NJ book and IR book to class tomorrow.

   If you were absent be sure to:

   Show me your reading log, get a book from me and review waht you know about slavery.

Tuesday 9/16

We will start class with 10 minutes of logged reading time, then move onto a reminder of random acts of kindness.
This video is an interesting one that may just inspire you to do more with your random acts of kindness. We will reflect for 5 minutes in our reader's notebooks about any standout experiences we have had so far.  Share out.

We will end with this book trailer for Nightjohn and the predictions we have based on our background knowledge of slavery.

HW: Read and log your time. 150 minutes due on Monday.

Monday 9/15

Today we glued "Genres at a Glance" into our reader's notebooks.  We also looked in depth at the reading log we will have to fillout weekly. Logs will go Monday to Monday and 150 minutes need to be recorded.  We then set up our folders where we will keep our completed books list and completed reading logs.  Then it was a 10 minute read.

HW: Read and log your time-150 minutes due on Monday 9/22

Friday 9/12

Today we read in IR books and discussed reader's workshop.
HW:
1. Record your RAK over the weekend
2. Read 20 minutes and notice your surroundings as you read.

Thursday 9/11/14

Today we started class watching this video of work by an 8th grade student.  I collected homework and looked through everyone's top 5 ways they would strive to make Lake Placid a more welcoming place.  Nice job.  We then moved into reflecting on the bonding day activities in Reader's notebooks in the All about Me section.  Students then committed to performing one simple kindness for the next week and recorded this in readers notebooks. I collected reader's notebooks at the end of class.

HW:
1. Be sure to choose and bring your IR book to class tomorrow
2. Be mindful of performing your random act of kindness and chart it in your agenda daily for a week.

If you were absent be sure to:

• Show me your five Random Acts of kindness 
• Answer reflection questions in your reader's notebook and show me those reflections
• have an IR book by tomorrow

Wednesday 9/10

Today in class we crowdsourced ideas for simple things we could do to make LP school a brighter, more welcoming place.
We then set up our reader's notebooks and will reflect in them tomorrow.  See here for notebook set up.

HW:
1. Look over our class ideas or this list from the internet and write down 5 simple kindnesses you think you could do for a week.
2. Be sure you have chosen a book to read by Friday and that you have it with you on Friday.

In class link for periods 8 and 9

Period 8 Simple kindnesses link

Period 9 Simple Kindnesses link

Monday 9/8

Today I will collect permission slips and check your notebooks for titles while you all fill out this survey.

Then let's watch a fairly inspiring video and discuss it.

Now let's see how many we can come up with on our own.

Homework:  Be sure to wear comfy clothes tomorrow, sturdy sneakers and bringa long a great atttiude! We are going to have fun!

September 5th

Today we will go over a few procedures, I will hand out permission slips and you will fill out the "getting to know you survey".  Next you will complete a short paragraph answering the question that follows:
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?  Tell me about this power and why you would want it. Would there be any drawbacks?

HW: Fill out permission slip and return Monday (I will scan this and connect it here 3rd period)
Begin to think about what book you will read first. You will need a book next week!

September 4, 2014

Welcome to day 1 in English. I had originally planned for you guys to complete the survey on the previous post today BUT I have created another one today for you to fill out first.  As I have most likely just talked about in class, we are going to go to the horseshow grounds and to Mt. Van Hoevenburg next Tuesday and we need a bunch of information from you so please fill out the survey here.  Make sure to follow my instructions for question #2.

You will receive permission slips tomorrow.

There is no homework this evening. Enjoy.

Welcome to My Classroom!

Welcome to English 8.  I am super excited to meet all of you and learn from you this year.  I have been working hard all summer attending conferences, reading books, blogs, and educational links, picking all the brains of my twitter peeps and colleaugues at LPHS to help me become the best teacher I can be.  You can be assured I am going to mess up sometimes but I know that is because we are going to take some risks in our learning and will learn something from each and every mess up.  I can't wait to jump in!


Please complete this survey in order to provide me with a little info about you.

To This Day poem Link here

Here is the link to the poem we watched in class today. Great discussion.

To This Day

Friday 6/6

Today we will take the STAR test.
Next you will go to the class blog and answer the questions posed for you there.  Each partner is responsible for responding.  The responses need to be thorough not just yes or no responses but rather ones that include much detail.
Next, you should all answer the reflection blog post. Be honest and provide as much detail as you can.  This will be important information that you will need next week. The more thorough you are now, the easier your job next week is!

Responses should be completed in class today but if you need more time, I will begin grading them on Monday night so they must be complete by then (BOTH responses)

Thursday 6/5

We finished up presentations today and reveiwed for your social studies test which happens on Wednesday

Wednesday 6/4

More presentations today with lots of questions from classmates written down!

Tuesday 6/3

Presentations happened today. The audience was charged with asking questions and commenting on the presentations they viewed.  We will post questions on the blog (click on link above) after presentations tomorrow and you will need to post a reply by Friday.  We will include a question or two for each group who presented. Both members will need to reply.

Monday 6/2

Today was the science test.  Afternoon classes used the extra time to submit presentations and share noodletools and to practice their presentations.
HW: be prepared to present tomorrow

Wednesday 5/27

Today we mapped out the game plan for the presentation. Mr. Clark and I showed our example and talked students through different scenerios.  We also focused on finding an historical document in class.
presentations will begin on Monday!

Grade 7

Click here to complete the reading survey please.

Monday -Thursday 5/19--5/2

Monday--research today packets due tomorrow
Tuesday--More research--packets due and mini presentations begin 2nd part of the block
Wednesday--Eyewitness accounts are to be found today.  Handout due by end of block (this includes the last prompt which is to share your refection on the eyewitness account with me via google)
Thursday--Other perspective to be found today. Handout due by the end of the block.(again includes google-doc reflection sharing)

Friday 5/16

Presentations today. Keep working on your topic research too.

Thursday 5/15

Today we did more research in class. Packets are filling up. I am hopeful your topic understanding is increasing as well!

English IR presentations tomorrow!

Wednesday 5/14

Today we finished up the KTN sheet and began using book sources in the classroom to find answers to our research questions. We were very impressed with grup work today. Nice job using each other to prompt more thinking!  HW: look for an internet source to give more info.


English IR presentations FRIDAY!

Tuesday 5/13

 Today we went over the project.  See the packet here for more info.
.
Please share your works cited page to the folder

Carlisto Image in Noodletools.

No reading logs this week BUT you will be reading tons for 

your research  :)

English IR presentations FRIDAY!

Monday

WWII overview.
No logs this week
Presentations about your books happen on Friday.

Wednesday-Friday 5/7-5/9

Work days including math classes !
Logs due Friday and presentations will happen next week.

Tuesday 5/6

Students worked with one another with the overview sheet in front of them talking through what the expectations were and working out different understandings. An example of prewriting work was shown--Thanks Tatum and Logan! They then were asked to talk about how they envisioned their presentation would look.  The goal was to push each other to be creative yet logical in their presentations.  Logs will be collected on Friday 150 minutes.

Afternoon classes here are your directions for class.

Monday 5/5

I thought I was going to be attending that technology day today but it has been moved to Wednesday.  Today we worked on finishing books that are due tomorrow or if students were done, they worked with one another with the overview sheet in front of them talking through what the expectations were and working out different understandings.  They then were asked to talk about how they envisioned their presentation would look.  The goal was to push each other to be creative yet logical in their presentations.  Logs will be collected on Friday 150 minutes.

Tuesday --Friday

Work on reading books/beginning project.

Monday 4/27

Today we went over the parameters for the project that you will work on once you finish your IR book by Tuesday 5/6.  Overview Handout.  We will spend time for the rest of the week reading books in class.  The math tests will happen Wed-Fri.
150 minutes collected on Friday

Tuesday and Wednesday 4/8 and 4/9

I am out because I am grading tests today and tomorrow.  You have a great opportunity to finish your 150 minutes in class or to work on Math in class for these two days.  Be as good as you always are for the sub. I'll see you on Thursday!
Logs due Friday 150 minutes.

Monday 4/7

Today we read for 10 minutes then I spent time explaining the week since I am going to be out for 2.5 days grading the ELA exams.  We tehn logged into the class blog and reflected on Monday's experiences.  We used the handout below to help in this process.  handout.
Homework: Read/log/post it
Remember your Historical book has to be completed by May 5th.
Also remember that you need to be keeping post its to mark wherever you see connections between your book and your research.

Friday 4/4

Please click here to answer survey.

Now I will share a link with you. Once you have it, create a folder called Digital Resources. This folder has to be in your drive.  Move the document with the link into the folder you created.

Open a document that you and your partner will collaborate on. (One person creates one, shares it with the partner and with me and Mrs. Allen). NO TALKING ALLOWED.  All gamil addresses will be projected.

Look through those operators, then complete the following tasks. 

Record your answers on the shared document--in order to get full credit all members of the group must share in the recording of the answers.

Find:

1.  I am in need of an article I read but did not print out.  I did, fortunately write down the title will you please try to find it for me? Use one of the modifiers from the wksht.  The title is, "Montana Soccer Mom Moment" I feel like it probably was in a newspaper.  When you find it, paste the link onto your shared document please. Indicate which modifier you used.

2 I know I read an article on NPR about Cairos' securuty beiung tested for a world cup match. Can you find it for me? Paste the link to this information on that shared doc.  Indicate which modifier you used.

3.  I need to find a pdf of the short story "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street". Would please paste the link onto the shared document?  Indicate which modifier you used.


4. Records show Iron Jacket had only one granddaughter. What was her name?  Note how you break this down in order to find the answer.  Paste teh answer on the shared document.

Now go to the class blog and answer the questions there (look for the links at the top of this blog--your password is your powerschool login)

Thursday 4/3

LAST DAY OF ELA EXAM! Awesome job trying hard for 270 minutes.  I appreciate all your effort.
Let's talk books today and share our recommendations with others who might want to grow their lists.  Fill out the survey at the link here and it will generate a list we can share with each other and the school.  This will be the first grade of Q4 so be sure to captialize and be thorough.
Hand in your completed books list now.



Now log into powerschool and check your current grade.  If you have questions about grades or want to make work up, you will need to do so by the end of the day Friday. If you need to make up work you must print out your powerschool grade and highlight the work you are turning in, then stapl;e the work to the pawerschool grade.  This must be done by Friday.

Now would be a great time to look for a book that is about your topic from the beginning of the year. Check our library first and keep that link open while you then check out other resources like Amazon, Goodreads or Scholastic.  Write possible titles down in your "To Read" section of RN.

These books have to be completed by May 4. YOu msut be able to make 5 connections to your topic.

Tuesday/Wednesday 4/1 4/2

Today we took the state test and then filed papers and set goals for quarter 4.
No logs this week.

Monday 3/28

Today we reveiwed the format of the test and answered questions students have.  No Logs this week.

Friday 3/28

It was so good to be back today.  We decided to take a week off logs but not reading so no log will be collected next Friday but kids assured me they would still read!  We discussed book 2 and reflected on our own process of taking the test then made some observations about what makes a 2 a 2 and it seems:
a minimum of 2 specific details from the text
a restatement of the question in some way 
and TRANSITIONS 
were qualities found in every 2 point response

No official homewrok though reading is encouraged.

Wednesday/Thursday

We took a sample book 2 on on these days.

I was at a November Learning Workshop and got some great ideas!  I will collect logs tomorrow.

Tuesday 3/25

Today we worked on figuring out the strategies we have at our disposal for taking multiple choice questions and shared those strategies with one another.

HW:
read/log post it
LW#11

Paragraph 1

title/author
identify the post it as one of the 5 signposts
explain why/how it is that signpost

Paragraph 2
answer the anchor question thoroughly

Paragraph 3
tell what was learned about character. conflict, plot and/or theme

Test for you JO

Click here for form

Monday 3/24

We took another practice book one today. We will reflect on the process in class tomorrow. I collected logs and gave out new ones for the week of 3/24-3/28--only 100 minutes this week.

If you were absent-You will need to see me to turn in your log and to take the test.

Thursday 3/20

Jay Asher came in to school to speak today.  Morning classes took their social studies test in the shortened period. Afternoon classes read a nonfiction article on "Nice Girls"
HW: Read log/post it--logs collected on Monday.

Wednesday 3/19

Today we worked in groups to pick apart the test to begin thinking like a test maker and looking for the distractors.  HW: Read/log/post it

3/18

We talked about the NYS exam today and took a practice multiple choice sample so we had a common text to discuss. If you were absent, you will need to make this up as it will be graded. Logs will be collected on Monday.  Your final draft of the letter is due by the end of the day tomorrow.

Ned the link to your story in order to add more text details?  Here it is.

Monday 3/17

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Today we worked with each other's papers and focused on transitions that were used.  the final draft of the paper will be due on Wednesday.  All changes should be made on Drive.  Logs will be collected next Monday.

Collaboration sheet transitions

Click the link to the collaboration page to share your observations.  Be sure to "tag" your observations by adding your names (in the color you have chosen) in the legend. Do not duplicate colors please.

READ DIRECTIONS ABOVE BEFORE YOU CLICK HERE!

Friday 3/14

Happy Pi Day.  Today we finished rough drafts of the letter to Uncle Hiroshi.  Monday we will peer edit these letters.  I also collected logs for week of 3/7-3/14 and new logs were handed out.

3/13 Thursday

Today I met with 2nd period for 13 minutes so they read for that time and turned in LW #10.
HW: Read/log/post it logs collected tomorrow

8th and 9th periods applied a checklist to their longwrites and were given the opportunity to rewrite them for homework tonight. We then worked on the rough draft of the letter and everyone shared it to my google email.


CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO A ROUGH DRAFT SAMPLE

HW: read/log/post it and rewrite LW if you choose  LOGS collected TOMORROW--150 minutes

Wednesday 3/13

Today we used a checklist to be sure our LW were right.  Students had opportunity to rewrite longwrites if they wanted.  We then worked on the rough draft of the essay.
HW:read log post it

I did not meet with 8th and 9th periods due to snow emergency.  We will do this work tomorrow.

Tuesday 3/11

Today we read for 10 minutes.  I gave an example of what a first draft of an essay looks like and then students worked a bit more with their lists that they did for homework to make sure they had a plan as they approached the writing.  First drafts were started by most in their Google accounts.

HW: LW#9
Requirements:

• title/author and all other items on the LW guideline sheet.
• identify the post it as one of the 5 signposts
• explain why/how it is that signpost
• answer the anchor question thoroughly
• tell what was learned about character. conflict, plot and/or theme

Monday 3/10

Today we read for 10 minutes, then spent 20 minutes working with a partner to get smarter about the theme surrounding responsibility in the story "The Six Rows of Pompons".
I spent about 7 minutes discussing the assignment.  HW for tonight is to generate a list of possible ideas to use in the letter to Uncle Hiroshi (see #1 on assignment sheet)
and to read/log and post it.

3/7

Today we worked on peeling back more layers surrounding theme in the story we read yesterday. I also collected logs.

3/6

I had to be out today with a sick child.  Students read "The Six Rows of Pompons" together with a partner in class noting signposts along the way.  We will write off this story in class tomorrow. If you were absent, you will need to see me to get the handout.  Friday is tomorrow and I will be collecting your reading logs for the week of 2/28 to 3/7.

3/5

As today was just a half day I only saw periods 2 and 3. I checked longwrites these periods and conferenced with students about these.  Reading logs collected Friday. 150 minutes.

Tuesday 3/4

Today we are learning about the "Again and Again" signpost through an excerpt from Hatchet.

Your assignment is to read log and post it and complete Longwrite #8. In this longwrite you must name the signpost, explain the post it, answer the anchor question and tell what you learn abut conflict, character, plot and/or theme.

Monday 3/3

Today we read for 10 minutes, wrote a longwrite for 10 minutes then read an informational text about Chris Waddell.
 HW: Read/log post it noting signposts

Friday 2/28

Today we debriefed yesterdays' activity, read for 30 minutes then turned in logs and post its.
 HW: Read/log post it noting signposts

Thursday 2/27

Today we worked with children's books to find words of the wiser, then with Thank you Ma'm and then in IR books.
 HW: Read/log post it noting signposts

Wednesday 2/25

Today was words of the wiser sign post.   HW: Read/log post it noting signposts

Tuesday 2/25

Today we worked in centers to reinforce tough questions. HW: Read/log post it noting signposts

Monday 2/24

Today we learned the signpost Tough Questions. HW Read log post it noticing tough questions

Friday 2/21

There was an assembly in the afternoon so I did not get an opportunity to meet with all classes. Those classes that did meet, turned in logs and read for 10 minutes. We then reviewed why we stop and take notice and note of contrasts and contradictions and aha moments. We recognized that we do this in order to get more information about plot, character and conflict. It is important because we need to become a part of the text we are reading and without doing this work, we stay on the surface of the text.

HW: logs collected next Friday 2/28 and post its collected too.

Thursday 2/20

Today I was in NYC learning how to become a better teacher. WHile I was away, you read "Raymond's Run" bY Toni Cade Bambara and competed a worksheet on the story.  If you were absent, please see me to make this up as it was graded.

HW:Logs collected tomorrow.

Friday

Happy Valentines day and SNOW DAY! I was wrong. I predicted ( very boisterously) we would have school. Hopefully you all banked on it and did HW so you can chillax for the midwinter break. I will be out on Thursday because I will be learning how to be a better teacher in NYC. You will complete a similar worksheet as Tues and Wed. I will take the highest grades of the 3. Try your best! I will collect logs on Friday.

Thursday 2/13

Well we are all feeling better and I was back today. You took a quiz on the short stories and received a bit of a lecture about taking work seriously! Not all of you needed it as many did well on the quiz but others did not. 

Tomorrow I will collect 120 minutes on logs and post its. 

2/12

Ugh now my boys are ill! Today you were asked to read "The Storyteller" by Saki. Today you had the option to choose a partner as reports from yesterday indicated a few of you were struggling. The hope is together you will the able to identify contrasts and contradictions and aha moments. Again this will be collected and graded. Also logs are due Friday--120  minutes!

Tuesday 2/11

Ugh. I was sick today. In class you read " Rain Rain Go Away" by Isaac Asimov. While reading, you were asked to fill out a worksheet wherein you noticed aha moments and contrasts and contradictions. This was collected and will be graded.  I hope to be in tomorrow.

Monday 2/10

I collected logs today. New logs will go until Friday 2/14 and 120 minutes is the expectation. I also presented a lesson on aha moments. We read excerpts from Crash by Jerry Spinelli.

Thursday and Friday

Happy winter carnival. Don't forget your snow gear! Logs collected Monday 2/10

Wednesday 2/5

Today I gave a lesson on contrasts and contradictions. I will collect logs Monday 2/10 

Happy winter carnival!

Tuesday 2/4

Awesome job on Flocabularies!
Logs collected Monday 2/10 150 minutes

2/3 Monday

We read for the period and then wrote a formal longwrite. If you were absent please see me to make the work up as it is a major grade.

Logs collected Monday 2/10

1/28

Today we presente 20 beat choices and gave picture finding suggestions.  HW: rea 100 minutes by Friday and find and cite on Noodletools 5 pictures.

1/27

Today we worked on finalizing final drafts by being sure 8 vocab words were emboldened, History was underlined and Poetic devices were highlighted.
All final drafts must be shared to me by tomorrow
angiecarlisto@gmail.com
  or
acarlisto@lpcsd.org

1/24

I collected logs.  Final drafts of songs are due Monday.

1/23

We worked on storyboards today.
HW: Finish rough draft
Read/log/post it--100 minutes due Friday

1/22

This was an information gathering ay for FLocab and a day to begin organizing thoughts on writing your song.

HW: Read log post it--100 minutes due Friday

1/21

We kicked off Flocab today.  We also handed out permission slips for winter carnival.  100 minutes are due on the reading log this week.

Students are encouraged to do some research on their own in order to be better prepared for writing their songs. Don't forget the site:.edu search tool we learned in class.

We will be working on Flocab until the end of January. Be sure to ask your student about his/her project.

Friday 1/17

I collected logs and LW#8 today then we played with the lyrics to your songs to find literary tools.
HW: read/log/post it

1/16

Today we read for 10 minutes and talked books for a bit. We then shifted to poetry discussion. We will work with songs tomorrow.
HW: Longwrite # 8--Be sure to use paragraphs an to use transitions.  A good longwrite clearly explains the post it that has been kept!

I will also collect logs tomorrow--150 minutes!

Wednesday 1/15

Today we read for 10 minutes we then worked more with poetry terms by looking oat 4 poems.  I checked long writes. HW: read/log/post it

Tuesday 1/14

Today we read for 10 minutes then got the answers to the poetic terms worksheet yesterday.  We will work through our own songs tomorrow to find examples of each literary tool.  Hw for tonight is long write #7. It should be based on a post-it. Take care to include specific details and to separate into paragraphs.

Monday

1/13
Today in class we read for 10 minutes then did an activity which tested our knowledge of poetic terms. HW: find lyrics to a song you like and print them out (they must be clean!)

Friday 1/10

We completed a formal longwrite in class today after reading for approximately 25 minutes.  I also collected logs and final drafts in class.

Thursday 1/9

We worked on revisions all period today. Final drafts are due tomorrow.  ALSO I will collect logs 100 minutes due tomorrow.
Final drafts can be emailed to me at acarlisto@lpcsd.org, or angiecarlisto@gmail.com

Wednesday 1/8

Today we sat through a mini lesson on Noodletools. Students were instructed to make changes then share their Noodletools to my Wonderopolis dropbox.  Then students worked on revisions based on the comments provided in their "Final drafts" turned in before break.  Final drafts will be due Friday.  HW: read/log/post-it

1/7

Today we read for 10 minutes then read several more Wonder examples to reinforce the idea that they are meant to be fun, engaging and informative.  We talked about parenthetical references and the need to use them I then returned wonders with lots of suggestions.  Tomorrow we will work toward revising the wonders so be sure to have your thumb drives, google docs or an email available to access your papers.
HW: read/log/post it and bring in thumb drive with paper on it.

1/6

Welcome back from a long break.  We eased back in by organizing returned papers, reflecting on logs and writing that reflection in the me section of our reader's notebooks.  We set goals for the next five weeks based on what we learned about ourselves through our logs.  We then eased back into our books and wrote a LW about one character.  The long write is to begin as a traditional long write but instead of writing about a post it we are to describe a character using 3 adjectives.  Then we are to write a paragraph for each of the adjectives that provides details that prove that character trait to be true.
HW: complete long write #6 and read