Week 11/28-12/2

I hope everyone had a relaxing Thanksgiving break where you were able to create lasting memories! The next three weeks are going to fly by and then we will be on break again (sleeping in is so nice). With that said, there is a lot to get done before final semester grades are due 12/16.

We will read the graphic novel Maus I: My Father Bleeds History and complete depth and complexity graphic organizers for each chapter (these organizers are designed to develop their critical and analytical thinking).

AR is also due 12/09 (that is in two weeks and it is 10% of their overall grade). Please make sure your child is reading and earning the required 35-points. You can keep track on Parent Portal (I put in the points as students take quizzes, so you can see their progress).

Monday
Maus I: My Father Bleeds History PDF
Chapter 1 Handout
Tuesday
Maus I: My Father Bleeds History PDF
Chapter 1 Handout
Wednesday
Maus I: My Father Bleeds History PDF
Chapter 2 Handout
AR Log Check (Log-5 entries/Signature)
  *Students need to be reading an AR book that has a reading level >3.5 for 30 minutes 5 nights per week. Students need to earn 35 points at every quarter checkpoint (12/9, 3/10 and 6/2). GOOD NEWS: Students only need to complete the front side  to take an AR quiz!
Thursday
Maus I: My Father Bleeds History PDF
Chapter 2 Handout
Friday
Maus I: My Father Bleeds History PDF
Chapter 1 Handout / Chapter 2 Handout Due: End of the Period

Week 11/21-11/25

If you are looking for a little fun and want to watch some of the talented students in my classes, please check out this video that Jacki L. created to showcase all of the performances. I hope you enjoy them--some will make you laugh and some might even bring tears to your eyes! #BestSchoolDayEver

This would be a great time for students to catch up on their reading (AR is due 12/9 and students need 35 points).

I hope all of you have a restful week that is filled with friends and family making memories to last a lifetime. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

School Newspaper Volume 1, Edition 6

Week 11/14-11/18

Last week, students really got into researching the Holocaust and applying their research skills to the three different types of writing: argumentative, explanatory, and narrative. Check out their awesome work here: Period 1  Period 2  Period 4  Period 5

This week, we will be working on our interactive notebooks. Students will be reviewing/learning the following literary terms: simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification, idiom, alliteration, onomatopoeia, allusion, and symbolism. All of these terms need to be explicitly taught in order to recognize and apply while reading the graphic novel Maus I: My Father Bleeds History. Students will begin to explore the symbolic nature of the animals chosen to portray certain racial groups in the graphic novel. The last day before Thanksgiving break should be a FUN one. Students will perform their original songs from "Thank You, Ma'am" for the class (I can't wait for this). 

Monday
Holocaust Gallery Walk
Tuesday
Interactive Notebook / Handouts
Wednesday
Interactive Notebook / Handouts
AR Log Check (Log-5 entries/Signature)
  *Students need to be reading an AR book that has a reading level >3.5 for 30 minutes 5 nights per week. Students need to earn 35 points at every quarter checkpoint (12/9, 3/10 and 6/2). GOOD NEWS: Students only need to complete the front side  to take an AR quiz!
Thursday
Maus I: My Father Bleeds History Symbolism 
Friday
"Thank You, Ma'am" Thematic Song Performance (Extra Credit)
Catch Up Day

Week 11/7-11/11

Last week, students enjoyed writing a song for the short film adaptation of "Thank You, Ma'am," even though, some actually would have rather written an essay (I see that as progress). They are really looking forward to the extra credit opportunity on Friday, November 18, where they will be able to perform their song for the class (I think I might be more excited than the rest of the class). CLICK HERE to see a sneak peak of the talented songwriters and performers!

This week, students will be working in partners on a class website to research different World War II/Jewish Holocaust topics. This is to build background for their upcoming graphic novel Maus I: My Father Bleeds History that we will begin reading after Thanksgiving break. They will be researching an assigned topic and including written articles using cited evidence and pictures from the time period to create an appealing and informative web page that covers the three writing genres: argumentative, explanatory, and narrative. Students will then use the gallery walk method to learn about the different topics and critique the work of their classmates.

Monday
Pre-Activity for Holocaust Research Website Design
Holocaust Research Website Design Example 
Tuesday
Holocaust Research Website Design Example
Wednesday
Holocaust Research Website Design Example
AR Log Check (Log-5 entries/Signature)
  *Students need to be reading an AR book that has a reading level >3.5 for 30 minutes 5 nights per week. Students need to earn 35 points at every quarter checkpoint (12/9, 3/10 and 6/2). GOOD NEWS: Students only need to complete the front side  to take an AR quiz!
Thursday
Holocaust Research Website Gallery Walk
Friday
Veteran's Day Holiday