Week 1/30-2/3

Last week, we had some amazing discussions regarding the first part of Fahrenheit 451. For the most part, students are enjoying the depth and complexity of the novel, especially when we discuss, analyze, and pick apart the text for the deeper meaning. It is wonderful to see the "light bulb" or "ah-ha" moments when the students figure something out or question something without any guidance. They are still a little nervous to speak up for fear that they won't have the "right" answer; however, I am trying to break them of that. When it comes to questioning and thinking about the text, if they can back it up with evidence, then it can't be wrong (everyone just might not agree with them, but isn't that life?). 

This week, we will watch Part 1 of "Fahrenheit 451" in order to compare and contrast the two (the book is so much better than the movie). We will also finish the handout and turn it in on Wednesday at the end of the period. The "fun" really starts Thursday and ends Friday, when students write a literary analysis essay based on one of three prompts regarding the novel. While this essay will still be graded on all standards, I will focus mainly on their evidence choice and analysis of the text in regards to the prompts. During this novel, the student's ability to analyze grows tremendously--I can't wait to see and celebrate their growth!

Monday
"Fahrenheit 451" Movie Comparison
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1
Tuesday
"Fahrenheit 451" Movie Comparison
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1
Wednesday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1 Due Today
AR Log Check (Log-5 entries/Signature)
*Students need to be reading an AR book that has a reading level of 3.5+ for 30 minutes 5 nights per week. Students need to earn 35 points at every quarter checkpoint (3/10 and 6/2). Please see the AR Log for more information. GOOD NEWS: Students only need to complete the front side to take an AR quiz!
Thursday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Part 1 Essay Test
Friday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Part 1 Essay Test

School Newspaper Volume 1, Edition 10

Week 1/23-1/27

Last week, students learned about the 1950s time period and made some connections the 1950s have in common with today. They also looked at the main themes that we will be studying while reading Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. On Friday, we finally started reading and analyzing the text! They started off a little confused, but they worked through it by asking questions, dissecting the text, analyzing the use of literary devices and themes, and then putting all the pieces together. 

This week, we will continue to read Fahrenheit 451. Once again, I highly recommend that students have their own personal copy of the novel to write in, underline, highlight, etc. It is not a requirement as I have books for class use and a PDF online; however, it will help them interact and dissect the text (this often leads to a deeper connection and understanding of the text). 

Please engage them in discussion regarding the text--the more they think and talk about it, the more they will understand it and be able to analyze it. Simple questions such as: 1) what part stood out to you and why, 2) how does this relate to Bradbury's era and is it still relevant today, 3) summarize what you read today in regard to a particular theme, 4) explain something that you didn't understand at first, but understand now after discussing it, etc., will require them to think about the text in new ways. There aren't really "correct" answers to these probing questions as long as students can use evidence to prove what they are stating.

Monday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1
Tuesday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1
Wednesday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1
AR Log Check (Log-5 entries/Signature)
*Students need to be reading an AR book that has a reading level of 3.5+ for 30 minutes 5 nights per week. Students need to earn 35 points at every quarter checkpoint (3/10 and 6/2). Please see the AR Log for more information. GOOD NEWS: Students only need to complete the front side to take an AR quiz!
Thursday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1
Friday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1

School Newspaper Volume 1, Edition 9

Week 1/16-1/20

Last week, students worked really hard on completing their argumentative/research essays on a topic of their choice. They chose the topic, did all of the research for the topic using credible sources, took notes, created a works cited page, and then wrote the argumentative essay with minimal assistance. I even had one student say, "Ms. Toll I didn't believe you at the beginning of the year when you said that essays would get easier, but you were right! This essay is so easy!" That comment made my week! It is now my turn to grade them. I try to do this ASAP to get the students as immediate feedback as I can; however, it still takes about 15 minutes to read, comment, and assess each essay. Here are some of the top essays that I have assessed so far!

This week, students are going to start Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. We will begin with a pre-reading activity to get them acquainted with the author and the time period it was written, which definitely influences the themes within the novel. After the pre-reading activity, we will begin reading by listening to the audio recording and/or partner reading to improve their listening and speaking skills and their fluency. This book will definitely be guided and explicitly taught with a study guide in order for students to understand the depth of the novel and write the literary analysis essays at the end of each part. 

Monday
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observed
Tuesday
Fahrenheit 451 Pre-Reading Guide and Slidedeck
Wednesday
Fahrenheit 451 Pre-Reading Guide and Slidedeck
AR Log Check (Log-5 entries/Signature)
*Students need to be reading an AR book that has a reading level of 3.5+ for 30 minutes 5 nights per week. Students need to earn 35 points at every quarter checkpoint (3/10 and 6/2). Please see the AR Log for more information. GOOD NEWS: Students only need to complete the front side to take an AR quiz!
Thursday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1
Friday
Fahrenheit 451 PDF
Fahrenheit 451 Plot Diagram / Character Sketch / Study Guide Part 1

Week 1/9-1/13

We made it through the first week back after winter break! Students powered through the MAP Reading Assessment (more on this later), updating their e-portfolios and class portfolios, and started their first essay of the semester. School is definitely back in session!

The MAP Reading Assessment is a norm-referenced test to determine academic achievement and potential growth areas. The first assessment in August was the baseline score. In Parent Portal, I have included the Fall and Winter RIT scores for each student (it is in the comment section of Assignment #2). 

The GATE/Honors students averaged a RIT score of: Fall 234.9 and Winter 237.4. The growth target projected was 1.04, which the students exceeded since they grew by 2.5 RIT points--you have some smart kiddos! The best way for students to continue to improve their RIT score in reading (or any standardized reading test) is by reading more! 

Please refer to the following documents for more information: RIT to Smarter Balanced and Target Scores. Also, please ask to see your child's MAP Score Summary Report (it included information for both math and reading) that needs to be signed and returned by Tuesday, January 10.

Monday
Argumentative/Research Partner Essay: 1)Directions, 2)Planning Notes Due 01/10, and 3) Essay/Rubric Due 01/13
Tuesday
Signed MAP Score Summary Report Due
Argumentative/Research Partner Essay: 1)Directions, 2)Planning Notes Due 01/10, and 3) Essay/Rubric Due 01/13 
Wednesday
Argumentative/Research Partner Essay: 1)Directions, 2)Essay/Rubric Due 01/13
AR Log Check (Log-5 entries/Signature)
*Students need to be reading an AR book that has a reading level of 3.5+ for 30 minutes 5 nights per week. Students need to earn 35 points at every quarter checkpoint (3/10 and 6/2). Please see the AR Log for more information. GOOD NEWS: Students only need to complete the front side to take an AR quiz!
Thursday
Argumentative/Research Partner Essay: 1)Directions, 2)Essay/Rubric Due 01/13 
Friday
Argumentative/Research Partner Essay: 1)Directions, 2)Essay/Rubric Due 01/13

Week 1/2-1/6

Welcome back to the start of a new year and a new semester! It will be a new beginning for all and the last semester before these middle schoolers become high schoolers--time flies! 

Important habits to make this semester are for students to not procrastinate on their assignments (especially AR), to try their best, to stay on top of their assignments and grades by checking Parent Portal, and to advocate for themselves by contacting their teachers if they have any questions. These habits will definitely make them successful not only in middle school, but in high school as well.

Students will be taking the district-required MAP Reading Assessment. The MAP Reading Assessment is given three times per year: fall, winter, and spring to assess and celebrate growth. The MAP Reading Assessment is also crucial for high school placement. The high school English department and counselors will be evaluating the RIT scores to determine the proper placement for each student: English 9 Honors or English 9. 

This first MAP Reading Assessment was the baseline score and was used to identify strengths and areas for growth. In Parent Portal, I have included the baseline RIT score for each student from the fall and I will update it with the winter score as soon as students have completed the assessment (all of this information will be in the comment section for Assignment #2: Reading Diagnostic MAP). Please refer to the following documents for more information: RIT to Smarter Balanced and Target Scores. 

Monday
Holiday
Tuesday
MAP Reading Assessment
Wednesday
MAP Reading Assessment
Thursday
MAP Reading Assessment
E-Portfolios
Friday
Portfolios
Argumentative/Research Partner Essay: 1)Directions, 2)Planning Notes Due 01/10, and 3) Essay/Rubric Due 01/13