Good Afternoon,
Today, we began a small Reader´s Theater unit related to African Folktales. It should be a lot of fun! We also reviewed the information from Chapter 6, Lesson 4- The Kongo Kingdom.
Coursework:
1. Continue with research of African country- due next class.
2. Practice Reader’s Theater parts
3. iReady- reading and math- Complete by January 22nd.
Consultations- B Week:
1/12- Idsinga, Giles, Altukoff
1/15- Hagedorn, Palmer, Horrocks
Please feel free to contact me with any questions!
Lauren Bergerson
Hello and Happy New Year!
Today the students were introduced to our next project, which will integrate both writing and history. The students will be creating a research project about an African country. In history, we also review Chapter 6, Lesson 4- The Rise of the Zimbabwe State.
iReady- The window for Winter iReady has opened and will end January 22nd, Please have your student take both the reading and math portions at home, at your direction (Just like in the Fall). You may break up the testing sessions however works best for you and your student. Please encourage your student to do their best, and work on their own, so that we get the most accurate information. I know this add another item onto your plate, and I truly appreciate you help.
Scholastic Magazines- I will send out the January work tomorrow. Also, the school has been receiving some physical copies of the magazines. I will place copies of the magazine and worksheets in the office, for anyone who would prefer those. No need to let me know that you want them. Just let Dinie know which topics you would like, and she can grab them for you.
Coursework-
African Country Research Project 1. Find at least 3 credible resources for your research and fill out the African Country Research Sources page. 2. Begin researching the information from the African Country Research Checklist. All research is due on Tuesday, the 19th, but you need to space out you research in order to not be overwhelmed.
Consultations- A Week-
1/5- Dixon, Thostenson, Conder
1/8- Green, Demchukov
Thank You,
Lauren Bergerson
Hello CL 7/8 Families,
Today the students shared and reflected on their final drafts of their Origins of Sports and Games essays. I am so impressed with the quality of their essays! We also previewed our next history topic: The Rise of the Coastal Trading States.
Coursework-
Writing- No work assigned
History- Read Chapter 6, Lesson 2 and answer review questions 1-4
Also, I sent out an email about December advising on Friday. I am going to paste the message here for anyone who may have missed it: This week wraps up November consultations. December consultations begin the week of December 7th. If you look at our school calendar, weeks are split A/C and B/D, making it impossible to complete all consultations in the allotted time. In lieu of our typical video conference consultation please email me the details of your student’s progress since our previous consultation. Please complete this form no later than DECEMBER 16th. This will give me the ability to input all data into our system and get you a copy of my portion of our consultation. This will be considered an “emailed consultation” and will be attached to your child’s consultation for the month of December.
Please feel free to email with any questions!
Lauren Bergerson
Hello CL Families!
Today, in writing, the students learned about how to create and format a work cited page. They will be including this with their Origins of Sports and Games essay. In history we discussed what village life was like during the time of the West African empires. We discussed proverbs, and studied some proverbs of from West Africa and discussed what we could figure out about their culture from the proverbs. Finally, the students practiced writing their own proverbs, and had their classmates guess its meaning.
Coursework:
Writing-
1. Complete a rough draft of your essay.
2. Complete a Work Cited page.
History- There is no history homework this week. Instead, I would like you to focus on getting caught up on any missing assignments. This can be for any of your classes, or on home subjects that you might be behind on.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concern.
Thank You,
Lauren Bergerson
Hello CL 7/8 Families!
In writing yesterday we began our first research project of the year. In this project the students will be researching the origins of a particular sport or game. The focus in writing class was how to identify reliable vs. unreliable internet resources for research. In history we reviewed the first of the West African empires: Ghana.
Coursework for this week-
Writing-
1. Find at least three reliable resources for topic research. Verify reliability of each site through the checklist provided in Classroom.
2. Research each of the parts of the Origins of Sports and Games outline on Classroom.
History- Read the information about Mansa Musa and the Mali Empire and answer the two accompanying questions. Found on Classroom.
Scholastic Magazine Update-
1.To access the magazines go to one of the following sites:
scope.scholastic.com
choices.scholastic.com
art.scholastic.com
2. Click on Log In, and then I’m a Student
3. Enter the class access code. Updated student access code for all magazines: classlink
*Please feel free to use articles that work best for your child and family.
Consultations this week- A Week-
Tuesday, 11/3-
Dixon- 1:00
Thostenson-1:30
Conder-2:00
Friday, 11/6-
Green- 1:00
Demchukov 1:30 and 2:00
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Thank You,
Lauren Bergerson
Hello CL 7/8 Families,
This week in writing the student continued to work with the rough drafts of their Mandala Essays, focusing on strong concluding paragraphs. In history, we are wrapping up Ancient Rome and the Byzantine Empire, and are moving into the ancient empire of West Africa.
Coursework-
Writing- Please complete the final draft of your Mandala Essay.
History- We are beginning a new unit about West Africa. Please complete the following:
-Read through the introduction information on pages 106-107.
- Read Chapter 5, Lesson 1, and answer review questions 1-5 on page 111
Extra Credit- Self Portrait Mosaic
Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.
Thank You,
Lauren Bergerson
Hello ClassLink Families,
This week the students reviewed types of hooks for engaging their audience in their writing. In history we reviewed the rise of the Byzantine Empire, mosaics and the Hagia Sophia.
Coursework:
1. Writing-Mandala Essay- Work on revising your essay, working towards 4's using the rubric that is attached to the assignment in Classwork. The focus of this week is also to create an engaging hook using one of the strategies that we discussed in class today. We will still be working with our drafts next class, and are not to the final draft stage yet.
2. History- Watch and take note on the videos about the rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire, and the Hagia Sophia. The links are under the assignment in Classroom.
3. Extra Credit- Create a self portrait mosaic using any type of material- small pieces of colored paper, felt, stones etc.
B Week Consultations:
Tuesday 10/13-
Idsinga- 1:00
Giles- 1:30
Altukoff 2:00
Friday 10/16-
Hagedorn 1:00
Palmer 1:30
Horrocks 2:00
Please feel free to email me with any questions!
Lauren Bergerson
Hello ClassLink 7/8 Families,
This week the student share the mandalas that they created to represent themselves. They also learned about how they will create an essay about themselves, based on their mandalas. In history, we review the acquainted cultures of ancient Rome, Persia, China and Gupta India.
Homework-
Writing- Mandala Essay Rough Draft- Please complete as much as possible by next Tuesday.
History- Read Chapter 2, Lesson 3, and complete questions 1-5 on page 45
A Week Consultations-
Tuesday 10/6-
Dixon 1:00
Thostenson 1:30
Conder 2:00
Friday- Professional Development Day- No consultations scheduled.
Please feel free to email me with questions or concerns.
Thank You,
Lauren Bergerson
Hello Class Link 7/8 Families,
Today the students worked on setting up blogs, which we will use in writing class. The students also reviewed the 5 themes of geography and their relationship to the Roman Empire. We also discussed how cultures interacted with each other during the time of the Roman Empire, and cultures might benefit from contact with other cultures.
Homework:
Writing- Mandala for You- The students are creating an art component this week, which will lead into a writing assignment next week.
History- Read Chapter 2, Lesson 2, and complete questions 1-5 on page 37.
i-Ready Reading, and Math for student who aren't in a math class at school- Due Friday, October 2nd.
D Week Consultations:
Tuesday 9/29
Mutschler 1:00
Phillips 1:30
Friday 10/2
Avery 1:00
Stiffler 1:30
Polyashov 2:00
Hello Class Link Families!
This week the students will use what they learned about the 5 themes of geography to study the Roman Empire. The students will create a Slide presentation using the 5 themes of geography to describe the empire. Further instruction can be found on Classroom.
Please also have your student begin the reading portion of the iReady assessment. Students who are not enrolled in a math class will also need to complete the math portion. My goal is for all assessments to be completed by Friday, October 2nd. However, we can go through the 8th, if needed. You may break the assessment into as many work sessions as you would like. Also, your student should complete the test without any aids, including a calculator. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
C Week Consultations
Tuesday 9/22
1:00- Harvey
1:30- Peychev
2:00- Dong
Friday 9/25
1:00- Adams
1:30- Vavilin
I hope everyone has a great week!
Lauren Bergerson
Hi Class! It was so great seeing all of you today! Please complete the following by next Tuesday, prior to class:
5 Themes of Geography- Read and answer questions on slide presentation. The presentation is located in Classwork, in Classroom.
Fall of the Roman Empire- Read through the slide presentation and write a one page summary of the causes of the Roman Empire. The presentation is located in Classwork, in Classroom.
Hi Class! I hope you all are having a fantastic week! Friday is the last day of school at RHL, so our due dates are different this week. I will be at the school for goodbyes from 11:00-12:00 on Friday, and would love to see all of you!
History Recap- Last week you learned about the differences between the northern and southern states prior to the Civil War. This week we are taking a quick look at the beginning of the war.
History Assignment- Please complete IXL lesson The Civil War: The Beginning of the War. This is lesson OO.1 for 7th graders and O.1 for 8th graders. Due Friday.
Writing- Please complete All of the Good Things. Instructions are included in the Slide presentation in the Classroom assignment. Due Thursday.
Hi Class! I hope you are all having a great week, and enjoying the beautiful weather! Here is the run down for this week:
History Recap- Last week you learned about the industrial and transportation revolutions. This week we will look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Northern and Southern states, and the role that the industrial and transportation revolutions played in the war.
History Assignments-
1. Watch and take notes on video: Northern and Southern Strengths and Weaknesses- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBT2NEwGQ54
2. Complete the Comparing the North and South IXL- This is lesson NN.2 for 7th graders and N.2 for 8th graders.
Writing- Please read the remainder of Soldier’s Heart or Across Five Aprils and answer the accompanying questions in Classroom.
Weekly Challenge- Write a 4 paragraph book review for either Soldier's Heart or Across Five Aprils. All who submit a review will be entered into the raffle. The format will be the same as the review you wrote earlier in the year:
Paragraph 1- Intro to book and short synopsis
Paragraph 2- What you liked about the book- provide specific examples from the text
Paragraph 3- What you disliked about the book- provide specific examples from the text
Paragraph 4- Concluding paragraph
Please let me know if you have and questions, or if I can be of any help!
Mrs. Bergerson
Hi Class! I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend!
History- This week we are jumping ahead a bit in history in order to be able to touch on the Civil War before the end of the year. We are quickly running out of time! We will be focusing on the industrial and transportation revolutions.
1. Please watch and take notes on the following video:
Industrial Revolution Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4joqYycnqM
2. IXL- Industrial and Transportation Revolutions- This is lesson NN.1 for 7th graders, and N. 1 for 8th graders.
Language Arts- You will continue to read Across Five Aprils or Soldier’s Heart. Please read chapter 5-8, and answer the accompanying questions in Classroom.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I love hearing from you guys!
Mrs. Bergerson
Language Arts-
For the next three weeks you will complete one of two possible book studies. Both books are historical fiction about the Civil War. While we aren’t quite to the Civil War in history, we will still begin our book studies in order to finish by the end of the year. *Given that these are both books about war there may be some gruesome scenes.
Book choices:
Soldier’s Heart, by Gary Paulson (there are several books by this name, so be sure that the author is Gary Paulson).
Across Five Aprils, by Irene Hunt
Both books are available at openlibrary.org. You will need to create a free account. You are also welcome to use other online book apps, if they are available to you.
Pick one book, read the assigned chapters and background information, and answer the questions, located in Classwork.
History Recap- Last week we learned about the 2 first political parties, and their differences. This time also marked the end of George Washington’s presidency, and the beginning of John Adams’ presidency.
History Homework-
Watch and take notes on the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C_F3-VbI-E
Define the following terms (you may look them up online, or find the term in your textbook):
Alien and Sedition Acts
XYZ Affair
Weekly Challenge- Read and complete the work for both assigned books.
History Recap- Last week we learned about the completion of the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. George Washington was elected as the first president, and the building of the republic began. George Washington chose a cabinet (people to advise him) of men with differing perspectives on issues, so that he could make the wisest decisions for America. Those differing opinions eventually led to the first two political parties of the United States. Please complete the following to learn more:
Please watch the following video and answer the three questions asked at the beginning of the video
The First Political Parties of the United States: Federalists Vs. Democratic Republicans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc03pGBxzmY
Complete The First Party System: Federalist and Democratic Republicans on IXL. This is LL.5 for 7th graders, and L.5 for 8th graders.
Writing-
This is going to be an opinion writing, and should be 1-2 pages when done.
George Washington did not believe the United States should have political parties. Do you agree or disagree with him? Support your opinion. Make sure to include an introduction, including a hook and thesis statement, and a concluding paragraph. There are no right or wrong answers.
Weekly Challenge- Each week I will put out a challenge. Just like last week’s challenge, it is optional, but is more fun when we have a large amount of participation. The challenge will run from Tuesday to the following Tuesday, just like our other homework. I will announce a winner on Tuesday, and drop their prize in the mail!
Week 6 Challenge: We will repeat the IXL challenge. Answer the most Language Arts questions for your grade level on IXL.
Hi Class! I hope you are all having a great week! It looks like we are going to have some fantastic weather! Here is the rundown for this week:
History Recap- This week we will continue to learn about the Constitution. So far, we have focused on the preamble and the first three articles of the Constitution, which lay out the responsibilities of the three branches of government, and give the directions for how our government works. This week we are focusing on the Bill of Rights, which are the first 10 amendments (changes) to the Constitution, and define the rights of American citizens.
History Assignments:
1. Please watch the video, take notes and submit in Classroom:
A 3-minute guide to the Bill of Rights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYEfLm5dLMQ
Why is the Constitution so hard to amend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwREAW4SlVY
2. Read You’ve Got Rights, and answer the questions following the reading. This is found under Classwork, in Classroom. You may have to answer the questions on a separate paper, doc or use DocHub to write on the PDF.
Writing- We aren’t going to jump into another big writing assignment this week. Instead, you will be writing three well developed paragraphs about three of the amendments of the Constitution. Choose three amendments that you feel are important in today's world and in 3 paragraphs, one for each amendment, explain what the amendment says, who is the focus audience, why it is important. I want to see more than 3 sentences in each paragraph. You must add your own opinion/explanation and voice.
Weekly Challenge- Each week I will put out a challenge. Just like last week’s challenge, it is optional, but is more fun when we have a large amount of participation. The challenge will run from Tuesday to the following Tuesday, just like our other homework. I will announce a winner on Tuesday, and drop their prize in the mail!
Week 5 Challenge- Develop the three paragraphs assigned in writing into at least a five paragraph essay, including a properly developed introductory and concluding sentence. When you submit your paragraphs into Classroom please leave me a private message that you completed the weekly challenge. All students who develop their 3 paragraphs into a 5+ paragraph essay will be put into the weekly raffle!
Please let me know if you have any questions- Mrs. Bergerson
History- Last week we learned about the preamble of the Constitution. We focused on why the preamble was included in the Constitution, and it’s meaning. This week you will learn about the articles of the Constitution, which lay out the responsibilities of the three branches of government, and give the directions for how our government works.
Please watch the video, take notes and post into Classroom:
Khan Academy- The Constitution: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/road-to-revolution/creating-a-nation/v/the-us-constitution
Read Anatomy of the Constitution and answer the questions following the reading. This is found under Classwork, in Classroom. You may have to answer the questions on a separate paper or doc.
Writing-
Create a WeVideo for your research essay. Please see the checklist in the announcements below to ensure that you have included all of the necessary information.
Here is a WeVideo how-to video, if you are struggling to remember how to do something: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+use+wevideo&rlz=1CAXEGH_enUS763US763&oq=how+to+use+we+vide&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l7.6116j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on#kpvalbx=_mY6oXoy7MrDD0PEP_9SWqA433
Anyone who would like to share their research essays, or just listen to classmates present their essays is invited to a Zoom meeting on Friday at 10:30. The Zoom invitation will be going out soon. I am looking forward to this!
Weekly Challenge- Each week I will put out a challenge. Just like last week’s challenge, it is optional, but is more fun when we have a large amount of participation. The challenge will run from Tuesday to the following Tuesday, just like our other homework. I will announce a winner on Tuesday, and drop their prize in the mail!
Week 4 Challenge- Answer the most Language Arts questions for your grade level on IXL.
Hi Class! I hope you are having another great week! I miss seeing all of you in class! Here is the info for this week.
History- Last week we learned about the Constitutional Convention. As you learned, during the Constitutional Convention the delegates from each state decided how America was going to be governed. When the convention ended they had a new Constitution to present to the American people. This week, we are going to learn about the preamble (beginning) of the Constitution.
History Assignments-
1. Watch the following videos, and take notes on the second video only. Post notes into
Classroom.
Schoolhouse Rock- The Preamble of the Constitution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqvLi7qZ_yU
Freeschool video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ3Wjqp-4Fk
2. Complete the Preamble of the Constitution Activity in Classroom.
3. Preamble of the Constitution Challenge: Memorize the preamble, video yourself reciting the preamble and post it into the assignment on Classroom by next Tuesday. I will hold a raffle on Tuesday, for all who participate, and drop a prize in the mail for the winner! This is totally optional, but will be a lot more fun with more participants!
Writing Assignment: I will provide feedback on your research rough draft in the next few days. Once I have returned your rough draft you will begin your final draft.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or need any help.
Mrs. Bergerson
Hi Class! Welcome to Week 2 of Distance Learning! I hope you are all having a great week! Here's the info for this week:
History- Last week we studied the Articles of Confederation, which served as the original constitution of the U.S. We learned that the Articles had some major shortcomings. This week we will be learning about the Constitutional Convention, which was a committee created to fix the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
History Assignments:
1. Watch and take notes on the two videos first. They will help you with the IXL
assignment. Please post your notes to the assignment in Classroom. You may use a
Doc for notes or post a picture of hand written notes.
Khan Academy- https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/road-to-
revolution/creating-a-nation/v/the-constitutional-convention
School Tube:
https://www.schooltube.com/media/The+Constitutional+Convention+of+1787-/1_e76wuiqn (This is a cartoon, but it contains great information
2. IXL - The Constitutional Convention- Make sure to do all parts!
For 7th graders this is lesson LL.2
For 8th graders this is lesson L.2
Writing- You will continue to work on the rough draft of your research essay. Please resubmit in Classroom after you have made all changes. I will be providing individual feedback next week, after all essays are submitted.
1. First, please read through your essay and make sure that each sentence in each paragraph
begins with a different work. You may have to use synonyms, or restructure sentences to
make this happen. This will help with avoiding redundancy in your writing, and make it more
interesting for your audience.
2. Have a family member provide feedback on your first rough draft, using the rubric that I
have included in Classroom
3. Please make sure that you have included, or done each of the following things below. You
may have already done some of the following items that I have listed, and may ignore any items that are already done. The videos included only need to be viewed if you need help in that area.
A. Thesis statement- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCzuAMVmIZ8
B. In-Text Citations- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5igNRmKLug&feature=emb_logo
C. Catchy Title
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Mrs. Bergerson
Hi Class! I hope you are doing well!
This is how our schoolwork will look this week, but is may be subject to change now that in person classes have been cancelled for the remainder of the year. For now, the plan is that I will post work on Tuesday, and all work will be due the following Tuesday. I am here to help and answer any questions you may have.
History- When we left off we were just finishing up the American Revolution, and we were about to learn about the early planning of the government of the United States. The first thing that we would learn about would be the Articles of Confederation, which was the first plan of government, before the Constitution. Today you will learn about what the Articles of Confederation were, and why they ultimately were a failure.
History Assignments:
* Watch and take notes on the two Khan Videos first. They will help you with the IXL
assignment. Please post your notes to the assignment in Classroom. You may use a
Doc for notes or post a picture of hand written notes.
Video 1: Khan- Articles of Confederation: https://youtu.be/NfFRNgyQebE
Video 2: Khan- Articles of Confederation: https://youtu.be/evPP1FDePOY
* Complete the Articles of Confederation lesson on IXL. It's found under Social Studies.
For 7th graders it's lesson LL.1, and for 8th graders it's lesson L.1 ( I will send out
usernames and passwords for IXL for anyone who hasn't used it this morning).
Writing- When we left off we were working on research essays. You should have a completed an outline, and are ready for your rough draft. Please complete your rough draft and post into Classwork in Classroom by next Tuesday.
I look forward to hearing from you all. I'd love to hear what you have been up to!
Mrs. Bergerson