Mrs. Harper's Happenings - this week
Week of May 27/28 - June 3/4
Can you believe it? This will be the last "Mrs. Harper's Happenings" of the year!
The last day of class for in-person is Thursday, June 3rd, and the last day for remote is Friday, June 4.
Students can bring individually wrapped store-bought snacks to share with the whole class!
IN-PERSON LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, THURSDAY, JUNE 3:
This is your LAST assignment of the year! Log into Scope magazine from Google Classroom. Find the May, 2019 issue and go to the poem, "Your World." Read it over and complete the poetry analysis exercise in Google Classroom. Come to class ready to discuss the meaning of the poem. Due: Thursday, June 3.
You will be doing the Poetry Project Planner & writing the poem or song in class the last day of school.
NO READING LOG!
FINISH THE BOOK, NUMBER THE STARS plus the Afterword. Due: Thursday, June 3.
WE WILL FINISH THE PLAY, THE SWORD IN THE STONE ON THURSDAY.
PLEASE BRING BACK THE GIVER and NUMBER THE STARS!
ALSO, BRING BACK ANY BOOKS YOU BORROWED FROM MY CLASSROOM LIBRARY! THANK YOU.
REMOTE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, FRIDAY, JUNE 4:
Complete the Poetry Project Planner & poem or song, "Your World." You will share your poem or song on Friday, June 4. Due: Friday, June 4.
Finish Number the Stars & the Afterword. Due: Friday, June 4.
Week of May 20 - May 28
READING:
Follow the Reading Timeline in the READING section of Google Classroom for the book, Number the Stars - chapters 9-12.
With this book in mind, complete the Reading Log and two responses for reading at home. If you do not have a hard copy, find the form under "Reading" in Google Classroom and print a copy. Due: Thursday/Friday May 27/28.
IN-PERSON STUDENTS: PLEASE HAVE YOUR READING LOG/RESPONSE COMPLETED WHEN YOU COME TO CLASS.
IN-PERSON STUDENTS: Complete the vocabulary page for the play, "The Sword in the Stone." Due: Thursday, May 27.
Practice reading aloud your lines for the Readers' Theatre - Thursday, May 27. I have posted the cast of characters in our Google Classroom.
REMOTE STUDENTS: Log into Scope magazine from Google Classroom. Find the May, 2019 issue and go to the poem, "Your World." Read it over and complete the poetry analysis exercise in Google Classroom. Come to class ready to discuss the meaning of the poem. Due: Friday, May 28.
WRITING:
YOUR INFORMATIVE ESSAY SHOULD BE COMPLETED. Please look over my comments and make edits/revisions.
Week of May 17th - -21st
READING:
Follow the Reading Timeline in the READING section of Google Classroom for the book, Number the Stars - chapters 5-8.
With this book in mind, complete the Reading Log and two responses for reading at home. If you do not have a hard copy, find the form under "Reading" in Google Classroom and print a copy. Due: Thursday/Friday May 20/21.
Look over the questions from Number the Stars in the "Quiz Time!" page I gave to you in class. Remote students, there is a copy of the questions in Google Classroom under the topic, Reading. Come to class this week prepared to discuss the questions about the first 4 chapters of the book.
Complete the "Text Structures" exercise - in-person on the hard copy or the digital version; remote students will complete it digitally. Due: Thursday/Friday, May 20/21.
WRITING:
WRITE A CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH FOR YOUR INFORMATIVE ESSAY. Remember the following for writing a conclusion paragraph:
Do NOT write, "The End" - You could do this in elementary school, but not any more.
"Release" the reader of your essay by wrapping up your main points - reminding your reader what the most important points of your essay are. Leave your reader with something to think about. This can be a quote, an anecdote (short story), a question - something that leaves an impression. Due: Thursday/Friday, May 20/21.
GRAMMAR:
Complete the practice exercises "Nature's Noisemakers" in the February, 2021 issue of Scope - apostrophes. If you haven't yet, watch the video Grammar Hack in the same issue.
Week of May 7 -14
The iReady assessments window is open from May 10 - May 28. Students should log into their Chromebooks, sign into Clever, & begin their iReady Reading Assessment. Other than technical assistance with getting started, parents should not help their students in any way during the assessment. Below is a link to an iReady parent slideshow to go through with your student before he/she starts the test.
Here is the link to a helpful website: RHL iReady website
THIS WEEK IS SPIRIT WEEK!
M/TH - Crazy hair vs Mix Match
WEDNESDAY - Fictional Character Day
T/F - Future vs History (So futuristic clothing vs historical character or clothing)
AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS:
We have 3 different types of After School Clubs that will run through the end of the year. Clubs will be Zoom only and will end June 4. I know this was a little late in the year getting started - but hoping students can have some fun for the final weeks :).
Link will also be in Sunday's version of the Lynx Letter.
READING:
Follow the Reading Timeline in the READING section of Google Classroom for the book, Number the Stars. With this book in mind, complete the Reading Log and two responses for reading at home. If you do not have a hard copy, find the form under "Reading" in Google Classroom and print a copy. Due: Thursday/Friday May 13/14.
Re-read or listen to the Scope magazine article, "The Lost Ship". Then complete the comprehension quiz either on the hard copy (in-person students) or in Google Classroom. Your two written responses at the end should be well-written sentences using correct punctuation, spelling and using the question words to form your answer.
WRITING:
Write your body paragraphs for the informative essay. You should have three distinct paragraphs about one focused topic of your thesis statement. Each paragraph should have specific examples that support your body paragraph idea. These are the "golden bricks" - see the handout I gave to you about how to provide good support for your topics.
Week of April 29 - May 7
REMOTE STUDENTS: PLEASE TELL YOUR PARENTS THAT THERE ARE MATERIALS ' PACKETS READY TO BE PICKED UP IN THE MAIN OFFICE!
THE DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT: "INSIDE OUT", HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR Friday, MAY 7, at the Lewisville Campus, 406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground. Gates open at 7:30 P.M.; movie starts at 8:30. Click on the following link to reserve your spot: Drive-in Movie Night sign-up (RAIN DATE: MAY 7TH) The movie is FREE; however, donations to the American Heart Association are encouraged. There will be concessions and pre-show activities for the whole family, so come early!
READING:
Complete the Reading Log and two responses for reading at home. If you do not have a hard copy, find the form under "Reading" in Google Classroom and print a copy. Due: Thursday/Friday May 6/7
In the February, 2021 issue of Scope magazine, watch the video, "Behind the Scenes - The Lost Ship" and respond to the video discussion questions.
Then, watch the Background Builder slideshow.
Finally, read the article, "The Lost Ship" in the February, 2021 issue of Scope - the one with the sneakers on the cover. There is a "Text-to-Speech feature on the website if you would like to listen to the audio version of the article.
If you would like to do the Indianapolis Contest assignment instead of the Video Discussion Questions, here is the link: scope.scholastic.com/content/dam/classroom-magazines/scope/issues/2020-21/020121/the-lost-ship/SCOPE-020121-Nonfiction-ContestEntryForm.pdf
I also included the link in Google Classroom under Reading.
WRITING:
Continue to research, take notes, and discover information about your informative essay topic.
Write at least one body paragraph for your essay either in the Digital Essay Outline or the Informative Essay document in Google Classroom.
Week of April 22 - 30
THE DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT: "INSIDE OUT", HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR Friday, MAY 7, at the Lewisville Campus, 406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground. Gates open at 7:30 P.M.; movie starts at 8:30. Click on the following link to reserve your spot: Drive-in Movie Night sign-up (RAIN DATE: MAY 7TH) The movie is FREE; however, donations to the American Heart Association are encouraged. There will be concessions and pre-show activities for the whole family, so come early!
READING:
Complete the Reading Log and two responses for reading at home. If you do not have a hard copy, find the form under "Reading" in Google Classroom and print a copy.
Read the article, "Why Are We Soooooo Tired?" in the December 2020/January 2021 issue of Scope - the one with the Titanic on the cover.
Complete the Vocabulary Exercises for the article, "Why Are We Soooooo Tired?" Find it in Google Classroom under Reading.
REMOTE CLASS: Practice your lines for your parts in our read-aloud play, The Legend of Robin Hood. The Cast of Characters is listed in Classroom. Please HIGHLIGHT your lines and practice them. If you don't know how to pronounce a word, look it up online or ask for help.
WRITING:
Start writing the body paragraphs of your informative essay. Look over the Bears example essay to see how an essay is organized: Introduction with a hook and thesis statement; three body paragraphs with supporting details, examples, and a conclusion paragraph. You should have a first draft of at least one of your body paragraphs. Due: Thursday, April 29/Friday, April 30.
Week of April 15 - April 22nd
Welcome back! I hope you had a fun spring break!
PICTURE RE-TAKE DAY: FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 9:30 - 3:00 in the small gym. Sign up on the following link: Picture re-take link
DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT: "INSIDE OUT", Friday, April 30, at the Lewisville Campus, 406 NW 5th Ave., Battle Ground. Gates open at 7:30 P.M.; movie starts at 8:30. Click on the following link to reserve your spot: Drive-in Movie Night sign-up (RAIN DATE: MAY 7TH) The movie is FREE; however, donations to the American Heart Association are encouraged. There will be concessions and pre-show activities for the whole family, so come early!
READING:
Complete the Reading Log and two responses for reading at home. If you do not have a hard copy, find the form under "Reading" in Google Classroom and print a copy.
Complete the Vocabulary Exercises for the play, The Legend of Robin Hood. Find it in Google Classroom under Reading.
Practice your lines for your parts in our read-aloud play, The Legend of Robin Hood. The Cast of Characters is listed in Classroom. Please HIGHLIGHT your lines and practice them. If you don't know how to pronounce a word, look it up online or ask for help.
WRITING:
Carefully read the informative essay on Bears. Then, following the instructions for analyzing the essay. Due: Thursday/Friday, April 22/23.
Remote students can print the Essay Analysis page or use a separate piece of paper to answer the questions about the Bear essay.
You should have a thesis statement for your informative essay by now.
Write a topic sentence for each of your body paragraphs of the informative essay. You can start typing your essay in the Digital Essay Outline or on the Informative Essay document in Google Classroom. Due: April 22/23.
If you have already written your body paragraph topic sentences, start writing the paragraphs!
Week of April 5 - 9
Enjoy your spring break...no new assignments!
Week of March 29 - April 2nd
REMOTE STUDENTS: I DECIDED NOT TO SEND OUT PACKETS UNTIL AFTER SPRING BREAK. I APOLOGIZE IF THIS DELAY CAUSED ANY INCONVENIENCE. I WILL ALWAYS ANNOUNCE ON THIS PAGE THAT PACKETS ARE WAITING TO BE PICKED UP.
Next week is Spring Break!
READING:
In the latest Action magazine, scholastic.com/action read the article, "They Talk, Teens Listen." Complete the vocabulary page either in Classroom or the hard copy. Due: Thursday, April 1 & Friday, April 2nd.
Complete the Text Features exercise either in Classroom or the hard copy. Due: Thursday, April 1 & Friday, April 2nd.
Complete the Reading Log and two responses for reading at home. If you do not have a hard copy, find the form under "Reading" in Google Classroom and print a copy.
WRITING:
Using your thesis statement ideas, decide what the three body paragraphs of your essay will be about. Write a first draft of your topic sentence for each paragraph. Due: Thursday/Friday, April 1 & 2.
Week of March 19 - March 26
READING:
Start the Reading Log for reading at home. Remember: five days/20 minutes. Also, complete a response to reading in complete sentences. DUE: Thursday, March 25th/Friday, March 26.
Go online or use your hard copy of the March Action magazine to read the article, "Is Social Media Ruining Nature?" Then complete the 5 Questions About Social Media and Nature on p. 7. If you do not have a copy of the magazine, just write your responses on a piece of paper. The link to the Scholastic magazines are in our Google Classroom. Here is the link: Action magazine
WRITING:
Make sure you have written a clear thesis statement and put it in the Digital Essay Outline in Google Classroom. Then, start thinking about what your body paragraphs will be based on your thesis. I will check for this on Thursday, March 25 & Friday, March 26.
Respond to the following writing prompt from our discussion of The Giver in your composition book: “If he had stayed, he would have starved in other ways.” p. 218. Due: Thursday, March 24 & Friday, March 25.
Week of March 16 - 22
The in-person/remote schedule has started! Please make sure you are familiar with the In-Person/Remote Schedule. Our CoreLink C 6-8 class will meet in-person on Thursdays, blocks 2, 3, & 4 in Portable 3-B. We will meet remotely on Zoom Fridays, blocks 2, 3, & 4, starting at 9:05 A.M and going until 11:30 A.M. A new Zoom link will be in Google Classroom under Zoom Links.
New assignments will be given in class this Thursday, March 18 and on Zoom Friday, March 19. Please make up any homework/assignments you are not caught up in. I will be checking on Thursday and Friday.
Week of March 9-16
Parents/students: This is the last week of the Full Remote schedule at River HomeLink. Wow. It's been quite a year, hasn't it?
The in-person/remote schedule starts Monday, March 15. Please make sure you are familiar with the In-Person/Remote Schedule. Our CoreLink C 6-8 class will meet in-person on Thursdays, blocks 2, 3, & 4 in Portable 3-B. We will meet remotely on Zoom Fridays, blocks 2, 3, & 4, starting at 9:05 A.M and going until 11:30 A.M. A new Zoom link will be in Google Classroom under Zoom Links.
This will be a "learning curve" for all of us, so let's decide to have a growth mindset and a positive attitude as we navigate all of the changes together. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have questions.
Here is the link for the Zoom Recess Hangout for 5th - 8th graders, THURSDAYS from 2:30 - 3:30: Zoom Recess Hangout 5th - 8th
READING:
Look at the Reading Timeline for The Giver in the "Reading" section of our Google Classroom. Finish the book! Remember to come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Due: Friday, March 12th.
Read and research Scope & Action magazine articles about your informative essay topic. Try to read and research with a narrowed thesis idea in mind.
WRITING:
Go into Google Classroom under the Writing topic and click on the assignment, "Thesis Statements/Introductions."
Complete the Thesis Statement exercises 1-9 on the first page and the three on the chart on the next page. Due: Friday, March 12.
Then, go onto the Digital Essay Outline in the Writing topic in Google Classroom. Look it over. Then, type in a first draft of your thesis statement - a narrowed declarative sentence that shows the purpose of your informative essay. Remember - this is a first draft - so it doesn't have to be perfect. Due: Friday, March 12.
Week of March 2 - 9
Parents - There was a survey that came to you asking you to indicate which program you would like your student to attend next school year, 2021-2022. If you haven't filled it out, please do so. Then, someone will contact you about signing up for a forecasting appointment this Thursday or Friday, March 4 & 5. If we don't have the survey, we cannot move forward with forecasting. Thank you to those who already filled it out!
Here is the link for the Zoom Recess Hangout for 5th - 8th graders, THURSDAYS from 2:30 - 3:30: Zoom Recess Hangout 5th - 8th
READING:
Look at the Reading Timeline for The Giver in the "Reading" section of our Google Classroom. Remember to come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Due: Tuesday, March 9.
Read and research Scope & Action magazine articles about your informative essay topic. Try to read and research with a narrowed thesis idea in mind.
VOCABULARY:
Find and write down in a composition book or notebook FIVE words you do not know from The Giver. Try to figure out a definition by the context of the story. If you are still unsure, Google the word or look it up in a good old-school dictionary! Due: Tuesday, March 9th.
WRITING:
Go into Google Classroom under the Writing topic and click on the assignment, "Thesis Statements/Introductions." Review the points of writing a good thesis statement - at the bottom of the document. You don't have to fill in the exercises yet. We will do that in class Tuesday, March 9.
Then, go onto the Digital Essay Outline in the Writing topic in Google Classroom. Look it over. Then, type in a first draft of your thesis statement - a narrowed declarative sentence that shows the purpose of your informative essay. Remember - this is a first draft - so it doesn't have to be perfect. Due: Tuesday, March 9.
Week of February 23 - March 2nd
Here is the link for the Zoom Recess Hangout for 5th - 8th graders, THURSDAYS from 2:30 - 3:30: Zoom Recess Hangout 5th - 8th
READING:
Look at the Reading Timeline for The Giver in the "Reading" section of our Google Classroom. Remember to come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Due: Friday, February 26th and Tuesday, March 2nd.
WRITING:
Go online to the Action and Scope magazine websites to look for an interesting topic for your informative/expository essay. Click the "All Issues" tab to see numerous issues of the magazines through the years. You will be choosing a topic and narrowing your thesis to three important aspects of your topic. Also, you will be learning how to cite information from an article from Action and Scope in your essay. Have a few choices ready to go by Friday, February 26.
VOCABULARY:
Find and write down in a composition book or notebook FIVE words you do not know from The Giver. Try to figure out a definition by the context of the story. If you are still unsure, Google the word or look it up in a good old-school dictionary! Due: Tuesday, March 2nd.
Week of February 16 - 23
Here is the link for the Zoom Recess Hangout for 5th - 8th graders, THURSDAYS FROM 2:30-3:30: Zoom Recess Hangout 5th - 8th
READING:
Look at the Reading Timeline for The Giver in the "Reading" section of our Google Classroom. Remember to come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Due: Friday, February 19 & Tuesday, February 23.
Instead of doing a Reading Log, complete the Response to Reading questions over chapters 14 & 15 in The Giver. Due: Tuesday, February 23.
Go online to the Scholastic magazine Action, December/January 2021, and click on the article "Bloody Sunday." Click on the picture. Watch the background builder video first. Then watch the Vocabulary slideshow. After that, complete the vocabulary exercise in Google Classroom. Finally, read the article or listen to the text-to-speech version. Due: Friday, February 19.
WRITING:
Complete pages 321, 322, 323, & 324 in the writing folder: revising boring hooks. Try to use as many types of hooks as you can. Don't use the same kind for every one. Due: Friday, February 19.
Choose your topic for your informative essay - more about this during writing class, Friday, February 19.
GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
Open the December/January issue of Scope magazine and read the article, "Why do we Say That?" Then complete the exercises on it's/its. Due: Friday, February 19.
Week of February 9-16
Here is the link for the Zoom Recess Hangout for 5th - 8th graders, THURSDAYS FROM 2:30-3:30: Zoom Recess Hangout 5th - 8th
READING:
Look at the Reading Timeline for The Giver in the "Reading" section of our Google Classroom. Remember to come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Due: Friday, February 12 & Tuesday, February 16.
Instead of doing a reading log, please respond to the two questions in Google Classroom about your reading in The Giver. Due: Tuesday, February 16.
NOT DUE UNTIL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19: Go online to the Scholastic magazine Action, December/January 2021, and click on the article "Bloody Sunday." Watch the background builder video first. Then watch the Vocabulary slideshow. After that, complete the vocabulary exercise in Google Classroom. Finally, read the article or listen to the text-to-speech version. Due: Friday, February 19.
WRITING:
Complete pages 315, 316 & 317 in your writing folder on Writing an Attention-Grabbing Hook.
GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
Open the December/January issue of Scope magazine and read the article, "Why do we Say That?" Then complete the exercises on it's/its. Due: Friday, February 19.
Week of February 2nd - 9th
This is the first week of second semester. Your Skyward grade book has a "clean slate", so get off to a good start by completing your assignments!
READING:
Start the Weekly Log for Reading at Home. The second page isn't optional, so please complete the two response to reading questions with complete sentences. Due: Tuesday, February 9.
Look at the Reading Timeline for The Giver in the "Reading" section of our Google Classroom. Remember to come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Due: Friday, February 5.
Read the Action magazine article, "The Race for a Vaccine". Then, go on Google Classroom and find the assignment under the topic "Writing" and write a summary of the article, following the sentence prompts. Due: Tuesday, February 9.
WRITING:
Complete pages 311 & 312 in the writing folder on hooks and topic sentences. Due: Tuesday, February 9.
Punctuation: Read the Action magazine article, "Angie Thomas Gets Real". Then complete the capitalization assignment under the topic "Writing" in our Google Classroom. Due Tuesday, February 9th.
Read the Action magazine article, "The Race for a Vaccine". Then, go on Google Classroom and find the assignment under the topic "Writing" and write a summary of the article, following the sentence prompts. Due: Tuesday, February 9.
HAVE A GOOD WEEK!
Week of January 26-February 2nd
This Thursday and Friday, January 28 & 29, are student non-attendance days for semester break. No RHL classes.
READING:
Start the Weekly Log for Reading at Home. The second page isn't optional, so please complete the two response to reading questions. Due: Tuesday, February 2.
Refer to the Reading Timeline for The Giver in the Reading section of our Google Classroom. Remember to come to class ready to discuss the reading.
If you missed class, please go to Google Classroom and see The Giver discussion prompts under the topic, "Reading." Go through the prompts and think about them on your own.
WRITING:
In the green writing folder, complete pages 309-310 - four paragraphs: Leads (hooks) and Topic Sentences - 3 & 4. Due Tuesday, February 2nd.
Week of January 19 - 26
PARENTS: MATERIALS PACKETS ARE READY TO BE PICKED UP IN THE MAIN OFFICE FROM 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. If you don't see anyone in the office, call them or knock on the door, and someone will assist you.
READING:
If you haven't already, complete the iReady Reading assessment. Remember to find a quiet place, take your time, do your own work, and take breaks. Due: Friday, January 22nd. Helpful iReady reminders video: iReady Reminders
Start the Weekly Log for Reading at Home. The second page isn't optional, so please complete the two response to reading questions. Due: Tuesday, January 26.
Refer to the Reading Timeline for The Giver in the Reading section of our Google Classroom. Remember to come to class ready to discuss the reading.
WRITING:
In the green writing folder, complete page 307: Leads (hooks) and Topic Sentences - 1.
Week of January 12 - 19
PARENTS: I WILL HAVE THE NEXT MATERIALS PACKETS READY BY 1:00 P.M. THIS THURSDAY, JANUARY 14. PLEASE PLAN TO PICK UP YOUR STUDENT'S PACKET IN THE FRONT OFFICE. If you don't see anyone in the office, call them or knock on the door, and someone will assist you.
Helpful iReady reminders video: iReady Reminders
Parents/students, please click on the above link BEFORE your student takes the iReady Reading/Math assessments. The iReady winter window closes Friday, January 22.
READING:
Start the Weekly Log for Reading at Home. If you can't find the blue sheet, I have posted it in our Google Classroom to print - under the topic Reading. Remember, the second page is not optional. Please complete the two response to reading questions. Due: Tuesday, January 19.
Read the poem, "The First Book" in the November issue of Action magazine. Then, complete the page, "Analyzing Poetry" - which is in your most recent packet/folder. Due: Tuesday, January 19.
Take the Reading iReady assessment. Please take your time, take it in a quiet place, take breaks, and do your own work. Assessments need to be completed by Friday, January 22nd.
WRITING:
Work on the edits/revisions I suggested on your argument essay. This Friday, January 15, is the last day I will look at your essay for a final grade.
Find the writing folder I put in your most recent packet. We will be working in it this Friday, January 15, so please have it ready to go. It has numerous handouts and several student reference pages about an introductory paragraph, leads, (hooks) and topic sentences.
Week of January 5 - 12 - Welcome back, and Happy New Year, 2021! I am looking forward to a new year of learning!
Parents, please click on the following link BEFORE your student takes the iReady Reading/Math assessments. The iReady winter window closes Friday, January 22. This is a change from the original date published here.
iReady Reminders
WRITING:
Go on Google Classroom and write your argument/opinion essay. Remember to have an introductory paragraph with your thesis, three body paragraphs, and at least a couple of sentences where you write a response or counter argument to someone who has the opposite opinion, and a conclusion paragraph. Due: Friday, January 8.
READING:
Read the article, "Standing Up For Clean Water" in the November Action magazine, or listen to it online. Then, complete the two response to reading pages in your newest packet: "Paired Texts Vocabulary Review" and "Paired Texts Text Features." Due: Friday, January 8.
SPELLING:
Parents, if you do not have a regular spelling curriculum for your student, ask your PrimeLink advisor to provide one, or plan to use the one I will be handing out in the next materials packet.
Week of December 15 - 18 The last week of school for 2020!
The class wants to wear their P.J.s the last day - Friday, December 18. Also, if you want to bring a snack to enjoy during class, that would be great! We will be making cards and playing a holiday game.
WRITING:
Work on your introductory paragraph and first body paragraph of your argument essay. I will check for this on Friday, December 18.
SPELLING:
Parents: If you do not have a regular spelling curriculum for your student, please ask me or your PrimeLink consultant, and we would be glad to provide one for you.
Week of December 8 - 15
NOTES: I received a good report from Mrs. Haney, the substitute last Friday, December 4. Thank you, class. I appreciate hearing good feedback when I have to be gone. :)
READING:
Read the Action magazine article, "My Life With ADHD". Then complete the three response to reading pages: True Teen Vocabulary Review, Sequence of Events, & True Teen Quiz, including 7 & 8 at the bottom of the page. Due: Friday, December 11th.
WRITING:
Every student should have a hook and a thesis statement as part of an introductory paragraph for your argument essay. Now, start writing your first body paragraph, or your first reason for taking the side you are taking. Due: Tuesday, December 15.
The Thanksgiving Guest assignment is long overdue. Please go into the document and make sure you have followed the instructions: two paragraphs, sensory details about your meal, 5 Ws details about your Thanksgiving Guest event: Who?, What?, Where?, Why?, Where? Pay attention to my comments and revise/edit.
SPELLING:
Put your two pieces of writing through a spell check and edit your spelling errors: Thanksgiving Guest & Argument Essay.
GRAMMAR:
Go through your two pieces of writing and correct grammar errors: Thanksgiving Guest & Argument Essay.
Week of December 1 - 8
READING:
PRACTICE YOUR READERS' THEATRE PARTS! If you haven't already, highlight your parts. Then, read aloud each line you have in the play. If you aren't sure of a word, ask for help or look up how to pronounce it and what it means. This is a challenging script. NO READING LOG THIS WEEK. FOCUS ON READING YOUR PLAY PARTS. You will be reading it aloud this Friday, December 4.
Complete the pages, "Video Discussion Questions", "Close Reading Questions" and "Critical Thinking Questions" from the play, Newsies. This is due Tuesday, December 8. Please have it done on time. You will be breaking up into Breakout Rooms to discuss the play.
WRITING:
Go to our Google Classroom and open the "Sample Essay - Electronics in School" post. Read the slideshow and the essay. Write your introductory paragraph. Make sure your hook and thesis statement are a part of your introductory paragraph in the argument essay assignment. Due: Tuesday, December 8.
NEW: I HAVE POSTED A GOOGLE SLIDE VERSION OF THIS ASSIGNMENT IF YOU WOULD RATHER TYPE YOUR RESPONSES RIGHT ON THE SLIDES!
GRAMMAR:
Complete the page, "Comma Corrections" in your packet. Be sure to read carefully the two rules for using commas that are there on the worksheet. Due: Tuesday, December 8.
Week of November 24 - December 1
NO HOMEWORK OVER THE THANKSGIVING BREAK! ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF! I AM THANKFUL FOR EACH ONE OF YOU!
I posted the play parts for our Readers' Theatre play, Newsies, in our Google Classroom in case you get bored and want to practice your parts! We will do a run-through Tuesday, December 1 and perform the Readers' Theatre Friday, December 4. Feel free to invite your parents/siblings to watch/listen!
Week of November 17-24
PARENTS: PLEASE PLAN TO COME TO CAMPUS TO PICK UP YOUR STUDENT'S MATERIALS PACKET! Go to the entrance and call the office (360) 334-8200. They will come to the door and get your packet for you.
READING:
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Due: Tuesday, November 23. PLEASE COMPLETE THE RESPONSE TO READING!
Read the story, " The Rise of Roblox" in the October/November issue of : Storyworks magazine . This is for fun. There is also an article that is paired with it called, "A Sweet Treat in a Tough Time" about the history of Candy Land, one of America's most popular board games.
WRITING:
Write your hook for your argument essay, due Friday, November 20. You can write it on either of the Classroom essay documents. Come to class Friday, November 20 ready to share your hook and thesis statement.
SPELLING/GRAMMAR: In your new November issue of Scope, find the article, "Voting in the Wild" on pages 2 & 3. Read it carefully and complete the exercise right in the magazine, using pen. Then, in your new packet find the pages, Commonly Confused Words GRAMMAR: "VOTING IN THE WILD". Read over pp. 1 & 2 and complete p. 3. Due: Tuesday, November 24th.
Week of November 3-10
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Due: Tuesday, November 10. Some of you are not completing the response to reading assignment - the back of the log. This part isn't optional, so make it a part of your weekly plan. Remember, choose only two questions and use a separate piece of paper. I would like to see 100% of the class complete the response part next time.
READING:
In the October issue of Action magazine, read the article, "Making Life a Little Sweeter." Then do the page "Sequence of Events" that goes with this article. Due Tuesday, November 10.
GRAMMAR/WRITING:
Complete the worksheet, "Vary Your Sentences." Look for the paragraph that begins with, "My brother Don and I made pizza..." Be sure to read the four ways to add to your sentences. This exercise is from the story, "Is That Rock Alive?" But we are not reading the story yet. Due: Friday, November 6.
Each of you should have a printed copy of the essay kit for writing your argument essay. Complete steps 1, 2, & 3 by Friday, November 6.
Week of October 27 - November 3
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Due: Tuesday, November 3. Some of you are not completing the response to reading assignment - the back of the log. This part isn't optional, so make it a part of your weekly plan. Remember, choose only two questions and use a separate piece of paper.
READING: IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, ORGANIZE all of the Action & Scope materials by story into the prong folder in the packet . Study skill: Take a yellow highlighter and highlight the name of the story in the top right corner of each page.
On the Action website here go to the October issue and watch the Background Builder and video connected to the story, "Can This Baby Orangutan Be Saved?" Complete the worksheets: "Read Between the Lines" and "Nonfiction Pause and Think." If you haven't yet, listen to or read the article. These are due Tuesday, Nov. 3.
GRAMMAR/WRITING:
Complete the two worksheets, "Vary Your Sentences." Due Friday, Oct. 30.
I will be sending an essay kit to each one of you depending on what subject you chose for your argument essay. Also, I will be sending out the link to the articles that go with your topic.
SPELLING: Complete the page "Then or Than" in your packet. Due Friday, October 30.
Week of October 20 - 27
PARENTS: Just a reminder that I included the answer keys for the Action/Scope response to reading pages. Please go over and check your student's responses before class.
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Due: Tuesday, Oct. 27. Some of you are not completing the response to reading assignment - the back of the log. This part isn't optional, so make it a part of your weekly plan. Remember, choose only two questions and write it on a separate piece of paper.
READING: FIRST OF ALL, ORGANIZE all of the Action & Scope materials by story into the prong folder in the packet . Study skill: Take a yellow highlighter and highlight the name of the story in the top right corner of each page.
Due Tuesday, October 27:
BEFORE READING the article, "Can This Baby Orangutan Be Saved?" go online Action Magazine and watch the Vocabulary Slideshow. Complete the worksheet: "Nonfiction Vocabulary Review". Then either listen to or read the article. Finally, complete the worksheet, "Central Idea and Details." Come to class Tuesday, Oct. 27 ready to discuss this article in breakout discussion groups. You can count this reading as part of your weekly reading log.
WRITING: Look over my comments and suggestions for the paragraph, "Is it Ever OK to lie?" and make sure your paragraph is your FINAL DRAFT.
Complete the worksheets (2), "Vary Your Sentences" in the packet. We will go over this writing skill on Friday, Oct 23.
GRAMMAR/SPELLING: Complete the page "Then or Than" in your packet. This was due Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Week of October 13-20, 2020
PARENTS: PLEASE COME TO THE FRONT OFFICE AND PICK UP A PACKET FOR YOUR STUDENT FROM 8-3 THIS WEEK.
Thank you for completing your iReady Reading Assessment! Your PrimeLink advisor will share the results with you.
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Due: Tuesday, Oct. 20. Some of you are not completing the response to reading assignment - the back of the log. This part isn't optional, so make it a part of your weekly plan. Remember, choose only two questions.
READING: FIRST OF ALL, ORGANIZE all of the Action & Scope materials by story into the prong folder in the packet . Study skill: Take a yellow highlighter and highlight the name of the story in the top right corner of each page.
Due Tuesday, October 20:
BEFORE READING the article, "Uniting For Black Lives" go online and watch the Background Builder Slideshow. Action Magazine This background history will help you better understand the article. Watch the Vocabulary Slideshow. Complete the "In the News Vocabulary Review" in your packet. Then either listen to or read the article. Complete the 5 Questions About Black Lives Matter on p. 7 of the magazine. Finally, complete the "In the News Pause and Think" in your packet. Come to class Tuesday, Oct. 20 ready to discuss this article in breakout discussion groups.
WRITING: After organizing your ideas on the graphic organizer, write your paragraph "Is It Ever OK to Lie?" in the Google Classroom document. Due: Friday, October 16.
Week of September 29 - October 2nd, 2020
Start on your Reading iReady. Log into your Chromebook. Log into Clever - it should be a Battle Ground Public School bookmark. Go to iReady. Start the Reading assessment. Take your time. Take breaks. Take more than one day to complete your assessment. Do your own work.
NO NEW READING ASSIGNMENT (EXCEPT READING LOG) BECAUSE OF iREADY READING.
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Please read the directions carefully. You should plan to read five (5) days a week for a total of twenty (20) minutes (or more) per day. Then, please respond to only TWO (2) of the questions on the back. These responses should be in complete sentences and edited for capitalization, punctuation, spelling, etc. Remember - You cannot save all 100 minutes for the day before the log is due! The idea is to read 20 minutes per day. Due: Tuesday, Oct. 6th.
Work on your Choice Board assignment, due Friday, Oct. 2nd. We will share them in class this Friday.
Have a good week! See you on Zoom Friday at 9:00 A.M.
Week of October 6 - 13
PARENTS: PLEASE COME TO THE FRONT OFFICE AND PICK UP A PACKET FOR YOUR STUDENT FROM 8-3 WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY OF THIS WEEK. THE OFFICE IS CLOSED THIS FRIDAY, OCT. 9TH. If possible, please pick it up before next Tuesday, October 13th.
Complete your iReady Reading Assessment no later than Thursday, October 8!
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Please read the directions carefully. You should plan to read five (5) days a week for a total of twenty (20) minutes (or more) per day. Then, please respond to only TWO (2) of the questions on the back. These responses should be in complete sentences and edited for capitalization, punctuation, spelling, etc. Remember - You cannot save all 100 minutes for the day before the log is due! The idea is to read 20 minutes per day. Due: Tuesday, Oct. 13. Please do not throw away your Reading Logs/Response every week. At some point, I am going to collect them from you.
READING: In Action magazine before reading the graphic short story, "A Recipe for Disaster" in Action, watch the Vocabulary Slideshow. Then, complete the response to reading that goes with this article, found in your new packet. Be thinking about a recipe you could share with the class from your family's heritage or traditions. Come prepared to share a written version of the recipe on Tuesday, October 13.
WRITING: Also, in Action read the debate, "Is It Ever OK to Lie?" Fill out the hard copy graphic organizer that goes with this debate. Then, start writing an argument paragraph from the information on the graphic organizer. Due: Friday, October 16.
NO CLASS THIS FRIDAY, OCT. 9 - STATE IN-SERVICE DAY FOR TEACHERS!
Week of September 29 - October 2nd, 2020
Start on your Reading iReady. Log into your Chromebook. Log into Clever - it should be a Battle Ground Public School bookmark. Go to iReady. Start the Reading assessment. Take your time. Take breaks. Take more than one day to complete your assessment. Do your own work.
NO NEW READING ASSIGNMENT (EXCEPT READING LOG) BECAUSE OF iREADY READING.
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Please read the directions carefully. You should plan to read five (5) days a week for a total of twenty (20) minutes (or more) per day. Then, please respond to only TWO (2) of the questions on the back. These responses should be in complete sentences and edited for capitalization, punctuation, spelling, etc. Remember - You cannot save all 100 minutes for the day before the log is due! The idea is to read 20 minutes per day. Due: Tuesday, Oct. 6th.
Work on your Choice Board assignment, due Friday, Oct. 2nd. We will share them in class this Friday.
Have a good week! See you on Zoom Friday at 9:00 A.M.
Week of September 22 - 29, 2020
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Please read the directions carefully. You should plan to read five (5) days a week for a total of twenty (20) minutes per day. Then, please respond to only TWO (2) of the questions on the back. These responses should be in complete sentences and edited for capitalization, punctuation, spelling, etc. Remember - You cannot save all 100 minutes for the day before the log is due! The idea is to read 20 minutes per day. Due: Tuesday, 9/29.
We will be reading the play, The Monster in the Cave on pp. 14-18 in the September issue of Scope magazine.
Go to the Scope website: scholastic.com/scope. The link is also in Classroom.
Log in as a student. Log in with Google, or use the classroom password: readingsuccess
Go to All Issues. Click the September issue. Go to the play, The Monster in the Cave.
Watch the video "The Cyclops: My Side of the Story"; watch the Background Builder Slideshow: 9 Things You Need to Know About The Monster in the Cave.
Listen to the Vocabulary words and definitions; complete the Vocabulary worksheet.
Listen to the Pronunciation Guide for saying the challenging words in the play.
In the hard copy of the magazine, highlight your part(s) in the play.
Practice your part(s) for the play, and come to the Zoom meeting Friday, September 25, 9:00 A.M. ready to read aloud the play!
Look at the Choice Board projects for this play, due next Friday, October 2nd. (This is a change - I gave you more time.) Start working on your project. We will share them Friday, Oct. 2nd.
Week of September 15 - September 18, 2020
Start the Weekly Log For Reading At Home (blue log sheet). Please read the directions carefully. You should plan to read five (5) days a week for a total of twenty (20) minutes per day. Then, please respond to only TWO (2) of the questions on the back. These responses should be in complete sentences and edited for capitalization, punctuation, spelling, etc. Remember - You cannot save all 100 minutes for the day before the log is due! The idea is to read 20 minutes per day. Due: Tuesday, 9/22.
Watch the "Grammar Hack" video on the Scope website. www.scholastic.com/scope (Classroom code: readingsuccess or sign in with Google) Complete the two (2) salmon colored sheets on Your/You're.
Due Friday, September 18: Read the following articles in Action: "Her Dance Got Famous, Why Didn't She?" & "Life in the Quiet Zone" Complete the following sheets from the Action magazine articles: True Teen Vocabulary Review; Sequence of Events; Where in the World Quiz.
Due Tuesday, September 22nd: Write a Perfect Paragraph. Use the hard copy to plan your paragraph and then enter the final draft in the Google Classroom document.
That's it!
Please plan to swing by the back door Materials Handout distribution planned for Monday, September 21, from 9-12 or 1:00 - 3:30 P.M. I have some materials for you for the next couple of weeks.