Mr. Lawson's
ELA Class
Update: 5 January 2022:
PARENTS & STUDENTS, I am currently planning to complete our time together this school year virtually, but I cannot discuss the details at this time. However, my plan would allow me to volunteer some of my time to continue to teach by producing digital content. I strongly encourage you to look back on the progress we made and choose to continue the work that we have started.
Virtual Google Classroom: a7rdvcf (link)
Congratulations to the following students for their amazing work on “A Year and Half Adaptive Review!”
Macey Lewis
Nicharra Smith
Larriona Miller
Bryson Turner
Anthony Wells
Janiyah Feagin
Layla Curry
India Nowell
Layali Mohamed
10/25/2021: Mr. Lawson is absent. Freckle practice is due each day this week. GamerTags are due. Halloween PSAs are now extra-credit. I am working on recording lesson notes for this week.
10/15/21 to 10/29/2021: GamerTag, PSA, Storytelling, and Spooky Story Resource Slides: docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kzua5_646t_aVDjbct23wW0eAP7mb374Yu3uUtRlLnE/edit?usp=sharing
Friday: 9/24/2021
Congrats to the football team and cheerleaders for showing out last night, it was a tough game but I'm focused on seeing more great plays and cheers from y'all! After a loss, what do you do? I have on my "Dia de los Deadlifts" shirt and have put in some reps already. Winners lose and use it to fuel their training. If I lose again, it won't be because I didn't do the work.
Please take a minute to complete this short Quizizz as I try to set up next week for us.
All BCMS 8th graders currently have a 100 in ELA (Lawson or Gurley). This solution was proposed by a student in my Enrichment class first period. I then spoke with Principal James, Mrs. Parr, and others to ensure this will be the most fair solution to an unfair problem. We value your input and support for our students, teachers, and staff during this trying time in education.
See the video below for a message about what it will take to keep that 100!
The next video shows the Modern Classroom approach that we can implement to turn things around this year at BCMS.
Thursday, 9/16/21: Teach Mr. Lawson something you know about and answer two questions about our class.
Everyone has something they are interested in, where learning comes easily, so teach me about that. For example, I love learning about the things people collect: apples, books, coins, etc.
Here is an excellent answer from my son <I asked clarifying questions to get a complete answer, these are purple and not part of his answer>:
We have this book, "The Museum of Everything." So, I collect rocks that I find in the yard and sea shells so I can build a tiny castle, like tiny castle pieces. Oak tree nuts, squirrels nuts that squirrels eat, I don't know the name. <I asked him: what do you do with them while you collect them?> I shoot them with my slingshot and try to hit things, like leaves. <what else do you collect?> Disney Infinity figures that I put on my set piece and defeat frost giants and put in a bad guy generator. Venom, I want him, and I don't know what I can do with him because I haven't watched a video.
FYI: I posted an essay blog post explaining what has been happening in my life (and venting some common frustration).
Quizizz Parts of Speech + Short Answer
Assigned and Due 9/14/21 (one day extension for 2nd period). Use complete sentences for full credit.
FYI: I am feeling better but will be quarantined for the full two weeks from the date of the positive test result. Plan on me being in class on Monday, 9/20/21.
Intro to Fiction Quizizz: Assigned and Due on Monday, 9/13/2021
I am excited to get back to work with you all. We will be starting to work on fiction, take this as many times as needed in order to pass and be prepared for work when I return.
Course Update 9/10/2021:
Unfortunately, my family and I are now following quarantine procedures for COVID-19 and will be back when it is safe to for me to return. We are all well, considering.
Today's assignment is to this Quizizz (easy): https://quizizz.com/join?gc=53119990
For those who will need extra-credit when I enter 0s (88% of you have not completed these assignments), here is an optional assignment on the terrorist attacks that occurred on September, 11, 2001: https://quizizz.com/join?gc=02034678
Welcome!!
To the class of 2026 (H.S.), 2030 (B.S.), 2034 (M.D.), etc.
or... as Mr. Lawson, work straight out of high school and watch your friends go to college on Facebook, then go on to be doctors and lawyers, etc.
But, I eventually got it together and handled my business. Some take longer than others to learn all of the skills we need in order to navigate this world.
The world is your oyster. Shuck it.
Wednesday, October 6th, 2021: 3 Part Freckle Practice is assigned to all students and adapted to each students' zone of proximal development. This is due today!! For the sake of our virtual students, the assignment will not close until noon tomorrow.
The Renaissance Star Benchmark is now two days late, so the highest grade that can be earned without recovery is an 80.
Literary Terms and Plot Test on 11/30 and 12/2 had two parts and 35 questions! Recover your low/missing test grade by practicing in Freckle.
PARENTS: Freckle is working for the students who are doing the work. We are seeing improvements across the standards, but students are resistant to this change because they are accountable for their success. Consistent practice is rewarded and not trying is penalized.