Language Arts
"I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book." -J.K. Rowling
Embedded Files
Friday, 25 October 2019
Friday, 25 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5 - Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Agenda:
- Read
- Hatchet Chapter 14-15
- Signpost Menu Review
Hatchet Chapter 14-15
Prompt: What character traits help describe Brian at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Find at least ONE passage/quote in the chapter that shows Brian's attitude and reveals a character trait. Try to think about how he is acting OVERALL.
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude is reveals about Brian.
- Celebrate your success! You're annotating!
Signpost Menu Review
This assignment is on Google Classroom, and gives you options for completing review activities.
You must complete:
- 1 Appetizer activity
- 1 Main Course activity
- 1 Dessert Activity
Some resources that might help/resources you will need:
- Your Literature Textbook for the Main Course
- earbuds to listen to the story for the Main Course
- THIS website that has definitions and examples for all of the signposts, including short videos!
- Flipgrid, on which you will sign in using Google, if you choose any of the options that include videos.
HOMEWORK/REMINDERS:
- Signpost Menu must be complete and TURNED IN on Google Classroom BEFORE you come to class on Wednesday.
- NoRedInk.com Nouns Practice
- Due TODAY at 4pm
- You will have a Signpost Quiz sometime next week
Wednesday, 23 October 2019
Wednesday, 23 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5 - Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Agenda:
- Read
- Hatchet Chapter 13
- Signpost Menu Review
Hatchet Chapter 13
Prompt: What character traits help describe Brian at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Find at least ONE passage/quote in the chapter that shows Brian's attitude and reveals a character trait. Try to think about how he is acting OVERALL.
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude is reveals about Brian.
- Celebrate your success! You're annotating!
Please note - Chapter 13 deals with some more mature topics. Please be respectful.
Signpost Menu Review
This assignment is on Google Classroom, and gives you options for completing review activities.
You must complete:
- 1 Appetizer activity
- 1 Main Course activity
- 1 Dessert Activity
Some resources that might help/resources you will need:
- Your Literature Textbook for the Main Course
- earbuds to listen to the story for the Main Course
- THIS website that has definitions and examples for all of the signposts, including short videos!
- Flipgrid, on which you will sign in using Google, if you choose any of the options that include videos.
HOMEWORK/REMINDERS:
By Next Class
- Finish "Appetizer" and read your "Main Course" choice story so that you are ready to do the Main Course Signpost chart in class.
- NoRedInk.com Nouns Practice
- Due Friday, 25 October, 4pm
- You will have a Signpost Quiz sometime next week
Monday, 21 October 2019
Monday, 21 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.B - Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Agenda:
- RACE Assessment
- Read!
RACE Assessment
You will be given an article in class! If you are absent, you will have to find a time to come in and make it up with Ms. Keller during YOUR LUNCH PERIOD. If you are a part of the elective wheel, you may be able to make it up during the Learning Lab (Period 2).
Your job:
- Read the article provided. You may write on the document.
- Answer the four multiple choice questions on the back.
- In Google Classroom, answer the question provided in RACE Paragraph form, using the tools provided.
Reminders/Homework:
- Make sure all work in your ELA Journal is complete
- Revise if your score was low or incomplete and email Ms. Keller to resubmit.
- NoRedInk Nouns Practice due Friday at 4PM
Thursday, 17 October 2019
Thursday, 17 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.A - Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.B - Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
Agenda:
- Read!
- Aha Moment Signpost
- "The Scribe" by Kristin Hunter and RACEEE Paragraph Chart in ELA Journal (page 655 in your Literature Textbook)
- Chapter 12 of Hatchet!
Aha Moments Signpost
Copy/paste today's assignment into your ELA Journal.
You will be writing a RACE response in your ELA Journal about a short story called “The Scribe” by Kristen Hunter. Today your only focus, though, is on the EEEEE. Explain and Elaborate why the Aha moment described is an Aha Moment, how it affects the characters, and what they do because of that realization.
The story is on page 655 of your big orange literature book.
CLICK HERE for more examples of Aha Moments as well as videos!!
17 October - Aha MomentHatchet Chapter 12
Prompt: What character traits help describe Brian at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Find at least ONE passage/quote in each chapter that shows Brian's attitude and reveals a character trait. Try to think about how he is acting OVERALL.
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude is reveals about Brian.
- Celebrate your success! You're annotating!
- Complete the Aha Moment Chart in your ELA Journal after we finish reading.
- It asks for two pieces of evidence from Chapter 12 of Aha Moments and why they might be important points in the story. The evidence is already there. Your job today is practicing the explanation.
Reminders/Homework:
- Finish all work in your ELA Journal
- Typing.com Lessons 7, 8, and 9 due Friday, 18 October, 4pm
- 7. O, B, and A Keys
- 8. V, H, and M Keys
- 9. Period and Comma
- RACE Assessment: you will be given a text to read and asked to write a RACE Paragraph
- Monday, 21 October 2019
Tuesday, 15 October 2019
Tuesday, 15 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.A - Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.B - Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
Agenda:
- Read!
- Contrasts & Contradictions Signpost
- "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes and RACEEE Paragraph Chart in ELA Journal
- Chapter 10 and 11 of Hatchet!
15 October - Contrasts and Contradictions
Contrasts and Contradictions
Copy/Paste today's assignment into your ELA Journal.
You will be writing a RACE response in your ELA Journal about a short story called "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes.
CLICK HERE for more examples of contrasts and contradictions as well as videos!!
Hatchet Chapter 10-11
Prompt: What character traits help describe Brian at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Find at least ONE passage/quote in each chapter that shows Brian's attitude and reveals a character trait. Try to think about how he is acting OVERALL.
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude is reveals about Brian.
- Celebrate your success! You're annotating!
- Complete the Contrasts & Contradictions Chart in your ELA Journal after we finish reading.
Reminders/Homework:
- Finish all work in your ELA Journal
- Typing.com Lessons 7, 8, and 9 due Friday, 18 October, 4pm
- 7. O, B, and A Keys
- 8. V, H, and M Keys
- 9. Period and Comma
- RACE Assessment: you will be given a text to read and asked to write a RACE Paragraph
- Monday, 21 October 2019
Friday, 11 October 2019
Friday, 11 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.A - Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.B - Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
Agenda:
- Read
- Tough Questions
- "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen
- Hatchet Chapter 9
Tough Questions Signpost
You will be writing a RACE response in your ELA Journal about an excerpt from Gary Paulsen's memoir, Woodsong, today.
The audio is linked above. The story is in your Language Arts textbook on page 167.
Copy/paste today's assignment into your ELA Journal before we get started.
CLICK HERE for more examples of tough questions and videos!!
11 October - Tough QuestionsHatchet Chapter 9
Prompt: What character traits help describe Brian at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Find at least ONE passage/quote in each chapter that shows Brian's attitude and reveals a character trait. Try to think about how he is acting OVERALL.
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude is reveals about Brian.
- Celebrate your success! You're annotating!
- Complete the Tough Questions Chart in your ELA Journal after we finish reading.
HOMEWORK:
- Finish the work in your ELA Journal - Remember, I'm grading 5 more entries this weekend!
- NoRedInk Adjective Practice due TODAY by 4PM
- Typing.com (Lessons 7-9) due next Friday!
Wednesday, 9 October 2019
Wednesday, 9 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.A - Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.B - Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
Agenda:
- Read
- Hatchet Ch.7-8
- EE of RACE Practice in your ELA Journal using our evidence gathered with sticky notes!
Hatchet Chapters 7 and 8
Prompt: What character traits help describe Brian at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Find at least ONE passage/quote in each chapter that shows Brian's attitude and reveals a character trait. Try to think about how he is acting OVERALL.
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude is reveals about Brian.
- Celebrate your success! You're annotating!
RACE: Elaborate and Explain the Evidence
Today we practice elaborating on our evidence. Using evidence is not enough unless you can explain the connection between your answer and the evidence you have gathered. Sometimes it means explaining what's going on in the story, and always it means that you will need to have done a little bit of analysis so you can explain why it matters at all.
It is not enough to say "this happened." We will always need to explain why it matters in the story and how it affects the characters. If you can't explain it, it's not the right piece of evidence for you.
Copy/Paste today's assignment into your own ELA Journal. You'll be filling out a chart much like the one I've included below. If you're still unclear on RACE, CLICK HERE for an even more in-depth resource. Whatever you don't finish in class today will be your homework.
9 October - EE of RACE
Monday, 7 October 2019
Monday, 7 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5 - Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Agenda:
- Read!
- Memory Moment
- "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury
- Hatchet Chapter 6
Memory Moment
Definition: when you are reading and the author interrupts the action to share a memory of something that has happened in the past.
CLICK HERE for more examples!
7 October - Memory MomentCopy/paste today's assignment into your ELA Journal. To practice the Memory Moment signpost, we will be reading "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury
After reading, you will write a RAC response about the Memory Moment in this story in your ELA Journal.
Hatchet Chapter 6 and Sticky Note Investigation
- Prompt: What character traits describe Brian's attitude at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Find at least ONE passage/quote in chapter 6 that shows Brian's attitude and reveals a character trait.
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude it reveals about Brian.
- Celebrate your success! You're annotating!
We are also looking for TWO examples of Memory Moments in this chapter to put into our chart in your ELA Journal! I believe in you! You can do it!
HOMEWORK:
- Finish your work in your ELA Journal
- No Red Ink Adjective Practice due Friday (11 October) at 6PM!
Thursday, 3 October 2019
Thursday, 3 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5
Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Agenda:
- Read!
- Hatchet Chapter 5
3 October - Words of the WiserHatchet Chapter 5 and Sticky Note Investigation
- Prompt: What character traits describe Brian's attitude at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Find at least ONE passage/quote in chapter 5 that shows Brian's attitude and reveals a character trait.
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude this reveals about Brian.
- Celebrate your success! You're annotating!
We are also looking for TWO examples of Words of the Wiser in this chapter to put into our chart in your ELA Journal! I believe in you! You can do it!
HOMEWORK:
- Make sure your ELA Journal is complete
- Typing.com (Lessons 4-6) due tomorrow by 6PM!
Tuesday, 1 October 2019
Tuesday, 1 October 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5 - Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Agenda:
- Read
- Copy and Paste today's ELA Journal Entry into your ELA Journal.
- Learn about the Words of the Wiser Signpost using the short story, "The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta Salinas.
Words of the Wiser Signpost
Definition: when you are reading and a character (who is probably older and a lot wiser) gives the main character some advice.
CLICK HERE for more examples! Like The Lion King! and Pocahontas!
1 October - Words of the Wiser PracticeCopy/paste today's assignment from the Google Doc into your ELA Journal. Then, follow along with the story by CLICKING HERE as we listen to the audio of the story.
After reading/listening to this story, you will be writing RAC sentences in your ELA Journal.
HOMEWORK/REMINDERS:
- Finish the Words of the Wiser Practice in your ELA Journal
- Review/Revise to improve your score for entries 1-5 in your ELA Journal if necessary
- Click here to see the scoring guide for your ELA Journal
- Typing.com (Lessons 4-6) due by Friday
Thursday, 26 September 2019
Thursday, 26 September 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Agenda:
- Read
- Chapters 3-4 & Signposts
- Citing Evidence Practice
26 September: Again & Again Chart - Chapters 3-4Hatchet: Chapters 3-4
While we read, continue to take notes using the sticky notes provided, placing them at points in the story where you notice evidence of Brian's attitude towards his situation and evaluating what that says about his character.
After we finish reading, copy/paste the ELA Journal Entry here into your ELA Journal. Last class we talked about the Again & Again signpost, and my hope is that you've noticed - that signpost is everywhere in our book! Work together with a partner to complete the chart.
RAC Lesson
Last class, I asked you to write about the Again and Again example from the story "Charles" by Shirley Jackson. You had sentence frames and filled in the blanks. What I want you to notice is that those two sentences followed the RACE strategy, but only RAC.
First things, first: Go back to those sentences in your ELA Journal and highlight them in the correct colors.
What character traits describe Brian's attitude at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Prompt: What character traits describe Brian's attitude at this point in the novel and what evidence proves this?
- Find at least one passage in every chapter (we've read FOUR chapters so far, and you've already labeled a bunch!) You probably have this done already.
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what character trait or attitude is reveals about Brian.
- Use the evidence you've gathered to complete the second half of your ELA Journal Entry for today
HOMEWORK:
- I'm grading ELA Journal Entries 1-5 this weekend!
- NoRedInk due TOMORROW!
Sep 21, 2019 5:42 PM.webmTuesday, 24 September 2019
Tuesday, 24 September 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5 - Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Agenda:
- Read
- Copy and Paste today's ELA Journal Entry into your ELA Journal.
- Learn about the Again and Again Signpost using Shirley Jackson's "Charles"
What are Signposts?
"Notice and Note Signposts are clues built for readers to help them decide when it is important to stop, notice, and take note of something important happening in a story. Sometimes, it can be hard for readers to decide which parts are truly "the most important" and/or if they have the power to change the story. Learning about the six signposts will help you to determine both of these things and will help you to understand the story at a deeper level."
Let's watch this short introduction on Mrs. Telles' Super Amazing Signpost Website
24 September - Again & AgainToday, we'll be talking about the Again & Again Signpost.
Definition: when you are reading and you notice a word, phrase, object, idea, or situation that is mentioned again and again.
CLICK HERE for video examples and notes!
Copy/Paste the Google Doc here as the next entry in your ELA Journal and then complete the activity to practice using the Again & Again Signpost.
HOMEWORK:
- Finish the Again & Again entry in your ELA Journal
- NoRedInk due Friday, 27 September (That's THIS Friday!!)
Friday, 20 September 2019
Friday, 20 September 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Agenda:
- Read!
- RA Review
- Characterization/Sticky Note Investigation
- Hatchet Ch. 1 - 2
Sticky Note Investigation: Where can you find evidence of Brian's attitude and beliefs about situation?
After we read Chapter 1 and 2, you and your peers will take TWO sticky notes and do the following:
- Look for TWO passages or quotes (you must have at least one from each chapter)
- Prompt: Where is there evidence of Brian's attitude or beliefs about his situation?
- Put the sticky note in and LABEL what the belief or what the attitude is.
- Be prepared to talk about it.
HOMEWORK:
- Read!! (and complete your reading log)
- Typing.com (first three lessons) due Sunday
- Make sure you have at least two stickies (at least one in each chapter) that addresses the prompt: Where is there evidence of Brian's attitude or beliefs about his situation?
- When you put a sticky note in your book, you must write why on the sticky note!
Hatchet Pre-Write.webmHatchet Pre-Write
Next time you come to class, we'll be starting to read our first class novel! (YAY!) As we read, we're going to be focusing mainly on character traits and using textual evidence to identify the ways that the characters we read about are being portrayed. Watch the screencast that I've included here before you complete the pre-writing assignment in your ELA Journal.
Character Traits. What are they?
"Character traits are valued aspects of a person's behavior. Everyone has character traits, both good and bad, including our favorite fictional characters. Character traits are often labeled with descriptive adjectives such as patient or jealous." - Source
You are welcome to Google "list of character traits" to find words. You can also Click on the source link above for more examples.
18 September - Hatchet Pre-WriteFirst: Put the assignment in your ELA Journal. Here's how:
- Open the document linked here AND your ELA Journal in Google Classroom
- Press Control+A to highlight everything on the document!
- Press Control+C to copy it.
- Switch to your ELA Journal
- Click before the date from last time, hit Enter a few times, and then Paste (Control+V) it above the last entry.
- Close the document that is not your ELA Journal because you don't need it anymore.
Typing.com/NoRedInk.com
Watch the screencast here for more information about your Typing.com assignment and your upcoming NoRedInk.com assignment
HOMEWORK:
- Finish any and all missing assignments
- Last chance to revise and resubmit your Technology Slides is this Friday!
Typing.com and NoRedInk.com.webmMonday, 16 September, 2019
Monday, 16 September, 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.6 - [...] demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills [...] CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.D - Establish and maintain a formal style.
Agenda:
- Reading
- How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander
- R.A.C.E. Introduction
- R.A. Practice with poems from Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
- Typing.com
How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander
We will read this out loud in class. If you are absent, please feel free to come take a look at it in class. There is no assignment associated with this book. It is simply for us to enjoy together.
R.A.C.E.S. Introduction
RACES is a method of answering questions clearly and with detail. It is a way to write in a formal, academic tone.
Today, your only focus is R and A, which is actually only 1-2 sentences!
You will learn about and practice C and E on another day.
RA Practice with Brown Girl Dreaming
We will read two poems from a book called Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. One of them is pictured here.
You can find the other one by clicking on THIS LINK
Copy the text from the Google Doc here and paste it at the top of your ELA Journal. You'll work together with your classmates and me today to RA your responses to the questions.
Excerpt from Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
16 September - RA Practice
HOMEWORK:
- READ!!!!!!!
- Typing.com due Sunday, September 22. (You may work ahead, but your goal is entirely to do this slowly and tediously. Put your fingers in the right position and do EXACTLY what the computer tells you to do with your fingers. You want to type fast like Ms. Keller? This is how.) **LOG IN WITH GOOGLE!
- Lesson 1: J, F, and Space
- Lesson 2: U, R, and K Keys
- Lesson 3: D, E, and I Keys
- Make sure you have THREE entries in your ELA Journal complete.
Thursday, 12 September 2019
Thursday, 12 September 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
Agenda:
Interpreting Standards: First of all, what are "standards"?
Educational standards are the learning goals for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. They are the skills we will practice all year. We will focus on only a few at a time.
What do I do?
First: Put the assignment in your ELA Journal. Here's how:
- Open the document linked here AND your ELA Journal in Google Classroom
- Press Control+A to highlight everything on the document!
- Press Control+C to copy it.
- Switch to your ELA Journal
- Go to the TOP of the document and Paste (Control+V) it above the first entry. The most recent work you do will always go on the top.
- Close the document that is not your ELA Journal because you don't need it anymore.
Standards Chart - 12 September
Today we're going to translate some fancy English into less fancy, more clear English so that we know what is expected of us and maybe learn some new words!
Second: we will work together to put these standards in our own words.
We will highlight key terms and define them if we need to. Then, we will rewrite the standards so that the skills are written in a more clear way that makes the most sense to YOU.
Together, we will do the first four, and you will be responsible for the last two and the question at the bottom.
HOMEWORK:
- Finish the Standards Chart in your ELA Journal
- Finish the Diagnostic Quiz on www.noredink.com if you haven't already finished!
Class Social Contract
Last class you worked in small groups to create a list of suggestions for our Social Contract. Today will make one together as a class, and the results will be posted on the wall for the whole year. It will be our guide to how we treat ourselves and others in class. You'll be working in small groups first, and then sharing out your ideas to the class so that we can come to an agreement on a whole class social contract.
Use the guiding questions from your ELA Journal to help you brainstorm!
No Red Ink
We're going to start something new this week, and it's going to last throughout the rest of the school year. Now, it's my personal belief that when I stand up at the front of the room and Talk Grammar at you, about 80% of it goes in one ear, and out the other.
This is why I'm going to introduce you to my BFF, No Red Ink. No Red Ink is an online website that teaches some of the most basic and necessary grammar rules by giving you practice sentences and helping you to work through the rules on your own. Best part? If you're a grammar pro and don't need these lessons, you can test out of them! That way, you're not doing homework that you don't need to be doing. Follow the instructions in the slides for today to set up your No Red Ink account and get started. You must complete the Diagnostic Quiz by Thursday.
HOMEWORK: Spend some time today reviewing the comments that I left on your Technology Slides assignment in Google Classroom and fixing anything that needs to be fixed. Make sure to watch the screencasts and read the instructions carefully. Use each other as resources! You'll need to click "Turn In" again as a way of letting me know that you want me to re-grade your assignment.
Friday, 6 September 2019
Friday, 6 September 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 - Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners
Agenda:
- Read!
- Cup Stacking Challenge
- ELA Journal (Google Classroom)
- Social Contract
Cup Stacking Challenge
I will give you directions for this communication activity. You will work together to do this because it is a teamwork challenge. While you work, consider the different things that helped make your team successful / not so successful. If you were absent, you missed out!
ELA Journal (Google Classroom)
This is going to take the place of your spiral notebook in our class. All of your work will be done on your ELA Journal Google Doc. Don't lose it!
Today, take some time to respond to the guiding questions that I have provided for you. If you don't finish in the allotted time today, you'll need to finish the questions for homework.
What is a Social Contract?
It's a contract we all sign that shows the ways that our class agrees to behave all year. We will make it together in class, and the results will be posted on the wall for the whole year. It will be our guide to how we treat ourselves and others in class. You'll be working in small groups first, and then sharing out your ideas to the class so that we can come to an agreement on a whole class social contract.
Use the guiding questions from your ELA Journal to help you brainstorm!
HOMEWORK: Finish the questions in your ELA Journal if you didn't finish in class!
Wednesday, 4 September 2019
Wednesday, 4 September 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.10 - By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently
Agenda:
- Computers/Planners/READ!
- Wild Readers Survey
- Book Challenge / Independent Reading Log
Wild Readers Survey
What kind of readers do we have in this classroom? By the end of the year, I hope that every single one of you can answer that question confidently by saying "MS. KELLER, I LOVE TO READ!!" but I know that right now, that might not be the case for every single one of you.
Take the Wild Readers Survey (in Google Classroom) to help us get an idea of what the general experience regarding reading is in our classroom. We'll review the data together as a class, but your answers will be anonymous, so please be as honest as you can!
Book Challenge / Independent Reading Log
I'm going to challenge you (yes, YOU!) to read at least 25 books this year. You can do it. You just have to believe you can, and be willing to try. We'll use a digital reading log every single day to track your progress and celebrate your successes. We got this.
You get to choose the books, but I have some requests for genres. This year we will talk about different types of genres and look at examples of lots of types of books. You will be asked to sample at least one book from each, and then you will get choices beyond that.
You will find your 6th Grade Reading Notebook on Google Classroom right now!
In addition, each time you read a book and FINISH it, you will get to add a sticker to your periods reading chart. Yay!
Ms. Black is talking some mad game trying to act like her class can read more than ours. She cray.
After we review as a class, use the remainder of class time to update your Reading Log
HOMEWORK:
- Read!!
- Track your reading on your Independent Reading Log (located in Google Classroom and your Google Drive)!
Friday, 30 August 2019
Friday, 30 August 2019
Today's Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.6 - Use technology, including the Internet, [...] to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills
Agenda:
- Library Visit!
- Google Classroom
- Finish Technology Slides
- Reading time!
At the start of class, we'll be heading to the Library for our first Library visit of the year! Bring your Student ID so you can check out some books and make sure to pay attention to all of the excellent resources that Mrs. Uyloan and Mrs. Leimgruber have available for you! (Remember, you need a book every day in my class, so this would be a good time to think about picking one out!)
There will be a quiz, so you'll need to make sure you're paying attention!
Work on Technology Slides
You'll have the remainder of the class period to work on finishing your Technology Slides. Whatever you do not finish will need to be completed over the weekend for homework. Remember, if you don't have regular computer access at home, you can come borrow one from me during RAM time, or use the Computer Lab after school, OR the Library during break or lunch. There are plenty of ways to make this happen.
I will be walking around to help you if you need it, but I believe that you can do this. Read the directions carefully, ask a friend, and if you still can't figure it out - then raise your hand and I'll come help you out.
HOMEWORK:
- Finish your 6th Grade Technology Setup Slides
- If you haven't already, go into Google Classroom and attach your version of the Slides to the assignment titled "6th Grade Technology Setup Slides
- Don't forget to click the button that says "Turn In" when you're finished!
Welcome/Reading
When you walk in, please remember to immediately grab your assigned Chrome Book, log in, and open up our Class Website. Once your browser is open to our Class Website, copy tonight's homework into your planner, and then you may begin to read silently.
One Word Activity
The words we say to ourselves matter as much as the words we say to each other. Choose a word that inspires you or sticks out to you. Let this be the word that drives you and pushes you to become the best version of yourself. When choosing this word, think about your goals for this year.
Write that word in big letters on the front of your index card. Then, repeat it as many times as you can in smaller letters surrounding the big word. (Repetition is key!)
On the back of your index card, write a brief paragraph (2-4 sentences) explaining why you chose that particular word.
Digital Technology Organization
We'll be using a lot of Digital Technology in our Language Arts class this year, and in your other classes, too! Today you'll be working through a Google Slides WebQuest to practice all of the skills you will need in order to be successful this year.
This WebQuest is going to ask you to do a number of things, but it shows you how to do them all. Here is a short list of all the skills you will practice:
- Making a copy of a document on Google Drive
- MLA Heading
- Bookmarking your important pages
- Taking Screenshots
- Accessing MyPlan and its resources
- Organizing your Google Drive Folders
- Changing your Google Profile Picture
WOW That's so many things! There are screencasts (videos where Ms. Black explains exactly how to do everything and even SHOWS you!) in the slides that you can play that will show you how to do everything. Yay!
You will need:
- Earbuds (to listen to the screencasts, not your own music)
- A partner (to help you if you get confused)
- The Google Slides presentation linked here.
I will be walking around to help you if you need it, but I believe that you can do this. Read the directions carefully, ask a friend, and if you still can't figure it out - then raise your hand and I'll come help you out.
HOMEWORK:
- One Word Assignment due Friday
- Finish Slides 1-14 on your 6th Grade Technology Setup Slides
- To get to them, go to drive.google.com
- You should be able to find it! It has your name on it!
Reading
Today (and every day) we're going to start class with about 15 minutes of independent reading. Get comfy. Read whatever you want. You may read on a tablet or phone if you prefer that. All I ask of you is that you take this time to actually read.
Next class we'll review all the ways in which we'll be tracking our reading progress throughout the year, but for now all you need to know is that reading every day matters. So - we're going to do it. You need to have an independent reading book with you at all times. If you don't have one, get one.
Computers
We are one of the luckiest classrooms on campus because we have our very own personal class set of ChromeBooks. For this reason, a lot of what we do in class this year will be done on computers. In fact, we'll use them pretty much every single day. When you walk into this classroom, the very first thing you should do every day is grab YOUR assigned ChromeBook, log in, and open up this website. Don't forget your numbers!!
Rotation StationsRotation Stations
As we begin a new year, it's important for you to understand some of the expectations and procedures for how our classroom works. Last class, we started the process.
Today we'll review Station One, then work through Station Two together as a class. Use the links below to complete Stations Three and Four on your own. Whatever you don't finish in class today will need to be completed for homework. The Classroom Stations paper will be due next class!
One Word Activity
The words we say to ourselves matter as much as the words we say to each other. Choose a word that inspires you or sticks out to you. Let this be the word that drives you and pushes you to become the best version of yourself. When choosing this word, think about your goals for this year.
Write that word in big letters on the front of your index card. Then, repeat it as many times as you can in smaller letters surrounding the big word. (Repetition is key!)
On the back of your index card, write a brief paragraph (2-4 sentences) explaining why you chose that particular word.
HOMEWORK:
- Finish Classroom Stations (due next class!)
- One Word Assignment (Due Friday - you *might* have class time on Wednesday to work on it though!)
Investigate the Teacher
How much can you learn from something just by observing? (Here's a hint: YOU CAN LEARN A LOT!) Today, you're going to learn a little bit more about me by making some inferences based on observation.
Use the worksheet (if you were absent today, I've link the worksheet here) to make observations about Ms. Keller and her classroom and then analyze those observations to determine what they reveal.
*If you were absent today, you can print it out and complete the activity at home!
Investigate the Teacher.pptx
Who is Ms. Keller?
Now that you've done your observations, it's time for me to actually tell you a little bit about myself, but if you know anything about me by now, you'll know that I don't like doing things the traditional way.
Instead of just telling you about myself, I've created a Kahoot! quiz with questions about me. You'll compete as a class to guess the answers to the questions, and then I'll explain a little bit more about myself as we go.
Rotation StationsRotation Stations
As we begin a new year, it's important for you to understand some of the expectations and procedures for how our classroom works. Instead of just sitting there while I talk for an hour (and lose my voice, as well as half of your attention spans), I want to get you up and moving! You'll use the Classroom Rotations paper to work through four different stations.
If you want to continue to work on this at home, here are the links you will need in order to complete this assignment: (You don't have to though - We will have class time on Monday!!)
HOMEWORK (due Monday!):
- Get a silent reading book and put it in your backpack
- Get your parents to sign the syllabus
Wednesday, 21 August 2019
Wednesday, 21 August 2019
Welcome to 6th Grade Language Arts with Ms. Keller! We are going to have a lot of fun this school year, and I can't wait to get to know each and every one of you. I will be updating this Google Site every day, so it would be smart to have it bookmarked on your home computer. This will be the place for you to access the slides from today, as well as links to any handouts that were given out in class, and the agenda and overview of what we did in class that day.
Today, it's just a welcome! I am so excited to continue to get to know you all better as the year goes on.
Here are the Google Slides from today! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at kokeller@powayusd.com
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