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Welcome!
On this page you will find all distance learning lessons, instructions, and materials for Communications class.
To access the week's activities, please use the table of contents to find the current week, or scroll down.
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Useful Links
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Table of Contents
Hidden Figures Quick Links
Q3 Week 9 (March 1-3)
Q3 Week 9 (March 1-3)
These activities are due by the end of the day on Wednesday, March 3.
There will be a required Zoom class on Tuesday this week.
Click here to check the Zoom calendar for a schedule.Activity 9.1: Introduction to Our Final Unit Project
Monday, March 1Activity 9.1: Introduction to Our Final Unit Project
30 min
Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and open the assignment titled (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project.
2. Come back here and watch the video in the Materials section to the right. Follow along with the video on the Jamboard in the Materials section to the right, and in your document.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Video:Introduction to Our Final Unit Project
App Used:
Product
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Fully watch the video in the Materials section to the left.
○ Add your thoughts / comments to the Throughlines Jamboard in the Materials section to the left.
Activity 9.2: Information Gathering
Tuesday, March 2Activity 9.2: Information Gathering
45 min
Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and again open the assignment titled (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project.
2. Come back here and watch the video in the Materials section to the right.
3. Go to the page called Resources for the Final Project in the Materials section to the right and choose at least 3 of the resources to read/watch.
4. As you read/watch, complete the brainstorming page (Step 1) of your (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project document.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Video:Background Reading and Research
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed brainstorming page (Step 1) of your (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Don't click turn in yet!
Quarter 4
Quarter 4
Week 10 (March 8-12)
Week 10 (March 8-12)
These activities are due by the end of the day on Friday, March 12.
There are required Zooms for all at-home students on Tuesday, March 9 and Friday, March 12.
See the Zoom calendar for details.Activity 10.1: Refugee Essay Outlining
Monday, March 8Activity 10.1: Refugee Essay Outlining
30 min
Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and again open the assignment titled (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project.
2. Come back here and watch the video in the Materials section to the right.
3. In your document, select your best two or three yellows (the ones you think you'll have the best evidence for). Next, move to Step 2 in your document and create an outline for your essay.
To help you with your reds, go back to the Resources page (link in the Materials section to the right) and once again use data from the articles and videos to add evidence, examples, and explanation.
If you feel like you need extra help with this step, check out the video from earlier in Q3 of me modeling this step. The essay topic isn't the same, but the process is!
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Video:Refugee Essay Outlining
Web Page:Resources for the Final Project
App Used:
Product
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed outlining page (Step 2) of your (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Activity 10.2: Refugee Essay Drafting
Tuesday, March 9Activity 10.2: Refugee Essay Drafting
45 min
There is a required Zoom today at 12:45 for all students who are at home.
See the Zoom calendar for details.Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and again open the assignment titled (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project.
2. Come back here and watch the video in the Materials section to the right.
3. Now, take your outline that you completed yesterday in Step 2 and work on Step 3, turning it into a draft in paragraph form. Some things to remember:
- You should have 4 or 5 separate paragraphs with 4 or 5 indents.
- You'll have 4 paragraphs if you've put 2 yellows in your essay.
- You'll have 5 paragraphs if you've put 3 yellows in your essay.
- You should be writing in complete sentences beginning with capital letters and ending with periods.
If you feel like you need extra help with this step, check out the video from earlier in Q3 of me modeling this step. The essay topic isn't the same, but the process is!
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Videos:Refugee Essay Drafting
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed draft (Step 3) of your (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Activity 10.3: Refugee Essay Revising & Editing
Thursday, March 11Activity 10.3: Refugee Essay Revising & Editing
30 min
Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and again open the assignment titled (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project.
2. Come back here and watch the video in the Materials section to the right.
3. Now, take your draft that you completed on Tuesday in Step 3 and work on Step 4, revising and editing your draft using the checklist in your document.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Video:Refugee Essay Revising & Editing
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Revised and edited draft (Step 4) of your (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Activity 10.4: Refugee Essay Publishing
Friday, March 12Activity 10.4: Refugee Essay Publishing
30 min
There is a required Zoom today at 12:45 for all students who are at home.
See the Zoom calendar for details.Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and again open the assignment titled (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project.
2. Come back here and watch the video in the Materials section to the right.
3. Now, take your final draft that you revised and edited yesterday in Step 4 and work on Step 5, electronically sending your essay to your representative.
Don't forget to turn in your document once you have finished this step as well!
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Video:Refugee Essay Publishing
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.Your Unit Final Project Essay is Due Today.
○ Fully completed (9.1 - 10.4) Final Project document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Spring Break
Spring Break
March 15-19
Week 11 (March 22-26)
Week 11 (March 22-26)
These activities are due by the end of the day on Friday, March 26.
There are required Zooms for all at-home students on Tuesday, March 23 and Friday, March 26.
See the Zoom calendar for details.Activity 11.1: Introduction to Our New Book Unit!
Monday, March 22Activity 11.1: Introduction to Our New Book Unit!
40 min
Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Watch the video "Introduction to Our New Unit" in the Materials section to the right.
2. As you follow along with the video, open the Jamboard in the Materials section to the right. Add in your background knowledge, and read what others have added as well.
3. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and open the assignment titled Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook.
4. Find the page in your reader's notebook titled Prologue. Complete the first two Before Reading questions.
5. Open up the Ebook copy of Hidden Figures (in the materials section to the right) and read the Prologue.
I highly recommend that you also listen to the audiobook recording of the prologue as you read (reading and listening at the same time is really good for your 🧠).
6. In your document, complete the two After Reading questions.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Video:Introduction to Our New Unit
App Used:
Product
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed Prologue page in your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Activity 11.2: Practicing Close Reading
Tuesday, March 23Activity 11.2: Practicing Close Reading
40 min
There is a required Zoom today at 12:45 for all students who are at home.
See the Zoom calendar for details.Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and open the assignment titled Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook. Find the page in your notebook for Chapter 1.
2. Watch the video "Practicing Close Reading" in the Materials section to the right.
Note: I try to keep my videos short, but this one is pretty long because I am modeling the reading process for the whole chapter. Please take a break halfway through this video (at around 22:00) rather than trying to watch it all in one sitting.
3. Open up the Ebook copy of Hidden Figures (in the materials section to the right) and read Chapter 1 along with me in the video.
As we go, we'll practice close reading by pausing to notice and record our reactions, tackle difficult vocabulary, and summarize the main ideas of the chapter.
4. In your document, complete the two After Reading questions.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Videos:Practicing Close Reading
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed Chapter 1 page in your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Activity 11.3: Expert Articles
Thursday, March 25Activity 11.3: Expert Articles
40 min
Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Watch the video "Expert Articles" in the Materials section to the right.
2. Visit the page "Expert Article List" that is linked in the Materials section to the right.
Choose one article to carefully read, learning all that you can about your topic and being sure that you understand it well enough to explain it to someone else.
3. Visit the Flipgrid and record a video that is between 1:00 and 1:30 long that teaches your classmates about your article/topic. Your video needs to:
-Tell the title of the article you read
-Explain what the big idea or point of your article was
-Teach 3-4 of the most important and interesting facts from the article
4. Watch at least 3 other videos posted by your classmates to learn about some of the other topics.
For each video that you watch, please reply to their video with a kind, specific comment. In your comment, tell your classmate something you learned from their video.
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ One video teaching your classmates about the ideas and facts in your chosen article (submitted via Flipgrid).
○ Comments on three of your classmates' videos (submitted via Flipgrid).
Activity 11.4: Informational Text Structures
Friday, March 26Activity 11.4: Informational Text Structures
40 min
The regular Zoom for today is canceled. But please email Mr. Neilson if you need help with anything!
Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and open the assignment titled Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook. Find the page in your notebook for Chapter 2.
2. Watch the video "Informational Text Structures" in the Materials section to the right.
As you watch, take notes on informational text structure in the Notes section.
3. Open up the Ebook and Audiobook copies of Hidden Figures (in the materials section to the right) and read Chapter 2.
Practice close reading by pausing to notice and record your reactions, tackle difficult vocabulary, and summarize the main ideas of the chapter.
4. In your document, complete the two After Reading questions.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Video:Informational Text Structures
Image:Informational Text Structures
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed Chapter 2 page in your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Week 12 (March 29 - April 2)
Week 12 (March 29 - April 2)
These activities are due by the end of the day on Friday, April 2.
There is a required Zoom for all at-home students on Tuesday, March 30.
See the Zoom calendar for details.Activity 12.1: Previewing to Predict Text Structure
Monday, March 29Activity 12.1: Previewing to Predict Text Structure
40 min
Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and open the assignment titled Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook. Find the page in your notebook for Chapter 3.
2. Watch the video "Previewing to Predict Text Structure" in the Materials section to the right. As you watch, take notes in the Notes section.
3. Open up the Ebook and Audiobook copies of Hidden Figures (in the materials section to the right) and read Chapter 3.
Practice close reading by pausing to notice and record your reactions, tackle difficult vocabulary, and summarize the main ideas of the chapter.
4. In your document, complete the two After Reading questions.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Video:Previewing to Predict Text Structure
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed Chapter 3 page in your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Activity 12.2: Reading Day
Tuesday, March 30Activity 12.2: Reading Day
40 min
There is a required Communications Zoom today at 12:45 for all students who are at home.
See the Zoom calendar for details.Please take today to catch up on Hidden Figures reading. Open your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook in Google Classroom and look through the first 4 sections of the notebook:
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
All parts of these first three sections should be completed. Please take time today to go back and do any extra reading or note-taking in your reader's notebook that you need to do today to get caught up.
Activity 12.3: Digging Deeper Into Context Clues
Thursday, April 1Activity 12.3: Digging Deeper Into Context Clues
40 min
Instructions
This is what you need to do.1. Go to the classwork section of Google Classroom and open the assignment titled Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook. Find the page in your notebook for Chapter 4.
2. Watch the video "Digging Deeper into Context Clues" in the Materials section to the right. As you watch, take notes on informational text structure in the Notes section.
3. Open up the Ebook and Audiobook copies of Hidden Figures (in the materials section to the right) and read Chapter 4.
Practice close reading by pausing to notice and record your reactions, tackle difficult vocabulary, and summarize the main ideas of the chapter.
4. In your document, complete the two After Reading questions.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Video:Digging Deeper Into Context Clues
Image:Types of Context Clues
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed Chapter 4 page in your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Friday, April 2 - Good Friday
Friday, April 2 - Good Friday
No New Activities Assigned Today
Week 13 (April 5-9)
Week 13 (April 5-9)
Activity 13.1: Hidden Figures, Ch. 4
Monday, April 5Activity 13.1: Hidden Figures, Ch. 4
40 min
🎯 I can adjust my rate of reading in order to fully understand an informational text.🎯 I can use information text reading strategies like CPR and WIN to help me understand the vocabulary and ideas in a text.
Instructions
This is what you need to do.Join today's required Zoom, which will take place from 8:05 - 8:55 am today. If you are able to do this, then you don't need to continue on to the steps below.
If for some reason you missed today's Zoom class,
1. Go to the Classwork section in Google Classroom and open your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook. Scroll down until you get to "Chapter 4: A New Beginning."
Note: Chapter 4 was assigned last Friday, but in our in person classes, we didn't get there, so we'll be working on it today. If you are at home and did read chapter 4 already, then you already have this activity complete!
3. Open up the ebook and audiobook copies of Hidden Figures in the Materials section to the right and read Chapter 4. As you read, complete the "During Reading" section in your Reader's notebook.
4. Lastly, answer the two "After Reading" questions in your reader's notebook.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Audiobook:Hidden Figures, Chapter 5
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed Chapter 4: A New Beginning page in your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Activity 13.2: Hidden Figures Math Connection
Tuesday, April 6Activity 13.2: Hidden Figures Math Connection
40 min
🎯 I can use specific details given in a text to draw conclusions and make connections.🎯 I can use basic math to help me understand a text more deeply.
Instructions
This is what you need to do.Join today's required Zoom, which will take place from 8:05 - 8:55 am today. If you are able to do this, then you don't need to continue on to the steps below.
If for some reason you missed today's Zoom class,
1. Click here to open up today's activity, which is all about combining close reading with math skills to more deeply understand and think about a text.
Once the document is open, click File > Make a Copy.
When it asks you what you would like to name your new document, make sure to include your name.
2. Read the questions in the document, and use the ebook in the materials section to the right along with your math skills to answer the questions in the document.
3. When you finish, please click the blue share button and share your document with Mr. Neilson.
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed Hidden Figures Chapters 1-5 Math Connection document.
Activity 11.3: Hidden Figures, Ch. 5
Thursday, April 8Activity 11.3: Hidden Figures, Ch. 5
40 min
🎯 I can adjust my rate of reading in order to fully understand an informational text.🎯 I can use information text reading strategies like CPR and WIN to help me understand the vocabulary and ideas in a text.
Instructions
This is what you need to do.Join today's required Zoom, which will take place from 8:05 - 8:55 am today. If you are able to do this, then you don't need to continue on to the steps below.
If for some reason you missed today's Zoom class,
1. Go to the Classwork section in Google Classroom and open your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook. Scroll down until you get to "Chapter 5: The Double V."
2. Click here to open my reader's notebook. Highlight the notes section that includes the four posters depicting women in World War II and the questions below it. Paste this into your reader's notebook in the notes section. Then, take some time to examine the pictures and record your answers to the questions.
3. Open up the ebook and audiobook copies of Hidden Figures in the Materials section to the right and read Chapter 5. As you read, complete the "During Reading" section in your Reader's notebook.
4. Lastly, answer the two "After Reading" questions in your reader's notebook.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Ebook:Hidden Figures
Audiobook:Hidden Figures, Chapter 6
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed Chapter 5: The Double V page in your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Activity 13.4: Hidden Figures, Chapter 6
Friday, April 9Activity 13.4: Hidden Figures, Chapter 6
40 min
🎯 I can adjust my rate of reading in order to fully understand an informational text.🎯 I can use information text reading strategies like CPR and WIN to help me understand the vocabulary and ideas in a text.
Instructions
This is what you need to do.Join today's required Zoom, which will take place from 8:05 - 8:55 am today. If you are able to do this, then you don't need to continue on to the steps below.
If for some reason you missed today's Zoom class,
1. Go to the Classwork section in Google Classroom and open your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook. Scroll down until you get to "Chapter 7: War Birds."
2. Open up the ebook and audiobook copies of Hidden Figures in the Materials section to the right and read Chapter 7. As you read, complete the "During Reading" section in your Reader's notebook.
3. Lastly, answer the two "After Reading" questions in your reader's notebook.
Materials
These are the tools you'll use.Ebook:Hidden Figures
Audiobook:Hidden Figures, Chapter 7
App Used:
Products
This is what you'll turn in to me.○ Completed Chapter 6: The "Colored" Computers page in your Hidden Figures Reader's Notebook document (accessed via Google Classroom)
Week 14 (April 12-16)
Week 14 (April 12-16)
These activities are due at the latest by the end of the day on Friday, April 16.
There are required Zooms for all at-home students on Tuesday, April 13 and Friday, April 16.
See the Zoom calendar for details.Now that we are back to a four-day in person schedule, I won't be posting daily lessons here. However, here is a basic outline of what we are doing for the week in our in person and online groups:
Quick Links: Hidden Figures eBook / Hidden Figures Audiobook Playlist
In Person
Monday, April 12: Review context clues. Read and take notes on Hidden Figures, ch. 6.
Tuesday, April 13: Review informational text structures. "Be an Aerospace Engineer" paper airplane activity.
To Do At Home on Wednesday, April 14: Finish HF chapter 6 and be sure your reader's notebook ch. 6 is complete as well.
Thursday, April 15: Review main idea. Read and take notes on Hidden Figures, ch. 7.
Friday, April 16: Reading quiz on context clues, informational text structures, and main idea.
Online-Only
Monday, April 12: Review context clues. Read and take notes on Hidden Figures, ch. 5.
Tuesday, April 13: Review informational text structures. Read and take notes on Hidden Figures, ch. 6.
To Do At Home on Wednesday, April 14: Finish HF chapter 6 and be sure your reader's notebook ch. 6 is complete as well.
Thursday, April 15: Review main idea. "Be an Aerospace Engineer" paper airplane activity.
Friday, April 16: Reading quiz on context clues, informational text structures, and main idea.
Week 15 (April 19-23)
Week 15 (April 19-23)
Now that we are back to a four-day in person schedule, I won't be posting daily lessons here. However, here is a basic outline of what we are doing for the week in our in person and online groups:
Quick Links: Hidden Figures eBook / Hidden Figures Audiobook Playlist
Monday, April 19: Go over quiz from Friday. Read and take notes on Hidden Figures, ch. 8.
Tuesday, April 20: Building Background Knowledge Activity.
To Do At Home on Wednesday, April 21: Finish HF chapter 8 and be sure your reader's notebook ch. 8 is complete as well.
Thursday, April 22: Read and take notes on Hidden Figures, ch. 9.
Friday, April 23: Catch up, board games, and chess tournament day.
Week 16 (April 26-30)
Week 16 (April 26-30)
Now that we are back to a four-day in person schedule, I won't be posting daily lessons here. However, here is a basic outline of what we are doing for the week in our in person and online groups:
Quick Links: Hidden Figures eBook / Hidden Figures Audiobook Playlist
Monday, April 26: Figurative Language Review and notes. Begin Hidden Figures ch. 10.
Tuesday, April 27: "The Cold War, Communism, and the Red Scare" group webquest.
Thursday, April 22: Finish reading and taking notes on Hidden Figures, ch. 10.
Friday, April 23: Read and take notes on Hidden Figures, ch. 11.
Week 17 (May 3-7)
Week 17 (May 3-7)
Quick Links: Hidden Figures eBook / Hidden Figures Audiobook Playlist
Monday, May 3: Hidden Figures, ch. 1-10 review crossword puzzle
Tuesday, May 4: NWEA Reading Test, Day 1
Thursday, April 22: NWEA Reading Test, Day 2
Friday, April 23: Read Hidden Figures, ch. 12 and take notes in reader's notebook.
Communications Schedule Through the End of the Quarter
Communications Schedule Through the End of the Quarter
May 10 - 28
***change: ch. 21 will NOT be graded.
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