FYI: Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for October 11 and 12. I'd love for you to come in, so we can talk about your student and his/her progress. If you'd like to have a conference, you may contact the office at 672-3321 and Mrs. Goeckner can help get it scheduled. If I see your student for both Reading and Writing, I'd be happy to talk about both classes in one conference.
While I love meeting as many parents as possible, I do understand that these times may not work for some of you because of your work schedule and other commitments. Please remember that if you'd like to check in on your student's progress or ask specific questions about how he/she is doing in class, you're more than welcome to contact me at any time. Returning phone calls during the day can often be tricky, so sometimes email is easier, if that's an option for you. I'd love to hear from you!
Friday, September 23, 2011
AR Project #2 for First Quarter
Project Explanation for AR Project #2 in Reading - 1st Quarter
DUE OCT 10/11
Rather than writing a standard book report, you will instead create a book report project that will accurately explain and describe the book that you have read. As always, this project will be equal to a test grade and should be taken seriously. For this project, you will need to read one book. It can be either fiction or non-fiction. After you finish the book, you have the option of completing one of three projects:
1 – Create a life-size model of one of the main characters from your book. You can use whatever materials you choose, but your model needs to look like the main character in terms of appearance, clothing, etc. You will also need to attach a one paragraph explanation of why your character is an important part of your book.
2 – Interview a character from your book. Write at least ten questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings about his/her role in the story. Be creative and include specific details from your book. Your interview needs to be between 1 ½ and 2 pages and should either be typed or written neatly in blue or black ink.
3 - Do a book talk. Talk to the class about your book by saying a little about the author, explain who the characters are and explain enough about the beginning of the story so that everyone will understand what they are about to read. Finally, read an exciting, interesting, or amusing passage from your book. Stop reading at a moment that leaves the audience hanging and add, "If you want to know more you'll have to read the book." If the book talk is well done almost all the students want to read the book. Your book talk should last between 3 – 5 minutes and be well prepared.
All projects MUST include the full title of the book and the author’s name somewhere on the project. You must also attach a completed reading log bookmark to your project. If you don’t include the reading log, you will lose 10% of your grade – so please don’t forget!! Please see me if you have any questions on your options. Good luck!
DUE OCT 10/11
Rather than writing a standard book report, you will instead create a book report project that will accurately explain and describe the book that you have read. As always, this project will be equal to a test grade and should be taken seriously. For this project, you will need to read one book. It can be either fiction or non-fiction. After you finish the book, you have the option of completing one of three projects:
1 – Create a life-size model of one of the main characters from your book. You can use whatever materials you choose, but your model needs to look like the main character in terms of appearance, clothing, etc. You will also need to attach a one paragraph explanation of why your character is an important part of your book.
2 – Interview a character from your book. Write at least ten questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings about his/her role in the story. Be creative and include specific details from your book. Your interview needs to be between 1 ½ and 2 pages and should either be typed or written neatly in blue or black ink.
3 - Do a book talk. Talk to the class about your book by saying a little about the author, explain who the characters are and explain enough about the beginning of the story so that everyone will understand what they are about to read. Finally, read an exciting, interesting, or amusing passage from your book. Stop reading at a moment that leaves the audience hanging and add, "If you want to know more you'll have to read the book." If the book talk is well done almost all the students want to read the book. Your book talk should last between 3 – 5 minutes and be well prepared.
All projects MUST include the full title of the book and the author’s name somewhere on the project. You must also attach a completed reading log bookmark to your project. If you don’t include the reading log, you will lose 10% of your grade – so please don’t forget!! Please see me if you have any questions on your options. Good luck!
What's Going on in Writing?
Writing students have been hard at work reviewing the basics of sentence diagramming. They have covered compound subjects and compound verbs, and are now learning about descriptive words - adjectives and adverbs. They've spent two days this week practicing adjectives and will move to adverbs next week.
With the first major writing assignment complete, we're taking the chance to work on some specific writing skills before we launch our next major project. These "fun" assignments help students learn valuable writing skills such as writing for a specific audience or including strong descriptive words in their writing. Be sure to ask your student what life is like as their shoe! Next week, we will begin a new writing assignment that incorporates research into a creative writing project.
With the first major writing assignment complete, we're taking the chance to work on some specific writing skills before we launch our next major project. These "fun" assignments help students learn valuable writing skills such as writing for a specific audience or including strong descriptive words in their writing. Be sure to ask your student what life is like as their shoe! Next week, we will begin a new writing assignment that incorporates research into a creative writing project.
What's Going on in Reading
In Reading classes, students have been making steady progress in their reading of The Devil's Arithmetic. The award-winning YA novel follows the character of Hannah, a modern girl who mysteriously travels back in time to Poland in the 1940s and must endure firsthand the horrors of the Holocaust. In addition to our reading, we will also be learning more specifically about the Holocaust and those that survived the tragedy.
Next week, students will also be receiving an extra credit project opportunity that will involve some additional out-of-class research. I'll send out specifics as soon as the students receive the information, but I would encourage most students to consider completing this 30 pt. opportunity.
We are also beginning to utilize Edmodo - an online education tool that allows students to collaborate, discuss, and even submit assignments online. The students are enjoying learning about the new technology and will have the chance to build valuable skills in online learning. In addition, it's my hope that our conversations will leave them with a greater understanding about what is appropriate vs. inappropriate in a online setting - both socially and academically.
Next week, students will also be receiving an extra credit project opportunity that will involve some additional out-of-class research. I'll send out specifics as soon as the students receive the information, but I would encourage most students to consider completing this 30 pt. opportunity.
We are also beginning to utilize Edmodo - an online education tool that allows students to collaborate, discuss, and even submit assignments online. The students are enjoying learning about the new technology and will have the chance to build valuable skills in online learning. In addition, it's my hope that our conversations will leave them with a greater understanding about what is appropriate vs. inappropriate in a online setting - both socially and academically.
Back to Business!
First of all, it's great to be back in the classroom! For the most part, things seemed to have went very well while I was away and all of my classes made some signficant progress. As I continue to get "back to business," there are some things you should know:
* AR Projects for Reading classes are graded and I will be posting those scores - along with the AR test scores - this afternoon as time permits
* The Personal Narratives from Writing classes have been collected and are in the process of being read and graded.
* I do have a few other assignments I am trying to finish up and get in the gradebook today and Monday. After that point, grades should be completely up-to-date.
As always, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Have a great weekend!
* AR Projects for Reading classes are graded and I will be posting those scores - along with the AR test scores - this afternoon as time permits
* The Personal Narratives from Writing classes have been collected and are in the process of being read and graded.
* I do have a few other assignments I am trying to finish up and get in the gradebook today and Monday. After that point, grades should be completely up-to-date.
As always, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Kudos!
While I do occasionally have to write about missing assignments and zeroes, I did want to take a minute and focus on the opposite of that spectrum. I have been so pleased with the quality of work coming from so many of my students! Their answers are thoughtful, intelligent and well-articulated. Most students - even those who profess not to like to read - have been making great strides in their AR reading, and I'm incredibly excited to see the projects when they come in. They've been doing great work - and as parents, you should be quite proud!
Remediation
While it is expected that all students will complete all assignments, I have been teaching long enough to realize that's not always going to be the case. Two years ago, W-L School Board members implemented a specific policy regarding students receiving zeroes in the gradebook. Their view was that student's who failed to turn in an assignment still needed to complete the work. Therefore, all W-L students who have missing assignments that aren't immediately made up are assigned a "remediation" time where the student is given time to complete the missing assignment for up to 64% of the points earned. My remediations take place in the morning before school at 7:30. I understand that transportation can be a hardship for some families, but as I made it clear to the students on the first day - if you can't attend a remediation before school, simply don't earn a remediation. When a student is assigned a remediation, I will typically give them a slip that outlines the assignments that need completed with a space for a parent signature. If a student makes the poor choice to skip a remediation, other consequences can occur - including earning a zero on the assignment. Clearly, this is not a good plan for anyone involved. Please take a moment to speak with your student about the importance of getting work turned in on time. If you have specific questions, please let me know. Thanks again for your support!
Friday, September 2, 2011
AR Reminder
Just a reminder that the first AR project of the quarter is due on Sept. 14/15. I've been checking with students periodically to check their progress. Most students are in great shape. In fact, many already have read the first book, completed the project and are starting to read the second book. All students should be bringing their AR books home this weekend to continue to further their progress. We will also have additional reading time after the Oral Tradition Unit Test next week as a last push to help students meet the first deadline. Please take a few minutes this weekend to check in with your student about their AR progress. If you have questions or concerns, please let me know. Thanks again!
Thank You
This week has been particularly challenging for many of us here at WLMS - staff and students alike - as we work through the tragedy of losing a student. Your student will be coming home today with specific information about the memorial service. Those students who plan to attend the service are also being invited to an informational session today in AP, led by our school social worker to discuss expectations and help students deal with the emotions of the event. The support you give your student at home is so very appreciated in times such as these.
Please note: The Oral Tradition Unit Test in Literature has been moved from Sept 5/6 until Sept 6/7. B-Day literature students received the study guide for this test today, while A-Day students will receive it next class.
Please note: The Oral Tradition Unit Test in Literature has been moved from Sept 5/6 until Sept 6/7. B-Day literature students received the study guide for this test today, while A-Day students will receive it next class.
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