7th Grade Writing 3/24/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began working on a new project! Students will be working in groups of 2 or 3 and creating an infomercial on a product of their choice. They must include pictures, videos, and more!

Homework: Work with your partner/group this weekend and choose which product you will be doing.

7th Grade Writing 3/15/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are gearing up for PARCC. We are working on context clues and identifying text evidence.  Students are reading a short story titled, Thank You, Mam, by Langston Hughes tonight. They will then fill out the two character trait sheets in Google Classroom.

Homework: Finish your sentence strip paragraph. Read Thank You, Mam and fill out the two character traits sheets in Google Classroom. All assignments are due tomorrow.

7th Grade Writing 3/13/17!

News: In the 7th rade Writing clases we continued watching the movie The Rookie. Students are responsible for answering the questions that go along with the movie in Google Classroom as they watch.

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 2/18/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students continued editing their argument essays and soliciting feedback from their peers.

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 2/27/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students spent the hour focusing on the conclusion portion of their argument essays. We will continue editing and revising this week. Essays will be due at the end of the hour on Friday.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 2/24/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students learned how to write proper conclusions for their argument essay. A picture of the poster is on my homepage on the right-hand side. We then spent the rest of the hour working in small groups based on what the students needed.

Homework: If you will be gone for BETA on Monday, please come to class on Thursday with your conclusion paragraph written so you can spend Thursday and Friday editing. All essays are due Friday at the end of the hour.

7th Grade Writing 2/23/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we spent some time learning how to weave in counter claims and rebuttals. Counter claims are the view points that differ from what we are trying to prove. The rebuttal is the answer to the counter claim-it brings the reader back to your side. The counter claim should always be directly related to your reason.

Homework; Edit your first body paragraph and try to put in the counter claim and rebuttal.

7th Grade Writing 2/22/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we spent time peer-editing our first body paragraphs. Students color-coded the necessary requirements for the body paragraph, then provided constructive criticism to their peers that would help them develop better body paragraphs.

Homework: Write the second body paragraph of your essay.

7th Grade Writing 2/21/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing students spent time peer editing each other's introduction paragraphs. We also color-coded the paragraph so students had a visual of what they had and what they needed to add into their intro.

Homework: Finish your first body paragraph. Be sure to include the reason, evidence, analysis, counter claim, and rebuttle. We will go over this tomorrow in class.

7th Grade Writing 2/17/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we reviewed how to incoporate the backstory into our writing. The backstory tells the audience the connection to the topic and why they should care. We also reviewed how to put quotes/research into our writing so it makes sense. Students then spent the rest of the hour focusing on writing just their introduction paragraphs of their argument essays.

Homework: Finish your introduction paragraph. I will be checking them on Tuesday.

7th Grade Writing 2/14/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we worked on the skill of flash drafting. Students had to pick a position on our argument topic of youth playing competitive sports and get down all their thoughts in 45 minutes. We will use the flash draft to edit and revise throughout the unit.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 2/10/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed how author's angle evidence to get their audience to see what they want them to see. Sometimes authors only give you one side of an argument, while others deliver the whole picture.

Homework: Finish taking notes on your two articles.

7th Grade Writing 2/9/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began our new unit on competitive sports inner Lucy Calkins curriculum. We are focusing on sifting through evidence on both sides of an argument before making a decision or taking a position.

Homework: Finish taking notes in Google Classroom on the article "Listening to Wisdom from a 10-year old Son on his Head Injury."

7th Grade Writing 2/8/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we held our SpongeBob trial today. Students have been working on finding and presenting evidence to prove whether or not SpongeBob was guilty of killing Mr. Eugene Krabs. In both classes, he was found Not Guilty!!

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 2/3/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students spent some time comparing their evidence with their group members. We are gearing up for our trial next week.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 2/2/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing class we reviewed character traits and discussed the various traits of the characters involved in our SpongeBob murder trial. Students were then given the rest of the class period to finish collecting evidence so we can start building our cases tomorrow.

Homework: Finish gathering evidence if you didn't finish in class.

7th Grade Writing 2/1/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students began gathering their evidence for our upcoming SpongeBob trial.

Homework: Finish first two pieces of evidence on either the prosecution or defense sheet.

7th Grade Writing 1/30/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began our SpongeBob trial project. Students watched an episode of SpongeBob and recorded character traits in Google Classroom.

Homework: No homework! We will discuss character traits tomorrow.

7th Grade Writing 1/27/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students completed a reflection on their Candy Bar Presentation project. They were supposed to discuss what they did well as a group, as an individual, and also what they could improve. After they completed their reflection, students were given a "brain break."

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 1/25 & 1/26!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students are in the process of presenting their candy bar presentations. Students are trying to convince myself and their peers that their favorite candy bar is the best.

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 1/23/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students continued working on their Google Slides presentations. They are trying to convince the class that their favorite candy bar is the best!

Homework: No homework unless your presentation is not finished.

7th Grade Writing 1/18/17

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students spent the class period researching their favorite candy bar. Students are working in groups to create a Google Presentation to try to convince the class that their group has the best candy bar.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 1/11/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students are continuing to work on their practice narratives with either a partner, trio, or by themselves. They will be taking the End of Unit Narrative Assessment on Friday.

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 1/9/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began reviewing for the End of Unit Narrative Assessment. The final assessment will be on Thursday January 12th. We looked at the district rubric for the assessment and broke the individual categories down into more understandable language so students will know exactly what's being looked for.

Homework: No homework!! I did post three narrative review videos in Google Classroom students can watch and take notes on for extra credit.

7th Grade Writing 1/5/17!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we participated in a roundtable discussion reflecting on first semester and what we can do better this semester to be more successful.

Homework: No Homework!!

7th Grade Writing 12/7/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes, students continued working with their partners on their fan fiction chapter for either Touching Spirit Bear or Stolen Party. All stories are due by 8:00pm tonight.

Homework: Finish your fan fiction and don't forget to hit TURN IN!!

7th Grade Writing 12/5/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes, students continued their partner work on their companion book. They are writing about either Stolen Party or Touching Spirit Bear. Direct text evidence and proper citations are a must!

Homework: Companion books are due by 6:00PM tonight!

7th Grade Writing 12/2/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes we began working on companion books. These short informational books gives readers the extra information and explanations that they didn't get in the original text. Students were assigned partners and given time in class to get started working.

Homework: No homework! We will continue working on companion books in class on Monday.

7th Grade Writing 12/1/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we reviewed what students have read in Touching Spirit Bear so far, then listened to Chapters 25, 26, and part of 27.

Homework: Finish reading the rest of Touching Spirit Bear. We will review again tomorrow.

7th Grade Writing 11/29/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we continued listening to Touching Spirit Bear. We also discussed the Problem/Solution activity students did for homework last night.

Homework: Read Chapters 18 and 19 for homework, and do the Description activity in Google Classroom.

7th Grade Writing 11/28/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we listened to Chapters 10, 11, and 12 of Touching Spirit Bear. Students also discussed the different parts of the story and the different behaviors of Cole.

Homework: Read Chapters 13 and 14. Also, complete the Problem/Solution activity on Google Classroom.

7th Grade Writing 11/22/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began listening the novel Touching Spirit Bear. Students are expected to follow along as we listen.

Homework: Finish reading Chapters 2 and 3, then take quiz in Google Classroom by 8:00pm.

7th Grade Writing 11/18/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students worked on their posters for visualizing relationships between story elements.

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 11/17/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we studied and discussed ways to visualize relationships between story elements. Students worked with partners to begin creating posters that represent a cause and effect relationship as well as a compare/contrast relationship between characters.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 11/16/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students worked with small groups to begin analyzing the relationships between characters in the short story Stolen Party. Students took notes, discussed with their group members, and discussed their finding whole class.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 11/15/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we did peer expert groups. Students needed a little re-teaching on how to use direct text evidence to back up their thinking, then analyzing that evidence to show their understanding.

Homework: Finish your mini paragraph as a group and be prepared to discuss tomorrow.

7th Grade Writing 11/10/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes we went a little deeper with analyzing Universal Lessons/Themes. Students were introduced to the Ladder of Abstraction which teaches them how to blend good descriptive details with the Universal Theme to develop their writing.

Homework: Finish your two mini-paragraphs using two of the sentence starters from "Writing to Think About a Message or Theme" in Google Classroom.

7th Grade Writing 11/9/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing class we began our lesson on Universal Lesson/Universal Theme. Students were given sentence starters to help them analyze theme and relate it to other texts.

Homework:No homework!!

Learning at Home: For extra credit, go back to the PowerPoint I showed in class today, it can be found under Information Writing Session 3, re-watch it and take notes.

7th Grade Writing 11/7/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we watched videos on and discussed symbolism. We then found the various pieces of symbolism in Stolen Party.

Homework: Choose 3 pieces of symbolism from our list and write a mini paragraph on what each symbol represents. Be sure to include direct text evidence from the story.

7th Grade Writing 11/3/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing class students continued working on the picture notes from our short story "Stolen Party." They will have tomorrow's class period to finish working and notes will be due at the end of the hour tomorrow.

Homework: None unless you think you will not be able to finish by the end of tomorrow's class period.

7th Grade Writing 10/31/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we took our district Information Writing Pre-Assessment. Students were very quiet and engaged the entire time.

Homework: No Homework!!

7th Grade Writing 10/27/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we finished watching "Princess and the Frog," and we began working on the Narrative Film worksheet. The worksheet can be found on my website under 7th Grade Writing, then resources..it is the fifth item down.

Homework: Finish Film Worksheet for Monday and have your topic chosen for your Information Pre-Assessment. You may also print out an article to use on your assessment.

7th Grade Writing 10/25/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes we continued watching Princess and the Frog and taking notes. Students are looking for the narrative elements we have learned throughout our Realistic Future unit.

Homework: No homework! Students may bring a small snack to enjoy during the movie.

7th Grade Writing 10/20/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students were given the class period to finish working on their partner Halloween/Fall narratives. The "must haves" for the assignment can be found on my homepage. Please double check, as all narratives are due by 8:00pm tonight.

Homework: Turn in your narrative!

7th Grade Writing 10/18/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we did a refresher lesson on symbolism. Students watched three different video clips that explained what symbolism is and how to use it. They then spent the rest of the hour working on their Halloween/Fall narrative.

Homework: Some students need to work on their narrative if they did not get a good start in class. Only spend about 15-20 minutes on it tonight. Don't forget to color-code your typing.

7th Grade Writing 10/17/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began working on our last narrative of the quarter before the big assessment. Students are working with a partner to write a Halloween based narrative or a Fall themed narrative. Today was a planning day in class.

Homework: 2nd Hour-No Homework/3rd Hour-Finish Story Arc

7th Grade writing 10/14/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students continued to peer edit and make any final changes they felt they needed to make.

Homework: Turn in your Apology narrative by Sunday evening.

7th Grade Writing 10/13/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Class we are spending the next two days perfecting our Apology narrative. Students have access to the checklist on my website under Narrative Writing, session 9.

Homework: No homework

7th Grade Writing 10/12/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed "Grounding Scenes in Dialogue." This simply means that the dialogue we use in our writing should be meaningful and descriptive. Students will be spending tomorrow's class period double checking their writing and adding in descriptive language if necessary.

Homework: No homework

7th Grade Writing 10/11/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we continued our work with crafting leads. Students spent some time tweaking and working on different versions of their leads. We also spent some time looking at their dialogue.

Homework: No homework, unless you know you are not far along on your apology narrative.

7th Grade Writing 10/7/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed Techniques for Crafting Leads. We read and analyzed leads from two different literature pieces to see what techniques the author used to bring their lead to life.

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 10/6/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we continued to work on our apology narratives. Students are focusing on a small moment that includes sensory details, developed conflict, dialogue, and other narrative elements we have studied.

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 10/4/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are beginning a new narrative titled "A Time Someone Had To Apologize." We reviewed the different narrative elements and watched video clips about foreshadowing to reiterate its importance to the conflict in narrative writing.

Homework: Create your story arc in your composition notebook about your apology narrative.

7th Grade Writing 10/3/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes, we began working on figurative language. Students watched two different videos that explained, gave an example, and reviewed the various types of figurative language. Students also glued explanations and examples in their composition notebooks.

Homework: Go through your Esmerelda story and find three different examples of figurative language you have used. Once you find them highlight them orange. If you find you don't have any, go ahead and add some in (at least three pieces, all different types).

7th Grade Writing 9/30/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing class we discussed the various types of characters such as flat, round, static, and dynamic. Students completed a foldable, took notes, and watched videos on the types of characters.

Homework: Go back to your "Esmerelda at Party #2" assignment and find one example of each of the four sentence types we discussed yesterday. In your composition notebook, write down one example of a simple sentence, compound sentence, complex sentence, and a compound-complex sentence you have in your story. Be sure to label which sentence is which type.

7th Grade Writing 9/29/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are learning about sentence structure. Students learned about the four different types of sentences-simple, compound, compound-complex. We watched two youtube videos, glued examples in our composition notebook, and discussed the four types of sentences.

Homework: Using your "Esmerelda at Party" story, go through and color code the four types of sentences throughout your story:
Simple Sentence-Red
Compound Sentence-Blue
Complex Sentence-Green
Compound-Complex Sentence-Purple

If you find you are missing a particular type of sentence, go ahead and add it in.

7th Grade Writing 9/28/16

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we learned the "Rules of Dialogue" and appropriate paragraphing in writing. Students were glued in the rules of dialogue in their composition notebooks so they have examples to help them while they're writing.

Homework: Copy and paste your "Esmerelda at Party" one-pager into the Esmerelda at Party #2 document on Google Classroom, then edit the document according to the dialogue rules you were given in class today.

7th Grade writing 9/27/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are working on showing versus telling the action. When students show the action through their descriptive writing, it makes the story more interesting, and really start to come alive. Today we acted out a scene from our Esmerelda story where students had to "become" Esmerelda and put themselves in the scene. They did extremely well!

Homework: Write a one-pager in first person point-of-view (be Esmerelda) that finishes the scene of Esmerelda being in a room at the party with the popular girls, yet they are talking negatively about Tilly-what would you do, how would you react, what action is being done while the character is speaking? Include dialogue and sensory details.

7th Grade Writing 9/20/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we shared our 3D scenes from last night and discussed how the students are growing as writers. They are using many more details and really becoming a part of the writing.

Homework: Finish your 3D scene with your partner on Google Classroom. Be sure to color code your writing, use sensory detail (touch, taste, smell, see, hear), and other details to build your scene. Also, be sure to underline where you use your sensory details.

7th Grade Writing 9/19/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed Scenes vs. Summaries. Scenes are more developed and full of detail-the reader feels as if they are in the scene with you. A summary is very short and simply moves the story along. Students glued in an example of a scene and summary in their composition notebooks. We also discussed how to craft one-sentence summaries.

Homework: 2nd Hour—Write your one-sentence summary and 3D Scene on a Pages Document.
3rd Hour—Write your one-sentence summary and 3D Scene on a Pages Document. Also, create TWO DIFFERENT story arcs for Esmerelda-one begins with her sitting on the front steps at school wanting an invitation to the party, and the other begins with her already at the party. They both must be in your composition notebook.

7th Grade Writing 9/15/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes, students finished working on their narratives with their table-mates. Narratives were due at the end of the hour.

Homework: No homework!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please check in with your child and ask them to explain the various elements of narrative writing to you.

7th Grade Writing 9/13/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students continued to work on their narrative stories with their table-mates. Students must include a small moment, a developed conflict, and sensory details. I am also asking for them to attempt adding dialogue.

Homework: No homework! Table stories are due at end of hour on Thursday 9/15.

7th Grade Writing 9/8/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we reviewed the different types of conflicts. Students watched a short YouTube clip that made understanding conflict much easier.

Homework: No homework 2nd Hour. 3rd Hour, finish your story arc in your composition notebook.

7th Grade Writing 9/7/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began our work with story arcs. We looked at a variety of arcs to show how various plots of stories are shown.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 9/6/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are working on character traits and scene development. Students chose one of the five books they wish existed and created a list of the character traits of each of the characters in the story and also use descriptive adjectives as well as imagery to describe the scene in the story.

Homework: Finish your list of character traits and describing your scene, then read the short story 13 1/2. The story can be found on my website under 7th grade writing, narrative, then click on session 5.

Learning at Home: Parents, please have your child describe on of their characters and scenes to you—try to do it with your eyes closed. If you can picture what they're describing, then there is good imagery, if not, then try to tell them what would have helped you picture it in your mind.

7th Grade Writing 9/2/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes we began working on scene development. Students were introduced to our narrative character, Esmerelda, a girl is comes across strange, but is friendly. She wants to make new friends, but doesn't really know how. Students were given the task to write about Esmerelda being in an everyday scene, such as waking up, riding the school bus, or even brushing her teeth.

Homework: No Homework!!

7th Grade Writing 8/30/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed the relevance of realistic fiction, and how we as we as readers enjoy the genre because we can relate to the characters.

Homework: Think about the types of realistic fiction books you wished existed. Remember realistic fiction represents the longings, struggles, and circumstances we must overcome.

7th Grade Writing 8/29/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began our first Lucy Calkins lesson. We will be diving into realistic fiction, and how writers find ideas for the stories they craft.

Homework: Write 8 small moments on your notecard, then choose 4 of those moments and write story starters (mini paragraphs) from those 4 moments.

Ex: On a hot Saturday evening, in the middle of August, I was trudging along and all of a sudden there he was. I wasn't sure what to do, so I played it cool and pretended not to be interested. Little did I know, things were about to drastically change.....

7th Grade Writing 8/25/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we spent today preparing our composition notebooks, and getting ready for tomorrow's Narrative Pre Assessment. Students were given the writing prompt and the option to start preparing tonight.

Homework: No Homework!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please take some time to discuss with your child what their narrative pre-assessment will be about.

7th Grade Writing 5/27/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we worked on the school wide end of year reflection. Students are asked to think deeply and really reflect on their 7th grade year at LMS.

Homework: Please write a short reflection at least a well-written half page reflecting on the following three questions:
1. What did you improve on in writing this year?
2. Which skill, technique, and/or lesson helped you the most?
3. What would you improve?

Learning at Home: Enjoy your three day weekend; you guys have worked really hard!

7th Grade Writing 5/20/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we continued presenting our "How To" Speeches. Students have done a nice job presenting in front of their peers and showing what their various talents are.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 5/12/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students continued to share their projects despite the technical issues we were having. We will finish sharing tomorrow and move on to the next project!

Homework: No homework!! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CONVERT YOUR QUIZIZZ TO A KAHOOT!!

7th Grade Writing 5/9/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students began presenting their choice assignments to the class. Today we got through most of the keynote presentations.

Homework: No homework

7th Grade Writing 5/5/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students continued to work on their choice assignment. They will have one more class period to work, and all projects will be due at the start of class Monday 5/9.

Homework: Work on your project if you don't think you'll finish in class tomorrow.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a look at your child's project and see if you can learn anything new from what they have created.

7th Grade Writing 5/2/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we shared our tag line stories with our table mates and also selected one person per group to share theirs in front of the class. It was exciting for me to listen to my students give constructive criticism and positive feedback to their peers. From their conversations alone, I know they have made tremendous strides as writers this year.

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 4/29/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students took their district narrative assessment. Every student worked diligently and I'm very proud of them!

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 4/28/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we wrapped up our narrative review posters. Students created colorful posters to help prepare them for tomorrow's end of year narrative assessment.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 4/20/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are taking a step back from learning new concepts and presenting the Thank You, Mam fan fiction stories students created.

Homework: No homework!

Learning at Home: Get some rest and be ready to wrap up PARCC tomorrow!

7th Grade Writing 4/12/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes we presented a few of our Cinderella point-of-view scenes students wrote. We gave constructive criticism on what students did well on and what could possibly be improved. Overall, students did well and have really grasped the concept of narrative writing. We also read Thank You, Mam by Langston Hughes, and completed two character traits worksheets about the two main characters.

Homework: Complete the two character traits sheets on Google Classroom. There is one for Roger and one for Mrs. Jones. In the left column type the character trait, in the right column, copy and paste the line and/or lines from the story that back up or support your chosen trait. You may use the character traits at the bottom of the sheet. Be sure to turn your sheets in tonight!

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child about the main character Roger. How does your child relate to him, or do they share any of the same character traits.

7th Grade Writing 4/11/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we spent some time writing thank you letters to Veteran Jerry Hasty. Vet. Hasty served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1971.

Homework: No homework

7th Grade Writing 4/7/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are still working on narrative element review. Today we reviewed setting, plot, sequence, characters, exposition, conflict, climax, and resolution. Students also began writing a developed scene from Cinderella, but from the point of view of the evil step-mother or either of the step-sisters.

Homework: No homework. Students will have tomorrow's class period to work on their scene.

7th Grade Writing 4/6/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are doing a review of narrative writing, specifically, story elements. Students watched a short Cinderella video and took Cornell Notes over the story elements contained within the story.

Homework: Finish the Cinderella Cornell Notes. They are due when you walk in the door tomorrow.

7th Grade Writing 4/5/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we finished watching "The Rookie" and played a review game to test the student's comprehension. In 2nd hour, the girl's team won, and in 3rd hour, the boy's team won!

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 3/23 & 3/24!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students are finishing up "The Rookie" and answering engagement questions that go along with the movie. We have had some good conversations and reactions to the movie.
**I love watching them get excited and/or discover new things about the various characters involved.**

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 3/22/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes we began watching the Rookie and also answering questions in Google Classroom. The questions not only keep the students engaged,but they will also help guide their thinking toward the question of which is the right choice concerning a dilemma the main character finds himself in.

Homework: No homework!

7th Grade Writing 3/18/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we finished re-vamping our competitive sports essays. We are now preparing to take the End of Unit Assessment for Argument Writing. This weekend students should decide what topic they want to write about and find two articles relating to their chosen topic and bring those articles to class with them on Monday.

Homework: Decide on what topic you want to write about, find two articles relating to that topic, highlight your articles so you know what evidence you want to use, and bring the articles with you to class on Monday!

Learning at Home: Parents, please help your child pick a good topic they would want to "argue" about, and also help them find articles, please.

7th Grade Writing 3/16/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are focusing on revamping our second body paragraph in the competitive sports essay. The structure for the second body paragraph is the same as the first body paragraph. Students should come to class tomorrow with three completed paragraphs: the introduction, first body paragraph, and second body paragraph.

Homework: Finish second body paragraph

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a look at what your child has written so far and give them some constructive feedback.

7th Grade Writing 3/15/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are working on correcting the first body paragraph of the competitive sports argument essay. We went through the argument essay structure and had a thorough Q&A session so students could ask questions about anything they may have not understood. I also put a picture of the writing structure on the homepage on the right side.

Homework: Finish your first body paragraph.

7th Grade Writing 3/14/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are spending some time re-teaching/re-learning writing good argument essays. Students needed a few more lessons on argument writing structure and how to really spice up their writing with academic language.

Homework: Work on your introduction paragraph and be ready to start the first body paragraph tomorrow.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a moment and read your child's introduction paragraph and see if they make you care about competitive sports.

7th Grade Writing 3/10/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are continuing our research for our Competitive Sports group presentations. Each group has a major subtopic that has been broken down into smaller subtopics they are researching. Though the research may not be easy, they are learning a great skill they will use now as well as later.

Homework: Keep researching and taking notes. Don't forget about the newsela text set you were shown today.

Learning at Home: Parents please keep encouraging your child to research. They may get a little frustrated, but if they stick with it they will find what they need.

7th Grade Writing 3/9/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students are delving deeper into the issue of competitive sports. They have been broken into coalition groups, or common interest groups, and are digging deeper into research.

Homework: Work on your notes so that you have 4 viable articles with good research notes by Friday.

7th Grade Writing 2/5/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we continued our work with the SpongeBob Trial. Students spent the class period gathering evidence to make their arguments.

Homework: Have three evidence sections completed when you come to class on Monday.

7th Grade Writing 2/2 & 2/3/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are moving forward with our SpongeBob trial. We discussed character traits and how they could affect how well people believe you in a court trial. We also discussed the specific character traits of each of the characters in SpongeBob.

Homework: No homework!!

7th Grade Writing 1/27/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes, students are practicing their presentations and debates in preparation of Friday's presentations. Each group, snickers and kit kat, has turned their research notes into a Google presentation. On Friday, their presentations will become their debates!

Homework: Double check to make sure your slides are done and ready to go!

7th Grade Writing 1/25/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are still working on our Snickers vs. Kit Kat debates. Students have researched, tasted, and price compared each of their products. They are now in the process of creating a Google Presentation that will document why their particular candy bar is better than their counter parts.

Homework: Finish working on your slides in the presentation.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a look at your child's slides and see if they can convince you which candy bar is better.

7th Grade Writing!

News: In the 7th Grade writing classes we reviewed the "narrative must haves," and wrote a quick practice narrative. Tomorrow students will be taking the district middle of the year narrative assessment.

Pancakes: Review the narrative must haves again and read over the dialogue rules in your composition notebook.

7th Grade Writing 1/11/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are in the writing process of our informational brochures. Students have spent the last couple days researching their topics and are now putting it all together in a tri-fold brochure.

Pancakes: Students may work on their brochure at home.

7th Grade Writing 1/5/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we finished sharing our fan fiction chapters we wrote before break. This gave students the chance to hear each other's writing and also take pride in their own work!

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight!!

7th Grade Writing 12/17/15

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we continued to work on our fan fiction one-pagers. Students have had three class periods to work on their stories, as well as tonight at home. All fan fiction stories are due at the beginning of class tomorrow.

Pancakes: Finish your fan fiction story. Be sure to check the dialogue rules, and narrative must haves. Each story should be an extension of Stolen Party or a chapter that could have gone with the original story.

Learning at Home: Parents, please proof read your child's story and make sure they have dialogue, details, and it appeals to the five senses.

7th Grade Writing 12/14/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we presented our Stolen Party companion books. Students stood in front of the class with their groups and read their chapters and also discussed their chosen text structure.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight!

7th Grade Writing 12/11/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students were given one more opportunity to work on their Stolen Party companion book. Each group was given pointers on how to improve each chapter. Students will present their books on Monday 12/14.

Pancakes: Put any finishing touches on your companion book so that you are ready to present on Monday. Make sure it's not a summary!

7th Grade Writing 12/10/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we continued working on our group companion books. Students will be presenting their books tomorrow in class.

Pancakes: Make sure your chapter for your companion book is finished.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a moment and read through your child's chapter in the group companion book to see if it makes sense to you.

7th Grade Writing 12/8/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we spent some time reteaching companion books. We spent time having a more in-depth conversation about finding information the author didn't tell us. Students will also have the chance to re-do their companion books for a better grade.

Pancakes: Decide which chapter you want to write for your book.

7th Grade Writing 12/7/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we presented the Stolen Party or Touching Spirit Bear group companion books.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight!

7th Grade Writing 12/3/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students are working in group of four to create their own companion books. Each person in the group is writing one chapter of the book, and each person is using a different text structure to write their chapter. Students will have the entire class period tomorrow to finish writing and will present their books to the class Monday.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight.

Learning at Home: Parents talk to your child about the book they're writing. Have them explain to you what a companion book is and how they are contributing to their group.

7th Grade writing 11/30/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are continuing our focus on various text structure and what to do within each type. We had a class discussion about each type of text structure and looked at key words that tip readers off as to what type of structure is being used.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight!

7th Grade Writing 11/25/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began our study of text structure. We watched three videos and took notes on the various structures. Students also shared their pivotal moment paragraph with their elbow partners.

Pancakes: NO PANCAKES TONIGHT!! ENJOY YOUR BREAK!!

7th Grade Writing 11/24/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we talked about how the text we read should cause some type of reaction within us. In class we plotted several pivotal moments from our short story "Stolen Party." We then discussed the student's reaction to those moments.

Pancakes: Choose one pivotal moment that was discussed in class and talk about Rosaura's feelings and your reaction when you read that part of the story. Be sure to include text evidence. Use the citation sheet we glued in our notebooks in class.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a minute and discuss with your child the pivotal moment they chose and what reaction they had to that moment.

7th Grade Writing 11/23/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students presented their Visualizing Relationships Between Story Elements posters they created with a partner. We also discussed Ways to Connect and Analyze those story elements.

Pancakes: NO PANCAKES TONIGHT!!

7th Grade Writing 11/18/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed how people can read the same text and see things completely different. Our experiences and understanding of the text allows us to bring in different perspectives of the text. We also talked about the various ways to visualize the relationships between story elements.

Pancakes: Be sure to have notes in your composition notebook about cause and effect, compare and contrast, and how characters interact with the setting from Touching Spirit Bear. You will create your posters in class tomorrow.

7th Grade Writing 11/17/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are still practicing with analyzing themes and symbolism. Today we incorporated using direct text evidence (quotes). Students began writing a one-pager including a theme, an explanation of that theme, symbolism, an explanation of the symbolism and how it relates to theme, and direct quotes from the story.

Pancakes: Finish one-pager

7th Grade Writing 11/13/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we reviewed each other's chosen symbolism. Students did a think-pair-share with their elbow partner, and then reported out to the class. We also went over four different sentence starters that would help students better analyze text. These were called "prompts to push our thinking."

Pancakes: Write one sentence for each of the four sentence starters on the prompts to push our thinking sheet. This should be done in your composition notebook. There will be four sentences when you are finished.

7th Grade Writing 11/12/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are discussing symbolism. We watched three different videos on symbolism and reviewed the symbolism found in our short story "Stolen Party."

Pancakes: Choose two pieces of symbolism and write a paragraph explaining what each piece of symbolism represents and the present day connection that can be made for each.

Learning at Home: Parents, please help your child find the present day connections that can be made from their chosen pieces of symbolism.

7th Grade Writing 11/9/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students presented their Stolen Party Picture Notes with their partners.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight! Information Pre-Assessment tomorrow.

7th Grade Writing 11/5/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students continued to work with their partner creating picture notes that retell the story of "Stolen Party" in chronological order. Students will also be given tomorrow's class time to finish.

Pancakes: No Pancakes Tonight!!

7th Grade Writing 11/3/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we read the short story "Stolen Party." Students were supposed to take notes while we read. They will be working in partners to create picture notes that retell the story in chronological order.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight, but you should know which 8 pictures you and your partner plan on drawing tomorrow.

Learning at Home: Parents, have your child give you a summary about Stolen Party.

7th Grade Writing 11/2/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we presented our "Best Of" presentations. Students got up in front of the classroom with their table mates and showed their presentations.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight!

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child about their presentation and why they chose the topic they did.

7th Grade Writing 10/28/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes students continued to work with their groups on their "Best Of" brochures. We will be working on them in class tomorrow and presenting them on Monday.

Pancakes: No pancakes, but students are able to work on their presentations if they like.

7th Grade Writing 10/27/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we learned about prepositions and prepositional phrases. We discussed how prepositions show location or relationships between objects. Students also worked with their tables on their "Best Of" brochures.

Pancakes: Write a 10-line prepositional phrase poem on any topic of your choice. A list of prepositions are found on my home page on the right hand side. An example of the poem we read in class is attached to the news.

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child a few questions about any two-to-three items in your home and see if they can answer you using a prepositional phrase.

7th Grade Writing 10/21/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we began watching the Disney movie The Princess and the Frog. Students are watching the movie and taking notes/answering questions on all of the narrative elements that are contained in the movie.

Pancakes: NO PANCAKES TONIGHT!

7th Grade Writing 10/19/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are still working on writing our Halloween/Fall narratives. Students are working hard to make sure they have included all the narrative elements we have learned.

Pancakes: If you still have a lot to write or you need to do "what to cut, and what to keep," then do so. Everyone else, no pancakes.

Learning at Home: Parents, if you have time, please proofread your child's story.

7th Grade Writing 10/16/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes students began working with their partners and writing their Halloween/Fall stories. Students had most of today's class period and will also have the entire class period on Monday to write.

Pancakes: NO PANCAKES!

7th Grade Writing 10/15/16!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes we discussed the conflict students are planning to write in their Halloween/Fall story. If they did not have a true conflict they were given feedback on how to make it stronger.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight.

7th Grade Writing 10/14/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we reviewed detailed scenes and the use of summaries. I read two different passages and we discussed the differences between the two. Students also selected their partners to write their Halloween/Fall narrative with.

Pancakes: Create story arc and write the story's conflict underneath.

Learning at Home: Parents, please allow your child to tell you about their story and see if you can identify the conflict in it.

7th Grade Writing 10/13/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes we are beginning a new narrative writing piece. Students will have the option to work with a partner or by themselves and create a narrative about either Halloween or fall. We worked in class to choose a topic and create a class story arc on their chosen topic.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight!

Learning at Home: Parents, pick a topic and have your child tell you the possible conflict and story arc of your topic.

7th Grade Writing 10/9/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed to create quality endings and "what to cut and what to keep" techniques. This technique helps students to figure out what is most important in their story and what can be trimmed.

Pancakes: Edit your apology story and have it ready to be turned in first thing on Tuesday!

Learning at Home: Parents, please read through your child's story and give them feedback.

7th Grade Writing 10/7/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed different techniques for crafting good leads. We talked about how authors use foreshadowing, mood, tone, action, and dialogue to craft a good lad.

Pancakes: Use one of the techniques discussed in class ands craft a new lead for your apology story.

Learning at Home: Practice using the techniques of crafting leads and try to craft a lead that would describe each person's day.

7th Grade Writing 10/6/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are finishing up our apology stories. Students were given time in class to finish writing or editing, depending on where they were in the writing process.

Pancakes: Finish writing apology story. They are due when you walk in class tomorrow.

Learning at Home: Parents, if you have time, please proofread your child's apology story and make sure they have the all the necessary narrative elements.

7th Grade Writing 10/5/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are working on a new story about a time when someone had to apologize. Students are taking all the narrative elements we have learned over the last six weeks and combining them into one written piece.

Pancakes: NO PANCAKES TONIGHT! We will continue writing in class tomorrow.

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child about the story arc they chose for their apology story and see if you can identify the plot.

7th Grade Writing 10/2/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are beginning our next writing piece about a time someone had to apologize. We reviewed how to create conflict in our writing and all the necessary elements of a good narrative piece.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight! We will be writing in class Monday.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a moment and review narrative elements with your child.

7th Grade Writing 10/2/15

7th Grade Writing 10/1/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are learning how to incorporate figurative language into our writing. Students watched two different videos show what types of figurative language there are and how to incorporate it.

Pancakes: Add in at least two different pieces of figurative language in your Esmerelda story and change the text color to orange.

Learning at Home: As your family watches television tonight, try to identify any figurative language that is used.

7th Grade Writing 9/30/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we took some time to look at sentence structure again. Students needed a little more clarification on the different types of sentences and how to use them.

Pancakes: Take another look at your Esmerelda story and do the annotation for the different types of sentences again. There should at least one simple, one compound, and one complex sentence in each paragraph. Don't count dialogue.

Learning at home: Parents please edit your child's story with them and see if they are on the right track.

7th Grade Writing 9/29/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are working diligently on using a variety of sentences. Students watched two videos on the different sentence structures and how to appropriately use them.

Pancakes: Annotate your Esmerelda story and for each paragraph find two simple sentences and change the color to red. Find tow complex sentences and change the color to green. Find two compound sentences and the change the color to blue. If you can find a compound-complext sentence, change that color to purple. After you annotate, go to your composition notebook and write down one example that you highlighted for each type of sentence.

Learning at home: Parents create different types of sentences and see if your child can identify which type it may be.

7th Grade Writing 9/28/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are focusing on adding quality dialogue to our writing and making sure we use meaningful paragraphing. Students should show there is a conflict in their writing and how their characters interact with each other as well.

Pancakes: Edit your Esmerelda, What Would You Do story. Be sure to check your dialogue and higher level vocabulary usage.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a moment and read through your child's story. Check to see if they have dialogue and paragraphs that make sense.

7th Grade Writing 9/24/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are working on immersing ourselves into our writing. Students are practicing writing in first person point of view and really showing character's actions versus telling.

Pancakes: Finis writing one page story about Esmerelda in the chair listening to the popular girls talk about Tilly.

Learning at Home: Parents, please read through your child's one-pager and see if their writing is detailed enough to keep you interested in reading.

7th Grade Writing 9/23/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are learning how to build tension in our writing. Students have been practicing using plenty of detail that appeals to the five senses, and now they will be taking their writing to the next level.

Pancakes: No Pancakes tonight!

Learning at Home: Students create a story about your family and work with your parents to build the tension.

7th Grade Writing 9/17/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are working on scene vs. summary. A scene is a well developed paragraph that includes plenty of detail that appeals to the five senses. The imagery and detail that is included allows the reader/audience to picture what is being shown in the story. A summary is a quick one-to-two sentence statement that includes a transition and moves the story across time.

Pancakes: Choose one paragraph from your table narrative, copy and paste that paragraph into a pages document. Hit return a couple times and write a well-developed scene based on the paragraph you chose.

Learning at Home: Parents as you are driving around with your child, have them describe the scene of what they see as if you were not there.

7th Grade Writing 9/16/15!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Writing classes we reviewed external conflict and created a class story arc about the fiction character Esmerelda. Students did a great job giving input and put Esmerelda in realistic scenes with real reactions.

Pancakes: Create a different story arc about Esmerelda using different events than what we did in class today.

Learning at Home: Come up with a realistic fiction story with your parents and create a story arc that would outline the plot.

7th Grade Writing 9/15/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Class students finished their table narratives. They were given the entire class period to finish writing, proofreading, and editing. Stories were due at the end of the hour.

Pancakes: NO PANCAKES!!

Learning at Home: Parents, have your child tell you about their table's narrative and their contribution to the group.

7th Grade Writing 9/14/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Classes, students are continuing to work on their writing skills by developing a realistic fiction story with their table mates. Up until this point, students have planned, wrote story arcs, and brainstormed ideas with their tables.

Pancakes: NO PANCAKES TONIGHT!!

Learning At Home: Students tell your parents about the different ideas you and your table mates have come up with to write your story.

7th Grade Writing 9/9/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing Class we took a pop quiz/check for understanding on the short story 13 1/2. Students were supposed to read the story Tuesday evening for homework. We also began our discussion on the various types of story arcs.

Pancakes: NO PANCAKES TONIGHT!!

Learning at Home: Parents, give your child a classic fairy tale store and see if they can create the story arc that matches.

7th Grade Writing 9/8/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed how realistic characters have traits that appeal to the five senses: sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing. By using descriptive language when describing a character and the scene they are participating in, the imagery of the character comes alive.

Pancakes: For tonight's pancakes, students need to choose one of the five books they wished existed and write a developed scene with realistic characters. The scene description and character traits should appeal to the five senses. Also, students need to read the short story, 13 1/2, on my website.

Learning at Home: Parents try to use your descriptive words and describe one scene that happened during your day today.

7th Grade Writing 9/4/15

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we are really focusing on character traits and everyday scene development. Students spent time in class practicing how to include both things and write from 3rd person point of view and 1st person point of view.

Pancakes: NO PANCAKES THIS WEEKEND!!!

Learning at Home: Students give your parents an everyday scene and see if they can develop it.

7th Grade Writing 9/3/15

News: In the 7th Grade Writing classes we discussed how to create believable characters while putting them in everyday scenes/places. We discussed how character traits play a role in characters actions and reactions.

Pancakes: No pancakes tonight!!

Learning at Home: Students describe Esmerelda to your parents and discuss what their immediate thoughts were and what they pictured in their minds.

7th Grade Writing 9/1/15

News: Today in the 7th Grade Writing class we discussed how characters in story must be realistic and developed. We talked about the fact that most readers choose books based on characters they can relate to.

Pancakes (Homework): Students need to write an ending to one of their story starters they did in class yesterday.

Learning at Home: Parents, have your child read one of their story starters to you and discuss it.

7th Grade Creative Comm 5/22!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm class students continued to work on their choice assignments. The mandatory, 25 point assignment, is due at the end of the day today. Students have until Tuesday to turn in their extra credit, which is worth up to 20 points.

Homework: Do some an extra credit assignment to help your grade!!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please remind your child about their extra credit opportunity. I want my students to do as well as possible for their last quarter as a seventh grader!

7th Grade Creative Comm! 5/18 & 5/19

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm Classes, students are working on a choice assignment. Students were given the option to choose one of four assignments relating to any of the concepts in their composition notebooks. Students must choose to do one assignment worth 25 points, and if they do a nice job on the mandatory assignment, then they may choose to do another assignment worth up to 20 extra credit points.

Homework: If possible, keep working on your choice assignment.

7th Grade Creative Comm. 5/11 & 5/12

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes students are working with partners to write a realistic fiction story. This is being done in preparation for the End of Year District Narrative Assessment, which will be given Thursday and Friday of this week.

Homework: Keep working on your stories!

7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes students are working on revamping their competitive sports essays. The first draft has been graded and entered into the grade book. Students are now taking the opportunity to make their essays and their grades better.

Homework: Students need to continue making corrections to their essays.

Learning at Home: Parents, please take a moment and allow your child to read their essay to you and go over annotating it with them.

7th Grade Creative Comm! 4/30 & 5/1

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we spent time peer editing our essays and making any necessary last minute changes. Students were able to go through the checklist again and make sure they had all of the needed parts for a great argument essay.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!! Students submitted their essays to the drop box.

7th Grade Creative Comm.

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm. classes we are wrapping up our Argument Writing unit. Students learned how to put in counter claims and rebuttals in their writing. We also focused on the placement of proper punctuation and the affect it has on our writing.

Homework: No Homework.

7th Grade Creative Comm! 4/22 & 4/23

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we in the process of fully developing our Competitive Sports essays. Students have been taught how to choose a position, write a claim, support it with evidence, and analyze the evidence.

Homework: Students need to go in and highlight their essays showing they have the significant parts of the argument we have worked on so far.
Claim-highlight Red
Reason (topic sentence)-highlight Blue
Evidence #1-Highlight Green
Evidence #2-Highlight Purple
Evidence #3-Highlight Orange
Leave your analysis of the research black.

If you are missing any parts of the essay, please put them in.

7th Grade Creative Comm! 4/114 and 4/15

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are still teaching our students how to debate. Students have learned how to state a claim, support it with evidence, and use counter points/counter claims. To do this, we have used practice debates in class .

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child which debate was their favorite and how they supported their particular claim.

7th Grade Creative Comm! 4/8 & 4/9

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are digging deeper into the art of building a strong argument. Students have read articles and had class discussions on the pros and cons of competitive sports.

Homework: Students need to read and take notes on at least three of the competitive sports articles on the websites and be prepared for a mini debate next class period.

7th Grade Creative Comm! 4/6 & 4/7

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are beginning to delve into our Argument Writing lessons. Students have learned how to unbiasedly listen to both sides of an argument before forming an opinion. They have also decided what type of note-taking style is best for them to be able to clearly identify which side of the argument certain articles are on.

Homework: Finish taking notes on the article "Listening to Wisdom From a 10-year-old son about his head injury." It's the second article in the text set.
Also, take notes on the article, "What are the benefits of competitive sports for youth?" It's the fifth article in the text set.

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child what it means to write from an unbiased point of view.

7th Grade Creative Comm. 3/25 & 3/26!

News: The 7th Grade Creative Comm class has our Sponge Bob trial underway! The prosecution and defense teams are busy defending their clients and proving they are either innocent or guilty. Mrs. Burgar and I are serving as co-judges.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

7th Grade Creative Comm 3/23 & 3/24

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes students are gearing up for their Sponge Bob trial. Both the prosecution and the defense team have organized their evidence and are ready to present it at trial.

Homework: Be ready for the trial on Wednesday and Thursday!

7th Grade Creative Comm! 3/17 & 3/18

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are beginning our Argument Writing unit. In order to introduce students to this genre of writing we are doing "The Trial of Sponge Bob." Students will be broken into teams, prosecution and defense, they will gather evidence to prove their client is either guilty or innocent.

Homework: Students must complete their evidence sheet so we can move on to the next phase of the trial.

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child if they are a part of the prosecution or defense team, then have them explain their evidence to you.

7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: Students just finished taking the district assessment on Information Writing. After completing their companion books and using articles to find information on a topic of their choice, they were set and ready to do well on their assessments!

Homework: NO HOMEWORK THIS WEEK!! LET'S FOCUS ON PARCC!

7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: The 7th Grade Creative Comm classes are busy putting final touches on their companion books. Students have learned how to build in figurative language and various text structures within their books.

Homework: Highlight the figurative language in your book pink. Also, find pictures for each of your title slides.

Learning at Home: Parents please have your child read one of their chapters to you and see if you can identify the text structure within the chapter.

7th Grade Creative Comm 2/17 & 2/18

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Com classes students are preparing to edit their Touching Spirit Bear companion books. Up to this point, students have written four different chapters with different text structures. In class we also reviewed the various sentence structures and "must haves" of good writing.

Homework: Students need to annotate their companion book using the following key:
Simple sentences-highlight red
Compound Sentences-green
Complex Sentences-blue
Appositives-Orange
Dependent Clauses/phrases-purple

7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are beginning to write a companion book to Touching Spirit Bear. Students have come up with possible chapter titles they would like to write about, and even began writing their first two chapters in Google Presentation.

Homework: For homework, students need to finish writing the first two chapters of their TSP companion book.

Learning at Home: Parents, please have your child show you their companion book and ask them why they chose to write about those particular chapters.

7th Grade Creative Comm 2/2 and 2/3

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm class we are now analyzing text and charting our reactions to various text. We discussed important/pivotal moments in Stolen Party and created a class graph that showed student's reactions to the pivotal moments. Students then created a list of pivotal moments in Touching Spirit Bear.

Homework: Students are to choose one pivotal moment in Touching Spirit Bear and write a one-pager on why they chose that moment and its importance to the story. The one-pager should be double spaced.

7th Grade Creative Comm 1/29 & 1/30!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we discussed how different readers can see the same piece of literature from two different points of view. We also talked about how readers make different connections to text based on their own experiences. Text structure was also discussed.

Homework: For homework, students need to finish their visualizing relationships between story elements poster. Students were to choose either cause and effect or compare/contrast to create a poster based on Touching Spirit Bear.

7th Grade Creative Comm 1/27 (A-Day) & 1/28 (B-Day)!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm class we turned in the theme and symbolism paragraph on Stolen Party. We went through the academic language we should be using when we talk about writing and literature. We then applied that academic language to Stolen Party and Touching Spirit Bear. We also discussed the various themes and symbolism that occurs in Touching Spirit Bear.

Homework: For homework choose one of the sentence starters, as well as one theme. Then write a one page, double spaced essay about one of the themes we discussed, using your chosen sentence starter will help get you started. The essay must include: theme, a sentence starter, setting, symbolism, direct text evidence, and plenty of details.

Learning at home: Parents, please ask your child why healing and forgiveness are important themes that occur in Touching Spirit Bear.

7th Grade Creative Comm 1/23/15!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm class we began working on universal lesson/big idea and theme. Students identified all of the universal lessons and themes they could find in Stolen Party. We also held a class discussion the "ladder of abstraction" and how it affects their writing.

Homework: For homework, students need to choose one theme from Stolen Party and write one paragraph about that theme using one of the sentence starters we discussed in class. (Sentence starters are attached here, and located on my website under Session 3). In your paragraph, be sure to include the theme, direct text evidence, symbolism, and plenty of detail. This will help you write from both ends of the ladder!

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child about the ladder of abstraction and why it is so important for their writing.

Wednesday 1/14 & Thursday 1/15-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are working on building background knowledge and making connections to text. Students are working with a partner to create picture notes retelling the story of Touching Spirit Bear.

Homework: No Homework!!

7th Grade Creative Comm. 1/12 & 1/13

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are teaming up with Mrs. Burgar's class to begin our new information writing unit. Students did a close read of the short story "Stolen Party," and created drawings, sketches, notes, or anything else that would help them to better understand the story.

Homework: No Homework

7th Grade Creative Comm! 1/6 & 1/7

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are beginning a new genre of writing. Students will be focused on information writing. We will be doing some text comparisons, theme studies, and analytical writing. Students also did a self evaluation of their narrative final from last quarter.

Homework: Write down as many details as you can remember about Touching Spirit Bear

Tuesday 12/9 & Wednesday 12/10-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are wrapping up our narrative unit using the movie Soul Surfer. Students have read an article on Bethany Hamilton's life and her tragic accident. After the movie is finished we will be doing an activity that ties together all pieces of narrative writing.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child to describe what character traits they have observed in Bethany Hamilton already.

Monday 12/1 & Tuesday 12/2-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Com classes we are gearing up for the District Narrative Assessment. Students have been working hard to learn all of the elements of realistic fiction and how to incorporate them into a believable story with relatable characters. Students have also taken a practice assessment in an attempt to make sure they are ready for the real thing.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please have your child compare and contrast scenes and summaries.

7th Grade Creative Comm 11/24 & 11/25!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are wrapping up our latest realistic fiction narrative. Students were given two days to write, edit, and publish. We are working on preparing them for the upcoming district assessment.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child what are the necessary elements that need to be included in a published narrative.

7th Grade Creative Comm! 11/19 & 11/20

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are learning about cadence in our writing. We listened to two different songs and discussed the different rhythms and patterns in each song, and how each of those represented various sentence structures. Students also participated in a class discussion of possible topics to use for our next narrative.

Homework: Create story arc for new realistic fiction narrative.

Learning at Home: Parents, please have your child describe to you what cadence is and how it can be created in writing.

7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are wrapping up the apology narrative. Students have had the opportunity to add in various pieces of figurative language and vary their sentence structure. Final published narratives were turned in at the end of class.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

7th Grade Creative Comm. 11/13 & 11/14

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are reviewing figurative language. Students watched a power point presentation on the various aspects of figurative language and had a quick practice on how to use each piece.

Homework: Students are to find four different types of figurative language in their apology narrative and highlight them purple. They also need to write those four examples in their writer's notebook.

Learning at Home: Parents please have your child use an onomatopoeia and an example of alliteration in a sentence for you.

7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are discussing different types of sentence structures. Students have viewed short video clips on mini-lessons about simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.

Homework: Students need to annotate their apology narrative and find examples of each of the four types of sentences. Change simple sentences to red, compound sentences to blue, complex sentences green, and compound complex to orange. Also, write two examples of each sentence type that you found in your narrative in your writer's notebook.

Learning at home: Parents have your child look through their independent reading book and identify examples of each of the four types of sentences we learned about.

7th Grade Creative Comm.

News: 7th Graders in Creative Comm. are forging ahead with their apology narratives. Today we discussed keeping details that are important and cutting out those that have no relevance to our writing. We also discussed how to craft possible endings.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK

7th Grade Creative Comm.-Monday 11/3/14

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm. class we discussed staying in scene and using more detail to show what is happening to and in a character versus telling. Students are still developing their apology narratives.

Homework: Write the body paragraphs of your narrative, BUT DO NOT WRITE THE ENDING!

Learning at Home: Parents, please allow your child to read their narrative to you and see how much detail you can pick out.

7th Grade Creative Comm! 10/27 & 10/28

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are working on editing the partner Halloween-themed narratives. Students worked with table-mates to listen, critique, and discuss the narratives. Each person was responsible for finding something good, and something that needed tweaked in each story.

Homework: Make any corrections that were suggested during the group critique protocol activity.

Learning at Home: Parents, allow your child to read their narrative to you and see if there are any other changes you would suggest.

10/22 & 10/23-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes, students finished their Halloween-themed narratives. Today they touched up their stories by adding transitional phrases, good hooks, and imagery. Stories were due at the end of the hour.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Monday 10/20 & Tuesday 10/21 7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm. classes students began writing a new Halloween-themed narrative. The narratives will be written in 1st person point of view and contain a small moment, dialogue, conflict, character traits, and begin with a good hook.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, pick one of the story elements that your child's narrative must contain and have them explain what it is and how they will incorporate it into their story.

Tuesday 10/14 & Wednesday 10/15-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th grade Creative Comm. classes we are continuing our work on narrative writing. Students have been working on scene development, summary, and dialogue. In fact, we are currently focusing on the different ways to punctuate dialogue.

Homework: Students need to annotate the story 13 1/2 using the dialogue rules and color coding system.

Learning at Home: Parents have your child write a short two or three paragraph story that includes an everyday scene, a summary, and dialogue.

Tuesday 10/7 and Wednesday 10/8-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are working on turning story arcs/plots into full narrative stories. Students have developed scenes using imagery, figurative language, and dialogue.

Homework: Students should work for 15 minutes and continue writing their story.

7th Grade Creative Comm! Wednesday 10/1 & Thursday 10/2

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm. classes we are working on developing scenes of a narrative through the use of story arcs. We discussed the story arcs students created about Esmerelda, and also came up with more topics that students can choose to write about.

Homework: From the class created list of ideas, students need to choose two ideas and create two story arcs (one for each idea).

Possible suggestions for arcs: SPORTS, SCHOOL EVENTS, DANCES, GIRLS/BOYS, 13TH BIRTHDAY PARTY, PARENTS EMBARRASSING KIDS, NATURAL DISASTERS, CAR ACCIDENTS/CAR PROBLEMS

7th Grade Creative Comm! 9/29 & 9/30

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm. classes we are studying how story arcs help writers develop the plot of a fiction story. Students have watched a Youtube video on various story arcs, and participated in creating a story arc for the short story "Thirteen and a Half."

Homework: Students are to work with a partner of their choice and create a story arc about the character Esmerelda. We have worked with Esmerelda before. She is odd, but friendly. She does not dress in the latest fashions, and her parents are odd and old fashion as well.

Your story arc should pick up from Esmerelda sitting on the steps at school, waiting for her mom to pick her up. She heard there is going to be a big party and she wants to be invited. What happens next?

Wednesday 9/24 & Thursday 9/25-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes students used the district narrative checklist to check over their partner narratives they wrote. Students are learning how to critique themselves so they are prepared for peer constructive criticism. We are also beginning to talk/learn about story arcs and how they shape our writing.

Homework: Students need to read the mentor text Thirteen and a Half for homework. Be ready to discuss!

Learning at Home: Parents, ask your child to explain to you what the Cinderella story arc is and how it's significant.

Monday 9/22 & Tuesday 9/23 in 7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes, students had the choice to work with a partner and create a short story narrative using imagery to describe characters, motivation, struggles, and obstacles. Students used the Lucy Calkins lessons we have had up to this point to put their narratives together.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Wednesday 9/10 and Thursday 9/10

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm. classes we are working on putting a little bit of ourselves into our writing. Students are learning to believable stories with developed characters they can relate to. They are also learning to write in first and third person.

Homework: Students need to use the two stories we worked on in class (the girl that wants to be popular, and Ivan who is struggling to be perfect), and write two different story starters for each. One paragraph should be written in third person, while the other should be written in first person.

Monday 2/3/14 & Tuesday 2/4/14-7th Grade Creative Comm.

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are wrapping up our music videos. Students have spent the last couple of weeks creating songs and videos containing figurative language. Students should be done recording and will have the next class period to edit their videos.

Homework: Finish recording videos if necessary.

7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are working on the different parts of figurative language. Students have learned about alliteration, idioms, hyperbole, metaphors, onomatopoeia, personification, and similes. Students are now using those pieces of figurative language to write an original song.

Homework: While there is technically no homework, lyrics to your song are due on Friday.

Learning at Home: Parents, please talk to your child about their song they are creating and ask them to play their Garage Band beat for you.

Wednesday 12/4 and Thursday 12/5/13-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are moving towards writing an Argumentative piece. Students have completed their graphic organizers and research note takers, and are now using that information to complete their essays. Students were given time to start their essays in class.

Homework: There is no homework, unless the graphic organizer was not completed, or students do not feel as if they will be able to finish their essays in class on Friday.

Monday 12/2 & Tuesday 12/3-7th Grade Creative Comm.

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm. classes we are gearing up to do our Argumentative writing samples. Students viewed a lesson on citation and began their graphic organizers in class. Research Note Takers were also turned in.

Homework: Students are to complete their graphic organizers for homework and be ready to write an Argumentative piece in class on Wednesday and Thursday.

Learning at Home: Parents please check in with your child and ask them what is their position on Shut the Screen Week.

Tuesday-11/26/13-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we continued our work with Argumentative writing. Students read two different articles and took notes in their research notetaker. Students were responsible for finding textual evidence to back up the identified claims within the articles.

Homework: Watch the video located on Mrs. Burgar's page under 7th Grade Creative Comm, Argumentative, and videos. Students will need to log in to watch the video and take their notes.

Wednesday 11/20/13

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm class we created a bar graph to represent the data collected from our media logs this past weekend. The graph will be displayed in the hallway outside of the classroom. We also began looking at and taking Cornell Notes on an infographic about screen time statistics.

Homework: For homework students need to finish taking Cornell Notes on the infographic. The link for the infographic is on my website.

Monday 11/18/13 & Tuesday 11/19/13-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are moving forward with Argumentative Writing. Students are working on a writing project titled "Shut the Screen Week." In the end, we would like for students to choose the position of shutting the screen or staying on technology.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!

Learning at Home: Parents please ask your child to explain to you what the shut the scree week is all about!

Tuesday 11/12 & Wednesday 11/13

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm. class we are still working on Argumentative Writing. As another introduction, we are beginning to watch the movies "The Great Debaters." Students will watch the movie, take notes, and be responsible for answering higher-level questions about the movie.

Homework: No Homework!!!

Learning at Home: Parents please ask your child to make a prediction about what they will learn about Argument writing from watching "The Great Debaters."

11/5 & 11/6-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm we are busy learning the format of argumentative writing. Students wrote a "pre-test" argumentative essay and are now using the district provided rubric to grade themselves and have a peer grade it as well.

Homework: No Homework!!

Learning at Home: Parents please ask your child about the new rubric and what they learned from grading their own essay.

11/4/13-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm class students wrote a "cold" argumentative essay. They used their MI/MI Notes they took last week to write the essay. Their writing will be used to drive instruction in the classroom.

Homework: Essays must be on the server/in the drop box by 10:00pm tonight!

10/23/13-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm class students participated in a Socratic Seminar. They discussed various aspects of the movie "Freedom Writers." Students were very respectful and listened to each other's responses. They did a great job!

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Monday 10/21 and Tuesday 10/22-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we set our 2nd quarter goals. Students picked a goal specific to Creative Comm class, typed it up, and the steps they plan to take to reach their goal.

Homework: For homework, students need to type their Black Jack Inquiry questions about the movie Freedom Writer into a Pages document. We will work with the questions next class period.

Thursday 10/17/18-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm class we finished the Freedom Writers movie. We had a quick discussion about some significant events that took place within the movie. We will have a formal Socratic Seminar on Monday. I also passed back the grading rubrics for their quarterly assessment. We went over scores and what those scores meant for future classes.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please go over your students writing scores on their quarterly assessment.

Today in 7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we finished "Freedom Writers." Students turned in their Black Jack Inquiry Questions sheet after they used them for mini Socratic Seminars. Next week we will have a whole class Socratic Seminar.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child what they were able to take away from watching the movie "Freedom Writers."

10/9 & 10/10-7th Grade Creative Comm

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm class we continued watching "Freedom Writers." Every so often we pause the movie and discuss significant points made in the movie.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

10/7 & 10/8-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: This week in the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are watching the movie "Freedom Writers." The movie is based on a true story and falls directly in line with narrative and authentic writing. While watching the movie students must come up with level 2 and 3 questions using the Costa's House verbs/sentence starters.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Today in Creative Comm! 10/3 & 10/4

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we finished our 2-day narrative assessment. For today's task, students had to write a narrative based on the text "Thank You, M'am." Their narratives will be scored based on the district narrative rubric.

Homework: Students need to make sure parents see the movie form for "Freedom Writers." The form needs to be returned if students are not allowed to watch the movie.

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child about the movie form and how they feel they did on their assessment.

Today in Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we completed day 1 of their 2-day Narrative Assessment. Students are doing the entire assessment on their laptops.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child how day-1 of testing went for them.

Tuesday 10/1-Today in Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we completed day 1 of their 2-day Narrative Assessment. Students are doing the entire assessment on their laptops.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child how day-1 of testing went for them.

Monday 9/30-7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm class we wrote a comparison piece using "Thank You, M'am" and "Madame and the Rent Man." Students used their character traits chart and the piece of literature to pull out textual and specific evidence.

Homework: Students need to finish their comparison writing. It is due at the start of class on Wednesday, October 2nd.

Learning at Home: Please ask your child what they decided to write about in their comparison piece.

Thursday 9/26

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm. class we continued our work on character traits. Students read Langston Hughes' "Madame and the Rent Man." They then filled out a character traits chart describing the main character, Madame. Students will use the character trait chart of Madame, Roger, and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones to create a writing piece during next class period.

Homework: Students need to finish the character trait chart of Madame if it was not completed in class.

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child to describe the character traits of Madame in "Madame and the Rent Man."

9/23/13 & 9/24/13

News: In the 7th Grade Creative Comm classes we are still working on the Langston Hughes piece "Thank You, M'am." Students are re-reading the text and finding character traits to describe Roger and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. The traits are being written in a character trait chart along with textual evidence.

Homework: Finish the character trait charts. Don't forget to use actual quotes/direct text evidence to support the character traits you choose.

Learning at Home: Parents, please ask your child to do a quick retell of Thank You, M'am.

Friday the 13th!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm. classes we shared our Bio Poems aloud in front of the class. The checklist were also collected so the poems can be graded.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Thursday 9/12/13-Today in Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm class students finished working on their Bio Poems. They self checked them and peer checked them as well. Bio Poems were then turned into the dropbox, ready to be graded!

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!

Wednesday 9/11-Today in 7th Grade Creative Comm!

News: Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm class we finished writing our Bio Poems. We also used the Bio Poem Editing Checklist to self check and peer check our work. Students submitted their completed Bio Poem to the drop box when their work was tripled checked!

Homework: If your Bio Poem was not completed in class, please finish it at home this evening. A parent should use the editing checklist to double your work. Please submit completed poem to the 1A dropbox.

Learning at Home: Parents, if your child is finishing their Bio Poem for homework, please use the editing checklist and proofread their poem.

Friday 9/6/13....Today in 7th Grade Creative Comm!

Today in the seventh grade Creative Comm classes we began talking about character traits. Students created a list of adjective that they thought described their personality and then used the thesaurus to find higher-level vocabulary to replace the basic adjectives. We will use the new higher-level words to create a Bio Poem on Monday.

Thursday 8/29

Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm. class we presented our mandalas. Students stood in front of the room and explained their 10 symbols along with their meanings to their classmates. Everyone did a great job!

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!!!

Wednesday 8/28!

Today in the 7th Grade Creative Comm. class we created our mandalas! Students were given a blank paper plate and used them to create a beautiful, neatly colored, pictorial representation of their inner selves.

Homework: Students need to finish their mandalas for homework tonight. There should be a minimum of 10 symbols and each mandala should be fully colored.

Monday 8/26

News: Today in the 7th grade Creative Comm. class we began brainstorming symbols to use on our mandalas. Students are creating a pictorial representation of their inner selves.

Homework: NO HOMEWORK!

Learning at Home: Parents please ask your child what a mandala is and which symbols they have chosen to represent themselves.

Friday 8/23!

Today in the 7th grade Creative Comm. class we began working on Mandalas. Mandalas are pictorial design in the shape of a circle that uses symbols to represent something meaningful. Student learned the difference between a sign and a symbol and then chose symbols that represented things of importance to them. They will be finishing and sharing their mandalas with the class on Tuesday.

Wednesday 8/21 & Thursday 8/22

In the 7th grade Creative Comm. classes we went over rules and expectations. We also participated in the "lost luggage" activity. Students created pictures of activities they did this summer on notecards. I mixed the notecards up and handed them out randomly. Students had to move around the room and talk to each other in order to find their "luggage." This was done in order to get students up and moving and interacting with their peers.

Narrative Must Haves!

Use this checklist to prepare for your district assessment.

E-Waste Video

Nouns, Pronouns, Proper Nouns Quiz Link

Texting #2

Texting Interfering With Reading People