Winter Break is already here!
Tuesday, January 6 will be our first day back after break. Have safe and wonderful holidays with your family.
Look for report cards in the mail.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
December 9, 2008
Don't forget the levy meeting this evening at 6:30. Community members have been working hard to put together an informative meeting with hopes of communication from the community.
8th graders started a writer's workshop today on humor. Ask your child what causes humor in communication.
In Springboard we will be building our vocabulary tomorrow with an activity in degrees of meanings of words.
6th and 7th graders today worked on putting emotion into writing and built a wall of words to use. Tomorrow they will learn to change the emphasis on words to change the meaning of a sentence. All of these skills will be brought together in a monologue your child will prepare and present in class.
Also, next Thursday evening is the winter program and promises to be an evening of fun and holiday warmth. Plan to bring family and friends!
8th graders started a writer's workshop today on humor. Ask your child what causes humor in communication.
In Springboard we will be building our vocabulary tomorrow with an activity in degrees of meanings of words.
6th and 7th graders today worked on putting emotion into writing and built a wall of words to use. Tomorrow they will learn to change the emphasis on words to change the meaning of a sentence. All of these skills will be brought together in a monologue your child will prepare and present in class.
Also, next Thursday evening is the winter program and promises to be an evening of fun and holiday warmth. Plan to bring family and friends!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
November 25, 2008
A reminder that Wednesday is an early release day. We will dismiss at 11:30. Have a great break!
8th Language Arts: We are studying the steps of a hero's journey. If your child is not in school on Wednesday, we will complete pages 48 - 50, as we continue to study the psychological aspects of a hero's journey, according to Joseph Campbell.
6/7th Language Arts: We continue to study the revision of a paper. We have studied adding, replacing and deleting. Wednesday we will practice deleting for revision in one of our own essays or writings.
8th Language Arts: We are studying the steps of a hero's journey. If your child is not in school on Wednesday, we will complete pages 48 - 50, as we continue to study the psychological aspects of a hero's journey, according to Joseph Campbell.
6/7th Language Arts: We continue to study the revision of a paper. We have studied adding, replacing and deleting. Wednesday we will practice deleting for revision in one of our own essays or writings.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
For the week!
It is Wednesday and I will be gone the rest of the week to training. I will post for the week, so you know what is happening in Language Arts.
Wednesday: 8th Wrote their rough draft of a paper
6/7 practiced the three types of questions you can ask of a piece of text
Thursday: 8th will type their final draft of their paper
6/7 will work on understanding tone in written text
Friday: Both classes will study parts of speech that lead up to understanding verb tense, one of the most common writing problems in our middle-school classes
Wednesday: 8th Wrote their rough draft of a paper
6/7 practiced the three types of questions you can ask of a piece of text
Thursday: 8th will type their final draft of their paper
6/7 will work on understanding tone in written text
Friday: Both classes will study parts of speech that lead up to understanding verb tense, one of the most common writing problems in our middle-school classes
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday, November 4
Change your school calendar! The winter program has been changed from December 19 to December 18.
Also, students received reminders today for picture retakes. Make up day is scheduled for November 5. The flyer will show packages available and some cool things such as: photo magnets, bookmarks, travel card, wanted poster and more!
6/7 Language Arts: We continued to go over the writing assessment which was returned yesterday. We worked on commas, semi-colons and conjuctions. No Homework.
8th Language Arts: We studied and made a class guide of how to use quotes and quoatation marks in writing. Students will soon be doing interviews for a paper and will need to use these in their writing. They completed a worksheet for practice, it is due tomorrow.
Reminder: Fall Conferences take place this Friday, November 7.
Also, students received reminders today for picture retakes. Make up day is scheduled for November 5. The flyer will show packages available and some cool things such as: photo magnets, bookmarks, travel card, wanted poster and more!
6/7 Language Arts: We continued to go over the writing assessment which was returned yesterday. We worked on commas, semi-colons and conjuctions. No Homework.
8th Language Arts: We studied and made a class guide of how to use quotes and quoatation marks in writing. Students will soon be doing interviews for a paper and will need to use these in their writing. They completed a worksheet for practice, it is due tomorrow.
Reminder: Fall Conferences take place this Friday, November 7.
Monday, November 3, 2008
November 3
Nav. 101 Students completed their outline for student led conferences taking place this Friday.
6/7 Language Arts: Students reviewed their grades for this quarter, so they be able to explain their grades to parents. Students also reviewed the Embedded Assessment they recently completed. We covered common writing errors in our class and how to change those errors. We will continue to cover those common errors on Tuesday.
8th Language Arts: Students turned in their Form Poems, we reviewed the Back Map of learning to see if we are on target for preparing for the assessment at the end of this unit. Students are also continuing working in Literature Groups. We will work on Grammar Tuesday.
6/7 Language Arts: Students reviewed their grades for this quarter, so they be able to explain their grades to parents. Students also reviewed the Embedded Assessment they recently completed. We covered common writing errors in our class and how to change those errors. We will continue to cover those common errors on Tuesday.
8th Language Arts: Students turned in their Form Poems, we reviewed the Back Map of learning to see if we are on target for preparing for the assessment at the end of this unit. Students are also continuing working in Literature Groups. We will work on Grammar Tuesday.
Monday, October 27, 2008
October 27, 2008
Navigation 101 Today students starting preparing for their student led fall conference, which takes place on November 7. Mark your calendars, each student worked really hard today to give you a presentation!
Believe it or not, grades for the first quarter will be posted by the weekend. The year is passing quickly!
6/7 Language Arts: We have been studying, "The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost. Students have the opportunity to earn extra credit by memorizing all or part of the poem. Also, students will need a parent signature on their planner this evening and students need to complete the homework that they have written in their planner. Thanks for helping your child develop the organizational skill of using a daily planner.
8th grade Language Arts: Last year's class read the novel, "Tangarine." We have two new students who have volunteered to read the novel and talk about what they are reading so we can see the strategies readers take when reading. We will hear them predict and ask questions that are crucial to the reading. It is a fun activity that often only a teacher experiences in a novel study.
Tuesday we will continue to study historical heros by comparing and contrasting poetry.
Believe it or not, grades for the first quarter will be posted by the weekend. The year is passing quickly!
6/7 Language Arts: We have been studying, "The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost. Students have the opportunity to earn extra credit by memorizing all or part of the poem. Also, students will need a parent signature on their planner this evening and students need to complete the homework that they have written in their planner. Thanks for helping your child develop the organizational skill of using a daily planner.
8th grade Language Arts: Last year's class read the novel, "Tangarine." We have two new students who have volunteered to read the novel and talk about what they are reading so we can see the strategies readers take when reading. We will hear them predict and ask questions that are crucial to the reading. It is a fun activity that often only a teacher experiences in a novel study.
Tuesday we will continue to study historical heros by comparing and contrasting poetry.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
October 22, 2008
6/7 L.A. Today we finalized turning in our assessment. Students also talked about making choices and realizing the consequences of making choices. Students also wrote about two big choices or decisions they have made, why and how it will impact their lives. I think you will love hearing what your child wrote.
8th L.A. Students did research on the computer to prepare for analyzing two poems. They also found a poem about autumn they will analyze and present to the class.
Neither class had home work.
8th L.A. Students did research on the computer to prepare for analyzing two poems. They also found a poem about autumn they will analyze and present to the class.
Neither class had home work.
Friday, October 17, 2008
October 17, 2008
6/7 L.A. Students continued to work on their assessment. Today they completed their rough draft and had a peer edit it. If they were absent one day or have not completed their paper they will have time to complete it on Monday. Students will type their paper on Tuesday.
8th L.A. Students studied poetry and practiced the skill of answering questions based on text support. No homework, unless it is novel reading.
8th L.A. Students studied poetry and practiced the skill of answering questions based on text support. No homework, unless it is novel reading.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
October 16, 2008
6/7 L.A. Today started their assessment that will take several days. It is important that students keep on track and follow the steps. This is an assessment and will be completed in class. Today students did two pre-write activities and wrote an outline. Friday they will write a rough draft and have a peer edit it. Monday or Tuesday they will type their final draft in the computer lab.
8th L.A. Everyone completed their presentations today. Each group taught us something different about commas. No Homework.
8th L.A. Everyone completed their presentations today. Each group taught us something different about commas. No Homework.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
10-15-08
8th L.A. Today students presented their lessons on how to use commas. More students will present tomorrow. No homework, unless they are still working on their presentation.
6/7 L.A. Today we reviewed the writing assessment the students will start tomorrow. The final copy will be typed. I anticipate this assessment taking several days in the classroom and the lab.
There is no homework, but you may want to brainstorm with your child choices they have made and any consequences to themself or others that may have resulted from that choice. This may help your child plan the paper they will be writing.
6/7 L.A. Today we reviewed the writing assessment the students will start tomorrow. The final copy will be typed. I anticipate this assessment taking several days in the classroom and the lab.
There is no homework, but you may want to brainstorm with your child choices they have made and any consequences to themself or others that may have resulted from that choice. This may help your child plan the paper they will be writing.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
October 14, 2008
I hope everyone had a great 3 day weekend!
8th L.A. Students are completing their group presentation on comma use. They will present Wednesday and Thursday.
6/7 L.A. Today they wrote about their pet peeve. This writing brought together some of the lessons we have been working on the past week. They will be using root words and homophones from previous lessons. The writing is due on Wednesday.
8th L.A. Students are completing their group presentation on comma use. They will present Wednesday and Thursday.
6/7 L.A. Today they wrote about their pet peeve. This writing brought together some of the lessons we have been working on the past week. They will be using root words and homophones from previous lessons. The writing is due on Wednesday.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
6/7 Language Arts
Due tomorrow:
Assignment written in planner
Parent signature on planner
P. 22 Completed Table
Sentences written on a seperate piece of paper
8th Language Arts
We studies Poetry today and how to cope with difficulties.
We also looked at the process of grieving.
No Homework!
Due tomorrow:
Assignment written in planner
Parent signature on planner
P. 22 Completed Table
Sentences written on a seperate piece of paper
8th Language Arts
We studies Poetry today and how to cope with difficulties.
We also looked at the process of grieving.
No Homework!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Reminder: No school on October 13.
6/7 Language Arts finished a huge project today. They completed typing and printing out their final draft of the paper on a childhood memory. The assignment included many parts that all needed to be turned in today.
Tomorrow we will study root words and word choice, page 22 of their student book.
8th Language Arts had a debate today on who was the real hero in October Sky. The 6th grade class had the chance to observe and vote. According to the 6th grade class, the group presenting Ms. Riley won!
6/7 Language Arts finished a huge project today. They completed typing and printing out their final draft of the paper on a childhood memory. The assignment included many parts that all needed to be turned in today.
Tomorrow we will study root words and word choice, page 22 of their student book.
8th Language Arts had a debate today on who was the real hero in October Sky. The 6th grade class had the chance to observe and vote. According to the 6th grade class, the group presenting Ms. Riley won!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Both classes spent their time in the computer lab writing papers. They will continue working on their papers tomorrow. It is important that if they spend time working on their papers at home, they email them to the school. I do the editing and commenting electronically.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 1, 2008
6/7 L.A. Today students had class time to create their outlines for the paper they are writing. Tomorrow we will go to the computer lab where they will write their papers.
H.W. Complete outline and rough draft & be ready to type your paper on Thursday.
8th L.A. Today students wrote the outline of their Hero Paper. Tomorrow they will type the paper and make revisions in the computer lab.
H.W. Be ready to type your Hero paper
H.W. Complete outline and rough draft & be ready to type your paper on Thursday.
8th L.A. Today students wrote the outline of their Hero Paper. Tomorrow they will type the paper and make revisions in the computer lab.
H.W. Be ready to type your Hero paper
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
September 30, 2008
6/7 L.A. We are really focusing on being organized. Students are earning 2 points for writing assignments in their planner and getting a parent to look at the assignment and initial it. I hope this will improve homework return, if parents are aware of the homework assignment.
Students are currently writing in their planner everyday, so the couple points they could earn each day could make a huge difference in their grade.
Today we worked on ideas for creating an introduction paragraph and then outlined the paragraph. This is due Tuesday.
8th L.A. Today the 8th graders took home the blog note to parents, it is worth 5 points for a parent to sign it saying they received the note. Students also had the opportunity to log onto the blog and follow the link to Mr. Baribaults blog. The link is on this page.
We also discussed the film, "October Sky" and the three possible heros. Students chose their character, they will write an essay and then participate in a debate. We talked about how the paper and debate should be graded.
Students are currently writing in their planner everyday, so the couple points they could earn each day could make a huge difference in their grade.
Today we worked on ideas for creating an introduction paragraph and then outlined the paragraph. This is due Tuesday.
8th L.A. Today the 8th graders took home the blog note to parents, it is worth 5 points for a parent to sign it saying they received the note. Students also had the opportunity to log onto the blog and follow the link to Mr. Baribaults blog. The link is on this page.
We also discussed the film, "October Sky" and the three possible heros. Students chose their character, they will write an essay and then participate in a debate. We talked about how the paper and debate should be graded.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Welcome
I have been practicing blogging for one week and finally inviting parents to visit my blog. To read the true welcome and introduction please scroll down and read last Monday's post. I passed out notices to all students inviting the parents to visit my blog. I am asking for a signature, not obligating you to visit the blog, but only sign that you know about it. I have parents who are great about communicating by email; feel free to c0ntact me by email anytime!
- 6/7 We are working on an autobiographical memory
- Homework:
- brief outline on an index card, we will work on this more Tuesday
- Signature idicating you received the handout on this blog
- Signature on the planner. This is to teach students organizational skills and parents will be aware of any homework.
8th Language Arts:
Students are studying how novels are similar to movies. Tomorrow they will be analyzing three characaters in the movie, "October Sky," for heroic traits.
Today they worked in Literature circles. Students are working in groups of their choice or doing individual reading of a novel. You might want to ask them what they are reading.
Monday, September 22, 2008
It's Monday
REMINDER: Picture day tomorrow.
On Monday the schedule is a little different than T - F. First we have Navigatin 101 which is grade level groups who meet with a teacher and develop a portfolio of student learning. I meet with the 6th graders and will follow them the next 3 years. Today we talked about what a portfolio is, what is in it and how we will use it. You will see your child's portfolio when you attend student led conferences! http://www.k12.wa.us/navigation101/default.aspx Next week each student is bringing a photo of themself to photo copy and create a class poster.
8th grade Language Arts: We are studying how to analyze song lyrics. Today your child used the Internet to download song lyrics of their favorite songs. http://www.songlyrics.com/ They should have at least 2 songs printed off for tomorrows class. Some of the strategies we are using are: Soapstone, marking text, close reading and using a visual/auditory prompt. We are focusing on Word Choice and connotations to become better writers and readers.
6/7 grade Language Arts: We are also studying Word Choice and writing with details. We learned about words that we do not want to use, we call those dead words. We want to replace those words with lively words. Today we focused on replacing the word nice. We also worked on using our senses to write and describe details. We are continuting to work on using words with connotation. If a student did not finish the in class work, they will have homework: Enter the word nice into their language arts notebook, including the table of contents and index. Finish the response questions on page 1 and the top of page 2.
On Monday the schedule is a little different than T - F. First we have Navigatin 101 which is grade level groups who meet with a teacher and develop a portfolio of student learning. I meet with the 6th graders and will follow them the next 3 years. Today we talked about what a portfolio is, what is in it and how we will use it. You will see your child's portfolio when you attend student led conferences! http://www.k12.wa.us/navigation101/default.aspx Next week each student is bringing a photo of themself to photo copy and create a class poster.
8th grade Language Arts: We are studying how to analyze song lyrics. Today your child used the Internet to download song lyrics of their favorite songs. http://www.songlyrics.com/ They should have at least 2 songs printed off for tomorrows class. Some of the strategies we are using are: Soapstone, marking text, close reading and using a visual/auditory prompt. We are focusing on Word Choice and connotations to become better writers and readers.
6/7 grade Language Arts: We are also studying Word Choice and writing with details. We learned about words that we do not want to use, we call those dead words. We want to replace those words with lively words. Today we focused on replacing the word nice. We also worked on using our senses to write and describe details. We are continuting to work on using words with connotation. If a student did not finish the in class work, they will have homework: Enter the word nice into their language arts notebook, including the table of contents and index. Finish the response questions on page 1 and the top of page 2.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Fall is here and school has started
School has started and I am trying to find ways to better communicate with parents, so I decided to learn to blog! This blog is for parents of 6/7/8th graders at Northport Middle School in Language Arts. As often as possible, I will post updates for the class. These updates will include a brief summary of what we did in class that day and any assignments we worked on. This will not be a detailed account of all assignments, for that you will need to check your child's planner. 
You may also post comments, but for personal contact and responses please email or call me at the school. I hope this blog will answer the question, "what did you do in school today?" You will no longer have to be satisfied with the response, "nothing." Instead you will be able to have a discusison about the class. Please give me suggestions and let me know what information would be helpful to you. Soon you will see links to places of interest, such as homework help.
6/7th graders: The theme this year for Language Arts is Choices. We are learning a method for analyzing poetry.
8th grade: The theme for the year is Challenges. You may want to ask your child what quote they picked to respresent themself.
You may also post comments, but for personal contact and responses please email or call me at the school. I hope this blog will answer the question, "what did you do in school today?" You will no longer have to be satisfied with the response, "nothing." Instead you will be able to have a discusison about the class. Please give me suggestions and let me know what information would be helpful to you. Soon you will see links to places of interest, such as homework help.6/7th graders: The theme this year for Language Arts is Choices. We are learning a method for analyzing poetry.
8th grade: The theme for the year is Challenges. You may want to ask your child what quote they picked to respresent themself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)