Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Friday, December 17, 2010

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to all of the families in District 66! I hope you have a safe, happy holiday and a wonderful 2011!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Cay Projects

Students in regular reading classes are working to complete one of four project options upon completing our classroom novel, The Cay.

Option 1 – Diorama

Using a shoebox or other small box without a lid or flaps, create ONE specific scene from the story. After creating the scene, write 2 paragraphs; the first explaining the significance of the chosen scene and the second paragraph describing how you created the scene. Glue these paragraphs to the back of the box.

Option 2 – Island Map

Draw a large map of the island on 12"x18" construction paper (see me for the paper) or larger. Be sure to include everything that you know about the island before the hurricane hit. Also include things that Timothy and Philip built, such as the hut, the line that Philip used to find his way around while blind, and the catchment.

This map should be colorful and well-labeled with a map key. After you have created the map, write a short paragraph about the map, and glue this paragraph to the back
of the map.

Option 3 – Research Paragraphs

Using an encyclopedia, book, or the Internet, research TWO of the following topics: U-boats, US Navy destroyers during World War II, hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea, Curacao (often listed under "Netherlands Antilles"), or causes of blindness after birth. You will take notes on each topic and then write a page for each topic explaining what you learned.

Option 4 – Survivor

Timothy and Phillip had to survive for many months on only a few things that they brought with them. Everything else, they "made do" from items that they found on the cay. Many people in Illinois have had to survive after a tornado destroyed their homes.

For this project, prepare a survival kit for your home of items that you already have. After you have finished, if there are items which you know you should have, but don't, make a list of those items for later purchase. After you have gathered the items together (and know which ones you need), write a 1 page about creating your Tornado Survival Kit.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Cay Activity

A and B – only select 1

A. There are no pictures in this book, only the book cover. Draw a picture of Timothy and Phillip cooking outside the hut, or doing some of their daily work. Write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) telling why you decided to draw your particular image and the importance of your image in regards to the book.

B. Draw Timothy and Phillip tied to the palm tree and surrounded, sometimes, covered, by water. Write a short poem describing the experience. Your poem might include images (descriptions of what they see, what they feel, what they hear) as well as emotions.

C, D and E select 2 to complete.


C.Draw a picture of the fishing hole including the scene from Chapter 17. On the back of your drawing explain how you would have felt if you were in Phillip's situation or make a personal connection to the scene. 3 sentences.

D.Make a grave stone for Timothy. Put a very short saying or a symbol to represent Timothy. What made you want to select this option? Explain in 3 sentences.

E. Draw a picture of Stew Cat & the raft. Why did you draw the raft & Stew Cat this way? Explain your choices. 3 sentences.

The Cay Vocab Ch. 17-19

bamboo

cleats

flayed

smoldering

tensely

tethered

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Vocabulary for Cay Quiz 11/22

On Monday you will have a quiz over chapters 13-16. Please be sure to study the following vocabulary words as they will on your quiz.

shudder
hurricane
dishearten
calypso
receded
murmur
reef
catchment

Friday, November 12, 2010

Advanced Reading - vocab - ch1-8

Below are the 10 vocabulary words that will be on your chapter 1-8 quiz. Remember to check your defintions - does your definition apply to how it is being used in the book? I would also find the word in each of the chapters and read the sentence to further understand the meaning.

apropos
clairvoyant
dismissive
evidentiary
festoon
lucrative
macabre
pristine
rigor mortis
transient


shhhhhh...
Extra Credit opportunity - For 2 pts. of extra credit - to be added to your quiz grade - list 2 differences between Cameryn and Lyric at the bottom of your quiz on Tuesday!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Book Reports Due in 2 weeks!

Just a reminder to students that your next book report is due on November 19th! This will be a grade that will "jump start" your second trimester reading grade!

Check your folders to make sure you can find the assignment sheet and look it over again to see if you have any questions!

You may need up to a week to get the project completed so make sure to finish your book by the 12th of November!

Good Luck!

Friday, October 22, 2010

MAP Testing

Measures of Academic Progress™ (MAP)

On Tuesday, students will be tested during Language Arts and Reading. The MAP test is replacing the IOWA test. Students will be taking a 40 question, multiple-choice test on the computer. The test will be conducted every fall and spring to measure academic growth.

Please remind your child to eat a healthy breakfast and go to bed at a reasonable time!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Monday, October 4, 2010

Advanced Reading Study Guide

Study Guide
80 points/ 35 mc questions (2 pts. Each) and one fill in section

Review the basic story elements and order of events for the following stories:

“The Dinner Party”
“The Tell Tale Heart”
“The Monkey's Paw”
“The Hitchhiker
“Third Wish”
“The Lady or the Tiger”

You will be tested on the following vocabulary – use your literature book to look up the definitions:

naturalist -
arresting -
exuberant -
subordinate -
acute -
stifled -
lark -
nondescript -
grimace -
peril -

Dinner Party – reread the story and be familiar with the main events

The Lady or the Tiger – review the story as well as being familiar with the King's justice system

The Tell Tale Heart – reread/main events
consider the main characters personality/how does he change from beginning to end?

The Hitchhiker – review the story
how does the hitchhiker look?

The Third Wish – Why does the King of the Forest grant the three wishes

The Monkey's Paw – review the main events

Monday, September 27, 2010

AR Book Report - Due 10/22

Today students went to the IMC to check out an AR Book (accelerated reader). The accelerated reader program tests students with comprehension questions about the book. Students will need to take and turn in the AR report by 10/22. Students must take the AR either in my classroom or Mrs. Mastny's during a LA/Rdg. period or during study hall in my room.

If you are unhappy about your grade then you may do ONE of two options:

1. Select another book to read and replace that AR test with the one you did poorly on.

OR

2. Complete a plot structure worksheet which will show that you have read/understood the book. Points will be added to the overall grade of the report.

AR book reports are worth 30 points.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Period 6&8 - Short Story Study Guide

Study Guide

Review the basic story elements and order of events for the following stories:

“7th Grade”
“Thank You Ma'am”
“Names/Nombres”
“Zebra”
“Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”

You will be tested on the following vocabulary – use your literature book to look up the definitions:

scowl -
linger -
presentable -
suede -
initial -
chaotic -
wince -
intricate -
scuttle -
cower -

Friday, September 17, 2010

What we have been up to!

If you weren't able to attend curriculum night I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of what has been happening in LA and Reading.

Language Arts
We are currently working on rough drafts for our narrative unit. Next week we will focus on sensory details and peer editing!




Reading - Regular Classes


Short story unit. Reading stories from out literature textbook. There will be a short story test in a couple of weeks. Next week...my favorite, "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi"


Advanced Reading
Reading strange stories from out textbook. Stories include, "The Tell-Tale Heart" and next week, "The Monkey's Paw" and "The Hitchhiker"!




For all reading classes - REMEMBER your book report is due on Thursday 9/23!!!!!!
Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Names/Nombres - Name activity

“Names/Nombres”

Use the following websites to generate 10 facts regarding your first and last name:

Go to Learning Center

www.ancestry.com

On the lower right side of the page – type your name
Do this for your surname (last name) and first name

www.behindthename.com

Use this website to find additional facts about your name.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Book Report - due 9/23

POSTER BOARD - STORY BOARD BOOK REPORT FICTION
Due – September 23, 2010


1. PLOT EXPLANATION (10 points) – (minimum 5 squares, including a detailed explanation underneath each picture. At least 2-3 sentences)



2. DELIVERY (10 points) – (eye contact, voice level, smoothness, demonstrates knowledge of book)


3. STORY BOARD (10 points) ( effort, color, neatness, 5 squares minimum, title and author, your name and class period)



Total points = _________/30

Monday, August 30, 2010

One Item Speeches Begin Wed.!

“One Item” Speech


You will be giving a 2-3 minute speech talking about who you are as a person. You will need to pick ONE thing that overall represents you! Careful, this can be challenging – ONE item that you feel depicts who you are as an individual. Remember you can only choose one item. This could be a picture, object, etc. be creative!!! Think outside the box – could you create something that could give you more freedom to represent who you are?


Requirements


1.Select one item that encompasses you as a person.

2.Write a 2-3 minute speech including the following:

Begin by introducing yourself

Tell us about the item you chose & why this item says who you are

You may have a story or situation that relates to this item that you can share

Conclude you speech


Speeches will begin on WEDNESDAY, September 1st
Good Luck!



“One Item” Speech - Rubric


Introduction
interesting & grabs audiences attention
Body of Speech description of item
how it encompasses who you are

Conclusion wraps up your speech & gives a smooth ending
Don't say things like: that's it or I'm done, etc.

Delivery
posture
voice level
clarity
eye contact
enthusiasm

Creativity & Effort
Was the item that you used creative?
Did you demonstrate effort on this project?


Total = __________/25 points

25-23
22-20
19-17
16-15
14 or below

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Welcome Back- Parent Letter

Dear Parent(s):

As your child’s seventh grade language arts and reading teacher, I am eager to get to know both you and your child throughout the school year. The following is a brief overview of the grading scale, heading, classroom rules and homework policy. Please read through the material and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (630) 783-5007, or e-mail me at shayes@ccsd66.org , feel free to also view my blog through the Lakeview school link.

Sincerely,



Shannon Hayes

The grading scale is as follows:

89.5-100 = A 79.5-89.4 = B 69.5-79.4 = C 59.5-69.4 = D Below 59.4 is failing

Classroom Rules:

1.Be in your seat and prepared to begin class when the bell rings.
2.Write down assignments at the beginning of class.
3.Raise your hand and wait to be called on when you want to speak.
4.Do not leave your seat or the room without permission.
5.Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Completing all assignments, including homework and studying for tests, is a necessary component of your child’s progress. Students are expected to turn in all assignments on time. Failure to do so will have a lowered grade on the assignment. Major assignments (essays, projects, book reports, etc.) will be lowered 10% for each day it is late. When a lesson/unit is completed students can no longer turn in missing assignments for that part of the unit, and will receive a 0 on any work that was not completed during that time.

An overview of textbooks and novels will be provided the night of Open House, Monday, September 13th beginning at 6:45.

We am looking forward to a great school year! Please sign and return the below portion by Friday, September 3, 2010.
___________________________________________________________________________________

I have read and understand the information regarding grading scale, textbooks and classroom rules.

Student’s Name _________________________________________

Student’s Signature ______________________________________

Parent’s Signature________________________________________

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Happy Summer!


Wishing you all an awesome summer! As you can see, Charlotte is already enjoying her time outside!
Posted by Picasa

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Emmett George Hayes

I wanted to introduce our baby boy born on February 25. Emmett was born at 2:24 PM

8lbs 11ounces
21 inches

We are all doing well!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Period 6 & 8 Book Report

Just a reminder that book reports are due next Tuesday for periods 6 & 8 reading classes. Students are to create a comparison poster board in which they will compare their book to our classroom novel, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie.

Poster boards are required to have a minimum of 10 squares. Should be on large poster board with pictures easy enough for the whole class to see when presented in the front of the room.

The book report is worth 30 points and 10 of those points are based on a presentation grade.

I look forward to seeing some great reports. Students will be presenting their book reports beginning Tuesday, March 2nd!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Maternity Leave

In case you all don't know by now I am currently awaiting the arrival of Baby Hayes #2! I am due in about 2 weeks, but I feel like the baby could come at any time. Of course I will update you all once I have him or her.

I did want to take the opportunity to welcome Mrs. Becky Georges who will be my maternity sub while I am on leave. I will be on leave the rest of the school year and will no longer be available once I have the baby. Any questions about your child's grades, classroom behavior and/or curriculum should be directed to Mrs. Georges. Once Mrs. Georges starts officially in my position she will be given an e-mail address. You can contact the office at Lakeview to get that information.

It has truly been a pleasure working with this fine group of students this year. They are great students and I can't wait to see them next year as 8th graders.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Next Week...

Next week is a busy, busy week!

Reading Periods 6/8
Monday - review Chapters 1-7 Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie
Tuesday - Chapter 1-7 quiz. Vocab./MC/Short Answer
Wed. - Friday - Continue reading Drums

LA 5/7
Monday - Review for Verb Test
Tuesday - Continue reviewing
Wednesday - Verb Test
Thursday & Friday - Extensions in Reading

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Charlotte Getting Ready for Babies Arrival!


I thought I would share a very precious picture of Charlotte playing "baby" at daycare. It is one of her favorite games right now, and I can only hope she will be this good once her new baby brother or sister arrives!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Spirit Week

Get ready for Spirit Week in preparation leading up to Pack the Place!

Next Week:

Thursday 1/28 - twin day
Friday 1/29 - PJ Day/Snuggie Day
Wed. 2/3 - Green day - Pack the Play
Thurs. 2/4 - Gold day - Pack the Place

Friday, January 15, 2010

PC Field Trip

Today was a great end to the week! Mrs. Maass, Mrs. Myers and myself took the 6-8 grade Project Challenge groups to the Field Museum. Students were able to explore the museum and see the new Diamond Exhibit. In the exhibit, students participated in a scavenger hunt and learned about the history of the diamond. Of course a field trip is never complete without a yummy lunch to Portillo's! The kids were great and I hope they enjoyed their first Lakeview PC field trip!

Friday, January 8, 2010

IOWA Tests next week!

Next Tuesday - Thursday, seventh graders will be taking IOWA Basic Skills Tests.

Tests will be administered in 4th period classes for 7th graders.

Please encourage your child to do the following:

Keep a regular/early bedtime
Eat a good healthy breakfast
Have multiple #2 pencils for testing
Bring a silent reading book to testing rooms

Monday, January 4, 2010

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had a nice and relaxing winter break and that 2010 has started off wonderfully!


We had an interesting break with Charlotte, a trip to the ER on Christmas Eve and a scheduled surgery for Charlotte to get tubes and her adenoids to be removed. I hate that my 18 month old will be having her first surgery so soon, but I know it will help move us into a healthier year and making 2010 great! As you can see from the picture (Charlotte on the left) Charlotte just wasn't as in to Christmas as her cousin Maddie. We couldn't even get her in her holiday dress - holiday PJ's were a big theme!