Mrs. Hayes, Language Arts and Reading - 7th Grade

After - Final Project

2012-01-31T17:24:00.002-06:00

Just another example of how great our students are with thinking outside the box. Below is a project Rupa completed for me. She wanted to you Prezi which is a great online presentation website and we worked together to create a rubric to meet her needs! She told what happens after the book using this cool format! Enjoy!!!

After the Operation on Prezi

The Cay - Final Project options & rubrics

2012-01-24T10:40:00.000-06:00

The Cay Final Project

Project Rubrics for Next Weeks Advanced Reading Classes 01/16-01/20

2012-01-13T12:20:00.002-06:00

The Christopher Killer - Final Project Options

After - Final Project

Week of January 9-13

2012-01-06T14:56:00.001-06:00

I am so impressed with the 7th grade, they came back to school ready to learn and jumped back into the year without a problem. Not once did a students say they were tired or wished they were still on winter break! What an excellent group!

Advanced LA
Students have spent the first week back from break selecting a topic and researching in class. Next week students will continue to research, outline and writing a rough draft for an argumentative essay! These essays are persuasive but also include the opposition in a separate paragraph. Project Challenge students in period 2 will be debating their topics in 2 weeks. Instead of writing an essay they will be modeling the debate format which is similar to the one used in 8th grade for the 60s unit! I can't wait for some great debates!

Advanced Reading - Period 4
We will finish reading The Christopher Killer next week. Students checked out books today for their next book report - a book mosaic! I will post the assignment next week. Students were given the handout of the assignment today in case you want to see it before I post. As we end the book, students will complete a final project where the majority will be done here at school. The project will be explained on Wednesday, followed with IMC time for 5 class periods.

Advanced Reading - Period 6
Students will complete the novel After next week. Many have read ahead on their own...some will be surprised, shocked and/or disappointed with the ending. Have no fear, they will be working on a final project that can let them resolve some of their "mixed" feelings about the book! Students also selected the next book for their book report which is linked directly to our class novel. Students will compare ideas from their book to After and create a "book" report to demonstrate understanding. Students were given copies of the report assignment in class today, but I will also post them to the blog next week!

LA 7
Students turned in their persuasive essays which we began working on before winter break. I can't wait to read them! We have been working hard this week on writing short speeches. Students interviewed a classmate and then created a scenario in which the classmate would be honored or a speaker of an event. These students are very creative and have vivid imaginations! Speeches will be Monday & Tuesday of next week. They should be practicing over the weekend!!!

Reading 8
We are continuing our novel The Cay. Timothy and Phillip are preparing for a hurricane coming to the island! I wonder what will become of them! Next Friday the students will have a quiz over chapters 9-16. They will need to review vocabulary and their chapter 9-16 discussion questions.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-16T12:58:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all a safe and happy winter break! May you all have a prosperous New Year!

Project Challenge - The Year in Rap - 2011

2011-12-09T09:20:00.000-06:00

Project Challenge is working to create a "Year in Rap" 2011 - this is an original rap students are creating to reflect what took place in the past year. Students are working in groups of 2,3 or 4 and will submit their "Year in Rap" to the New York Times. Deadline is 4:00 January 6, 2012. Good Luck PC.

Below is the link to the blog as well as last year's "Year in Rap 2010" to view.

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/student-contest-celebrate-2011-by-writing-raps-about-the-years-news/#comment

The Year in Rap: 2010 from Flocabulary on Vimeo.

Next Week 11/28-12/2

2011-11-22T14:01:00.001-06:00

Advanced LA classes will begin a descriptive/persuasive writing unit regarding personal pet peeves! Should be interesting. I am very excited because I have completely revamped the advanced LA curriculum this year. All major writing assignments are brand new and completely different from the regular classes.

Advanced Reading classes are switching books. Period 4 will begin The Christopher Killer. Period 6 will read After. The classes are eager to read what the other class has been doing!

LA - period 7 - completing our verb unit. There will be a quiz on Thursday, December 1.

Reading - period 8 - beginning our next classroom novel The Cay.

Final Projects

2011-11-18T12:16:00.000-06:00

Advanced classes have final projects due for their class novel. Projects will be showcased in class on Monday morning! Mrs. Liles will be visiting 2nd periods showcase. I am very excited to see, read and share these projects! This is a brand new novel added to the advanced curriculum. This has been a fun unit for both myself and the students. They have offered good suggestions, comments and reflections about the novel!

Next week I will be posting some of the projects for parents to see from both classes!

Periods 7 & 8
Will complete the verb unit in the next 2 weeks. A quiz will be on Thursday, December 1.
We completed our novel, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. Next week students will write a "final journal" from Steven's perspective. This journal will be the last assignment for the novel. The students have really enjoyed reading this novel! Don't worry class, the next novel, The Cay is a great book too!

The Christopher Killer - final project options

2011-11-10T11:56:00.000-06:00

The Christopher Killer - Final Project Options

After Final Project Options

2011-11-10T11:53:00.000-06:00

After - Final Project

Study Drums - Ch 8-14 vocabulary - Free Study Guides | Word Dynamo

2011-11-07T09:29:00.000-06:00

Study Drums - Ch 8-14 vocabulary - Free Study Guides | Word Dynamo

Week of November 7-11

2011-11-04T16:44:00.000-05:00

Advanced LA
The beginning of the week will focus on review and creating a note-card to use on the quiz Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday will move into the second portion of our verb unit.

Advanced Reading 4
This week, students will finish reading After. I know many have had to read ahead to find out Tom and his friends fate at Central High School. Students have really enjoyed this book, and I have been impressed by their connections they have been able to make to social studies and how many first amendment rights are being taken away from the students in the book! The third week of November will be working on a final assessment and I can't wait to see what the students produce!

Advanced Reading 6
Students are wrapping up The Christopher Killer novel. We have had a lot of fun with this book. Students will finally find out who murdered Rachel! Will they be right? The following week, I will be introducing some project options that I think the students will enjoy. They will be able to take facts from our book and put a twist on it through an interesting choice of topics!

LA 7
Classes will begin Unit 3 - verbs this week. Lessons 1-7 will be focused on. At first these lessons will seem like review, but remember you can always check-out a book to take home and review more on your own! Remember to see me if you need help before school or during study hall.

Reading 8
Starting the week with review over chapters 8-14 on Monday. Quiz on Tuesday - don't forget to study your vocabulary! The week will conclude with chapters 15 & 16.

Week of October 31- November 4

2011-10-28T14:06:00.000-05:00

Advanced LA
Some spooky stories will be shared in class on Monday! Remember it is black and orange day - sorry no costumes allowed!
Tuesday - Pass backs - Wow - I have a lot to get back to you! Let's seriously consider doing a rewrite for compare/contrast essays. So many of you are on the right track and really need to work on improving your writing in terms of elaborating your ideas further. Take your writing to the next level advanced students!
Wednesday - Friday - Unit 3 - Verbs. This unit will continue into next week.

Advanced Reading - Period 4
Monday - Chapter 6 discussion using the "quote finder" worksheet and continuing with chapter 7. Stalin - what do you know about him? Bring in three facts to share with the class on Tuesday and you could earn more than just a Spartan Star!
Tuesday - Ch 7 journal and Chapter 8 read aloud. There is an interesting point for discussion on page 177.
Wednesday - Chapter 9 - main details worksheet - similar to what you have done in science.
Thursday - not sure if we will be following this exact schedule this week. We may be moving on to chapter 10 if we stay on schedule.
Friday - book report work time

Advanced Reading - Period 6
Monday - Chapter 6/7 discussion worksheet - I'm sure you will bring some interesting thoughts and discussion to offer to your groups!
Tuesday - Are you keeping up with your vocab? In class we will discuss chapter 8 and move on to Chapter 9 with a main details worksheet.
Wednesday - Chapter 10 and a character journal. Ch. 6-10 vocab. is due tomorrow!
Thursday - Chapter 11
Friday - Book report time/ silent reading - AR book!

LA 7
This week's focus will be Unit 2 - Nouns! Many students think, "this is easy" or "do we have to?" Nouns are important in regards to writing and especially showing possession! Students struggle with possessive nouns as well as identifying when an idea is a noun (beauty, time, etc.). A graded picture prompt will be given on Friday for students to demonstrate their knowledge about noun usage.

Reading 8
Still reading our classroom novel, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. Students will work through chapters 11-14 this week. We read independently, in groups, with partners or I read a chapter allowed. We will also be checking out our final book report book for the trimester. This is an accelerated reader book report. Students will select a free-choice fiction book in the genre they enjoy most, science fiction, mystery, adventure, horror, realistic fiction and so on. Before the end of the trimester, students will need to take an AR test in my room and turn it in for their final book report. If they are unhappy about their grade they can
1. choose to read another book and replace the grade
2. discuss an alternative book report to turn in showing comprehension/understanding of the book.

Have you considered...

2011-10-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

Have you considered...

why I offer challenge activities to your class?

when Project Challenge is given an assignment, I also offer it to the whole class?

why I make you think "outside the box"?

why I use words like "elaborate" or "extend" in terms of your writing?

why I don't settle for average?

why I don't accept the bare minimum?

Because you CAN and because you should push yourself to be the BEST you can be!

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie - book report - period 8

2011-10-20T09:32:00.004-05:00

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie Book Report - Period 8

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie - Book Report Planning Guide - Period 8

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie Rubric - Period 8

After - Book Report for advanced reading - period 4

2011-10-19T09:32:00.000-05:00

After Book Report Description/Guidelines - Period 4

After - Book Report Planning Guide - Period 4

After - Book Report Rubric - Period 4

Advanced LA - Fairy Tale/Fable

2011-10-19T09:28:00.000-05:00

Adv. Fairy Tale/Fable Unit

Week of October 17-21

2011-10-14T14:46:00.000-05:00

Advanced LA
This weeks focus will be on fairy tale and fable writing. Students will have the opportunity to create an original fairy tale or fable with a partner or individually in class this week. Students will have the entire week to work on this in class in the hopes that students will not need to get together outside of school time. I know how busy all of their schedules are so I want them to have the time they need in class. This also means that they need to be using their work time wisely! Because of many important handouts with multiple classes, I will post the fairy tale/fable assignment on Monday.

Advanced Reading - Period 4
Students just began reading their first novel - After Next week we will get through chapter 2-4. This novel has lengthy chapters so I don't want to overload them with too much reading and worksheets. The weeks focus will involve signing up for journal characters. Selecting a character in which they will write journals from that character's perspective. We will also focus on main idea/detail notes, picture representation of a scene and explore why The Catcher in the Rye would be a "banned book". Students will also get their book report assignment which will be posted on the blog Tuesday. Students will have time to work on book reports on Friday to start planning out their comparison books.

Advanced Reading - Period 6
We have read the first 2 chapters of The Christopher Killer. Monday we will review the main ideas from these chapters and read chapter 3 in class. As we are introduced to Cameryn's best friend Lyric, students will create a Venn diagram about these friends! Students will be introduced to a new character - Adam and will complete a R.A.F.T. activity. Students will also have book report time on Friday to continue making their mystery puzzle book reports!

Language Arts - period 7
Moving into expository writing! Students will thoroughly enjoy this assignment - even if they don't like to write! Students will be a writing a "Character Sketch" about a friend or family member! This week will focus on brainstorming, writing the introduction and body paragraphs. I will also give some suggestions for incorporating new transitions and using other words besides "said."

Reading - period 8
Class on Monday will introduce the comparison book report - storyboard. There were some problems with directions from the last book report. I will post this assignment on Monday in order for all information to be accessible to all students/parents as I did the last time. Reports must be on a LARGE piece of poster board. If you cannot get the right size, see me - I will get you one! Students will have a chapter 1-7 quiz on Wednesday. We will finish up the week by reading chapters 8 and 9 in Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie.

October 10-14

2011-10-07T15:42:00.001-05:00

It's time to make sure you are paying close attention to the homework board and my blog advanced students! Next week you will each begin your classroom novel. In order for you to be able to bring the novels home, each class will be reading a different novel. At the conclusion of each novel unit we will "switch" books! Happy reading!

Advanced LA
Because of the short week, we will be using the Buckle Down wb in LA to work on a short lesson about story elements. This unit will review plot structure while we read a story that is in the advanced textbook. I will also be incorporating a CRISS strategy into the lesson called a RAFT write-up. I am going to randomly give out a variety of different RAFT assignments and students will produce many different products. RAFT is an acronym for Role, Audience, Format and Topic - if you are in my advanced class - come in on Wednesday with what RAFT means to earn yourself 2 extra credit points!!!

Advanced Reading - Period 4
This week will focus entirely on pre-reading activities to get your ready to read our first novel, After. We will discuss the Columbine school shooting and explore our rights as Americans. This will lead into a classroom debate focusing on 3 different roles, student, principal and parent. Should be fun!

Advanced Reading - Period 6
Book report assignment will be discussed which goes along with our first novel, The Christopher Killer. Students checked out mystery books and will be creating a mystery puzzle for their next book report assignment! I have included the assignment at the bottom of the blog.

LA 7
Buckle Down - comparison/contrast will be this weeks focus. The lesson is short therefore we will get through it in one day, but there will be a journal assignment as a follow up on Thursday. This journal will be a direct connection to our novel, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. Be ready to share journals in class on Friday!

Rdg. 8
Continue with Drums and a discussion about the 5 Stages of Death and more information about Leukemia. We will get through chapters 5 & 6 this week.

Period 6 - Mystery Puzzle Book Report

Week of October 3 - 7

2011-10-04T12:02:00.000-05:00

Advanced LA
This week we will focus on Nouns! Pre-test was given in classes where 3 students tested out of the noun unit! Congratulations to those students! Parents were e-mailed if their son or daughter tested out. There will be a test on Friday.

Advanced Reading
Students are working this week to write a compare/contrast essay. Students were given the assignment on Monday to compare and contrast, The Third Wish and The Monkey's Paw. They need to show 2 examples of how the stories compare and 2 examples of how they contrast. We discussed in detail about the difference between strong and weak examples and how our evidence should be extended and justified by our own explanations. The assignment is shown below.

Third Wish - Monkey Paw Compare-contrast

Language Arts - period 7
Students received their Buckle Down workbooks this week. This is an ISAT prep. workbook that we use in both LA and Reading classes. The workbook doesn't just prepare students for ISAT it also focuses on important elements of literature and poetry. These elements will be important for students to remember for both high school and college. This weeks focus in on story elements. The students are reading a humorous adaptation from the short story "The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry.

Reading - period 8
Finally, it's here - Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick! Students found out on Monday what "Dangerous Pie" finally is! Did they tell you? Did you guess correctly? Poor Steven, or I should say, his drumsticks! His prized possession, autographed drumsticks, were used by his 4 year-old brother Jeffrey, to mix a concoction of eggs, coffee grinds, coca-cola and matchbox cars to make "dangerous pie"!!! Can you imagine how old this 13 year-old boy was to see his brother using his prized possession sticks? The students love this book already! By the end of the week we will have made our way through the first 4 chapters.

Dangerous Pie

2011-09-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

On Monday we will begin the discussion of "Dangerous Pie". Do you know what dangerous pie is? Any guesses...what do your parents think dangerous pie might be. Come in on Monday to class and share what your parents think dangerous pie is and you may earn a point or two of extra credit! Sorry...this only applies to periods 7 & 8!

Don't worry advanced classes - you'll get your chance soon!

Week of September 26-30

2011-09-23T14:26:00.000-05:00

Advanced LA (periods 2, 5)

Monday - Narrative essay due!
English Book Unit 1 - pre-test to assess prior knowledge, begin Unit 1 for those who don't test out/move through lesson at faster pace for grammatical components that are already mastered.

Tuesday - Continue Unit 1
Wednesday - Study guide to review
Thursday - Unit 1 assessment - once test is completed we will go to the IMC to continue to work on reading assignment
Friday - Early dismissal - time to work on reading assignment

Advanced Reading (periods 4, 6)

Monday - Book Report Presentations
Tuesday - Book Report Presentations
Wednesday - Finish book report presentations/SCOPE magazine

Thursday - Book Check-Out. Period 4 will check out book that relate to our first novel After. Period 6 will check out mystery books to go along with their first novel The Christopher Killer.

Friday - Buckle Down workbooks given out. Complete Lesson 7 in class and do pages 95-98 for homework. This will lead into the first week of October - focusing on compare and contrast writing in relationship with what we read.

LA (period 7)

Monday - English book Unit 1. Lessons 1 -3

Tuesday - Continue Unit 1
Wednesday - Complete Unit 1
Thursday - Study Guide and review
Friday - Unit 1 test - Early Dismissal

Reading (period 8)

Monday - Book Report Presentations
Tuesday - Book Report Presentation
Wednesday - Study guide to review
Thursday - Unit 1 test
Friday - Early dismissal - finish LA test

Advanced Reading - Short Story Test Study Guide

2011-09-20T15:18:00.000-05:00

Advanced Study Guide

Week of September 19-23

2011-09-19T14:12:00.001-05:00

Advanced L.A. (periods 2 & 5)
Monday - How are essays graded? Using the ISAT rubric to grade examples and learn how the writing and the grade "match up"!

Tuesday - Peer Editing - Peer edit with 2 partners. First to look for correct elements of your narrative, second have a partner grade your essay using the ISAT rubric

Wednesday - Prepositions - a quick review

Thursday - Are you writing with prepositions correctly? Spice up your sentences *this might be something to
consider with revising your narratives!!

Friday - Quote Activity/Journal Writing

Advanced Reading (periods 4 & 6)
Monday - "The Dinner Party" - discuss stereotypes
Tuesday - "The Third Wish"
Wednesday - Short Story Study Guide (will be posted on blog by Wednesday - students will receive handout)

Thursday - Time to review for short story test, "Is Facebook turning you into a monster????"
Friday - Short Story Test - Book Report due on Monday!

Language Arts (period 7)
Monday - Short Story Test (during LA)
Tuesday - Eng. Book - Unit 7 - prepositional phrases
Wednesday - Collect Final narrative, pronouns after prepositions
Thursday - How to write using prepositions
Friday - Story starter/apply what has been taught and use in a journal writing assignment

Reading (period 8)
Monday - Watch "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi"
Tuesday - Book Report Time - read silently, work on book report
Wednesday - What is Dangerous Pie?
Thursday - Scope Magazine
Friday - Finish writing story starter from 7th period and share if you want! Book Report due on
Monday!!!

Period 8 - Short Story Test - Study Guide

2011-09-16T11:01:00.000-05:00

Short Story Test - Study Guide

Smiley Face Tricks

2011-09-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

Remember to incorporate at least 5 smiley face tricks when revising and writing your 2nd draft!

Smiley Face Tricks Notes

Week of September 12-16

2011-09-09T13:15:00.000-05:00

Take a peek at what's in store for next week in LA & Reading!

Advanced LA - periods 2&5

Monday - brainstorming activity in journals & discussion about choices for narrative essay
Tuesday - Discuss the grading rubric and read a sample essay. Start graphic organizer and finish for homework.
Wednesday - Writing rough drafts
Thursday - Focus on sensory details & revising drafts using post-it notes!
Friday - Rubric activity & complete 2nd draft by Monday

Advanced Reading - periods 4 & 6

Monday - book report assignment & read "The Dinner Party"
Tuesday - short story - "The Monkey's Paw"
Wednesday - short story - "The Hitchhiker"
Thursday - Watch "The Monkey's Paw" and "The Hitchhiker"/visual interpretation activity
Friday - Read book report book & begin plotting out storyboard

Language Arts - period 7

Monday - Focus on body paragraphs
Tuesday - Conclusion
Wednesday - Sensory Details - how to "spice" up your writing
Thursday - Rubric Activity - how your essay is graded
Friday - Peer Editing w/ 2 people

Reading - period 8

Monday - Book report assignment/Begin plotting out book report and/or continue reading book. *short story test on Friday!
Tuesday - Short Story - "Rikki Tikki Tavi" focus on prediction and personification
Wednesday - continue "Rikki Tikki Tavi"
Thursday - Discuss "Rikki" homework questions & review short stories
Friday - Short story test

Storyboard Book Report

Advanced Reading - "The Lady or the Tiger" Narrative Assingment

2011-08-31T11:33:00.001-05:00

The Lady or the Tiger

One Item Speech

2011-08-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

One Item Speech

Welcome Back!

2011-08-25T10:03:00.000-05:00

Parent Letter 2011

Ray Bradbury - Short Stories

2011-05-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

As the year comes to an end, I thought it would be fun to explore the cool short stories written by Ray Bradbury. This week we read:

"Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed"
"The Golden Kite, The Silver Wind"
"All Summer in a Day"

Next week we will read
"August 2026: There Will Come Soft Rains"

View the "You Tube" video to see the video adaptation of "August 2026: There Will Come Soft Rains".

Theme Song Activity

2011-05-23T12:21:00.000-05:00

Theme Song of Your 7th Grade Year

Next Week 5/23-5/27

2011-05-20T12:16:00.002-05:00

LA/Rdg & Advanced LA/Rdg.

Monday

LA - Begin Radio Show Unit - We are listening to different radio shows and creating our own!
Rdg. - AR due 5/27
Adv. LA - Play performances
Adv. Rdg. - continue play performances

Tuesday

LA - Listen to "Little Orphan Annie" commercial. Discuss the commercial extra credit opportunity and radio show assignment
Reading - continue brainstorming and group work for radio show
Adv. LA - Theme song of your year unit. Brainstorm events from the year and search lyrics
Adv. Rdg. - "The Ransom of Red Chief" - read story in class and answer questions for hw

Wednesday

LA - Complete initial plans for play and begin writing script using laptops
Rdg. - Summer Reading Program discussion in IMC
Adv. LA - Begin writing rough draft paragraphs including description of event, connection to line in song and the overall connection and significance
Adv. Rdg. - IMC Summer Reading program discussion

Thursday
LA - complete scripts, print off for everyone to have a copy
Rdg. - Reading of "All Summer in a Day" and essay connection
Adv. LA - Begin final draft project of theme song
Adv. Rdg. - View "The Ransom of Red Chief" literature in performance

Friday
LA - Practice w/ sound effects to be prepared for Tuesday's presentation of Radio Shows
Rdg. - View "All Summer in a Day" literature in performance
Adv. LA - Theme Song due Tuesday
Adv. Rdg. - "Rain, Rain, Go Away" story

Advanced LA - Theme Plays!

2011-05-13T15:41:00.000-05:00

I'm looking forward to seeing the advanced LA students performances! Students are currently working on their rough drafts for a play they will perform in class after Memorial Day Weekend! There are 5 groups and all of them have been hard at work. Because of these students busy schedules we are using classroom time to write the play, rehearse and make background scenes all in class! It is great watching them be so creative!!! Below is the information the students received.

Play Requirements

Week of May 9 - 13 - LA 5/7

2011-05-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

Classes will be creating a comic strip. The follwoing will be given to students on Monday and is a double sided worksheet. This way the rubric is on one side as well as typed out requirements discussed in class.

Some important main points/things to keep in mind:

Need a title
6-8 panel comic strip that tells a story from beginning to end
Must be colorful and neat and include backgrounds in the panels - no blank/white space
Dialogue must be clear and easy to read checking spelling and grammar
No stick figures

Comic

Comic Strip

Prepositions

2011-04-29T15:43:00.000-05:00

Next week we will focus on prepositions. This important part of speech can be difficult for students to grasp so please encourage students to come in for help if they need it. Prepositions are a large part of speech and good writing habits. It is important for students to grasp and understand the parts of speech before going to high school. I just had a former LV student contact me and he had this to say about the teaching of grammar,

"I need to thank you for your awesome teaching of grammar and English. They don't do that here at South, but after some studying I was able to achieve a pretty insane score on the ACT English section. I believe that it was only possible because of your great teaching, which gave me an excellent foundation of the English language."

I have to say his compliments are kind, but I was most excited to hear the understanding of why we teach grammar and the positive use and function it provides as life long learners!

Speech/Visual Rubric

2011-04-18T12:40:00.000-05:00

Speech/Visual Rubric

Week of April 18-22

2011-04-15T16:32:00.000-05:00

Language Arts
Monday 4/18 - discuss and handout "outline rubric", write outline for speech
Tuesday 4/19 - write/finish outline for speech
Wednesday 4/20 - Type outline (bring flashdrive!)
Thursday 4/21 (early dismissal) - Type outline (bring flashdrive!)
Friday 4/22 - no school

Reading - Periods 6 & 8
Monday 4/18 - Discuss "Starving in Siberia" ws. Group work - Read "Perfume" & "Silver Lining" by Wednesday and answer questions. Be ready to discuss questions 1/2 way through class on Wednesday.
Tuesday 4/19 - Group work - Read "Perfume" & "Silver Lining" by Wednesday and answer questions. Be ready to discuss questions 1/2 way through class on Wednesday.
Wednesday 4/20 - Finish up questions/correct questions in class
Thursday 4/21 (early dismissal) - Type outline (bring flashdrive!) use this period as well due to early dismissal
Friday 4/22 - no school

Advanced Reading - Period 2
Monday 4/18 - Literature Circle Meeting - Bookmark due

Tuesday 4/19 - Finsih group 6 discussion of book and continue group talk
Wednesday 4/20 - Literature Circle Meeting - Bookmark due
Thursday 4/21 (early dismissal) - Type outline (bring flashdrive!) - use both periods due to early dismissal
Friday 4/22 - no school

Rubric for Career Outline

Career Outline Rubric

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Rubric for Career Outline

April 11 - 15

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Monday, April 11 – Friday, April 15

Language Arts Classes (all periods)
IMC research time
During this time it will be your goal to research efficiently and effectively in the IMC. Daily checks on use of time will be taken as well as check-points for note card completion. You need to be creating your bibliography as you research! All research will need to be completed on note cards 5-8 sources is required for your research. A minimum of 20 notecards is required.

Use of time in IMC checkpoints (no points but just marked in gradebook)
IMC Checkpoints will be: 4/11, 4/13 & 4/15

Notecard Checks
Completion points for having assigned notecards on the day told. 3 point grade to earn. All or nothing.

Noteacrd checks will be:
Tuesday 4/12 – 6-10 notecards
Thursday 4/14 – 10-15 notecards

Reading Period 2 - Advanced
Students are continuing their Literature Circle Unit. The class has been divided into 6 literature circle groups. The groups have assigned themselves the reading they want to accomplish before each meeting and will complete the book talk bookmarks ahead of time. These bookmarks are used as a way to spark discussion. I use the book discussion time to sit with groups and listen to their discussion. Students receive a grade for discussion times as well as evaluation of group members. Days we are not having literature circle discussion we use class time to discuss similarities of our books as an entire class.

Reading Periods 6 & 8
Continuing with Section 2 of Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. We will be reading, focusing on vocabulary and answering comprehension questions about the novel. I anticipate there will be a quiz over section 2 the week of April 18.

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie Book Report

2011-04-07T09:32:00.001-05:00

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie Comparison Book Report

Career Unit - Syllabus, what to research & check-point notecard dates

2011-04-07T09:27:00.001-05:00

Career Unit

Week of April 4 - April 8

2011-03-25T09:18:00.005-05:00

Upon returning from spring break students will be busy! We will begin our "Career Unit."

Students checked out new book report books Friday, March 25th. If students are in my periods 6 & 8 class they should try to complete the book over break - Everyone should have 20 minutes a day to devote to reading. The goal is for students to be finished or about finished so they can take advantage of the 2 in class book report work days given on April 8 & 15. I am stressing to students how important it is to follow through or else they will find themselves overwhelmed with trying to finish the book report and complete the career unit. Students should be managing time and remembering they are getting a month to read/complete the book report project as well as getting 80 minutes of class time to accomplish this task.

I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing spring break!

March 21-25

2011-03-21T12:04:00.002-05:00

Advanced LA & LA periods 5 & 7
As we wrap up the week before Spring Break, seventh graders will be going over how to read text and complete an outline. We will discuss how to use sub-topics correctly and this will help prepare students for the "Career Unit" upon returning from Spring Break. More details to come after break about the "Career Unit."

Advanced Reading
All week students will be using class time and homework time to complete their final projects for
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas". I am looking forward to interesting and creative projects. Each day in grade book a "grade" of 'X' or '0' will be entered. This is the parents and students way to see how well they used their class time to work on the project. Students are not receiving any points it is just a "check" grade. Feel free to contact me with any questions and/or concerns about the project.

Reading - periods 6 & 8
We will continue reading Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie this week. This is a great book which explores adolescences through an 8th grader's eyes. Steven has just learned his brother, Jeffrey, has leukemia and we will see how the family reacts to this horrible news. This book offers humor and real life perspective as well and the students are asking daily, "Are we reading more today?" I am glad they are enjoying the book as much as I do!

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - Final Project Choices

2011-03-17T10:03:00.002-05:00

Due Friday, March 25th

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Week of March 14-18

2011-03-14T12:08:00.004-05:00

Language Arts - periods 5,7
Monday - completion of pronoun lessons
Tuesday - Picture prompt - see attachment

End of Unit Picture Prompt

Wednesday - Friday - ABC Fairy Tale Assignment - see attachment

Fairy Tale ABC

Reading - periods 6,8
Monday - Pre-reading activites for new in class novel Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie
Tuesday - Begin vocabulary for Section 1 of Drums, complete Ch. 1
Wednesday - Chapter 2
Thursday - Chapter 3
Friday - Accelerated Reader book report due

Advanced LA
Monday - Introduction of Fairy Tale Assignment - partner or individual option
- Students create an outline of their plan of completion for the week
Tuesday - Friday - Create, write, illustrate and bind Fairy Tale

Advanced Reading - Fairy Tale Rubric

Advanced Reading
Finish reading The Boy in the Stiped Pajamas
Monday - Read Ch. 18 in class and complete the Ch. 18 ws & poem/poster option
Tuesday - Finish the novel
Wednesday - Bruno's Misunderstandings worksheet
Thursday - Complete Bruno's misunderstanding discussion
Friday - File Folder book report due on Monday - last day to work on project in class

Book Folder Rubric

Advanced Reading - File Folder Book Report

2011-03-10T16:16:00.002-06:00

The "File Folder" Book Report is due 3/21.

Book Folder Rubric

March 8-11

2011-03-03T13:19:00.005-06:00

Advanced LA
We will be finishing up our pronoun unit and having a short test on Friday, March 11. Students have been creating poems, writing a journal and completing some review sheets to practice pronoun use.

Advanced Reading
We are more than half-way through The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Students will review for half of the period on Tuesday and take a quiz over Ch 11-14. I anticipate we will get through Chapter 19 by the end of the week. Some activities will include a "Reader's Theater" for Chapter 17, discussion of chapters and predicting and lastly looking in depth at our main character Bruno and how naive he really is!

Language Arts - periods 5,7
Classes will begin a pronoun unit in which they will create a poem using the subject or theme of water. Students will also work on a proofreading activity to practice correct pronoun use.

Reading 6,8
With the completion of our classroom novel The Wanderer, we will introduce the final book project. It will be explained in full detail to students on Tuesday, but I have also attached the assignment details and rubric below. The final project will be due on Monday, March 14, and is worth 80 points. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the project.

Wanderer Final Project

Wanderer Final Project Rubric

Happy First Birthday Emmett!

2011-02-25T21:54:00.002-06:00

Week of Feb. 28-March 4

2011-02-24T16:08:00.005-06:00

Language Arts - periods 5 & 7:

Next week we will be reviewing writing components that students should continue practicing. Lessons will be centered around comma use in writing, direct and indirect quotes. This focus will be useful for our research unit that will begin after Spring Break. Students will demonstrate their understanding of these grammatical components through a writing prompt at the end of the week. Students may or may not have language arts homework depending on how they do in class with the lessons as well as when we meet due to ISAT testing.

Reading - periods 6 & 8:

Students will finally find out how Sophie knows Bompie when we finish our classroom text The Wanderer. Students will have comprehension questions to answer to demonstrate their understanding of the chapters. Information about the next book report will be posted on next weeks blog.

Advanced Language Arts - period 2

Due to ISAT testing next week, I only meet with advanced LA 2 times! Next week we will begin our Pronoun unit. Review and teaching of lessons will take place in class and continue with practice through a few homework assignments. The assignments include a poem on Monday and a journal assignment which goes along with our classroom text The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

Advanced Reading - period 4

Again this class will only meet two times due to ISAT testing. Students will be ready to discuss Chapter 11-13 (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas)on Monday and continue reading in the text on Monday and Tuesday. We should be able to accomplish a few chapters next week. Tuesday they will have homework covering the chapter we get through. Look to the homework blog to give specific chapter assignments since this always changes due to what we can or cannot complete based on discussion.
Look for a complete description about the next book report on next weeks blog! I discussed requirements on Friday and students will receive a handout on Monday.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - Chapter 1-10 study guide

2011-02-18T10:46:00.001-06:00

Vocabulary – know the following:

chaos
dominated
desolate
devise
dismissively
distaste
engaged
escapade
foreseeable
incredulous
presumed
retrieved
reverberated
rummaged
tolerant

Review ALL chapter study guides and discussion sheets

Understand:
simile
metaphor
idiom
personification
hyperbole

Period 6 & 8 Book Report Assignment - Greeting Card

2011-02-11T09:23:00.002-06:00

Greeting Card Project

Directions:Think about the characters in your novel. Imagine that one character is sending a card to another character. What kind of card would they character send and why?

Choices of cards: Birthday, Sympathy, Thank You, Get Well, Friendship, Anniversary, Retirement, New Baby, Valentine's Day, Miss You

Task: There are TWO parts to this project.

1.Create a card to one character in your novel to another character.
2.On a separate sheet of paper, include the following:

The title and date of publication
In one paragraph, explain why you created the card you did.
In one paragraph, explain the importance of this choice and how the novel would be different if the card had actually been sent.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2011-02-04T12:20:00.001-06:00

Book Report Rubric

2011-01-25T12:06:00.001-06:00

Many of you have told me you lost your Character Significance book report. Please print this to turn in with your report which is due 1/31. I will not be making more copies of this.

Name_____________________

Character Significance
Book Report Rubric

Points Available
Points Earned
Comments
4-5 pictures neatly on board
5

Picture 1 Significance: 3-4 complete sentences using evidence from text to support picture
5

Picture 2 Significance: 3-4 complete sentences using evidence from text to support picture
5

Picture 3 Significance: 3-4 complete sentences using evidence from text to support picture
5

Picture 4 Significance: 3-4 complete sentences using evidence from text to support picture
5

Spelling, grammar and punctuation are all correct
3

Book title, author, number of pages and heading appropriately included on board
2

Total_________ Grade______

Bear Down!

2011-01-21T12:05:00.001-06:00

Character Significance BR due 1/31

2011-01-14T10:14:00.000-06:00

Character Significance
Book Report
Due January 31st

1.After you complete your book think about the main character(s).

2.Select 4-5 pictures that would have special significance to your character(s).

3.Pictures may be hand drawn, actual photographs and from a magazine or newspaper.

4.Arrange the pictures on a sheet of construction paper, poster board or white paper (no lined paper allowed).

5.Under each picture write 3-4 sentences explaining why the picture is important to your character.

6.At the top of your board have your heading in the right hand corner. Also, at the top of the page include the books title, author and amount of pages.

7.Once you are done with your book report please turn it in with your rubric. You can turn in your book report before the due date!

Advanced Reading - Holocaust Book Report Assignment

2011-01-04T11:20:00.002-06:00

Using the Holocaust Reading List, read a Holocaust related non-fiction or fiction book and write a 2 page, typed, double-spaced report explaining:

Task: How did this book confirm (or not confirm) your previously-held concept of events during the Holocaust? What this means is: think about what you already knew about the Holocaust before reading Anne Frank and your BR book.

It is strongly recommended you use outside sources other than the book itself to validate your opinion. - You may use the background information sheets from Anne Frank.

This is not a standard book report. You are not being asked to give details of the story or background of the characters. Your task is to place this book’s message in the historical context of the Holocaust.

- The characters are merely vehicles to acquire the facts.
- How do the characters interact with history?
Don't be overly concerned with character and story development, but concentrate on the history that you learn from this book.

Under no circumstances are you to read and report on a book that you have already read.

The book report is worth 30 points.

Due Dates:
Book selection: Holocaust Fiction/Non-Fiction

Complete book by: January 24, 2011

Book report due: January 28, 2011

2010-12-21T15:47:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-17T13:51:00.002-06:00

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

Cay Projects

2010-12-06T13:01:00.002-06:00

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.

Cay Activity

2010-11-30T14:51:00.000-06:00

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

2010-11-30T09:27:00.001-06:00

bamboo

cleats

flayed

smoldering

tensely

tethered

Vocabulary for Cay Quiz 11/22

2010-11-18T13:17:00.001-06:00

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

Advanced Reading - vocab - ch1-8

2010-11-12T10:47:00.002-06:00

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!

Book Reports Due in 2 weeks!

2010-11-05T18:58:00.001-05:00

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!

MAP Testing

2010-10-22T10:41:00.002-05:00

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!

The Hayes Family

2010-10-14T15:21:00.000-05:00

Go Bears!!!!!

Advanced Reading Study Guide

2010-10-04T10:50:00.000-05:00

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

AR Book Report - Due 10/22

2010-09-27T09:55:00.002-05:00

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.

Period 6&8 - Short Story Study Guide

2010-09-23T12:09:00.001-05:00

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 -

What we have been up to!

2010-09-17T10:38:00.004-05:00

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!

Names/Nombres - Name activity

2010-09-09T14:00:00.001-05:00

“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.

Book Report - due 9/23

2010-09-03T14:40:00.002-05:00

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

One Item Speeches Begin Wed.!

2010-08-30T10:13:00.002-05:00

“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

Welcome Back- Parent Letter

2010-08-25T12:14:00.000-05:00

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________________________________________

Happy Summer!

2010-06-02T12:47:00.000-05:00

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

Happy Birthday Emmett - 1 month old!

2010-03-25T10:24:00.001-05:00

Emmett George Hayes

2010-02-27T18:43:00.000-06:00

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!

Period 6 & 8 Book Report

2010-02-22T09:29:00.000-06:00

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!

Maternity Leave

2010-02-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

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.

Next Week...

2010-02-05T14:41:00.000-06:00

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

Charlotte Getting Ready for Babies Arrival!

2010-01-27T09:33:00.000-06:00

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!

Spirit Week

2010-01-22T12:04:00.001-06:00

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

PC Field Trip

2010-01-15T15:25:00.000-06:00

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!

IOWA Tests next week!

2010-01-08T10:32:00.000-06:00

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

Welcome Back!

2010-01-04T10:12:00.000-06:00

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!

12/8 - Charlotte's first snow experience!

2009-12-08T14:34:00.000-06:00

I thought I would share some amusing pictures from Charlotte's first day out in the snow this season...as you can see she didn't like it when she fell down to retrieve a ball and her hands went in the snow. I bet she was thinking, "Maybe next time I'll wear the gloves my mommy bought for me!"

Mr. Little's Soc. Studies Blog

2009-12-07T08:09:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to share my results as many students were curious what my learning style was. For those of you that haven't heard - I was very interested in Mr. Little's blog about learning styles and participated in the same activities as the students to find out my learning style! It was a lot of fun and the students were really interested in the activity - you should have seen them during study hall!

My results...

A tie! Rationalist and Guardian! After reading the handouts I would have to say I sound more like a rationalist. The results from the other quiz I took is that I am mostly a linguist (word smart) and intrapersonal (myself smart)

Thanks Mr. Little for an awesome activity!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-24T09:08:00.001-06:00

Wishing all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time off!

The Cay Webquest

2009-11-20T09:29:00.000-06:00

Today students were introduced to their final project for The Cay.

Students were given 7 scenarios to choose from and were to either:

1. Work individually
or
2. Work with a partner

Next week the classes will be in the IMC researching their scenario.

2 days will be spent researching (11/23-11/24)
2 days will be spent creating a minimum of 4 powerpoint slides (11/30 & 12/2)

Presentations will be on Thursday 12/03

Students SHOULD NOT have to work on this outside of school unless they are not using their class time wisely or are choosing to extra work at home.

I encourage you to take a look at the Webquest online - follow the link below and you can see the 7 scenarios to choose from and the articles they will be reading as part of their research! I look forward to some great projects!

http://teachers.plainfield.k12.in.us/jcraney/TheCayTasks.htm

Essay Order for turn in on Tuesday

2009-11-16T09:48:00.000-06:00

Essay Order for turn in:

1. Final Draft - typed, double space, 12-14 pt. font, full heading
2. Rubric (filled out from partner)
3. Editing Worksheet ( + or - )
4. Rough Draft(s)
5. Graphic Organizer

Charlotte's 2nd Halloween

2009-11-02T12:11:00.001-06:00

Here is my little Kitty Cat - celebrating Halloween!

Cay Projects

2009-11-02T11:56:00.000-06:00

Period 8 Projects

Period 6 Projects

Check back next week...

2009-10-29T11:38:00.000-05:00

My intention was to post some pictures of the AWESOME cay projects that students turned in this week, but I forgot my camera cord here at school!

I was impressed by the hard work that many students put in to creating their projects and I applaud their good listening skills when I went over project requirements! I will post a few of the projects next week - not all projects will be posted.

Noun Test - Friday

2009-10-22T14:01:00.000-05:00

In case you are still having a hard time understanding the difference between abstract and concrete nouns - I came across the following page and thought it gave a good visual!

Good luck on tomorrow's test.

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/abstractnoun.htm

Narrative Redo

2009-10-16T10:59:00.001-05:00

Students have all been given back their narrative and rubrics. Parents if you would like to see how your child did on their paper either contact me or tell you child you want to see their paper!

We have classroom folders here at school where I keep their essays and major tests. If students want to bring them home for viewing they need to "check it out" from their folder or else if you want a copy to keep at home I can make one for you.

Students have all been given the option to redo their essay if they are unhappy with their grade on the narrative essay. If your child has opted to redo their essay they should have it in their possession.

Redo essays are due for the following classes:

Periods 2 & 5 - due Tuesday, October 20th

Period 7 - due Wednesday, October 21st

I know that there have been a lot of absences and if your child is someone who has been out for a long amount of time I can extend the date for them - please contact me.

I discussed the redo process in class where details and requirments were discussed at length.

What is Advanced Reading - Reading????

2009-10-07T12:09:00.000-05:00

The Advanced Reading class has just begun their first novel study. We are reading Alane Ferguson's, The Christopher Killer.

As the daughter of a Colorado County coroner, seventeen-year old Cameryn Mahoney is no stranger to death. In fact, she has always been fascinated by the science of it. So she's thrilled to finally get some hands-on experience in forensics working as her father's assistant. But Cammie is in for more than she bargained for when the second case that she attends turns out to be someone she knows - the latest victim of a serial killer known as the Christopher Killer. And if dealing with that isn't hard enough, Cammie soon realizes that if she's not careful, she might wind up as the killer's next victim.... (amazon.com)

About the Author Alane Ferguson lives with her family near the foothills of the Colorado Rockies.

Mystery Unit Activities

2009-09-30T09:36:00.000-05:00

Click on the links below to explore the world of mysteries!

http://www.fbi.gov/kids/games/games.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/J002344/Puzzle.html

Period 6 & 8 Study Guide - short story test

2009-09-28T10:49:00.000-05:00

Study Guide

Review the basic story elements and order of events for the following stories (study your plot structures!!!):

“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 -

Period 4 - Advanced Reading - Short Story Study Guide

2009-09-25T10:44:00.000-05:00

Study Guide

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”

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