Test Day!

I would wish you luck, but I know you don't need it.  Instead I'll say, take your time, read all answer choices, and be confident. 

Make sure your test window is the only window open on your computer.  

There should also not be anything on your desk.  

Once you are done, you may read OR work on a Reading Response. 

CLICK HERE! THIS IS THE LINK YOU CLICK IN ORDER TO TAKE THE TEST!  PRESS YOUR MOUSE ANYWHERE IN THE FULL ON CAPS SENTENCE TO TAKE YOU TO THE TEST!  CLICK HERE!

Hello November!

Homework for the week...

Journal 2-3 pages and have 2-4 paragraphs for a reading response between Nov. 1st (Monday)-Nov. 7th (Sunday)

Read 30 pages everyday...

Journals will be picked up Monday for group B2, Wednesday for group C1, and Friday for group C2.

This week, as a class, we will continue to practice analyzing characters from Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie through writing.  We have discussed the types of characters and practiced discussing, using evidence from the text as support.

This week we will also begin analyzing the different parts of the plot in Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, and how different events in the novel progress the plot and connect to other portions of the plot. Once we have discussed, we will again begin practicing writing analyses of the different parts of the plot.

We will be having a test on character and plot analysis on Tuesday of next week.  Study guides will be given Monday in class, so students can work on them and ask questions as they work.

As always, if you have questions, please contact me.

Harry Potter Day! & other news...

In preparation of our viewing of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, we will be taking a quiz to find out our Hogwart's House!

Remember, tomorrow, you can bring 1 drink and 1 snack.  No energy drinks, no pillows, sleeping bags, etc.  BRING YOUR PERMISSION FORM IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!

Also remember you will be practicing with signposts again.  Although this is a fun day, you still need to be on your best behavior so we can continue to plan fun days in the future.  :D

Other News:
Report Cards go out Nov. 2nd
Journal 2-3 pages a week
1-4 paragraphs written for a reading response weekly
Read 30 pages every night.

END OF THE QUARTER!!!

THE LINK IS HERE:  Reading/Writing Reflection

Make sure to click on the link above to complete the end of quarter reflection!

The following is a list of the grades you will be receiving for the first quarter:

1. Reading Grade

2. Reading Response

3. Journal Entries (average of 2 entries)

4. Reading/Writing Reflection

5. Revision Grade

6. Signpost Test

Please look on powerschool or email with any questions or concerns.

Homework for the week is to read 30 pages a night and write at least 1 page in your journal.  This page will be graded during second quarter.  REMEMBER!  You are no time traveler!  You are writing 2-3 pages in your journal EVERY WEEK, which means you cannot travel back in time to make-up this assignment.

Happy Back to the Future (10/21/2015) week!

10/12-1016 Blendspace, Signposts, and more...

Homework for the week...

Monday	Read for 30 pages, 2-3 pages of journaling due Friday Drink tabs! Collection for the Ronald McDonald house
Tuesday	Read for 30 pages Spirit Night @ Zaxby’s
Wednesday	Read for 30 pages Reading Response (Signposts)
Thursday	Read for 30 pages Reading Response (Signposts)
Friday	Read for 30 pages Signpost Assessment (open note)

I will be collecting journals on different days.  Students need to be aware of their individual due date because it may be different from other students in their class.  Students will be assigned groups and will need to remember their group's due date.

We will be having an assessment on Signposts this Friday.  Students will have to be able to locate signposts, and respond in writing (using the anchor question) discussing how the signpost connects to an element of literature.  This will be open note, so students do not need to memorize the definitions of the signposts, or which anchor questions and literature elements connects to each signposts. Students should be practicing locating signposts and responding using the anchor questions so they are confident with the responding.

You can use blendspace to practice!  

Students will be expected to do this in their independent reading for the remainder of the year, so it is important for students to be able to do this.

10/5-10/9 Signposts, Reading Responses, & Journal Entries

Pretest: Pretest: Literature Elements

Homework for the week...

Monday	Read for 30 pages, 2-3 pages of journaling due Friday
Tuesday	Read for 30 pages
Wednesday	Read for 30 pages
Thursday	Read for 30 pages
Friday	Read for 30 pages

READING:  This week we will be discussing how to analyze the novels we are reading independently.  I will be introducing signposts and students will be creating example reading responses using our common text Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. 

Starting next week, students will be expected to write 2-4 paragraphs a week analyzing their independent novel.  Through this writing, I will be looking to make sure students are thinking critically and deeply about their novel as well as checking for comprehension.

WRITING:  This week we will be discussing good/bad examples of journal entries as well as reading response entries.

9/28-10/2: Genres & Journaling

This week's homework...
 

Monday	Read for 30 pages
Tuesday	Read for 30 pages
Wednesday	Read for 30 pages
Thursday	Read for 30 pages
Friday	Read for 30 pages

  
This week we have two goals, a reading goal and a writing goal.

Reading:  Our first goal is to ensure you have a solid understanding of genres.  You guys are going to be given a genre diagram as well as a flowchart to use when you are deciphering the genre of your novel.  Be sure to use these tools throughout the year.

Writing:  Our second goal this week is to go over our weekly writing expectations.  We will be going over several sample journal entries, so you will understand what will be expected in your writing.  I can't wait to read your entries.

September 21-September 25

homework for the week

Reading Reflection Link - click here to complete

Monday	Read for 30 pages turn in online assignments-Stamping tomorrow
Tuesday	Read for 30 pages
Wednesday	Read for 30 pages Progress Reports signed (homebase only)
Thursday	Read for 30 pages Complete Likes and Dislikes
Friday	Read for 30 pages

 

Because I feel there might have been some confusion on how to submit on google classroom and about the 10 PM due date, I am extending the due date of the assignment to Monday at 10 PM.  IF you have NOT finished your interview assignments, 3 separate submissions, by Monday night at 10 PM, you will receive a stamp in your agenda tomorrow AND you will have a zero on your progress report on Wednesday because I will not have time to grade all of them before progress reports go out.  I will inform those of you who need to turn-in the assignment tomorrow in class.  Remember, if you do not have internet access, you will be given time at school to complete the assignment.

Turning in past 10 PM means the assignment is late.  You WILL get a stamp if the assignment is turned in late.  Remember this for future assignments.  This extension is only given this one time to clarify how to submit and to clarify expectations.  Do not expect leniency in the future.

For the rest of the week, you guys will be focusing on learning how to tell the genre of your novel and starting to brainstorm and develop topics about which you will enjoy writing.

Week 4 is approaching! (Sept. 14-18)

Remember, students should be reading approximately 30 pages a day.  Every weekday Monday-Friday.  This includes what they read during the school day, iRead, and at home.  Parents:  Please be sure to discuss what your child is reading with them at home.  This will not only help with their comprehension, but also may motivate them to keep reading.

Students are expected to have a novel with them EVERY day.  If they are close to finishing a novel, students are expected to have a back-up novel to read after finishing the previous novel.  If students are having trouble finding books, please have them come see me and I will definitely be able to find something that might peak their interest!

Monday we will be discussing how to select books on your level, how to preview books to ensure you are picking books that you will enjoy, and how to correctly write titles of novels and author names.

Last week we started our first writing assignment, an interview.  Students will be working on this again on Tuesday.  Tuesday (9/15) will be our last in class day to work on the assignment.  While revising their work, students should keep focus on their word choice and use what we've learned in our "really bad" word and verbs to beware mini-lessons.  Students who need additional time can come, with an appointment, before school, after school, or can work on it online at home.  The assignment is due Friday (9/18) by 10 pm.  The second portion of this assignment will also be given on Tuesday-a slide to introduce your interviewee to the class.  These introductions are going to be a blast!

Students will also have iReady testing this week.  Although we do not want students to be anxious about these tests, we would appreciate talking with your child about the importance of trying their best.  With this data, we are able to see student strengths and weaknesses.  With this knowledge, we are better able to individualize the education of each student. 

And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email!

First day of school

What a wonderful first day of school!  I can already tell we will be having a wonderful year.

During our first day together, our classroom rules (listed below) were given.

SHOW RESPECT:  with your words and your actions

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS:  the first time they are given

OBTAIN PERMISSION:  before speaking or leaving your seat

BE HONEST:  don't cheat, steal, or lie

Students discussed in groups what these rules look like when they are being followed, and when they are not being followed.  Today we will be discussing these rules in more detail to ensure students understand each rule and the reasoning behind them.  If you, or your child, has any questions about these rules feel free to contact me.  My email is jennataylor@johnston.k12.nc.us or you can use the school website contact form.

Today students will be given a materials checklist.  Students will need their supplies (listed below) by this Friday.  If for any reason you are not able to get a supply by Friday, let me know via the checklist.  We will definitely be able to work with you to ensure your child has all the materials needed to be successful.  

I hope students enjoyed their first day as well as their second.  

Homework for 8/24-8/27 

Monday	Reading Survey
Tuesday	Material Checklist, Notebook Cover Plan, Rule Scenario Sheet
Wednesday	Reflection on Marshmallow Test
Thursday	Complete Notebook Cover
Friday	Read novel for a minimum of 30 pages