Thursday, November 8, 2012

WKCE testing is complete! The students seemed quite focused and took the assessments seriously, but it is so nice to be able to be back into the routine again (well, almost... we didn't have all our classes today just yet.)

Language Arts: We have begun to dabble into some poetry, with a unit that will focus on the following Common Core standards:

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.7 Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film).
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

Students were given a list of poetic/sound devices, and together with another student or two, they identified examples of the various poetic devices throughout the song, Vincent (Starry, starry night) by Don McLean.  Their assignment for tomorrow is to complete this task if they haven't finished and to also complete Journal Entry #5, which is on Edmodo.

Tomorrow they will take a stab at "ekphrastic poetry," incorporating some of the poetic devices that we discussed today.

Monday, November 4, 2012

WKCE test week is here, and our big projects have come to an end.  The focus this week is on getting ample rest and staying calm.  No homework this week for core classes!

Advanced Math:  Students were given their function assessment that was taken last week, and then we reviewed any questionable issues with today's assignment.  Then we reviewed some brushed up on some fundamental math skills (mean, median, mode, how to use a protractor, how to read a ruler, ordering fractions).  Some of the students felt they still needed some practice with ordering fractions.  The worksheet that I stole some problems from is here: Ordering Fractions Worksheet.  At the bottom of the webpage, there is also an answer key.  

Language Arts:  In Language Arts, students got a chance to see their grades on the final spooky story and business letter.  Then we went into a independent reading activity that will zero in on the different types of questions that students are often asked after reading and the associated strategies involved with each sort of question.  This activity will continue tomorrow.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Do you hear that? It's a sigh of relief!  Friday is here! Our City Planning unit has come to an end.  Spooky stories and business letters are complete.  First quarter is in its final moments.  All of you have worked so hard, and I'm very proud of you!  Here are some notes from class today:

Advanced Math:  Today we discussed the homework and moved into 1.2.  Homework for Monday is to finish 1.2 (if you didn't do so in class), and p. 13, 8-14.

No new homework or notes for Language Arts or Social Studies... Have a GREAT weekend!