Oct. 1:
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Complete all revisions of your final draft. Be sure to check Common Core Standards listed under Class Goals and Objectives, as well as the rubric to "grade yourself." Complete your Revision Plan. Tomorrow we will finish up with editing and your final draft is due at the end of class tomorrow.
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Oct. 2:
Oct. 5:
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Explore the differences between fables, allegories, fairy tales, and satire. Today we got into groups and became an expert at one of these types of storytelling. We then taught other groups what we learned. For homework, find a satire, myth/allegory, fable, or fairy tale from a culture you are interested in and be prepared to share it with the class tomorrow.
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Oct. 6:
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Today we went over our academic vocabulary words for this unit. You were to make a QHT or StopLight page and put the words you are unfamiliar with at the top, the words you have heard before but can't remember 100% percent in the middle, and the words you know so well you could teach at the bottom. We then used those words to help us describe the elements of our story we found for homework to a partner. Finally, for homework, you are to make flashcards for the seventh grade stems. Those stems are found on the attached file. The flashcards should be on notecards, any size/any color. The stem should be on one side, the definition on the other. We will be using these flashcards for games and activities throughout the next two weeks, so bring them to class everyday. Also, if you are missing assignments, tonight would be a good time to catch up!
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Oct. 7:
Find an illustration of Phaethon and analyze it. Upload the image and your analysis to the google classroom's assignment.
Oct. 8:
Today, we analyzed Phaethon and, using textual evidence, discussed characterization and plot structure. For homework, complete the writing prompt on page 57 of your SpringBoard. If you have not received your Spring Board yet, the assignment can be found on my google classroom. Bring Animal Farm/The Outsiders tomorrow!
Oct. 9:
Read Chapter One of Animal Farm/The Outsiders over the weekend. Complete vocabulary from the book.
Begin preparing for your role:
Literature Circle Roles
Begin preparing for your role:
Literature Circle Roles
- Discussion Direction: Your job is to develop a list of questions that your group might want to discuss about this part of the book. Don’t worry about the small details; your task is to help people talk over the big ideas in the reading and share their reactions. Usually the best discussion questions come from your own thoughts, feelings, and concerns as you read. You can list them below during or after your reading. You may also use some of the general questions below to develop topics to your group.
- Connector: Your job is to find connections between the book and you, and between the book and the wider world. Consider the list below when you make your connections.
- Historian: Research the time frame in which your novel is taking place and identifying ideas/concepts, important events, commodities (goods bought and sold) relevant, or other factors related specifically to this time. Explain the possible impact on the writer or how it impacted characters.
- Summarizer: Your job is to prepare a brief summary of week’s reading. Your group discussion will start with your 1-2 minute statement that covers the key points, main highlights, and general idea of week’s reading assignment.
October 12
Today we read "Daedalus and Icarus" in your SpringBoard book. We answered the Key Ideas and Details and the "After Reading" questions. We discussed the diffusion method for defining words we are unfamiliar with. For homework, create an "unseen scene" from the "D and I" myth. Use characterization, punctuated dialogue, and vivid details to enhance character and plot
October 13
Today we read our final Greek myth, "Arachne." We used Arachne as a way to review plot structure and characterization, as well as the elements of a myth. We also discussed pronoun/antecedent agreement. If you missed class, you can visit me during tutoring on Thursdays at 8am for a review of this, or check out the Extra Resources Page for a helpful link. For homework: Complete the Language and Writer's Craft on pg. 67 of SpringBoard. Finish reading Chapter Two of either The Outsiders or Animal Farm, depending on which block you are in. Remember to be keeping a vocab notebook while you read the novel, and remember to be preparing ideas for your Lit Circle Role on Friday.
October 14
Today we learned about symbolism and analyzed Tolkien's poem "All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter." We did the graphic organizers on pages 68-69 of SpringBoard. We also completed the chart found on page 70. Create a Wanted Poster for a Greek god or goddess. Provide the important information and illustrate a picture. You may do this on paper or digitally. Begin reading chapter three of your novel.
October 15
Class Instructions:
1. Complete the vocab worksheet found on the table. This is a pre-quiz/study guide, meaning your Vocab Quiz next week will look similar to this. Challenge yourself with this by forcing yourself to answer all the questions even if you aren't sure. We will go over it tomorrow before Kahoot.
2. Get your SpringBoard book and complete activity 1.16 pages 71-73. This includes the graphic organizer on pg. 71, the Aesop’s Fables checklist at the bottom of 71, reading the fable, the graphic organizers on page 73, and the Check Your Understanding at the bottom of 73.
- If you do not have a SpringBoard book, you may write this on a piece of notebook paper.
3. When you finish, get your chromebooks and research another Aesop Fable you have not read before. Write a paragraph about the symbolism of the animals used. Use textual evidence! Submit this on google classroom. IT WILL BE GRADED!
4. If you finish early, you may begin working on a plot diagram of your illustrated myth (EA#2) with your partner. If your partner has not finished, you may begin generating ideas for the plot diagram until s/he is finished.
HOMEWORK: Finish any unfinished work from class. Be sure you have read through chapter three of your novel and that you are prepared for your lit circle role.
1. Complete the vocab worksheet found on the table. This is a pre-quiz/study guide, meaning your Vocab Quiz next week will look similar to this. Challenge yourself with this by forcing yourself to answer all the questions even if you aren't sure. We will go over it tomorrow before Kahoot.
2. Get your SpringBoard book and complete activity 1.16 pages 71-73. This includes the graphic organizer on pg. 71, the Aesop’s Fables checklist at the bottom of 71, reading the fable, the graphic organizers on page 73, and the Check Your Understanding at the bottom of 73.
- If you do not have a SpringBoard book, you may write this on a piece of notebook paper.
3. When you finish, get your chromebooks and research another Aesop Fable you have not read before. Write a paragraph about the symbolism of the animals used. Use textual evidence! Submit this on google classroom. IT WILL BE GRADED!
4. If you finish early, you may begin working on a plot diagram of your illustrated myth (EA#2) with your partner. If your partner has not finished, you may begin generating ideas for the plot diagram until s/he is finished.
HOMEWORK: Finish any unfinished work from class. Be sure you have read through chapter three of your novel and that you are prepared for your lit circle role.
October 16
Today we had our first Lit Circle. We reviewed the process and had a trial run. Please remember what your roles are for next week and begin preparing for them by reading Chapter 4 with vocab. Use your group's google doc to keep up with your role's thoughts/questions/concerns. You have a vocab test on Monday from your vocab stems.
October 19
Today is Global Myth Day, where we will read three myths from Africa. We discussed creation myths and the underlying need we all have to explain and discover things about the world we live in. We answered the key ideas and details in our small reading groups. We also got with our partners and worked on our EA2 (illustrated myth). There are two prewriting strategy forms we filled out as a mean to get our ideas generated for the Illustrated Myth. For homework, read pages 83-84 of your SpringBoard. Write a paragraph discussing your strengths and weaknesses with the EA2 assignment based on the rubric. Be specific by citing examples of elements (the bullet points) in the rubric. As always, be reading your novel. You should be on to Chapter 5 with vocab.
October 20
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Today we looked at prewriting strategies. Specifically, we worked on brainstorming and made a plot diagram of our illustrated myth. From there, we began to write the story. For homework, MAKE VOCAB STEM FLASHCARDS using the file next to this paragraph. Also, do what your partner and you decided to accomplish tonight. Be prepared to start writing and drawing your myth tomorrow. As always, be keeping up with reading your novel and updating the google docs page your group created for your role. You should be completing Chapter 5. If you have any work to make up, remember that THURSDAY is the last day of the quarter!
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October 21
Today we learned about perspective: objective vs subjective and various camera angles. We completed a worksheet that helped us engage with the idea of perspective by taking photos of the same object from various angles. We also analyzed images we admire from photography, art, and film clips. We then applied this information to our illustrated myth by collaborating with our partners on which angles would be best for which illustration. For homework, be sure you are completing your plot diagram tonight. Come prepared to illustrate and write tomorrow. This will take lots of revision and practice, so bring plenty of paper and art supplies if you have some :-). We will have a big lit circle on Wednesday next week, covering captures 4-7 in our novels. Be sure you are caught up and that you are updating your group's google doc for your role.
October 26
Today we completed a final drafting day. We reviewed the importance of drafting, rereading, revising, etc. We answered important drafting questions with our partners and spent the rest of the time working on our final draft. HOMEWORK: Tomorrow, we will peer review and self assess, so be sure you have a near completed draft tomorrow! Your myth is due at the beginning of class on Friday. Be reviewing vocal flashcards, especially if you are finding the vocab work this unit challenging. As always, prepare your roles for Lit Circle Wednesday.
October 27
Today we discussed the importance of peer review during the final drafting phases. We peer reviewed our near final drafts and used that information to self assess. Homework: At this point, you and your partner should have a final draft ready for editing. If you do not, you will need to do this before Thursday. Your myth is due at the beginning of class on Friday!
October 28: Sub day
-For the first twenty minutes, you will be completing a vocab practice test. This is a good assessment of where you with your vocab stems. Your Vocab Test will be on Monday.
-When finished with the practice test, read for the Seven Minute Reading Challenge
-For the next 30-40 minutes, you will get into your Lit Circle groups. Stay on task and discuss the book. Discussion Directors, be sure you are helping everyone remained focus. Remember, your group's google doc is for a 30 point informal grade. Your individual work will be combined with the red of your group's work.
-With the remainder of class time, you may do some finishing touches on your final draft.
HOMEWORK: Review flashcards. Read the last few chapters of your novel for our final Lit Circle Friday. Tomorrow, we will edit your final draft of your illustrated myth. The myth is due at the beginning of class on Friday!
-When finished with the practice test, read for the Seven Minute Reading Challenge
-For the next 30-40 minutes, you will get into your Lit Circle groups. Stay on task and discuss the book. Discussion Directors, be sure you are helping everyone remained focus. Remember, your group's google doc is for a 30 point informal grade. Your individual work will be combined with the red of your group's work.
-With the remainder of class time, you may do some finishing touches on your final draft.
HOMEWORK: Review flashcards. Read the last few chapters of your novel for our final Lit Circle Friday. Tomorrow, we will edit your final draft of your illustrated myth. The myth is due at the beginning of class on Friday!
October 30
Today we did a gallery walk of all the illustrated myths. You were to use the Literary terms we have learned in Unit One to help discuss your peers' strengths in their illustrated myth. For homework, write a paragraph on the index card I handed out (if you weren't here or don't have yours, a piece of paper CUT IN HALF is fine) about three things you have learned this unit and two goals you are setting for yourself for unit Two. The goals on page 2 of your SpringBoard will help you do this, but you can write about things other than those goals as well. HAPPY HALLOWEEN! :-)